First Ever Post - Please Help Me decide between Poly and WL!

[kupair]

We are going in May with my 1-year old son and my daughter will be a few weeks from turning 3. I think I might be crazy, although we will have the in-laws to help! Anyhow - I just booked 2 rooms at the Poly. I was so excited to get them as that resort wasn't available last week. We are using the military discount and we were told that they only allow a certain amount of discounted rooms and even if one is cancelled, it goes back into circulation as a regular - not discounted - room. But...somehow I got 2 rooms today! So...it pays to ask again, but I digress. I chose the Poly mainly because of the ease of transportation with a double stroller and 2 small ones. I won't lie though - it's a definite budget stretcher, so I'm just trying to decide if it will be truly worth it or if we should stay at the WL or somewhere else. I will take any and all suggestions! I'm glad to have found this board - thanks in advance

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome to the Dis!

We stayed at WL when our dd was 4.5. We loved our stay. I loved most was that everything was under 1 roof. If it rained, you could find things to do w/out going out in the rain. Plus, it made getting food easier. Last Aug we were at POR-Riverside during TS Fay. It was miserable getting soaked every time we'd leave our room. WL is also nice for young kids. It has a kiddie pool, nice playground on the beach, etc.

I haven't stayed at the Poly, but I have stayed at CR 2x. I didn't find being on the monorail that much more convenient even with a stroller. You still have to ride a bus to many places.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[GPFirefly]

Consider your budget first. One thing to consider is that Poly is spread out into several buidings which could mean quite a walk to transportation. WL is all under one roof. You could still have a long walk but could be inside for most of it.

 

[CoolPool]

If weather is a concern, then request a Poly longhouse near the GCH. Most people at the Poly and GF muddle through this problem somehow. Stiff upper lip and all. One must do one's best.

The Poly has the monorail to MK and its a short walk to the TTC for the direct monorail to Epcot.

I'd also say being able to watch the fireworks at your home resort is a bonus with small kids. You are further from the really loud noise, the huge crowds, and the general surliness getting out of the park when everyone is tired and cranky.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

The Poly is definitely the best choice transportation-wise. On a recent trip, when I was taking a boat from MK to WL for dinner at Artist Point, I waited 15 minutes until one finally arrived... I was 5 minutes late for dinner. The monorail, on the other hand, is more reliable (though I did have to wait ten minutes for it that same evening on my way to dinner from the GF to MK)

However, if the WL will be easier on your budget (it is quite a price difference), I don't think it will let you down. The resort has always impressed me. The theming is fabulous, and the lobby is just wow. It's not quite as convenient, but if you want to save money, it's a good option.

 

[Stitch2244314]

Hmmm, I'm not sure. The Poly costs quite a bit more than WL...

Actually, my aunt and uncle just came back from a trip to WL. They absolutely loved the resort! The last time they went to Disney, they stayed at the Poly. They actually liked WL a lot better! When I told them that the Poly actually cost more than the WL (they couldn't remember!) they were shocked and truly did not believe me. I'm not sure why, I've never stayed at either, but I'm just passing the story on. You probably can't make a bad choice between the two of them. Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and honestly they are both awesome resorts.....you can't go wrong with either one, IMO . The Poly does have some advantages over the WL such as bigger rooms, the convenience of the monorail (especially with little ones/strollers), and the beach is wonderful to sit and watch the fireworks . But the WL is a great resort too as it has convenient boat service to/from the MK and the CR......and as a pp stated..... everything is under one roof........plus the atmosphere is amazing . If the extra cost is doable financially......I think the Poly would be the way to go for the transportation convenience; but if you are looking to save a little, the WL really is a fantastic resort and I don't think you would be disappointed staying there. Good luck with your decision as I'm sure you will have a magical trip regardless of which resort you choose as they are both great resorts .

 

[KatMark]

We've only stayed at the Poly--a number of times--and love it. It is our favorite deluxe (although we've not yet stayed at the one other we want to try--the AKL). We've not stayed at the WL and have no desire to do so. We just aren't into the log cabin/outdoorsy thing. Don't get me wrong...it is beautifully done, but it doesn't do anything for us personally. Therefore, if you can afford the price of the Poly (and it is expensive), we would pick the Poly.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Welcome to the DIS

Another advantage of the Poly is the zero entry pool that the WL does not offer. They both have great pools but for little ones, the zero entry is great because they can just sit in the shallow end and splash and play. The Poly also has 3 beaches for sand play. My DDs also love the kids' water fountain play area.

The Poly's extra room size is key when you are traveling with little ones because you have so much STUFF between diapers and toys and strollers and cribs and.....Having that bigger room will give you a little more sanity.

The WL is a great option for the budget and I am sure you would have a great time at either. I just think the Poly would have the edge on convenience and relaxation.

Happy planning

 

[of the seas]

We have stayed at both, and I would stick with the Poly. The monorail will be so helpful, and like others have said, request to be close to the Great Ceremonial House. We requested and got Rarotonga longhouse. We had a balcony and the kids loved eating their breakfast out there.

The kids will love the pool. Don't forget to walk the grounds and swing in the hammock!

 

[h518may]

Welcome to the DIS

Another advantage of the Poly is the zero entry pool that the WL does not offer. They both have great pools but for little ones, the zero entry is great because they can just sit in the shallow end and splash and play. The Poly also has 3 beaches for sand play. My DDs also love the kids' water fountain play area.

