Thinking about using points for the Poly to be on monorail

[Popovich]

We are thinking of using points to book a trip next spring and staying at the Polynesian. We would be coming back to the room every day for swimming and/or napping. We have a DD age 5 and DS age 3. Previously we have stayed at a 1 br at BWV and have enjoyed the refrig. and the living room. We did not do much cooking.

Has anyone stayed at Poly and if you reserve a refrig. is it worth the sacrifice to be on the monorail?

Is VWL just as convenient to MK and other resorts?

We would love to have your input and advice! Thanks!

[Mooobooks]

If the Magic Kingdom is your favorite park, nothing beats staying at one of the hotels on the monorail line ... except for staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, because there you have access to the small boats that run frequently to the Magic Kingdom. Either one gives you the quickest access to that park.
While others have complained about the bus service from the Villas, it has always been fine in my experience EXCEPT if you are either going or coming from Downtown Disney, in which case 45 minute waits are not uncommon (and it's wise to spring for a taxi).
The Poly has a stunning new pool with volcano!

[Mai Ku Tiki]

We are new BCV/DVC owners:D BUT... I am a 30 year POLY veterans.
We bought DVC(finally) for the extra space. DS is now 16, usually brings a friend and we all need more space to truly relax. You will give this up at Poly...All in one room (ALL OF THE TIME!) unless you and DH escape to balcony/patio once kids are asleep. And when THEY nap, you have to tiptoe around them! Not to mention all those pts!

Having said that.....There is (to us) a true sense of Polynesian magic there. We LOVE the South Pacific theming, the lush tropical feeling. The pools are great, Captain Cook's fast food eatery is (at least always was) open 24/7, the beach is fun(stay OUT of the water!) and there is nothing as magical (to us!) as looking across the lagoon at nite to see 'my' castle all lit up!

Using the monorail or boats instead of busses for MK/Epcot means maximum convenience and a greater sense of 'away from it all' more of the time.

Do you drive down? We stop to purchase drinks and a $5 styrofoam cooler...We fill it AM and PM with ice and save the cost of fridge. Works for us. You can pack cereal/snacks and pick up containers of milk daily from Capt. Cook's.

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT minimizing the DVC, only sharing MHO of another piece of the Disney MAGIC!
We love to talk 'POLY". If I can help further, let me know!:) :)

[DVC1996]

Originally posted by Popovich
Is VWL just as convenient to MK and other resorts?


Yes, most definitely! I love riding the boat from VWL to the MK!
I've stayed at the Poly too but with young kids I would rather have the convenience of the studio or one-BR at the VWL.

[CaptainMidnight]

I think the monorail will be much more convenient and faster than the boat. One of the great things about DVC is having the option of using the other hotels. The cooler idea has worked for us as well. You can get the colapsable ones which fold pretty flat when not in use, and hold a fair size of drinks and milk for the kids and breakfast. I even heard of one poster talking about how he bought a small refridgerator and ended up spending less on the purchase than he would have in rental.

We are going to plan to stay at the poly at least one time to enjoy the monorail access. Of course, and then there's the Grand Floridian.

[Popovich]

So many choices!! I love being a DVC member! Thanks for the cooler idea.

What are the pools like at the Poly? Do they have any kids activities? I know the GF has the "tea party" and story time.

Thanks for your help!

[Luv2Dream]

I've stayed at both and I have a now 5yo DD. When we stayed at the Poly she was 3 and we didn't own VWL. However, now having been at both and I can compare them properly, it's really a toss-up. I absolutely loved being on the monorail at the Poly. However, I absolutely love the bigger space at VWL especially since my DD goes to bed so early and we like to read and watch TV and take a jacuzzi! Since the boat at VWL is so convenient to MK and VWL is also so convenient to FW, that is a bigger draw to me than the Poly and the smaller one room option. But, you have the option of doing anything you want with your DVC points and that's the beauty of ownership in my opinion. Do what your heart desires and have a great trip no matter what.

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

Before DVC, we always stayed at the monorail hotels; with our children, and once with a 6 yr DGS. I never wanted to stay anywhere else. Then came DVC,...I love it, but dearly wish there was a DVC on the monorail system! That's part of the WDW experience for me.
I say, go for the Poly! It's really convenient with little ones. Now, I, on the other hand have grown to like the Contemporary better. First stop back (could even walk), and wherever you stay, you don't get wet, even the Contmporary wings have a covered walkway!

[CarolMN]

In the spring of 2003 (Magic Season), 5 days (Sun -Thur) in a studio at VWL will cost you 70 points. A week would cost 134 points.

For the same time (Peak Season), 5 days (Sun -Thur) in a garden view room (least expensive) at the Poly will cost you 215 points. A week would cost 371.

