Wilderness Lodge or Polynesion ?

[Ron from Michigan]

We are going in Dec. and trying to decide between Wilderness Lodge or Polynesion? Have never stayed at either one. Thanks for any info.

[Tess]

I want to be as far from the cold as I can get. . .Polynesian and its south seas ambience is just the ticket! Then, of course, I'm pretty biased since it's also our favorite resort. ;)

Really, the transportation options are more varied at Polynesian which makes things more accessible.

That's my vote anyway. . .

[mkymouse4ever]

Poly! Unless money is a problem.

1. Larger, nicer pools.
2. Larger rooms.
3. Tropical theme.
4. Way better parking.
5. Better transporation.
6. The best cm's.

MKY:wave:

[enord]

I agree with mkymouse4ever.

Go with the Poly.

[Andy123]

I'm going to toss a vote in favor of the Wilderness Lodge... we have stayed at the Lodge many times, and at the Polynesian many times... I think the cast members are better at the Wilderness Lodge. On our last trip, we saw one of the former Polynesian Concierge cast members working the front desk of the Lodge! Yes, the lodge is a further away. But that's part of the charm of it. It feels like its in the Wilderness without really being there!!! There is no monorail, but the buses are good. We have never had a problem with the transportation at the Lodge, but have waited for a long time for a bus at the Polynesian. It's a personal choice. I think these are the two best themed resorts on property so you're not going to go wrong. The rooms at the Polynesian are bigger, but they are also older. My favorite is the Lodge, but I also like the Polynesian, it's just not my favorite anymore.

[erikthewise]

If money is not an issue, then the Polynesian is the BEST!
But Wilderness Lodge can be an excellent value. It's not unusual to get a rate of $130-140/night during off-season. Think of WL as a high-end Moderate or a low-end Deluxe and you'll have the right idea.

[daannzzz]

That is a tough decision to make. The Poly does have bigger rooms and bathrooms and a daybed. The tropical atmosphere is awesome BUT IMHO if I went in December I would rather stay at the WL. If it is cold while you are there the atmosphere works much better at the WL. Imagine all those palm trees and tropical plants in 45 degree weather VS. a cold morning at a log cabin. if the weather is warmer it works at the WL too.
The boat to the MK is nice but the monorail is fun too. I love the Poly but would choose the WL in colder months.

[CamColt]

Exactly what Tess said. :)

[Guapy]

This is a tough one, but I will throw in another vote for the WL. I just got back a week ago, and the WL was amazing. It was my first time staying there. No, it does not have the monorail, but this seems to be one of its pluses as well. It just seems there is less traffic at this resort. And it also was the most relaxing resort I have stayed at. I never spent so much time at my resort before as I did last week. I love the Polynesian as well and have stayed there several times, it was definitely my favorite. But WL has now taken its place.

WL positives

1. Soothing music in the background
2. Magnificent lobby
3. Great snack bar
4. Less traffic
5. Quieter children
6. Relaxing cozy atmosphere
7. $100 less a night (siginificant difference)
8. December is a great time to visit with all the fireplaces around the lobby

[Eeyore1954]

Ron: If you are going in Dec., you MUST stay at WL. The decorations alone are worth the trip. Beyond that, the Lodge is simply wonderful. Sitting in the rockers by the fireplace is a great way to relax. Whispering Canyon is a terrific restaurant -- full of good food and good fun, too. The Lodge tours are great, the geyser is fun, the hidden Mickey hunt is wonderful. You are in the middle of Disney, but if you want to get away from it all, you can walk a few feet and find wonderful peace and quiet.

As others may have suggested, you might want to do a split trip: a few days at the Poly and a few days at WL. That way you can experience both! If you have a tough time choosing, this might be the way to go.

Whichever one you choose, I hope you have a truly magical vacation!

[Carpe'Disney]

Here's a vote for the Poly and here's why:

Stayed at both at least twice.

