OKW or Poly?

[AtlAmanda]

I'm taking my son (4.5) for a quick trip to WDW in December. I'm trying to decide between getting a 1 bedroom unit at OKW or a room at the Poly. The cost is the same either way.

Benefits of the Poly - location, location, location.

Benefits of OKW - separate bedroom. If I'm in the room, DS has a much harder time going to sleep. He wants to play and talk.

We will be hitting all of the parks and will have our own car so we won't have to use the Disney buses, but our main focus will be MK.

Thoughts?

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I would say the Poly all the way!!!! It is my personal favorite (hence the screen name)! You enter the resort and are instantly transported to the islands! It even smells fresh and tropical! The volcano pool is sure to be a hit with your son, as will the monorail! On your way back to the Poly, when it is not so crowded, ask to ride up front with the monorail driver~what an experience!!!! Another amazing experience you will not receive at OKW is being able to view Wishes from your resort. Some rooms at the Poly offer views, and you can always take a stroll out to the beach to see the fireworks. When they are over, you won't have to fight with the crowds to get back to your room! Now that is magical!

OKW is nice and beautiful and serene (just like the Poly) but it is so far detatched from everything else, including convenient dining. It would be much easier to get back for a rest or swim mid-day at the Poly. If you have a balcony at Poly, you could put your son to bed and then go out there for some of the best "mom time" you will EVER experience ! Request a second or third floor room in Tahiti or Tokelau longhouses to ensure a balcony. Rapa Nui also has balconies on both floors, but there is a possibility of a parking lot view. All longhouses have balconies on the 3rd floor.

Another winner with kids is the character breakfast at Ohana! Mickey and friends, including Lilo and Stitch join you for good food and fun games! There is a beautiful view of the castle, too!

Personally, if I wasn't vacationing at Disney, I would rather go to Hawaii than Key West anyday!

 

[frdeb1999]

I would deffinately go for the Poly! The location, resturants, views and pool are fantastic. Not to mention you have the monorail right there! The OKW just seems so far away from everything. Which if staying for quite a while might be a attractive feature. But with small kids I think the convience factor is a big thing.

 

[skywaywaver]

Since it's a short stay, I would say the Poly. It has a better atmosphere and has the monorail. Also, more food choices.
Have fun!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We had ressies for OKW for our October trip and 3 months before we left I changed my ressies to the POly. I am so glad we did as the Poly is beautiful and so convenient. I think for just the two of you I would definitey go w/the Poly. Heres our reasons for switching - monorail, proximity to MK,close to the TTC for Epcot monorail, Ohana's character breakfast, kona's cafe,zero entry pool w/great theme (volcano!),beach w/view of Castle, ability to watch fireworks & Electric Water Pagent float by from pool/beach, bigger rooms w/o being too big (yes OKW villa was too big for me) & theme. OKW looks very nice but I personally couldn't refuse the Poly & all the amenities. OKW has a sandcastle slide which kids really wanted to try but they loved the volcano slide.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[travlnman1]

I've stayed at both and am a huge OKW fan but for a quick trip and there just being the 2 of you? I'd do Poly. He'll be knocked out by bed time. I'm positive he'll go right to sleep without too much talking and playing.

 

[jdvm]

I'd say Old Key West because of privacy and it is sooo much roomier. It also has a homier feel. For example, the door opens to the outside, not a hotel corridor. There are full size washers and dryers which is a huge plus. You have a car so the location/transport isn't key in my view. Either way, though, you can't go wrong.
John

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here is another vote for the Polynesian.