Crazy Question - AoA Cars Suite or Poly Room?

[asudol]

I'm torn and looking for advice! 5 of us traveling, 2 kids, 3 adults - 1 adult will not be going to the parks, she's there to babysit only.

We current have reservations for AoA Cars, but I really like the Polynesian, and the idea of being in a monorail resort... it's more like when I went as a kid and the fond memories of waking up in the morning, getting on the monorail and riding to MK... Something magical about it.

Then again, the Cars theming looks amazing. When we booked this, my kids were heavily into Cars, but getting out of it. They'd probably have a blast.. and having our own bedroom room is a big plus...

Arrgh! So conflicted! Poly will be an additional $1200 for the 10 day trip, but likely we will never get to stay at a deluxe again in the future, this trip is already way out of line, but we have some money to spare for once (very rare).

HELP!!! We travel in 2 weeks, so I need to decide quickly!

 

[tinkermommyof3]

I'm torn and looking for advice! 5 of us traveling, 2 kids, 3 adults - 1 adult will not be going to the parks, she's there to babysit only.

We current have reservations for AoA Cars, but I really like the Polynesian, and the idea of being in a monorail resort... it's more like when I went as a kid and the fond memories of waking up in the morning, getting on the monorail and riding to MK... Something magical about it.

Then again, the Cars theming looks amazing. When we booked this, my kids were heavily into Cars, but getting out of it. They'd probably have a blast.. and having our own bedroom room is a big plus...

Arrgh! So conflicted! Poly will be an additional $1200 for the 10 day trip, but likely we will never get to stay at a deluxe again in the future, this trip is already way out of line, but we have some money to spare for once (very rare).

HELP!!! We travel in 2 weeks, so I need to decide quickly!

Although there are so many reasons why I would choose the Polynesian, in your situation the two above stand out as great reasons to stay there this trip. It would be a great place for the other adult to spend time with baby since they are not going to the park. It is a beautiful relaxing resort. Also, it will give your family a once in a lifetime memory from what your are saying. It is an excellent choice. I can't imagine you regretting your stay.

 

[princessap]

Poly for sure!!! it is amazing and a great time to stay there before all the construction takes over!

 

[HopperFan]

To me it would depend on who the adult babysitter is?

I would be leaning towards my own bedroom and the babysitter in the living room with their own bed, with the kids and their own bathroom. Location doesn't matter so much as they can get a bus to anywhere they would like to visit.

 

[Sheilby]

Poly, this way the extra adult can hang out on the beach or at the pool with the baby - way more relaxing. Plus when you are at MK and Epcot you can easily pop on the monorail to go back and see the baby.

 

[herb102211]

Definitely the Poly! I'm sure your babysitter will appreciate relaxing on the beach and and at the pool, plus it's very convenient to MK and the monorail resort restaurants.

 

[asudol]

Some clarification points...

There's no 'baby'... DS4 and DD6 will not make it the whole day and night. Our plan was to wear them out, then take them back to the hotel to stay with grandma (babysitter) for the night while we go back to the park.

It also means they can watch the fireworks, water pageant, etc from the beach at the hotel, so they don't miss out.

During the day, grandma will be alone - relaxing on the beach, etc is a much better option than the AoA pools from what I hear

It's tough. May not make it back to WDW for another 5-10 years, and will never have a chance to stay at a Deluxe again...

It's killing me!

 

[sweetnjmom]

IMO, Grandma would be much happier during the day at the Poly--for a "resort" vacation. However, you have to be certain that everyone--kids, parents and grandma--are comfortable with the sleeping situation at Poly. I assume standard room? If you all are, then I'd go with the Polynesian.

 

[catra121]

I would stay with the Cars Suite.

2 bathrooms

kitchenette

spacious for relaxing when not at the parks

Poly is nice but if grandma is going to be spending a lot of time in the room (either by herself or babysitting) then I would think the extra space would be pretty important.

Besides...think of all the OTHER things you could do with $1200. Even if you still spend that money at Disney...you could spend it shopping, on photos, maybe even do a Disney photo session and capture some great shots of the family and grandma, a tour, some special experiences, etc. I would think that would make for a better overall vacation.

But...to each his own. If you want to stay at Poly then go for it.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

I've only stayed in the AoA suites, not the Poly, but with 3 adults I think you'll appreciate the extra space the suites give you. H & I LOVED having our own bedroom & bathroom.

