CR or POLY or WL - Can't decide, Help!

[Deborah_Mary]

Hey all! Ok, need some advice. Dh & I are going 'round and 'round trying to decide where to stay for our next trip (either in May or July this year... leaning towards May!) and we are pretty torn. Normally we always stay at the CR as we love the location and ease of transportation it offers, however we are trying to do something different/new (boy, is it ever exciting yet tough to do!)

SO our top choices are:

CR - Should we just stick with what we know?!
POLY - Stayed here as a teen and loved it!
WL - Looks awesome/fun, but it's not AS convienently located as the CR or POLY and transportation/bus service would be more.

We have 2 dd's - 6 and 1 and we'll be using a stroller for our 1 year old everywhere we go (this is why ease of transportation and location for returning for down time is essential). We'll also be using a Pack 'N Play for our 1 year old to sleep in. MK is our main focus as we spend most of our time there followed by MGM, EPCOT and then AK.

Where out of our choices would you recommend us staying and why?

Quick question: Also do you think if we were to go with WL and got a bunk bed room, would bedrails keep our 1 year old from rolling out? I've never seen the bedrails they provide or how tall or how long they are, so I wanted to just ask as I know dd-6 would love to get bunk beds!

Thanks so much for any help you can give us!

Deb*

 

[palmtreegirl]

Polynesian!! We just got back from the Polynesian and we loved it! I loved watching the fireworks and water parade at night on the beach, it's so pretty there, the views are just incredible. The rooms were also huge, plenty of space for the pack and play and then some.

 

[Russell]

We have two kids, 10 and 6. I can say that my 6 yo girl loved the bunk bed at Wilderness Lodge. It really is an awesome place. I've always wanted to stay at the Poly though. Perhaps on my next trip I will. Or...you can do both. But if you do, make WL last. We went there first and then transfered to Beach Club Villas. Wish we had stayed at the WL!

 

[java]

I have never stayed at the Poly but given your children's ages I would think that one is better than the wilderness lodge. The boat is pretty convenient at the WL but we always seemed to be waiting for it to fill up- or for a new driver or whatever..... So I think the hassel of that made us not want to stay there again. Now for when to go.. If you have the choice I would say definatly May! (I am going in July- no choice on vacation time) Have a great trip!

 

[Deborah_Mary]

Thanks for the feedback... anyone else with advice/opinions??

palmtreegirl: I'm actually leaning towards the Poly, but dh is pretty split down the middle between WL and Poly, but the CR is still lingering there in the back of his mind too, lol!

Russell: I suggested a split stay to dh and he's not to hot on that idea. He doesn't like the idea of packing up everything and moving mid-stay, even though I wouldn't mind it and think it would be exciting to do. I just wonder if my 1 year old would be able to sleep in the bottom bunk if we were to get bedrails instead of the pack n play?!?

java: That's what I'm thinking... for sheer transportation issues Poly (or CR) would be easier than WL. Dh has now told me it's either going to be May or June NOT July -- last year's heat just was too hard on him.

Thanks again all. Hope to hear from more of you!!!

Deb*

 

[swilphil]

I'd try the Poly if you can afford it, or you could do CR concierage. The full concierage is on the 14th floor, but the 12th floor has lite concierage with less offerings AND less money.

 

[Deborah_Mary]

Thanks swilphil, I appreciate the suggestion. I don't think we'll ever do conc. even though it's nice to dream about.

The biggest drawback to the Poly is of course the price. We could stay at WL or CR for cheaper even though I love the tower rooms at CR which costs more than a garden view room at Poly.

Ugh - decisions!!

Does anyone else have any suggestions/info to share with me to help me out making our decision?

Thanks in advance!

Deb*

 

[4mykids]

We have never stayed at the Poly or WL. Can never seem to afford Poly or get ressies at WL. We do love the CR. I understand what you mean about a split stay, but Disney will move your luggage. But, if I were you, I would go in May prior to school ending (if possible). Weather is a little cooler and crowds will be less. Have been in May and loved it!

We have stayed in both the tower and wings. Of course the tower is wonderful, but for the extra savings, I would go with the wings. We were never in our room during the fireworks. We found ourselves taking advantage of the view less and less while we were there. Took it for granted! Shame on us!

We did have a great view from the north wing of the lake. Could see the Electrical Water Pageant at night. Very nice!

 

[Scroft391]

The last two trips we stayed a Poly. The last time was in December 2003. At that time my children were 3 and 5. The rooms had two queens with a day bed so the kids each had their own bed which was nice. We decided to stay ay WL this May when we go down for a few reasons. 1) Price. WL is cheaper and looks just as nice as Poly. 2) Convenience. It is just as close as Poly to MK, which is were we will spend most of our time. 3) Variety. We wanted something that was different but just as special as Poly. I am not sure how far the Monorail exchange for Epcot is from WL but maybe it is only a short walk and you can have the convenience of the Monorail as well. Hope this helps.

