From CR Tower Club to the Poly. Concierge!!?!!

[kc&dmom]

After reading these boards for several long months I just made the switch from the Tower Club at the CR to Poly. Concierge for late summer. I found a great code at mousesavers for WDW.com and the price difference was minimal! I was so surprised. From posted rack rates to discounted rooms the Poly always seemed quite a bit more than CR. My girls are thrilled they are going to the "pearly shells". I hope we did the right thing, I have been so programmed for a trip to the CR I am a little unsure.

We are traveling with DD's 6 & 4, and DS 3. The only advantage I could see of staying at CR Tower was the private balcony. I was looking forward to late nights with DH while the kids slept just enjoying the view. We booked a garden view and requested the first floor. How did I do?? I understand the third floor is smoking optional --not an option for us and the 2nd floor does not have balconies?

And someone tell me please --what is with the complaints about the smell. I have to admit it has me a little nervous. Is it just fragrant from tropical plants and blooms -- we have some plants and lillies and even lilacs that can WOW you when the humidity and the breeze are just right --- but, I do not find it offensive, just a little intense.

I'd love to hear some thoughts!!

 

[suevee]

The smell never bothered me. I don't notice it. The people at the Poly are wonderful. On our last visit we decided to go to the Kona Cafe for dessert after Epcot. We were staying in the CR. When we got there it was 10:15 and they had stopped serving. When the waitress saw the disappoinment on my DDG (7yr) face she says wait a minute. Then she came back and arranged for our dessert to go! To top it off she decided plastic just wouldn't due and gave us real silverware and real nakins to take back to our room. It was one of the best desserts ever!

 

[dumboroo]

The poly smells like a humid tropical environment. It smells no more offensive than say Hawaii. I think the only difference is when you walk inside, from the outdoor Orlando weather, it smells different because of the extra humidity, flowers and wood. The only thing I would worry about is of someone in your group has an allergy to tropical flowers.

PS
I have never stayed at the poly, I have only explored the hotel, so I don't know what it is like being there, in that environment, for a long time.

 

[ebhurleys]

I have stayed in a regular room at the Poly and I have to say I it is my favorite. There was a smell in the hall on the first floor but nothing in the room or on any other floor. I have also stayed tower club at the CR. I was not all that impressed. It was great for breakfast and an afternoon snack if you happen to be around. It was definately limited though. From everything I have read about the Poly Concierge you should be much better off.

 

[kc&dmom]

Thanks for the quick replys -- I am sure we are going to love the Poly. I have heard about the "tikiman' website and can't wait to check it out --- hopefully it will be back up & running soon. Can't believe I am going to wish away the summer!!

 

[Mskanga]

I did it the opposite, I went from the POLY to CR Tower club....I did not like the POLY although there was nothing wrong, but I loved the CR tower club, I will pay for that MK view and the fireworks at night from my balcony anyday, I just loved it but it was a matter of personal choice.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I've stayed at both the Contemporary Tower Club MK View and the Polynesian Lagoon View Concierge. Here is how I rate them:

Room Size: Contemporary
Room Setup: Contemporary
Room View: Contemporary
Concierge Staff: Contemporary
Concierge Lounge: Polynesian
Concierge Food: Polynesian (but, b'fast @ CR - Krispy Kremes!)
Overall Rating: Contemporary Tower Club if you want limited concierge (it would be overall best if it was full, but that is up on the 14th floor, I sure wish they'd just make the rooms on the 12th with access to the 14th - could even keep the desks on the 12th and open it up on the 14th with a big lounge - also add an interior staircase between the two floors), Polynesian Lagoon View Concierge if you want full concierge.

 

[kc&dmom]

I think my DH and I would prefer the Tower Club -- but, I am pretty sure the kids will just love the Poly. This is our first family vacation and the Poly really provides an atmosphere unlike any other place they have been. Looking at all the posted photos I am pretty sure the kids would have a blast if we did nothing but stay at the resort all week, swam and explored the grounds.

Full concierge will really make our lives a little easier. The kids are all under 7 and I am sure we will be taking mid-day breaks at the pool. And I am only expecting to keep them going late just two nights to check out Illuminations and Fantasmic. Seeing as the kids pretty much graze through out the day and almost never eat a full meal I think the concierge lounge will be a perfect fit for us! We will be able to take full advantage of the lounge and definitely make it cost effective!

I'm sure some day DH and I will make a trip alone and while watching MK fireworks over a glass of wine on a CR Tower balcony we will wonder why we didn't do it sooner --- a girl can dream right??! As we are staying Sunday-Thursday the week before labor day, I will take some consolation in that there will probably not be a firework display at MK in the time we are there.