I can't decide... only three weeks to go.....

[Dagny]

These decisions are killing me!!! I just cannot decide!!!

I currently have reservations at Port Orleans for May 17th - May 23rd. I really want to stay at the Polynesian because our family loves the convenience of being on the Monorail especially with a nearly 3 year old in tow, but I just can't decide whether to spend the extra $$$. We stayed at POR last year and really liked it, but the Poly is our favorite. I keep asking my husband what he wants and he just tells me "do what you want to !!" Arrgghh, no help there.... LOL.... what would you do???? Oh, and thanks for letting me vent

 

[Demosthenes]

For me, there would be no question. If your family loves the Poly, and you can afford the differfence in price, go for the Poly. Too many times I have wanted to stay at one resort, only to settle for another, and then wound up regretting my decision when I got there. One time, we stayed at the Dolphin because of a great deal, and we ended up canceling the Polynesian. That turned out to be a big mistake when we went to the Poly for dinner, and felt the romance of that resort, and then we returned to the somewhat cool atmosphere of the Dolphin. For the rest of our stay, we felt jealous of those staying at the Poly. Not that it ruined our trip, just that we wished we were staying somewhere else.

 

[BCV23]

I agree with Demosthenes. As you know, the Poly is just so special. Since it's your favorite and you can afford it...go for it. The time you'll save with the monorail to MK and Epcot helps justify it because as we all know time is money at WDW.

 

[tampafan]

Both resors are great. I don't think you can lose either way. I will say that I always love trying different resorts. Port Orleans Riverside, as you know, has a lot of charm and fun activites, but the Poly is so convienient and has it's special charm as well.

Were it me, I might save the money and spend it on a couple of great dinners!

 

[erikthewise]

If you're getting a good deal at the Polynesian, you should take it. If you're being asked to pay rack rates or close to it, stick with Port Orleans. As much as I love the Polynesian, I think the rack rates are too high. (Of course I got spoiled last December paying $229 for GV Concierge!)

 

[Dagny]

Yes, am getting a great rate! I just called CRO and made reservations not only for the Poly, but Poly Concierge... heck, we only live once, right?? This will be our first Concierge experience - any tips for a first timer

 

[PamNC]

I say do it. If price is an issue...maybe it would be worth it to cut the trip by a night or two to make up the difference. I think not staying at your heart's desire resort is not a good idea. Just for me personally, if I really wanted the Poly it would be worth it to me to give up a night. Two nights might be difficult but it still may be worth it. Depending on how badly I wanted the Poly.

Or check for the wonderful codes on these boards or mousesavers - see if there are any Poly discounts.

I think you should do it. The monorail resorts are wonderful. I may see you there - we leave 5/25 for the Grand Floridian (our first time there).

PamNC
26 days and counting

 

[cindyfan]

Okay....well you have me convinced to stay with the Polynesian!!
I had this same dilema going.......4 nights at Poly or 4 at CSR???!!
But not after this thread....it is the Polynesian!!

Dagny...just curious...what rate did you get for Poly concierge??

 

[Kimkimba]

Go for the Poly!!!!!! You only live once, do it with no regrets! We work our buns off, skimp and sacrifice, why not indulge if we're able? This is my logic......of course my dh will never know the cost (AP $296 tax included Poly GV Concierge). Seems reasonable to me - okay, if not for me, I'm indulging my kids :~)
Have fun and ENJOY!

 

[halfway there]

I would think having a toddler would be reason enough for the convenience of the monorail. Do the Riverside when your kids are a little older! That's just my 2-cents!

 

[Tina26]

Good for you Dagny!! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[cindyfan]

Dagny, still curious what kinda "great rate" you got at Poly Concierge with just 3 weeks to go???
What kind of discount?

Thanks!

 

[erikthewise]

Originally posted by Dagny
Yes, am getting a great rate! I just called CRO and made reservations not only for the Poly, but Poly Concierge... heck, we only live once, right?? This will be our first Concierge experience - any tips for a first timer

Well, OK.
With three weeks to go you've probably got all your PS's set, right? But if you need to make any changes (or perhaps still haven't got one you want), the concierge staff can handle it if you wish. Ditto for entertainment. Or for any little problems that come up after you arrive. (Example: Our TV controller didn't work, and they didn't have an extra to trade, so the angel at the concierge desk hand-wrote 7-step instructions for resetting it. It worked!)

Be sure to tell the porter the instant you arrive that you're staying concierge. They will take you straight to the Hawaii building for check-in.

Use the concierge lounge for breakfast EVERY day! It's incredibly convenient, and just as good as Hampton Inn! Don't be bashful about taking food or drinks back to your room (within reason of course). And be sure to grab some water bottles before you head to the parks.

On a day when you've had a big lunch you may find the evening appetizers in the lounge adequate for dinner, though you may need to go to Captain Cook's (fast food) for something your 3-year old will eat. That will give you a chance to see the exorbitant prices they charge for many food items you can have for free in the lounge!

Suggestions:
Although you can see fireworks from the lounge, it's much better to watch them from the beach. And don't miss the Electrical Water Pageant! Simple but still magical. If you have a stroller, take an early morning walk over to the Grand Floridian; it's a beautiful path along the lake, and you can check out the Wedding Pavilion along the way.

 

[threeboysmom]

Go for the Polynesian, Dagny! You've worked hard & deserve it!!!!