Another justifying the money post...

[BeccaGrace]

Please pardon my rambling...I'm feeling confused and it makes me rant...

We are booked at the Poly for the first week of December...I thought I was finally decided and only waiting for any AP codes to see if we could upgrade to concierge...but I just read Fantasia's post about justifying $355 a night and it happened the day after dh saw what we are paying per night ($315 on an AAA rate with 3rd adult in the room)...we had a deal that I come in under budget and he doesn't care about details and I did my part but once he saw the number I felt ashamed about spending so freely...we've never even spent $150 a night for a hotel before. And I keep on justifying it by saying it's Disney...we want to do it right...we want to be on the monorail. I stayed in the Poly about 15 years ago and liked it but the theme isn't really my thing. When we first started planning this trip (in '03) I was dead set on WL...perfect theme for us; deluxe but not too expensive. But then I started reading the boards and kept upgrading and upgrading...to the point that I became dead set on the monorail and got poor dh brainwashed into thinking that the transportaton was so much better at a monorail resort that we had to stay at one. The only theme he showed any interest in was the Poly, and thats how we ended up there. My mom is coming with us...no matter which way I plan it she will be in the same room as us (unless we get an AP rate on a WL Deluxe room and we shut the French Doors for some separation!)--dh & I are fine with that and so is she. She is sleeping with one of the girls and Joey and I are sleeping with the other; that is not a problem either since we've done that a lot and we have a queen bed so it will be just like home So is the sq. footage that much of a difference that it will make me thankful I've upgraded? I've tried pro and con lists...since I'm sharing everything else, I'll share those too! It's the same ideas circling over and over...

Pro Poly--larger room size; daybed for oldest dd (4); monorail
Pro-WL--theme; lower price

Somebody please sway me either way...Has anyone ever stayed in a standard WL room with 3 adults and 2 kids (youngest dd is 2 & doesn't count against the total)...Am I letting my Wishes wishes and Mickey Bar dreams go to my head? Will I be happier sticking to a hotel that is closer to my typical budget and using the extra cash in the parks? Please share your experiences...I know I have to make this decision for myself and my family but the girls would be happy in a cardboard box, my mom is just excited and Joey wants to go to Niagara Falls again...it's all me and I can't stick to a decision. I told my travel agent this would happen

 

[Tinkaroo]

I can understand about getting "resort fever." You read about everyone's great experiences (and doesn't it seem like when you're trying to save $$, everyone else is staying GF Concierge??), and you can begin justifying things. Before I got on these boards, I would have never contemplated paying per night for a hotel room what Disney charges in some instances.

I think you need to take a deep breath, and really ask yourself what is best for your family, and what will make you happiest? If you'll be feeling sick to your stomach for spending all that $$ on a hotel room when you get there, you're not going to enjoy your vacation.

I can't speak on the Poly, as I've never stayed there, and I don't have kids, so can't comment on fitting that many people into a room. That being said, I did just get back from an AKL standard room that I believe are the exact same square footage as the WL standard rooms. It was PLENTY big for DH and me (I really didn't perceive it as being small at all), and unless you're staying in a suite, any hotel room for any length of time with 5 people is going to get crowded after a while.

Maybe it would be helpful to make a "wish" list of what you want in a hotel for your family, and then see what resort fits it the best? You might also want to weigh how much time you'll actually be spending in the room. If you're going to spend a ton of time in the parks, it would be a shame to spend $300 for just a place to lay down (and it would make that Monorail access not as important)!

Sorry this is so long, but I hope this helps in some way. Just remind yourself - you can't go wrong whatever you choose - you'll be staying at the most magical place on earth!!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I know the feeling!!! Nothing feels better than luxury UNTIL you <cough> check out and wonder if it was worth the cost. This is our first (and perhaps only) trip to WDW before my oldest goes off to college and while I want the best experience for us, I wonder if it will be worth the cost after it's added up. Will that extra $500 for a better hotel matter? Probably not, but I think about all the things we can do with that $500 to enhance our vacation and I am inclined to budget.

You can still use the monorail if you're at WL, you just have to take a boat ride first! The kids might just love that, who knows? The poly looks so relaxing, and the GF looks completely charming, but the WL has a magnificence to it that just isn't matched elsewhere on property. Plus, the budget guilt factor is only a level 2

Good luck and have a great vacation!

