I am trying to justify $355 p/n at Polynesian. UPDATE on pg. 3 Even more confused!

[*Fantasia*]

I am happy with my reservation at POP and POFQ. I kind of want to try something new. Well... I think I want to try something new. The reason why I am thinking of this resort is because it's on a monorail. Doesn't the monorail also takes you to Epcot besides the monorail that takes you to MK?

I cannot get a AAA discount... so for 3 nights, I can get Poly for $1,187. That sounds a lot doesn't it. I do not have an AP. I am not a Florida residence.

If I go with Poly... My initerary would look like this:
June 21-24 Poly Garden
June 24-26 POP
June 26-29 POFQ

Should I even bother justifying the cost of Poly? Should I try AKL or just go back to WL? I just want your thoughts on this one please. TIA!!

 

[Sandi]

You might check into purchasing an AP just for the discounts. It might be a wash.

I would not go to Poly first and then to the other resorts. I think it would be a downer.

Personally, I couldn't justify spending that much to stay at Poly. I stayed there for $250 per night and thought that was a bit of a splurge -- but we truly loved it and we'll be back again. That's just a little too rich for me.

Good luck deciding.

 

[wld]

We too wanted to try something different as we normally stay at moderates. We spent $234 a night for the Poly. Was not worth it in our opinion. The monorail through the Poly goes to MK. It also stops at the transportation and ticket center where you get off and then get on the monorail to Epcot. Or you can walk to the transportation and ticket center from the Poly. From our longhouse it was a little under 10 minutes.

If you really wanted to try something different I would go with AKL we got a good AP rate and stayed there in a Savanna room for about $150. Now that was worth it.

We started staying at deluxes a bit when we don't take DDs 18and 22. But after staying at the Poly, WL and AKL, AKL is the only one we will go back to, otherwise we will stay at the moderates again and use the money in a different way.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks Sandy for replying and sharing your thoughts. I don't mind doing the Poly first... cause IF we don't like our stay there (I can't see how we wouldn't like it there) at least I have something to look forward to.. We love POP and POFQ.

I thought about AP... but what if the AP discount doesn't even come out... though we are planning to head back out there next year in April for Easter/Birthday.

Anyone else care to share their thoughts. Thank you!

 

[susy]

Did you try for AAA at others resorts/views??? AKL is wonderful!!!! I would at least get the pool view, though. What about the Epcot resorts? Your kids would go wild over Stormalong Bay! I would not try to justfiy anything. After all you've been through, you deserve whatever you desire!!!!!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks wld. $150 for AKL Savannah sounds great! But no AP here.

susy, you're so sweet. Thanks! I tried AAA at other resort. I have a feeling that this end of June is going to be very busy! Their resorts are very limited as far as availablity. I had to reserved my POFQ room from Travelocity! And POP from CRO. But as far as AAA, can't get it at any resorts at anytime of my stay. Oh well...

 

[Micca]

We have stayed at the Poly, but I don't think it's worth 355 per night. There are some other good suggestions about alternatives. Or you could stick with POP and POFQ and have lots of $$$ left for souvenirs and nice meals.

 

[Grammamouse]

I wouldn't spend that much on the Poly either. Last August we had a GV room for $250/nt.My DH and 2 DGD's and I were in Tokelau with a view of another building. We really disliked the hike to the GCH for coffee, pop and to get on the monorail. It was about 99 degrees outside and so humid that even my glasses fogged up. After the first night, we switched over to Hawaii Concierge for an extra $80 a night. Now we had a view of the Samoa bldg and the utility shed in front of the quiet pool. We did like the lounge for snacks, but it was very busy most of the time and although we could watch wishes from the lounge, we couldn't hear the music because of the noise level. We found the buildings very boring. My youngest DGD(11) loved the Volcano pool, but the older one (14) thought it was too crowded with little kids. She liked the quiet pool and hammock on the beach.

The rooms were a nice size, but the daybed was not very comfortable and made a lot of squeaky noise when someone turned over. Mousekeeping was OK, but they only made up the daybed once and the room always looked kind of messy. Also, the drape over the bed kept falling down. The bathroom did not have enough room for all of our stuff.

We all much preferred the WL with all of the action going on in the lobby. The boat ride to MK was nicer than hiking to the GCH at the Poly. At least it was cooler and that was in July.

Our last trip was adults only, GF RPC and you can't beat that access for the monorail except maybe for the Contemporary.

We really prefer more of a hotel layout with easy access to the lobby. Our next trip is AKL Savannah, just DH and I.

 

[disneyfan67]

It's very expensive, no doubt about that. I paid just about 2 grand with taxes for 5 nights and I'll admit that it's alot of money. I just love staying there so I saved up for about a year to make my trip happen. I really think you will love the resort but I would save the Poly for the very end of the trip. It would be hard for me to stay at a value after staying at the Polynesian but that's just my opinion. I know this might sound a little dumb or crazy, but I really believe there is something special about the Polynesian and I just can't describe what it is properly. It's almost like the place has a magical feel to it when you come back after a day at the parks. I really think you should try Poly and see for yourself. Good luck with your decision and remember you deserve to stay at the Poly after what you been through.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I love the Poly, but there is no way I'd pay $355 a night. That is just too much. If we can't get a discount of some kind, like ap, code, PIN, etc, then we just stay at a moderate or value. Luckily we usually get a discout though... hopefully you can find one too.

