jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
- Messages
- 7,371
DH and I just returned from our week at WDW to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. In March we took the whole family of five plus one friend and stayed for two nights at the Polynesian (a family favorite) and then five nights at the Boardwalk Inn (where we had not stayed since 2002). This worked out very well so decided to do the same for our Anniversary trip, only this time we stayed for five nights at the Boardwalk Inn first (Nov. 9 - 14) since we planned to spend a lot of our time at Epcot for the last days of the Food & Wine Festival. Then we switched resorts on Sunday and stayed the last two nights of our trip at the Polynesian.
So on to my review of the two resorts. The Boardwalk Inn has officially become my favorite Epcot resort. We've stayed at them all (including both the BC and Boardwalk villas) with the exception of the Swan and some of them multiple times. We love being able to walk to our favorite park, Epcot, in the morning. When we returned from the park sometimes we walked and sometimes we took the boat if we were tired. The Boardwalk is the first boat stop coming from Epcot. The rooms on both of our stays were in excellent condition. Both times we had standard view rooms. In March we were in connecting Rooms 5291 and 5293 which were conveniently located right by the elevator. The view however was of the hotel entrance and parking lot so not great but not a big deal for us. This time we were in Room 3250 which was a longer walk from the elevator (but it wasn't bad) but had a nicer view. Our room was located just above the cottages so had an inner courtyard view that was quite nice. We were on the DeLuxe Dining Plan so had refillable mugs which I was able to fill with coffee every morning at the Belle Vue Lounge right by the elevator on the second floor (Lobby). We were also able to get pastries (made at the Boardwalk Bakery), cereal, fruit, etc. there. This was more convenient than going down to the bakery, which always has long lines in the morning. The boat service was great, but the bus service was hit and miss. The first night that we used it (Friday) we were going to Magic Kingdom to catch the monorail to the Contemporary where we had a 7:40 reservation at the California Grill. We started out from our room much later than I'd hoped and didn't get to the bus stop until around 6:50. There were lots of people at the bus stop waiting there to go the MVMCP at Magic Kingdom which started at 7:00. We got the impression they had been waiting for awhile, so we figured the bus should be there any minute (since they tell you a bus comes about every 20 minutes). Well, while we were all sitting there waiting for the MK bus, four buses came by, two for the Animal Kingdom and two for Downtown Disney and no one got on them. People were getting angry, since they were missing out on valuable time at the MVMCP which they had paid a good amount extra for. I was getting nervous that we were going to be very late for our CA Grill reservation and not be seated. Finally at 7:20 the MK bus came...however, as it was coming from MK and this was its first stop it was full of people. Only a few people got off so apparently most of the people on the bus were staying at the Swan and Dolphin resorts. So it was pretty much standing room only for those of us getting on at the Boardwalk Inn. As we were about to get on, DH asked how long it would take us to get to MK. The driver said it would be at least 20 minutes because he still had to go to the Swan and Dolphin resorts (two separate stops) before heading to the park. This would put us at the MK bus stop at 7:40 at the earliest (the time of our reservation) and we would still have to either wait for a monorail or walk to the Contemporary. I begged him to take a cab and he gave in, although was NOT HAPPY about it. We were able to immediately get a cab and $15 (including tip) later we were at the CA Grill check-in desk at exactly 7:40 so I was happy. And IMHO our meal there was well worth the $15 cab fare, but that review is for the restaurant boards, lol. We did however take the monorail back to MK and then caught the bus back to the Boardwalk after our meal without any problems. The next evening we had a dinner reservation at 8:25 at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. This time we left our room earlier, at about 7:00. We waited less than 5 minutes for the bus and the ride to MK took about 20 minutes. So we got to the MK bus stop around 7:30 and I thought we were in great shape timewise, might even be early. As we were walking up to the boat dock for the boat that goes right to the dock next to Narcoossee's, the boat was leaving. So we kept on walking to the Resort monorail. We waited a bit for the next monorail then got off at the Grand Floridian main building (4th stop on the monorail from MK) at around 8:10 - 8:15. We then still had to walk down the stairs, across the lobby, and down the path to the water where the restaurant is located. We made it there right around the time of our reservation, which was 8:25. So our trip had taken us almost 1 1/2 hours from the time we walked out of our room at the Boardwalk, and this time we had very little wait for a bus. The moral of the story is...if using Disney transportation (especially more than one form, i.e. bus then monorail) to get to a restaurant allow yourself way more time than you think it should take.
Okay, so that ends my lesson regarding our only gripe with our stay at the Boardwalk...the bus transportation.
