Help? Can't decide which resort to pick.

[TNS_Tinkerbell]

We are planning our magical honeymoon for September 2013.
Booked the airfare, on special, and now am trying to decide on Resort.
8 nights is what we are looking at, with one day at Universal to See HP.

We feel staying on Disney, is the right thing to do.
Neither of us has been to Florida or WDW before, and we don't wish to rent a car.

We have narrowed it down to the following.

Poly Reg or CL
Contemp. Reg or CL
Wilderness Honeymoon Suite

or just do the POR King, and save the difference for another trip.

I know there are pro and con's to both.

I feel the monorail access is a benefit, and my better half thinks the POR busses are just fine.

Does anyone care to weigh in ??

Anyhelp will be awesome... I feel like I am going crazy with this planning thing. There are too many options, and then I read tripadvisor and talk to Disney and too much overload.

Thanks.

T

 

[TNS_Tinkerbell]

Should also note, am open to splitting it between two resorts.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Welcome, and out of you picks, I'd do WL, but regular.... Come on, the honeymoon suite is quite alot more and if it were us, we'd be spending the time at the pool and hot tub.... Save the extra money and stay regular....

CL isn't what it used to be, and you have to be at the resort at the times they serve to get your money's worth (100.00. + per night over regular rate ... Not worth it for us...

So bottom line... We've become WL fans and enjoy the boat to the MK, plus the uniqueness and solitude the lodge provides.... Hope you have a great trip wherever you stay!

 

[jhryb]

My suggestion for a honeymoon would be Poly Reg with the Regular Dining Plan. I think that no matter which resort you select...you will have an amazing honeymoon. To me there is just something very special and romantic about the Poly.

 

[singastory]

I've never stayed at the Contemporary and have never even been to the WL... But I love the Poly, I agree with previous posters that it's super romantic. Since you're considering it, I would say definitely go deluxe for your honeymoon... You only get to do it once! In my experience the buses don't take very long transit-wise, but they're definitely NOT the same experience as the monorail. If you end up enjoying Disney, you can always come back and stay in a moderate. Congratulations and happy planning!

 

[Karabee]

I love the Poly so I might be a bit bias I think the theme is romantic and having the monorail, boat, buses and walkway to the ticket and transportation center can't be beat! I would personally save the money from CL and perhaps do some extra activities, but that's just me! Most of the views at the Poly are quite lovely. The WL is also nice but I found it to be very very loud during the day. Lots of pool games for the children going on all day long. I would suggest the quiet pool more often if you want a bit more relaxation. I haven't stayed at CR so I can't comment on that. Enjoy your time!

 

[sweetcreams]

I'd have to go with Poly too. It's such a romantic setting, and the boat and monorail options appeal to me over buses. It's also nice to have the GF restaurants within walking distance. That's a beautiful walk at night, with all the pretty lights!

 

[MichiganDVC]

I agree with previous posters. Poly is definitely your most romantic spot, and it has the best access to transportation.

My suggestion for a slight switch, however, would be to do a split stay and stay at Boardwalk or Beach-Yacht club for a few nights. These resorts are both walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride from Hollywood Studios. Plus, the entire atmosphere around Crescent Lake, especially at night, is very nice. Its fun to walk around the Boardwalk after the parks have closed and, if you're feeling up to it, explore a late-night restaurant/lounge/bar.

Good luck!!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Since it's your honeymoon and it'll only be you two, I'll throw out a recommendation for Yacht Club or Boardwalk. When it was just DW and I, we routinely stayed in that area because of the adult activities that were readily available (World Showcase, Boardwalk, Jellyrolls). We can't wait to get back to that area on a more consistent basis, but that might have to wait until DD6 is a bit older.

 

[spiceycat]

have you consider getting a DVC member to make you a reservation at VWL or BLT - for a 1-bedroom (if you want the king - Polyn only has queen beds)

they also have a master bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower stall.
blt has an extra combination bathroom.
both have kitchen and living area.

now if you can live with a queen - then go for a studio - only combination bathroom inside.

VWL is pretty romantic to me - BLT is not - but love being able to walk to the MK.

you get access to the other resorts - WL and CR - so you can use their pools, etc.

 

[mom2jcg]

We love the Polynesian. It is so beautiful and romantic, especially at night. Transportation is excellent here, never had any problems, and we've stayed there about 10 times. Congrats and good luck on your planning!

 

[TNS_Tinkerbell]

have you consider getting a DVC member to make you a reservation at VWL or BLT - for a 1-bedroom (if you want the king - Polyn only has queen beds)

they also have a master bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower stall.
blt has an extra combination bathroom.
both have kitchen and living area.

now if you can live with a queen - then go for a studio - only combination bathroom inside.

