I'm Worried.

[jemgumby]

Hi there. I completely understand your anxiety 100%!!!! It is so important for our trips to be just right and like you where we stay is a big component to that. Like you I got "spoiled" on my first to Disney cause we stayed at the Grand. The second time we went we stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter and I just kept asking "where is the monorail?"..... I really think the key thing to remember is that every resort has something special to offer and go ahead and get in the mindset of the theme of that resort. For example, on our last trip we stayed at AKL and I had to remind myself that the decor will not be victorian, the color scheme will be dark and not pastels and no monorail. However, seeing my DD sooo excited to go to the balcony and look at the giraffes, zebras, etc. was so special. I was in complete wonder taking in that breathtaking lobby too! Also if it makes you feel any better Samantha Brown has done 4 shows where she stayed at Disney resorts and one of those shows was on the Wilderness Lodge. Maybe you can watch it on the travel channel website or You Tube. That will help you get excited. While it is not the tropical ambiance you are used to it will still be nicely themed and you will only be a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom!! Hope this helps!

 

[topmonkeygirl]

We stayed at the WL for our Honeymoon and it was great. You feel like you're on a retreat while you're there, it's like 2 vacations in one. One part is the Disney the second part is a wilderness get away. It was quiet, beautiful both inside and out, and the room was rather large (honeymoon suite). It was great. Whispering canyon has really great breakfast, not sure about dinner though, we were usually at the parks for dinner or went elsewhere. The pools are really cool, there is a creek that runs from inside the resort to the pool outside, and they have a geyser that goes off every hour. I think you'll like it, and if after staying you decide you like the poly better at least you tried something new, and who knows you might like WL better than Poly. It's like I tell my husband, who hates new foods if you don't try it you might be missing the best thing you ever ate.

 

[exit30]

Well it's time for you to get excited. I grew up staying only at the Poly starting in '72, I would never stay anywhere else. A bunch of years ago we decided to try the WL, wow what a huge surprise it is right up there with the Poly in my book. I know a lot of people would say the two can't compare, but that's the point, I don't compare because both resorts have distinct qualities that we have come to love. We are staying at the Poly this Oct. because it's been years since staying there last, but as much as I love the Poly there are things I will miss about not staying at WL, the same can be said when we stay at WL instead of the Poly. We are currently booked at the WL in February.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I understand it's hard not staying at your preferred resort but I hope you'll be able to get excited for your trip because you still have so much going for you

First, just being at WDW! Then the Wilderness Lodge is beautiful, and who knows, once you try it you might just find out you really like it - I hope so. Then you are going to MNSSHP, maybe multiple times? Which is absolutely wonderful, such a good time.

You could do a split stay, which is easy but I feel does waste a few hours in packing and unpacking again - so you'd have to decide if it's really worth it to you. Or maybe you could dine at the Poly so you can get a "taste" of your favorite? Get to spend some time there?

I don't know, it's tough, but I'd say try to have an open mind and look at the positives. I'm with some others that have said don't go into debt over staying at a particular resort.

Good luck and have a great time

 

[SNylund]

When you get down like that, just think of all the people that can't afford to go to disney or universal. I have friends that have NEVER been, because they can't afford it, and are just barely making ends meet as it is. And then there are all the people in AFrica and Asia, that don't even have a concept of what a thrill/theme park is because they are struggling for survival, struggling for food and water, some in AFrica live in fear for their lives daily with bands of maurading mercenaries etc.

So just think about all those people that can't do a disney vacation and just think how lucky and fortunate you are to take your family to disney. I think the % of people in the world that get to go to disney is something like .0001% of the population, so you are in the very fortunate top elite even getting to go.

 

[jackal]

I really appreciate everyone's opinions. You all have been great with your opinions and suggestions. I really would love to get siked for this trip. The best part of the trip is the planning (well, maybe not the best, but definitely right up there!).

Maybe I will work some numbers and look into a split stay. It's seems like pain, but maybe it will help me get more excited if we could stay at the poly for a few days.

 

[soulmates]

I can tell you, we just got back last month from WL and it was my DP's first time EVER staying on property. She says she's SPOILED and can never stay at a moderate now that I took her to WL. BEAUTIFUL resort, everyone is so amazing, Artist Point is FABULOUS...your going to love this resort!!

 

[jackal]

I can tell you, we just got back last month from WL and it was my DP's first time EVER staying on property. She says she's SPOILED and can never stay at a moderate now that I took her to WL. BEAUTIFUL resort, everyone is so amazing, Artist Point is FABULOUS...your going to love this resort!!