1. Requested a view of the castle during a December trip at the Poly. I got it at was then the Morrea building(think it is tiki now..not sure) on the second floor. We thought the view was incredible. Wake up in the morning and see the castle it was breathtaking. Another plus, one that we were very happy with was that you could watch the fireworks from the Christmas party from your balcony or lying in bed. (romance galore)

2. Transportation. If you drive you are close to your car. If you dont you are close to a bus or monorail or boat. Your pick!

3. I found the poly less crowded than the Wilderness lodge. Especially with the DVC there. This is just my opinion, of course.

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks everyone for there opinions, we will take them all seriously. Maybe we will split our time between the two.

[Lori of the Lodge]

I vote for splitting your vacation between the two resorts.

Last year we split our stay between Dixie Landings and Wilderness Lodge. We went to Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM, and Universal while we were at DL, then we moved to the WL and used the boat to access MK. We would also take the boat to MK, then transfer to the TTC Monorail and hop on the Epcot Monorail. (you can also do this by taking the boat to CR and taking the Resorts Monorail) It's lots more fun than the bus!!

Spliting was a good experience, however if I had it to do over again, I'd have stayed at WL for our entire vacation. Wilderness Lodge is WONDERFUL I haven't stayed at the Poly yet, maybe next time we will do a few nights there.

[jwfla422]

I also vote for both. Split your stay if you can. They are 2 very different experiences.

We've stayed at both. I prefer the convenience of the POLY especially if your building is near the TTC. The ambiance there is beautiful.

But, I also like WL's ambiance also. I like renting bikes and riding through the FW area and stopping at the petting farm. This should be an experience for our dd since we're staying at WL this next trip.

We have a car so transportation issues won't be a problem. I have to admit we have had problems with that in the past with WL's buses. We will valet so if we go to another resort for a meal we can valet there too which will make it easy for us.

I do agree there is more space in the POLY's rooms. Depends on how many of you are going.

WL is a good value (especially off season) and the Artist Point is also an excellent restaurant as is the Trail's End Buffeteria at FW (just a boat ride away).

I think it's hard to compare the 2 but if I were given one rate for both I'd lean towards the POLY mainly because of the convenience.

[hmp2z]

I haven't stayed overnight in either, but I have to say, there is a SMELL on one side of the Polynesian lobby (back left) that makes me seriously ill. Smells like mutton tallow, if you have ever experienced that. Bleh....
I think that the lobby at the WL is beautiful, and we are going to be spending 4 nights of our wedding/honeymoon stay at the WL this August. Of course, my first and only love is the GF, but it is always good to try something new...
Good luck with your decision!
Heather P

[redd45]

I've stayed at the polynesian,haven't stayed in wl room but did stay at vwl. I love having the monorail but other than that prefer the WL. I really liked the lobby and thought the fast food place was better. My husband also preferred the wl. My DD prefered the Poly,monorail,ohana's,pina coladas although she hasn't stayed at the WL. I did notice the smell at the Polynesian,kind of sickening,DD didn't notice it. I really didn't help did I(lol).Susan

[KJMAX1]

We are staying at the WL in August, and got a rate of 120.00 a night. I must say, dont forget those bubbling hot springs you could climb into, in Dec.

[jmarie]

I am having the exact same dilemma. This past weekend, I did a "search" for all WL and Poly threads. Exhausting. When I think I have decided on one, I read something to change my mind, and this goes on and on.
I was thinking of splitting my stay, but we're only going for 6 nights and I'm afraid this would be more disruptive than anything.
I am afraid that no matter what I pick, I will be wishing that I picked the other! When you spend this amount of $, you want the decision to be perfect. As time goes on, I will be asking more questions on these boards, so get ready...

[pennyplanner]

We have only stayed at WL. The reason?
We were after a bit of quiet after a busy day in any of the parks. The Lodge delivered with its majestic setting and cozy nooks.

Transportation? Not a problem in 11/99 during the Millenium Celebration. Just not driving a car for a whole week was a treat. The rides to and from were just one big scenic tour. We never encountered long waits. New system now though. We are awaiting reports.

I know people who wouldn't stay anywhere but the Poly so I'm sure it's lovely. We are hoping to try out the Kona for lunch in November so we will catch a glimpse.