 

[disneyfan67]

I love the Poly, but there is no way I'd pay $355 a night. That is just too much. If we can't get a discount of some kind, like ap, code, PIN, etc, then we just stay at a moderate or value. Luckily we usually get a discout though... hopefully you can find one too.

Disney needs to offer more codes or something. I couldn't get nothing and I wasn't sure about the AP route because I don't know when I'll be back after this trip. I'm having my hip replaced this fall so who knows when I'll be back? I figure if this is going to be my last trip for a while, I might as well make it a good one! You're right about $355.00 being too much but what's Poly fan to do?

 

[Jasminetigger]

Fantasia,

I'd have to say that is hard to justify that amount of money for three nights. I'd go with Wilderness Lodge, but that is just because I am a Wilderness Lodge freak. I do want to say I love reading your posts. You always have so much to offer and come up with some great topics. I love the pictures of you and your kids. You have a very lovely family. Have fun where ever you decide to stay.

 

[Peter Pirate]

$355.00 per night is NOT justifiable at the Poly...

 

[nwdisgal]

Someone mentioned on here about ending your stay with the Deluxe. I'd suggest that too. There will be so many more ammenities. That is a nice way too end the trip. The problem is that if you start out at a Deluxe and really like it, you may never want to leave and go to the other places The Epcot resorts are pretty neat if you can't get the Poly price down. Also, if you are going to spend that much, have you considered the GF? Hey, why not splurge at the end of your trip.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[johnsonet]

Fantasia~
AP rates are already out for June. You would save $100 a night off rack rates at the Deluxes. For $254 Poly IS worth it. I think you and your kids would LOVE it!!
As others have mentioned, ideally you want to END your vacation at a Deluxe resort. "Save the best for last," you know?
On the other hand, I HIGHLY recommend AKL and it is a great value!! Plus, their Kids' Activities are THE best!
Have fun planning~

 

[dpic]

Is anything at WDW justifiable? Can we justify spending 4-5 grand on a vacation? Doubt it. There will always be somewhere more "worthy" to spend our hard earned money. However, we do work hard, and we do deserve to spend some fun money once in a while. So, don't feel guilty about wanting to spend a little extra money to enjoy something new. If it's not breaking the bank or forcing to you eat popcorn for the next month--go for it, and enjoy it.

However, if you feel unsure about spending that kind of money there are other options. A wing room at CR would be quite a bit less, and you still get the monorail. WL (our favorite) is an MK resort with a much smaller price tag.

So, try something new and enjoy. However, I'll warn you---if you try a deluxe your journey to the Dark Side will be complete.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Fantasia,

I'd have to say that is hard to justify that amount of money for three nights. I'd go with Wilderness Lodge, but that is just because I am a Wilderness Lodge freak. I do want to say I love reading your posts. You always have so much to offer and come up with some great topics. I love the pictures of you and your kids. You have a very lovely family. Have fun where ever you decide to stay.

Thank your for your kind words and the compliments. I love WL too!

Thanks guys for the infos and sharing your thoughts. I didn't know that the AP discount is out for June, but then again, I didn't need to know cause I am not an AP holder. I suppose I could purchase one. If I am not mistaken, I can purchase a child's AP and use it to get a discount, correct? Again..Thanks so much for all your help and your insights.

 

[*Fantasia*]

OK... I just called CRO and Polynesian is fully booked except the Honeymoon Suite. I don't think I need that and we're over the max of occupancy.

Now.. I asked for AKL.. never been there and they have it available for those times I wanted. It's $230 for Pool view. I think it's for Deluxe Pool view. He quoted me "$219 + tax for Savannah view."

Wouldn't Savannah be more money than a Pool view? What is Deluxe? Is it bigger? Well... then he tells me that the only thing available is the Deluxe Pool view.

Oh... I don't mind going from Deluxe to moderate or even value. We have done it before and it doesn't bother me.

 

[GoofyJoofy]

Fantasia,

I can't say if it is worth the money.
But I will say, that we really enjoyed being on the monorail during one of our stays. Very convienent, and with younger kids I would think it would make it easier to visit MK or Epcot.

AKL is beautiful, but it is so removed from everything. It can be very relaxing, but if you are going to spend lots of time at the parks, it could get annoying dealing with busess ALL the time.

One final note, if by not spending money on a Deluxe resort means you can more easily visit WDW again this year, that would be a big reason to NOT justify it.

By the way, hope I'm not getting too personal here, thought you were thinking of moving to FL. Have you given up on that idea?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The deluxe room at AKL is bigger than Savannah. It has more square footage and a daybed.