Only you can decide if staying at the Polynesian Resort is worth 145 (237 for an entire week) more points than staying at the VWL. Whatever you decide will be right for your family. Have fun deciding!

[Mooobooks]

Ain't the plain truth of the numbers damned ugly!

[Deb8821]

We stayed at the Poly last Nov for 9 nights - with 2 4 year olds and 1 8month old. Hawaii building conceirge. Got a refrig at no charge, plus a VCR and free movies, you just have to ask. We spend most of our time at Magic Kingdom - we found the boat across the lake was even quicker than the monarail. I loved the convenience - plus the food offerings, and water & juice boxes made the cost worth while. With that said this Nov we are trying the 2 bedroom at WVL for 9 nights by renting points. I think both have big plus! Just depends on what is important to you. I know it was a tough choice for this next trip!!

[mkunichi]

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
...I even heard of one poster talking about how he bought a small refridgerator and ended up spending less on the purchase than he would have in rental.
...
I've been thinking about getting a Koolatron thermoelectric cooler. It's a cooler that uses a thermoelectric (don't ask me to explain) heat transfer mechanism to either heat or cool the cooler. It comes in various sizes and I've even seen a collapsible one. After years of being slave to the ice cube machine, I've been considering it. Don't know anyone who has it.

[ErinC]

On our last trip to WDW (we always drive the 8 hour trip), pre DVC we bought a coleman cooler that can be plugged into your cigarette lighter, or your wall outlet. We stayed at CBR and it worked great. We purchased it at Walmart (around $80). We stayed at CBR for 9 nights, so I figured for the cost of the rental, we have our own little frig. that we can reuse again if we need it. The only down side would be that you cannot leave it plugged into your car for more than a few hours if the car is not running, so we did have to take it into our motel when we stopped over on the way down. You can also use it to warm food by hitting a switch. Just thought this might be helpful to someone. I can't help you with your decision to choose between the resorts yet. I have never stayed at a monorail resort, and we are going home to VWL next month for the first time. We have 2 DD's , one turning 6 while we are there, and the other is 2. So I will be able to tell you a little more when we return, about VWL with young children. Erin

[Popovich]

Thanks for the information about the coolers. We'll have to check that out. You never know when you might use one.

Thanks again!

[Laurabearz]

We are staying at the Poly on points this May.... we are new DVC'rs and our first trip on points is to the Poly (and BC). We decided for this trip we want to be on the monorail for MK and want to be able to walk to Epcot and MGM.

We have a 3 year old and a 18 month old. What we loose in room we gain in access. But we also dont plan on being in our rooms much.... with SAB and the Volcano pool.... and theme parks within minutes.... ahhhhh The joys of DVC!!!

[Peter Johnson]

This thread reminds us of when we joined DVC. Our second WDW trip was our first stay on site, at the Poly. We loved the Monorail. For us it made the Disney experience that much more "magical".

Our second onsite stay was two years later at PO. While it was a great resort, we really missed the Monorail. On that visit we did our DVC tour; since DVC wasn't registered in NH yet, we went home to think about it. One of our biggest concerns was whether or not we'd be happy off the Monorail route.

Since becoming members 10 years ago, we've often considered staying at Poly again on points, just to relive that magical first onsite stay... but we haven't yet. It sure is hard to give up that 1 bedroom! :)

[MikeJ]

Originally posted by mkunichi

I've been thinking about getting a Koolatron thermoelectric cooler. It's a cooler that uses a thermoelectric (don't ask me to explain) heat transfer mechanism to either heat or cool the cooler. It comes in various sizes and I've even seen a collapsible one. After years of being slave to the ice cube machine, I've been considering it. Don't know anyone who has it.

We purchased one of these last year - one of the larger ones. It's been on our trip to PEI last summer as well as our last trip to WDW at Christmas. On both occasions we drove. The van has a power outlet in the back so we can plug in the cooler and forget about it. We also purchased a 120VAC-12VDC converter so we can use it in the hotel room, too. It takes some time to get cold (we always plug it in the night before we load it for the trip) but it does keep things incredibly cold. On one trip we placed some frozen meat in the cooler and when we arrived at our destination 12 hours later it was still hard as a rock.

Ours wouldn't be as useful if we weren't driving, but for those times when we are taking the van and not flying it has likely saved us more in meals than its original cost.

- Mike

[crisi]

I wouldn't say that the VWL are "just" as convienent to the parks, but they were fine for our 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 year old. The boat to the MK was fine (the kids loved riding the boat). It was less convienent to Epcot - but you don't spend that much time there with little ones. And everyone takes the bus to AK and MGM (unless you walk to MGM from BWV or something).

I'd save the points and go with VWL. But I'm cheap. If I HAD to stay at the Poly, I'd check out renting the points and using cash at the Poly.

[Cinderella]

Hi, Poly was the first place I stayed and I thought it would be impossible to beat. Until I stayed at WL with our two little ones (first time ages 2 and 4). Have always stayed at WL since and now I am a member there.