 

[turnerx5]

I think you'll love the Poly's transportation options with the Monorail for MK and a 4 minute walk to the TTC for a monorail to Epcot. Being back @ the Poly will also be nostalgic for you. IMHO, there's few things in life more satisfying then seeing your children have and enjoy the exact same experiences you enjoyed in your youth.

We were at the Poly in November. My wife was not happy with the rate compared to other Disney properties, but once there said it was worth every penny, and said she'd pay to stay there even if it wasn't part of Disney. We LOVED this resort. The atmosphere is very, very relaxing, and a good foil to the hectic nature of the parks. We ate lunch at the WL, and it seemed very nice, but not as relaxing.

Have a great trip; hope this helps. Tx5

 

[Bugsmom73]

WL is not bad. WE stayed there in Nov/Dec with our 3 year old and 1 year old. The boat is decent and most buses were quick. DS however, hated the bus. Since you are going in the summer, if you can swing it Poly. That is what we are going to try next.

 

[csmommy]

I'd try the Poly if you can afford it, or you could do CR concierage. The full concierage is on the 14th floor, but the 12th floor has lite concierage with less offerings AND less money.

Could you please explain the diffference between regular & lite. Also, what is it called it I were to call & make a ressie?

 

[Doug Whitson]

We've stayed at the CR garden wing , the WL and the Poly. Loved them all. We are going back to the Poly in two weeks.

All resorts are wonderful, each with its own benefits. I would say that the rooms at Poly and CR are (to me) quite a bit larger than the WL rooms. However, the WL makes it up in better price and wonderful theming.

It's a tough call.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Here's another vote for the Poly. Here's why:

You have already experienced CR. Try something new to remember this trip by.

You can't beat the transportation at Poly - monorails to MK and Epcot, launch to MK, and TTC within walking distance. At the end of a long day, those monorails are a blessing. I've heard some complaints about the waiting times for boats to and from WL, but I have no experience with this since I have stayed at Poly four times, never stayed at WL.

Also, for nostalgic reasons. You were at the Poly as a teen. You will relive the time you spent there as well as it being a sweet memory to share with your kids.

Since it will be summer, go with the Polynesian theming. Maybe if it was winter, WL would be a nice choice.

I do not suggest the split stay. With little kids, it's more trouble than it's worth, imo. You waste valuable park time packing and moving and waiting for your luggage and unpacking.. bla bla bla. I've done split stays twice. Hopefully, never again.

The final decision is yours but I say to make new memories with your family at the Poly! They will love the volcano pool too.

Tink

 

[Keara'sMom]

Re: your question about the WL and bed rails for the bunks...

We stayed at the WL this January and loved it--no hassles with transportation, although we took a pretty leisurely approach to boat riding and bus transportation. The boat ride to MK was kind of like a theme park ride in itself, actually!

The bed rails that they have with the bunk beds are the portable (foldable) kind that you can buy in dept. stores--they extend about half-way down a single bed. I'd bet they would work for your one-year-old.

Have a great trip!

 

[JayCT]

I definitely would go with the Poly. We stayed at the Poly in 02 and CR Tower Club last year (splitting our stay with YC). We did not believe that Tower Club was worth the extra price. CR is like a big city hotel with lots of noise. We were also not impressed by the pool, particularly the lack of shaded seating areas. The convenience of the monorail, the large rooms and the great relaxing atmosphere make the Poly our favorite resort. We are going again in April and trying the Dolphin, but if codes come out we may switch to a Disney Resort and my first choice would be the Poly. If it is within your budget, the Poly can't be beat IMHO. Jay

 

[rileyroosmom]

We stayed at the WL last May and really enjoyed it. I thought I would be put off by the woodsy feel but it was very nice. My kids loved throwing coins in the stream in the lobby and sitting in the rocking chairs by the fireplace. The pool was really nice and they had duck races every afternoon (kids raced plastic ducks) pool area also has a bar that serves snacks (nice for mom and dad) Only neg. part about pool was kiddie pool was closed almost every afternoon due to accidents. The ducks swim in the pool, which I wasn't thrilled with.
Boat ride was really nice and the kids really liked it. Leaving MK at night it did seem to take awhile waiting for the boat to come, I think they could run another one.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would stay again but our youngest is 4 and we are now over the limit. We are trying the Poly this time and I'm really looking forward to it. We debated about the CR and finally ruled it out do to IMO, lack of atmosphere and the pool area doesn't have a lot of shade. I'm not really into the design of the building, so Poly here we come!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We enjoyed the WL and the Poly. Our boys are ages 3 and 5. I think it just depends on your personal taste and budget. The WL is usually a lot less expensive, but then you don't have the monorail. Good Luck making a decision.

 

[imatoad]

I love the Poly., my friend had never stayed on property before, last Oct. we stayed there, guess what, we're going back this Oct.

 

[SnowWitch]

Summer trip and a one year old I would go with the Poly. If it were a Nov or Dec trip I would vote for the WL. I'm thinking ease of naptimes.