For those who have done both, compare and contrast Poly and AKL

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Kinda sounds like a test essay question, no you wont be graded, lol. What I am wondering is what is it like staying at one compared to the other with the thoughts of a shorter trip with less park time and more "relax" time.

 

[Boatingmom]

We've done both. The ALK had great atmosphere but not a heck of a lot to do. I found Poly to be overated, a bit worn, and not worth the extra cash for a long stay. Although there was more to do at the Poly such as boating, cycling and you have the monorail, AKL gives you a feeling like you are actually emersed in the cilture and on a safari. That being said, Poly is a good choice for a short trip as you dont have to leave the resort and you can stay put. AKL is remote

 

[GrumpySue]

We stayed at the Poly for nine days and then switched over to the AKL for 3 days and we were stunned by how much smaller the rooms were at AKL. I guess since the Poly is one of the original hotels, they made the rooms bigger back then. The grounds at the Poly are beautiful and the atmosphere is really relaxing. The convenience of the monorail is super and having Kona coffe in the lobby is pretty good too. The AKL is nice to visit and has great restaurants, but I would never stay there again.

 

[Disney Fool]

I guess I'm one of those people who love both. Each is unique and I don't think it's ever fair to "compare". No resort will have everything the other has, that's why they're different. But, I digress....The AKL is tops for me if you're looking for total relaxation. There's something about waking up in the a.m. and lounging on your balcony, sipping some java and watching the animals. The aroma from the restaurants beneath the lobby are enticing. You can sit in the lobby and read, or just people watch (when you're tired of looking at the animals). The club area is one of the best on disney property. There are guides who will point out many features, and help you identify animals or give you tips. At one recent stay, I happened to mention to a guide that I had read about a baby giraffe being recently born there. To my surprise, he walked me down the hall and out onto stairway outside the building. There she was! a baby giraffe, jumping and playing among some trees. She was perfect! Folks are always saying that the AKL is too far away
but they don't realize that ASM is close to AKL. It's close to Blizzard Beach, nobody complains about that! AKL has a great zero entry pool, and they serve the best pina coladas at the pool bar!
The Poly is wonderful for convenience; and great for parents pushing strollers. It's proximity to MK and the TTC are great features. Yes, you can relax here too, but be warned: so many parents choose the Poly, that you might not get that relaxed feeling at the pool; or the lobby may be crowded--especially in the morning. The grounds are lovely and well-kept and a great way to spend a morning walking around. The fireworks at night are wonderful, and the tiki torches add atmosphere. Depending on where you are assigned, you may have very peaceful views of the gardens, or the lagoon (and a very few of the monorail station!) In any event, look at pictures and see what appeals to you. No one can make that decision for you.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I've stayed at both and I truly love both resorts for different reasons. Both of them I love because of the theming, the cultural touches and the rich colors (not 'dark' but 'rich') plus the smells. Both of these places are more than just 'hotels'. You truly feel like you're somewhere else and I think that adds value to your vacation.

The Polynesian is as expensive as it is gorgeous. Is it overpriced? Of course it is. But where else can you swim in the pool and see Cinderella's castle? See the electric water parade on the Seven Seas Lagoon at night and catch the fireworks from the beach instead of the 'mosh pit' at the MK? If you plan to spend a lot of time at your resort and visit mainly the MK with maybe a day or two at EPCOT, the Polynesian is a good bet. My main beef with the Polynesian is that the bus is shared with other resorts--usually the Grand Floridian.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is reasonably-priced but in a remote location (necessary due to the animals). The rooms are considerably smaller than the Poly--I actually felt claustropobic when I first saw my room but I adjusted quickly. Like with the Polynesian, there are lots of activities for the kids and cultural exhibits. Viewing the animals on the savannah is a big draw here. The AKL doesn't share buses with any other resort and the service is quite prompt. I don't think we waited more than 20 minutes for a bus at any time. The location is remote but a quick bus trip to AK and MGM. If you want to spend time at your resort and spend time a the water parks, AK and MGM, this is the hotel for you. It is a loonnng trip to the MK from the AKL not because of transit time, but because at peak times there's a backup of buses trying to let passengers off at the MK.

Do I get a good grade?

 

[Praise2Him]

The Poly does not have a hot tub and AKL has 2 great ones!

 

[spiceycat]

they are very, very different.

Polyn is like Hawaii.

AKL is like a lodge in Africia.

the Polyn is in the middle of the MK area - so it has better transportation to the MK and Epcot - monrail. everything else is bus.

AKL only has bus transportation to everywhere.

both have things to do. the Polyn has outside activities. most of the outside activities at AKL is animal watching and their foot prints.

AKL has a lot of things to do - they have an activity board close to the front desk.

both places have storytelling at night. AKL wins - it is easier to find and they do include adults. I have yet to find the one at Polyn.

AKL is one building. Polyn is several building. So during a storm or even rain - AKL wins - you do have to go outside to get to the food court. but it is covered. the restuarants at AKL are both inside the building.

most of the Polyn restuarants are inside the GCH - great cermonial house along with the shops.

the AKL rooms are definitely smaller - same size as WL.

Polyn has the second biggest rooms - CR has the biggest rooms - these are rooms not suites or villa. DVC resort has the biggest villa - GV.

you can easily sleep 5 in the Polyn - 2 queen beds and a sofa (twin bed)

AKL can generally only sleep 4 - 2 queen beds.

the Polyn has the better slide. but AKL pool is much bigger. Polyn has a quiet pool - at present there is only the one pool at AKL.

Polyn has boats and bikes. because of the animals - there is limited things to do outside at AKL.

the animals are the main attraction at the AKL.

the polyn main attraction is being a monrail ride to the MK.

your choice - but these are very, very different places.

 

[angeleigh]

We are also trying to decide between these to resorts. On our last two trips to the world my dh and I both said if we stayed deluxe we would stay at Poly. However, my 3 yo ds has other plans. He saw AKL on the website decided that is where he wants to stay. (giraffes are his favorite animal). Dh has booked AKL for August but we keep going back and forth on our choice.