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

[MiaSRN62]

Epcot fan says : but found it to be very spread out-especially if you don't have a car. I also felt like I was staying in someone's gated neighborhood. At that time the bus waits averaged between 30 and 40 minutes.

OKW can't be compared to hotels because it is more of a deluxe condo community (with Mickey touches !). It's set up like a traditional timeshare where you park your car right outside your villa door. I've been an owner there since 2000 and never waited longer than 10-15 min for a bus. Can't say the same for the WL or POR though we love those resorts. In fact, as the years go on, I find the service getting even better at OKW. As far as it being spread out, yes it is a large resort, but you can hop on any of the OKW busses and do the internal loop. The last stop is at the main Hospitality House where the general store and Olivia's restaurant is. So you can hop on a bus near your villa and it will drop you off at the main lobby area before it exits the resort. If you choose to walk, it's only about 10-15 min from the furthest buildings. In Nov, we were in bldg 63 and had a 2 min walk to the pool and main Hospitality House. People walk from BWV to Epcot and MGM in the same time frames. We do really love the Key West neighborhood feel---it's why we became DVC Members. The grounds are so pretty and the resort itself is so peaceful especially at night. Also, there's a nice boat ride to DD. We were just there in Nov '04 and could hear and watch Illuminations from our balcony. We found the busses ran great and this was during Food & Wine Festival and Jersey Week.
The studios themselves are a good size but they tend to have the least good view, particularily if you have a ground floor because of all the vegetation and shrubs around the patio. If you do decide to stay here request an upper floor studio (but keep in mind there are only 3 buildings that have elevators).

But, since you stated you wanted to be close to MK and Epcot, I really feel you'd like the BWV studio. It's about a 10 min walk (once you get outside the building) to Epcot and maybe more like a 15-20 min walk to MGM (or a shorter boat ride there). The BWV has a cool roller coaster themed pool slide. This sounds like more of what you're looking for. I know it was mentioned that OKW has 2 queen beds vs the fact that BWV has 1 queen and a pull-out sofa in their studios. Some may find the pull out a plus but with the kids we found it a hassle to keep closing it and opening back up at night. We prefer the two queens---the kids feel it's more comfortable too. I think the advantage to the BWV, BCV, VWL studios is when you have a couple traveling together who don't really need to utilize the sofa bed. Then the extra walking space is nice. Someone also mentioned renting points from a DVC Member. Since you're going in June it might be a little too late to get availability, but most Members rent points for $10/point. So a BWV studio could cost $140/night for Sun-Thurs stay and then $320/night for a Fri or Sat stay.

Also I agree with those that feel $355 is a bit much for the Poly though I've always wanted to stay there as well. So my vote for proximity to Epcot is BWV and the vote for a great rate goes to the AKL. AKL is a beautiful resort though I've not actually stayed there. But we make a trip to Boma's for dinner ever time we visit WDW.

Best of luck with your decision

 

[robinb]

First of all, I love the Polynesian Resort . It is my #1 favorite resort in WDW. But ... I'm cheap. I would never pay over $200 to stay there, not to mention over $300. It's nice, but not that nice!

Since it seems that you are open to staying at a DVC resort, I think it might work out well for you. BWV/VWL/BCV are 14 points per Sun-Fri, SSR is 13 and OWK is 11. That comes out to $140, $130 and $110 per night (at the standard $10 per point). But remember! There is no tax on a DVC rental, so those rates are the equivalent to pre-tax rates of $125, $116 and $98 respectively. When was the last time you were able to stay at Boardwalk for only $125 per night? You're paying more for POFQ! Plus, you'll have your own microwave and toaster in the room. As an added benefit, most renters will receive a key that says "DVC Member" which will allow you to legally Pool Hop to the Polynesian and use their facilities. Just call the resort in advance and mention you're staying at a DVC resort to get the OK. The only downside to a DVC resort if there is no daily maid service, but I never seem to miss it. In fact, I like not having to worry about someone coming into my room.

If you go with DVC, finding someone to rent points from shouldn't be too hard. I would choose someone who has been around on the DIS for a while and not someone whose only posts are on the DVC Rental Board. I'm sure they're just fine people, but I would prefer to rent from someone with some history behind them. IMO, there is a certain level of trust (perhaps misplaced) with a DIS regular. I think other people share that view since when I offer points for rent they are almost always gone within a week. Since your vacation is coming up soon, you also don't have to worry about which resort the points come from. Points from any DVC resort (even Hilton Head and Vero Beach) can be used to book your July trip. Just be aware that, like the Poly, your dates may be sold out at your first choice resort. For instance, I would be very surprised if BCV is still available. You really won't know for sure until the DVC member makes the reservation for you.

Unless you really want to try out 3 resorts, I would recommend that you start your stay at POP or POFQ from 7/21-7/24 and then move over to one of the DVC resorts for the duration of your trip. It's so relaxing to know you're in the same space for more than 2-3 days!

One more thing. You don't have to "pull the trigger" on DVC until the AP rates come out (which should be SOON!). You can weigh your choices once you have the all the factors.

I'm sorry if I confused you even more!

 

[robinb]

I know it was mentioned that OKW has 2 queen beds vs the fact that BWV has 1 queen and a pull-out sofa in their studios. Some may find the pull out a plus but with the kids we found it a hassle to keep closing it and opening back up at night. We prefer the two queens---the kids feel it's more comfortable too. I think the advantage to the BWV, BCV, VWL studios is when you have a couple traveling together who don't really need to utilize the sofa bed.

It's really funny that you mentioned the pull-out couch and kids. I actually think the pull-out couch is better if you have kids . It only takes a minute to covert the couch to a bed (and visa versa) and I love having the extra room when it's folded up. My DD eats breakfast at the coffee table (not available at OKW) and plays on the floor in front of the couch when its folded. We also like to relax on the couch when we come back into the room v/s laying on the bed. Plus, my DD (at 5 1/2) thinks sleeping on a pull-out to be pretty cool .

Don't get me wrong! I love OKW and we have been owners there since 1997. But ... I much prefer a studio at one of the other resorts because of the fold out couch .

 

[robinb]

I just wanted to say that AP rates are out now! The Poly GV is going for about $229. I would call now and see if your dates are available.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We also like to relax on the couch when we come back into the room v/s laying on the bed. Plus, my DD (at 5 1/2) thinks sleeping on a pull-out to be pretty cool .

And my kids have always fought over who gets the "real" bed ! LOL I'm sure when it's just my dh and I vacationing we will prefer the studios with the sofa beds.