I would definitely stay at the Poly again but, only for a couple of nights, perhaps paying cash on weekend nights. It really is hard to beat those one bedroom units and the theming of the lodge is so beautiful.

[TandyR]

I just got back from staying at VWL....I have a DD age 5 and a DD age 2.5 so I may understand your concern about getting kids to and from places. I have to say I have never stayed at the Poly, so I can't say anything with that. With our stays at WL and VWL the girls have viewed the boat ride as one of the great rides at Disney...also I like being at VWL with the girls because of Fort Wilderness....the girls like going over there for the petting zoo and pony rides on our down days. I admit I am biased, but I think VWL is wonderful with small children. :D

[Popovich]

Laurabearz,

Have you been to SAB with your kids? I have not seen it in person. I am wondering if the pool is a good fit for pre-schoolers. We too are splitting our upcoming stay between either Poly or VWL (4 nights) and either BWV or BCV (4 nights).

Our DD will just be 5 and DS is 3. I know we will spend a part of each day at the pool, go to the parks in the A.M. and have lunch in the room most days before the kids nap. We'll either go to parks in the P.M. or just do things at the resort.

What has been your experience? We are new members and have not traveled with our kids. What kinds of perks come with a conceirge room?

Thanks for any info.!

[nezy]

Wow!! Just when I think I know so muh iread these boards and find out how much more there is to know. I'm so glad you all are out there filling me in.

Staying at the Poly or any resort that is not DVC for me is not a consideration. I am so spoiled by the space and luxury it offers. We really make ourselves at home and do spend time there. Last year we were in WDW for 9 days --only went to the parks 2 days-- spent the rest of the time in the property enjoying all of the amenities the resorts had to offer.

Being from NY w/ the average commute of 1 hour, in either traffic or train, a few extra minutes on a bus or boat within WDW and not the Belt Pky, Cross Bronx, or Van Wyck or any of the many bridges and tunnels of NYC is actually a pleasure!

So, would I use triple points for the convenience of the monorail--no way. For now, until I get 1000 points, I wil just have to rough it on the boat and visit the Poly.

P.S. What is "SAB"?

[Laurabearz]

Originally posted by Popovich
Laurabearz,

I have not seen it in person. I am wondering if the pool is a good fit for pre-schoolers.
Our DD will just be 5 and DS is 3
What has been your experience? We are new members and have not traveled with our kids. What kinds of perks come with a conceirge room?

Thanks for any info.!

Popovich.... Going to WDW with kids is a whole nother world! Our first trip with the kids was great... we stayed at OKW (before we bought into DVC) Your plan on hitting the parks first then retreating back to the hotel is a good one.

SAB (aka Storm Along Bay) is a large pool and from what I hear it is hard to keep an eye on your kids... for us that doesnt matter because our kids are so young we will be with them at all times.... There are slides and sandy beaches (larger sand... easy clean up)

Our choices of resorts for this trip were made for location (we will visit MGM and Epcot while at BC and MK while at Poly) and the pools..... We are planning more non park days than park ones... a relaxing vacation!

Concierge service varies from resort to resort but mostly includes some sort of food offerings.... Light breakfast items, Hor dourves, and the like. Plus all the water bottles you want. PBJ for the kids.... fruit, etc. Plus the staff can assist you with PS's and show ressies.... In our case they are helping plan our DD 3rd birthday....

I gotta add.... this is a very costly trip point wise.... over 600.... but we got a great deal on our OKW resale with lots of banked points.... so we felt it was okay to splurge. Next time, I would do 1/2 DVC 1/2 Deluxe resort to save on points....

If you have anymore ??? please feel free to PM me!

[Gigashadow]

We would be coming back to the room every day for swimming and/or napping. We have a DD age 5 and DS age 3.

We started our Disney adventures when our DS was 2 and now both kids are DS-7 & DD-4. We always had Length Of Stay passes to the parks and that Monorail was the "Key" to parental sanity for quick escapes from the MK back to the room for naps/rests/pool breaks during the long and sometimes very hot days for the kids. Happy kids = Happy parents.

After the last stay we decided that we did not want to "wear out" the Disney parks and when we want to goto the parks we will have Hopper Passes or enjoy the other parks Orlando has to offer at our convience. Thats why we bought DVC to have the Disney "feel" and staying on top of a specific park wasnt as important now that we wouldnt be attacking parks everyday like we used to.

So my experience says "SPOIL YOURSELF" at the Poly at least once with the kids young - if we didnt think it was worth it - we wouldnt have gone back 7 times for the amount the stays we paid cash.

About the refidge - Unless things changed: They charged $10 a Night for the mini fridge. Its robbery to pay, but we did because of the kids milk/drinks for parks or pools.