 

[step4now]

Hi there, I totally understand your concerns! You know, I've had the same problem (as most of us here have). You don't mention the ages of the kids, so it's hard to say, but may I make some other suggestions? If the idea of the Poly is to be close the park, why not choose a different resort to be close to? Everyone wants the Poly and Contemporary for the mono-line, but you could choose to stay at Boardwalk or Beach Club and have a nice big room with beautiful surroundings. The pools are absolutely the BEST in all of Disney and the entire area is so much fun. You can walk to so many different fun areas and activities, right outside your room. And, you are within steps of Epcot and MGM. You could even have an amazing view of Epcot or MGM, depending on which resort you choose. And, consider this: you are "sorta" still on the mono-line since you can easily take a monorail from Epcot and change at the transportation center to another monorail to MK. All I saying is, to spend so much money on the poly, a place you don't sound excited about, is crazy. You'd be thrilled with Beach club or Boardwalk (beach club is my all time favorite resort).

If you don't like that point of view, how about this... If your kids are under 13, choose a value resort such All Star Movies (my fav of the all-stars) or All Star Music or even Pop Century (I haven't stayed there). Choose one of these and get TWO ROOMS (adjoining). I've done this with my mother and 2 kids and my wife (5 total) and it was GREAT. The rooms aren't super-luxurious, but you'll have tons of space and a lot less stress for showers, naps, etc (you'll have more of everything...sinks, beds, etc). Getting 2 rooms are these resorts can be LESS than 1 at Poly or Contemporary or the others. Heck, you could even try this at Port Orleans (which is a SUPER resort and has GREAT pools and beautiful views). You wouldn't be on the mono-line here, but you'll have amazing rooms and only a boat ride away from the MK.

Anyway, just some thoughts. Good luck! I'll be staying at the Contemporary and Beach club in only a few days and I'm starting to over-analyze everything too!!

 

[step4now]

I just re-read your original messge...I missed your kid's ages. If they are 2 and 4 and your stressing over $$$, I again totally recommend 2 rooms at an All-star. Again, I think Movies is the best, since my kids are little too, and they LOVE the huge Woody and Buzz, etc. And there are 2 large pools...a nice resort...you even can pool hop to the other all-stars. Bottom line: with little kids, you NEED to take naps, rest, and get to bed early... having two rooms makes life soooo much easier. You, your wife, and Mom can all huddle up in room #2 while the kids sleep next door. This is so much better than sitting quietly in the same room, trying not to wake the kids. Then, when it's grown-up bed-time, your Mom can stay in the other room, while you join your kids. And, as I said, you might even save money using this method. Oh, and did I mention the beauty of more than one shower, sink, etc? ;-)

 

[Tishke]

I can completely relate to what you are saying. Last year was our first ever Disney trip as a family (me, DH and DS5) and we stayed off-site. It was fine, room was clean, pool was nice, we only slept there and were a 10 minute drive from the parks. This year I got a coupon code and we realized that if we factored in the savings from parking we would be getting the same rate at one of the All-Stars (we're doing Sports) as we would offsite. I was so excited and then I came here to these boards for the first time and I saw so many people staying at AKL, or CR or some other large hotel and I started to feel like the vacation I had planned wasn't "Disney enough" for my family. Then I realized it isn't about where we stay that I remember, its what we did while we were there. Staying at a Value resort means I can do sit down character meals and get my fill of Dole Whips without worrying about what I spent when I get home.

If it helps any, as a child (from 6mos-7 years old) we would go to Disney and my grandmother always booked the CR. I remember not a thing about the room. Nothing, couldn't tell you if it had a castle view or not, can't remember riding the monorail at all, but I can remember her waiting patiently as we rode IASW for the tenth time and going to the Crystal Palace for lunch. Your kids won't necessarily remember the room that they stay in, its the memories of what you do in the park that will last a lifetime.

Sorry that was so long
Tish

 

[torismom]

We have stayed at the Poly before and love it but there is no way I would spend 315.00 a night for it. We were able to go there when they closed cbr for refurbishment at a very highly disocunted rate. We are staying at WL in June for the first time and cannot wait.

Personally for me if I was travelling with 3 adults and 2 kids there is no way I would stay in 1 room. The bathroom issue alone would drive me nuts.

I would get 2 connecting rooms at POFQ or POR. These are the two moderates we have stayed at. FQ is my favorite resort out of deluxe, moderates and values.

We have also done connecting rooms at All Star Movies and Pop Century looks great to. Values just really arent my dh's thing. He says they are to busy. Me I 'll take anywhere!!

Good Luck on your decision.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Well, I'll start off by saying that you are in good company. There are many of us that question our choice of resorts for various reasons.

