If you had your choice, which would win out-AKL or Poly and why???

[FairyDust2008]

We currently have reservations at the AKL, standard club level but I'm finding myself getting pulled towards possibly switching to the Poly-garden view mostly because of the desire to try the food at Poly and transportation, being on the monorail versus busses at AKL. Are the rooms bigger and nicer at Poly? This is our very 1st trip to WDW and staying on site. Would the Poly and being on the monorail be a better choice for our family? It will be me, my hubby, my kids, ages 9 and 11. I don't know why I'm teetering back and forth over these 2 resorts because I do LOVE the AKL or I wouldn't have chosen it in the 1st place, however I am finding myself getting pulled towards the Poly. HELP??? Is the club level at AKL a much better deal than a garden at Poly? Thanks for any feedback you can give me. And here I thought my resort decision was final, LOL

 

[grannyminnie]

Well, my two cents worth is...go for the Poly! I've stayed at both resorts (but not club level at the AKL), and unless you think your kids will go "ga-ga" for the animals, the convenience of the monorail is unbeatable. As for trying Poly restaurants, if that's the only reason you want to stay there, it's not worth it. You can ride over and eat all you want there! But for a first trip and with kids, the location of the Poly is top-notch!

 

[PigletsPal]

I on the other hand have to say AKL hands down. I found the food to be much better at Boma's vs Ohana's. But the Poly is a better choice with kids because of the monorail.

 

[heatherlynn444]

i ahve stayed at both (except not club level) and poly wins hands down. i missed the monorail SO much when at akl, and the rooms at the Poly are bigger. it was just me and my hubby at AKL and we felt (almost) cramped.
the ply has a great theme and great food, and a good atmosphere.
AKl is really pretyt adn unique as well, but the theming was not "me" and being able to be that close to the MK for me is priceless! good luck in your choice.

 

[keylimepie]

We are staying at AKL after looking at the poly as another top choice. The animals won hands down for us. I figure I cant get a savannah view anywhere else but Africa, but we plan on going to HI in a few years, so we can get the poly feel there!

 

[Atchley]

Poly...because it's the POLY!!!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Oh, no, FairyDust!

I so understand your conflict, you sound just like me! I must preface my answer by admitting that I have never stayed at AKL, though I have visited for meals and would really love to stay there some day.

I would choose Poly over AKL, and have done so 2 times. The convenience of the Poly is unmatched IMO, because it is on 2 monorail lines, MK and Epcot (via direct access to TTC), has a boat that goes to MK, and that direct link to TTC makes travelling anywhere in the world so much easier. It is a truly beautiful resort. So is AKL, but for us just seems a little removed from the rest, especially since we spend a majority of our time at MK and Epcot.

I don't know the make-up of your family. If you have kids, especially in strollers, the location of Poly is priceless...but I guess the animals would be, too. (Obviously, I'm not helping...see?)

Whatever you do decide, make time to visit the other resort for a meal and shopping/strolling. (If you stay at AKL, make time to watch Wishes and EWP from Poly beach after a dinner at 'Ohana or Kona, if you stay at Poly, try the stories by the fire pit at AKL and observe the animals.) Stop at the guest services desk in the lobby and politely ask if you can be shown a room because you are considering staying there in the future. We have tried this and have found the staff at the resorts to be very accommodating. You may decide that you would like to stay at the other on a future trip.

Whatever you DO decide, throw yourself into that choice completely and try not to second-guess. Don't start your vacation with any doubts. Either will be wonderful!

Maybe a split stay would work best for you?

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I've stayed at the AKL and the Poly and while I loved the AKL the Poly wins hands down for me and my family. The rooms are huge (not ginormous but close), there's the beach, the monorail, quick access to the MK by boat or by monorail, swimming with the castle in view...

I probably didn't help much but if you're leaning towards the Poly I say go for it!

 

[dawgfan]

I would go with the Poly hands down for proximity to the MK and monorail. I like the theme better. The whole place is prettier than AKL to me.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I love the Poly.....see siggy...however, just coming back from AKV...so impressed.

Poly has views of MK and a beach and a monorail....but no kiddie pool and/or hot tub. AKL has a hidden, if you will great hot tub. I think the pool is a bit larger at AKL...correct me if I am wrong, (that never happens on the DIS,lol)..great, large counter srvice area, ...and not to mention the beautiful surroundings and animals.

Only you can decide what is best for your family

Everyone here will have a varying opinion!! Tough choice....I once has a thread here last year,,,,"Confessions of the Resort Changers"

YOu would have fit right in!!!

