Four Seasons or Poly CL for Jan 2016 46th Anniversary Trip

[Babsy]

First of all, I should say that this trip is just for DH and myself. IT is our tradition to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary in WDW. We are seniors, with slight mobility issues (my knees and DH's hip)

OK, I have wanted to stay at the Poly again for my last 6 visits to WDW. This Nov we are staying GF SL and the Dolphin (originally booked at the POLY, moved AGAIN due to construction). Our last 6 visits to WDWchave been in various combinations of the GF RPC, BWI CL, YC CL, CR CL, BC CL, AKL CL and the Dolphin.

First of all, I do NOT do well with construction. Looking at the Poly construction situation has been so frustrating! I would consider staying this time due to nearly being completed, but those PRICES have become outrageous IMO for a resort under construction ( $909.00 before tax! for weekend nights during our dates!). With the quality of the experience falling every visit, the price to value ratio is now huge to stay in WDW.

Trying to find a second choice to the Poly on site isn't working. I don't want to return to any of the resorts that I have recently stayed in and the WL is also experiencing construction! That eliminates all the deluxe options. I have considered moderates ( and POP), but that isn't the type of trip that I wanted as our final one to Florida for a few years. So..... I am beginning to seriously look at staying off site at the Four Seasons. For only $699 per night you can stay here with a King bed, MK view of fireworks and a true luxury experience.

I have been a die hard 'on site' fan for decades. The thought of staying of site is almost scary. Should we do this? Will the superior resort result in a superior holiday or will we miss the 'Disney magic' when not staying inside the bubble?

What would you do? Has anyone recently stayed at the Four seasons and at any WDW deluxe for comparison? Thanks so much for any insight/thoughts/opinions.

I have also posted this on the Disney resorts forum to get feedback from the 'other side'.

It is a lot to think about. It has been over ten years since we stayed offsite, even for a few days. Please help! ALL opinions welcomed!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Go for it! That sounds like a great room. I think it's about as close as you can get to onsite without being onsite. Will you have a car?

 

[Babsy]

If we do stay there we will rent a car. usually we do not rent, using Disney transportation and staying onsite at WDW.

 

[ArwenMarie]

If we do stay there we will rent a car. usually we do not rent, using Disney transportation and staying onsite at WDW.

Then I would definitely stay there!

 

[Babsy]

Then I would definitely stay there!

Thank you for the encouragement!!

 

[VbChristy]

The four seasons is amazing!! I stayed there late spring and have another stay coming in October. They do have transportation to the parks- but is limited to TTC and Epcot I think. BUT they also have a private car for like $18. Valet is 26 a day. So I would just hire the car instead paying for a rental and paying to park on property and if you are going to MK or Epcot take their bus.
The property is amazing. The service is amazing. The room is so comfortable and the bathtub is gorgeous!!! The property is large though. But so are Disney properties. They have HA rooms for more space but a scooter or 2 will fit in the room.
I would pick the four seasons. The adult only pool is so lovely and relaxing.

 

[VbChristy]

Oh, one more thing. We are doing a split stay so we are doing most of our Disney stuff while we are at GF. But one nighty while at the Four seasons we will take their bus to TTC and then walk to the poly for dinner at Kona one night. easy peezy!

 

[msb578]

The four seasons is amazing!! I stayed there late spring and have another stay coming in October. They do have transportation to the parks- but is limited to TTC and Epcot I think. BUT they also have a private car for like $18. Valet is 26 a day. So I would just hire the car instead paying for a rental and paying to park on property and if you are going to MK or Epcot take their bus.
The property is amazing. The service is amazing. The room is so comfortable and the bathtub is gorgeous!!! The property is large though. But so are Disney properties. They have HA rooms for more space but a scooter or 2 will fit in the room.
I would pick the four seasons. The adult only pool is so lovely and relaxing.

They go to all four parks (well 3 + TTC)


Four Seasons provides complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Luxury motor coaches will transport guests every 30 minutes to the Magic Kingdom®Park and every hour to the additional parks. Please note, for transportation to Magic Kingdom® Park, guests arrive to the Ticket & Transportation Center and must take a short monorail ride into the park.

 

[VbChristy]

Well the AK and HS I think are very limited. I don't think they do every hour any more. I could be wrong though.

 

[freediverdude]

I'm surprised that the Four Seasons drops off at TTC since they are affiliated with Golden Oak. I would have thought they would have van type vehicles instead of motorcoaches, but I don't know how big that resort is. The every 30 minutes to TTC and every hour to the others doesn't sound acceptable to me, I would probably use a car or take taxis if I stayed there.

I'm sure the Four Seasons would be a bit more luxurious with extra service, but you would have to weigh that against not having the Disney feel, it's going to feel different. One idea, if you would be willing to go without CL that would take the price down quite a bit. And if you avoid the area around the quiet pool at the Poly I doubt you would notice much construction.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

If I wanted a true luxury hotel experience I would not even consider a Disney option. Either the four seasons pr the Waldorf. The only part of luxury Disney gets right is the price they lead the pack there. But the experience is not going to measure up to the price and location is only worth so much.


I actually think the transportation is better with the Waldorf so that would be my vote I also think they have rooms with fire work views

My go to option is either the Swan or Dolphin. Better quality then a Disney Deluxe for a dramatically lower price and a great location

I donf get a Disney feeling when I know I'm being ripped off. And latelt the Disney feeling comea with things that are under construction and service that is subpar.