Help me decide! Polynesian vs. S&D (or both)

[ckelly14]

We are lucky enough to accumulate a number of Starpoints every year, so we have been staying at the Swan and Dolphin in a 1 or 2 bedroom suite for the last 5 trips over the last 7 years. I remember fondly the Polynesian trips of my youth, and for nostalgic reasons really want to go back there for my next trip in June 2012. Pretty shocked at the prices, especially when thinking about the Lagoon view and/or club level. Really like the idea of seeing wishes/electric water pageant from the beach or my room.

Currently planning Sat June 1-5th (Sat-Wed nights) at the Dolphin (5 nights for the "price" of 4 with Starpoints) and going to the Poly for June 6-8th (Thurs-Sat nights). My questions are:

1. Should I do Poly or Dolphin first? Haven't seen any crowd calenders for these dates yet to plan theme parks. Seems to be more crowded during the first weekend due to Gay Days.

2. Should I upgrade to the lagoon or park view and/or club level. Thinking regular hotel room not suite. Would cost me an extra grand for both CL PV and I just can't justify it unless convinced otherwise. Read a bunch a posts about this, thinking for the price we should just get a garden view and walk out to the beach to watch the fireworks (when not at the park, that is)

3. What long house? Like to be close to the pool and the beach to watch parades if I don't go with the CL options.

Thanks

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never stayed at Swan/Dolphin, but we love the Poly. If it were me, I'd end with the Poly. In my opinion, there really aren't any bad views. We stayed in a regular GV in Samoa and loved it (faced the quiet pool). Samoa is conveniently located and is just steps from the GCH, the volcano & quiet pool, the beach, and Captain Cooks. We aren't ones to pay for views, but we are trying CL in July 2013. Good luck.

 

[mkoerner]

If staying at Swan / Dolphin is free on points, then that's a no brainer, esp. since the Poly is awfully expensive. I'd rather stay for free, then be able to take more than 1 trip a year and buy AP to do so

 

[ckelly14]

Well, wasn't able to move my reservation at the Swan earlier (they are sold out for June 1st), so I just extended my stay at the Swan one night on the back end. No Poly for me next trip- don't think I would book it for just one night. Maybe next time. Thanks for the suggestions...