Contemporary vs. Poly

[omniscientmommy]

I think it's a matter of personal opinion. I have 2 boys ages 7 and 4. I can tell you last year we ate at The Wave at the Contemporary for dinner, completely underwhelmed, and we checked out the pool there. Disappointing! My kids love to run around in the splash pad areas with other kids and go down slides and they just don't have it. We are going to stay at the Poly in a few weeks and are super excited! I also wouldn't mind staying at GF bc it looks awesome, for the little girl inside me but also bc they have a great splash area. Also are you only planning on doing MK and not any of the other parks? We want to stay on the monorail line bc our boys love, love, love MK! Literally they could go there almost everyday and not a single other park. However if that's not the case and your more of an Epcot fan maybe Beach and Yacht is the place for you.

 

[Agent13]

I think it's a matter of personal opinion. I have 2 boys ages 7 and 4. I can tell you last year we ate at The Wave at the Contemporary for dinner, completely underwhelmed, and we checked out the pool there. Disappointing! My kids love to run around in the splash pad areas with other kids and go down slides and they just don't have it. We are going to stay at the Poly in a few weeks and are super excited! I also wouldn't mind staying at GF bc it looks awesome, for the little girl inside me but also bc they have a great splash area. Also are you only planning on doing MK and not any of the other parks? We want to stay on the monorail line bc our boys love, love, love MK! Literally they could go there almost everyday and not a single other park. However if that's not the case and your more of an Epcot fan maybe Beach and Yacht is the place for you.

I'm interested in MK for some rides they have that we don't have here at Disneyland. I would love to check out EPCOT. My kid??... not sure she's gonna love that. I would love to be able to choose between both because, frankly, I just don't know. I don't know what to expect. We go to Disneyland often. But I would love to be able to see everything else WDW has that we don't have.

 

[Agent13]

Based on expectation maybe? We were married in Hawaii and visit occasionally. The Poly is still one of our faves. I guess I just don't go their to pretend Im in Hawaii so its not an issue for me? Mileage will vary per personal opinion and expectation obviously.

I agree GF is a great option as well. Although some find it stuffy (not me).

Thanks for this! Sounds like Poly is its own exclusive thing that you can't compare to HI. Good to know!

 

[Agent13]

I think you should rule out the POLY if you have actually been to Hawaii and have easy access to go, also if you have been to Aulani. I think you may be disappointed for your $$.

Yeah, that, in a nutshell, was my concern. Like the volcano pool at Poly. Looks much smaller and not as awesome as Aulani's volcano slides.

Also, the luau, I'm like 99.9 percent sure it's not comparable to Aulani's. Ive seen my fair share of luaus and Aulani's Ka Wa'a was so different and so good.

Dole Whip is sold all over the place by my house so the spark of having that as a treat is meh.

I don't want to or mean to compare. Who knows though. Perhaps I just answered my OP question. : )

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Yeah, that, in a nutshell, was my concern. Like the volcano pool at Poly. Looks much smaller and not as awesome as Aulani's volcano slides. I don't want to or mean to compare, but we may be underwhelmed. Who knows though unless I bite the bullet and give it a shot!

I said it a few times but I really think you should consider the GF. It's really not that much price difference and is very wow, is close to MK, you can watch fireworks from there too, and it has 2 pools also. If you request a close building (I would suggest Big Pine Key) you won't have to walk far to get to the main lobby, food, etc. And it will be a totally new experience with totally new vibes (not Polynesian or Hawaiian vibes).

 

[Agent13]

I can totally relate to your post because I am a WDW veteran, and I am totally freaking out over my upcoming vacation to DLR in April. I am an expert at planning a trip to WDW. Six and a half months out, I use crowd calendars to figure out which parks we are going to on which days. 180 days out, I make our dining reservations, and yes, we always get the Disney Dining Plan. 60 days out, I am up at the crack of dawn to book our FastPasses. When we arrive at WDW, I know exactly what to expect...early mornings in the parks; afternoons at our resort pool; and evenings at fabulous restaurants, fireworks cruises or viewing fireworks from our restaurant or resort. I get very excited and don’t worry about anything. Right now, my upcoming trip to DLR is stressing me out.

I personally prefer the Polynesian because of the relaxing atmosphere and theming. I did love our trip to the Contemporary, the theme being Tomorrowland. If the monorail is down, you can walk to MK. California Grill sits at the top of the tower, serves delicious food, and is a great place to view fireworks. If you stay there, you will want to stay in the tower on a high floor so that the noise from Chef Mickey’s doesn’t bother you.