Thank you! It does look like a beautiful resort. The reviews I have read look mostly positive. So, what's my problem? It's like you can't teach an old dog new tricks - you can't take me out of the Poly

 

[Pluto1976]

Thank you! It does look like a beautiful resort. The reviews I have read look mostly positive. So, what's my problem? It's like you can't teach an old dog new tricks - you can't take me out of the Poly

HAHA Understood! Not sure how the location would work for you, but when we can't afford the Poly we stay at the Poly's cousin in the moderate resort family, the CBR.

It's got beaches, a lovely tropical-themed atmosphere, and a great pool area.

As beautiful as it is it could be the WL theme just does nothing for you as it does us and your going to be comparing it to the Poly.

The DW and I took a last minute adult trip this past June b/c of AP rates. We could only get POR. As soon as I arrived the DW knew by looking at me that I wanted to be at the Poly. In fact, while we were checking in I had the CM check the Poly for last minute availablity on AP rates. She did not find any so we stayed at POR.

It was a great resort and we had a good time but both of us knew the resort/s we would rather be at. Either way you go enjoy it and be happy your in Disney.

 

[MEK]

I really wish when we first started going to WDW that we would have started with a value and worked our way up. I think we got too spoiled and I was always afraid to try something else. But of course, that was our first trip and "had" to be special. Well 5 trips later, of course, I want to make this one special so feel that we should stay at the Poly. But $1,000 is so much money.

I feel bad for you because you are obviously really struggling with this. Since your expectations of the WL are fairly low in comparison to the Poly, I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you end up enjoying it.....if you stay there!

Nevertheless, if you don't think you can get rid of the "its just not right" feeling without booking the Poly, then you need to find a way to free up the money for your Poly addiction. Could you forego one of the Halloween parties to make up some of the difference, or would that totally be out of the question?

Is there something else you could do at home to recoop some of the money - garage sale, collect all your old change and turn it into cash, turn your old gold into cash, sell stuff on ebay. IDK .... I am just throwing some ideas out there.

How about your family???? I forget how old you said your kids where, but can you ask for input from the family unit. See how they all feel about trying a new resort. If they are open to it and excited about it, do it for them.

I personally love trying new resorts, because it is an adventure to me. It's like trying a new ride. Each resort has its own unique personality and I like to capitalize on that. But that's just me and I have actually never stayed at the Poly. One thing I have noticed is that the Poly does seem to have a really loyal fan base. Maybe they put something in the water???? LOL

Anyway, good luck with your decision!

 

[chanti]

I know how you feel. We are staying at AKL and I keep thinking: "Did we do the right thing?" or "Is it as nice as I think it is? are the rooms really that dark, is it really too far away?" I worry about stuff like that too. I am sure you will have a gorgeous vacation at the WL!!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

The WL is a beautiful resort. We had a woods view (next time we'll do pool/lake view) but it was so much fun waking up and sitting on the little balcony watching the bunnies in the grass below. Without fail they were there every day at some point.

We stayed there last time and DH wanted to try the Poly this time.

I agree with every other poster that has said this, don't waste $1000 to stay at the Poly. Not worth it. Just look forward to going to WDW!

 

[jackal]

My DD's are 6 and 15. The 6 year old really would not care. She's just happy to be there. She's excited for the parties. She absolutely loves the Poly she would love to stay there again for sure, but I don't think she quite understands the concept of the price tag involved so she kind of just shrugs her shoulders and accepts we aren't staying there.

DD 15 is another story. she so wants to stay at the Poly. She knows its expensive. She has resolved herself to the fact that we are staying at the WL, but again, she is just happy to be there. But I can tell she is pretty disappointed. She doesn't really talk it and doesn't seem overally excited for the trip either. I know that will change once she is there though. She's a bigger WDW fan than me!!

I can see both their disappointments and of course, that makes me feel bad. DH, would stay on a park bench if he got to eat. He loves the Poly as well, but knows how expensive it is. As long as he is fed, he doesn't care where he stays.

 

[BfloChick]

I WL!!! I don't think you will be disappointed. It is close to MK, but you also get this cool relaxing, secluded (in a positive way) feel from the resort. The lobby is amazing. Compared to CR and the Poly, the lobby and pool areas felt less crowded and more laid-back.

As for transportation, the short boat ride was fun and relaxing. The bus ride to MK took less than five minutes. Buses came often when we were there, and they were convenient. The only place where there was a noticeable wait was DTD. Also, the AK bus did stop to pick up passengers at the Grand Floridian, but that was not time-consuming.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you choose!

