Original Poly vs. Poly Island Tower

[NJTOAD]

We haven't been to DW in 6 years due largely to life's speed bumps, and while we don't exactly know when we can get back, we do know we are splurging and staying at the Poly. So we have stayed here before a few times, but obviously before the new Island Tower existed, and while I've watched numerous video reviews, I'm not sure if staying in the Tower, we would miss the longhouses due to sentimental reasons. We are older adults (62 and 57) so no kids will be with us. The tower looks absolutely amazing, so we are torn, can I impose upon those who have stayed at both locations for their personal opinion?

 

[Dave006]

The tower looks absolutely amazing, so we are torn, can I impose upon those who have stayed at both locations for their personal opinion?

The Island Tower and the 3 DVC Longhouses are different than the OG resort rooms. What do you want to compare?

Dave

 

[NJTOAD]

The Island Tower and the 3 DVC Longhouses are different than the OG resort rooms. What do you want to compare?

Dave

Pretty much the vibe, not so much the rooms. we have a certain sentimental attachment to the longhouses, my family first stayed at the Poly in June of 1972 when I was 9 and we've returned many times, now we are two old people

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’ve stayed in both. While both have various pros and cons, I’ve come to the conclusion that what draws me to Poly is the original side of the resort. There’s just something about the history, the vibe, my personal memories, etc that the Tower just can’t match.

Now granted the Tower has its due place for consideration. I have future reservations there. The Tower waterfront and background music is fantastic. But if I had to choose, it would be the longhouse side all day long.

In my humble opinion.

 

[NJTOAD]

I’ve stayed in both. While both have various pros and cons, I’ve come to the conclusion that what draws me to Poly is the original side of the resort. There’s just something about the history, the vibe, my personal memories, etc that the Tower just can’t match.

Now granted the Tower has its due place for consideration. I have future reservations there. The Tower waterfront and background music is fantastic. But if I had to choose, it would be the longhouse side all day long.

In my humble opinion.

Thanks GADisneyDad14, we feel the same way, your feedback is appreciated

 

[NJTOAD]

Sorry dont' know why this tried to respond twice

 

[kylenne]

I’ve stayed in both. While both have various pros and cons, I’ve come to the conclusion that what draws me to Poly is the original side of the resort. There’s just something about the history, the vibe, my personal memories, etc that the Tower just can’t match.

Now granted the Tower has its due place for consideration. I have future reservations there. The Tower waterfront and background music is fantastic. But if I had to choose, it would be the longhouse side all day long.

In my humble opinion.

I agree 100% with this take. I enjoyed my tower stay the other weekend a lot, but the longhouses have an “It” factor I can’t quantify. I really really enjoyed that Duo studio though and would not hesitate to stay in one again if the price is right, it was perfect for a solo trip where I wanted a solid home base for park adventures. I didn’t find it as inconvenient to transportation as some, even though the TTC walk was a bit longer (I clocked myself at 8 minutes from tower entrance to security, but I’m also an incredibly fast walker with long legs). I absolutely prefer the Rarotonga side of the resort though, no question.

I will say the only thing that really bugged me was coming into the lobby through the back entrance near Trader Sam’s was very irritating due to how narrow those hallways are and how congested it frequently is by people sitting around waiting for Capt Cook orders, getting into the bar, waiting for their people to get out of the restrooms, etc. Too often I was trying to get to the monorail, shops, etc and had to dodge oblivious people standing in the middle of the narrow path. On a longer trip it would have bothered me a lot, I think, and the cons of the tower I think would start to outweigh the pros to me. I don’t see myself staying there on my 7-10 day annual trips with the partner, but I’d definitely do another solo weekend.

 

[FSU Girl]

I wasn’t a fan of the original poly and loved the tower. I was in a 2 bedroom villa so wasn’t apples to apples comparison, but I had no intention of going back to poly until the tower was built.

 

[conandrob240]

We are Poly lovers. Many many stays in Ckub level theme park view (love those rooms) and lots in DVC Tokelau - I never liked the Moorea rooms even with a view too noisy, building too far away from lobby, I much prefer Tokelau pool view. Love everything about Tokelau- location, wide hallways, size, foliage around it, peaceful views, huge balconies. We love all things Poly. It is my peace, my happy place. Oasis is my favorite pool on all of WDW (save for Beach Club lazy river at exactly 10am to 10:30am before it gets packed with kids! )

I was a Tower HATER. I was so personally offended by that big ugly building in my place! Well, we are at Tower right now for the first time and I’m sorry to admit I love it. The building is beautiful inside- the green lounging areas on the various floors are incredibly zen. The flow of the lobby onto the slopping grass to hang out and watch the fireworks with that beautiful themed bar/ restaurant area is fantastic. The lobby is stunning. They managed to achieve a peacefulness that feels 100% Poly. I wasn’t expecting that. The pool is small but so nicely laid out with an umbrella for every 2 chairs and the chairs aren’t packed together. It feels very relaxing as well. The hammocks are lovely. The quick walk to GF or main Poly is great. The gym is fantastic. It’s nice that it’s a little away from what can be an overcrowded lobby and beach area for fireworks. And the rooms are now my hands down favorite. The balconies are huge and so Private. The rooms are large and so well thought out and modern. Love everything about it! And the views are incredible- better than traditional Poly because you are up higher. And the sound system is fantastic for fireworks and water pageant. I hope this helps.

 

[NJTOAD]

Thanks for the input everyone, greatly appreciated.

 

[paults]

I would try the new Island tower

 

[Pridemom]

I agree 100% with this take. I enjoyed my tower stay the other weekend a lot, but the longhouses have an “It” factor I can’t quantify. I really really enjoyed that Duo studio though and would not hesitate to stay in one again if the price is right, it was perfect for a solo trip where I wanted a solid home base for park adventures. I didn’t find it as inconvenient to transportation as some, even though the TTC walk was a bit longer (I clocked myself at 8 minutes from tower entrance to security, but I’m also an incredibly fast walker with long legs). I absolutely prefer the Rarotonga side of the resort though, no question.

I will say the only thing that really bugged me was coming into the lobby through the back entrance near Trader Sam’s was very irritating due to how narrow those hallways are and how congested it frequently is by people sitting around waiting for Capt Cook orders, getting into the bar, waiting for their people to get out of the restrooms, etc. Too often I was trying to get to the monorail, shops, etc and had to dodge oblivious people standing in the middle of the narrow path. On a longer trip it would have bothered me a lot, I think, and the cons of the tower I think would start to outweigh the pros to me. I don’t see myself staying there on my 7-10 day annual trips with the partner, but I’d definitely do another solo weekend.

Thank you for this. We just booked a Duo Studio for one night to add a day to our week stay at OKW so I can experience the Poly.