Is the Poly worth the $$$$$$$$$$

[Taratink]

Hi we are a family of 4. My will be 3 1/2 and my ds will be 5 1/2. My husband loves the look of the Poly but the prefers the price of the WL. Which is best for a family in our situation. Are the codes for Feb include WL and Poly. How low will the Poly go? we have eaten at WL and I really liked the feel of the lobby. Is the transportation at the WL good? Are the boats a close second to the monorail? What kid of kids activities are at the Poly for the kids?
Tara

So many questions!

 

[jsfein]

I stayed at WL last year with DS6, DS4, and DD2. We absolutely loved it. As many DIS-ers frequently post, the theming and lobby are the best. My kids spent every evening playing and running throughout the lobby and really enjoyed the pools. For our trip next month, I had ressies at both WL and Poly and just recently decided to try out the Poly where we have not yet stayed. I'm paying approximately $50 more per night to stay at Poly. Decided on the Poly in order to try another resort that is so highly reviewed on these boards, a bit more convenient transportation-wise than WL (but with that said, we didn't have any transportation problems with WL), good theming and pools, and 2 great restaurants. I'm hoping we fall in love with the Poly like we did with WL. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

 

[TWOOD]

I prefer the WL to the Poly. I like not having to leave the main bldg. to go to my room. I like that the pool area is larger & the atmosphere is cozier for the winter months. The hot tubs are great @ WL & there aren't any @ the Poly. I prefer the bathroom layout in the rooms with the sink area separate from the toilet & tub. The rooms are larger @ the Poly & the transportation options are better, but for my trip in Dec., I'm saving $392 to stay 4 nts. @ WL in a woods view room rather than stay in a garden view room at the Poly (AP rates). The savings alone will more than cover 4 days of meals for my DD & me. We've stayed @ both & keep returning to WL. You can always set up PS for the character meal @ O'Hana's to check out the Poly. I'm not sure about scheduled children's activities, but both resorts have the supervised childrens clubs, & WL has a direct boat over to FW, where you can go the campfire & movie - it's great fun!

 

[Taratink]

bump

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

If you are unsure, here is a great link that I found! Check it out it gives detailed info on the Poly and all the rooms ect.

http://www.tikiman2001.homestead.com/index.html

You can email tikiman himself and ask him specific questions, he's a great help!

Let us know how it goes!

 

[hannahryan]

No, not in my opinion. We stayed there in June and we liked it a lot, but the entire 8 days we wished we spent the extra money on food, etc. We paid $229+ tax with the AP discount in June. We could have and almost stayed at the WL for $124+ tax. If money was not an issue, I would stay at the Poly everytime.

 

[skiwee1]

I'll take the Poly over the WL any day. While the WL has a beautiful lobby that is far as it goes. The pool and area around the pool is much smaller at the WL then the Poly. The WL has a tiny kiddie pool which my DD didn't like. The Poly has a zero entry pool which is WONDERFUL for kids of your age. Everyone can be in the same pool at once instead of having to hang out in the kiddie pool at the WL. There is also a great water play area at the Poly that my 5 y/o DD loves. The transportion is by far the best, especially when comparing it against the WL. The rooms at the Poly are HUGE. There were only 2 adults and a pre schooler at the WL but the room was very cramped. The WL rooms are the same as the moderate Caribbean Beach. They seem smaller then CBR because they have queen beds crammed into the ones at the WL. The Poly rooms are great with 2 queens and a large daybed along with a table and chairs They are some of the largest rooms on property. I think the Poly is worth every penny. Yes, the WL is cheaper but that is because it is more of a mod/deluxe then a true deluxe. I would imagine it really depended on what you are looking for.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The Poly vs other resorts is a question I've struggled with many times - almost every time I go to Disney. We've stayed at almost every resort - no WL or All Stars (could not bring myself to stay at any All Stars).

Hands down the Poly is my favorite - a huge plus for me is that it fees like I've been away longer than I have - esp when it is a short visit, like 3,4 or 5 nights. There have been times when for money only I have stayed elsewhere on property - I did not think I'd like the AKL , but we loved it! The buses were easy and great and with a discount code it is even less than the WL, but more deluxe.

Check out Tilikman's site to see which longhouses have the largest room - I cannot keep track of the new longhouse names or I'd tell you here. My kids loved the Poly - the first time we went they were 7 & 9, so old enough to enjoy the pools etc.

Oh, also, some of the Longhouses have been renovated recently, but those have the sinks inside the bathroom. Pretty sure Tahiti might has sinks outside the bathroom, if that;s important - it is for me!

You'll love it, but if money is a real concern I'd recomment the AKL.

