Opinions...AKL Concierge vs Poly Garden

[happybratpack]

OK, here's the scoop. I'm trying to plan our August trip with the kids and I'm torn. Poly is my "dream" resort that I've never stayed at and AKL is my favorite resort.

The prices are comparable for the following:

AKL Concierge Level for the week
Poly Garden for the week

I've never stayed Concierge at a WDW resort and would really like to, but the Poly is out of reach this time around. The kids love the AKL pool...which do yours like better? The kiddos are 9 and 6.

Thanks for any input...

 

[frdeb1999]

Mine love the volcano pool at the poly. While it's not a huge pool in itself, the slide is wonderful as is the activities they have in the afternoons there.

 

[lovmy2girls]

We have stayed at the AKL (not concierge) and really liked it, but our heart is at the Poly. Nothing beats the atmosphere, and location. Watching the fireworks from the beach and the light parade, and seeing the monorail you just feel like you are right in the middle of the magic!

 

[lucysdad]

The AKL has wonderful kids' opportunities! When we stayed there our daughter loved earning the beads by participating in special activities. We still have the ostrich eggs that she and her brother painted and the African doll we made. As far as the pool goes, we really were disappointed in the AKL pool. It was so shallow that it warmed up so easily during the summer and was actually too warm to feel refreshing! The concierge offerings were fabulous. The savanah view rooms were extraordinary. We loved our stay at the AKL.

Now, the Poly is one of our favorite hotels, too. The whole aloha feeling is very relaxing. The pool is smaller, but cooler and more refreshing. The monorail and boats certainly beat the buses for transportation. However, the garden view rooms cannot compare with the AKL concierge offerings.

I'd probably pick the AKL this time and wait until I could afford the water view or concierge rooms at the Poly. Whatever you choose, you'll have a wonderful time. They're both great resorts.
Lucy's Mom

 

[VAgal76]

I've done both CL levels at these two resorts. AKL would be my vote because it's my personal favorite resort. I prefer the more relaxed feeling of the resort, the people are more zen like, the IPO/lounge staff have always been great to me. The rooms are nicer at AKL IMHO. The renovated rooms at the Poly I feel are bit overrated. Now, the view at the Poly can't be beat. Their lounge is larger and offerings more varied. However, for the price I can hop over to GF and have a nicer service experience and just as great lounge/offerings. AKL has construction going on, too. Please keep this in mind when making your choice. Both places are great for kids. However, I *think* Neverland, the kid's club @ Poly, is often considered the "premiere" kids club. My guy hasn't used the kids club in quite some time so I'm a little out of the loop on that.

Good luck on your choice!