FIrst Family Trip to Disney

[mseg16222]

THis is my first time to post on this board and I have read many interesting forums that are giving me may ideas. So now I need some help from all of you frequent Disney Vacationers!!! Even though I have beento Disney many times in the past, I have not been there in the last 10 years or so. My boys (6 & 7), and hubby (32) have never been there. I thought that a great thing to do would be to stay onsite. We are going in August 12-19, 06 and I know that it is going to be hot.
I am trying to figure out the best place to stay. I am debating between the Poly and WL. The Poly because it is on the Monorail and WL because it is close to MK and I am figureing this is where the kids will want to go most. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Also I can get a better room rate if I don't get the MAgic YOur Way Package. But you can only get the Dining OPtion this way. Would it be better to get the Dining Option or get the room cheapier and put money back for food......so many decisions and no clue what to do. I would appreciate any advice and suggestions that anyone has. Thanks

 

[larklynn]

I have never stayed at either but if you stay at the poly the gf is right next door and has the pirate cruise which would be great for your boys if they like pirtates

 

[Noah122898]

I think the boys would love the WL, my son was six when we stayed there last year and loved it. The dining plan would probably be a good idea since the boys are under 9 and would ony have to pay $10.00 per child per day. We had free dining last year and it was great not having to worry about the cost of food. But I think I would get it again even if I had to pay for it.

 

[jlovesee]

I am going to vote Wilderness Lodge, I have stayed at both (POLY and WL) and think for the money WL is so much better. I have stayed at WL for $140 but the lowest rate I have ever gotten for POLY was $225. In the summer it will be nice to have your hotel all enclosed with air-conditioning, and the pool is right out the door, eating areas are wonderful and you can't beat Whispering Canyon, especially if you had kids.

Plus while its true POLY has monorail, WL does have a boat to Magic Kingdom and I have never had a problem with it.

Just my 2 cents

Jennifer

 

[DW mouser]

I have stayed at both and loved both of them!! My grandson prefered WL but his Dad Poly!! It'd just a matter of taste I think. At WL you can take the ferry to MK or even take it to Poly and ride the monorail. We always just used the ferry. I think you will be happy with either one!! Welcome to these boards!! You will find lots of valuable info here!! If a hot tub makes any difference, only WL has one, not Poly.

 

[DW mouser]

You may also want to try the "resort board" to get info on both resorts!!

 

[mseg16222]

Do you think that one of those is better than the others for the seasons I listed in my first post?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We love the WL because everything is in one building, unlike the Poly, where there are several buildings. In August there are lots of pop up showers, and not having to run outside in the rain is nice. Also, there is just a comfy feeling to the WL...I love just sitting in one of the big leather chairs in the lobby to relax.
As far as discounts go, do you have AAA? If you book your package with them you can get 10-15% off the room portion of the package, but not the dining option. We just got back a few weeks ago and are planning another trip for Oct. and we are using the dining plan again. We figured the costs and with the savings on the room from AAA, it paid for our dining plan pretty much. Have fun planning! Ask any questions you want, someone here knows the answer!

 

[WIDisneyFan]

My wife and I have stayed at both the Polynesian and WL and they are both Wonderful. We prefer the Poly because the overall atmosphere is just a perfect match for us. As for the other things to consider....

Price - the WL is far less expensive than the Poly, just one thing to keep in mind depending on what your budget is

Transportation - For access to the MK it is hard to beat the Poly, between the Monorail and Ferry it is a quick easy trip which makes for easy to and from the parks and resort (an afternoon break back to the resort for a dip in the ppol is a great way to cool off from the summer heat). Access to Epcot is also easier from the Poly with just a short walk over to the TTC you can hop on the monorail and be there quick and easy. For MGM and AK as well as the water parks both will be access by bus.

Dining - Both resorts have some wonderful options, we have favorites at both.

For more information on the Polynesian take a look at http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/index.html it is a great site that will tell you everything you could every want to know.

Have a wonderful trip and just know you can't go wrong with either of your choices