VWL is pretty romantic to me - BLT is not - but love being able to walk to the MK.

you get access to the other resorts - WL and CR - so you can use their pools, etc.

When I called Disney yesterday, requesting price pointing, I was told there were Kings available at the Poly, in the CL, not in reg. Is this not true??

 

[TNS_Tinkerbell]

Thank you for all the responses, definetly thinking the POly is the way to go. I priced the BWI and YC and they were more than what I was quoted for the Poly and the Contemp.

Question about the DVC rentals? How does that work??

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

Congratulations on your engagement! I would also choose the Poly. It is a beautiful resort and so convenient to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via monorail). You are also close to several restaurants not only at the Poly but also at the GF, CR and WL. I would also recommend saving your money and not booking club level. For that price, you could get the regular dining plan or you could splurge on the deluxe dining plan and eat at several of the signature restaurants. Pretty much all the longhouses at the Poly have beautiful garden views for no extra charge.

On allears, it is noted that king beds are being added during the renovations this year. It doesn't say which longhouses but it makes sense that they would be added to the Hawaii club level longhouse. They are also currently available in the suites.

Regarding your visit to Universal, I would advise that you stay at least one night onsite at Universal. The universal resorts are very nice. Staying only one night gives you express passes for both your check-in and your check-out days. Express passes work for almost all the rides. The only ones they don't work for are the Forbidden Journey, Pteranodon Flyers and Rip Ride Rockit. If you stay onsite, you get into the Harry Potter area an hour before the general public. When went in November, that area was practically empty for early park admission. Also, two day tickets aren't much more than one-day tickets. While I love Disney, I find Universal Studios to be more relaxing. We do a lot less walking and waiting in lines. Their resorts are within walking distance to the parks and both parks are right near one another. The parks are also more compact than the Disney Parks. City Walk is also great. There are lots of restaurants, shops, mini golf courses and a movie theater.

 

[TNS_Tinkerbell]

Congratulations on your engagement! I would also choose the Poly. It is a beautiful resort and so convenient to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via monorail). You are also close to several restaurants not only at the Poly but also at the GF, CR and WL. I would also recommend saving your money and not booking club level. For that price, you could get the regular dining plan or you could splurge on the deluxe dining plan and eat at several of the signature restaurants. Pretty much all the longhouses at the Poly have beautiful garden views for no extra charge.

On allears, it is noted that king beds are being added during the renovations this year. It doesn't say which longhouses but it makes sense that they would be added to the Hawaii club level longhouse. They are also currently available in the suites.

Regarding your visit to Universal, I would advise that you stay at least one night onsite at Universal. The universal resorts are very nice. Staying only one night gives you express passes for both your check-in and your check-out days. Express passes work for almost all the rides. The only ones they don't work for are the Forbidden Journey, Pteranodon Flyers and Rip Ride Rockit. If you stay onsite, you get into the Harry Potter area an hour before the general public. When went in November, that area was practically empty for early park admission. Also, two day tickets aren't much more than one-day tickets. While I love Disney, I find Universal Studios to be more relaxing. We do a lot less walking and waiting in lines. Their resorts are within walking distance to the parks and both parks are right near one another. The parks are also more compact than the Disney Parks. City Walk is also great. There are lots of restaurants, shops, mini golf courses and a movie theater.

I will keep that in mind. Thanks!

 

[Pseudacris]

I agree with previous posters. Poly is definitely your most romantic spot, and it has the best access to transportation.

My suggestion for a slight switch, however, would be to do a split stay and stay at Boardwalk or Beach-Yacht club for a few nights. These resorts are both walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride from Hollywood Studios. Plus, the entire atmosphere around Crescent Lake, especially at night, is very nice. Its fun to walk around the Boardwalk after the parks have closed and, if you're feeling up to it, explore a late-night restaurant/lounge/bar.

Good luck!!

I agree with the bolded--if you're up for a split stay. And if you are going to be going during the time of food and wine fest (I didn't see when in Sept but I could've just missed it).

Otherwise, I would pick Contemporary regular because of the monorail and the more adult feel. Lots of people love the Poly, though and that's monorail as well.

 

[TNS_Tinkerbell]

Okay, we have decided...

We are going to do the Poly Standard with the DxDP.

I have spent some much time researching this. Reading all the reviews and some much information overload at times.

I did the math, we have been savings for so long for this trip, which is likely to be the once in a life trip to WDW, and HP that we are going to have fun and kick back.

So big thank you for all the advice and help.

Now, I have to think ADR's as I have a week until I can book them... groan.

DL is so much easier!