Animal Kingdom or Polynesian?

[CourtneyLy]

Which would you do? This will be my first time to disney (my husband has gone as a child), and we have three children, aged 7, 6, and almost 2.

We are paying for rooms for my inlaws also, which might help to explain the cost differences.

We can get 3 standard rooms at Animal Kingdom (4 people per room) for $600 less than 2 magic kingdom view rooms at Polynesian (5 person rooms, no standard available at this time).

I want to be close to everything so I'm voting for the Polynesian, but my inlaws want Animal Kingdom and it is much cheaper. Is it worth it to pay more to be closer? I want to save money (we were not anticipating paying for both parties, so our budget is pretty blown at this point), but at the same time, I don't want to spend a significant amount regardless and not be happy with the location. Is the Animal Kingdom as far as it looks?

What would YOU do. Keep in mind the kiddos ages and that we'd be going back and forth for nap time/dinner shows at night.

Thanks so much!

 

[dangeron]

Hands down the Polynesian. We just went in April with ds 5 and dd4. Being close to MK and on monorail was priceless. We were able to go back to the room for naps and easily return to the park. With your kids ages you will probably spend most of your time at MK.
BTW, you might want to consider a garden view room to save money. The grounds are so beautiful that any view is nice.

 

[CourtneyLy]

I'm also considering splitting the stay, but we're only staying 4 nights so that would be two at each. Would it be a hassle to change after only 2 nights?

 

[CourtneyLy]

Hands down the Polynesian. We just went in April with ds 5 and dd4. Being close to MK and on monorail was priceless. We were able to go back to the room for naps and easily return to the park. With your kids ages you will probably spend most of your time at MK.
BTW, you might want to consider a garden view room to save money. The grounds are so beautiful that any view is nice.

I would LOVE to do the garden room, but it isn't available for our days (we are doing a military discount so they only have so many rooms.)

 

[bcrook]

Which would you do? This will be my first time to disney (my husband has gone as a child), and we have three children, aged 7, 6, and almost 2.

We are paying for rooms for my inlaws also, which might help to explain the cost differences.

We can get 3 standard rooms at Animal Kingdom (4 people per room) for $600 less than 2 magic kingdom view rooms at Polynesian (5 person rooms, no standard available at this time).

I want to be close to everything so I'm voting for the Polynesian, but my inlaws want Animal Kingdom and it is much cheaper. Is it worth it to pay more to be closer? I want to save money (we were not anticipating paying for both parties, so our budget is pretty blown at this point), but at the same time, I don't want to spend a significant amount regardless and not be happy with the location. Is the Animal Kingdom as far as it looks?

What would YOU do. Keep in mind the kiddos ages and that we'd be going back and forth for nap time/dinner shows at night.

Thanks so much!

First, the animal kingdom lodge is beautiful, and I don't think you could be unhappy there. We go often.

The bus ride to magic kingdom is a little more inconvenient than the other parks. Could you drive to the park?

The savannah view rooms are amazing, could you book two rooms at AKL with the savannah view? Or you could check into the two bedroom villa.

The monorail is only convenient for Epcot and MK so if you plan to visit All the parks there is degree of bus riding or driving.

Good luck

 

[Sue M]

We love AKL, but I don't have 3 little ones. I also love poly, and as you mention, it is close to MK where I'm thinking you'll spend the most time, and the rooms are very large at Poly.

AKL does have bunk bed rooms, which would be good for the 2 oldest ones. And it is cheaper.

Another resort which may suite your family is Wilderness Lodge. It's roughly the same price as AKL depending on view. Also has bunk bed rooms. Your 2 yr old doesn't count toward room occupancy, and could be in a pack & play. So you could go with 2 rooms, assuming its just your family & 2 inlaws?

WL is in the MK resort area, but not on monorail. There is a boat to go to MK which is fun. It's one of our fav resorts.

So if you want to save but still be close to MK, I'd stay at WL.

Since you're paying, I think the choice of where you stay is up to you!!

 

[bcrook]

I'm also considering splitting the stay, but we're only staying 4 nights so that would be two at each. Would it be a hassle to change after only 2 nights?

I wouldn't recommend that. I do think that is a hassle for four days. I love to split stays but we go for longer periods like 10 days.

 

[dangeron]

Thats too bad! I've never done a split stay but if you are only going 4 days, I think you would loss valuable time packing up.
We loved the monorail access so much! Esp if you will have a stroller for your two year old. I absolutely HATE having to take a sleeping baby out of the stroller, folding it up, juggling carrying everything on the bus, etc. Of course at the Poly, you have to take bus for AK and HS.

 

[Sue M]

I'm also considering splitting the stay, but we're only staying 4 nights so that would be two at each. Would it be a hassle to change after only 2 nights?

