Can you please help me select a resort?

[SleepingUgly]

My family and I are returning to WDW in late August. The last time we went was in May 2005, at which time we stayed at AKL in a bunk-bed room with standard view. We loved the resort and the room, but did not care for the location of the resort. This time, we would like to stay much closer to the MK.

Here are the price quotes I've received (via Disney online). Any thoughts would be appreciated:

Standard Rooms
• Grand Floridian (Garden View) - $3465
• Grand Floridian (MK View) - $4321
• Polynesian (Garden View) - $3060
• Polynesian (MK View) - $4231
• Contemporary (MK View) - $3691


Concierge / Club Rooms
• Grand Floridian (Main Building; view not guaranteed) - $5985
• Grand Floridian (Outer Lodge; view not guaranteed) -- $4545
• Polynesian (Club Level; Garden View) - $4320
• Polynesian (Club Level; Lagoon View) -- $5311
• Contemporary (Atrium Level; view not guaranteed) -- $4636

And to throw a kink into our plans, AKL actually offers an extremely good rate for its club-level rooms - $3016. The kids would get their bunk beds again, which they loved, and we would be able to see animals right from our room, which I know they would love. But the transporation -- oh, the transporation.

So what would you do? I would not go so far as to say that price is not an object, but we are ready to splurge this time. However, it has to also be "worth it," kwim? I know these hotel rates are ridiculous compared to places like the Four Seasons and the Ritz, but hey -- it's Disney. Also, since we'll be going in late August, we'll most likely be returning to the room to rest in the afternoons, and with two young children (ages 6 and 9), would love the convenience of being on the monorail. However, I'm not sure if Concierge is worth it, or if we should just book a standard room with MK view and leave it at that.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Linda

 

[bsbrady]

If you are going to pick any of those I would go with the Poly.
I didnt see the Wilderness Lodge on your list. That is a great hotel. If you liked the AKL you will like the WL. It is also close to the magic kingdom. Its just a quick boat ride away. The good thing is, you can catch a boat to MK or to the Contemporary and get the monorail to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail.

Also, the WL is considered a Deluxe, but it is also alot cheaper than the 3 monorail resorts.

Another option are the Yacht & Beach club, they are deluxe and are in a great location, you can actually walk to Epcot & the Studios from there.

 

[karibritt01]

WL came to mind for me as well. They offer bunk bed rooms as well. The look of the 2 resorts are similar to me in as far as the rough wood and dark colors, but the similarities stop there! Although, if money isn't an issue... I would stay in Poly MK view. I would love seeing the castle every AM waking up, and PM going to bed!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you go with the Contemporary, those rooms were recently remodeled and updated. Plus you can walk to the MK or take the monorail to Epcot. You'll need to take the bus to AK or DHS, but it's not really that bad. We stayed in the Contemporary South Wing while they were doing the remodeling and really enjoyed it. The rooms were huge compared to the AKL rooms.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Another vote for poly mk view

 

[bsbrady]

I guess its really personal preference, but if you are willing to spend the money, staying on the monorail loop is worth the extra $$ for convenience.

FYI, if u stay at the Poly, u can take the monorail to MK and u can walk to the TTC and get the monorail to Epcot.

 

[koho]

I would go for the Contempory. It has the easy access to MK (either via monirail or walk).

Or anyother opion like someone said is BC or YC. They are close to Epcot and the Disney Studio. Plus there is the pool which is awsome and not mention there is are alot of dining opions.

 

[alldiz]

I would do the poly....with a m.k view if you want to splurge.
Kerri

 

[SleepingUgly]

Thanks for the responses so far, everyone. My brother and his family stayed at the WL a while back and they highly recommend, but the "woodsy" feel is just not for me. I am sure it is a lovely, lovely resort, and the kids would love the bunk beds, but I am not sure about the theme.

As for Contemporary, I've checked out the CR pictures-only link and honestly, the rooms look quite dark and not very well lit. Is this true?

Which resort would offer the best views of fireworks at MK from one's room? Also, we are leaning towards the Poly at this moment, but just wondering if it's worth it to splurge for a club-level room, lagoon view?

Thanks!
Linda

 

[TJA]

I'd go with Poly MK view. The rooms at Poly are my favorite rooms in Disney. I love the renovations, flat-screen TV, and the size of the rooms. I also love the restaurants -- Kona, Ohana dinner, and even the fast-food restaurant.

If the MK view is not a necessity for you, I can say that we had an awesome standard view at Poly. We were in Samoa 3rd floor facing volcano pool. Here was our view:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s79/tjaphotos/100_0098.jpg

Having said all that, we've stayed in CR tower MK view and I do have to say it was an incredible view of Wishes each night. You can see the entire Castle from bottom to top, so you don't miss a thing. Still, if I had my choice between Poly and CR, I'd probably go with Poly because we like the overall feel of Poly better than CR. Though CR feels very magical to us being right next to MK, we like the relaxed feeling of Poly.

We have never stayed at GF, so I cannot comment on that one.

You did comment that you desire a monorail resort, but let me also just agree with some others above and say that the Epcot resort area is fabulous as well. BC is our favorite resort in Disney. The pool is awesome for kids as well as adults. And it's hard to beat being right next to Epcot and the boardwalk, and also within walking/boating distance of the Studios. Check out that area if you haven't already.

Good luck!