I like the pro's & con's list, because that's what I do myself. Transportation isn't really a big issue at the WL and with a 4 and 2 year old, do you see yourselves spending a majority of the time at the MK? If so, that would probably keep me in that area. Are you planning on spending that much time in your room, that you're concerned about the size? I imagine that at least one of your children will still require an afternoon nap and another consideration should be swimming. We were at Disney the first week of December and even though we're from New England, it was still too cool to go into the pool. A dip in the hot tub might be nice for the adults and the Poly doesn't have one. You might want to consider other recreation options and by staying at the WL, you're easily accessible to Fort Wilderness. They have pony rides, a petting farm, hay rides, campfires and movie night. You mentioned deluxe, but the FW Cabins are actually set up very nice. Mom could use the murphy bed in the living room, while you'd have a separate bedroom with queen bed and bunk bed.

Another consideration might be to split your stay. I know that some people like to settle in and stay put, but if you have the 7 days, you could do a couple at WL and then transfer to the Poly.

Whatever you decide, you're in Disney and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with your family.

Tammi

 

[BeccaGrace]

Thanks everyone!

I think I am going to talk to dh about the WL again...my only drawback about it is the transportation but I think Tishke hit it best about what the kids remember...I used to go to WDW with my mom off-site and with my best friend's family at Deluxes (GF concierge & Poly) and my memories of all the vacations are the same--I don't remember getting to and from the parks. This includes trips when I was a teenager!

I think I am going to hold off on switching now and just change my AP code wish list for my travel agent and see what is available at that point but I am not going to shut out the WL anymore just because it's not on the monorail.

The more I think about it I just totally don't care for the Poly theming and the WL just takes my breath away when I look at it...even if I paid rack at WL it would be nearly $100 savings per night and my only justification is the monorail...hmmm, I feel like I am back to the drawing board...Thanks everyone for your help!

Oh...and we decided against the Epcot resorts (which I love) because DH said they were to much like our families house in the Outer Banks and he wanted something less beachy (yes, I know poly is a beachy place but he okayed it because of the monorail!)...and we decided against the values because we're there during Pop Warner and because we've been planning and saving for a few years and we want to make our first family trip there filled with as much magic as possible...also wanted to be closer to MK since most of our time will be spent there.

Thanks again everyone!!!!

 

[Gymbomom]

My vote would be for the WL, if you feel guilty now, I bet it will be a hard wait till Dec. Maybe book what you want to spend per night at Wilderness Lodge, then if AP rates come out and you want to switch it, you can upgrade to the Poly if it is available. I think you will have a great time regardless of what you choose. Also, remember it is great to keep the hubby happy so he can approve future trips.

 

[maur33]

I can completely relate to what you are saying. Last year was our first ever Disney trip as a family (me, DH and DS5) and we stayed off-site. It was fine, room was clean, pool was nice, we only slept there and were a 10 minute drive from the parks. This year I got a coupon code and we realized that if we factored in the savings from parking we would be getting the same rate at one of the All-Stars (we're doing Sports) as we would offsite. I was so excited and then I came here to these boards for the first time and I saw so many people staying at AKL, or CR or some other large hotel and I started to feel like the vacation I had planned wasn't "Disney enough" for my family. Then I realized it isn't about where we stay that I remember, its what we did while we were there. Staying at a Value resort means I can do sit down character meals and get my fill of Dole Whips without worrying about what I spent when I get home.

If it helps any, as a child (from 6mos-7 years old) we would go to Disney and my grandmother always booked the CR. I remember not a thing about the room. Nothing, couldn't tell you if it had a castle view or not, can't remember riding the monorail at all, but I can remember her waiting patiently as we rode IASW for the tenth time and going to the Crystal Palace for lunch. Your kids won't necessarily remember the room that they stay in, its the memories of what you do in the park that will last a lifetime.

Sorry that was so long
Tish

AHHHHHH, the voice of reason... I love it!!!!!

Seriously this board is fabulous...however tread carefully as you can find yourself getting caught up in the "Disney Magic" and loose sight of your reality. Disney's deluxe hotels are nice..let's face it wouldn't we all like to stay there..I mean who wouldn't?

Personally for me, it is just as important that I have some sense of privacy and personal space and if that means getting two connecting rooms at a lower priced mod or value than for me that is the best option. I prefer to have no more than 2-3 persons in a room...think of this way...rope off an area in your house roughly 400 square feet and have everyone that you expect to stay in the 1 room at the poly sit in that area..I would almost guarantee you that after 1 hour you will be looking sideways at each other and getting on each others nerves (just a little).