 

[Returning DisFan]

In July, we had seven people in two rooms at the Poly. It was nice but I really missed the WL. It was very crowded in July everywhere you went so I moved us all to the WL. In my opinion, the pool situation is a little better if you have small children(they have a separate kiddie pool and they offered so many resort activities everyday(at no additional cost)The older kids loved the WL pools also. Also, the boat to MK went directly back and fourth to MK while we were there making it a far quicker mode of transportation than the monorail with all of the stops on the overly crowded monorails.(standing room only) Roaring Forks also has made some vast improvements including adding the soft serve ice cream.(chocolate/strawberry/vanilla) Tomorrow, we are leaving and will be going back to the Polynesian in just one room with myself, my mother, and youngest son. We are going to finish the trip in July because it was so crowded in July that my youngest son did not get to see and do as much as the older children.My mother booked a Poly CL room and I wish we were returning to WL. WL did not have a lot of availability this time, only a bunkbed room and we prefer our own beds.So, if it helps any it's hard for me to get excited about yet another trip to the Poly even in the Hawaii building I will be missing the WL which is my personal favorite.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

As the saying goes... if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Moms set the tone for the household and, if you say, your daughters are disappointed, they likely picked up on that from you.

It's all in the attitude. Adjust thyself and the world will follow. Every trip is a new adventure.

My DD's are 6 and 15. The 6 year old really would not care. She's just happy to be there. She's excited for the parties. She absolutely loves the Poly she would love to stay there again for sure, but I don't think she quite understands the concept of the price tag involved so she kind of just shrugs her shoulders and accepts we aren't staying there.

DD 15 is another story. she so wants to stay at the Poly. She knows its expensive. She has resolved herself to the fact that we are staying at the WL, but again, she is just happy to be there. But I can tell she is pretty disappointed. She doesn't really talk it and doesn't seem overally excited for the trip either. I know that will change once she is there though. She's a bigger WDW fan than me!!

I can see both their disappointments and of course, that makes me feel bad. DH, would stay on a park bench if he got to eat. He loves the Poly as well, but knows how expensive it is. As long as he is fed, he doesn't care where he stays.

 

[exit30]

Hate to be a naysayer, but if you are going into this trip with this much doubt even after all the positive opinions, you may be sabotaging your trip before you even check in. We've stayed at every level, from value to deluxe and loved every trip, it's sad that people would let the resort ruin a trip to Disney.

 

[Keara'sMom]

Hate to be a naysayer, but if you are going into this trip with this much doubt even after all the positive opinions, you may be sabotaging your trip before you even check in. We've stayed at every level, from value to deluxe and loved every trip, it's sad that people would let the resort ruin a trip to Disney.

This sums up how I've always felt about going to WDW. Where you stay is one, but ONLY ONE factor in a good trip. For me, if it's clean, then it's good, and, in my experience, all hotels in WDW are clean!

For what it's worth, we've stayed everywhere from POP to the Poly, and WL is a favorite. Try to look at the boat ride to MK as a park ride in itself--we actually found ourselves doing that! My dd12 is always asking when we can stay at WL again.

That said, if it's THAT important to you, stay at the Poly. It's likely you won't regret the extra money, since you'll be more relaxed and excited about the trip. I just feel bad for you that you can't get excited about the trip as it's already planned...

 

[Corwin]

We are in the opposite situation from you. We just got back from our second family WDW trip, and our second time at the WL.

For our next trip, we really wanted to try some different resorts. I was able to get a great room-only deal at the Poly for the first part of our vacation. (We're staying at AKV on rented points for the last part.)

Anyway, our son is absolutely bemoaning the fact that we're not going back to the WL. He has really been carrying on, trying to talk us into going right back there. He absolutely loves it there (and so do we!). WL is positively the most beautiful and relaxing resort we've ever stayed at. Everything there is just perfect. I could wander around the lobby and pool area for hours. I loved the ducks in the pool in the morning and the bunnies on the walking paths. My wife has always wanted to live in a beautiful log home, and WL is the closest we've gotten so far.

However, we also wanted to try something else (especially since we just stayed at the WL), and we've heard such positive things about the Poly and AKL/AKV. However, in the back of my mind, I'm afraid we won't enjoy this trip as much without going back to WL.

You know, I think I'll do one of our meals over there...

 

[exit30]

Hey KearasMom we stayed at POP too, I got such a kick walking around and seeing all those huge icons, I had to laugh at how I grew up with all of them. Oh wait, now I feel old.