contemorary or poly?

[LImom222]

right now we are booked for 5nts at port orleans riverside, stayed there last year, this will be our last trip to wdw for a while, therefore I'm willing to shell out more $$$$ for a nicer resort, have 3 kids, ages 6, 8 and 11, which hotel is better as far as theming for kids, transportation, and views, I'm open to all suggestions.

 

[AJKMOM]

Kids your age, I would go Poly. The pool is much nicer, the grounds are more "over the top" themed, that kids would see. Just my thought.

 

[PoohsFan1]

IMO, I would say the Poly. As one poster said, it has a great pool for the kids, the theming is awesome, and you are in walking distance to TTC so you can catch a monorail to Epcot. This is my fav delux resort, I just love the white sandy beach and the beautiful grounds...it really feels like going to Hawaii. On the other hand, my DH would tell you in an instant CR (Tower) because it is still on the monorail plus you can walk over to MK if you choose. There is great restaurants and wonderful shops too. This is his fav delux hotel. I know my answer is a split one, but I guess what I am trying to say is that both resorts are great, they are both right by MK and are on the Monorail line. I think your kids would enjoy either one. Have fun.

 

[Tam1067]

Poly--for a few reasons.

The pool is better with zero depth entry and a cool slide.
Transportation is easier. You can walk directly to the TTC for the Epcot monorail instead of having to take the resort line and then switch at the TTC.
Theming is really fun for kids. Mine loved the Hawaiian music playing underwater and throughout the grounds. The decor is retro cool.
Standard views are nicer at the Poly.
Major construction is happening at Contemporary.

 

[beattyfamily]

Contemporary is by far my and my children's favorite resort.

The views, the monorail going right through it, the walkway to MK etc....

We LOVE it.

 

[dolly-dawne]

chose the Poly. As was said... major construction over at the contempory. The north wing is completely gone as is the playground and tennis courts. My sister recently stayed there and her rate was the same (as the GARDEN room Poly) for a standard room at CR. I am not sure if this is beacuse space is more limited and they are charging more for rooms to make up the difference or what. They still enjoyed the CR. but were a little dissapointed at the renovations disrupting there stay.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I just want to clarify that the construction is not as major at the Contemporary as everyone on this thread is making it out to be. The major construction is happening on the outside where the North Garden Wing use to be and it does not effect any guests staying in the Tower and South Garden Wing. Plus it's covered by a huge fence so no one is forced to see what's going on there, unless they wanted to while riding the Monorail or by looking from the windows of the 4th floor.

In a few weeks at the lobby is going to be renovated and the Food & Fun Center will be closed at the end of July, so a temporary counter service location is to open up on the 4th floor by the Outer Rim Lounge. However I would assume the entrance to the Food & Fun Center will be blocked off to all guests and the lobby renovation seems like no big deal because how long do we spend there, expect for check-in. Next year in April the Concourse Steakhouse is set to close and the Food & Fun Center will be moving in there as the new counter service location, so the Concourse Steakhouse will be moving to where the Food & Fun Center is and will be changing their name to the Waive. So once the Concourse Steakhouse closes, then there will be some renovation happening on the 4th floor. Anyway here is the schedule of renovations for you to see.

August 2007 - Newly renovated Fantasia Shop will re-open.

June 11, 2007 through November 2007 - The Lobby will undergo partitioned refurbishments to update the area's image and decor.

July 2007 through October 2007 - The resort's grounds will undergo partitioned refurbishments to install new landscaping and re-route existing guests paths.

July 30, 2007 through April 2008 - The Food & Fun Center will be closed for major renovations. The location will re-open as a new table service option, "The Wave". During this time a temporary counter service location will be operating on the Grand Concourse level near the Outer Rim Lounge.

April 2008 through August 14, 2008 -The Concourse Steak house will be closed for major renovations. The location will re-open as the new Counter Service location for the resort. During this time a temporary counter service location will be operating on the Grand Concourse level near the Outer Rim Lounge.

