Is it really worth the difference? Polynesian vs Windsor Hills

[kerry331]

Have any of you stayed at both?
please help!!

For 4 nights I would be paying approx 548.00 at Windsor...for a 3 bedroom townhome w/private pool..from the pics on line, the grounds are gorgeous w/beautiful pools and 1 mile from Disney. (gates). I know some of you have stayed there, so you will be helpful I am sure!!!

We are traveling to disney for the first time with our three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. Our first real family vacation!

We have been quoted our trip at the Poly.. airfare....with meal plans, with park tix...the whole 9 for 4 nights. It's expensive. Over 4k for all of us.

If we stay at Windsor hills with a rental car, we will be saving 1651.00. Of course, we'd STILL have to buy our own food still if we stayed at windsor hills. Although we wouldn't have to eat inside disney, as i hear it's really expensive??

Is this difference in price worth the convenience? Staying in disney- is it that magical?? I told my husband we'll still be shelling out good cash for meals at disney even though we have the 'meal plan'...the travel agent even told us that. Also we'd all be in one big room at the Poly, with the little ones. The pluses to the Poly are the view of the castle, the view of the fireworks at night too..of course- the monorail for easy transportation.

Is the Polynesian that wonderful? IS windsor hills better? The travel agent raved about the Poly. Being that this is our first trip to disney as a family, i'd like to do it right. I am just so confused!!! My husband would prefer to stay inside Disney, not mess with the rental car...he thinks it would be better for our first time experience to be right in the mix of things. I just think it's a lot of cash.

What do you think?

Oh, and i have to ask, if you have been- is the Luau dinner at the Poly really good? I am bummed b/c the travel agent told us she couldn't get us to the show during our stay! I really wanted to see this.. Does it make sense to rebook the week we are going to see this show???

Thank you in advance for your responses,
Kerry in NJ

 

[Brian Noble]

They are really really different.

Ordinarily, I would not be willing to pay for the price premium of staying at Disney. I am a pretty hard-core off-siter. I generally only stay on Disney property if I can get DVC as a timeshare exchange.

That said, there are a few resorts that are exceptions. I would consider staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, in a Savannah view room; that's a unique experience. I would consider a stay on the monorail, and of the three monorail resorts, preferably the Poly. I would consider a stay at either Yacht & Beach or Boardwalk to be within walking distance of Epcot. I wouldn't spend a week at any of these places, but absolutely would consider it for a shorter trip.

For a short trip, I would at least consider the Poly. The price difference is less pronounced for a short stay, and the lack of the extra space/amenities in a townhouse less of an issue. Especially if you imagine this is your only trip to Disney for some time, then I would go ahead and spend the extra grand or so that the Poly would cost.

Now, if you were staying for a week, or planned to come back every year, then maybe my answer is different. But, if the Poly is in your budget, I'd say go for it.

 

[1daisy]

I definitely recommend the Poly. Although, I have never stayed at Windsor. We stayed at the Poly two years ago and haven't been anywhere else since. We love the convenience of the monorail. You can't beat it when it comes to having little ones. Ten minutes back to the hotel, take a break, hop on it again. Otherwise, you'd be stuck in the park or have to lug everybody back to the car, drive to the hotel. By the time you get there, everybody's probably asleep in the car, and they're ready to go again, no "rest" time at the hotel. Definitely would take 45 minutes to an hour to go back to the hotel, sure beats 5-10 and walk straight up to your room. I'm partial, we love, love the Poly!

 

[mrsklamc]

I don't know about the rest but there's no time to fall asleep between the parks and WH. We went in low season, but we could be to the parks in literally 5 minutes.

 

[mrsklamc]

I just read my response to DH and he said "Less than five minutes, depending on whether or not you hit the two lights in between.:

 

[FayeW]

That $1651 that you are saving would buy you 7 days at WH, your rental car, and all your food for your vacation. If this is your first trip, 4 days is not enough. Try to schedule a longer trip...with the much cheaper cost of WH, it will still be cheaper than 4 nights at the Poly.

 

[TotoToo]

There is no way that theming in the public areas offsets $1600+ and a tiny hotel room vs a home at WH. You can go walk around & sit in the public areas to enjoy those at Poly and save $1600+. The rooms themselves at Poly are nothing special and certainly smaller than WH. It's not even an option in my view - WH all the way.

