Alright Disney Friends, One More Time, I Promise! WL or Poly

[Maukey]

I'm still have problems deciding on where I want to stay. I've changed my resort choice about 3 times already .

It will be Myself, DW, DS14, DD9 and DS1. My dates are Jan. 26 - Feb. 2. Here are the advantages that I've come up with on each resort:

WL Advantages:
1) Cheaper
2) I actually prefer the theme of this Resort (Especially for Winter months)
3) Relaxed Atmosphere
4) Secluded and Away from the hustle and bustle of Disney
5) Everything's located in the same building
6) Every bathroom has a double vanity (This is big for my wife)

Poly Advantages:
1) Standard rooms are the biggest at Disney (This is excellent for my family of 5)
2) Beds get praised for being comfortable
3) More convenient transportation (The monorail says it all!)
4) In the heart of it all
5) Has a more Disney feel to it (Probably because of #4)
6) Can see the MK and Fireworks

There you have it folks. I just made my decision even tougher . Given my circumstances, which would you choose and why?

Thanks so much for putting up with my indecisiveness .

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Both are very nice. I've actually not stayed at either, but have visited both, eaten at both, and did stay at GF (one monorail stop up) once. Being on the monorail line is really cool. So is having a view of the castle either from your room or resort. The Poly has the best transporation options of any resort on property, but is above my usual budget. The Poly does not have a hot tub; WL does. It takes a little longer to get from WL to MK, but you are going at a less peak time, so this doesn't matter as much.

My first reaction was to tell you to keep your ressie and stop second guessing yourself. They are both beautiful resorts.

My second instict was to say that if you are really thinking they are nearly equal in your mind - then stay at WL and save the money.

My third thought was a split stay - or pick one with the idea of having another stay at the other. I guess that's why I try not to fret about my resort choice too much, I know I'll be back.

Hope that helps!

 

[Happydinks]

WL Advantages:
1) Cheaper
2) I actually prefer the theme of this Resort (Especially for Winter months)
3) Relaxed Atmosphere
4) Secluded and Away from the hustle and bustle of Disney
5) Everything's located in the same building
6) Every bathroom has a double vanity (This is big for my wife)

Poly Advantages:
1) Standard rooms are the biggest at Disney (This is excellent for my family of 5)
2) Beds get praised for being comfortable
3) More convenient transportation (The monorail says it all!)
4) In the heart of it all
5) Has a more Disney feel to it (Probably because of #4)
6) Can see the MK and Fireworks

Thanks so much for putting up with my indecisiveness .

Here's our thoughts - although we are admittedly HUGE VWL groupies!
WL - Gives you some "down time" from the Disney hubbub; less expensive; even when "crowded" never seems that way; you can see some of the fireworks from the beach and the Electric Light Parade goes by each night.

We love the Poly and visit there a few times for meals each trip - but - it's always BUSY! There doesn't seem to be a good place to be "quiet". It has a huge advantage with the monorail - BUT - we always go to the parks by car, or MK by boat - and gave up on the Disney transportation years ago because of the amount of "wait time". VWL is our "home" and we look forward to our trips every year.

 

[Maukey]

Both are very nice. I've actually not stayed at either, but have visited both, eaten at both, and did stay at GF (one monorail stop up) once. Being on the monorail line is really cool. So is having a view of the castle either from your room or resort. The Poly has the best transporation options of any resort on property, but is above my usual budget. The Poly does not have a hot tub; WL does. It takes a little longer to get from WL to MK, but you are going at a less peak time, so this doesn't matter as much.

My first reaction was to tell you to keep your ressie and stop second guessing yourself. They are both beautiful resorts.

My second instict was to say that if you are really thinking they are nearly equal in your mind - then stay at WL and save the money.

My third thought was a split stay - or pick one with the idea of having another stay at the other. I guess that's why I try not to fret about my resort choice too much, I know I'll be back.

Hope that helps!