Yes! ESP with 3 kids.

 

[Desnik]

For only 4 nights & with kids the ages your kids are, hands down the Poly gets my vote! I love both resorts & have stayed at both but the closer location to the parks will be worth every extra penny for your family. I would not do a spilt stay with only 4 nights & young kids & in-laws in tow! Maybe a garden view will open up before your trip & you will be able to save some money so keep calling to check. You might get lucky & find a discount code. But an MK view at the Poly for your first trip will be really special!

 

[mickeynut1]

As others have said, I wouldn't do a split with staying only 4 nights. We did a 2/4 split and for us, it wasn't worth it as we never felt settled at either resort, so I can't imagine only staying 2 nights at each. My choice for the resort would be the Poly. The rooms are quite large and you can't beat the close proximity to MK.....and the TTC is just a short walk away to catch the Epcot monorail. Transportation from AKL isn't bad, but if you will be spending alot of time at MK, you can't beat being right there. I would book the MK view if that's the only thing available right now, but I would keep checking to see if a regular GV opens up as people cancel all the time and you never know when something else might become available. Good luck and happy planning .

 

[kath2me]

Poly gets my vote also,, I have been to AKL lodge, very nice,, but with 3 little ones and 4 days.. Poly will be perfect for you . especially being as excited as they will with MK,, they all love the pool,, so going back and worth,, also the 2 year old,, the monarail will be a PLUS for me

 

[RDP]

Which would you do? This will be my first time to disney (my husband has gone as a child), and we have three children, aged 7, 6, and almost 2.

We are paying for rooms for my inlaws also, which might help to explain the cost differences.

We can get 3 standard rooms at Animal Kingdom (4 people per room) for $600 less than 2 magic kingdom view rooms at Polynesian (5 person rooms, no standard available at this time).

I want to be close to everything so I'm voting for the Polynesian, but my inlaws want Animal Kingdom and it is much cheaper. Is it worth it to pay more to be closer? I want to save money (we were not anticipating paying for both parties, so our budget is pretty blown at this point), but at the same time, I don't want to spend a significant amount regardless and not be happy with the location. Is the Animal Kingdom as far as it looks?

What would YOU do. Keep in mind the kiddos ages and that we'd be going back and forth for nap time/dinner shows at night.

Thanks so much!

Sounds like location is important for you. If most of your activities are centred around the MK its going to be hard to beat the Poly. If your splitting your time between all the parks and have access to a car it makes less difference. I personally love AKL so its hard for me to be totally objective. Have a great time.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

With your party size and ages of your children I am going to suggest another possibility - look at getting a 2 bedroom villa at Bay Lake Tower. This would be a short walk or monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. For such a short trip you would be most likely spending a majority of your time at the MK park and this would make it quite convenient to return to the room if needed.

The most cost effective way would be to rent points from a DVC member. You could also look at booking through Disney and see if any discounts are available during your timeframe. If you book the dedicated 2 bedroom units the following amenities are part of the dedicated 2 bedroom:

Sleeps up to 9
1 king-size bed with 4 pillows in the master suite
2 queen-size beds in the 2nd bedroom
1 queen-size sofa bed in the living room
Sleeper chair in living room (except Value Accommodations); portable crib
Flat panel TV in both living room and bedrooms and DVD in living room
3 bathrooms (one is a master bathroom with whirlpool tub)
Full kitchen will include the following: dinnerware, glassware, flatware, 8 pc. cookware set, colander, casserole dishes mixing bowl set, cutting board, measuring cups, measuring spoons, cookie sheet, paring knife, cook's knife, whisk, tongs,
vegetable peeler, serving spoon, serving fork, ladle, serving platter, vegetable bowls, salad serving bowl, sugar bowl, pitcher, cream server, tea kettle, pot holders
Appliances: 10 cup coffee maker (with 1 coffee starter pack: decaf and regular coffee, coffee filters, sugar and Equal packets), microwave, toaster, 1 bar mixer, blender, electric mixer, 4 burner electric stove/oven, refrigerator with ice maker, dishwasher. 2-sided kitchen sink has garbage disposal
Dining room table with chairs and a bar area
Laundry area with stacked washer and dryer, vacuum, broom & dustpan, starter box of detergent

 

[PHLtoMCO]

We have never stayed at AKL so I can't comment on what it's like there. I have heard its gorgeous! We are Poly people and obsessed with all things Poly! It's beautiful, relaxing, convenient with not only the monorail but also with walking to the TTC. Part of the reason we love it so much is that we can sit at the pool or on the beach and watch wishes and the lagoon show. On a nice night where you want to just relax and take a break from the park, it's the perfect resort

 

[MMS1125]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Poly so that would be my choice however not sure the $$$ is really worth it for 4 days. That's your food really if you think about it! I just want to 2nd the vote for the Wilderness Lodge. Price it out and see how it compares to AKL. Is there a reason you need 3 rooms? Your 2yr old doesn't count towards the occupancy so you can get a room that sleeps 4 and that would lower AKL or WL by a great deal. You get the boat at the WL so it eases the transportation a little bit too!

