AKL vs. Poly

[brneyegirl24]

I want to start out by saying that if this has been asked a hundred times before I'm sorry in advance. I tried to search it, but didn't really come up with anything. I could really use some advice from all of you. My family is going to WDW November 27th - December 3rd. I think I've got my choices down to AKL or the Poly. On previous trips, I've stayed at ASM or Pop. What I would like, is opinions on which resort you like better and why. My family consists of DH 30, myself 24, and our DD who will be six at the time of our trip. While we will be visiting all the parks, I have a feeling we will be at MK more than any of the other parks. If we stay at AKL, we would reserve a savannah view room, and a garden view room at the Poly. This is proving to be a difficult choice for me, so I would appreciate all the feed back you can offer. Thanks so much!

 

[Nik's Mom]

We've stayed at both resorts. We had garden view at Poly when our kids were 1 and 4 years old, and savanah view when they were 3 and 6 years old. For our family, we favor AKL. The theme and beauty of the hotel is outstanding! We spent most of our time at MK and found the bus service to be superb. The pool had zero entry too.
Now, as for Poly, the monorail was great, and their pool is the best. It also had zero entry, and a fun volcano slide. It was nice to sit out on the beach and watch the fireworks and water electrical parade.
I think that you can't go wrong no matter what you decide. I love both hotels. Of course, if you can't decide, you can always split your stay.
Oh, by the way, don't worry about asking the same questions. That's what this board is for. And even if it's been asked before, it's nice to get up to date answers. Have a great trip!

 

[goofeydec]

while there is more majic at the poly we enjoyed our stay at akl more. poly's pool is nice but i rate akl's juts as good and akl's hot tub's are a plus

 

[Tikiman]

I have stayed at the AKL while splitting the stay with the Polynesian. When the AKL first opened we went there for dinner and I loved the look and feel of the place so I had to stay there. I still think the resort is one of the best and the food is worth going there for alone but after a few visits there and spending the better part of 2 days just hanging around the AKL resort I have to say in my opinion it is still lacking when compared to the Polynesian.

Here are some of my problems with the AKL resort. The themeing cannot be beat but the resort is too secluded for me. Not just because it is out away from everything but at other resorts (like the MK resorts or the Epcot resorts) you can walk around or get to other resorts easily to enjoy their food or shopping. Also it is nice to take long walks but there are very few areas to walk in at the AKL. The pool at the AKL is very large (which is nice) but the zero entry area is small and got very congested when I was there. Also the water slide would only be exciting to a 6 year old. The pool deck got very crowded fast and there was very little room around the chairs. At least at the Polynesian I can always find a chair on the beach if they are full around the pool. The standard room at the AKL was much smaller at the AKL as as much as most love the busses at the AKL since they don’t share with a resort I found the wait to be much longer than any other busses I ever experienced at WDW. Also at the Polynesian I almost always use the monorail or if I need a bus to anywhere I walk to the TTC next door and catch a direct bus to any location or resort with much less waiting. We also enjoy taking the boat over to the MK from the Polynesian dock. Kind of a ride of its own. There are many people that prefer the AKL and I almost thought I was going to be one of them but I still find things that I feel are lacking at the resort and I have to say that the Polynesian for me offers much more.

Things the Polynesian has over the AKL. Just as good of food and theme. Better and larger rooms. Fireworks from the beach, better slide. Two pools. Better transportation. Paths along the beach to walk. Dinner show. Kids club. Access to other resorts. Closer parking lot (if driving). Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at night. Bikes around the resort. Boat rental from the marina. 3 beach areas.

I think the only things going against the Polynesian are the price and no hot tub (doesn’t bother me personally) and some that don’t realize the busses are right at the TTC don’t like sharing the main bus with the other 2 resorts.

Aloha

Steve

 

[Sean O]

AKL was tremendous when we stayed there in June of 2004, splitting time with the Dolphin. The views were great, and while you won't always get a ton of animals wandering into your designated area, you will see more than enough to make it worthwhile.

Even if you don't manage to see anything particularly great (a rarity, I would guess), the place itself is wonderful. I've always preferred the proximity of the Epcot resorts, since I spend the bulk of my time at those two parks, but AKL would probably be my favorite after that.

The bottom line is, I have never seen a reason to stay at a Magic Kingdom resort. We always do E-ride night, and so whether we're staying 4 days or 7, we almost never see MK during the daytime hours. With that in mind, the MK resorts are simply too far away for easy access to the majority of the parks, and any potential difference in amenities wouldn't add up to an appreciable difference.