 

[lexie32]

We stayed at WH last year and visited the poly with a view to doing a split stay there this year, it was very well themed but seemed very busy and not relaxing like WH and to be honest we like to get away from all the crouds when we decide to take a break. Well we decided to save our money and stay at WH again this year and use some of the money we have saved on a couple of taxi trips so dh and i can go and have a couple of meals and a bottle of wine without having to drive!!

Alex

 

[Reflection]

I definitely recommend the Poly. Although, I have never stayed at Windsor. We stayed at the Poly two years ago and haven't been anywhere else since. We love the convenience of the monorail. You can't beat it when it comes to having little ones. Ten minutes back to the hotel, take a break, hop on it again. Otherwise, you'd be stuck in the park or have to lug everybody back to the car, drive to the hotel. By the time you get there, everybody's probably asleep in the car, and they're ready to go again, no "rest" time at the hotel. Definitely would take 45 minutes to an hour to go back to the hotel, sure beats 5-10 and walk straight up to your room. I'm partial, we love, love the Poly!

Depending on the location of the offsite accomodation, this is certainly not true. There are many offsite locations that are closer in driving time--door to door--than many WDW onsite accomodations. I have not stayed at the Polynesian but have stayed at the Grand Floridian and have waited more than 10 minutes for the monorail or boat.

 

[Brian Noble]

That's true. I can leave my hose at Windsor Hills at 8:10, and be in the MK Entry Plaza in time for the opening show at 8:48. So, it's less than 40 minutes.

The Poly is closer, though, even door-to-door time. I'd guess worst-case is about 20 minutes---10 waiting for the monorail, and 10 transit.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

If you can afford it, stay at the Poly. I have stayed both on-site and off many times. I am all for the larger accommodations at a lower price off-site. However...this is your first trip. Your children are little. There is a "magical" feeling to staying on-site. We stayed at the Poly when my kids were 1, 3 and 5. It was a special trip. The monorail is just so convenient with the little ones, and makes it so easy to take a stroller straight from your room to the MK. Concerning the luau, most people do not feel it was worth the $, and I don't think your children will enjoy it that much. Your money is better spent at Chef Mickeys a quick monorail ride away... (Please keep in mind that you posted this question on the "off-site" vacationers board. If you posted this same question on the Disney Resorts board, you would get overwhelming responses to stay at the Poly. Some people have very strong opinions to only stay on-site or only stay off-site. We enjoy both for different reasons.)

 

[Kellydelly]

I'd stay offsite! With kids those ages, you will SOOOOOOOOOOOO appreciate the space to spread out and not be on top of each other in a hotel room. I have taken my four young children to Orlando 4 times and we rented a private pool home each time. My kids love having their own pool !

 

[Brian Noble]

My kids have only three requirements of any Disney-area lodging:

1: It must have a pool.
2: The pool must have water.
3: The water must be wet.

Anyplace that meets those three conditions is okay by them.

 

[stepnut]

My kids have only three requirements of any Disney-area lodging:

1: It must have a pool.
2: The pool must have water.
3: The water must be wet.

Anyplace that meets those three conditions is okay by them.

I'd add a 4th: The wet pool water must be clean!

 

[snowbunny]

I don't know about the rest but there's no time to fall asleep between the parks and WH. We went in low season, but we could be to the parks in literally 5 minutes.

Sorry but that is a wild exaggeration. I've stayed at Windsor Hills and although you may reach Disney property in 5 minutes, there is no way to be "to the parks" in 5 minutes. It takes longer than that just to ride the tram from the parking lot.

To the OP: Windsor Hills is a very nice offsite development and we had a nice time there. The resort pool is beautiful - but in high season (when we stayed at WH), it's packed. There is no lifeguard at the resort pool. It is also a long walk (or short drive) from many of the units to the clubhouse. Windsor Hills is a big community and IMO does not have the same magic as being onsite. Others may disagree but that's why there is a variety of choices.

