Help me decide where to stay!

[krinicone]

I am trying to start some initial WDW trip planning far in advance for a trip I may not be taking until 2021, sometime after Star Wars galaxys edge opens and when my children are a little older than they are now. It will be me, DH, DS who will be 9 at the time and 4 year old twin girls! So 5 ppl total. I’ve done quite a bit of research but I figured I should get some advice from those who go to WDW more frequently than I do and have stayed at more of the resorts!

I’m leaning heavily toward the poly. Thinking maybe we could do a studio since the kids will be the ones sleeping in the pullouts. It’s just so dang expensive! And I don’t feel comfortable renting DVC points.

I’ve previously stayed at the GF (10 years ago) and AKL (2015).
So yeah, I think I’m totally spoiled on deluxe resorts and idk if I could do a value. Of course while staying at the GF, we didn’t swim in the pool so that’s not important to me and we didn’t eat at any of the TS restaurants either and I didn’t like the QS there bc it was just so small and that’s where we ate breakfast every morning! Plus, when we did take buses they were usually shared with the poly and WL which I didn’t like.

Efficiency of transportation to and from the parks is very important to me so I don’t want a resort with multiple bus stops. I was fairly satisfied with AKL buses but hated folding and unfolding a stroller and the distance from MK. I know you have to take some buses no matter where you stay, that’s just the name of the game when you go to WDW.

I think I’ve already convinced myself to stay at the Poly but just looking for any further suggestions or some reassurance that I’m making the right choice before spending thousands of dollars!

 

[Magical2017]

I would budget for the hotel of your choice. Are you planning to surprise your family, or get input from the 9 yo?

 

[Newsies]

It sounds like you've sold yourself on the Poly. I say go for it if you can do it! The Poly is wonderful, your family will love it.

However, because you singled this out in your post, I do think it's worth mentioning that I believe the Poly QS (Cap'n Cooks) is smaller than the GF QS (Gasparilla's). So if you didn't like the QS at GF, I don't think you'll find the Poly QS that much better-- although I like the menu at Cap'n Cooks far more than I liked the menu at Gasparilla's. So if you're planning on eating breakfast at the resort every day, but you're worried about getting tired of QS breakfast, can I recommend planning for a breakfast at Kona Cafe or 'Ohana (or both!) during your trip? Kona has great coffee and 'Ohana is one of the more unique character breakfasts on property.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

There's no right or wrong choice. Based on the criteria you've listed, Poly is a good choice. My advice would be to not just focus on the studio. If and when discounts come out compare prices for the studios and the standard rooms and pick the least expensive.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I agree with a PP, try budgeting for the resort of your preference and you can always scale back if necessary.

One other I would throw in to pay attention to price-wise is AoA. With the age of your kids, they'd probably get a kick out of it. The Nemo, Cars and Lion King suites have a nice amount of space.

It will be a lower price point than Poly and you won't have to sacrifice space. What you won't have at AoA though is a TS restaurant. Depending on your plans that could make a difference. The pool at AoA is fun though - the Nemo pool plays music - underwater. Kids get a total kick out of that.

 

[Mome Rath]

Poly is great, and if you feel like Poly and can afford it (and enjoy it), go for it! It seems you'd really like to stay there, and that will add a lot to your vacation. We love both Cap'n Cooks and Kona Cafe.

Since you asked for other perspectives; AoA would be the "value" you could look at, as a PP said/described. Port Orleans Riverside could be a moderate to look at, but you wouldn't have as much room. The plus side is a neat pool, boat to Disney Springs, and a great food court with access to Port Orleans French Quarter as well.

 

[Luvs Mickey]

The Poly sounds like it would be a great choice for your family. You can’t beat the proximity to MK and given the age of your kids, you will most likely be spending a lot of time there. Plenty of time to budget for this. One other option would be The Contemporary, which I’ve seen can be less expensive when I’ve been comparing resorts. Theming is quite different but is also close to MK.

 

[yaya74]

We just return from GF. We spent some time checking out at Poly for our future stay. Poly is definitely more active and louder than GF for younger kids. GF offers activities too but more on the quiet side, like marshmallow roasting on the beach.. At Poly, kids were throwing balls and playing hula hoops while wearing glow sticks on their necks.

Regarding transportation, Poly and GF were sharing buses and boats during our stay. From park to resort, bus stops at Poly first. But from resort to Park, bus would go to GF then the park. Same thing with MK boat.

QS at Poly is smaller than QS at GF.

 

[ToffPrincess]

Im going to go against the grain and say go for my beloved GF. After the chaos of the parks a quieter hotel works wanders to chill you out. I am not a huge pool person but I love that the pools at the GF aren't party areas or too full. I also don't love the QS at GF BUT you are literally a walk away from the Poly or a monorail from the Contemporary plus being on the monorail route is so convenient.