Thanks! I really appreciate the advice, it definately is helpful . I might just have to consider a split stay if I can talk my wife into it; she's not a fan of having to repack and unpack again during her vacation. She's a unpack everything and put it away like we're at home kind of person .

 

[LillersMom]

Ok, here are my 2cents. Having stayed at both, also with a faimly of five there isn't even a though... in my mind its the POLY! The WL is great, but I love how the Poly is spread out. I don't feel like I am with thousands of other people. Unlike the other posters I have never found the Poly to be overly busy. I also love watching the fireworks form MK and listening to the music /story that is piped into the Poly. I won't even mention the Monorail. That is just a bonus to the beautiful rooms, grounds and pool. I say the Poly all the way. We are heading back in April for 9 days I can't wait!

 

[vicki845]

I have only stayed at the Wl. The Wl is a beautiful, rustic resort. However I'm not sure if we would stay there again. Here's why, it was the first time staying at a deluxe resort. Last trip we stayed at POR so compared to a moderate it was more expensive and I guess because it is a deluxe i thought I would really enjoy my stay there. First thing that I wasn't too happy about was the view. We paid for a woods view(wanted a courtyard view but one wasn't available) anyway we had a partial woods view, partial service area view. You could hear trucks unloading some of the time. We arrived late so I didn't get the chance to see the view until the next day when I already unpacked and at that point dh didn't want to complain to the front desk.. The next thing I didn't care for was the noise. We were on the 4th floor and I could hear the noise from WCC in the evenings until about 11pm. We also didn't like the food court or wcc. Artist Point was good. There are too many other resorts that we want to try. I have visited the Poly. It looks like a beautiful resort. It wasn't noisy or busy at all when we where there but it was in the middle of the day and I guess most folks were at the parks. I also love that the monorail runs right through it. It it a plus if you are going to mk or epcot, not sure about ak or mgm tho.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We are a family of 5. I've only stayed at the Poly so I can only speak for the Poly. We could have stayed at the WL here is why we chose the Poly.

1) Monorail-so easy w/stroller & so fun!!!!!
2) Bigger rooms - some longhouses (Tokleau, Rapa Nui & Tahiti) are 476 sq.
ft. This was a biggier w/5 - one can not underestimate the importance
of extra space. (not just for people but all the luggage that
comes w/us )
3) zero entry pool - this was great for DD5 & DD2 & parents. DS8 loved the
slide so this pool pleased all our age groups. Near by is a kids area w/
water that spurts out like in the parks. DD2 & DD5 loved this!

4) Great character breakfast at Ohana's. One of the best per my kids.
5) Can monorail to other monorail resorts - very easy to get to our ADR at
CR and would be great for any ADRs for GF.
6) Numerous options to get to MK - boat, monorail, & ferryboat from TTC.
7) The Poly is right next door to the TTC so you can walk there and hop on
the monorail & be at Epcot quickly.
8) Can see fireworks while in pool or on the beach which was great for us as
DD2 does not like them at all -too loud! I believe you can see them from
boat dock at WL as well.

So those are some biggies - I'm sure I'm forgetting something but I'll add later if I think of something. One con - the Poly is not all under one roof as the WL is - so when it rained we got a little wet. But we figured out how to get around by going through other longhouses to avoid the downpours.

Now heres something else to think about - Once your youngest is 3, rooms are very limited at the WL for a family of 5. They do have a deluxe room which I checked the price which was $580/night or a 2 bedroom villa which is around $700+ I believe. Same w/AKL - a villa there is very expensive. This is what we're going through right now. I kind of wish we had experienced WL or AKL while we could fit because now we'd have to spend oodles of money to stay there or rent points from a dvc member or get connecting rooms. Where we could always fit at the Poly w/5 regardless of ages.

So I think we made the right choice w/the Poly as it fit our priorities at the time but I feel bad that we won't be able to stay at WL or AKL unless we win the lottery. But we can always visit. Not sure I was helpful but good luck.

