BWI or Poly

[Tikitoi]

Hoping to plan an all girl getaway for me, ds and dd10 but cant decide which resort to stay at. My sister has NEVER been to WDW so I really want to impress her. We probably wont be going until 2/08. I know a lot of time but get excited thinking about it all. Any input?

 

[paladin]

What are your plans as far as parks go? If spending most of your time at MK, then Poly would be the best (you can take the monorail or boat over). If, however, Epcot and/or MGM are your most visited parks, then BWI would be the place to be as you can walk or boat to both. BWI is my favorite resort as I just love the location, but Poly is also very popular.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Wow, hard choice. I guess it really depends on what kind of atmosphere you are looking for. BWI and the Poly are probably as far apart as you can get in theming It really depends on what you are looking for. The Poly has the relaxing, tropical feel. BWI is almost like being in a busy and exciting little town. Both are great for getting to parks (Poly is right across from the MK, BWI is walking distance to both Epcot and MGM), and both have beautiful rooms and premises.

I guess you'd just have to try and pick wich one would best fit your sister's personality.

 

[LukenDC]

For a first trip to WDW, I would choose the Poly which I consider to be classic Disney. The grounds are gorgeous and it is truly magical to sit on the beach and look across the lagoon at the castle. During my stay at the Poly, I would spend at least an hour a night gazing at the twinkling lights in the lagoon and watching the monorails circle. Not only is the Poly on the Magic Kingdom monorail line, it is also a short walk from the TTC where you can catch the Epcot monorail.


I'll be staying at BWI for the first time in September and while I am looking forward to it, I'm sure that I'll be a bit nostalgic for the Poly.

 

[mmmears]

If you plan to spend your evenings walking "around the world" or plan to have most dinners at World Showcase, the I would definitely choose BWI. It is so nice to take that stroll or the boat trip -- and so much less crowded than taking the monorail over to the main entrance. This pretty much works for MGM, too.

If you plan to spend lots of time (MK/dining on the monorail) in the evenings around Bay Lake, I would pick the Poly. That way, you'll be closer to your resort at the end of the day, and it would be more convenient if you want to swim or rest in the afternoon.

Alternately, ask her what theme she thinks is more appealing. You really cant go wrong with either choice, I think!

 

[Tikitoi]

WOW! Lots to think about and many very good ideas! I am more of a WS at Epcot fan. Certainly dont dislike MK, though! But, I do like that "relaxing tropical feel as well as the townlike atmosphere". .Maybe I will consider splitting between the two . Or maybe, we will just draw names . Thank you for the suggestions!

 

[hiwaygal]

Something else to consider...

What will you do after the parks close? In February, they will most likely close fairly early and you may want some "evening entertainment."

You can always take a bus to DTD from either resort, but the BWI has evening entertainment without a bus ride. Magicians, jugglers, etc. on the boardwalk in the evening, "carnival" style game booths, the surrey bikes, Jellyrolls (maybe not for your dd).

Add to that the restaurants on the boardwalk: Spoodles, Flying Fish, Big River Brewing Company. There is also the Boardwalk Bakery and the Sea Shore Sweets. You can walk over to the Swan/Dolphin or the Yacht or Beach club for even more dining options.

I guess maybe my opinion isn't all that unbiased!

 

[TexasErin]

I vote for the Poly- I plan on sticking to MK resorts from now on (except maybe AKL since I just dearly love the atmosphere).
We just stayed at the BWV (rented points) and although we liked it, we didn't just fall in love with it. I thought it would be so nice to walk to Epcot in the mornings......however we are park commandos and wanted to be one of the first on Soarin'. But the fact that you can only walk as far as the World Showcase really slows you down. The people who came from the front of Future World got there a lot quicker than we did and having to wait at Soarin' first thing kind of threw off our plans.........however wouldn't matter if you're not a theme park commando who wants to hurry to the biggest rides and get those out of the way first.