If transportation is not a priority, then the AKL is the best.
The Polynesian is wonderful, and we'll be staying there the next time, because easy transportation is a priority for us.
Both concierge staffs are excellent, but I have a far easier time reaching the AKL staff. This is important when you're in the park and have a change of plans. For that matter, I thought the Boardwalk concierge staff was outstanding as well.
AKL staff bent over backwards for us. The Polynesian staff was wonderfull, too. The problem I had with the Polynesian was that the cleaning staff was horribly inconsistent. We had great service and abysmal service between two different cleaning people. The first woman was wonderful, always took care of everything we requested. The other was a nightmare. I practically had to chase her off when they attempted to open the door several times with the darn thing that bars the door from opening more than a few inches in place. This after her seeing the "Do not disturb" sign. What a dolt, and potential "Darwin Award" winner had she actually gotten in.
To top it off, when they initially brought us to the room from the AKL to the Polynesian, it was still dirty from the previous occupants. No doubt because of our potential Darwin Award candidate...
Finally, in room 3509 in Hawaii, there was a floor tile with some of the most horrible "staining" directly in front of the toilet. This is TMI, but important for anyone who stayed there who was even remotely familiar with the practice of personal hygiene. We scrubbed that spot for days and still didn't feel comfortable walking near it in bare feet.
They always say that they like to bring in foreigners to do work "that Americans don't want to do." This concept is entirely false at Disney. Apparently <u>no one</u> wanted to clean that room properly. It took a long time for whatever it was to eat through that marble tile.
We didn't complain to the management. We simply posted the review on the internet. Everyone else was great, however.
The only time I ran into someone preparing our room at the AKL was when we "met" one of the staff leaving the room after placing two beautifully wrapped "Pal Mickey's" that we ordered for our children along with "Welcome" cards from "Safari Mickey and Minnie" that were a surprise for all of us.
Now that was magic...
Now I don't mean to be too down on the Polynesian, I'm venting over some of that stuff as it is. The Polynesian is wonderul, (heck, we're going back) and would likely beat out the AKL if they've fired "Maidzilla". Yet, if it's a draw, I have to give the edge to the AKL because of my experiences.
One final note: AKL has the best Espresso Machine in their lounge. If caffeine means anything to you, stay at the AKL.