After reading some of the other replies I wanted to add that the GCH is a bustling area but I found it to be exciting and fun which I was very surprised w/because everything about my personality would suggest I wouldn't like it. Everything about me points to the WL - outdoorsy, nature loving & like the quiet. It was nice to see people having a great time going about their disney vacation. The GCH is loud w/the waterfall & the restuarants (are very popular as well) & people going to board the monorail but it has an open feeling as well so that its not that bad. What I found relaxing was exploring the resort pathways and taking my camera along w/me - very relaxing and beautiful landscaping. If you want any pics I'd be happy to share.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We've stayed at both multiple times and both have their merits!

If I had to choose, it would be the POLY. My first WDW Resort and still my favorite!

 

[Maukey]

We are a family of 5. I've only stayed at the Poly so I can only speak for the Poly. We could have stayed at the WL here is why we chose the Poly.

1) Monorail-so easy w/stroller & so fun!!!!!
2) Bigger rooms - some longhouses (Tokleau, Rapa Nui & Tahiti) are 476 sq.
ft. This was a biggier w/5 - one can not underestimate the importance
of extra space. (not just for people but all the luggage that
comes w/us )
3) zero entry pool - this was great for DD5 & DD2 & parents. DS8 loved the
slide so this pool pleased all our age groups. Near by is a kids area w/
water that spurts out like in the parks. DD2 & DD5 loved this!

4) Great character breakfast at Ohana's. One of the best per my kids.
5) Can monorail to other monorail resorts - very easy to get to our ADR at
CR and would be great for any ADRs for GF.
6) Numerous options to get to MK - boat, monorail, & ferryboat from TTC.
7) The Poly is right next door to the TTC so you can walk there and hop on
the monorail & be at Epcot quickly.
8) Can see fireworks while in pool or on the beach which was great for us as
DD2 does not like them at all -too loud! I believe you can see them from
boat dock at WL as well.

So those are some biggies - I'm sure I'm forgetting something but I'll add later if I think of something. One con - the Poly is not all under one roof as the WL is - so when it rained we got a little wet. But we figured out how to get around by going through other longhouses to avoid the downpours.

Now heres something else to think about - Once your youngest is 3, rooms are very limited at the WL for a family of 5. They do have a deluxe room which I checked the price which was $580/night or a 2 bedroom villa which is around $700+ I believe. Same w/AKL - a villa there is very expensive. This is what we're going through right now. I kind of wish we had experienced WL or AKL while we could fit because now we'd have to spend oodles of money to stay there or rent points from a dvc member or get connecting rooms. Where we could always fit at the Poly w/5 regardless of ages.

So I think we made the right choice w/the Poly as it fit our priorities at the time but I feel bad that we won't be able to stay at WL or AKL unless we win the lottery. But we can always visit. Not sure I was helpful but good luck.

After reading some of the other replies I wanted to add that the GCH is a bustling area but I found it to be exciting and fun which I was very surprised w/because everything about my personality would suggest I wouldn't like it. Everything about me points to the WL - outdoorsy, nature loving & like the quiet. It was nice to see people having a great time going about their disney vacation. The GCH is loud w/the waterfall & the restuarants (are very popular as well) & people going to board the monorail but it has an open feeling as well so that its not that bad. What I found relaxing was exploring the resort pathways and taking my camera along w/me - very relaxing and beautiful landscaping. If you want any pics I'd be happy to share.

That is something that never crossed my mind, excellent point. Even in now knowing this, it's still hard for me to turn my head from the Poly. Mainly due to the fact that, as I stated in a previous thread, we will be going to Epcot two days, MK two days, CR twice, and we have two dinner reservations at the Poly, and will be eating there no matter where we stay. So as you can see, having the monorail at our convenience is HUGE, especially if we're running late one day and don't need to worry about catching a boat over to the CR before catching the Monorail. But there's just something about the theming of the WL that won't let me go.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

There is a boat ride fom WL to CR. Getting to any of the monorail resorts from WL isn't difficult. It might be a two step process, but it still doesn't take very long. If you are going to dinner from a park - or going to a park after dinner then it won't matter much which of the resorts you choose.