For us, we prefer the woods to the tropics and WL just does it so well.

Enjoy your stay wherever you decide!

--penny

[PlutoPal]

I have stayed at both and loved both of them! The WL is really really nice and the atmosphere and decor there is awesome. The Poly is the same way, only with the added feature of the monorail. If I had to choose one, it would be extremely difficult for me, but I would probably pick the Poly.

[cottontail]

Hi:

About the smell in the poly lobby. We feel the smell is the soil and the tropical plants. We once went into a greenhouse with tropical plants and the same smell was there, and we had said it reminds us of the poly lobby.

I guess I am lucky that smell doesn't bother me. I get migraines from alot of smells, like perfumes, aerosol sprays, nail polish, etc.

Deb.

[zachsmom8899]

I think I am the only one who was very disappointed with the Poly. I vote WL hands down. I stayed at the Poly a few years ago and found it very old and run down. The rooms were large, but were very darks and smelled moldy. I don't think it is worth the extra $100. The WL is just incredible. My favorite resort. Although I do have to say, I enjoyed the easy access to the Monorail.

[mat2672]

Ive never stayed at the poly, but I have stayed at the WL and I know you wont be disappointed if you stay there. Just read the threads from people who have stayed there. Its breathtaking in every aspect. You just wont ever see too many people who have any problems with the WL. I have read several times on here about people complaining that the Poly could use an overhaul to "freshen" things up a bit, but I really dont know. Thats not to say its better than the Poly, but its just about a sure bet that if you think you would like that type of woodsy, pioneer type of atmosphere, then youll love WL. Then add on to that the fact that you can probably get it for about $150/night with codes that are bound to be available. The theming at each is so different that you might want to spilt your time between the 2.

[mkellym]

Wilderness, Wilderness, Wilderness........

[jmarie]

Trust me, for every thread that extolls the virtues of the WL, is another for the Poly. I am embarassed that I am waffling in this manner, because I am usually not like this. The problem is that our 2 boys will be 8 and 10 at the time we go in Feb/03, and I want this as magical for them as well as for husband and I.(they are soon approaching the cynical age). Believe it or not, I have never even visited the Poly-my first trip was when I was 17 yrs old w/ my parents, and we stayed at some God-forsaken off-site hotel, and Feb/2001 at CBR. We did eat the Artist Point our last night, and we were so dead-tired that I couldn't even tour the rest of the resort. I am waiting for something on these boards to jump out at me, so I say "YES, that's it!!! That's the one!!!

[DisneyKidds]

I'm with the apparent minority and entusiastically say.... WILDERNESS LODGE.

The Poly may have the monrail and a bigger pool, and those are nice, but....

The WL is the ULTIMATE in relaxation. You won't find a cozier, more relaxing resort in all of WDW. The lobby is incredible. There are tons of places to sit and relax everywhere. Food options are better. There are lots more activities for the kids. You are still in the middle of everything (boat to MK is fairly convenient) but you feel like you are a million miles away. Given that you are going in December there are even more reasons to stay at the WL. The overall Christmas atmosphere is second to none. The decorations are incredible (only the GF can rival them) and the Christmas music wafting thru the resort, the warm, cozy charm - like being wrapped in a big Christmas blanket. Any other time of the year you could argue over WL vs Poly (and I say WL would win) but in December it is no contest.

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks everyone who has posted so far, I think we will probably stay at WL in Dec.We have been through the lobby and grounds many times so we are really looking forward to staying there.

[eeyore0062]

Well, normally I would definitely give my nod to the Polynesian, considering the convenience, and my preference for the theming, however, since you are going in December, I will have to suggest staying at the WL. It is SO Christmas-y...very beautiful!

[keypooh90]

If i were you I would stay at WL. I was there last Nov. it is truly magical. It is just like Ft. wilderness but in a lodge.

I wouldstay there because it is so peaceful.
The interior of the lodge is simply magnificent.
The cms are so friendly there.
The way dinsey planed this hotel , really made it seem as if you were in the pacific northwest.


Which ever way you go, i hope you have a truly magical trip !!!!!!!!!! :) ;)