Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Polynesian Resort

[Regan117]

I've stayed at both several times, and we actually hate the Polynesian. The only reason we even went back to the Poly is because my parents wanted to stay. I remain unimpressed - the staff was rude, the lobby was too busy, the monorail was constantly out of service, and I had a lot of issues with the staff there. We are sticking with AKL and GF from now on.

 

[ontheuptick]

Absolutely, 100% do a split stay. If you are going to be there for 2 weeks not only will it not be a hassle after week 1, but it will probably be invigorating and feel like a whole new vacation.

If your kids like pools, I would consider Beach Club or Boardwalk instead of AKV too. The proximity to 2 parks cannot be understated. We walked to Epcot and HS, so nice. And, we could easily walk into Epcot in the evening for dinner. We did a split stay with AKL and Boardwalk and would definitely prefer Boardwalk because of the amazing location.

Poly is amazing and nothing else needs to be said on that!

 

[Dbktmc]

These are the two resorts that we are considering as well. I love the idea of a split stay and would consider it myself, however, our travel agent told us that Memory Maker cannot be applied to a split stay. We could only have Memory maker for one of our reservations. While I know that $169.00 isn't a ton of money, I just hate the idea of being forced to repurchase it for the second half of our trip.

 

[raddisneyfan]

I really love both resorts. The one thing in common--they both have great themes. Now the differences--much bigger rooms at Poly than AKL--and, in the end, this might be the tie-breaker for your family of 4--you'll definitely feel the extra space at Poly. Quieter at AKL vs. Poly. Poly more convenient to MK, but not necessarily to any other park. AKL has excellent bus service--doesn't share with any other resort. Poly is convenient to a lot of food options at Poly, GF, CR and MK..and with a short boat ride from CR, WL as well. However, and this is a big deal, the 4 venues at AKL are all excellent IMO. AKL has unique opportunity to see great wildlife from your room and from many resort viewing areas. Volcano pool at Poly is nice, but I prefer the zero-entry at AKL. Poly has a beach--cant swim in the lake, but you can still hang out on the sand. One thing I like to mention to people about Poly is that since they have converted a lot of it to DVC, the remaining buildings have an issue in my opinion and that is the 2nd floor of a lot of the buildings have no room balconies at all--this is a big downer for me--would be incredibly upset if I got one of those rooms at those prices! Which brings me to the final point I'm sure you've realized already, the Poly is generally a lot more expensive than the AKL. Tough decision--maybe a week at each?? I'm sure no matter what you decide, you'll have an absolutely great time.

 

[sjw4870]

I have stayed at both and love them both. Even though both are deluxes, I usually find Poly to be significantly more expensive. If money were no object I'd be at Poly every time.

AKL has a beautiful lobby and even without a Savannah view there are plenty of places to see the animals. The pool area is very nice, but it doesn't really have the elaborate slide and pool area that Poly does. AKL has a huge fire pit outside the main Savannah and a small one in the lobby...Poly doesn't have these unless they were added with the new renovation and I didn't notice them.

Poly has a marina where kids can rent boats....I loved doing this as a kid. Think you can go alone at either 14 or 16.

Poly rooms all have a day bed which is great for siblings who don't like sharing a bed.

I have always had good bus service at AKL...but, it's a bus. Poly has the monorail. Yes- monorail only goes to MK and Epcot but that is still a plus. I find leaving MK on a bus at park closing to be nightmarish...(doesn't seem to be as bad anywhere else!). Monorail will get you to Poly in 10-15 minutes tops even at park closing.

Split stay isn't a bad idea.... If you do that, I'd go with either AKL first....or....plan MK/Epcot days when you are at Poly.

 

[ontheuptick]

These are the two resorts that we are considering as well. I love the idea of a split stay and would consider it myself, however, our travel agent told us that Memory Maker cannot be applied to a split stay. We could only have Memory maker for one of our reservations. While I know that $169.00 isn't a ton of money, I just hate the idea of being forced to repurchase it for the second half of our trip.

Your travel agent is 100% WRONG! Memory maker will apply for something like 30 days after first use.

 

[dansdad]

Your travel agent is 100% WRONG! Memory maker will apply for something like 30 days after first use.

This.

 

[Aurora0427]

I think your kids would like the Polynesian better- and it'll be great for late nights at MK.

 

[Danny K]

At AKL even without a Savannah view, we can still walk to the Savannah and look at it right? I plan on getting the cheapest view. And yes I am aware Poly is quite a step up when it comes to $$$.

The proximity to the parks doesn't bother me one single bit honestly.

 

[Aurora0427]

These are the two resorts that we are considering as well. I love the idea of a split stay and would consider it myself, however, our travel agent told us that Memory Maker cannot be applied to a split stay. We could only have Memory maker for one of our reservations. While I know that $169.00 isn't a ton of money, I just hate the idea of being forced to repurchase it for the second half of our trip.

Your travel agent is wrong. Just returned from a split stay.... Used memory maker for the entire trip.

I'd fire your travel agent. Id be worried about what else they get wrong.

 

[Dbktmc]

Your travel agent is 100% WRONG! Memory maker will apply for something like 30 days after first use.

Thanks for letting me know about Memory Maker. I've used this travel agent before and she specializes in Disney. I'm really surprised that she got this wrong!

 

[dk413]

If you would have asked me this 3 days ago, I would have said hands down Poly because of the transportation/theme/pool etc. However, I am here now and I think it's safe to say we will not be coming back. It's gutting because this used to be one of my favorite resorts, but it's just not worth the money anymore IMO. We were really worried about the construction but that turned out to be the least of our problems. I don't want to go on a giant rant because I'm still on vacation and I'm trying to remain as positive as I can, but if you were to offer me a room at the AKL right now I'd take it in a heartbeat. I'll leave it at that.