Contemporary Or Polynesian

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Let's not forget that getting to the TTC from the Contemporary is also very easy. It's a very quick Monorail ride to the TTC which is about 30 seconds and walking over to the Epcot Monorail section is not hard at all. So in some cases it might be better then walking from the Polynesian depending on the Longhouse you would start from, because at the Contemporary when going to the TTC everyone goes from the same place.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hmmmmm...............each time I have stayed there, with the last time being this past October, they have had cabanas. We have used them. Maybe they have removed them since October, but there have always been cabanas (or tents if you want to call them that) with lounge chairs in them.

Oh I thought you meant a cabana that comes with drinks, food and a lot of other things that you need to pay for. If you were just referring to a tent with a pool chair then they did have those.

 

[AlicynWonderland]

This is such a personal choice and either resort is going to offer you the fabulous convenience of being on the monorail with a hop, skip and a jump to the MK. We chose the Poly last trip with our DD1 and it was very pretty but VERY quiet. Some peope like to retreat from the parks so this is a benefit for them. The pool is nice but isn't a deal breaker for us as our kids are too young to notice...they'd swim in the Seven Seas Lagoon if they could. This trip, I'm hoping for crazy Disney stimuli 24/7 for my DD5 and DD3 so we chose the Contemporary. For me, it feels like the Hub of the Disney action and the Tower just looks like so much fun! I don't think Poly or CR is a black or white question...you need to assess your family's individual vacationing style and decide what will make it magical for you. Either choice, you're going to have fun.

 

[tinknsnow]

We have stayed at both and both have their own perks and charm.

The CR *is* very family-friendly, IMO. First of all, it is a short walk to the MK in the morning and the first monorail stop at night. Super convenient! Having to simply ride the elevator down to catch the monorail rules! My kids love the arcade and also the pool, even though it's not "pretty" like the Poly's volcano pool.

The Poly is really attractive and if you like "tropical" then it's the place for you. My younger daughter loves the beach and the boat launch to the MK... she also liked the CR but asked if we could "go back" to the Poly next trip. As others have noted, transportation is great here, too, but if you are a Magic Kingdom family then CR edges out the Poly. I prefer the restaurants at the Poly. The downside, IMO, is that the monorail can be crowded in the morning and some longhouses are a good walk to the GCH.

Try one and next trip, try the other! We stayed at the CR in October and it was great. I had stayed there during WDW's first year (I was 3) and wanted to get my kids there at least once (it took some "convincing" for my husband, who never liked the looks of the CR. Well, my husband is now a big CR fan). Next trip, because it's beautiful and because my middle kid begged, we're going back to the Poly after a few days at the AKL (I've wanted to try it for years).

Best of luck with your decision!

 

[RivaLJ]

We've stayed at both and enjoyed both of the resorts. However, with little children the Poly is much better. The zero entry pool is great! It also seems to be more relaxing than the CR.

 

[auntie]

Hmmmmm...............each time I have stayed there, with the last time being this past October, they have had cabanas. We have used them. Maybe they have removed them since October, but there have always been cabanas (or tents if you want to call them that) with lounge chairs in them.

They were there last May when we visited the Poly. Ooops..never mind..I see this has already been confirmed.
As to which resort..I would prefer Poly..nothing in particular appeals to me in regard to the theme of the CR.