It will be great no matter where you stay!!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I have stayed at both and feel the WL is the best valuse for the $$. Poly has bigger rooms but the buildings are all seperated and walking can be an issue. I was at the Poly in Feb 2001 and loved it, but only stayed 3 days because of the $$. The WL is ( for the most part ) self contained...you can walk from one end of the resort to the other inside and bus area is covered.
Don't get me wrong...the monorail is a BIG plus, but for 50 or so bucks a night savings, not big enough.

Rates come out for February the first week of December and usually, the Poly is more than the WL...Good Luck!

(ps..If I got a rate close to the WL...I would stay there, but I just don't see it happening )

 

[ScottOKW2K]

For me and my family - no .

Like others, we didn't like having to go outside to get from our room to the lobby/restaurant area. No big deal if the weather is fine, but it is not always that way. Didn't like the bathroom layout either - this definitely slowed us down in the morning. In addition, and this may be just us - we all had trouble getting a good nights sleep the time we stayed there.

Our personal non-dvc favorite is Animal Kingdom Lodge. Rooms more comfortable at half the price ( or less) , better restaurants, and to us a better "feel". We have no desire to return to the Poly, but will be checking into the AKL in less than 3 weeks.

BTW - we spent a WEEK at AKL over New Years in a deluxe savannah room (complimentary upgrade from standard) for only $350 more than TWO NIGHTS at the Poly. They definitely won us over !

 

[PamNC]

and way prefer the POLY. However, if price were an issue, the WL is certainly cheaper. We went in February this year and in July. In July we got $199 per night (plus tax of course). That's the lowest I think you'll ever get and again that's with an AP discount. You could probably get a room only code for around $233.00 (I think that's right). We think it's totally worth the extra $$$. Although the WL has a beautiful lobby and is very well-themed, we thought that the rooms were small and dark, the pool was small, and we didn't think the boat transportation was that good. You can't beat the convenience of the monorail. And, don't forget, the Poly has the Neverland Club for kids.

I also have a personal opinion that the Poly truly embodies the Disney magic. I can feel Walt's spirit!!

PamNC

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I have an email code for $233 inc tx at the Poly for next week and it was available for later Fall dates. It comes to $405 more for the 5 nights - a lot (I try not think about it!!), but I had also heard that the room at WL are small and dark and the colors are dark as well. The water shuttle & price were reasons I considered WL - and it's the only resort I've never experienced. Becasue I would be there for 5 nights I decided to treat myself to the Poly...I think what I love it how it does feel as though you are a million miles away from everything.

Of course, it also depends on what theme you like - if you're more drawn to a Wilderness theme then you might like WL better. I love the South Seas theme, the music throughout etc.

When my children were young & teens we stayed only at deluxe resorts - Poly, Cont, GF (not to my liking), BC and YC, but now when I travel with adult friends it is often for a quick weekend and we spend less on the resort, more on extras. Not this time - I'm ready to return what feels like my Disney "home"!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

PS

Oh, yes!! I agree about Walt's spirit and authentic Disney Magic at the Poly!!!

I miss it being called the Polynesian Village Resort<sigh>

 

[Tinks]

We've stayed at both. My DH is not a big spender. I'd classify him as "frugal." We did WL before the Poly and after the Poly, we'll never go back. YES, it is worth the cost, ESPECIALLY if you have small children (which you do). It has monorail access for easy travel- -in case of naps, it has a fun pool for the entire family--even the small ones, it has good restaurants--and a character breakfast, it has nice views. You should try it once, but be warned that you'll never want another resort after the Poly.

How long are you staying? Could you split your stay?

Sorry--to answer some questions The boats in no way can compete with the monorail. They are nice, but not near as fast or as fun. The buses from the WL were o.k., but that was in 2000. I feel that Disney bus transportation has slipped since then. You could probably get the Poly for ~230 (?)/night in Feb for a GV. I'm not sure on that one. For the kids: pool, arcade, beach, water mice, character breakfast, and the neverland club if you go out without them (which I've never done but heard is nice) There is much more for kids at Poly than WL, IMO. Good luck. They both are good resorts, but I think you'll enjoy the Poly more.

 

[tjmw2727]

What a great decision and IMHO you can't go wrong with either!

My personal preference is the Polynesian and with kids your age IMHO the monorial is so much easier than boat/bus. The rooms are also amongst the largest which helps if your using a pack n play.

I like the Poly for quick access to MK and with young ones that is a favorite park. If the kids fall alseep in the stroller there is a ver good chance you won't have to take them out on the monorial, you would on the boat or bus.

I love watching the MK fireworks and EWP from the beach. We have done so with many a sleeping baby/toddler in the stroller while DH and I enjoyed a "beverage" and some time walking the beautiful resort.

The Polynesian has great activities for kids at the Neverland Club, grand house and at the pool for free during the day.