Now onto the Polynesian. At around 10:30 on Sunday morning we dropped off our luggage at the Boardwalk bell stand and requested it be transferred to the Polynesian (it was already at the Polynesian when we checked in). Then we headed over to Epcot and at around 3:00 took the monorail to the TTC and then transferred to the Resort monorail, where we got off at the first stop - the Polynesian main building. This was our 6th stay at the Polynesian, as it is a family favorite. We have always requested and stayed in Tokelau and this time was no exception. In March we were in connecting Rooms 1947 and 1948 which were right by the front entrance door of the building so were very convenient. These rooms had a view of the quiet pool, no balcony (since on the first floor, they instead had a patio which had some landscaping around it which provided a little bit of privacy) and were in good condition. This time we were on the second floor in Room 2947 (just one floor above our room in March). Again it was convenient as we were right next to the elevator and the flight of stairs, which we usually took. We did however have a problem with this room, as the toilet would only flush about every 3rd or 4th time. We discovered this immediately and called the desk to inform them of the problem. DH specifically said that the problem was not that it was plugged and could not be fixed with a plunger. About two hours later, a maintenance man showed up at our door with a plunger in hand, lol. Since we had gotten the toilet to work after about three or four flushes and we were needing to use the bathroom at this point to get ready for dinner (the sink at the Polynesian is inside the bathroom, unlike at the other DeLuxe resorts) DH told him not to worry about. Since there was just the two of us and we were only here for two nights, we just let the toilet problem go. Had we had been there longer though, it would have been very annoying. Transportation wise, we only used the monorail here. The Resort monorail starts at 7:00 a.m. so we had no problem making it to breakfast at the Grand Floridian at 7:30 and then on to MK for our KTTK tour. Monday evening we walked to the Transportation & Ticket center, which is just a short walk from the Tokelau building and caught the monorail to Epcot. This is one reason we like Tokelau, as it seems to be centrally located and equal in distance from the Polynesian's main building and Captain Cook's counter service restaurant as the TTC to catch the monorail to Epcot.
So in comparing the two resorts, I would have to say that although the Polynesian is still our favorite MK resort (we have stayed at all the monorail resorts plus Wilderness Lodge), if I had to choose just one resort it would be the Boardwalk Inn. Even though it hasn't been too many years since the Polynesian longhouses were refurbished, they seem to be showing a little more wear and tear than the Boardwalk, where everything still seems fresh and new. I love being able to walk to Epcot (our favorite park) and enter through World Showcase in the morning (far less crowded than Epcot's front entrance). I also like having the sinks (two instead of one) and vanity outside of the bathroom. This wasn't really an issue this time since it was just DH and I, but with a family of 5 it is a big issue on our family trips. However, as long as we are able to, we would probably continue to do split stays as it's hard to resist the Polynesian and its theming (lush, green landscaping, tiki torches, wonderful smell, Hawaiian leis, etc.) and being able to take the monorail to and from MK.
So that completes my review, but I would be happy to answer any questions regarding these two great resorts.
So on to my review of the two resorts. The Boardwalk Inn has officially become my favorite Epcot resort. We've stayed at them all (including both the BC and Boardwalk villas) with the exception of the Swan and some of them multiple times. We love being able to walk to our favorite park, Epcot, in the morning. When we returned from the park sometimes we walked and sometimes we took the boat if we were tired. The Boardwalk is the first boat stop coming from Epcot. The rooms on both of our stays were in excellent condition. Both times we had standard view rooms. In March we were in connecting Rooms 5291 and 5293 which were conveniently located right by the elevator. The view however was of the hotel entrance and parking lot so not great but not a big deal for us. This time we were in Room 3250 which was a longer walk from the elevator (but it wasn't bad) but had a nicer view. Our room was located just above the cottages so had an inner courtyard view that was quite nice. We were on the DeLuxe Dining Plan so had refillable mugs which I was able to fill with coffee every morning at the Belle Vue Lounge right by the elevator on the second floor (Lobby). We were also able to get pastries (made at the Boardwalk Bakery), cereal, fruit, etc. there. This was more convenient than going down to the bakery, which always has long lines in the morning. The boat service was great, but the bus service was hit and miss. The first night that we used it (Friday) we were going to Magic Kingdom to catch the monorail to the Contemporary where we had a 7:40 reservation at the California Grill. We started out from our room much later than I'd hoped and didn't get to the bus stop until around 6:50. There were lots of people at the bus stop waiting there to go the MVMCP at Magic Kingdom which started at 7:00. We got the impression they had been waiting for awhile, so we figured the bus should be there any minute (since they tell you a bus comes about every 20 minutes). Well, while we were all sitting there waiting for the MK bus, four buses came by, two for the Animal Kingdom and two for Downtown Disney and no one got on them. People were getting angry, since they were missing out on valuable time at the MVMCP which they had paid a good amount extra for. I was getting nervous that we were going to be very late for our CA Grill reservation and not be seated. Finally at 7:20 the MK bus came...however, as it was coming from MK and this was its first stop it was full of people. Only a few people got off so apparently most of the people on the bus were staying at the Swan and Dolphin resorts. So it was pretty