Enjoy.

I hope you enjoy your DLR vacation! I wish we could switch shoes for planning purposes hehe Where are you staying out here?

 

[Jetta8300]

We stayed at the contemporary for our first ever disney trip! It will always be special to us for that reason, but we would not go back. In our opinion it was the least "magical" hotel out of all of them. It was like staying at any Marriott accross the US. My husband and I travel a lot for work and it was a mistake picking that hotel, because it was very similar feel to a work trip. We have liked every other hotel better.

If I were you, I would check out the Grand Floridian, It would be something unique if you're looking on the monorail line, and a Hawaii themed resort isn't all that exceptional if you've visited Hawaii. It is an absolutely beautiful hotel with amazing rooms, and the best restaurants.

My husband and I stayed at the Four Seasons Hualalai this past April in Kona though, and are staying at the Poly this coming march so it will be like a flashback Although I'm sure the Poly won't really compare. haha.

 

[omniscientmommy]

I'm interested in MK for some rides they have that we don't have here at Disneyland. I would love to check out EPCOT. My kid??... not sure she's gonna love that. I would love to be able to choose between both because, frankly, I just don't know. I don't know what to expect. We go to Disneyland often. But I would love to be able to see everything else WDW has that we don't have.

I guess I would say read the reviews of all the resorts you'd consider and see what people say. If staying closest to MK is important that leaves you w/ the Poly, GF, and Contemporary. Also watch Youtube video reviews and walk throughs! Can't say enough about how much I appreciate people doing those.

We only do a half day at Epcot, AK, and HS because they don't have enough for my boys to want to stay longer. Also my 4 yr old had a meltdown last time because the Storm-troopers freaked him out. Each kid is different in what they like. Good luck.

 

[Agent13]

I guess I would say read the reviews of all the resorts you'd consider and see what people say. If staying closest to MK is important that leaves you w/ the Poly, GF, and Contemporary. Also watch Youtube video reviews and walk throughs! Can't say enough about how much I appreciate people doing those.

We only do a half day at Epcot, AK, and HS because they don't have enough for my boys to want to stay longer. Also my 4 yr old had a meltdown last time because the Storm-troopers freaked him out. Each kid is different in what they like. Good luck.

LOL! That made me laugh.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

Yes, we all have gone to HI many times and Aulani this past September. I just want to take my daughter somewhere where she can't help but say "wow!" Perhaps the Poly will still do that!

I'm torn. : )

If you want to “wow” your daughter with something different maybe look at Wilderness. It will be totally different than the tropical Poly vibe but the theming is still there (which is what a lot of ppl don’t like about CR). Not on the monorail but there’s a boat. I would still pick Poly over CR and GF, though.

 

[Babsy]

CR pros:
everything under one roof in the tower
covered walkway to the garden wing
walk to MK
great views
monorail goes through the resort
Great dining options
boat to FW and WL
easy walk to MK bus stop for direct buses to all other resorts
pool rarely crowded
Tower TPV rooms have amazing views of MK area

CR cons:
change monorails at TTC to go to Epcot
no boat to MK
limited theming
simple pools, no frills at all

Poly pros:
easy acces to MK and Epcot
great theming*
two really nice pools
kids splash area
Trader Sam's
watching fireworks from the beach or pool
you can see the castle from your resort!!!!!

Poly cons:
you have to go outside to get to anything from your room
dining options are good, but not as good as CR, IMO
feels a bit 'dated' in some areas, esp hallways and elevators
gets crowded and hectic from people visiting the resort

*don't underestimate the power of this point. Theming really makes a huge difference to the majority of people, IMO. There is a special ambiance at the Poly.

Our opinion, FWIW:
We love both. I can't pick a favourite between them. Enjoy whichever you choose!

 

[Dug720]

CR pros:
everything under one roof
walk to MK
great views
monorail goes through the resort
Great dining options
boat to FW and WL
easy walk to MK bus stop for direct buses to all other resorts
pool rarely crowded
Tower TPV rooms have amazing views of MK area

CR cons:
change monorails at TTC to go to Epcot
no boat to MK
limited theming
simple pools, no frills at all

Poly pros:
easy acces to MK and Epcot
great theming*
two really nice pools
kids splash area
Trader Sam's
watching fireworks from the beach or pool
you can see the castle from your resort!!!!!

Poly cons:
you have to go outside to get to anything from your room
dining options are good, but not as good as CR, IMO
feels a bit 'dated' in some areas, esp hallways and elevators
gets crowded and hectic from people visiting the resort

*don't underestimate the power of this point. Theming really makes a huge difference to the majority of people, IMO. There is a special ambiance at the Poly.

