Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Polynesian Resort

[Danny K]

Hi All

This is our fourth coming trip to Disney World which we plan to be there for about 2 weeks this time. One thing we decided to do to make it more fun experience is to stay at one of the deluxe resorts, since we will have the time this time to actually enjoy the hotels and what they have to offer. Before we just stayed at Values because I didn't see any reason of spending more $$ for just a place to sleep but we have tons of time this trip to take advantage of the hotel itself.

I have never been to any of the deluxe resorts before, but I looked at a lot of them online, and we narrowed our options down to either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Resort. By the way we are 2 adults and 2 children (13 and 16 years old). We were also thinking about the Grand Floridian but we decided against it because I felt that was a more quiet place better facilitated for adults than kids, and for us we are looking for some cool stuff with pools and other stuff.

The Polynesian Resort really caught us with the volcano pool and the other fancy pools. The Animal Kingdom Lodge looked very cool with just how it was built, the rooms, and the Savannah. Which one would you choose?

We are considering doing some hotel hopping, and staying at both for one week, but is that worth the hassle? If we do that which hotel should we stay at first?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

As much as I love AKL to me the Poly is in a different league. It has so much to offer with the new pools (one complete, one still under construction), amazing restaurants, monorail and boat transportation, plus the rooms are much larger and have the extra daybed which is great for teens! AKL is of course fantastic for enjoying the animals, I think since your trip is two weeks you should DEFINITELY do a split stay! You've got plenty of time to thoroughly enjoy both! First week AKL, then the grand finale week at the Poly! PERFECT!!!

 

[Chelley00]

We've stayed both and they are both VERY different so it really depends what you are looking for.

We'd pick AKL over Poly only because Poly is always SO busy with people coming and going for Ohana, the Luau, monorail stop, people coming to watch Wishes from the beach, Trader Sams......

We like the room better at Poly (the daybed is handy). The monorail access to Epcot and MK is great but we had an awful wait for a bus to DHS. Plus the dirtiest room I've ever had in a hotel room was at the poly. They couldn't move us because the resort was full so we had to wait 3 hours for them to come "reclean" the room with tired and cranky kids after we had drive 10 hours that day. The kids liked the pool and walking the grounds at night with the tiki torches is beautiful.

AKL we like the interior corridors. AKL seems quieter and more relaxed and there are always animal activities going on and animals always out. We liked Mara better than Captain Cooks (except you can get Dole Whips at the poly!). Parking is easier at AKL too and we never had a problem with buses. Kids were happy with the pool. There is something super cool about a savannah view room and sitting on the balcony in the morning with coffee watching giraffes.

 

[huntwoof]

We have stayed at both as well. As others have said .. it's night and day. AKL is beautiful. Huge lobby..good views...relaxing resort. You are just removed from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Seeing the animals day and night is quite cool. The Poly is Disney magic all the way. Monorail access to park ... fireworks from the beach ... walking around the resort or even walking over to GF is amazing. I second the idea of a split stay. You get the best of both worlds.

The big thing for me is you mentioned two teenagers ... my boys (also teenagers) love to go into MK at night around 10 and stay till close. After all the fun at the park it's a quick ride back to our resort on a boat or monorail. Staying at the Poly gives you the option if you want to just pop into MK on a whim. That to me is the biggest difference between the resorts.

 

[Shellyb84]

I would definitely stay at a different one each week, especially depending on whether or not you plan to stay deluxe in the future. Changing resorts really isn't much of a hassle. I would probably figure out my theme park strategy first and then stay at the Poly when you would have the most days to take advantage of the location.

 

[Pepper pots]

I think it all depends on your likes about WDW..For example I've friends who years ago decided on AKL because their Mum and Dad always dreamed of going on a African Safari and their kids dreamed of a WDW vacation, so they all went to AKL and lived their dreams..Having visited both resorts I rated AKL on having the best onsite resort restaurants and breathtaking lobby, but it's too far away in my opinion, however the Poly is in perfect location and is on the monorail, but I'm always surprised that it doesn't have a signature restaurant..Am I right in saying it's the only deluxe Disney resort that doesn't have a signature restaurant....?

 

[Shellyb84]

I think it all depends on your likes about WDW..For example I've friends who years ago decided on AKL because their Mum and Dad always dreamed of going on a African Safari and their kids dreamed of a WDW vacation, so they all went to AKL and lived their dreams..Having visited both resorts I rated AKL on having the best onsite resort restaurants and breathtaking lobby, but it's too far away in my opinion, however the Poly is in perfect location and is on the monorail, but I'm always surprised that it doesn't have a signature restaurant..Am I right in saying it's the only deluxe Disney resort that doesn't have a signature restaurant....?

The Beach Club doesn't, but there is one at the Yacht Club next door.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

They are both beautiful resorts with a lot to offer and, with 2 weeks, I would definitely consider a split. AKL is fairly remote from the parks (except AK, of course). It's quiet, beautiful and a lot of fun. I would recommend eating in all the restaurants - they are great! - and try to eat at Sanaa during daylight so you can see the animals. The rooms are much smaller than Poly's.