 

[CourtneyLy]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Poly so that would be my choice however not sure the $$$ is really worth it for 4 days. That's your food really if you think about it! I just want to 2nd the vote for the Wilderness Lodge. Price it out and see how it compares to AKL. Is there a reason you need 3 rooms? Your 2yr old doesn't count towards the occupancy so you can get a room that sleeps 4 and that would lower AKL or WL by a great deal. You get the boat at the WL so it eases the transportation a little bit too!

We have 4 plus an infant age in our room, so we can stay almost anywhere, but my inlaws have 2 adults, my 18 year old SIL (also adult), and my 16 year old BIL and SIL. At the Poly, they allow 5 per room, but at AK, for the standard room they only allow 4, which means we have to get the third room.

I currently have us at the Contemporary for 3 nights and then AK the last night. My husband's college graduation is the day that we'll be moving resorts, so we'd be loading up and leaving the property anyway. This will make it a semi okay time to move resorts, and since my inlaws really want the AK I figure one night will ablige them. I'm still holding out hope that I can get a garden room at the Poly, but I wasn't willing to risk the price difference incase nothing became available. We're able to get a basic room at the Contemporary for $950 less (total) than the theme view (all they had available for our discount) the Poly. Is the Contemporary worth staying at even if a garden at the Poly become available? Thanks!! (my total price is taking into account that we are paying for all rooms).

 

[B-Ride]

AKL is a beautiful resort but the Poly is mega convenient, especially for MK which is our favourite park. Keep trying for a Garden view room which is a significant savings.

 

[Sue M]

We have 4 plus an infant age in our room, so we can stay almost anywhere, but my inlaws have 2 adults, my 18 year old SIL (also adult), and my 16 year old BIL and SIL. At the Poly, they allow 5 per room, but at AK, for the standard room they only allow 4, which means we have to get the third room.

I currently have us at the Contemporary for 3 nights and then AK the last night. My husband's college graduation is the day that we'll be moving resorts, so we'd be loading up and leaving the property anyway. This will make it a semi okay time to move resorts, and since my inlaws really want the AK I figure one night will ablige them. I'm still holding out hope that I can get a garden room at the Poly, but I wasn't willing to risk the price difference incase nothing became available. We're able to get a basic room at the Contemporary for $950 less (total) than the theme view (all they had available for our discount) the Poly. Is the Contemporary worth staying at even if a garden at the Poly become available? Thanks!! (my total price is taking into account that we are paying for all rooms).

CR rooms are large as well. Similar in size to Poly. The advantage of CR is you can walk to MK in the morning, then walk or take the monorail back in the evening. A huge advantage not to have to wait on crowded busses. Esp with 3 little ones.

If you can get a room in the Garden wing, it will save you some money. Rooms are exactly the same as tower rooms. 1st floor rooms have patios. The other floors don't have a balcony is the only dif.

Didn't realize there were more then just MIL & FIL in the other room!! Yikes!
That's a lot of people to pay for!! You are really kind! Want to adopt me? I can be an in-law

 

[juliebug1997]

Which would you do? This will be my first time to disney (my husband has gone as a child), and we have three children, aged 7, 6, and almost 2.

We are paying for rooms for my inlaws also, which might help to explain the cost differences.

We can get 3 standard rooms at Animal Kingdom (4 people per room) for $600 less than 2 magic kingdom view rooms at Polynesian (5 person rooms, no standard available at this time).

I want to be close to everything so I'm voting for the Polynesian, but my inlaws want Animal Kingdom and it is much cheaper. Is it worth it to pay more to be closer? I want to save money (we were not anticipating paying for both parties, so our budget is pretty blown at this point), but at the same time, I don't want to spend a significant amount regardless and not be happy with the location. Is the Animal Kingdom as far as it looks?

What would YOU do. Keep in mind the kiddos ages and that we'd be going back and forth for nap time/dinner shows at night.

Thanks so much!

I paid for MKV last November and it was a waste of money--the view is much better from the Contemporary. That having been said, I would still prefer the Poly. You'll want to be close so that you can take the kids back to the room quicker if they start getting tired and cranky.

However, I do want to try AKL some day, but I would want the savannah view.

I'm sad for you that your budget is blown because you're having to pay for your ILs. Have you considered staying at one of the moderates instead?