Contemporary or Polynesian

[LLS]

We're planning our first-ever WDW trip this June! Myself, DH, DS15, DS13, DS11 -- would like to stay at either Contemporary or Polynesian for the location, transportation convenience and the larger rooms with daybed for fifth person.

Any experiences that would help us decide? The CR seems a bit like the Disneyland Hotel, where we stayed this summer (and loved)! Does this seem accurate? We'd definitely like a balcony and I get the impression the lowest price (standard garden view) Polynesian rooms don't have a balcony. It also seems CR would offer better views, since Polynesian buildings are low-rise.

I'd love to hear from experienced guests. Thanks!

 

[TinkTatoo]

We stayed at CR at Christmas and spend at few nights at the Poly this summer and both were lovely hotels. While the rooms were a similar size we preferred the CR rooms as they weren't as dark as the Poly and felt more spacious. I also preferred the bathroom layout at the CR. It had two sinks and the toilet was more private (it's just in a little alcove at the Poly.)

Both pools were fun with the Poly pool being more themed although it did feel more crowded than the CR pool. The quiet pool at the Poly was lovely though.

It was easy to get around from both hotels but the CR had the added advantage of being able to walk to MK.

Views - this is where the CR wins hands down. We had a 3rd floor room at the Poly with a lovely view over the quiet pool but at CR we had an MK view which was spectacular. I know they have lagoon views at the Poly but at CR the castle is so close you could almost touch it.

 

[AKLRULZ]

The new rooms at the Contemporary are phenomenal! I prefer it over the Polynesian only because it's a self contained resort if you have a room in the tower. Also, you can walk to the Magic Kingdom (easier really than the monorail often). The pool at the Polynesian is better, however.

 

[DisneyDad in PA]

We just stayed at the Poly and really enjoyed our stay there. We requested the Samoa Building because it was close to the pool, to the Quick Service restaurant Captain Cooks and the main Lobby in the great Ceremonial House. It also wasn't that far from the bus stop.

The atmosphere around the resort was just relaxing. The spread out feel really helped me to relax and not seem crowded. also, Samoa doesn't have double sinks but I do believe a couple do. Tahiti and Rapa Nui building have some.

There is a great website that details the Polynesian and the benefits of each longhouse. Unfortunately the Dis does not allow us to post the link or web address.

 

[EMcCool419]

If you want the theme and the glitz go with Poly,if you want better room and easy access to Mk go with CR!

 

[TJA]

Definitely great resort options considering your family of 5.

We've stayed at Poly 2x in the last couple of years and each time we've had a full balcony in our standard garden view room.

As far as views go, it depends on what sort of view you like. There are some really nice views at Poly that you can get with standard view. However, if you are hopeful for a view of the Castle, then nothing will beat the CR tower room.

I should also state that being that your kids are older, you may frequent Epcot, is that correct? If so, it is a titch easier to get to Epcot from Poly because you can walk to the TTC from Poly and catch a direct monorail to Epcot.

 

[GrumpysGal]

We have stayed in the Contemporary Tower and, although we have never stayed at the Poly, I have researched the resort to death as we will be staying there for the first time in a few weeks...so I may be qualified to give my 2 cents. We loved the Contemporary...loved the decor of the new rooms and baths and the queen beds were very comfy. All regular Tower rooms have a balcony. The garden wing rooms do not have balconies, but the first floor rooms do have a patio. Great restaurants at the hotel...Chef Mickey's, California Grill, Concourse Steakhouse. Monorail going through the hotel...very cool. And as others have said...the best view from a WDW hotel. You can see the entire Magic Kingdom (if you have a room on the MK side, obviously, or from the concierge lounges.) The view is absolutely gorgeous at night...you can even see all of the lights on Main Street...the fireworks and view of the castle are spectacular!

The Poly also looks wonderful and seems to have legions of fans. Many of the standard garden view rooms do have balconies...some buildings only have them on the third floor while some of the newer buildings have them on both the second and third floors. The first floor rooms have patios. All of the restaurants at the Poly also seem to get good reviews...we'll be trying those for the first time as well. And the Poly pool is more nicely themed than the one at the Contemporary.

I think they are both great resorts...but with two very different styles.

 

[crissichef]

I have personally stayed at both and I like the contemporary for the great view (if you are planning on getting a room in the towers). Otherwise, I liked the atmosphere better at the Polynesian........I think it was much more layed back.......the pool at the Poly is much better too !

Which ever you decide, it'll be GREAT !!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Both Resorts are amazing so you can't go wrong with either one. As you can see by my user name you can see I am huge Contemporary fan, so with that said my parents and I have had a lot of stays there. The renovated rooms there are amaizing and the Magic Kingdom view in the Tower is the best possible view you can get in WDW, which beats all the other Resorts views.

However this December my family and I are staying at the Polynesian in a Garden view Club Level room in the Hawaii Longhouse, so we are looking forward to it and to see how it compares to the Contemporary. I can't go into more detail about the Polynesian since my parents and I have only been there for dinner at Ohana and to look around. What I can say is when we walked outside to see where the Hawaii Longhouse was, I thought the grounds looked amazing.

 

[LLS]

Wow! They both sound great -- I don't think I can wait until June! I'm positive we would be thrilled at either hotel, so I guess we can't go wrong.

I think I'm leaning toward CR -- I like the idea of a walkway to MK and I also think having a balcony with a MK view would be great for our first ever visit. Since I'm sure we'll be returning, we'll probably save the Polynesian for our second visit -- it looks so beautiful and relaxing!

Thanks for all the great advice -- I love this board!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you do end up choosing the Contemporary that would be a great decision and since you have the Monorail, you can go visit the Polynesian as many times as you want to check it out for you're next trip after the Contemporary.