I will say though that when we were at AKL going to Boma was really nice. We didn't have to ring all the gear to dinner with us, as we knew we could pop up to the room after dinner to get it. At the moderates, we can't do that, since the main dining hall and the rooms are so far apart. If you are staying deluxe, it makes sense to dine at your home resort at least one night.

 

[Maukey]

There is a boat ride fom WL to CR. Getting to any of the monorail resorts from WL isn't difficult. It might be a two step process, but it still doesn't take very long. If you are going to dinner from a park - or going to a park after dinner then it won't matter much which of the resorts you choose.


I will say though that when we were at AKL going to Boma was really nice. We didn't have to ring all the gear to dinner with us, as we knew we could pop up to the room after dinner to get it. At the moderates, we can't do that, since the main dining hall and the rooms are so far apart. If you are staying deluxe, it makes sense to dine at your home resort at least one night.

Actually, I'll be there 8 days. Of those 8 days 3 will be rest days in which we will be going to Epcot, Poly (Which wouldn't apply if we were staying at Poly), and the CR for dinner and breakfast. We will be eating at Chef Mickey's during one of our MK days, so you're right about the fact that the Monorail won't matter for that.

As far as eating at your home resort, couldn't agree with you more. The only problem is, I don't really care for any of the restaurants at WL, something else going in favor of Poly. I do like Artist Point, but I'm only going to do one Signature Restaurant, and California Grill wins hands down.

The more I think about it, and the more I look at the poll , I think I'm going to just stick with Poly. That'll probably change in an hour though

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

That is something that never crossed my mind, excellent point. Even in now knowing this, it's still hard for me to turn my head from the Poly. Mainly due to the fact that, as I stated in a previous thread, we will be going to Epcot two days, MK two days, CR twice, and we have two dinner reservations at the Poly, and will be eating there no matter where we stay. So as you can see, having the monorail at our convenience is HUGE, especially if we're running late one day and don't need to worry about catching a boat over to the CR before catching the Monorail. But there's just something about the theming of the WL that won't let me go.

This sounds like what our itinerary was like and the Poly was the way to go for us. I'd stay w/the Poly - the monorail was the major reason why we chose the Poly. You can't beat the ease & convenience. You can always take the monorail to MK and then the boat to WL and check it out - maybe eat at Roaring Fork. Thats what we were going to do (I don't care for WCC) but ran out of time. Another reason we chose the Poly - the restaurants are great & the food at Capt Cooks is good too. No complaints. Have a great time.

 

[CTDis4]

Have stayed at both and while I'm sure I will get flamed for this I really don't consider WL a deluxe. Rooms are very small - has the boat (which we found always crowed) but no monorail - just didn't do much for DH, DD,DS and I.

Have a great trip where ever you stay - you'll be in Disney!

 

[LowesChevy]

Polynesian because of its layout. It is convenient for us. WL is large and more like a large hotel with large hallways and elevators. The Poly is large in its layout, but it is all about room requesting-we like to ask for Tahiti, where the rooms are larger, double sinks and walking distance to TTC-direct monorail-really nice. Monorail service to MK and other resorts. As always love that Polynesian theming.

 

[MainStreetFireman]

Our family has stayed at the Poly in Aug. of 2004 and 2006 and we love many aspects of this resort. We just made a ressie for the WL in Apr. 2008 (the DKs can't wait for the theme and the bunk beds!), so we can't wait for our real opportunity to compare.

 

[Maukey]

Polynesian because of its layout. It is convenient for us. WL is large and more like a large hotel with large hallways and elevators. The Poly is large in its layout, but it is all about room requesting-we like to ask for Tahiti, where the rooms are larger, double sinks and walking distance to TTC-direct monorail-really nice. Monorail service to MK and other resorts. As always love that Polynesian theming.

Excellent, means I've done my research. I requested the Tahiti as well. The only thing is I'm nervous about the Garden View Rooms of this location. I'm hoping that a little Disney Magic comes my way and I get a free MK View upgrade .