Another reason I like the Polynesian, esp when I had a stroller, is the monorail to MK as well as the option of walking to/from the TTC for easy access to Epcot. We will be at the Polynesian in 17 days - yippee.

TJ

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Well as you can see from my tag, I would definetely say go to the poly if price is not a real consideration. I cant comment on staying at the WL, we have only eaten there at Whispering Canyon and Roaring Forks. We only ask for a garden view room. If you are going to be spending alot of time in the MK, then its definetly worth it for the convience alone. We have gone in Feb. once and we had an ap rate. The weather is really cool for swimming later in the day. Bring a sweatsuit with hooded jacket. My kids got sick going back to the room. If you want a room close to the volcano pool, request the samoa longhouse. The children activites are the arcade challenge, my ds favorite, but they are a little older, free video games for like 1 hour a few times a week, all the activities require resort id and you would need to supervise your kids since they are younger, pool games, I know they had basketball for them once, arts and crafts and movies in the neverland club from like 12-3, again parent accompanied, hula lessons, I think its only on sat. at the luau cove and its with a dance school that is there already or something like that, didnt do that one. They have stuff in the lobby sometimes too, lipoa leads the singing, will teach the kids how to use the poi balls etc. She is so sweet and a great cm. The poly is not enclosed like wl, so that might figure into your decision. Watching wishes from the beach and the water paegent is just great, you can feed the ducks and fish etc. Rent a boat or bike, sit on the beach in hammock or chair etc. I am deciding what to do myself for april. I might take the swan again since its cheaper and if oldest ds does not get his license he will be bugging me about not being able to drive the boats, oh decisions, decisions, good luck with yours. You also have great dining choices, captain cooks for snacks, ohanas for breakfast or dinner and kona for any of the 3 meals etc. , plus the luau if you choose.

 

[ducklite]

I've stayed at both in the past two months or so!

The rooms at the Polynesian are significantly larger, and I mean noticiably! The room at the WL felt rather cramped to us. Also teh Polynesian felt much brighter.

I've heard so many people say "but we're only in it to sleep and shower". Uh huh. Until one of the kids gets sick and you are stuck there for a day or two. The walls at the WL would close in very quickly.

That said, the lobby at the WL is magnificent. I like that you can valet park and never need to go into the rain to get to and from your room and the restaurants and front desk. Not so at the Polynesian.

The monorail IMHO is more convenient to the boats, although also IMHO the monorail is not as convenient as it's cracked up to be.

Both resorts have great pools, and both have various activities for kids and a child care center.

There is no fine dining at the PR. Artists Point at the WL is quite good, although not my favorite. The Kona Cafe is one of the very best moderate restaurants on property. Whispering Canyon is a bit too "wild" for my tastes.

Hope this helps you to make a decision.

Anne

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Both are beutiful, It depends on what type of theme you would like for ypur vacation. I prefer the Poly because it's different from my everyday life. Not to mention that Hawaii doesn't look like it will be on my vacation list for a long time. While the Wilderness Lodge is looks great, I see alot of rustic/ wood when we vacation
in the mountains.
Also the rooms are a bigger at the Poly.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Well, it sounds like price is a consideration, since you ask if Poly is worth it. To some it is, and to some it isn't, as these posts reveal.

With children so young, I would think you would be fine in a WL room. We had four in our room, DD 7 and DD 4. We were able to get a bunk bed room. My DS has bunk beds now(he was just a baby when we went with the girls), but at that time we didn't have any and my girls LOVED them at WL. It gave us extra space in the room also.

I loved having everything under one roof. And we were almost right above Roaring Forks, so it was a really quick trip to fill up the mugs.

My girls fell in love with this place. They went to Cubs Den one night while we went out to dinner and MGM. THEY DIDN'T WANT US TO COME BACK!

I would love to stay at the POLY some day. I'm sure the monorail beats the boat for transportation. How could it not?? But for the price, the WL is a deluxe hotel, with a great pool, and some of the best theming you will find anywhere on WDW property.

Have fun making a decision. It IS a hard one.

 

[jarestel]

They are both great and personal preference plays a big part in the choice of a favorite hotel. Having said that I can't imagine anyone who couldn't be happy staying at either. However it seems many of the opinions I've read on this thread supporting a favorite resort sound like justifications or just plain nit-picking.

What I would do is add up the money you will save by staying at the WL and then ask yourself if the features you are most likely to take advantage of at the Poly are worth the extra money. If so, stay at the Poly, if not then choose the WL. Then on a future trip, choose the one that you didn't stay at this time.

There are so many terrific hotel choices at WDW, it seems a shame to limit oneself to the same place time after time. Like I said initially, I can't imagine either resort will disappoint. Good luck!