Obviously your mileage may vary, but AKL was a wonderous experience, with two of the best restaurants I've experienced in WDW. And that's over 8 different trips, so it's saying something. Spend most of your time in the Epcot / MGM / AK area, then travel to the MK for e-ride night and the big meal, i.e. Cali Grille or the sublime Citrico's.

 

[*Megara*]

AKL! It's a beautiful resort and even better a lot cheaper then the Polynesian. The AKL is really an experience in itself, it's so well themed and having the animals there is so much fun.

 

[Tikiman]

the MK resorts are simply too far away for easy access to the majority of the parks,

Not an accurate statement at all. I have had posts in the past where I have timed the travel between the Yacht Club to Epcot and the Polynesian to Epcot and shown that you can get to the same middle spot of Epcot in about the same time. Also taking the bus from the Polynesian to MGM in some cases is faster than the time we waited for the boat and the time it took the boat to get to MGM. I go to Epcot more than the MK and I have always felt that getting to Epcot from the Polynesian is quick and easy and in some cases better than from the Epcot resorts. A few reasons it is better is because I can get to Future World faster from the Polynesian than from the Yacht Club and in the morning that is all that is open. We like to get there early and fast to get fast passes. Also most of the ride (8 minutes) is on the monorail so if you are tired it is not all walking. This is also a good thing if it is raining. Here are some numbers on how fast you can get to the Epcot area from the Polynesian.

http://www.tikiman2001.homestead.com/map.html

 

[Tissa]

I'm trying to decide between AKL and Poly as well. We hit all the parks but we will spend more time at MK. I keep thinking how nice it would be just to hop on the monorail and be there not take a 15minute bus ride. Both resorts have a lot to offer but I can see my kids looking at the animals off the balcony for a few seconds then say OK now what We have also never seen wishes because I didn't want to get caught up in the mess afterwards so being able to see it from the Poly beach and then walk to our room would be terrific. That's why I just decided on the Poly.

 

[Sean O]

tiki-
all valid points, so it comes down to what you want from the travel experience. I like the epcot area resorts because it is very convenient to, say, stop by the room on the way between the two parks, or take a dip in the pool, or grab lunch at Spoodles (do they still have lunch at spoodles?), etc. We also spend a large amount of time in World Showcase, while our future world travels really only involve the single rider lines at test track and Mission: Space.

A lot of this will come down to whether you prefer the monorail or the walk. Personally, since I'm a reasonably young, reasonably in-shape guy, I greatly enjoy the serenity of the epcot area resorts and the walk over to Epcot, while the TTC switch and the monorail has always seemed way too utilitarian in comparison.

It's a judgment call, but I have always greatly enjoyed my time at the Epcot resorts, and really only enjoy the MK area for the tremendous restaurants. We typically eat and jet out of there.

But, this is an AKL vs. Poly discussion, and so it comes down to bus vs. monorail. Obviously I would recommend the dolphin or the YBC, but I loved my time at the AKL.

 

[BCV23]

Sean, have you ever stayed at the Polynesian? If you think the Epcot resort area is serene, you should really try the Polynesian some time. So peaceful.

Anyway, I agree with all of Tikiman's points. Three things in particular make me prefer the Polynesian: restaurant choices on the resort monorail, transportation that is fun and fast, and the ability to enjoy the beautiful grounds and Florida weather. We love escaping Illinois winter and strolling the grounds of the Polynesian. At the AKL the only outside grounds that guests can access are by the pool.

We have over 30 stays at the Polynesian under our belts and I've just had one short solo stay at AKL. However, we will enjoy the AKL one of these days. My husband and two younger kids haven't stayed there and it is an absolutely beautiful resort too.

 

[Tikiman]

tiki-
all valid points, so it comes down to what you want from the travel experience. I like the epcot area resorts because it is very convenient to, say, stop by the room on the way between the two parks, or take a dip in the pool, or grab lunch at Spoodles (do they still have lunch at spoodles?), etc. We also spend a large amount of time in World Showcase, while our future world travels really only involve the single rider lines at test track and Mission: Space.

A lot of this will come down to whether you prefer the monorail or the walk. Personally, since I'm a reasonably young, reasonably in-shape guy, I greatly enjoy the serenity of the epcot area resorts and the walk over to Epcot, while the TTC switch and the monorail has always seemed way too utilitarian in comparison.

It's a judgment call, but I have always greatly enjoyed my time at the Epcot resorts, and really only enjoy the MK area for the tremendous restaurants. We typically eat and jet out of there.

