Tikifest news
Well we will be heading into winter but I will be thinking of Summer with all the planning for Tikifest 2009. So far it is shaping up to be very much like the last one but hopefully we can make it a little longer. For those of you who did not go or are new to my mailing list and don’t know what happens at Tikifest here is a quick rundown of the week.
Tikifest started as a way for many of us who love the Polynesian resort to all be at Disney World at the same time and have a party. I originally was looking at doing something at Typhoon Lagoon after hours because they will do a Luau style party there and even run the slides. Unfortunately the minimum amount of people was larger than I figured I could get to go and the cost was high. Remember what ever we sell the tickets for is what Disney charges us. We don’t make money off these parties and in fact have to put in much of our own. The Travel Planner I use (Lisa at Magical Vacations) also thought it would be nice to meet the people that she has met through planning trips for them so she got involved and we planned Tikifest 2007. Lisa worked very closely with this segment of Disney that does groups, parties and conventions. They offered up blocks of rooms for Tikifest at a very discounted rate. The rates were so low we were asked not to post them. I had a lot of families run into me at the resort during Tikifest that said they got to stay at the Polynesian for the first time because of the low rates that were offered. There was a week set aside and people could book their stay at the low rate as long as their dates some how overlapped that week. They could show up earlier than that week as long as their dates went into that week or they could check in during that week and stay beyond it. Some families did show up early and left right after the Tikifest Party and others got there for the party and left the following week. These group rates were also available even if families were not going to attend the party.
The idea was how we could come up with a week that would allow some to visit the Polynesian Resort that could not afford it before and offer up a fun party for us all to meet and celebrate all being together. That is the goal again for August 2009. You don’t have to love or even be a fan of the Polynesian Resort to attend or even get the group rate rooms. In fact next year the Boardwalk and Beach Club Resorts will be offered up as options for staying under the group rate. You also don’t have to get the group rate rooms to attend the party.
So what is the party like? Well last year was sort of scary for us because we did not know how all this planning and working with Disney was going to turn out. I am happy to say it turned out better than we could have ever expected.
We booked a private room in the Living Seas at Epcot that most people never get to see. Even some of the long time Cast Members at Disney that went said they have never been able to go in that room and always wanted to. The VIP room in the Living Seas has one wall that looks into the 5.7 million gallon aquarium. We figured with all the kids going that they would be entertained by that and they were. The open bar kept the adults happy. Disney surprised us with a private viewing of Illuminations after where we were all escorted to a special unobstructed viewing of Epcot’s laser and fireworks showing. Many thought this was one of the highlights of the evening.
We tried to keep the menu simple not knowing what everyone likes and to keep the cost down and at first I was worried about a buffet. Well not only was the food great but it was kept fresh the whole time it was out. I heard no complaints about the food. Actually the only complaint I heard was the event needed to be longer because everyone was enjoying it so much.
We were lucky enough to get some people from Disney to attend the party as guests and even some special guests that do things like guidebooks about Disney. I hope to have a few more special guests attend that do stuff in the Disney community.
If you want to read about the last Tikifest trip or see the original event page I have attached the links.
Tikifest Event
http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/tikifest.html
Tikifest Trip reports
http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/trip2007.html
http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/trip20072.html
http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/trip20073.html
There will be more details as we get closer but if you think you are going to attend I suggest letting Lisa at Magical Vacations know so we can get an idea of numbers. You don’t have to commit to anything at this point but knowing those numbers is important for our party plans. Also if you want to book a room under the group rate than they are limited. These rooms are booked through Disney and are already blocked out. Someone I know tried to book a specific room category at the Polynesian for that time and there are already some room categories that are not available direct through Disney.
Here is the information for Magical Vacations.
http://www.magicalvacationstravel.com/mv/walt-disney-world/agency-exclusives-wdw/85-august-2009-tikifest
If you are going to book through someone else but want to attend the party we need you to still let us know you are considering attending. Either call Magical Vacations 973-625-9400 or email me with the subject (Tikifest 2009) and tell me how many adults and kids are going to possibly attend.
Here is the information from Magical Vacations on the discounted group rate rooms.
“Special rates are available for Tikifest through Magical Vacations Travel (www.magicalvacationstravel.com) . These offers are subject to availability (first-come, first-served), and room categories do sell out – early booking is highly suggested !
Travel Period: 8/1/09 – 8/10/09
Special Room Only Offer (park tickets also available as an add-on)
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Available room categories include Garden View, Garden Club, and Lagoon Club
Note: The Disney Dining Plan is not available with the Polynesian Resort offer
In addition, a special package offer is available at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and Beach Club Resort for Tikifest
Travel Period: 8/1/09 – 8/10/09
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort
Available room categories include Standard View, and Deluxe Club Level
Or, choose Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Available room categories include Standard View, Garden Club and Lagoon Club.
Note: The Disney Dining Plans are available as an add-on to this specific package at Boardwalk and Beach Club Resorts
Don’t miss our BIG Tikifest party on August 5th at Epcot’s Living Seas – VIP Salon! Details to come soon!
Can’t make Tikifest? Magical Vacations has exclusive rates at the Polynesian and Boardwalk Inn Resorts for select travel dates in late July 2009. Visit website for details !”
Comments from my last email
So many of you were worried when I wrote about the problems at the Polynesian and I even saw it mentioned on many online forums. I did not mean to freak everyone out about the problems at the Polynesian. I was just trying to be honest about something I see as an issue for a few years now and not improving. I have been accused of being someone who just defends the Polynesian and that they could do no wrong in my eyes but I know they have problems just like any resort and in some cases worse than other resorts. I feel that with creating my web site that promotes the Polynesian I still am obligated to be honest about what I observe is going on at the resort, good or bad. I have faith that some of these issues will be resolved but they do have issues. I asked for feedback that we sent off to Disney and they have had meetings with the GM and even people in charge of all Disney Resorts so they do know how you feel. I won’t go into details but things were getting so bad we had been considering not staying at the Polynesian for Tikifest week but I have faith that things are improving already. We have booked at the Polynesian for Tikifest 2009.
Resort News
It sounds like they have been doing some work at the Polynesian around the GCH and the longhouses. Nothing major, just some normal maintanance. Also for those of you considering going in February, keep in mind this is usually the time the Polynesian closes the pool to do work on it each year.