The reason I vote against the Poly is that I have several times been stuck in a monorail queue whilst dining there where I had to wait for 2 monorails to pass before I could even clear security, not to mention the noise when the Ohana & Kona Cafe queues are full.. it can be too much. I also notice more and more reviews stating the Poly is not great at things like cleaning up room service trays outside rooms etc and for the price it should be. I stayed in outer and main building GF and thats one thing I love there, the cleanliness. Despite 1900Park Fare GF seems to get much less traffic than the Poly.

All my life I wanted to stay at the Poly at least for a few nights but some recent reviews combined with spending time there has made me think that some things need changing/sharpening up before I do. I also notice that the prices can be significantly higher than the GF at some times which may sway your judgement.

My deluxe choices for you would be-
GF (Monorail line)
Wilderness Lodge (boat to MK so big you don't need to fold the stroller)
AKL (yes the folding of the stroller is annoying but the kids activities and food is amazing)
then I would list the Poly!

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

I’m sure you are already aware but, you would need two rooms at either WL or AKL with a family of five.
We are also a family of five and love the Poly. It’s a great location and the quiet pool is lovely. I haven’t tried Art of Animation, it it looks really fun too. If you can swing it, I’d say go for the Poly if that appeals to you. It’s a really great resort.

 

[kylenne]

I agree with the Poly choice but I would also say that with young children, you really can’t go wrong with any of the MK area resorts. I don’t know how many the rooms there sleep but you may also want to take a look at Wilderness Lodge if you want to stay deluxe for less without renting DVC points. It’s always cheaper than the monorail resorts. They have convenient boat transport to MK and you have access to Ft Wilderness as well for some good affordable meals at Trail’s End.

 

[MomOTwins]

I’m sure you are already aware but, you would need two rooms at either WL or AKL with a family of five.
We are also a family of five and love the Poly. It’s a great location and the quiet pool is lovely. I haven’t tried Art of Animation, it it looks really fun too. If you can swing it, I’d say go for the Poly if that appeals to you. It’s a really great resort.

The studios at the WL DVC sleep 5, and OP mentioned she was thinking of a studio at Poly. I would actually recommend WL. It is quite a bit less expensive than the Poly, has a great atmosphere, convenient boat to MK, and easy bus transportation to other parks. It also has a very good QS, roaring forks. We much preferred it to the Poly.

 

[Sue M]

You wouldn’t have to rent DVC to stay at Poly. The regular rooms sleep 5 with 2 queens plus day bed. Same with GF or CR.
GF quick service has been renovated since your stay there and I think it’s quite nice now.
We love the MK resorts and being able to see the Castle from resort, and watching the fireworks and Electric Water Parade. Just adds a magical layer

 

[morganms22]

You wouldn’t have to rent DVC to stay at Poly. The regular rooms sleep 5 with 2 queens plus day bed. Same with GF or CR.
GF quick service has been renovated since your stay there and I think it’s quite nice now.
We love the MK resorts and being able to see the Castle from resort, and watching the fireworks and Electric Water Parade. Just adds a magical layer

I would agree with the quick service upgrade at GF. We stayed at Poly earlier this year and found ourselves walking to GF to eat their quick service. We didn’t enjoy anything we ate at Poly QS. That being said, I don’t think you can go wrong with either resort both have their own charm.

 

[DJFan88]

Just to think about, although you didn't use the pools before, will you now with the kids?

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

The studios at the WL DVC sleep 5, and OP mentioned she was thinking of a studio at Poly. I would actually recommend WL. It is quite a bit less expensive than the Poly, has a great atmosphere, convenient boat to MK, and easy bus transportation to other parks. It also has a very good QS, roaring forks. We much preferred it to the Poly.

That’s awesome, I thought the studios only allowed four. I’m definitely looking into this, love WL but have been staying at Poly recently after our youngest aged out of a crib. Thanks for the info!

 

[Sue M]

I would agree with the quick service upgrade at GF. We stayed at Poly earlier this year and found ourselves walking to GF to eat their quick service. We didn’t enjoy anything we ate at Poly QS. That being said, I don’t think you can go wrong with either resort both have their own charm.

I liked both Poly and GF QS. When we stay at one of these we would walk to the other for a change. Best of both worlds.
I sure enjoy Gaspys a lot more without the games smack in the middle of it and all the noise. Ugh. Who thought that would be a good set up!

 

[pooh2001]

We like the WL over the Poly
I would also recommend the Dolphin - not a WDW resort, but in the EPCOT boat transportation.
The twins and DH & DW can sleep in the queen heavenly beds and a cot can be brought in for the 9 year old.
The Dolphin has excellent rates for anyone who works for the government, or is a teacher or a nurse.

 

[justme0729]

Polynesian is great but for a slight step up in convenience of transportation, Bay Lake or CR would also be options. The monorail can be down so it is great to have the option to walk to MK from CR. It is so easy and you control your transport times instead of waiting for the monorail. CR shared buses with WL last time I was there but I think many of the deluxes share. If you want savings, WL would definitely also work but I do prefer the monorail resorts.