Poly GV CL vs. CR Atrium CL MK view

[DJmommy]

We have a current ressie for the Poly in August with a passholder's discount, but the CR is also available for a little more. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary on this trip and will have our 9 and 6 year old kids with us.

We have stayed at the Poly before but never really took time to enjoy the resort - it was commando style since it was our first trip with the kids. This will be a more relaxing trip with more time spent around the resort.

I am starting to reconsider whether we should switch to the CR since we have never had a MK room before. Is it that great?

Could someone contrast and compare the offerings and views from the club lounge and give me your impressions of which would be more family friendly for the kids. We will absolutely do the breakfast there each morning and will be around for some of the evening offerings. Do either of the lounges have decent espresso or cappuccino?

Also, could someone compare the pool areas too?

As far as viewing the fireworks, we were planning on watching either from the beach or the lounge at the Poly. My DD hates loud noises and the booms so we have not seen the fireworks the past three trips we have gone. I figured this would be perfect since in the lounge it would be nice with the music. How are the fireworks viewing either from the CR lounge or from your own balcony? How loud is it from the CR compared to the Poly?

Please, all opinions are wanted.

TIA.

[JSenecal322]

I'd personally stick with the Poly, but then again I am very biased as I love the Poly. It does have an extremely relaxing atmosphere. The grounds are nicer too. But I mean, if you can get a MK view high up in the tower and you've been wanting to do that, then it may be worth it. It's your anniversary, enjoy it!

[mickeynut1]

We've never stayed at the CR as we don't care for the theming....but we LOVE the Poly . We didn't stay CL so I can't comment on the lounge, but the Poly was so peaceful to us with having the beach right there to watch fireworks and it was so relaxing walking the grounds in the tropical surroundings . Plus the volcano pool is awesome . Like the pp, I would stick with the Poly . Good luck and have a magical trip .

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would change to the Contemporary for a few reasons. The Magic Kingdom View from there is amazing, since you would be staying in the Tower everything is all in one building, I personally think the food the offer in the Atrium Club is a lot better and the Cast Members are very friendly.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I forgot to post some of my Tower Magic Kingdom Views from the Atrium Club floor, so you can see what the view would look like.

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I would say Poly.

1. The resort has a wonderful feel all around, while CR feels more sterile (and the renovations haven't changed this).
2. You'll have a gorgeous MK view from Poly's concierge lounge, which you can appreciate 24 hours a day (the lounge is always open).
3. Poly's lounge is larger and feels more casual, kids would definitely prefer the atmosphere at Poly.
4. I prefer Poly's CL offerings - the food is tropical and very filling, you could make a meal out of it (especially the Ohana turkey skewers on certain nights).
5. We've had consistently better service at Poly.
6. Poly's volcano pool is awesome. CR's pool is being renovated right now, but it still doesn't compare in terms of fun.

Originally Posted by CR Resort Fan 4 Life

If all goes according to plan the brand new kids splash play area at the Contemporary pool should be opened and I am sure that's something your kids would like, plus it's something they don't have at the Polynesian.

The tropical feel of Poly's pool, awesome volcano slide (CR's slide sucks), view of the castle from the pool, and beautiful beach nearby still make Poly's pool area better than CR's.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If all goes according to plan the brand new kids splash play area at the Contemporary pool should be opened and I am sure that's something your kids would like, plus it's something they don't have at the Polynesian.

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Poly Pics:

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Atrium Club Level lounge pictures.

[DJmommy]

Wow......this is making it harder for me. Thank you all for your opinions and photos.

CR Resort Fan 4 Life...love the views of the MK. Are the views from the rooms comparable?

Are the offerings about the same as the Poly, for breakfast and in the evenings?

Donald Dole Whip, those pictures of the lounge, pool and beach are wonderful. My two kids are chickens though for pool slides. How fast and long is the Poly slide? Can the kids wear life vests and go down?

CR Resort Fan 4 Life, very nice pictures of the CR Atrium lounge. Thanks for posting those as well. It looks very elegant...and was that a nice coffee machine I saw? Does the Poly have good coffee in the lounge? I know the Kona coffee bar is right there, which is good since coffee is always something I enjoy.

I think my gut is leaning towards the Poly, but we have never done the CR and with the great AP rate for Club level MK view I was considering it as a once in a lifetime option for this trip. This is going to be hard....

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Originally Posted by DJmommy

CR Resort Fan 4 Life...love the views of the MK. Are the views from the rooms comparable?

Yes all the Magic Kingdom Views are the same no matter what part of the 12th floor you room would be located at.

Originally Posted by DJmommy

CR Resort Fan 4 Life, very nice pictures of the CR Atrium lounge. Thanks for posting those as well. It looks very elegant...and was that a nice coffee machine I saw? Does the Poly have good coffee in the lounge? I know the Kona coffee bar is right there, which is good since coffee is always something I enjoy.

Thank you and the cofee machine is actually a Cappuccino Maker, which is a lot better then the regular Nescafe coffee that is also available.

[DJmommy]

Thank you again.

I will put some more thought into it.

Anyone else?

[Seahunt]

Sorry not much help here, because I love them both! Good things about both too. If I had to decide I guess I'd go with the Poly but if you've already tried the Poly, maybe try the CR this time? This youtube video that someone posted of the CR MK view while standing on their balcony might help you decide (both unzoomed and zoomed, just a little shaky and sideways )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eloll...eature=related

[contemporarymom]

I can't help you with a comparison because we've only stayed at the CR (either 12th or 14th floor). We have two children now 10 and 13. They've seen all the other resorts and when given a choice have always chosen the CR. They love being able to walk out on the balcony and see the MK. The view of the fireworks is incredible and it's wonderful for us to be able to unwind in the lounge, have a night cap and some pastries while watching. Even in the morning there is nothing better than walking onto your balcony (with a cup of coffee) and seeing the MK up close as it "wakes".

Some other things we love is that the tower is self contained. When we go back for an afternoon break, we can just go right downstairs and go to the pool. Everything you need is right on the 4th floor. Gameroom, sundries and food are readily available. When it rains, and when I say rain I mean the mid-afternoon downpours, it's great that we can do anything we want and not get drenched. It's also terrific if you need to grab something that it's just an elevator ride away.

Our kids have always loved the pool and the slide. We swim at least once a day and have never had a complaint. Then again my kids are water rats so they might not be that picky.

The CM have always gone above and beyond for us and on occasion have really pulled off some amazing things. They are some of the most wonderful CMs we've ever encountered.

As far as the complaint about the lack of "theme", to each their own. We like it because it fits our style and it's not in your face. At least not since the refurb (the old colors were at times migraine inducing ).

Only you know what's best for your family but for convenience, wonderful CMs and amazing views nothing beats the CR for us. We'll be there for our annual two weeks at the end of August.

[mickey2minnie1]

As you can see by the pics, you cannot go wrong with either. Both have fabulous pros.

Go with your style and what you are looking forward to this vacation being.

Have a great time and it will be magical either way!