Just back from a week at the Poly

[Noni]

We just returned Friday from a week at POLY. I thought I would love it but I only liked it. I loved the location and convenience of getting to MK by either Monorail or boat. I loved the convenience of getting to Epcot. In fact, we had no transportation issues. All of the buses to MGM and AK were very prompt, no more than a 5 to 7 minute wait. Our first room...yes first room, was Rarotonga 1818. I liked the convenience of that longhouse. It was close to everything...bus stop, Great Ceremonial House, both pools, the arcade, the laundry room and the temporary Neverland Club. But on our second day, the front desk called to report a problem in our room that needed to be repaired and said we had to move. To make up for the inconvenience they upgraded us to concierge. But they didn't put us in Hawaii, we were in Fiji. I shouldn't complain because we did get a water view and concierge, I just liked the location in Rarotonga much better. I guess I didn't realise what a sprawling resort POLY would be. I thought it would be little more intimate.

Also, we had dinner at Whispering Canyons and I was blown away by the Wilderness Lodge. I really want to stay there the next time. I think I want my next hotel to be all under one roof.

 

[susy]

Noni,

Next time stay at the WL!!! For a lot less $$$$, it is out of this world. You can probably get concierge for not a whole lot more than a standard room at the Poly. I went to the Poly for dinner and loved the resort (and Ohana), but it seemed a little bit frantic to me. People were running here and there, lots of action going on- this was during a slow time. I'm sure I'd love it, but I prefer a more tranquil setting. We stayed at the Widlerness Lodge this past Thanksgiving weekend. You would not have even known it was a holiday! Boat to MK was great, bus to AK very quick, drove to Epcot and MGM). We even saw MK fireworks from our balcony every night. The Christmas decorations and music were heavenly. I'll be home soon....

 

[skiwee1]

I think you will be disappointed with the WL. We have stayed at both and while the WL looks fantastic it is a far cry from the deluxe that the Poly is. The rooms at the WL are very small, the pool very small, and the transportation is awful. It looks decieving but you can get stuck with a room at the WL that is a farther walk then many of the rooms at the Poly. We had a room at the WL that must have been a 1/2 mile from the food court. Another 1/2 mile to the buses or boats. Of course if money is an issue then go for the WL but if you can afford it then try a different deluxe. WL was not built to be a deluxe resort and that is why it is so cheap. They do not have a true concierge lounge. It is out on the open in the lobby. This was done as an afterthought because it wasn't going to be a deluxe. Because of popularity it has been changed in designation to a deluxe but a duck is a duck. Anyway sorry your stay at the Poly good. It is our favorite hotel and we stay there all the time. If I can't stay at the Poly then I wouldn't go to WDW! LOL!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Noni, it was worse than you thought, Figi is not waterview. Yes you look at the water but it is still considered a gardenview room. You should not of been so accommodating, and requested a little more than "concerige" that you had to walk over for.

But I agree about the WL. we stayed there once. and that was enough. I thought the room I had at DXL (now pors) was better. I know it was decorated better. The wl room are much smaller that the Poly and you will notice it. also now the wl pool is small and with the addition of the villa's is very crowded. I too had a room at the end of the Long hall on the top floor and it was a terrible trek at nite. It might be under 1 roof but its a large roof. Also the parking lot if you have a car, and don't pay the parking valet fee, is another terrible trek. Bus service was very slow and when we stayed there we shared with fort wilderness which was terrible and slow.

If you don't need alot of room, the rooms might be ok, but keep in mind each resort has problems. Some you can over look and some you can't. depends which are important to you. I would not of been happy with having to "move" in 1 day. And they would of know it. Sounds like a better upgrade situation than you got. Suite comes to mind, and if the poly didn't have one, ok somewhere else. GF? CR? Hmmmmmm, Remember never take a 1st offer. Keep a civil, cool, head and think. Its there mistake and they need to keep you happy.

Mky

 

[PamNC]

The Poly is our new favorite - went for the first time in Feb and will be returning in 2 weeks. That's too bad that you had to move when you really liked your original room. I guess these things happen. We've stayed at WL and we were very disappointed. We didn't do concierge - in fact the only concierge we've done is YC/BC. It's just not worth the extra $$ for me and my DH. We didn't like the small rooms at WL, and we weren't impressed with the CMs. Just didn't have a magical experience. At the Poly however - it was super magical. It really has the Disney magic in my opinion. You're right about the transporation and the locaiton - second to none.

Keep trying resorts until you find one that you "love" versus one you only "like."

PamNC

 

[Tinkbell]

Thanks for the review. Sorry you had to change rooms to a less desirable location for you.

 

[susy]

You all must have been at another WL. My room was way down at the end of the north wing hall. It was a very quick walk to anywhere. Although the room decor is not my favorite, it does fit the theme. I just returned for the BC, whcih is very nice. Was it $100 a night nicer than the WL-no. Like I said, we were there Thanksgiving weekend. It was very quiet and the pool was never crowded.

 

[Kimberle]

*LOL* I agree with Suzy! A 1/2 mile walk? How on earth could that be? WL is very compact! We were in the wing on the opposite side of the food court and the walk was only about 2 minutes!

Noni, you've just express exactly why dh & I are so hesitant to stay at the Poly. In fact, we posponed our spring trip because we could only get rooms at AKL or the Poly. We do not like large sprawling resorts.

