Poly and WL lovers help me decide!

barefootMom

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 8, 2005
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I fell in love with the Polynesian when I went there for dinner at Ohana last week for the first time. We were staying offsite this time and definitely missed the magic of onsite so are planning for our next trip already and would love to stay at the Poly (concierge if we can swing it). We also checked out WL though and loved that too and with it being much less $$ we can't seem to rule it out as an option. We know we could do concierge there if we wanted but dont know if we would be as happy? The monorail access to MK is huge for us as we have a 1 and 4 year old and spend most of our time at MK. Also, I am wondering about the "deluxe" rooms at the WL....anyone know about these? are they concierge?Help! Should we consider the WL villas at all?
 
Hi! We stayed in a 1 bedroom villa in July. We loved it for the extra room. We like the DVC one bedrooms because the little one can take a nap if necessary, and my DS12 can watch TV and not bother her. We rented points from a member and it was about the same as one of the deluxe rooms. Our friends stayed in a deluxe room - they are not concierge although maybe you can pay for priviledges. I wasn't that impressed with their room, but it was more convenient to pool etc. Our room was right above the health club at the Villas, right by the elevators and bus stop. I really enjoyed it. We took the boat to MK a lot, but the ride back late at night made me kind of nervous. Too many people for my comfort.

On the other hand, we are staying at the Poly next time, just because it would be so great to be able to look over and see the castle, the monorail, and O'hana. I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, and that is probably as close as I'll get.

Either one would be great.
 
If the monorail is really important to you, then I would recommend you stay at the Poly. It does make a huge difference, IMHO. We stayed there when our daughter was 4--it was great, very convenient, especially when you want a break from MK. We've also stayed at WL. The rooms at the Poly are considerably larger. I don't have any experience with concierge. But I'm sure someone out there will be able to help you!!
 
I had the same dilemma so we are staying at BOTH this December...4 nights WL and 2 nights at the Poly...no concierge available though:(
 

We've stayed at and love both (just regular rooms, though). If I had small children, I would definitely pick the Polynesian. The monorail is a huge plus.
 
Thanks for the input. I think I keep coming back to the monorail being my deciding factor even though I loved the look of the WL. I don't know that we would be able to swing concierge if we do Poly so someone tell me if we would need to worry about room location or if the whole place is just so worth it anyway? Is the concierge really worth the extra $$ if we can do it?
Also, next time it will either be Nov. or 1st week in Feb. when we go....can we still swim in the pools then? Is it true poly doesn't have hot tubs?
 
My vote is for WL as you could still have a better room as well as another mode of transportation (the boat) to the MK.
 
Hi - these are my two favourite resorts and I've stayed at both when my children were the same age as yours - so hope i can help. I am a DVC owner but have only stayed in WL hotel, not the villas - can't help there aside from to say DVC villas are lovely and spacious.

I have just made the decision for our three nights before the cruise - and i chose the Poly because of the monorail. Had I been staying for a week, I would have gone for WL. Concierge may be worth it for you for the snacks and drinks - especially with young children.

The poly has no hot tub - the Wilderness Lodge has two. The Wilderness Lodge also has a toddlers paddling pool. I don't recall the poly having one - although i would imagine your children would wear water wings. Still, it is fun for them to paddle round in the small WL pool.

Transportation from the poly is obviously the quickest for the MK - but if time isn't a great factor, the WL boat trip to MK is lovely, and we have never had problems with the bus service there.

Rooms at the Poly are larger - am unsure about the deluxe rooms at the lodge. But, you can get rooms with bunk beds at the lodge - if your children are both in beds. If the youngest is still in a crib, it may be a little bit of a squash with a crib in the room.

Theming at the lodge is probably more dramatic and has the edge over the poly slightly. But, the poly still has excellent theming. Both resorts are lovely and relaxing.

Concierge might be nice with children the ages of yours, as they could play in the lounge, whilst you relax.

It really is a tough choice and i would say if you are making a short trip go with the poly - and if you need a crib, you will have more room then. You will enjoy whichever one you stay at.
 
On my last trip I stayed at both with a 4 and 2yo. I liked Poly because it was on the monorail, a short walk to the TTC, had a zero-depth pool (walk right in), and larger rooms. You can wheel right onto the monorail with a stroller.

WL has a kiddie pool, a small playground (my 4yo called boring and my 2yo wanted no part of), and a boat to take you to MK. You can wheel onto some of the boats, but not all.

If money isn't an issue, I would pick Poly for the convenience of the monorail, but both are beautiful resorts and you wouldn't be disappointed.
 
Thanks for all the good info. I think I will shoot for the Poly first most likely without concierge. I wish they had hot tubs though--any idea how "swimmable" the pools are in Nov. or early Feb.? Now I am getting off the topic but does anyone know which is less crowded--Nov. or 1st week of Feb.?
 
The pools are heated, so I guess it really depends on the weather at the time you visit and how tolerant you are to the cold. I have gone President's weekend before and we were about to swim, but the water seemed a bit cool at CS.
 












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