The experience is different -- AoA is catered to kids -- but for us, the trips are FOR our kids, so it works.

Plus... $1,200... there are so many things I could do with that instead of spend it on a cramped hotel room...

 

[asudol]

Interesting observation... it looks like those who have stayed at the Poly unanimously say to stay at the Poly. And anyone who hasn't leans towards AoA

I spent many vacations at the Poly as a kid and have extremely fond memories. I'm sure everyone would be thrilled with either choice, but also thinking that the monorail adds another level of magic that the bus and car don't add.

Thanks for the responses -- We've booked the poly... I'm sure we would all be happy with either resort - but I'm trying to make this one really magical. It's the age where they believe everything around them, the characters are real... any little extra magic we can add make a huge difference.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Interesting observation... it looks like those who have stayed at the Poly unanimously say to stay at the Poly. And anyone who hasn't leans towards AoA

I spent many vacations at the Poly as a kid and have extremely fond memories. I'm sure everyone would be thrilled with either choice, but also thinking that the monorail adds another level of magic that the bus and car don't add.

Thanks for the responses -- We've booked the poly... I'm sure we would all be happy with either resort - but I'm trying to make this one really magical. It's the age where they believe everything around them, the characters are real... any little extra magic we can add make a huge difference.

I think you made a great decision!! The Poly will be perfect and very convenient and also a great place for g'ma to spend the day!!!

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Princess Katherine]

Poly! Do it while you can!

Katie

 

[sweetnjmom]

Interesting observation... it looks like those who have stayed at the Poly unanimously say to stay at the Poly. And anyone who hasn't leans towards AoA

I've never stayed there!

Most of my onsite trips have been at moderate resorts, actually. Only value I was at was All Stars Music (not a good experience). The only reason we were able to swing Wilderness Lodge for our upcoming trip was free dining. But I was thinking of what grandma would do during the day at AoA and thought as long as everyone was comfortable sleeping, she'd have a more relaxing time at the Poly.

Hope you have a nice trip.

 

[GagesMama]

I think you made a great decision. IMO, the rooms aren't as small as everyone tends to make them sound. We stayed in the Tokelau (sp?) building and loved it. We had 2 beds and a pull-out. I think you'll have plenty of space. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[smiths02]

I think you made a good choice. I think grandma would be more comfortable at the Poly.

 

[Sheilby]

I think you made a great choice too. Especially since grandma will be alone during part of the day. She can have a lovely time at the resort and easily hop on the monorail to tour the other resorts in the area. Then the kids can watch the fireworks and the EWP in the evening while you two run around to the parks.

 

[wishing4PA]

I think you made a great choice too. Especially since grandma will be alone during part of the day. She can have a lovely time at the resort and easily hop on the monorail to tour the other resorts in the area. Then the kids can watch the fireworks and the EWP in the evening while you two run around to the parks.

Exactly. The key to me is that grandma will have a much better time during her "off duty" hours at the Poly. I would love to stay at AoA, too, but I can't imagine spending my whole day there unless I absolutely wanted to do nothing but read some exceptionally good novel. I easily can imagine spending a Poly day or monorail hopping like Sheilby suggests.

 

[Sunnywho]

Was Grandma consulted about which one she preferred? Did she have no interest in visiting the parks even for half days?

LOL it wasn't an option under consideration but I'd have gone with Port Orleans Riverside. Grandma could take the boat to Downtown Disney or enjoy the quiet pools. Since POR is considerably cheaper than either Poly or AOA, the $ difference could have gone to paying for Grandma to go to the MK for a half day or to a spa or nice lunches at DD.

 

[greener255]

wishing4PA -
I appreciate the dilemma, we're considering the CR in the garden wing or the FW Cabins (probalby the wrong abbreviation) for a trip next summer with an almost 3 year old, 5 month old, boss (DW) and I, and my parents - so 6 total. My view is the "once in a long time opportunity" to stay at the CR. My dad vehemently disagrees saying the cabins is the obvious choice....

For your situation, I would vote Poly and chech out the CR since it is likely significantly cheaper for a 10-nighter. Also, would you consider splitting the difference and doing a few nights at AoA and ending at Poly?

I have been to Poly and driven through AoA, but have not stayed at either. Have a blast, I'm jealous!