On site Disney

[martinrmn]

We are already planning next years holidays and are looking at staying the first week on I drive and the second in a Disney hotel. Having looked at the information on line we are torn between the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge. Anyone have any recommendations?
We have not flown this year yet, Nov 29th. Is this sad or what?

 

[CustardTart]

Nah, not sad! Just efficient...

Both gorgeous resorts tho' the Polynesian would be my choice - I love it! Beautiful theming and I think all rooms have now been renovated with new fabrics and flat screen TVs. We (8 of us) stayed there in August 2006 and had a wonderful time! It's conveniently on the Resort Monorail link as well as the boat service to MK. Plus you can walk to the TTC and catch the Monorail to Epcot.

And IMO watching Wishes from the Poly beach can't be beat...

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I have yet to stay in either - although have 4 nights booked in the poly next May !!!

All I can really say is that, having stayed at both the Contemporary and Grand Floridian, (as well as other Disney hotels) - I do think there is something extra special about the monorail resorts - but thats just really a preference and everyone's reasons for picking a hotel will be different!

But i've heard alot of good things about both of your choices - so i'm sure you'll have a great time whatever you decide!!!

 

[Frances999]

The Polynesian is our favourite resort - gorgeous gardens, a wonderful tropical feel with soft sand beaches and stunning views towards the MK. Since the Polynesian is directly facing the MK (as opposed to CR and GF which are to the side), the view of WISHES is wonderful and the castle is framed right before your eyes. Swinging on the hammocks on the beach snuggled up under a blanket watching the electric water paerade and WISHES is my DDs favourite memory of WDW.

As Karen said, the rooms have recently been renovated with wonderful new fabrics and modern appliances.

In addition, the Polynesian arguably has the best transportation options of all the resorts. You have the direct monorail to MK and a direct monorail to EPCOT - just walk to the TTC (the Polynesian has a pathway to the TTC).

I'm sure you would have a magical time there.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

No brainer, Polynesian, nice theme nice rooms on the monorail, see the fireworks, Wilderness you have to use the boats a little dissconnected, but love the Whispering canyon cafe.

 

[islandmum]

depends on what you want - we live on a beach so wanted something different and have just spent 10 days at the WL and it was fabulous for us. We loved the fact it felt hidden away with all the tall pines, you couldnt see any other resorts, the bus and boat transportation was superb and we hardly waited more than a couple of minutes for anything and only shared with the Campground a couple of times which is right next to it so its hardly out the way on any journey.

we could see the wishes fireworks clearly when on the beach area and each night had the little electro water parade thingy which our toddlers liked.

bunk beds were a huge hit, the lobby was amazing, we loved the WCC so having it in the hotel was great and the overally feeling we got (having been to the Poly, GF and CT) was that it was the most friendly and cozy we felt

we loved it.

 

[team harris]

We are already planning next years holidays and are looking at staying the first week on I drive and the second in a Disney hotel. Having looked at the information on line we are torn between the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge. Anyone have any recommendations?
We have not flown this year yet, Nov 29th. Is this sad or what?

Not stayed in either, but booked a few Disney Hotels during our free DDP this summer and we fell in love with the Polynesian Resort. It was friendlier than Grand Floridian and the gardens and pools were lovely. When we win the lottery, we'll be staying at the Polynesian Resort!

 

[Cinderella]

This is a tough one. I've stayed at the Poly twice and it is fantastic. But, I've stayed at WL several times and I love the theming there.

The monorail is a huge bonus at the Poly and my favourite restaurants California Grill and Victoria and Alberts are convenient, as is the Magic Kingdom. The theming is lovely too.

Also the theming at Wilderness Lodge is fantastic, but i don't like the restaurants there so much. In fact, I think WCC sucks and could take or leave AP.

It is tough - and I think WL only just wins on theming but the Poly wins on location.

Sorry if this is not much help. It is difficult to advise you well because I've probably overdone my WL stays so much that the novelty wears off a little.

You'll love whichever one you choose - they're both great.

 

[PhilUK]

Why not split between both ?

Phil

 

[Beep]

We much prefer the Polynesian. Lovely feel to it and gorgeous theming.

Although the WL is impressive it felt 'cold' (not literally!) and the people staying there had a real air of superiority. We didn't feel anywhere near as comfortable there.

We were considering the WL for our wedding but not now. And as for the GF - no way thanks to their staff attitude!