[Rock'n Robin]

The Poly was our first WDW stay and when we bought DVC. Our kids were then 2, 5 and 8. We love BWV and also have points at VWL, which we are using for the first time this July.
Last Dec. we made an impulse trip and stayed at the Poly for great rates. This summer I changed our weekend dates to the Poly lagoon view concierge--paying cash--to save points for our hopeful cruise next summer. My 39th BDay I'll be in a hammock on the beach watching the fireworks with a pina colada in my hand!
The monorail is great, but it's not why we love the Poly, it's the atmosphere there.
Robin M.
Poly 6/2000
BWV 6/2001
Poly 12/2001
BWV 5 nights/Poly 2 nights/VWL 2 nights

[DiznEeyore]

We're not averse to using points for non-DVC stays. DVC is our pre-paid vacation plan, and we enjoy the freedom to stay wherever our little hearts desire. ;)

We used points for the Poly last September -- it was our first DVC stay. We'd stayed there before and loved it -- we enjoyed it just as much the second time.

Our ds has always wanted to stay in the Contemporary Tower, and we decided to go for it this September while he's still young enough (9) to share a room with and not want his own space. ;) We're using points. With what we've paid for DVC, we just don't have the extra couple of grand lying around to justify paying cash for the Contemporary.

For our trip in 12/03 we'll be back at VWL. :D

[JonHM]

Poly was the first place that my parents ever took us to stay on-site, back in the late 70s, so I definitely have a lot of affection for it. But after staying in the GF last year and then discovering DVC, at this point we would probably take the amenities and space of a DVC Villa over a hotel room - but both are such great options.

If you feel comfortable spending the points on Poly, by all means, go for it. Personally, I don't think you'd be missing out on the convenience factor all that much if you stayed at VWL, and the theming at WL is just as elaborate if not moreso than the Poly. Both are *wonderful* resorts, so you can't go wrong either way.

I think that what we're going to do when we stay at VWL is use the boat launch to the Contemporary, and take the monorail both to Epcot and just to ride around in general. To me the monorail is far more than a convenience, it's an integral part of the WDW experience! Good luck with your decision, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time either way.

:bounce: :bounce:

[Lesley]

What we would probably do in your situation would be split the stay between the Polynesian and the VWL....stay at the Poly first then move to a 1br at VWL. That way you're convenient to the MK, get the Poly experience (there is no other!), but don't have to spend the whole time in a cramped little hotel room (though the Poly rooms are bigger than the studios at DVC properties, even OKW....). Personally we'd probably book our Polynesian stay with as much cash as we could handle before using points. You're probably better off renting out your points and paying cash than using points there. Of course, we could never bear to actually rent out our points...lol.

I love the VWL....actually I think they give the same quality of experience as the Polynesian...but its different.

The new pool at the Polynesian has the walk-in entry like a beach...great for kids and grown ups to play together. Its beautiful. And I hear they're bringing back the torches to that area in the evening (they were temporarily removed when the new pool was put in).

Ah...I love the polynesian....(sorry, drifting off into my own little fantasy world here...back to making dinner.....)

[doubletrouble_vb]

I've never stayed at the Poly...that and the Swan/Dolphin are the two hotels I'd like to try. My suggestion is to hie yerself over to the budget board or www.mousesavers.com and pay cash for your Poly stay.

I'm not quite sure what your plan is but I'd probably stay at the Poly Fri, Sat and Sun nights and then spend the rest of the time at VWL. Using the rule of thumb that a point is $10 you'll quickly find out that cash is the way to go.

In the paranoia department I think this is a neat ploy on Disney's part. Ask for an outrageous number of points for hotel rooms so the DVC'ers will toss more cash their way instead of using points.

[nezy]

I Love hearing all of this great info!

I must say I have never even been to the Poly--pass thru on thre mono on the way to GF. I am so glad to hear all of these wonderful things. I remember as a kid, my first WDW trip I really wanted to stay at the Poly because I had a thing about Hawaii. We did not stay ther not anyplace els on property, My next visit to WDW, many years later was to Old Key(then the only DVC) on my brother's membership. We have been going there ever since.

The night we arrived in WDW this March, we took a tour on the monorail. There were no crowds and the kids got to ride in the front. It was great!! The transportation within Disney is definately part of the experience.

We will be back in Dec. and are staying at VWL and then DCL. Perhaps in the future we will do a Poly weekend--on cash though.
I love to spread out my points!

[DeeP]

I love to stay at the WDW resorts and the Poly is one of my favorites. The atmosphere is so pretty and I love the large rooms. However, I can't bring myself to use the very high number of points that are required per night so we will check in to a WDW resort and pay cash for the weekends and then move to BWV on Sunday or Monday and use our points. This way we get to stay in a lot of different WDW resorts and still get a lot of use from our DVC points.