If Akl And Poly Were Your 2 Choices-which One Would Win Out And Why?

[FairyDust2008]

We have decided against the moderate choices of POFQ/POR and CSR(which was the one we were seriously considering booking), and are going with a deluxe. AKL & Poly are the 2 deluxes with AKL being up there on top but POLY continuing to creep right back up with AKL. I know they are totally different resorts with theming, location, etc etc..... Just wondering if you had the choice to choose between the 2 or already had made this choice before, which one would you choose and why? I go back and forth with these 2 over and over and I LOVE them both but am not interested in a split stay so I'm trying to really come down to a decision between the 2. I would love to see some pictures and feedback from both and find out why you favor one over the other. I know it boils down to what our family finally decides upon on, but it is always good to have other perspectives and especially pictures/reviews from those who have experienced one or both of these resorts. APPRECIATE THE HELP

 

[letthewookiewin]

We have decided against the moderate choices of POFQ/POR and CSR(which was the one we were seriously considering booking), and are going with a deluxe. AKL & Poly are the 2 deluxes with AKL being up there on top but POLY continuing to creep right back up with AKL. I know they are totally different resorts with theming, location, etc etc..... Just wondering if you had the choice to choose between the 2 or already had made this choice before, which one would you choose and why? I go back and forth with these 2 over and over and I LOVE them both but am not interested in a split stay so I'm trying to really come down to a decision between the 2. I would love to see some pictures and feedback from both and find out why you favor one over the other. I know it boils down to what our family finally decides upon on, but it is always good to have other perspectives and especially pictures/reviews from those who have experienced one or both of these resorts. APPRECIATE THE HELP

I've thought about staying at the AKL, maybe the next trip . We picked the Poly for a couple of reasons. 1. It is tied for favorite resort for my DS's (tied with the WL). 2. The dates of our trip had to change, so my DH let me get a MK view room at the Poly. I can not wait to sit on our balcony and watch the fireworks pop over the castle.
Have a magical trip!!

 

[donaldseeyore]

We were having a hard time deciding between the 2 as well. We ended up going with the Polynesian. This is why:

1. Located on the Monorail, easier access to MK and Epcot
2. Gorgeous property, we loved all the pics on the threads here
3. After talking to CM's while doing ADR's, found out the Poly is a fav among CM's
4. Have many activities for children in the Great Ceremonial House at certain times
5. Walked the resort last year and loved the ambience
6. tikistevemans website (don't know if that will show up but take steve out of the middle)
7. CM's stated to DH that this was a great choice with kids

Hope that helps

 

[Cinders Mum]

I love the theme of AKL, however, I have an irrational fear of heights, and could only go to the 2nd level at AKL whereas the POLY has enclosed corridors, which I am fine with.

Seriously that was 1 consideration, but I love the choice of transportation options, and while MK and EP are the main parks of choice for my family, then the Poly is the DLX resort of choice for us.

Enjoy whichever you choose.

Val
xx

 

[CoolBreeze]

We're staying at AKl for the 1st time next week and we made that decision simply because we've heard great things about it and want to try it out for ourselves. We've stayed at the POLY numerous times and have loved it. Here's why: Poly water view rooms put Cinderella's castle, wishes and the wonderful sights and sounds of the 7 seas lagoon right in your living room every minute you're in there. The rooms at the poly are the largest on property. The torch lit walking paths are special at night. You're right on the monorail line. Ohana is within walking distance! Tonga toast at Kona Cafe is within walking distance! The volcano pool is great for the kids.

Now, as for AKL, we're looking forward to Boma, the awesome pool, the savannah view rooms, Boma, the seclusion from other resorts, the fact that bus service to AKL is not shared with any other resorts and oh yeah, Boma.

Oh well, have fun. You'll enjoy either one of these great spots!

 

[WDW~Lover]

I have stayed at both, I have to say I did not care for the poly at all! To tacky for my taste to be honest with you. I did stay in Concierge.
Now the AKL, I have to say is the most incredible resort I have seen as far as theme goes!! Thou the B & Y Club are my fav...AKL, is giving it a run for there money!!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We stayed at the Poly for the first time last Oct and it was ok, too noisy and crowded for us. Love having the monorail right there and Kona is the best for breakfast and dinner but if we go for a longer stay to chill out and relax I will pick another resort. For a weekend we would go back to the Poly.

Trying AK club level for the first time in Oct, got a great rate with the 40% off code. Cannot wait!

 

[spiceycat]

AKL is cheaper than the Polyn - that wins my vote.

 

[LukenDC]

I did a Poly/AKL split stay once and definitely preferred the Poly. My reasons:

1) Location, location, location---The AKL felt isolated whereas the I felt right in the middle of Disney while staying at the Poly. I loved being able to see the Castle from the Poly beach. I also liked the proximity of GF and CR to the Poly.

2) Transportation---The Poly serves the MK from boat and Monorail and the TTC Monorail to Epcot is a short walk away. Only buses serve the AKL.

3) Rooms---The rooms at the Poly are noticeably larger than the rooms at the AKL.

4) Service---The service at the Poly seemed much friendlier than the service at AKL. The staff at AKL is certainly professional, but they are not as warm as their Poly counterparts.

