How to WOW my sister?!

[Samsma]

Hi! I'm taking my sister who is also my BFF, to WDW for the first time ever. It will be her 56th birthday on top of that. We are currently booked at the Poly GV, but I'm considering the WOW factor. I cannot afford a suite anywhere, and really not much on paying for a MK view, so would the WL provide more of a WOW than a GV Poly room? I'm planning on dragging her around morning till night showing her all of WDW for 4 days, so we won't really be spending a whole lot of time at the resort, but I did like the monorail option for the time savings to MK and EPCOT.

 

[spiceycat]

the WL lobby definitely would.

how about renting a reservation from a DVC member - then you might be able to afford a 1-bedroom villa - definitely WOW affect.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Personal opinion only, Wilderness Lodge. The Poly is fantastic in its own right but I don't feel the beauty from the seperate lomghouses and all. The walk to the GCH is inviting but the lobby at WL, is breath taking. Its all under one roof, pool theme is great and some pretty fine dining can be had inside. Boat to FW for some extra fine dining buffet and pizza. The boat to the MK is quite quick and to us beats the hordes filing into a monorail at closing, sometimes we took the big ferry to beat that monorail mess when staying at the Poly. Make sure either way you catch the EWP at night, Poly and WL. both resorts are fantastic in their own rights but for the money, WL hands down gives us longer stays.

 

[grannyminnie]

Ditto everything Pepe said! Stayed at both resorts and that WL lobby will take your (and your sister's) breath away!!
Oh, and I had to laugh when you said you were gonna drag her around for 4 days...I do the same with mine, and I'm the one that's older!!

 

[DisneyDotty]

Other ways to wow--
1) Be sure to stop by City Hall on Main Street in MK for birthday pin. Have her wear it the whole time, and hope she enjoys the extra attention she'll get!
2) Take her on the monorail--ask for front car, of course.
3) If she's into frufru and yum, do the Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian.
4) Ask to ride in front on EE and Soarin'.
5) Dinner at California Grill timed with Wishes.
6) Maybe a backstage tour of MK?

Enjoy the trip!

 

[I'mNoPrince]

After the 2nd day or so a Spa treatment at SSR might be needed as well.

 

[Samsma]

I forgot to mention that my kids 15 and 9 with be with us as well, so that will kind of put a damper on the Spa. Great idea though! Do you think being on the monorail would save us much time? I am trying not to hop parks so here is the plan:

Arrive Fri. 10:30 check in then MGM
Prime Time Diner
Fantasmic

Sat: Early (8:30)Crystal Palace Breakfast
MK all day
1900 Park Fare
Pirate and Princess Party

Sun: Sleep in then Boma and AK
Chef Mickeys at 7:30

Mon: EPCOT at opening
5:30 Cape May
Illuminations

Tues: Either EPCOT EMH @ 8:00 or MK at 9:00 then home

 

[Poly Pal]

Well, now that you fessed up to the true number in your party (just teasing ) you really should stay at the Polynesian. The rooms are so much larger and you will have 2 queen beds plus a single bed. Sleeping will be so much more comfortable! Plus the Polynesian rooms have a real closet so you can store your luggage. At WL you will feel crammed in to a small room and will be tripping over your luggage. If I was your sister, I would think "Wow" - "Wow this is not very much fun".

You've stayed at the Polynesian before so you know that the monorail as well as the motor launches are a great convenience. We really missed the monorail when we stayed at WL. I encourage you to consider taking mid-day breaks out of the parks. Our number one tip to all who ask us is "Get there early, stay there late, and take a break in the middle of the day."

You will LOVE the Polynesian. Have a great trip!

 

[Samsma]

Thanks Poly Pal- I have never stayed in a regular room at WL- we had a one bedroom villa there a few years ago, and as a PP said yes WOW! But two of our nights will be weekend, so renting would probably cost a bundle. I guess I'll stick with the Poly and maybe we'll get some pixie dust and be upgraded at that slow time before Pres. Day weekend.

 

[rcraw45425]

WL is great, but the Poly rooms are a lot larger. The GV rooms can have really nice views, we were in Samoa, 3rd floor, on the volcano pool side (requested based on Tikimans recommendation) and had a great view of the volcano pool (dead on) and the lagoon. Not your typical GV view. At WL unless you get Courtyard view you may be looking out over dumpsters. Here is a view from CY view 6039:

 

[minnie61650]

Room size Comparison:

Pop Century/All Stars-260 Square Feet
CS, POR/POFQ-314 SF
Caribbean Beach-340 SF
Wilderness Lodge-344 SF
AKL-344 SF
Yacht/Beach-381 SF
Boardwalk-385 SF
Polynesian-409 SF-476SF
Contemporary-436 SF
Grand Floridian-about 400-440SF
Ft Wilderness Cabins-504 SF
Family suites at All Star Music -520 SF
__________________

WL room layout

Poly room layout

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[Cinderella]

Tough decision! I stayed at the Poly on my first ever trip and it definitely wowed us. We thought nowhere could wow us more.

Then we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and we were totally wowed again.

I honestly couldn't advise you one way or another. We are taking my step children next year and I'm in a similar predicament.

Personally I think they would be wowed by a monorail resort, but my kids would argue that the Wilderness Lodge would be the better choice.

I really don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[rcraw45425]

We did a split stay between those two, started wit hWL, then ended with Poly. Is that an option for you?

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would stick with your Poly res and don't second guess yourself.
The WL is great. But the monorail service is a big Wow factor. And the room size I think will fit your needs better too.
Save the WL for your next visit!
Have a great trip!

 

[Miandrea]

Being at monorail resort will save you hours! Stick with the Poly! I loved it there. Have fun.

 

[PlainJane]

I would stay with the Poly for several reasons: 1. Larger rooms 2.Better standard views; the bad views are still good views 3. Walking distance to both the TCC, the Poly monorail, and the boat launches 4. I personally think the dining options at the Poly are better the WL, and Captain Cooks is open 24/7 5. You also have easy access to the dining options of the other monorail resorts.

The WL has a beautiful lobby, and it's a wonderful resort. I'll even be staying there in January, but if money weren't an issue I would choose the Poly. Considering you are trying to cram your vacation into 4 days, it will be a necessity to be staying at the Poly which has the best options as far as transportation goes out of all of the Deluxe resorts.

 

[ccigliano]

I wouldn't count out renting points for the 1 bedroom at the WL so quickly. While I am not sure how much you're paying at the Poly, I was just over at the rental board and most points are still going for $10 a point. While Fri and Sat may cost you $480/nt, Sunday and Monday will be $240, so on average it will be $360/nt including taxes. If you are not doing the dining plan - you could prepare breakfast in the villa and save again there. In addition, when comparing resorts - I think the WL has a much bigger WOW affect and great theming. By the way, WL has hot tubs - Poly doesn't. After a long day at the parks, a soak in the tub will do you all some good, especially with your schedule. Good Luck.

 

[onehotdisneymama]

My DD took me to WDW for my birthday. She surprised me by staying at the Poly. Let me tell you I was WOW'ed. I didn't want to leave the room it was so nice. Sitting out by the pool and watching the fireworks over the Castle and drinking my cute little drink was fantastic. She made a wise choice and I am sure you will too. Have fun....