Also think ahead as in...your other family member wants to stay up a little later and watch a TV program or take a long hot shower and you are trying to put the little ones to sleep. Planning ahead also includes the potential problems that could arise with so many people in one room and the reality that you cannot get away from each other for even a few minutes because your all in the same room all the time and in the parks at the same time all the time...and before long your vacation turns into a hostage situation and can become a little unpleasant...for me anyway.

Whatever you decide...have fun and enjoy. :thewave:

 

[rriley25]

The Poly is beautiful and we love staying there. Access to the monorail is a big deal to us, especially with children in strollers. It can make the trips to and from the MK seem like a ride in itself!

Then again nothing beats the themeing of WL IMHO. It is the best! They have a great pool, a food court, and 2 sit-down restaurants. A nice boat ride to MK, the geyser, the landscaping. Absolutely the best. Have you considered renting points for the Villas at WL from a DVC member? They have studios, 1 br and 2 br villas that might better suit your needs and you don't have to give up on the WL themeing. Just a thought.

 

[swilshire]

That time of year, you could rent a 2br condo off-site for about $100 a night. The magic means different things to each of us. I would prefer to stay onsite, but can't justify the extra expense to save the parking fees and 10 - 15 minute drive into the parks each day.

To me, it would be worth the inconvenience to give grandma her own bed and put the kids on the sofa bed in the living room. Then you and DH could have a (probably king size) bed all to yourself. Many 2br units have two double beds in the second bedroom, so you might not even need the sofa bed.

With little ones, we find that the kitchen is absolutely necessary. Also, having more than one bathroom for five would save more time than your extra drive would cost.

JMHO, of course.

Sheila

 

[senecabeach]

IMHO........

Step back...take a deep breath.
I love the Poly and have stayed for many years...till DVC!!

Once you've stayed @ a DVC "villa" with at home ammenities...you will never stay in a "hotel room" again..either OKW, SSR, BWV, WL, BC..

No you wont have the monorail..but you can ride it anytime...right??

I would first look at the rent/trade board here on the DIS !!
You can rent points (very cheaply..compare it with the Disney web site) for your stay and have plenty of room and still live in "style"!!

Its the best kept secret...Shuuuuush..

 

[SeaSpray]

The more I think about it I just totally don't care for the Poly theming and the WL just takes my breath away when I look at it...even if I paid rack at WL it would be nearly $100 savings per night and my only justification is the monorail...hmmm, I feel like I am back to the drawing board...Thanks everyone for your help!

Ok, I think that sentence in bold says it all!! If you don't care for the theming of the Polynesian resort AND you love the theming of the Wilderness Lodge AND since you are concerned about the price difference, I think you just found the answer to which resort you should stay at.

However, since your DH likes the Polynesian theming, how about splitting between the 2 resorts? That's what we're doing, and I can't wait to stay at each of them, even though they're so different.

 

[helenk]

I would not stay at the WL with your size party unless you go with a deluxe room, or if your budget will allow 2 rooms.
My son (18 at the time) and I stayed at the WL in December of 2002 and we loved it. I had wanted to stay at the AKL, but my son wanted the WL and once I saw the pictures of the resort decorated for Christmas I was sold. I know some people complain abut the transportation at the WL but we had no problems.
But the rooms are smaller than the Poly, with 3 adults and 2 children I think you will feel cramped at the WL in a regular room. Plus with the Poly you get two queen beds and a day bed, which will give you more choices for your sleeping arrangements.
I like the ambiance of the Poly, it has such a laid back, peaceful feeling. My husband and I are staying at the Poly this Dec for that reason.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Lewisc]

I'd go with 2 rooms in a moderate or value before I'd put 3 adults and 2 kids on one hotel room.

Since you don't seem to have a problem I'd do a split stay. Stay 2 or 3 nights at the POLY. For the rest of your trip either try to get a promotional rate at S/D or stay in the AKL.

 

[simpilotswife]

Go with WL. Not only is it a magnificent resort ordinarily, it is one of the most beautiful resorts at WDW during Christmas. We WL.

 

[senecabeach]

I forgot to give you an example of staying @ a DVC from my page 1 posting.........


Im going in Sept, solo. Now...you already know what the rack rate prices are @ the Poly and WL. Remember...for a "hotel room"!!

I booked via the rent/trade board....
a Boardwalk studio, Fri-Tues...for $170. per night!!

IMHO..this is a no brainer for lr,kitchenette (microwave,coffee pot, frig,sink), eating area, balcony..walking or boat to EPCOT&MGM...

Good luck in whatever you decide!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The deluxe room at WL costs more than the garden view room at Poly. A regular room at WL only sleeps 4.