Deluxe experts needed!

[lomillerin]

Edit

 

[DisneyMomx7]

It's a little confusing. Except for Main Concierge you do go outside to get to the other buildings but the lodge buildings are all inside corridors, not exterior ones like moderates and value resorts. You will love GF. Book a garden view room but ask for a marina view and it's like getting a lagoon view for the price of a garden view. We're going to be there in July. July 1-13. We'll be the ones with the three "not perfect" kids!

 

[erikthewise]

Contemporary and Polynesian are the oldest resorts at WDW. But the Polynesian rooms have been refurbished multiple times and all have been refurbished within the last two years. I think it's very unlikely you'll have a problem with an "outdated room" there. I have no knowledge of Contemporary refurbishing.

I am grateful for the opportunity to walk outside at the Polynesian! I think the grounds are more beautiful than any other resort.

If you liked AKL, you might consider Wilderness Lodge. They are similar in many ways (same architect). WL is half the size of AKL and of course doesn't have the animals, but is still very nice and less expensive than the monorail resorts.

 

[lomillerin]

Thanks,
We are staying at the WL for short June trip to try it out.

I was really leaning to the POLY until I realized you have to go outside. But, if the grounds are so nice, maybe it is better. Good advice. Thanks.

 

[buzzriders]

We stayed at the poly in Aug 2003 and we LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!! Almost all the rooms are brand new!! The resort is not that big so walking outside is not that bad! The grounds are beautiful, it is like being in Hawaii(even though I have never been!!)The are seperate longhouses with usually 3 floors and multible rooms. The longhouses are like mini hotels. The hallways are inside the longhouses unlike the values and moderates. The poly is great it have a great volcano pool and a great slide.(the pool area is new too) There is a beach with a great view of MK and wishes at night.You can also see the Electric Water Parade at night!! O'hana and Kona cafe are great resturants!! The best part is that you can take the monorail!! It was a huge plus!! I think you will love this resort just like I, DH, DD15 and DS11 did!!!!!

 

[erikthewise]

Actually, the Polynesian Resort is "just like" the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu (Hawaii). The resemblance is intentional, and if you visit both you will be struck by it.

 

[dizneetravelagent]

I love the GF, and I love the Poly. My family considers the Poly our second home. As a mother or 3 kids, the deciding factor is them. The Poly just offers a little more relaxed atmosphere for parents and kids. This might just be me, but I always felt like my kids needed to look their very best just to walk through the main building. Everything at the Poly is just a little more laid back. My kids absolutely love going to Captain Cooks to get a coloring page. They will hang up the finished picture for the duration of your stay.

Rooms are very large...never a cleanliness issue...walk to TTC to catch Epcot monorail....staff greets you by saying "Aloha". There's not a prettier resort at night...Lay in a chair on the beach and watch "Wishes"....lest we forget OHana and that pineapple with warm caramel sauce....I was just there a week ago, and I want to go back

Don't get me wrong. I love the GF, but we probably won't go back until the kids are much older.

 

[TammiMcMan]

We stayed at the poly in Aug 2003 and we LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!! Almost all the rooms are brand new!!

Wow, all new rooms in 2003 and now they're updating again. I saw on the Allears site that Tonga will be closing soon for rehab and Tahiti is also scheduled for rehab this summer. Probably no way you could ensure one of these new rooms though.

You are correct about the GF, the main building only houses concierge rooms. If you're looking for an enclosed deluxe, you might also want to consider the YC or BC. They have more of a hotel setup as opposed to a resort. Personally, I like the resort feel. I found it to be quieter, more relaxing and a little bit more secluded. Basically each building at the Poly and GF are mini hotels with an interior lobby and hallways. I know at the GF that morning coffee is served in all the building lobbies.

I always like it when I can see photo's and this site, http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/lodging.asp has some really good ones. Just select the resort from the "deluxe" link and then if you look to the right of the page, you'll see a link for 360 degree views and pictures. The GF has some nice interior shots.

Good luck with your resort decision, it's not easy.

Tammi

 

[lomillerin]

Wow! Thanks for all the advice.

 

[minijeanie]

I loved the Poly.....and it was indoor corridors once you got into your building.

but I am taking a big chance this year and doing the CR tower room. Not really all my style of decor, but have been convinced that this is a great resort to stay at. Hoping we get MK view...and if we do, can't imagine one reason why I would dislike it.