Analysis Paralysis! You guys decide!

[fiversmama]

I feel like I' ve read so many threads, considered lots of expert opinions and I still can't decide where to stay in March 2014. I have spent the past two weeks trying to decide between the BLT or the CR, and a good friend and travel agent told me to consider the Poly for the ultimate experience.

The thing is, with rumors of planned and ongoing refurb, the last thing I want to do is book "the vacation of a lifetime" at the Poly to see and hear construction, to be displaced from the reportedly awesome Volcano pool, or any of the other amenities people rave about.

The CR and BLT theming (or lack thereof) seem a bit stark to me. Also, the "contemporary" feel looks plastic to me in pictures. Meanwhile, my additional hesitation about the Poly is that the rooms look dark (which I imagine, is what results from dark woods and lush outdoor vegetation blocking natural light).

Then, people tell me to consider CL in the Poly. When I think about adding that (very costly) variable, my head spins. How does CL in the Poly compare to a 1BR TPV in BLT? Aaagggh.

All of this said, I calm myself down at night after hours on this board and on WDW sites, by the realization that they are all Deluxe resorts and it's Disney, for goodness sake-- how could any choice be a bad one? We just don't go enough to have truly informed opinions.

Maybe what I'll do is take the majority opinion of responses to this thread and just book it! Any and all thoughts, experiences and opinions (from travel dates to resorts) are appreciated.

Here are our deets:
Family of 4
DH 40
Me 39
DS 5
DS 11

Can travel EITHER February 10-17, March 3-10, March 10-17.

[Last trip on-property was GF when older son was 5. The Victorian elegance really wasn't our style and the walk to whatever outer building we were in was a hike! We did love the transportation from there, though-- how can you not?! ]

Thank you all so much! I will, of course, let you know how it turns out!

 

[saltcreek]

You seem to have a great attitude about this and I personally love getting caught up in the decision. It's part of the fun isn't it?

CR/BLT: It's not my first choice. The only thing that makes me go "WOW" is watching the monorail go into the building. The pool seems just ok and the theming feels like any other generic luxury hotel. Being close to MK is nice but so is WL, Poly and GF.

Poly: This is my first choice from the list. You're kids will love the pool and the resort feels like a tropical retreat. Club level is an option but I'm not sure if its worth the extra money. You have to decide whether you will be around enough to even enjoy the benefits since the rooms are the same. As for construction, I would book the hotel and see what happens -- you can always switch.

I'm guessing being close to MK is important to you? If thats the case and construction at Poly makes it a non-option you might consider WL since you can take the boat over, has a nice pool, and the theming is a lot of fun.

 

[WishingMom]

I feel like I' ve read so many threads, considered lots of expert opinions and I still can't decide where to stay in March 2014. I have spent the past two weeks trying to decide between the BLT or the CR, and a good friend and travel agent told me to consider the Poly for the ultimate experience.

The thing is, with rumors of planned and ongoing refurb, the last thing I want to do is book "the vacation of a lifetime" at the Poly to see and hear construction, to be displaced from the reportedly awesome Volcano pool, or any of the other amenities people rave about.

The CR and BLT theming (or lack thereof) seem a bit stark to me. Also, the "contemporary" feel looks plastic to me in pictures. Meanwhile, my additional hesitation about the Poly is that the rooms look dark (which I imagine, is what results from dark woods and lush outdoor vegetation blocking natural light).

Then, people tell me to consider CL in the Poly. When I think about adding that (very costly) variable, my head spins. How does CL in the Poly compare to a 1BR TPV in BLT? Aaagggh.

All of this said, I calm myself down at night after hours on this board and on WDW sites, by the realization that they are all Deluxe resorts and it's Disney, for goodness sake-- how could any choice be a bad one? We just don't go enough to have truly informed opinions.

Maybe what I'll do is take the majority opinion of responses to this thread and just book it! Any and all thoughts, experiences and opinions (from travel dates to resorts) are appreciated.

Here are our deets:
Family of 4
DH 40
Me 39
DS 5
DS 11

Can travel EITHER February 10-17, March 3-10, March 10-17.

[Last trip on-property was GF when older son was 5. The Victorian elegance really wasn't our style and the walk to whatever outer building we were in was a hike! We did love the transportation from there, though-- how can you not?! ]

Thank you all so much! I will, of course, let you know how it turns out!

If I HAD to choose, I'd vote for the Poly, I love the look of that place. I'd vote for either of the march dates because my birthday is on the 10th . Either way, enjoy and have fun trying to decide. I love planning vacations, I get so caught up in it!

 

[catra121]

I would choose CR. It's a VERY short walk to MK and the monorail is amazing. I personally LOVE the décor...there are lots of Disney touches but they are subtle...and spotting them all is part of the fun for me. I've visited the CR several times for dinner and to check out the shops...I would love to stay there.

I think that especially with your concerns about possible refurb at the Poly and how that might impact your vacation...go for CR.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

First off, all your choices are great! You can't go wrong with any of them.

I love the CR as it was the first WDW hotel I ever stayed at as a child. My DH and I have stayed here with our children and enjoyed it. The rooms are big, clean, bright and in my opinion beautiful. Yes modern, it is supposed to be contemporary. We have stayed in the garden wing, tower lake view, tower Magic Kingdom view and CL. The rooms have 2 queen beds and a daybed. The bathrooms are large and the toilet is separate from the rest of bathroom. There are 2 pools. Short walk to MK. Boat to FW and WL. Monorail

We own DVC at BLT and feel very comfortable there. In a one bedroom, you would have a king bed and full bath in the bedroom. Living area would have full kitchen, queen sleep sofa, twin sleep chair, additional bathroom. BLT has its own pool.

I also really like the Poly. Stayed there many times as a child and again with my own family. The resort feels very tropical and romantic to me. The rooms are as large as CR and have the same bed set up. Yes the rooms are darker, but they are still nice. I think any kid would love the volcano pool. Nice to have the monorail to MK and Epcot.

As far as CL goes, you have to look at the price and decide if the money is worth it for the amount of food and drink you would get there.

Good luck!

 

[3girlsfun]

I'd easily pick Contemporary over the Poly., if for no other reason than the refurb. Then add in there the easy walk to MK, and it is a no brainer.

Good luck deciding. And, I would definitely do a tower room!

 

[ToddyLu]

With your current choices I would have to stay at CR also.....



but if I was paying for your trip I would put you at Wilderness Lodge. Great Lobby, pretty good food and the theming is terrific. The boys would love the boat trip to MK. I just think that resort is beautiful.

My personal favorite is AKV...but DH and I are staying one night at BLT on 10/31 before our AKV trip...and I am sooooo excited!!!