But, this is an AKL vs. Poly discussion, and so it comes down to bus vs. monorail. Obviously I would recommend the dolphin or the YBC, but I loved my time at the AKL.

Good point Sean. I will say that I did enjoy the Boardwalk area at night and some of our favorite places to eat were over there. My points about the transportation were just to give the OP a better idea of what the Polynesian has to offer since the question was about the AKL and the Polynesian. I also enjoyed the AKL very much and I said once that if the AKL were located somewhere else I would consider it my #2 resort pick but taking all things into account I would say the Yacht Club was my #2 pick.

When you mention the TTC switch, remember you don’t have to switch when staying at the Polynesian. You walk right from your room and get on the Epcot monorail (if that is what you were referring to).

Not that I am trying to talk anyone into going to the Polynesian because I realize that many will like the AKL better but I just want to make sure they make the decision with the right info.

Aloha

Steve

 

[Sean O]

I mean, I'm the wrong person to argue for AKL, and the criticisms I've read in this thread make complete sense. I've never stayed at the Polynesian, but I have spent a surprising amount of time around the grounds and at the restaurants, so I do know how nice it is. I think a lot of my hangups about the poly is a personal distate for 70s-era architecture and styling, which I feel at the Poly in spite of the lush florae. Same goes for the Contemporary.

I love the restaurant area of the AKL, but I can understand how people would like a more outdoorsy resort. If I really wanted to expound on the benefits of a resort, I would choose the YBC or Dolphin.

It's great that WDW offers such an astounding difference in the resorts, since you can find the one that is perfect for you. For me, it's walking through the old tramways into the International entrance at Epcot. Pure heaven.

 

[BCV23]

It's great that WDW offers such an astounding difference in the resorts, since you can find the one that is perfect for you.

So true!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Here's another difference between the 2. AKL is all in one building. You won't have to go outside to get your mugs refilled. Poly is a set of several buildings (but still not a long walk from one side to the other). I really love both hotels. You can't make a wrong move with these beautiful hotels!

 

[Tikiman]

I think a lot of my hangups about the poly is a personal distate for 70s-era architecture and styling, which I feel at the Poly in spite of the lush florae.

Not to argue with you because much of what you wrote is well said and I agree with but you should realize that there is nothing at the Polynesian in the architecture, theme or decore that is representative of the 70’s. The few influences of the 70’s at the Polynesian have been gone for over 10 years and none of the architecture is based on 70’s decore. That does not mean you have to like it but I just wanted to make sure you realized that the look came from Polynesian architecture and style.

 

[bslowry]

What does TTC stand for? Thanks!

 

[Tikiman]

Transportation and Ticket Center. It is where the resort monorail, MK express monorail, Epcot monorail and busses to every destination are located at along with a kennel, gift shop and the ticket booths for the Magic Kingdom.

 

[nabzy]

Planning a trip this summer with my girlfriend and we have been going back and forth deciding which one of these 2 resorts to stay at (at one point we thought we would split the stay but now we want to just stay at one resort)....I think we both prefer the Poly outright as a resort, but when you throw in a savannah view at AKL vs a garden view at Poly this then causes the confusion....

So I guess the question is, would the Savannah view at AKL be enough for one to fall on the AKL side of the fence when comparing it to the garden view at the Poly?

 

[Tikiman]

Maybe don’t completely forget the idea of a split stay. It gives you a feel for each resort. My split stay with the AKL and the Polynesian was one of my best visits.

With that said the Savannah view is great but after a few days got a little boring to me. I suppose some of the garden views at the Polynesian could be the same thing if not more boring but keep in mind that garden view rooms also have views of the pools, marina, monorail, beaches partial lagoon views and even a handful with views of the castle or parts of the Magic Kingdom and Contemporary.

 

[JayCT]

To my family (DW, DS10 and DS8), the Poly is by far the best resort. Being on the monorail can not be beat. Lets face it, from AKL you must take a bus to every park except AK. If you really love AK (which we do not) and plan to spend a lot of time there, then it may be good for you. But if you are planning to spend most of your time at MK and Epcot, then the Poly would be best.

I do not care what people say about the disney bus system. It is just a bus. A bus like the ones that run in just about every American city. They are smelly and uncomfortable and the least amount of time I spend on them the better. Every trip we have been on, at least once there was an issue with the bus. The monorail makes you feel like you are already on a ride in the park. It is very exciting.

As for the complaint about the architecture of the Poly, well I do not agree. I can not imagine how you could redesign this resort to feel more updated while maintaining the south seas ambience. JMHO Jay