Help us decide!

[wdwfreak]

Hello fellow DVCers and DISers! We are going to WDW in January for eight nights. For five of those nights, we will be staying in a 2BDR at VWL. For the other three nights, we want to stay at one of the deluxe properties. We have narrowed our choices to three: Poly Contemporary Tower and AKL

Which one would you choose? I know, I know, staying at a non-DVC resort is considered by some to be a waste of points, but this is our opportunity to stay at the resorts we have always wanted to, but, previously, couldn't afford.

We love the nostolgia factor and location of Poly and Contemp, but we visited AKL last month and thought it was AMAZING!!

We need your help to decide. We thought maybe one night at each, but that is just too much moving.

We appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

 

[Pat Marlton NJ]

We just toured the AKL in April and we were very impressed with it, the cast members are extremly friendly, and the view out over the savannah is great from the lobby, it must really be great from the rooms. The hotel is a little remote, and I think a car would be advisiable to save time waiting for the bus. I think it would be a great resort to stay at, and everything is brand new, I'd give it a try!!!!! Good Luck with your choose!

 

[BobBrazeal]

I've not stayed at any of those that you mentioned but if I had the chance to, I'd go with AKL.

I'll also be at VWL in early Jan.

 

[GCM13]

I think a lot of it may depend if you are travelling with kids and what their ages are. I know for our family, it makes more sense to stay close to MK. We've stayed at the Polynesian and Contemporary, and I much prefer the Polynesian mostly because I feel the transportation options are better and more centrally located and the decor and theming is much better than the Contemporary.

 

[PamOKW]

Since you asked....my vote is for AKL. It's new, it looks wonderful, why not give it a try! I also agree that sticking with only one resort for the three nights is a good idea. I think you really need at least two nights to get a real feel for a resort and to enjoy the pool etc.

Warning: No matter what hotel you move to the room is going to look awful small after all that space in the 2-bedroom!

 

[MalificentMe]

I have something nice and not so nice to say about all three: Here goes

Contemporary
Nice- Has a great location. You are first on the monorail home from the parks so that is always a plus when you are tired from the day. The bar is real fun to sit at and the breakfast with the characters at Chef Mickeys is fun. They also have the California grill with a great view of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

Dislike- The decor is drab and the CM's wear this odd looking space type, purple shirts. I guess they are trying to look "contemporary" but they wore those shirts if I remember correctly, in 1979 when I was there with my parents. The rooms are large but themed as a plain hotel room. The tower rooms are really expensive but the wing rooms less expensive.

Poly
Nice- Theming and location. I have been to the Luau and that was real fun down by the water. The restaurants are nice and reasonably priced. They are nice to go back to for lunch outside of the park. The rooms are spacious and the theming is relaxing and tropical.

Dislike- This resort always seems to be crowded. I mean when you go into the lobby you are surrounded by other people. This has been my experience. The building itself is a bit older looking and drab in the dark brown.

AKL
Nice- The theming and the animals are real fun and great to see. I have not stayed here so I can not tell you about the room.

Dislikes- The location. I would not like to take a bus everywhere I wanted to go. The resort is far away from most other attractions on the property. I do rent a car on my vacations but to have the luxury of the monorail is so nice.

Well have fun deciding and let us know which way you go. Remember these are just my opinions others probably feel totally different. All of the resorts are nice and I hope that I have been helpful to you. Sorry this is so long and take care, Tammy

 

[Goofy&Sleepy]

We stayed at the AKL in May and it is very nice. If you go there get a room on the 5th floor. You will be able to see the animals better. There is no telling where they will be on any given morning though. You might have a bunch one day and hardly anything the next, so if you stay there only one day your taking your chances. We stayed on the Zebra trail on the outside. If you can get a room facing the inside part I think you might see more. Hope that you enjoy whatever you do.

 

[mickeyc]

We have stayed at the Poly and Contemporary. I agree with the above post in that the lobby in the Poly always seems crowed. However, the resort is spacious and seem less crowded in the buildings and the quiet pools. It was nice to use the same health club spa as the Grand Floridian.

The Contemporary is nice and the location is good with easy access to the MK. The rooms are a good size and would not be comparable to the 2BR. I have nothing negative to say except the theming is different.

We are staying this year at AKL on a cash deal. IMHO the point value is too expensive. There is something nice about staying at a newer facility. When Dixie Landings and Cornado Springs opened we were lucky to be the first occupants.

It sounds like you have some nice choices. Sounds like a win-win to me. Good luck and enjoy!