BLT or Poly?

[disney0210]

Hi everyone,

We have an existing studio ressie at the BLT from 7/12 to 7/16 but so tempted to check out the Poly. It would be me, DH, DD13 and DS1. What do you think might appeal to kids more? Switching to the Poly would just mean an extra 8 points.

TIA for any input.

 

[canadiandisneynut]

Have you stayed BLT before?

 

[disney0210]

Have you stayed BLT before?

Have not stayed at either. The ability to walk to MK sounds appealing, but if it's just a monorail ride away from the Poly, that's okay too... I guess just wondering which one has a more "Disney feel" to it...

 

[canadiandisneynut]

We absolutely loved the pool at BLT. The rooms were incredible. But walking to MK tops it all! I would imagine Poly would be more themed though we haven't stayed there to say.

 

[luckyman_apd]

I've never understood the Poly love. I'm sure as a resort it's nicer the CR or BLT....as those are more of hotel buildings then resorts.....but there are other DVC resorts that I think I have a love of more than Poly. Personally as a BLT owner, I would go with BLT, but that's just me. I like the TOWL, I like the lake views, and there is just something about the CR/BLT that I enjoy that "contemporary/Modern" feel. I'm a Caribbean lover.....the pacific doesn't cut if for me

Seriously though, I'm sure fireworks from a more direct view at the Poly would be better than the side/angle view from TOWL, but in the end, I would stick with BLT. I like the high rise hotel feel.

 

[drusba]

Someone has reported that Poly studios are already booked through July but I have not checked myself, but obviously that could be an issue. I personally would not attempt Poly in the near future because it is still a construction mess with work not just on the villas but the main and other buildings and possibly the pool. I do not know when the construction will be done. On other hand, the Poly studio is huge in comparison to BLT, where I consider the studio to be too small (and the BLT studio is smaller than those at any other DVC resort except for the AKV value studios). Also, I do not consider being able to walk to MK from BLT to be that much of an advantage over just taking the monorail from Poly. Moreover, you can walk to the TTC from Poly and catch the Epcot monorail. As far as theming I have always liked the Poly, consider BLT to be fine, but the Comntemporary to be horrid.

 

[csmommy]

The size of the studio at the Poly is much bigger than at BLT - so we switched!

339 vs 465

 

[luckyman_apd]

The size of the studio at the Poly is much bigger than at BLT - so we switched!

339 vs 465

That is definitely one reason to switch.....but we've always been ok with the smaller size. We've been everywhere except VWL and AKV (or GFV) but will be AKV our next trip. The size of the studio's at BLT are definitely smaller, but never been a problem for us. Now, We did get this one room at BCV last month that had a HUGE hallway to get to the room. How come I didn't get that room last summer when our big stroller made it a dance to get out the door!

 

[RipperSB]

Have not stayed at either. The ability to walk to MK sounds appealing, but if it's just a monorail ride away from the Poly, that's okay too... I guess just wondering which one has a more "Disney feel" to it...

BLT's contemporary take (see what I did there? ) on the the Disney icons is somewhat off-putting to some as it does not contribute to a Disney "feel" but I like what they've doe with the wall art, hidden Mickey's, etc. The Poly may just be a monorail ride away but you have to get to the monorail first. We just returned from a visit and one night at the MK, after Wishes, there was a HUGE mob - all trying to get on the monorail. Nice to just walk right past them all.

 

[kdzgon]

Have not stayed at either. The ability to walk to MK sounds appealing, but if it's just a monorail ride away from the Poly, that's okay too... I guess just wondering which one has a more "Disney feel" to it...

IMHO, Poly, hands down. But theme is only part of the equation. BLT is definitely smaller, but much better designed organization-wise. The 5th bed (if needed) is different. Walking is a nice option if closing the parks, but IMO the fireworks view is better from the beach at the Poly vs TOTL at BLT. Both have multiple dining and shopping options (BLT being at the Contemporary) but PVB has no Community Hall.

So, just how important is that "Disney feel", and what creates that feel? Also, how do you visit - lots of park time, or so you spend more time in your room? How old are your kids - is walking a big issue?

I think you will have a fine time at either location. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[disney0210]

IMHO, Poly, hands down. But theme is only part of the equation. BLT is definitely smaller, but much better designed organization-wise. The 5th bed (if needed) is different. Walking is a nice option if closing the parks, but IMO the fireworks view is better from the beach at the Poly vs TOTL at BLT. Both have multiple dining and shopping options (BLT being at the Contemporary) but PVB has no Community Hall.

So, just how important is that "Disney feel", and what creates that feel? Also, how do you visit - lots of park time, or so you spend more time in your room? How old are your kids - is walking a big issue?