The Poly's extra room size is key when you are traveling with little ones because you have so much STUFF between diapers and toys and strollers and cribs and.....Having that bigger room will give you a little more sanity.

The WL is a great option for the budget and I am sure you would have a great time at either. I just think the Poly would have the edge on convenience and relaxation.

Happy planning

See I am the parent that is terrified of the zero entry pool. My kids would never sit quietly in the shallow end and play, they would be trying to walk to the deep end. Now at WL my DD would stay in the kiddie pool and play and not give me a heart attack trying to get in the deep water. The one time I took her into the big pool she would not stay on the steps that were shallow enough for her. So for my kids the zero entry in not a selling point. I might stay at the Poly for other reasons, but the pool is not one of them. And this definitely is something to look at how your children are. Will they play quietly in the shallow end or are they likely to push the limits and you would constantly be after them.

We loved WL. We loved the boat ride. And we are returning to WL in Oct. that is how much we loved it. But I really feel the Poly is outside of our budget. So were I think both have there pluses, WL is the best for our style and budget. We love the theme, and the boat.

 

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

We always thought that we'd really like to stay at the Poly until we visited it; boy what a let down it was for us; the lobby seemed so small and cluttered feeling; there wasn't a hot tub, and overall it didn't feel relaxing to us. The WL is very laid back with it's huge lobby; 3 hot tubs, and the feeling that you are in the middle of nowhere, very relaxing after a crowded day in the parks! Also never had an issue with transportation, but then again we're on vacation, I'm not going to get upset if I have to wait for a boat or a bus, I like where I'm at so why would I get upset just because I have to be there longer?
That's just our opinion, like the OP said they didn't like the log cabin/woodsy feel of the WL. The best advice I can give is; you just have to decide what suits your tastes best!

 

[JoanneNC]

We are also staying at the Poly for the 1st time in December thanks to the military 40% discount and I am counting down every day until I hear Aloha....

 

[rimmer]

WL is my families #1 choice by far. I just got back today and even when it's really busy (like this weekend) it's relaxing, everything is convenient and under one roof. As others have stated being under one roof is nice especially if it rains. My dd and I stayed at the poly last August and were really disappointed. The rooms are larger at the poly but it's so hectic around the restaurants and getting to the monorail is chaotic. We leave the park because we need some down time, we didn't get that at the poly like we do at WL. Not to mention the price is much better too. Good luck with your decision!

 

[wdwwishes]

I had the same debate when booking for June of this year. We choose the Poly and put the W.L. on hold for next year. I went with the Poly for pretty much the same reasons given by other posters. I think what somewhat tipped the scales for me though was easier access to more restaurants via the monorail to the G.F. and the Cont. along with those at the Poly. Enjoy your trip!

 

[ILIKEWDW]

I stayed at the Poly for the first time with my two little toddlers (now teenagers) one was 2 YO and the other 3 YO. We also choosed a lake view and take that "long" walk every day from our room to GCH to BF or to take mono-rail with no problem, we even did not have strollers (we rented it just in the parks).

The resort made on several small buildings is the reason I have chosed it in most of our travels. I don´t like big and tall buildings and that private style make you feel as if you have a little bungalow.

The resort is great, the theme is perfect, the proximity to MK is a must for young kids and mono rail to the park daily is also great.

I think you will be OK there, with no doubt!!

..... also you are near to two of the best character meals: 1900 Park Fare and O'Hana !!!!

 

[thehails]

Could you do a split stay? That's what we did. We really wanted to try the Poly but couldn't afford it for our whole time so we stayed 4 nights at the Poly then 8 nights at WL.

We loved both resorts. These were the points we found :

Poly - transport is so easy with so many different options.
It was spread out and we were there when it was freezing so that was a bit unplesant, but not enough to put us off staying again.
We found the rooms were very noisey, we were on 2nd floor and there was alot of noise from upstairs (children running and shouting etc)
Staff were very pleasant and welcoming. Tumble dryers worked better here

WL - transport takes quite sometime to get anywhere. Rooms were lovely and quiet. Staff not so good as Poly, seemed very disorgainsed. If you stay dont book a standard room as you could end up with a view of the electricity generating station! Theming is lovely, roaring forks is great. Tumble dryers took alot longer to dry stuff than at Poly.

We did love both places and would choose a split stay again. It was very easy. Hope you can decide.

 

[kupair]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I knew there would be pros and cons...of course I'm now more confused than ever! If I keep the Poly reservation, which longhouse would be most convenient with the shortest walk? We requested adjoining rooms - do those even exist?? We are just getting garden view rooms. Thanks!!

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I knew there would be pros and cons...of course I'm now more confused than ever! If I keep the Poly reservation, which longhouse would be most convenient with the shortest walk? We requested adjoining rooms - do those even exist?? We are just getting garden view rooms. Thanks!!

Yes, it has adjoining rooms, we have stayed always that way as we have small kids.....

About the nearest to the GCH building, well I can not help you with as we always have choosed "lake views". The first floor have been the most convenient for us with our six kids as it has a door to go outside to the beach from our own room to see the Fireworks (on the beach wiews are great and no crowds and not so loud for young kids as being at MK), and the Electrical Water Pageant it is really a "must".

I thought we have been on "Tahiti" with a LV and "Fiji" LV too (I guess I can´t remember the exact names) and our fist time we stayed near the dock with a not so amazing view, but did not remember the names.