much standing room only for those of us getting on at the Boardwalk Inn. As we were about to get on, DH asked how long it would take us to get to MK. The driver said it would be at least 20 minutes because he still had to go to the Swan and Dolphin resorts (two separate stops) before heading to the park. This would put us at the MK bus stop at 7:40 at the earliest (the time of our reservation) and we would still have to either wait for a monorail or walk to the Contemporary. I begged him to take a cab and he gave in, although was NOT HAPPY about it. We were able to immediately get a cab and $15 (including tip) later we were at the CA Grill check-in desk at exactly 7:40 so I was happy. And IMHO our meal there was well worth the $15 cab fare, but that review is for the restaurant boards, lol. We did however take the monorail back to MK and then caught the bus back to the Boardwalk after our meal without any problems. The next evening we had a dinner reservation at 8:25 at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. This time we left our room earlier, at about 7:00. We waited less than 5 minutes for the bus and the ride to MK took about 20 minutes. So we got to the MK bus stop around 7:30 and I thought we were in great shape timewise, might even be early. As we were walking up to the boat dock for the boat that goes right to the dock next to Narcoossee's, the boat was leaving. So we kept on walking to the Resort monorail. We waited a bit for the next monorail then got off at the Grand Floridian main building (4th stop on the monorail from MK) at around 8:10 - 8:15. We then still had to walk down the stairs, across the lobby, and down the path to the water where the restaurant is located. We made it there right around the time of our reservation, which was 8:25. So our trip had taken us almost 1 1/2 hours from the time we walked out of our room at the Boardwalk, and this time we had very little wait for a bus. The moral of the story is...if using Disney transportation (especially more than one form, i.e. bus then monorail) to get to a restaurant allow yourself way more time than you think it should take.
Okay, so that ends my lesson regarding our only gripe with our stay at the Boardwalk...the bus transportation.
Now onto the Polynesian. At around 10:30 on Sunday morning we dropped off our luggage at the Boardwalk bell stand and requested it be transferred to the Polynesian (it was already at the Polynesian when we checked in). Then we headed over to Epcot and at around 3:00 took the monorail to the TTC and then transferred to the Resort monorail, where we got off at the first stop - the Polynesian main building. This was our 6th stay at the Polynesian, as it is a family favorite. We have always requested and stayed in Tokelau and this time was no exception. In March we were in connecting Rooms 1947 and 1948 which were right by the front entrance door of the building so were very convenient. These rooms had a view of the quiet pool, no balcony (since on the first floor, they instead had a patio which had some landscaping around it which provided a little bit of privacy) and were in good condition. This time we were on the second floor in Room 2947 (just one floor above our room in March). Again it was convenient as we were right next to the elevator and the flight of stairs, which we usually took. We did however have a problem with this room, as the toilet would only flush about every 3rd or 4th time. We discovered this immediately and called the desk to inform them of the problem. DH specifically said that the problem was not that it was plugged and could not be fixed with a plunger. About two hours later, a maintenance man showed up at our door with a plunger in hand, lol. Since we had gotten the toilet to work after about three or four flushes and we were needing to use the bathroom at this point to get ready for dinner (the sink at the Polynesian is inside the bathroom, unlike at the other DeLuxe resorts) DH told him not to worry about. Since there was just the two of us and we were only here for two nights, we just let the toilet problem go. Had we had been there longer though, it would have been very annoying. Transportation wise, we only used the monorail here. The Resort monorail starts at 7:00 a.m. so we had no problem making it to breakfast at the Grand Floridian at 7:30 and then on to MK for our KTTK tour. Monday evening we walked to the Transportation & Ticket center, which is just a short walk from the Tokelau building and caught the monorail to Epcot. This is one reason we like Tokelau, as it seems to be centrally located and equal in distance from the Polynesian's main building and Captain Cook's counter service restaurant as the TTC to catch the monorail to Epcot.
So in comparing the two resorts, I would have to say that although the Polynesian is still our favorite MK resort (we have stayed at all the monorail resorts plus Wilderness Lodge), if I had to choose just one resort it would be the Boardwalk Inn. Even though it hasn't been too many years since the Polynesian longhouses were refurbished, they seem to be showing a little more wear and tear than the Boardwalk, where everything still seems fresh and new. I love being able to walk to Epcot (our favorite park) and enter through World Showcase in the morning (far less crowded than Epcot's front entrance). I also like having the sinks (two instead of one) and vanity outside of the bathroom. This wasn't really an issue this time since it was just DH and I, but with a family of 5 it is a big issue on our family trips. However, as long as we are able to, we would probably continue to do split stays as it's hard to resist the Polynesian and its theming (lush, green landscaping, tiki torches, wonderful smell, Hawaiian leis, etc.) and being able to take the monorail to and from MK.
So that completes my review, but I would be happy to answer any questions regarding these two great resorts.
. I did take a few pics of the MK fireworks from the Poly beach but I don't think I had my camera on the right setting so they will probably not turn out well enough to post. Despite having stayed at the Poly many times before, this was our first time watching the fireworks from the beach there. It was, just as we had always heard, a great place to watch them!
