Contemporary or Polynesian???

[labfan]

I know these two really can't compare theme wise since they are so different. But besides the themeing which resort are you partial to and think is better? Better views. Better accessibility to other areas - like Contemporary you can walk to MK. You can do boat rides from both, correct?

 

[hulagirl87]

We just stayed at the Polynesian in November. It was fantastic. I have stayed there before but it was DH first time. Love it there! You can take the boat to the MK as an option to the monorail. And I love that you can walk to the Grand Floridian and walk right by the wedding pavilion on the way. It's such a beautiful walk, so peaceful!

So my vote is definitely for the Polynesian. I love the theme, the layout, and my very favorite thing, the smell when you walk in the lobby! sigh!!!!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

When it comes to transportation/overall convenience, I prefer Contemporary if staying in the tower. The walk to MK took me 10 minutes from the CR bus stop, and everything (food, shopping, transport) is an elevator ride away if you're staying in a tower room. However, the Poly isn't far behind. From Poly, you can walk to TTC (very convenient for most of the rooms), and there is a direct boat to MK (CR doesn't have the boat).

I also prefer CR's restaurants. California Grill is my favorite Disney restaurant for the food/views, and Contempo Cafe is one of the better quick service restaurants. Again, Poly isn't far behind: it has Ohana (I love the turkey for dinner), Captain Cooks (Dole Whips), and a sushi bar.

Both Poly and CR have fantastic (although VERY different) views of the Magic Kingdom. I can't really choose between the two, as they're both awesome in their own way.

As far as rooms/service/pool/theme, Polynesian wins for me. CR has gorgeous new rooms, but I can't stand the bathrooms. Service has been consistently better at Polynesian. Seeing the castle while you swim in the volcano pool is awesome (then again, the Contemporary has parasailing). And of course, the South Seas theme of Polynesian is very relaxing. Overall, I prefer the Polynesian.

Poly:

CR:

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never stayed at the CR but we love the Poly . It is awesome to be swimming and have a direct view of the castle.....and being able to sit on the beach and watch the fireworks can't be beat . My vote is for the Poly .

 

[patsfan101]

I would vote Poly - a boat ride home from MK at the end of the day is awesome and California Grille is only a monrail ride away. After dinner at California Grill you stay as long as you want to watch the fireworks. The hammocks on the beach just can't be beat.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have stayed at both Resorts which are great in their own way, however I would go with the Contemporary because when it comes to views their Magic Kingdom one is the best in all of WDW since you see the whole park and the one at the Polynesian is just of Cinderella's Castle.

 

[photomama]

WOW great pictures!!

I don't think you could go wrong with either of the two resorts

I, personally can wait for my 1st trip to Poly - I am so looking forward to that hammock!!

 

[KatMark]

We've stayed at both and definitely prefer the Polynesian over the Contemporary. We don't find it as "busy" and "noisy" as the Contemporary. We also much prefer the pools at the Poly over the Cont. As far as transportation, we find the monorail overrated and drive to all the parks (as far as we are concerned the monorail can take just as long as the buses on most day and you can end up standing on both).

 

[frdeb1999]

We have stayed at both and prefer the Poly. Love the views from the beach and pool area. Great watching the fireworks at night from there....very relaxing. And it just to us feels so much less crowded then the CR. Both are wonderful in their own rights, just prefer the Poly.

 

[Singinglizzie]

Wait a minute, I am in shock ... did I not just see pictures of people in the water swimming, and I don't mean the pool, I mean the beach? I thought you couldn't swim in the water at the beach - like aren't there alligators??? Please tell me this was years ago.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Wait a minute, I am in shock ... did I not just see pictures of people in the water swimming, and I don't mean the pool, I mean the beach? I thought you couldn't swim in the water at the beach - like aren't there alligators??? Please tell me this was years ago.

From what I saw it looks like some people were sitting close to the water, however they were not actually in it.

 

[KatMark]

Wait a minute, I am in shock ... did I not just see pictures of people in the water swimming, and I don't mean the pool, I mean the beach? I thought you couldn't swim in the water at the beach - like aren't there alligators??? Please tell me this was years ago.

You are right. In one picture people ARE in the water.

 

[Cruella 66]

I just had to chime in on this. Both are terrific resorts and have their good and bad points. We have had fabulous vacations at both. This year, when it came time to book, the deciding factor for us was the availability!

 

[autumnpalm]

We stayed at the Poly in December and had a great time. To us, the tropical theming is just more appealing than the Contemporary. However, you can get a good price for staying on the monorail in the CR garden view rooms. I think it would really depend on budget for us.

The whole family really enjoyed the Poly though, and if we were to choose from the MK resorts again, it would be the one for us.

 

[cymbaldiva]

Contemporary is my fantasy resort ... I still dream of staying there

 

[Bricket]

Contemporary is my fantasy resort ... I still dream of staying there

Ours too...and our dreams are finally coming true in April! yay!

 

[pixie921]

Wait a minute, I am in shock ... did I not just see pictures of people in the water swimming, and I don't mean the pool, I mean the beach? I thought you couldn't swim in the water at the beach - like aren't there alligators??? Please tell me this was years ago.

People swim despite the no swimming warning signs. Swimming in the lagoon is dangerous because of the potential for amoebas that can be dangerous if they enter the body.

And yes, there are alligators at WDW. IIRC, they "relocate" a few away from guest areas pretty much every week.

 

[Sandisw]

I have done both and love the Contemporary--it is the only place I want to stay. While I agree that the Poly had a relaxing atmosphere, I loved the convenience of being able to walk back and forth to MK.

And, when you stay tower with MK view, there is nothing like watching the fireworks from your balcony each night.

 

[Cruella 66]

Yes, I agree, once you stay Tower MK view...well, you're hooked. It's like Disney lovers crack... There is nothing second to it!

 

[nicoleakr]

I have never stayed at the poly ,however I did stay at cr. I personally did not like this hotel. I would agree that if you are staying there do the tower for sure. The convience of transportation is wonderful.I did not like it because house keeping was not good,getting on and off the elvator was nuts and I like a little more theming. I will say that it is a pretty hotel. This is why there is so much variety... what one person dislike another loves. I really believe that everyone has a perfect fit hotel. Good luck!!!