Beach Club vs Poly - I'm sure it's been debated to death...

[Calgary DISHeads]

but can you please do it again for me? For Christmas time? First time in either place for our family? Dec 16th through 28th with a 10 DD and 13 DS and DH who doesn't care as long as they serve beer

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I would go with the Beach Club. I love the distance to Epcot and MGM, which we visit more than the Magic Kingdom on our trips. The Poly has my favorite resort restaurants, though. Maybe visit the Poly for an afternoon to try Ohana's or Kona Cafe? Also, if it's cold or rainy, it's nicer at the Beach Club because of the indoor corridors. We stayed at the Poly a couple years back during January and it was an usually cold spell and the unexpected rain was a bit of a bummer since our building was way out from the main building.

but can you please do it again for me? For Christmas time? First time in either place for our family? Dec 16th through 28th with a 10 DD and 13 DS and DH who doesn't care as long as they serve beer

 

[BCV23]

Both are lovely resorts but I would pick the Polynesian for the extra space in the rooms and especially the bed arrangement given your family makeup.

All rooms at the Polynesian have two queens plus a twin size daybed which is very comfortable.

BC rooms have either two queens or two doubles. Some rooms have a daybed which is not as long, wide or comfortable as those at the Polynesian.

 

[TJA]

Oh boy, my 2 favorite resorts, but for totally different reasons. When we stay at BC (my ultimate fav....), we enjoy having so much to do within walking distance, such as the entertainment on the boardwalk (beer and sports at ESPN for your DH!), lots of baked goods and restaurants all around. You can rent surrey bikes and enjoy the gorgeous ride around the lake which loops around in a circle passing by BC, YC, Boardwalk and you can watch Illuminations during your ride -- it's fabulous. You can walk right into Epcot countries from BC in 5 minutes and enjoy wonderful meals in the various countries each night if you want. You can also walk or boat to MGM from BC. Lots to do and see. Great pool, not sure about swimming during December though.

When we choose to stay at Poly, it's for the proximity to MK and ease of the monorail, the theme, rooms, and restaurants. The TTC is right there to have direct monorail access to both MK and Epcot. Poly also has great restaurants inside being Kona and Ohana, also the fast-food restaurant is newly renovated and we enjoy the food for something quick. The pool is very nicely themed. The rooms are newly renovated and large, very nice rooms. You can watch Wishes and the water parade from the Poly beach each night.

Two great resorts that offer two different types of vacations. Good luck!

 

[tickledtink33]

This is tough because it is all about personal preference. I love the Beach Club because it is only a short walk to Epcot and a boat ride to MGM. It also has the Stormalong Bay pool complex which is just amazing. I love the Poly because of the atmosphere, the extra large rooms and the short monorail ride to the magic kingdom. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the Magic Kingdom, you will really enjoy the Polynesian's close proximity. If you will be spending most of your time at Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom then the Beach Club is much closer to those parks.

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

Okay... so now I'm totally pumped - new thought - as we are there for 12 days we could do both! Now the question is we are there the week before Christmas then the week of Christmas - which one for Christmas week? Thanks to all of your for the great advice.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

You might want to check and see which ones have rooms available for that time. It's a very busy time and that actaully make you decision for you.
If you have already checked and they both have rooms available for the whole time then for me I think it would be a toss up depending what parks I was going to and when and how it would all fit into my plans.
How great that you get to spend all that time there!!!

 

[TJA]

Okay... so now I'm totally pumped - new thought - as we are there for 12 days we could do both! Now the question is we are there the week before Christmas then the week of Christmas - which one for Christmas week? Thanks to all of your for the great advice.

If both resorts are available at your time frame, then I'd choose which resort you slightly favor and stay at that one last (save the best for last.....). Or, if you think both resorts sound equal, then as above poster stated I'd base the resorts upon your plans. Or make plans around your resorts..... For example, make some dining reservations for the Epcot countries for when you're staying at BC. Nothing beats being able to walk to dinner, watch Illuminations, then walk back "home." Another example is if you are attending the Cmas party at MK, then plan that during your stay at Poly so you can have close proximity to MK and the ease of monorail back and forth.

