Advice and opinions needed please! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Option 1:

8 nights Poly garden view
8 days of food (dining plan - 2 adults/2 children)
10 day park hoppers (2 adults/2 children)
= $3759.24 total

It breaks down to about $266 a night. Rack rate for our dates is $395.


Option 2:

8 nights Swan standard view
no dining plan
10 day park hoppers (2 adult/2 children)
= $1873.26

But you have to figure out how much you'd spend on food for nine days. Probably somewhere between $1125 - $1350. Which would bring the total up to about $2998.26 - $3223.26.

So the Swan is cheaper by $500-800 total.

What would you do?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Have you thought about staying at a Value or Moderate and adding the dining plan that way?? Sorry I'm not answering your question right but I think that's what I'd do.

 

[niks81]

Erika

You already know my vote I'm sure.
OPTION 1

1) Can't beat the Poly with theming, accessibility and FUN
2) Dining plan is a great deal (I think) We did it last year and it's a lot of fun to be able to eat whatever you want and have tax/tip included.


Here let me help

(courtesy of tikiman's web site)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We've stayed in moderates and values many times... but now that our kids are older we really like having queen beds and larger rooms. Also we prefer having monorail or boat transportation instead of the bus. And, of course, we're also very spoiled. But HEY, it's a vacation!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Nikki!!!!! How come you don't show up on my AOL messenger anymore??? Are you ignoring me???

As you can probably guess, I'm the one pulling for the Poly.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We've stayed in moderates and values many times... but now that our kids are older we really like having queen beds and larger rooms. Also we prefer having monorail or boat transportation instead of the bus. And, of course, we're also very spoiled. But HEY, it's a vacation!

In that case I'd go with the Poly.

 

[niks81]

Nikki!!!!! How come you don't show up on my AOL messenger anymore??? Are you ignoring me???

As you can probably guess, I'm the one pulling for the Poly.

I figured as much. Brendan I know you're reading from work SO LISTEN UP

Poly is the better choice (in my opinion). Two young boys, tired from the parks, can't beat the monorail and you know it! Besides, beautiful beach, great restaurants, volcano pool and viewing Wishes--if you can give me a good rebuttal to that one I'd entertain it

Swan has many perks, so no SD lovers flame me--but for Erika's situation, POLY ALL THE WAY!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Great picture!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Anymore opinions?? Any Poly or Swan fans out there this morning?????

 

[DeborahB]

Hi Erika!
I would absolutely choose the Poly!!! Hands down.
It seems to fit your family vacation plans much better.
And, oh, that magical feeling as you walk around the grounds........

Go for it! You'll be so glad you did!


Debbie

 

[minniestheone]

Definitely the Poly!!! We have stayed at both and even though we got better rates at the Swan, the theming and "Disneyesque"(it is a family word) quality is not there. You only live once-go for the POLY!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thanks DeborahB and Minniestheone!!! I am so surprised nobody is voting for the Swan. I guess it's making our decision really easy.

 

[SeaSpray]

If the $500-800 difference isn't going to be a major factor for you, I'd DEFINITELY say Option #1, the POLYNESIAN

 

[cdrn1]

Another vote for the Poly. You can't beat the theming and the convenience.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks DeborahB and Minniestheone!!!

 

[Hieatt]

Two young boys, tired from the parks, can't beat the monorail and you know it! Besides, beautiful beach, great restaurants, volcano pool and viewing Wishes--if you can give me a good rebuttal to that one I'd entertain it

Okay, here goes. Boat launches to both MGM and Epcot are at least as good as the Monorail. Swan/Dolphin also has beautiful beach, a grotto pool, and LOTS more restaurant options (important for variety over 8-9 days), including Tubbis which IMHO is some of the best food for the money anywhere in WDW. And in place of Wishes you can view Illuminations.

So, now that the Swan has equaled the Poly on these points, let's talk about where it beats the Poly:

1. Beds - The Swan/Dolphin's Heavenly Beds are the most comfortable, luxurious beds on property by a long shot, period.

2. The Boardwalk - On an 8 night vacation, it is great to be able to stroll the boardwalk on non-park days, etc. Surrey bikes, boat rentals, restaurants, night spots, shops, entertainers, etc. We love the Boardwalk - in comparison, the Poly is relatively isolated.

3. Price - This has already been established. And, consider that if you were willing to spend the same amount, you could easily stay Club/Concierge level, or maybe even a Jr. Suite (if you can get AAA rate), at the Swan for the same price as your standard room at the Poly.

4. Starwood - If you are, or enroll in, Starwood Preferred Guest, you will earn points towards your next stay and almost assuredly will get a room upgrade. No frequent guest perks at a "real" Disney hotel.

5. Recent Renovation - All rooms and public areas in the Swan and Dolphin were renovated in the last few years. And, by summer the Dolphin will have the most state-of-the-art spa in WDW.

I really like the Poly, but you absolutely cannot beat the value of the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[gonga]

The Poly hands down. You really feel like you are in WDW when you stay in a monorail resort. the money you save does not compare to the convenience of that. From the beautiful welcome upon arrival, the lagoon views, sitting on the beach at night and watching the ferrys, the lights and hearing the haunted mansion howl....the hotel is just as much of WDW as the parks are.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

You could get a AAA discount ($60 membership) on a Poly GV Concierge and not do the dining. Just eat a big lunch or late character breakfast. Decisions, Decisions!

 

[DonaldDuck]

I would go with option 1. After all like you said it is a vacation.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

That's a good idea... and actually I was thinking if a room only code comes out we might do the Poly concierge. Not that we would eat meals there, but our kids are young and like to snack a lot, so we'd probably save money.

Sorry I forgot you last night Pea n Me!!!

Hieatt - Thank you so much for all the thoughts... I think you've convinced my dh. I'm still longing to get back to the Poly, but we did enjoy our stay at the Swan before.

Man it's hard to decide!!!!