Thanks so much for all the replies! It has been interesting to read various opinions.
To fill you in a bit, BC/YC only has deluxe club level available on my dates so that is quite a bit more expensive than the standard room at the poly.
BWI has standard room which is cheaper, and standard CL which is about 400 dollars more than the poly standard room.
WL proximity is quite appealing as is its price, (about 1200 cheaper) but I have read mixed reviews on transportation issues. We have eaten at the resort, and it is really beautiful. However, of all the places mentioned the theme is the least appealing to my family unless we were travelling to FL in the winter. We are more beach/island/southern feel.
It is totally a known vs. unknown issue. I know I didn't come home relaxed after my first two trips to wdw. Before our trip to the poly I was majorly stressed about the cost. After our vacation, I felt it was worth every penny.
However, this year its even more expensive! I realize a disney vacation is a luxury expense regardless. But what is luxury and what is excessive. I suppose to each his own.
Is spending $4,000 such a great deal if I don't walk away from the trip happy? Or should I spend $5,000 and stay at a resort I know my entire family loved. Hence my dilemma.
We had such a great time at the poly last year vs. our first two disney trips it makes it hard to venture out somewhere new. Many of you have described exactly what made the poly so special in your posts above!
For us, first and foremost was the transportation options! It was so easy with the resort monorail and short walk to the TTC. Moving around disneyworld was so easy!
Second was even when we were hanging out at the hotel we felt connected to MK. Maybe because the castle was physically off in the distance. Maybe it was because we could be there in 5 minutes any time we wanted. It was awesome to watch wishes sitting on the beach relaxing with my wife and kids. When it was over, walking steps to our room was so much better than fighting the crowds at the park.
Third, almost all of our meals were either at MK, E, or one of the monorail resorts. Getting to those from one of the moderate hotels can be a pain and very time consuming, but at the poly it was a breeze.
In summary the convieniences allowed more time for...... doing nothing! Hanging out by the pool, watching my girls in a hoola hoop contest, watching them make friends and have fun.
I would love to do a split stay both to save money and experience other places. but my DW doesn't like the idea of unpacking only to pack again, move then unpack a second time. Obviously that makes it hard to test the waters on a new place without jumping in with both feet.
I really like the theme of the FQ and POR but I just don't know if I can handle the buses for the week. If I could, it would save us about 2k on the trip. Obviously that is a great deal of money, but not worth the saving if we don't have a great vacation! Not sure if I will change resorts, but its nice to hear I am not the only one who thinks the poly is pretty spectacular. Thanks for all the feedback!
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