Is Poly really that much better?

[J&Z's Dad]

Still making plans for a trip in September. Now we're looking into staying at the Poly instead of POR. One big advantage is the monorail station, however from the photos that I have been able to check out on-line, the themeing, atmosphere and pool area seem nicer at POR. Having never been at either of these resorts, I really don't have an idea which of the two are nicer. Poly is considered a deluxe resort and is more expensive. Is it really that much nicer?

 

[Tess]

We stayed one night at POR last summer (on our way to an 8 day stay at Polynesian and 2 days at BC).

I found the room at POR just fine for a night and wouldn't mind a budget trip stay there either. You can't, however, compare the room size between the two--Polynesian is much roomier. The POR grounds is sprawling compared to that at Polynesian and requires a good deal more hoofing.

We didn't utilize any transportation while we were at POR since we weren't parking it on the day we stayed. The monorail is the biggest plus to staying at a MK resort--no question. On our first trip to WDW way back when we stayed at CBR. We had a great time, but we learned quickly the value of time at WDW. Transportation to and from parks is a key to time management. Staying at Polynesian (and GF) saved us loads of time that we put to better use in the parks, around the pool, or just getting back to our room for sleep.

Then there's that wonderful atmosphere--which, unquestionably, all the resorts at WDW possess. We just prefer the laid back atmosphere at Polynesian. Then again, BWI, BC, and GF are very nice too. . .come to think of it, we really liked CBR and POR also. I guess we just have a great time on vacation no matter where we're staying, I'm sure you will as well--no matter where you lay your head.

 

[Ityldu]

The Polynesian is so worth it to use, if you can make the budget work. The reasoning why is more complicated then just the luxury of the monorail, fantastic views, size of the rooms, etc. It has more to do with the "Magic" thing that I just can't really explain.

Finally, we've been able to afford a few nights at the Polynesian for our upcoming trip, but even when we weren't staying there, we couldn't start a vacation without walking into the Polynesian lobby and consuming ourselves in the lobby and feel of the place.

We've stayed at DxL and absolutely loved it. We'd stay there again in a heartbeat if that's all we could afford, but you just can't compare it to Polyesian.

 

[Bstanley]

Aside from the wonderful Magic that the Poly has there are definitely physical differences between the Poly and POR.

The Poly has a central AC/Htg system that is as quiet as a mouse compared to the window/wall unit that POR uses. I find it much easier to get a good nights sleep at the resorts that use a central AC/Htg system.

The Poly beds are true Queens, much more acceptable to 2 'normal ;-) sized adults than the double beds at POR. In addition there is a twin bed as well - 5 people can stay in the room.

The rooms at the Poly are large enough that 5 people can share them without getting claustrophobic (1/3rd larger than POR).

Also the convenience of the Monorail can actually translate into a monetary advantage if you have small children or you just happen to spend more days at the MK. Every trip back and forth to the MK takes 30 minutes less from the Poly than from POR (15 minutes each way). So if you happen to go to the MK and back to the resort for a midday break and then back to the MK you end up losing an hour to travel at POR, at $40-$50 a day per person those hours are worth something...

But really what it all boils down to is - Is it worth it to YOU? Some people like Chocolate and some people like Vanilla...

Some folks - even though they could afford the Poly - just flat don't want to spend the money. That's A-Ok! The only way you can tell if the differences actually translate into 'value' for you is to give it a try.

I have really enjoyed my stays at the Poly and will certainly stay there again, but when the budget won't stretch that far I stay at POR and it's been just great too!

 

[disneyag]

I agree with the above poster. In addition to queen sized beds, the hallways are interior versus exterior. I like the advantage of 2 sit down restaurants in my hotel. I also sometimes take advantage of room service. The monorail access can't be beat if you have small kids and use a stroller. We love the Poly. You might like to try it sometime. If not, I still think you can have a fabulous time anywhere at Disney.

 

[Bob NC]

Of course you would think a deluxe is going to be 'nicer' than a moderate, the question is, do you care about those things that make it nicer? We hardly ever use room service, maybe for a pot of coffee in the morning. The room size difference between a deluxe and a moderate isn't enough to worry about, especially for just 2 people. Inside corridors? I found you hear more noise at night from kids, and adults, using interior corridors than outside corridors. I've stayed at the Poly twice, and I've stayed at CSR & CBR. To tell you the truth, if I were offered CSR and Poly at the same price, chances are I would choose CSR. The ONLY thing Poly might have over CSR would be the monorail. I think a lot of people that use the deluxes spend more time hanging around the resort. We visited Poly on our last stay at CSR and it was a nigtmare, the pool area looked like some kind of third world food giveaway...people EVERYWHERE, kids running, people screaming. We saw folks coming down to the pool and just turning around and leaving because there was nowhere to sit and no room to swim. This was during a slow season. The food choices at Poly are good if you like 'Ohana or Kona Cafe..The counter service place there is the pits, small selection, paper plates, and the place was an absolute mess the day I looked in. Trash everywhere, food on the floor.....lol, my kids wanted a snack and I wouldn't let them get anything to eat at that joint. So, for a long round-about way of answering your question, no, I don't find it that much nicer.

 

[Poly Pal]

Don't forget the Polynesian has both the new Volcano Pool and the large quiet pool. While the Volcano Pool always attracts the crowd, the Quiet Pool was never crowded.

Also, the Polynesian rooms are large. And there is a large closet too in which to store your luggage. There is no place to store luggage in the resorts that have smaller rooms, the "Deluxe" Wilderness Lodge included.

For us, the Polynesian has the "original" magic that Walt envisioned. That can't be beat!

Have fun wherever you stay!

 

[BCV23]

Transportation at the Poly is truly the best at WDW in our opinion. Besides the monorail, you can take the launch to MK or take the short walk to the TTC and board the ferry. Same short walk to the TTC takes you to the Epcot monorail or to the buses at the TTC that go to so many locations in the World. Or you can take buses in front of the GCH to AKL, MGM or Epcot. We prefer the buidings closer to the TTC...the rooms are slightly larger, it seems more peaceful, and it makes for a short walk back from the Epcot monorail after dinner and Illuminations. We love the Poly... three weeks from today, we leave for our 25th stay there.

 

[CHIEF TONGA]

If you Realy want to know the magic of the Polly (imo ) you must go at night, a walk on the beach ,lit with tiki torches or along a path lined with tropical foliage while soft south pacific island music dances
softly in the night breeze .............dont wake me Im dreaming ......

 

[BCV23]

Sigh....beautiful description, Chief Tonga.

 

[A1A1]

Darn you people!!!!!!

I had just decided on Portofino Bay for two nights after a week at BWV instead of my ressie at Poly.


Now I am undecided AGAIN!