Contemporary vs. Poly

[Brett Wyman]

I understand going to Hawaii on a special trip and still loving the POLY. But for the OP, it seems Hawaii isn't a once in a lifetime trip like for some others. So I based it on that.

The GF actually wasn't stuffy at all, having stayed with our toddler and child.

Ok in that case park convenience does seem to be high on your list, so putting that first and wow factor second, I say Contemporary/BLT or Beach Club. One gets you walk in access to MK if you need to escape and has a serviceable pool, two pools if you do BLT. And the wow factor of the Contemporary atrium. The other allows a walk in directly to Epcot (its so short that we frequently pop back in to the Worldshowcase before the kids beds just to stroll around). And its pool is crazy impressive with a huge water slide. BC plus you can also walk to Hollywood Studios and make use of the Boardwalk area, which my kids love.

 

[Agent13]

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.

Boardwalk was the resort that started this whole thing. I saw a deal for it on Costco and that's when I started doing research about a WDW vacation. Which part of that research was Google telling me how extremely hot it is in June lol. So my search morphed into being on monorail line for ease.

Anyway, BWI seemed really neat and the pool looks fun.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Boardwalk was the resort that started this whole thing. I saw a deal for it on Costco and that's when I started doing research about a WDW vacation. Which part of that research was Google telling me how extremely hot it is in June lol. So my search morphed into being on monorail line for ease.

Anyway, BWI seemed really neat and the pool looks fun.

Yes and BWI has all the quick entry to Epcot and short walk to HS benefits as well. Just make sure your daughter isnt scared of clowns.

 

[Babsy]

Thank you so much for this!

You are welcome!

Some random thoughts......

I am also not a fan of heat in Florida, so the latest that we have gone to WDW is May and the earliest in the fall is September. I generally try to go anywhere from Nov - April, with the focus on Jan and Feb. So, I understand your desire to avoid excess heat.

I do like the fact that the CR allows you to stay inside air-conditioning when going from your tower room to shops, restaurant, monorail, game arcade, etc. It really is nice sometimes to avoid bad weather - be it heat or rain or even cold. this is a big attraction to the CR over the Poly or the GF, IMO. (unless staying in the main building in GF) However, it should be noted that there is a more open feel to the grounds at the back of the CR whereas the Poly does have more foliage along the pathways. Less concrete and more plants makes heat more bearable, IMO. If you want to spend time at the resort on the grounds, that might be something to consider. Similarly, I also find the YC/BC to have long open walkways to Epcot and DHS where the heat feels hotter to me somehow? I'm not sure if I am making any sense here?

Anyway, the convenience of being able to walk back to the CR may not be as great if you want to get out of the heat in a hurry. Although you can take the monorail and it is only one stop away, plus the monorail platform is inside the CR lobby, so once you are on the monorail you are effectively out of the weather.
OTOH, walking back to the CR can often be done in the length of time (or less) that you could be waiting for transportation.

The Poly has the monorail but also a very nice boat ride to get back to the resort from the MK. the boat is small and open but is a really nice ride. It is a more restful way to return to your resort than walking, but will keep you out in the weather longer.

Obviously pros and cons to both choices.

Bottom line, when I am choosing convenience to the MK as a major factor, then I choose the CR. It is the resort that we chose, for example, as the most convenient to bring our entire family to next year. the reason we chose the CR was convenience for returning to the resort! We will need to return to the resort quickly and often due to severe allergies. This was the resort that we chose.

 

[SharonZ]

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually prefer CR to Poly and my favorite is GF. The Poly was fine, but wasn't worth all the hype about the resort - although, I do like the Kona Cafe for breakfast. With CR, I like the ability to walk to the MK and love the restaurants and general atmosphere at GF.

 

[Candycane83]

I just came back from DL and loved it. Have to say one of the best parts about it is that it doesn’t take long to get to the parks and to hop. This is where WDW really sucks, it takes so long to get from one place to another. We’re going in July and we’re planning on a split stay. Not sure how long you are going and if this would be a consideration for you. We split 8 nights - 4 in Yatch Club (switched from BC this morning with the discount) and 4 in Poly right now. Maybe this can be something you can look into

 

[Eastern]

CR. Everything is in that building. Decent CS, walk to MK, nice gift shop, California Grill for cocktails on the evening, monorail station in building. Lobby is not my favorite and I hate the square, flat sinks but it is super convenient.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Summer is the rainy season in Florida. If you are there in later June, it will rain every afternoon around 3PM. Just bring an extra pair of shoes so you can always have a dry pair to put on.