Poly is spectacular! Beautiful resort, great pool, amazing view of MK and the fireworks. Great access, of course, to MK and EP and all of the other monorail resorts. You will feel more "in the thick" of things here.

Personally, after 7 days in one resort, I get a little antsy and want to switch things up, so I would do the split. Changing resorts is very easy - pack up, call bell services and have them transfer your luggage. On your transfer day, simply go about your day as you would (go to a park, etc.) and then go and check-in to your new resort.

If you don't want to do the split, I would vote for Poly. AKL is just too remote IMHO for multiple park touring days at WDW. OR, at least consider a 1- or 2-bedroom at AKV. I couldn't do the smaller room at AKL for two weeks.

 

[Octoberbaby]

Both are my favorite. AKL comes in first....I'm debating a split stay myself. Either a split between the two, or just AKL.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi All

This is our fourth coming trip to Disney World which we plan to be there for about 2 weeks this time. One thing we decided to do to make it more fun experience is to stay at one of the deluxe resorts, since we will have the time this time to actually enjoy the hotels and what they have to offer. Before we just stayed at Values because I didn't see any reason of spending more $$ for just a place to sleep but we have tons of time this trip to take advantage of the hotel itself.

I have never been to any of the deluxe resorts before, but I looked at a lot of them online, and we narrowed our options down to either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Resort. By the way we are 2 adults and 2 children (13 and 16 years old). We were also thinking about the Grand Floridian but we decided against it because I felt that was a more quiet place better facilitated for adults than kids, and for us we are looking for some cool stuff with pools and other stuff.

The Polynesian Resort really caught us with the volcano pool and the other fancy pools. The Animal Kingdom Lodge looked very cool with just how it was built, the rooms, and the Savannah. Which one would you choose?

We are considering doing some hotel hopping, and staying at both for one week, but is that worth the hassle? If we do that which hotel should we stay at first?

We've stayed at both and both are great in their own way. The Poly is our favorite, but we also love AKL. Some people don't like AKL as it's out away from everything, but that's one of the things I love about it. Since it is kind of isolated, it's very quiet and peaceful. Transportation is by bus only, but after 2 stays and many visits to the resort over the years, we have never had a problem. As far as the Poly, everything about it amazing, IMO. I'd definitely do a split stay with a week at each resort, as that's plenty of time to relax and enjoy both resorts. With that said, I'd start at AKL and end with the Poly. Good luck.

 

[Danny K]

Ok guys thanks. It seems they are both amazing resorts. We will do a split stay. Most of you said start with AKL the first week and then do Polynesian. Is that the best way or the other way around?

And yes I was thinking of dining at Boma and Sanaa for AKL, and at Ohana for Polynesian. We will be there for 15 FULL days exactly, so I thought after reading all your posts, will devote one full day to enjoy each hotel and relax without going to the parks or anything. Since we are going in the summer I suppose it will be a good idea for some breaks. Also I have nothing planned for our arrival and departure dates so we can enjoy the hotels then as well.

And I don't plan on taking another disney trip like this one for at least 10-12 years. After this we will probably just take disney trips for a week and at a value resort like usual. So does my plan sound good you think?

 

[Shellyb84]

I think it sounds great. Jiko at AKL is also awesome. One full day each week at the resort is a great idea, and maybe also consider afternoon breaks other days as well. Since you have so much time there you have time to take it easy. We like to be at RD, then return to the resort early afternoon for a few hours and then freshen up for dinner, maybe evening EMH after dinner a night or two.

Have a wonderful time! I would LOVE to be able to stay that many days. Maybe one day...

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Keep in mind there are two distinct pools at AKL!

 

[gummyfisho]

Your plan sounds perfect! Doing AKL first is nice because you won't notice the room size difference as much going from AKL to Poly as you would going Poly to AKL. On the other hand if you reversed it AKL has a much more serene relaxed feel so it might be good to use it to "recover" from being right next to MK.

Since you said you hadn't been to any of the deluxe resorts before, be sure to make ADR's at not only your hotels ( all 5 ADRs are some of the best n property) but try to make at least one or two at another resort. Maybe Whispering Canyon Cafe for breakfast its only boat ride from MK to WL and your family can compare AKL to WL. My family fav restaurant on property is Olivia's at OKW. Its a boat ride away from Disney Springs West Side and has a very varied menu with everything being yummy. The prices are very reasonable for WDW and its a great relaxed resort! I hope your family enjoys and you are able to do a trip report of this great trip!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Ok guys thanks. It seems they are both amazing resorts. We will do a split stay. Most of you said start with AKL the first week and then do Polynesian. Is that the best way or the other way around?

And yes I was thinking of dining at Boma and Sanaa for AKL, and at Ohana for Polynesian. We will be there for 15 FULL days exactly, so I thought after reading all your posts, will devote one full day to enjoy each hotel and relax without going to the parks or anything. Since we are going in the summer I suppose it will be a good idea for some breaks. Also I have nothing planned for our arrival and departure dates so we can enjoy the hotels then as well.