 

[sunee]

Poly, Poly, Poly. I'd stay offsite before I'd stay at the Contemporary again. Even being in their stainless steel elevator makes me want to hurl. But, that's me.

My boys loved the Contemporary as kids/pre-teens, especially the "Food and Fun Center." Whoever came up with that name was a genius. Kids like french fries, kids like video games and the name tells them exactly what they're getting.

I think nice views can be found at both, though.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I'd go with the Poly !It is an awesome resort. Some say the construction at the Cr is major, others will say it's no big deal, but I say why take the risk when you can stay in a newly renovated room at the beautiful Poly?

 

[skifast22]

I just want to clarify that the construction is not as major at the Contemporary as everyone on this thread is making it out to be. The major construction is happening on the outside where the North Garden Wing use to be and it does not effect any guests staying in the Tower and South Garden Wing. Plus it's covered by a huge fence so no one is forced to see what's going on there, unless they wanted to while riding the Monorail or by looking from the windows of the 4th floor.
[/B]

I love your optimism, especially since I'm going there in September. But at some point the tower will start going vertical. Thats when I see it becoming a problem. Iron work is loud, and once the grinding starts I'm pretty sure you'll be able to hear it at the pool, not to mention driving the piles in for the foundation!

However, I'd still vote for the CR. I've always been mesmorized by the monorails going through the tower, as I know alot of people are. The short walk to the MK may also come in handy with your kids being the ages they are. I haven't stayed there before, but can't wait for this September, despite the construction.

 

[hthrbells]

Polly

 

[dannyh23]

If your kids were younger and all needed strollers, then, yes, CR might be better just because you can walk to MK... Other than that, no advantage to Contemporary at all.

Staying at the Poly is like escaping into another world. Staying at the Contemporary is like staying at a Marriott...

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[chasgoose]

In terms of theming, the Polynesian probably wins, but many find it tacky and overwhelming (if you don't like the Poly's theme, there is no escape). The Contemporary isn't as heavily themed, per se, but it is essentially supposed to be modern with a slightly futuristic touch (i.e. the monorail going right through the resort).

I think this results in nicer rooms than the Polynesian. The Contemporary rooms are in a trendy and luxurious W style, while the Polynesian ones are in an almost cartoonish and dark Polynesian theme. In my opinion the rooms at the Contemporary are a lot nicer.

The transportation is pretty much a draw. You can walk to the TTC from the Polynesian, but changing monorails at the TTC is not that hard and you can walk to the MK from the Contemporary. Also, if you stay in the tower at the Contemporary, the monorail is only an elevator ride away, as opposed to the 5-10 minute walks from the furthest buildings at the Polynesian.

The views are different and depend on what you want. I would say they are better at the Contemporary because you feel like you are right in the action, although there is a parking lot in your way. The Polynesian's views are framed better with the beach and the lagoon and stuff, but the MK is not that close. You can pretty much only see the top of the castle and Space Mountain, whereas from the Contemporary you can see the entire Magic Kingdom.

The big problem with the Contemporary right now is the construction. If you are the type that needs to come back during the day for naps/likes to sleep in you might have a problem. The interior renovations will be difficult once they start renovations on the concourse level, but that isn't scheduled to start until April 2008. Whatever they are building outside the Contemporary will probably be a little noisy and annoying during the day (and might mar some Tower Bay Lake views) but "the day" means from 9-5, which to me are prime park hours. It would be ridiculous to claim that the construction won't be a problem at all, but unless you are a really light sleeper staying in the Bay Lake side or garden wing rooms that takes naps in the afternoon, it probably won't affect your trip too much.

 

[slug]

If your kids were younger and all needed strollers, then, yes, CR might be better just because you can walk to MK... Other than that, no advantage to Contemporary at all.

Staying at the Poly is like escaping into another world. Staying at the Contemporary is like staying at a Marriott...

Enjoy your vacation!

