Just returned and already thinking of next trip

[Frito]

We just returned Sunday and are already thinking of our next trip. We're thinking Novebmer '08, and want to stay at a different resort. We usually stay at one of the values (2 small kids, trying to save some $$). This time, we're thinking of splurging a little and looking at the convenience of being on the monorail with the little ones, most of our time is spent at MK.

So...it's between Poly and CR.....can anyone help me with which would be better? It will be DW, DS (6), DD (2) and myself.

Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

early Nov - while the food/wine festavial is going on at Epcot

or late Nov - when the place is decorated for Christmas?

 

[TJA]

We do the same thing -- as you can see by my signature....right when we get home, we start planning for the next trip. We also have 2 young children and I will say that we spring for the more expensive resorts (monorail/Epcot resorts) mainly because of convenience with the kids/stroller. It changes the whole outlook of the trip when we can walk/monorail/boat to a park and know that the kids can fall asleep in the stroller and we don't have to wake them up, unload the stroller, and fold it up. It's nice to just easily come and go without all the hassles. Anyway, as far as a resort choice, we've stayed at your 2 options of Poly and CR and love them both, but for different reasons. Here are a few tidbits about each:

Poly--relaxed hawaiin theme, separate longhouses with the rooms & one main building, Ohana fun family-style dinner, Ohana character breakfast, Kona great food, even fast-food restaurant is very good, fun pool, great "standard" view rooms, rooms large and newly renovated, resort monorail and TTC monorail huge plus.

CR--more contemporary theme, can be conventions there, magical feeling being right next to MK, if you stay in tower you can elevator right down to main levels (so one building), tower room MK view offers fantastic view of Poly, GF, MK and wonderful viewing of Wishes and water parade from from room balcony, walking path to MK, Chef Mickeys character breakfast and dinner great fun.

On the flip side of that, as you are thinking this through, do consider WL as one of your options. Especially making the jump from a value resort to a deluxe resort. WL (and AKL) are the least expensive deluxes, but yet are very gorgeous resorts. WL is considered an MK resort and is not far from the CR. You can take a boat to MK and also watch the water parade from WL.

Happy planning!

 

[KatMark]

We do moderates all the time now, but have done both the CR and the Polynesian in the past (the Polynesian in 2004 when our oldest graduated from high school). We prefer the Polynesian as we find it less "hectic."

 

[WildernessBride]

You sound like me...the minute we got home I was on the computer that night pricing out our next trip, Disney is so good at making you want to come back again and again!!! I would look into WL, it is a beautiful resort, I have 2 little ones, (4 and 8) and they loved it, in fact that is where we will be staying for our July vacation. It has great food options, a beautiful pool, close proximity to pony rides, boat rentals etc and they have bunk bed rooms....just a few of the great perks of staying at WL. No momorail but a boat to MK will be quite nice for your family I think...good luck on planning....and have a nice vacation!!!

 

[vicceja]

I hope you had a wonderful time. As for your next trip I've stayed at the Poly 2 years ago and the boys loved it. We've never stayed at the Contemporary but last July me and my oldest son went parasailing so we checked out the Resort...it really wasnt our thing. So, if we had to choose between the Poly and Contemporary I would choose...Poly! Have Fun!

 

[Frito]

spiceycat: haven't nailed down the date yet, but thinking early November ... love the food & wine festival!

TJA: Thank you for your post...from your write up....I'm leaning towards the Poly...it would be nice to head back to a resort with a little quieter atmosphere after a long day at the parks.

DW has stayed at Poly (many years ago) and loved it...I suggested WL because of all the great reviews here on DIS, but she doesn't have the warm fuzzy feeling for the resort...I think this trip I might hop over there to check it out.

 

[hammie59]

Unfortunately for me, I have never had the pleasure of staying at either (grrr... ), but our good friends have been to both many times when their kids were small. They liked both but preffered the Poly overall. They thought it was a little more kid friendly and liked the access to the monorail better (even though it's not in the hotel like CR). Good thing about CR is that you can walk to MK. I'm sure either choice for you would be fine, just go with the one that fits your budget best.

 

[mickeywatch33]

Frito, I heard that the Poly has dropped in the attention to detail. Dirty bathrooms upon first arrival to the room, and just a lack of that wonderful Disney service we come to expect. Take it for what you will - it's the talk on the street from a lot of other diser's.

I have stayed at the CR many times and love it. Monorail access does not get any easier than at CR. Great character breakfast as does Poly. And I just love watching the monorails flying through!

I would say go for CR, but if your DW is leaning towards Poly, don't fight it. We know you won't win that battle

Goodluck with your planning

 

[spiceycat]

spiceycat: haven't nailed down the date yet, but thinking early November ... love the food & wine festival!

then the Poly, you can jump on the Epcot monrail - just walk over to T&TC. around 5 to 12 minute walk depending upon which building you are in

if later CR or WL - just don't like the decorations at the Polyn for Christmas. WL are exceptionally.

 

[Frito]

Thanks for the help everyone....as always top notch advice!

mickeywatch33.....you hit it right on the nose...where DW wants to stay is where we will end up.