 

[kathie859]

1) space to spread out (thinking of the kids for some "downtime"--touring WDW is exhausting especially with short legs) WH wins
2) ability to eat a breakfast before attacking the parks--saves time AND money--again WH wins
3) I can't imagine anything more tiresome than WDW transportation with 3 children--easier to tote a double stroller in a car, arrive early, park close and walk to entrance (this works well everywhere BUT MK)
4) How many "sit down" meals can your tribe stand per day? AND how much time are you willing to spend eating (including waiting/actual eating). How long CAN your kids sit quietly?

One other thought--I actually like the condos (cheaper than a house) and use the resort zero entry pool for the little ones.

Only you know your family's tolerances--I'm sure you'll make the best decision for them. Have a great vacation

By the way, I'd go for the cheaper condo--go for more days (4 really isn't nearly enough), plan a few meals in the condo to help pay for the additional days admission and have a bang-up trip!

 

[lindsmom]

We're staying off property when we go next month. I would LOVE to stay at Poly or AKL but I think maybe just DH and I will go back for an anniversary.

We chose off property (cypress harbour) because:

1. two bedroom unit, our daughter (6) can go to bed while we stay up and not have to tiptoe around in the same room.

2. Kitchenette so we have the option of preparing meals.

3. Cost! I just couldn't justify doubling the cost (give or take) to stay on property - the savings could go toward extra days (as others have mentioned) or a rental car - based on what I'm reading, it's easier to have the car if you're going to be visiting many parks and / or hopping, especially with 3 kids loading and unloading buses etc.

Lastly, we doubt our daughter will remember that she stayed at Cypress Harbour rather than, say, Poly, when she's grown up. She'll remember breakfast @ Cinderella's castle (hopefully!) and going on lots of rides. And we'll show her the pictures to remind her. Heck, she can't even remember what she did in school the same day!

If your kids were teenagers, I'd say go for the deluxe and stay @ Poly. Then again, only you know what would work best for your family.

Oh, and it's just ME but I would be obsessing about the extra grand on the room and having less fun because of it. I KNOW, you're not supposed to. But that's the way I am.

Good Luck and remember to have FUN regardless of where you sleep!

 

[Brian Noble]

I'd add a 4th: The wet pool water must be clean!

That might be my requirement, but the kids do not care.

 

[kerry331]

Well my husband is hell bent on staying inside the park, it's his first time too. We are going to do 5 nights....everyone and their brother is telling me to stay inside the park for that 'magical' first time feeling, for my kids....you can see cinderella's castle from the resort, also the fireworks. I think because my kids are so little it would make sense to stay at the poly , the transportation from here to there , very fast and very convenient.
I think when we go back for our second trip, (in a few years) we'll more than likely spend more time in FL. We'll go for the condo, because I am 10 weeks pregnant right now with baby #4, so - we will kinda have to stay at a condo or suite.

I do think WH looks beautiful, but , again, after long discussions with my hubby - he really rather stay inside the park. I am sure I am missing out on a great resort...I am just guessing with a short trip we won't be in the room much anyway, except to shower and sleep!!!

Thanks-
Kerry

 

[littlestar]

We're staying off property when we go next month. I would LOVE to stay at Poly or AKL but I think maybe just DH and I will go back for an anniversary.

We chose off property (cypress harbour) because:

1. two bedroom unit, our daughter (6) can go to bed while we stay up and not have to tiptoe around in the same room.

2. Kitchenette so we have the option of preparing meals.

3. Cost! I just couldn't justify doubling the cost (give or take) to stay on property - the savings could go toward extra days (as others have mentioned) or a rental car - based on what I'm reading, it's easier to have the car if you're going to be visiting many parks and / or hopping, especially with 3 kids loading and unloading buses etc.

Lastly, we doubt our daughter will remember that she stayed at Cypress Harbour rather than, say, Poly, when she's grown up. She'll remember breakfast @ Cinderella's castle (hopefully!) and going on lots of rides. And we'll show her the pictures to remind her. Heck, she can't even remember what she did in school the same day!

You'll love Marriott Vacation Club's Cypress Harbour. We just got back and it's fantastic - reminds me of the Sheraton on Kauai. Beautiful grounds, activities - Polynesian show, etc., and wonderful units (we could see Seaworld fireworks from our balcony).

To the original poster - I'd go for more space over the Poly (especially for that price). Nothing like being able to put the kids down for bed and have some privacy for the adults. You can't do that in a cramped hotel room.