Just got back from the CR. Watched the fireworks from my balcony and my dd went to bed 10 minutes later. Walked to the MK sometimes. Had a night cap at the Cali Grille while watching the fireworks on another night. Walked downstairs and had breakfast at Chef Mickey's (a must for your kids). Had a newly renovated room with a plasma TV. Had free internet access in my room. After Spectro, walked 10 minutes back to my room instead of waiting in line to leave the park.

Nothing against Marriott, b/c I've stayed at a bunch of them, but staying at the CR could not possibly be more different than staying at a Marriott. It has the best rooms, best location, and best views. Also has better restaurant options with Chef Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse, and Cali Grille.

 

[dannyh23]

Just got back from the CR. Watched the fireworks from my balcony and my dd went to bed 10 minutes later. Walked to the MK sometimes. Had a night cap at the Cali Grille while watching the fireworks on another night. Walked downstairs and had breakfast at Chef Mickey's (a must for your kids). Had a newly renovated room with a plasma TV. Had free internet access in my room. After Spectro, walked 10 minutes back to my room instead of waiting in line to leave the park.

Nothing against Marriott, b/c I've stayed at a bunch of them, but staying at the CR could not possibly be more different than staying at a Marriott. It has the best rooms, best location, and best views. Also has better restaurant options with Chef Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse, and Cali Grille.

Didn't mean my comments as a slam against Contemporary, just comparing which of the two was better based on the OP's question -- in my opinion -- just like everyone else in this thread... If the OP asked "Which is better? Contemporary or Best Western Airport", I'd say Contemporary!

No doubt CR has a great location -- that's why people always park there -- and I can't wait until the (unofficial) DVC rooms are built! Yet, other than the great location, in my opinion, it's just like any other higher priced hotel....

 

[slug]

Didn't mean my comments as a slam against Contemporary, just comparing which of the two was better based on the OP's question -- in my opinion -- just like everyone else in this thread... If the OP asked "Which is better? Contemporary or Best Western Airport", I'd say Contemporary!

No doubt CR has a great location -- that's why people always park there -- and I can't wait until the (unofficial) DVC rooms are built! Yet, other than the great location, in my opinion, it's just like any other higher priced hotel....

Oh, I didn't mean to sound defensive about your post - I was just offering the opposing opinion. I've been to the Poly a bunch - but never stayed there. But I am a big fan of the CR. The location is obviously a big thing, but I also like bfast at CM's, a late night cocktail at the CG, and the great rooms. But I don't think you can go wrong with the Poly either. In the end, they're both great.

 

[dannyh23]

Oh, I didn't mean to sound defensive about your post - I was just offering the opposing opinion. I've been to the Poly a bunch - but never stayed there. But I am a big fan of the CR. The location is obviously a big thing, but I also like bfast at CM's, a late night cocktail at the CG, and the great rooms. But I don't think you can go wrong with the Poly either. In the end, they're both great.

Oh yeah, I know what you mean!!! We love Chef Mickey's for breakfast -- Almost always our first breakfast ADR -- regardless of where we are staying.

It's great for big or little kids!

 

[slug]

Oh yeah, I know what you mean!!! We love Chef Mickey's for breakfast -- Almost always our first breakfast ADR -- regardless of where we are staying.

It's great for big or little kids!

It's funny you say that. We always book chef mickey's as our first morning adr regardless of where we stay.

This trip that we just got back from, we had the chance to try out a couple of other places for breakfast as well and, I have to say, they were really good too. I was very impressed (and a bit surprised) with the Crystal Palace. And we got into the MK before opening and got some great uncrowded picture, which was nice. The food at the CP reminded me of the food at Chef Mickey's from years back before it was called "Chef Mickey's." It was definately the best of the trip.

 

[disneydance]

CR ALL the way Poly is SO Tacky to us also it has a great transpotation also it has a disney feel

 

[CoolPool]

Just as an aside to disneydance, if you find the Poly tacky, you may find the AKL tacky too. Personally, they are my two fav resorts onsite.