My winter resort dilemma - which to pick?

[AliceIn]

I've got two bookings right now:

December 5-12 at the Contemporary in a Theme Park view room. I got ridiculously cheap tickets on Southwest (under $100 round trip!) for these exact dates. I have stayed at the Contemporary a few times before, once without my family in a Theme Park view room for a business trip, and once with my family on the club level. I adore the Contemporary because it has so many good memories for me. I remember visiting in 1975 as a little girl and thinking that it was the most amazing place I'd ever seen. The beautiful mosaic just brings me back to happy times every time I see it. We've never been to Disney during Christmas season and it would be wonderful to see all the decorations. We've been there at other special times and have loved the extra touches (MNSSHP, Food and Wine, Garden Festival), that the idea of being there when the Christmas decorations are up is very appealing.

January 9-16 at the Polynesian in a club level room. Our actual 20th anniversary is this week. We both really enjoy the extra pampering of the club level experience, and it's wonderful to come back at the end of the day and relax with some drinks in the lounge. We have stayed at the Poly before with our kids and absolutely loved everything about the resort. The Oasis pool is one of my favorite places at Disney. I can sit there with my eyes closed and listen to the music playing and feel completely relaxed. Southwest has not released tickets for this date yet, so I'm not sure how much those will cost for now.

Which would you pick and why? Note: Switching to Polynesian in December isn't something I want to do - part of what we loved about Poly was the location and the club lounge. I don't know that we would have enjoyed it quite as much without that.

 

[CynBeth]

I would go in Dec to experience the holiday stuff. Not sure if they would have all they usually do but it would still be special and you have a good deal on SW.

 

[JM23457]

In winter I would stick with the Contemporary. The Polynesian has more of a summer vibe.

 

[jlnten17]

We go and stay at The Poly every January. Although I love WDW at Christmas it is already a very hectic time and the months of Jan-April in Northern Illinois are loooooonnnnnnngggg. I would go in January to get away from the cold as December is typically not as bad here. I also would pick Poly always.

 

[Disneypapa]

Wow, what a difficult decision. I think either trip would be wonderful. For me, December has gotten so busy, hectic with crowds at the parks, but I love the decorations at all of the resorts. I envy you. Good luck with your decision process.

 

[mickeynut1]

That's a tough choice! The Poly is my favorite overall and I just love CL there, but CR is nice as well. Being at Poly CL over your anniversary would be great, but Disney at Christmas time is amazing. Since you've never been during that time, I'd stick with CR in December. Good luck!

 

[tuckymom]

For me the Contemporary looses something without the fireworks & no monorail to Epcot (although I suppose the same thing is true for Poly in January).

I think this Christmas will be less crazy than it normally is & Christmas at Disney (even scaled down) is beautiful.

 

[cpep42]

I would go in Dec to experience the holiday stuff. Not sure if they would have all they usually do but it would still be special and you have a good deal on SW.
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[cpep42]

Because there literally isn't any "DOWN" time at Disney anymore i would choose December. It's always so festive then. Just celebrate your anniversary then.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If they don't cancel the marathon in January, you'll be arriving on the day of the Half Marathon with the Full Marathon the next day. Will that impact your plans?

 

[AliceIn]

If they don't cancel the marathon in January, you'll be arriving on the day of the Half Marathon with the Full Marathon the next day. Will that impact your plans?

I don't think so - we are used to going in the Summer when it's crazy crowded. I would imagine that most of those participating in the races would be doing those events. Kids are back at school after a long winter break, so it's probably the best time for an adult vacation - though at Disney there are always kids. From what I could see, the resorts are wide open that week - which is unusual. We've tried to book during our anniversary before and found that there were slim pickings. I am wondering if a lot of people are canceling their plans for the marathon already? Or just are holding back on making reservations?

 

[AliceIn]

I think we are leaning towards December, as neither of us has ever been at Disney during the Christmas season. It would be something brand new for us to see. I'm going to hold both reservations for a while to see how things are going with Covid situation. We have time before we need to make decisions. This is a really tough one!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I don't think so - we are used to going in the Summer when it's crazy crowded. I would imagine that most of those participating in the races would be doing those events. Kids are back at school after a long winter break, so it's probably the best time for an adult vacation - though at Disney there are always kids. From what I could see, the resorts are wide open that week - which is unusual. We've tried to book during our anniversary before and found that there were slim pickings. I am wondering if a lot of people are canceling their plans for the marathon already? Or just are holding back on making reservations?

If they have the marathon, it may be hard getting out of the Polynesian to go almost anywhere on Sunday morning.

 

[AliceIn]

If they have the marathon, it may be hard getting out of the Polynesian to go almost anywhere on Sunday morning.

My dates were one day off for January, we arrive on Sunday the 10th in the afternoon and stay through the 17th. We hadn’t planned a park for Sunday.

 

[Capitalangel]

There is also no guarantee Club Level will be back to being offered by January ( hopefully it will) . So would you still be happy if it is just a regular Poly stay? If not then go in December and enjoy the atmosphere

 

[Deb & Bill]

My dates were one day off for January, we arrive on Sunday the 10th in the afternoon and stay through the 17th. We hadn’t planned a park for Sunday.

Then the marathon shouldn't bother you at all.

 

[robertallison007]

December....Hands down.... Have Fun!!!

 

[robertallison007]

December....Hands down.... Have Fun!!!

Sorry, I forgot to add my Why...

Disney is such a magical place as we know, but Christmas time it's extra magical in every way... I think the Chrismas season memories will last longer than the January memories will.