And I don't plan on taking another disney trip like this one for at least 10-12 years. After this we will probably just take disney trips for a week and at a value resort like usual. So does my plan sound good you think?

There's really no one way better than the other, it's just a matter of preference. With that said, we love both resorts, but the Poly is our favorite overall, so my choice would be to end the trip there. Since the Poly rooms are quite a bit larger than AKL, that would be a nice change half way through your trip (not to mention having a daybed) .

 

[Danny K]

I think it sounds great. Jiko at AKL is also awesome. One full day each week at the resort is a great idea, and maybe also consider afternoon breaks other days as well. Since you have so much time there you have time to take it easy. We like to be at RD, then return to the resort early afternoon for a few hours and then freshen up for dinner, maybe evening EMH after dinner a night or two.

Have a wonderful time! I would LOVE to be able to stay that many days. Maybe one day...

We always arrive at rope drop and just stay the whole day. We never actually take advantage of evening EMH because the parks tend to be more crowded on those days. We are never the kind of people that can really stay at the parks later than 11pm. Also going back to the hotel can sometimes take a long time, and we never think its worth it because once we are at the park, my kids like to stay there and not go back until the end, and so does my wife and I as well.

 

[Danny K]

Your plan sounds perfect! Doing AKL first is nice because you won't notice the room size difference as much going from AKL to Poly as you would going Poly to AKL. On the other hand if you reversed it AKL has a much more serene relaxed feel so it might be good to use it to "recover" from being right next to MK.

Since you said you hadn't been to any of the deluxe resorts before, be sure to make ADR's at not only your hotels ( all 5 ADRs are some of the best n property) but try to make at least one or two at another resort. Maybe Whispering Canyon Cafe for breakfast its only boat ride from MK to WL and your family can compare AKL to WL. My family fav restaurant on property is Olivia's at OKW. Its a boat ride away from Disney Springs West Side and has a very varied menu with everything being yummy. The prices are very reasonable for WDW and its a great relaxed resort! I hope your family enjoys and you are able to do a trip report of this great trip!!

We plan on doing Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue one night as well. Otherwise we will likely stay in the parks and Downtown Disney. By the way we are doing the regular dining plan. There are tons of restaurants at Epcot and DTD that I have on my list to try.

By the way I have a question, is there any way to book hotel hopping all in one reservation, or should we just make two reservations?

 

[dansdad]

By the way I have a question, is there any way to book hotel hopping all in one reservation, or should we just make two reservations?

There's no option here, you have to book two separate reservations. Disney's system doesn't recognize split stays.

 

[Shellyb84]

We plan on doing Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue one night as well. Otherwise we will likely stay in the parks and Downtown Disney. By the way we are doing the regular dining plan. There are tons of restaurants at Epcot and DTD that I have on my list to try.

By the way I have a question, is there any way to book hotel hopping all in one reservation, or should we just make two reservations?

We are trying Hoop-Dee-Doo during our March trip! I've heard it's really fun. We do the Spirit of Aloha Show every trip and it's a lot of fun, I highly recommend it!

We always arrive at rope drop and just stay the whole day. We never actually take advantage of evening EMH because the parks tend to be more crowded on those days. We are never the kind of people that can really stay at the parks later than 11pm. Also going back to the hotel can sometimes take a long time, and we never think its worth it because once we are at the park, my kids like to stay there and not go back until the end, and so does my wife and I as well.

Breaks definitely aren't for everyone, but we would get exhausted staying all day! Our last trip was 6 days and we went back and swam every afternoon, then we were refreshed and relaxed for dinner or a couple more park hours. We were at the BC so we could get to 3 parks without getting on a bus (as long as Epcot was open we would walk to the front and take the Monorail to MK), so our transportation situation wasn't bad. Next trip is 10 days so we plan to spend even more time at the resort. If it wasn't a Deluxe I wouldn't bother as much, but paying so much for the resort we want to spend a decent amount of time there Plus my daughter starts whining after lunch about wanting to swim!

 

[Danny K]

We are trying Hoop-Dee-Doo during our March trip! I've heard it's really fun. We do the Spirit of Aloha Show every trip and it's a lot of fun, I highly recommend it!



Breaks definitely aren't for everyone, but we would get exhausted staying all day! Our last trip was 6 days and we went back and swam every afternoon, then we were refreshed and relaxed for dinner or a couple more park hours. We were at the BC so we could get to 3 parks without getting on a bus (as long as Epcot was open we would walk to the front and take the Monorail to MK), so our transportation situation wasn't bad. Next trip is 10 days so we plan to spend even more time at the resort. If it wasn't a Deluxe I wouldn't bother as much, but paying so much for the resort we want to spend a decent amount of time there Plus my daughter starts whining after lunch about wanting to swim!

Yeah I see.Its just for us, its hard to get my kids out of one place to go the the next when they are having so much fun. Its even hard to convince them when its time to eat sometimes, so we never like park hopping, or midday resort breaks.