 

[bellelinus]

I've never stayed at the Poly during Christmas season, but we have had two Christmas visits staying at BC and love the decoration and theming there for that time of the year. There are so many holiday activities at Epcot and it is easy to pop out of there for a few hours and go swim in Stormalong Bay.

I do agree that if you do a split stay, try to figure out which resort you would possibly enjoy better and do it second . . . I often plan longer vacations with a split between an MK resort and an Epcot resort and do MK/AK at the MK resort and Epcot/MGM while at the Epcot resort. This March we will do a split between the Poly and BWI and do it that way.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I'd say go with Poly during the Christmas week and then BWI second. The reasons are:

The decorations at the GF during Christmas are the best! It is so fun to stay at the Poly and go see the gingerbread house next door and go to the Christmas party at the MK, which is nearby also. I just think the electric parade and the fireworks at night in the Christmas theme are also very festive.

Then, after Christmas, you'll be at the BC which will be close to MGM for the New Year's Fireworks and all the fun at Epcot. There will still be the decorations to look around at until after the first week of January or so.

Sounds like a fantastic trip!

 

[2tink4u]

I have switched resorts with kids and it was no picnic. I really disliked packing up and unpacking when I could have been doing other enjoyable things. For me a absolute no no, would never do again. Some people don't mind. I didn't think I would. I was wrong. Good luck!!!! You will still have a great time.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

but can you please do it again for me? For Christmas time? First time in either place for our family? Dec 16th through 28th with a 10 DD and 13 DS and DH who doesn't care as long as they serve beer

I'm sure this question has been asked a lot but thanks for asking it again. We're thinking of staying at the BC next time so I love reading everyone's opinions. We've only stayed at the Poly and we love it. Not sure whats it like around Christmas time though. Hope the replies keep coming.

 

[Samsma]

I would choose according to which nights you'll do MVMCP and the CP if you are doing them. Twelve days! You are so lucky! Don't forget to visit all the resorts to check out the decorations. You should have plenty of time to do everything you want.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We just did a split at the YC and Poly and we prefer the YC...it was so quiet and private...more adult but the BC was a happening area for kids and families. There are a lot of pools at the YC/BC so there is room for everyone. We enjoyed a few drinks by the big pool and the restaurants were fantastic. We are huge Epcot fans so the location is perfect for us.

The second leg of our vacation took us to Poly, DH has always wanted to stay there. We found the rooms to be much smaller, we missed the private toilet area, the double sinks and mirrors, we did not like just the 2 pools, way to crowded for us. We did like the monorail service and LOVE KONA!

If we go for a week again we will stay at YC but for a quick weekend trip I would go to POLY.

Since you are going in Dec you can check out 2 resorts for decorations no matter what you decide on...YC/BC have great holiday decor and POLY/GF are also gorgeous!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with the Polynesian because I think the Resort has so much more atmosphere then the Beach Club.

 

[NancyIL]

I always stay at the Swan or Dolphin because I love the location of the Epcot Resorts. Especially at holiday time, I spend more of my time at Epcot and MGM than at the MK. Besides, the Poly has never been the least bit appealing to me!

 

[DVC Mike]

Everyone will have their own opinion, based upon their own personal preferences.

Me? I choose Beach Club over Poly.

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

You are so helpful - thank you so much. Unfortunately I was limited in what we could do as we had to be in one hotel for 19th to the 28th so as not to be subjected to the massive Christmas rates - so we chose the Poly from the 15th to the 19th, then moving to the BC on the 19th through the 28th. Kids are older this time and we will be able to go out and wander through Epcot and the Boardwalk and maybe have some "adult time" this go round. Generally we spend 99% of our time in the parks so have chosen the hotels with less amenities but this time are planning for relax time at the resorts so decided on this route. Does anyone have suggestions as to what buildings etc we should request?

 

[Grant Dogg]

I am in the same situation as you....well almost.


I love the Beach Club, especially walking back from Epcot and MGM. Booked the Poly for next trip, basically to try something new. Daily I think about calling and changing to the BC.

Let us know your experiances and recommendations......It would help a troubled disser alot.

Thanks
Jason