Do try WL on your next trip! It is a wonderful resort! The rooms may be a bit on the small side, but they are beautifully set up. You have plenty of storage space. Every single room has a balcony (patio on ground floor). We had the most wonderful transportation during our Sept trip. We also really liked the small boat which looped WL/CR/FW. It made dining at Trails End and Concourse Steakhouse so easy!

 

[arizonacolbys]

My favorite resort is probably the WL. Last Dec we stayed there for a couple of nights after a week at the Polynesian. We got great rates at both resorts, so that wasn't an issue. While I really enjoyed the Polynesian & would like to stay there again someday, I LOVED the theming of WL. We had a balcony with a view of a tranquil pond with a duck & her babies & many other critters to watch. Nothing at this resort seemed very far away at all. We moved right from the Poly to the WL & really didn't notice a change in the size of the room. It's just the 2 of us, so maybe that had something to do with it. If you ever go during the holidays I think this is the best resort to check out - the tree in the lobby is just awesome. I would definitely give the WL a try - especially if it already appeals to you.

 

[bhillier]

An upgrade to concierge, wow! I went in May and stayed concierge level. I was very impressed. I did stay in the Hawaii building but I think I would have loved it from any of the buildings. Didn't you like the offerings @ concierge level? How about having a drink and one of their awsome desserts while watching the fireworks from the beach/pool? Did you use the concierge staff to help secure any ressies?

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

Originally posted by skiwee1
It is our favorite hotel and we stay there all the time. If I can't stay at the Poly then I wouldn't go to WDW! LOL!

We feel the exact same way!



Debbie

 

[johnsonet]

I certainly would not rule out the WL! It is an absolutely beautiful resort and, although my room looked out over the Villas pool (further from the lobby than most), our walk to everything was brief and there are side doors that actually gave us nice short cuts to the pool, boat, Roaring Forks.. The resort is stunning and I was very impressed with out room and I am used to GF and AKL. The colors weren't my all-time favorite but they are perfect for the theme! I travelled with a 7-y-o and an 11-y-o and we had PLENTY of room. We LOVED WL! It is definitely worth a try!

 

[Mom2Em]

This post is very interesting... keep it up...

We have stayed at WL 3 times... my only real complaint is the wait time for some of the buses... but we always go off-season...
We are going to try the POLY next time we go... just for a change... I am hoping we have made the right decision as there is quite a difference pricewise...

 

[colleen costello]

I love both the Poly and the Lodge. We were at the Poly 2 weeks ago in Raratonga ground floor. The location was perfect and was so convenient --we absolutely loved it. I would have thrown a FIT if they tried to move us! For me the simple garden view was more than pretty enough and the location was ideal. However, I think offering concierge was a reasonable "trade." In any case, Raratonga just reopened a few weeks ago... What on Earth needed repair already?

We also love the Lodge. It is a good combo of beautiful location and more reasonable price. We typically stay at the Villas end and it is so quiet. A trip to either of these resorts always thrills me.

 

[MNmom]

Hey Poly experts.....

I am planning a stop there to check out the sprawling resort and try and watch Wishes from the beach area.

Where would be the best beach area to watch the show? I have never been there before and would just follow a map to the beach. We happen to like sprawling and think this may be our next resort!!!

Thanks again!!

MNmom

 

[fam4jc]

We just got back from the Poly. We liked it but I was expecting more out of the concierge staff. Too me, it wasn't worth the extra money for concierge, BUT the view of wishes from the lounge was OUTSTANDING.

NMMom - just walk toward the volcano pool and you will see the beach and boat dock. There are tables, lounge chairs and even hammocks on the beach. Any of those places would be a very nice view of wishes.

The Poly is a little spread out but the landscaping makes any length walk quit pleasant. My DD's loved walking the grounds looking for bunnies! We didn't have any transportation problems at all from the Poly. Our next trip we will be splitting between WL, CR, and AKL. I just have to try them all!

 

[WhispyPixie]

Well..here is my 2 cents worth...

We are frequenters of both the Poly and the WL.

The Poly is by NO MEANS SPRAWLING! Try the Coronodo Springs, if you want sprawling..lol The Poly is not at compact as the WL. If you are looking for a more self contained area then by all means pick the WL.

Here are our reasons for liking them both and why...

Poly...love being on the monorail, the transportation is fantastic! Love the "beachy" theme during the warmer months and my kids love the volcano pool. The rooms are much bigger!! We love Ohana's and my hubby loves the coffee bar upstairs. We love being able to see Wishes from the resort and in all honesty, I find the staff at the Poly, more friendly, familylike and accomadating.

WL....we love the deco, the erupting volcano and the "woodsy" feel for the fall and winter months. The rooms are smaller than the Poly, but decorated so cool! Whispering Caynon Cafe is great and tons of fun for the kids. The pin trading booth has a BOOK that you can trade in!! The rocking chairs are great to sit and rock in too.

We have gone back and forth to and from on these resorts and right now, the Poly is our favorite..for 2 reasons....the easy access of the monorail..and..the staff at the Poly.....they have been great, and the staff at the WL, just have not had that special magic the past few times we have stayed there.

famjc-great to see you and glad to know you have a great trip!!

 

[Pattymouse]

I am curious as to why you seem disappointed in the concierge level. I am booked in the Poly LVC for 7 nights in December. I am 53 and have never stayed concierge at Disney or anywhere else. I think it is time for a treat! This is a big splurge for DH and me! Well, DH does not even know. It is a suprise. He thinks we will be standard garden view.