I think you will have a fine time at either location. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Disney feel is always important, but you pose a good question - what creates that feel? It certainly isn't just one thing that creates it, but many things combined, if that makes sense. Walking is not a big issue, kids are 13 and 1 (I know, I ask myself why too, hahaha), so we'll have 1 stroller. We're not park heavy this trip. Out of a total 10 days in Orlando, we're only doing 5 days of parks. Since being DVC members, we have left the days of 7-night trips with 8-day parks. So in either resort, there will be days at a park and days just relaxing at the resort. It would be nice to feel we're not just at a hotel room when we're at the resort, but I haven't stayed at BLT to say that's how it is there.

As I type this though, I feel Poly appealing to me more and more

 

[kdzgon]

Disney feel is always important, but you pose a good question - what creates that feel? It certainly isn't just one thing that creates it, but many things combined, if that makes sense. Walking is not a big issue, kids are 13 and 1 (I know, I ask myself why too, hahaha), so we'll have 1 stroller. We're not park heavy this trip. Out of a total 10 days in Orlando, we're only doing 5 days of parks. Since being DVC members, we have left the days of 7-night trips with 8-day parks. So in either resort, there will be days at a park and days just relaxing at the resort. It would be nice to feel we're not just at a hotel room when we're at the resort, but I haven't stayed at BLT to say that's how it is there.

As I type this though, I feel Poly appealing to me more and more

We like trying something new, so we switched our July trip to the Poly, extra points be darned. (I didn't book for opening day though - didn't want to pay the high points twice so soon lol, and DD really wants to stay at PVB) It's become a tradition for us, at least at WDW, though this will be the longest we will wait. We have stayed at the treehouses, AKV, BLT and VGF within the first 5-6 weeks of opening.

BTW, one more difference - I think BLT is much more subdued, while the Poly is much more lively and loud (common areas) if that matters at all.

 

[dwight16]

Sticking with BLT for my end of August stay thought long and hard love eating at Ohana and we will one night it's just a stop stay. Walking to the MK was the kicker for us having that ability is priceless to me. That's just us though.

 

[Chip n Dale's Dad]

We have stayed at the Poly (cash) and BLT (DVC). We love both resorts. They each have a lot of positives. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference and what is more important to you on this particular trip.

The Poly has wonderful South Seas theme and a more straight on, but farther away view of Wishes. We love walking around the grounds, very tropical! Our kids loved the old volcano pool. We also enjoyed the dining option along with the overall atmosphere. While the monorail is nice, it does get crowded at the end of the night coming back from MK. The walk to the GF is nice and provides some more dining options.

BLT is living next to the MK. You get to use all the Contemporaries amenities, as well as BLT's. My lovely bride loves the walk from MK and the views at BLT. The lake and theme park views are amazing! She especially loves the theme park view! You are closer to Wishes and while your view is from an angle, its like being in the MK. The dining is wonderful and the grounds are great for walks. You can choose from three pools. Another great thing about BLT/CR is the quick boat ride ride to WL and Ft Wilderness. Our family loves visiting these two resorts. We often go to FW for Chip and Dale's Camp Fire program. We love to go exploring and hang out at FW/WL. Plus, both offer additional dining experiences.

My big question would be: How much construction will be going on at the Poly while you are there? We visited the Poly during our September trip and there was quite a lot. It really was annoying and an eyesore. I wouldn't have paid to stay there. If there is still a lot of construction going on you might want to consider BLT, and stay at the Poly another trip, just for enjoyment purposes.

My opinion is that you really can't go wrong with either resort. (Depending on how construction is going to affect your vacation.) Good luck with your decision!

BTW, What BLT view do you have booked?

 

[disney0210]

BTW, What BLT view do you have booked?

We booked Lake view.

 

[Chip n Dale's Dad]

Most of the lake views are amazing. Some even have a bonus view of the MK. If you stay at BLT, I'd request a high floor. The higher floors offer great panoramic views. Again, good luck deciding!

 

[emilymad]

We are booked at BLT which we love but considered moving to the Poly. Our trip is in September and I think there will still be a lot of construction. They will be well into the quiet pool construction which is right where the DVC villas will be. I didn't want to risk dealing with that for this trip. If you follow Tikiman on FB someone posted a picture of a cement truck driving by their balcony. Not my idea of vacation.

 

[DenLo]

Since the OP has never stayed at BLT, I would continue to stay there. However, they will have more space in the PVB studio than at the one at BLT. And having the split bathroom might make it easier to get ready in the mornings. You lose the ability to walk to BLT, so if the monorail is down at PVB you have to ride the ferry. But since the DVC portion of the Poly is located next to the TTC, you have the option of taking the Poly's small ferry or the large ferries at the TTC. In fact I was wondering if it will be quicker to get to the monorail from PVB at the TTC versus the one on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House at the Poly.

 

[disney0210]

Hi everyone! OP here. We have decided to switch - cancelled on dvcmember.com today and booked Poly 7/12 - 7/16. The entire month of July was showing available... I did see construction pics and hoping a lot has been finished by opening day, but we can live with ongoing construction.

Does anyone know what might be a good section to request? Will all studios have that pull out bed where the dresser usually is?