Our opinion, FWIW:
We love both. I can't pick a favourite between them. Enjoy whichever you choose!

I thought the Garden Wing was not connected to the main Contemporary building?

 

[Brett Wyman]

If you want to “wow” your daughter with something different maybe look at Wilderness. It will be totally different than the tropical Poly vibe but the theming is still there (which is what a lot of ppl don’t like about CR). Not on the monorail but there’s a boat. I would still pick Poly over CR and GF, though.

Hmm yeah the “wow” your daughter part may change my opinion about your staying at the Poly, especially given your frequent trips to Hawaii. Not sure if you mentioned her age. The Grand Floridian Lobby has plenty of wow factor, but I think its more wow for adults as it’s elegant. The monorail traveling through the CR lobby is certainly wow, and Chef Mickeys is right there. The Wilderness lodge is my favorite lobby on property but transportation isn’t the best there. But it’s definitely wow for me. If she’s young enough to still be wowed by swimming pools perhaps Beach Club? Honesty I know my daughter would be wowed by Art of Animation but her parents ruin that for her by wanting to stay in deluxes

 

[Babsy]

I thought the Garden Wing was not connected to the main Contemporary building?

That is true. Obviously, I was thinking of the tower. However, the garden wing rooms do have a covered walkway to them from the tower, so you are less exposed to the elements than at the GF or Poly.

I will go and correct my post. Thank you!

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Honesty I know my daughter would be wowed by Art of Animation but her parents ruin that for her by wanting to stay in deluxes

OMG same here....

 

[Dug720]

That is true. Obviously, I was thinking of the tower. However, the garden wing rooms do have a covered walkway to them from the tower, so you are less exposed to the elements than at the GF or Poly.

I will go and correct my post. Thank you!

Thanks for clarifying. I was not sure myself.

 

[Agent13]

CR pros:
everything under one roof in the tower
covered walkway to the garden wing
walk to MK
great views
monorail goes through the resort
Great dining options
boat to FW and WL
easy walk to MK bus stop for direct buses to all other resorts
pool rarely crowded
Tower TPV rooms have amazing views of MK area

CR cons:
change monorails at TTC to go to Epcot
no boat to MK
limited theming
simple pools, no frills at all

Poly pros:
easy acces to MK and Epcot
great theming*
two really nice pools
kids splash area
Trader Sam's
watching fireworks from the beach or pool
you can see the castle from your resort!!!!!

Poly cons:
you have to go outside to get to anything from your room
dining options are good, but not as good as CR, IMO
feels a bit 'dated' in some areas, esp hallways and elevators
gets crowded and hectic from people visiting the resort

*don't underestimate the power of this point. Theming really makes a huge difference to the majority of people, IMO. There is a special ambiance at the Poly.

Our opinion, FWIW:
We love both. I can't pick a favourite between them. Enjoy whichever you choose!

Thank you so much for this!

 

[Agent13]

OMG same here....

Yes! My daughter saw Art of Animation on a YouTube video I was watching. Said that's where she wanted to stay. I was thinking Reallly? Glad I'm not the only one

 

[Agent13]

Hmm yeah the “wow” your daughter part may change my opinion about your staying at the Poly, especially given your frequent trips to Hawaii. Not sure if you mentioned her age. The Grand Floridian Lobby has plenty of wow factor, but I think its more wow for adults as it’s elegant. The monorail traveling through the CR lobby is certainly wow, and Chef Mickeys is right there. The Wilderness lodge is my favorite lobby on property but transportation isn’t the best there. But it’s definitely wow for me. If she’s young enough to still be wowed by swimming pools perhaps Beach Club? Honesty I know my daughter would be wowed by Art of Animation but her parents ruin that for her by wanting to stay in deluxes

I dont think I did mention her age. She will be 9 at travel.
The only reason I mentioned the wow factor is because she asks frequently at the most random times about when or if we are going back to Aulani. I know she wants that dang tube slide on the volcano and the lagoon. But at the same time, give her any pool with any slide and I'm sure she will be just fine.

We do really like Great Wolf Lodge lodge-style so Wilderness was a possibility, but she has a mom who is scared of FL heat and would like a quick escape.

 

[crazylady]

Try not to be so stressed out about the heat. Honestly in June, I'd be more concerned about rain so I'd look for a contained resort. I also would consider the BC and Boardwalk. I love being able to walk to two resorts.