 

[Northern_Julie]

The Poly
It is your first trip. You will be spending must of your time at EPCOT and MK.
The Poly is better suited to this.
You said you like the food there better - this is actually really important. Nothing like being tired and cranky and not wanting to what there and convienant.
You can still visit AKL and keep in mind for next time but it is a little further out and the MK isnt in you back yard.

 

[SnackyStacky]

After finding myself in this situation many times, my advice is to go with your first instinct and stick with it.

So I would advise just keeping your reservation at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and not considering it anymore.

 

[G8r4evr]

Tough call. The theming at the Poly does nothing for me, so I lean towards AKL, especially club level (is that savannah view)? But the monorail access at the Poly does count for something. Being a Financial Analyst, everything boils down to numbers for me, so I would have to see the prices side by side and then decide.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The Polynesian would definitely win for me. 1) Monorail access can't be beat. Monorail or ferry over to MK, walk to TTC and catch the monorail to EPCOT. 2) Rooms are larger 3) AK is nice but feels too "far away from the action" for me. I like being able to swim in the pool and see the castle, and watching Wishes the ELP from the beach is great. My kids love swinging on the hammocs. 3) Closer access to restaurants. AKL you are pretty much limited to Boma. Poly being on the monorail makes you close to lots of great restaurants. We also always make an ADR for Ohana (breakfast and dinner).

Hope you have a great 1st stay whichever you choose.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Oh No!!!! I was in this exact same dilema myself. I chose AKL as you know. Giving up CL for a standard GV room is huge. Also Poly doesnt have any hot tubs and I do use this every evening. I would love to stay at the Poly but I know I would be disappointed in not having my nightly soak of the bones. I have visited the Poly many times and it is very pretty and the rooms are bigger.

Do you want to look out your balcony and see a garden view or a giraffe?
Would you rather fight the crowds in the morning for breakfast at captain cooks for walk over the the CL lounge and have a peaceful breakfast?
I will admit the monorail is a huge perk because I am big on transportation but he buses at AKL were great.


What won out for me was the ability to do the sunrise safari and have CL for breakfast, drinks, milk for the baby, and that wonderful latte machine. I dont think you can go wrong with either choice.

Why dont you sit the family down and show them pictures and then list the pros and cons of each and see what everyone chooses. The kids might like the volcano pool at Poly better than the animals at AKL. For me Boma wins over Ohana but my family requests both each trip. This is a very tough decesion in my book. Good Luck!!

 

[nemofans]

I've stayed at both & choose AKL all the way!!!!!!!

 

[Tinkaroo]

I think one thing that isn't being compared here is that you're talking concierge access, vs. a regular run-of-the-house room. That concierge access will be worth something to you, IMO, particularly since this is your family's first trip. I have yet to stay on the CL level at the AKL (will be in December), but I have heard glowing comments about their IPO and lounge staffs, as well as their food offerings. Depending on your plans and your family's appetites, those food offerings could save you a bit of $$, and you could definitely quantify what that would actually mean for your family - versus whether the theme is better, transportation, etc., etc. I stayed on the CL level at the GF this past December, and was really impressed with the selection and quantity of food - we definitely took advantage of it. I even told my DH that if we had been traveling at a warmer time of year when the heat can really zap your appetite, we would have been able to get most of our sustenance from the food in the lounge, and been just fine. As it was, we ate breakfasts there, as well as mid-morning snacks, and a cocktail and appetizers before we headed out at night. We were certainly well-fed!

Also, the concierge staff can really help you as you get oriented to a Disney vacation. You've already got a leg up on the average guest, being that you've found the DIS, but they'll be able to assist you with your ADR's, make some suggestions, arrange special things, etc. Plus, it's nice to have a physical, pleasant person you can turn to if a problem arises - they'll get it handled for you. Again, that could be a priceless service to have.

As for resort vs. resort - that's tough for me. I've stayed at both, and love them for very different reasons. But for your $$, it sounds like you're getting more for your dollar at the AKL.

Good luck!

 

[Kaler131]

I havn't stayed at AKL so I can't really compare....but, I did stay at Poly and loved the easy access of the Monorail!

 

[mpbs]

I have satyed at AKL and loved it, I will be staying at Poly Aug. 08. I really did love AKL, but IMO the rooms are too small for a famly of 4 (2 teenage sons). We also loved the room size, the pool, and the surroundings at BWI.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

The Poly was our choice for the convenience of the monorail. The fact that it is sooooo gorgeous and relaxing is just an added benefit. The kids loved the pool and watching Wishes from the resort - priceless.