 

[SuperTink]

I think it has a lot to do with your personal tastes, your family (ages of kids) and your schedule (how you will utilize your time in the parks).

The reason we picked the Poly over the AKL (will be) 2 years ago was because of that monorail. Two years ago the shortest, quickest distance to the parks was a major factor for us. For a monorail resort, the Poly was an obvious winner for us, based on our tastes.

This year we will be going to AKL for all the reasons people go to the AKL!! Our girls will be 2 years older and should be able to handle the demands of bus travel better than they would have last year. Our girls (especially one of them) LOVE LOVE LOVE animals, and there's no decision to make as far as that goes. I also just happen to think the AKL is a gorgeous resort. I've also heard about how great the little extras are, like story-telling, how great the CMs are, etc. The total atmosphere with the animals, decor, and to see the CMs walking around in those beautiful robes is just very appealing to me. I am SO excited.

Either way, I think you will have a wonderful time!

 

[slug]

We have decided against the moderate choices of POFQ/POR and CSR(which was the one we were seriously considering booking), and are going with a deluxe. AKL & Poly are the 2 deluxes with AKL being up there on top but POLY continuing to creep right back up with AKL. I know they are totally different resorts with theming, location, etc etc..... Just wondering if you had the choice to choose between the 2 or already had made this choice before, which one would you choose and why? I go back and forth with these 2 over and over and I LOVE them both but am not interested in a split stay so I'm trying to really come down to a decision between the 2. I would love to see some pictures and feedback from both and find out why you favor one over the other. I know it boils down to what our family finally decides upon on, but it is always good to have other perspectives and especially pictures/reviews from those who have experienced one or both of these resorts. APPRECIATE THE HELP

All things being equal, the convienience of the monorail is just so huge. I find the busses to just take too long. And if you plan on being at the MK or Epcot more than once on your trip, the monorail is even more helpful. And you can watch the fireworks from your resort w/o having to fight all the traffic.

Also, if you plan on visiting the CR or the GF for any reason, you're on the monorail. If you planned on going to any of the restaurants at the Poly, CR, or GF you'd only be a short moborail ride away as opposed to having to take busses. Same goes for restaurants at the MK or Epcot.

 

[time4Mickey]

We debated between the 2 also and did end up with a split stay for our next trip. We are staying just 2 days at AKL the rest at the Poly. If we would have chosen just 1 it would have been the Poly. We like to be closer to the MK and have loved our previous stay at the Poly. I have to agree for us the convience of the monorail is huge!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Well, the good news is they are both great resorts so you can't go wrong with either (although I know that's not really being too helpful!).

Lot's of valid opinions here. I think it would be helpful to know who you are travelling with. If there are infants or really young children with you, I'd say Poly for the convenience of the monorail and the proximity to the MK.

If little kids aren't a consideration - how about budget? Can you get a nicer room at AKL, maybe concierge, for what you want to spend? I'd take that into consideration. Rooms at AKL do tend to run less, if you like to spend that money on something else.

Also, even without kids, are you spending a lot of time at the MK? In that case I'd nix the travel time from AKL and stay at the Poly. If you are seeing all the parks equally, that wouldn't be so much a consideration.

The Poly rooms are bigger, but not all upper floor rooms have balconies - if that's important to you.

I have stayed at both and truly, you can't go wrong. Have you been to Hawaii? More than once? If you've been there, done that kinda thing - maybe you'd find AKL more unique. Unless of course you've done a lot of African safaris!

I'm not much help, am I? You might just have to flip a coin!

 

[John's Mom]

Check out the Poly Pics Thread!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1591953

 

[John's Mom]

You will find links to AKL pictures on this thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21825897&postcount=10064

 

[Mike N Kathy]

They are both great !! Such a hard choice How old are your kids ? It is mighty nice to have the monorail but then again the kids would love to see the animals *rips hair out*

 

[jeepgirl30]

If taking the $$ factor out, it would depend on if I were going as the family or just DH and I.

With the kids I'd stay at Poly simply because of the location. The kids are young and would want to be at Magic Kingdom the most.

If it is DH & I, AKL. Its so romantic and it has Jiko!

 

[Enchanted]

I did a Poly/AKL split stay once and definitely preferred the Poly. My reasons:

1) Location, location, location---The AKL felt isolated whereas the I felt right in the middle of Disney while staying at the Poly. I loved being able to see the Castle from the Poly beach. I also liked the proximity of GF and CR to the Poly.

2) Transportation---The Poly serves the MK from boat and Monorail and the TTC Monorail to Epcot is a short walk away. Only buses serve the AKL.

3) Rooms---The rooms at the Poly are noticeably larger than the rooms at the AKL.

4) Service---The service at the Poly seemed much friendlier than the service at AKL. The staff at AKL is certainly professional, but they are not as warm as their Poly counterparts.

I agree with all of this. While AKL is nice, Poly totally wins on all four counts in our family's opinion!

 

[Rustysmom]

I never stayed at either, just visited, but I would pick the Poly. Great location and I like the theme. AKL is so far away from everything.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

The Polynesian for one main reason--Monorail!