AKL or Poly?

[Afry]

Trying to decide between AKL and Poly. Thoughts?

 

[Marthasor]

Poly has bigger rooms and gives you better transportation access to MK and EP. Theming at both is outstanding. AKL is more remote, but closer, of course, to AK. I find AK to be quieter, but I'm not a huge fan of the layout as, when staying in the savannah view rooms, you see the animals and everyone sitting on their balconies, so not a ton of privacy, IMHO. Poly also has quick access to GF, CR and closer access to WL and Ft. W if you want to go to other resorts to dine. Overall, I think Poly is the better resort.

 

[Afry]

Poly has bigger rooms and gives you better transportation access to MK and EP. Theming at both is outstanding. AKL is more remote, but closer, of course, to AK. I find AK to be quieter, but I'm not a huge fan of the layout as, when staying in the savannah view rooms, you see the animals and everyone sitting on their balconies, so not a ton of privacy, IMHO. Poly also has quick access to GF, CR and closer access to WL and Ft. W if you want to go to other resorts to dine. Overall, I think Poly is the better resort.

Thanks for your input!

 

[xlsm]

For location and transportation (bus, boat, monorail, walking), the Polynesian wins hands down. You're just so close to everything, which gives you more flexibility. The only negative for me is multiple buildings vs. everything under one roof. (that's why it's my second favorite resort...Wilderness Lodge is my Number One)

The only reason we don't stay at AKL more is because of only having buses for transportation. Otherwise, it's a great resort - beautiful (stunning really), peaceful, great dining options, lots of things to do, and of course - animals. Everything is under one roof here, and if you want to go between Jambo House and Kidani, there is a shuttle. You can also walk, but the shuttle is frequent and easy.

Pro and Con the priorities for your family - You can't really go wrong with either resort, it will just be preference and priority based.
Good luck deciding and have an amazing trip!!

 

[PalmettoPath]

Polynesian no question for us between these two. AKL is okay for a visit (we like the ambiance) but we don't enjoy staying there primarily due to it being rather isolated (nothing within walking distance) and no transportation options other than Disney buses -- or your own car, taxis, ride share etc.

 

[Afry]

For location and transportation (bus, boat, monorail, walking), the Polynesian wins hands down. You're just so close to everything, which gives you more flexibility. The only negative for me is multiple buildings vs. everything under one roof. (that's why it's my second favorite resort...Wilderness Lodge is my Number One)

The only reason we don't stay at AKL more is because of only having buses for transportation. Otherwise, it's a great resort - beautiful (stunning really), peaceful, great dining options, lots of things to do, and of course - animals. Everything is under one roof here, and if you want to go between Jambo House and Kidani, there is a shuttle. You can also walk, but the shuttle is frequent and easy.

Pro and Con the priorities for your family - You can't really go wrong with either resort, it will just be preference and priority based.
Good luck deciding and have an amazing trip!!

Thank you!

 

[sponica]

When we outgrow strollers, AKL is on our list. But our next stay is Poly.

 

[elsbit]

I love them both and actually have plans to stay at Poly In the fall and AKL next year. Can you do a split stay and get the best of both worlds?

 

[Afry]

Poly has bigger rooms and gives you better transportation access to MK and EP. Theming at both is outstanding. AKL is more remote, but closer, of course, to AK. I find AK to be quieter, but I'm not a huge fan of the layout as, when staying in the savannah view rooms, you see the animals and everyone sitting on their balconies, so not a ton of privacy, IMHO. Poly also has quick access to GF, CR and closer access to WL and Ft. W if you want to go to other resorts to dine. Overall, I think Poly is the better resort.

Thank you for the input!

 

[Afry]

For location and transportation (bus, boat, monorail, walking), the Polynesian wins hands down. You're just so close to everything, which gives you more flexibility. The only negative for me is multiple buildings vs. everything under one roof. (that's why it's my second favorite resort...Wilderness Lodge is my Number One)

The only reason we don't stay at AKL more is because of only having buses for transportation. Otherwise, it's a great resort - beautiful (stunning really), peaceful, great dining options, lots of things to do, and of course - animals. Everything is under one roof here, and if you want to go between Jambo House and Kidani, there is a shuttle. You can also walk, but the shuttle is frequent and easy.

Pro and Con the priorities for your family - You can't really go wrong with either resort, it will just be preference and priority based.
Good luck deciding and have an amazing trip!!

Thanks for your input!

 

[Nabas]

AKL is simply WDW’s best hotel as a stand-alone option.

AKL has an outstanding lobby, large relaxing pool, excellent food food court (for a Deluxe), two great table service restaurants, a spacious store with a wide variety of merchandise, and giraffes!

As a stand-alone option, there is nothing better at WDW.

But location is important. For a family with young children who might visit the Magic Kingdom several times, I’d go with any Monorail Resort.

If getting to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is important, then the Boardwalk Inn cannot be beat.

 

[izzylovesmickey]

We've stayed at both. I'd vote for a split stay if that is possible. Poly is great for MK obviously. Not a huge fan of the monorail to EP but it has its advantages. Poly offers a great variety of dining choices both at the resort and the other resorts on the monorail loop. New rooms look great and we hope to check them out when we can. Love the beach for fireworks.

We've stayed at AKL at the very start of a trip and the very end of a trip. We prefer ending our trip there. We find we take more time enjoying the resort and relaxing. Love a savanna view room to animal watch. Boma and Jiko are family favorite restaurants and Mara is a good QS.

Can't compare the pools-our stays at both resorts it rained buckets so we never made it into the pools!

Both are beautiful resorts. If you want ease of transportation to multiple parks, Poly wins. If you want a space to decompress from the stimulation of the parks, then AKL gets the edge. Wherever you close it will be a win!