 

[vbarry]

You have a difficult decision to make. I am trying to make the same decision but have chosen the GF but whether or not to do the concierge.

I have to tell you that we really enjoyed the Poly and we had a GV room. We requested Samoa- third floor facing the pool and this was a very nice view of the pool, GF etc.

If I went with a GV at the Poly- this is a great location to request.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I would go with the Poly MK view. I think the kids would love it and you would be able to see the fireworks from there and out of the crowds. The pool is fabulous because it is 0 entry and you will be able to see them from your lounge chair. My 7 and 10 year old also loved the slide.

My three just loved being a hop away from the MK. It was quick.

The dining plan was great for us because we loved to do the character meals. We broke from the park and monorailed it to Chef Mickey's.

The resort is soooo relaxing after a day of play. As parents you will appreciate that.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

 

[Hopefully]

I would definitely choose the Poly Standard Room, MK View.
I stayed at the Poly last year with my DS and my Grandkids. It was wonderful. The renovated rooms are beautiful and spacious, some of the largest on property. We did not have a MK view, but we could see Wishes at night from our balconey each night anyway.
The convenience of the Monorail is not to be underestimated. With children your ages (6 and 9) you can easily plan an afternoon break to rest and swim in August, and then - refreshed - head out to evening ADR's and a park, if you choose.
I personally would not pay extra for Concierge. We chose to use wegoshop.com to deliver grocery and snacks to our standard room. We ordered breakfast "stuff". juices, milk, coffee, water, soda, beer, wine, crackers and cheese, and snacks.
Breakfast in the Poly room was a breeze. The new "pull out table" from the desk allowed the 2 kids to sit and eat breakfast comfortably before getting ready in the morning.
HTH

 

[lmhall2000]

I can solve your dilemma! I would price Contemporary (wing room)...you'll get a much better rate, and if you're going last two weeks of August you have a higher chance of getting upgraded to a tower room gratis! Not that it's a guarantee but it would be more likely for that to happen...while we LOVE the Poly, the convenience of being able to WALK back to our room was GREAT!! It's a nice short walk and we liked just walking and not having to wait on a monorail just to make it to our hotel....and if you don't get the "free" upgrade, you could always ask when you check in if there's a possibility you could upgrade then...after seeing your room is actually in the Wings...you might even get a good at the desk offer to upgrade, the last 2 weeks in August are hard to fill rooms and I would play that to your advantage...it's a risk but I think you'd have a greater opportunity of saving money and getting the room you want!

Enjoy!!!
Tara

 

[SleepingUgly]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your prompt and informative replies! I really, really appreciate them.

From what I gather, the main draw of concierge rooms (at any resort) is the food offerings throughout the day, correct? Rooms are not much different from standard rooms? Since we will be driving to wDW and thus will have a car available, we can always stop at a Winn-Dixie or Publix and get our own food, correct? And that pretty much takes care of the main appeal of concierge?

Also, I am kind of anal so I make all ressies and plans on my own, so don't really need the concierges' help. Other than that, nothing else distinguishes concierge from standard, right? The rooms are not any different / bigger / plusher?

Thanks again, everyone!

Linda

 

[sherry8253]

If you are spending much of your time in the MK, (I know it is not on your list)I would go with WL concierge. You are a short boat ride way from the MK and have concierge. We stayed there for our honeymoon in Jan and loved it. The concierge staff are super nice and the offerings are great.

 

[Mom2twinboys]

I'd go with Poly MK view. The rooms at Poly are my favorite rooms in Disney. I love the renovations, flat-screen TV, and the size of the rooms. I also love the restaurants -- Kona, Ohana dinner, and even the fast-food restaurant.

If the MK view is not a necessity for you, I can say that we had an awesome standard view at Poly. We were in Samoa 3rd floor facing volcano pool. Here was our view:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s79/tjaphotos/100_0098.jpg

Having said all that, we've stayed in CR tower MK view and I do have to say it was an incredible view of Wishes each night. You can see the entire Castle from bottom to top, so you don't miss a thing. Still, if I had my choice between Poly and CR, I'd probably go with Poly because we like the overall feel of Poly better than CR. Though CR feels very magical to us being right next to MK, we like the relaxed feeling of Poly.

We have never stayed at GF, so I cannot comment on that one.

You did comment that you desire a monorail resort, but let me also just agree with some others above and say that the Epcot resort area is fabulous as well. BC is our favorite resort in Disney. The pool is awesome for kids as well as adults. And it's hard to beat being right next to Epcot and the boardwalk, and also within walking/boating distance of the Studios. Check out that area if you haven't already.

Good luck!

I just put in a room request for this but on the 1st floor because the UG said the first floor but your view was awesome!! Does the third floor have a balcony? Thanks

 

[Mom2twinboys]

You have a difficult decision to make. I am trying to make the same decision but have chosen the GF but whether or not to do the concierge.

I have to tell you that we really enjoyed the Poly and we had a GV room. We requested Samoa- third floor facing the pool and this was a very nice view of the pool, GF etc.

If I went with a GV at the Poly- this is a great location to request.

I love these board you are answering my questions before I ask them!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I had the same decesion. I was stuck between the CR MK view and Poly GV CL. CR won due to the ability to walk to MK, the lack of hot tubs at the Poly and it was not housed in one building like the CR. I also think my son (3) will get a kick out of the monorail going through the building. I dont think you can make a bad choice of those three though.