Poly at $624 for NewYears or Dolphin at $230?

[sherry8253]

The Dolphin gets my vote.

 

[JulieWent]

Taurus makes a good point. We only paid the big bucks for one night. We checked into the Poly NYE morning (around 11:00). The $500 bill was for that night only. We had to recheck in the next day because the price went WAY down the next day. (I had to specifically ask for this when I was making my reservations because, of course, CM's would not volunteer this information.) We had one set of reservations at the premium NYE rate and one set at a discount rate of something like $275 a night.

I didn't have any trouble getting into the building I wanted. There are a limited number of lagoon view buildings, I think. Specifying that I wanted that specific building made it pretty easy, though, of course, we will all tell you that with Disney nothing is a guarantee.

I didn't find the rooms to be at all run down. This was almost a year ago now, but still. From time to time, there seems to be a run of "the Poly is run down" posts on the board. I've stayed there twice in two different buildings and not found that to be the case either time. (Once I stayed there during a hurricane -- Hurricane Floyd. That was fun.)

This has been a very stressful year for my family. It seems that one thing after another keeps making it so, even for my nine-year-old. When I ask myself if it was worth the money we spent, I think about what he (my son) says. "Our New Years trip to Disney World was the most memorable trip we've had so far, Mom. I wish everyday would be like that." Indeed.

If money were at all an issue, I wouldn't think twice about staying at the Swan or the Dolphin. (We kind of prefer the Swan.) They are lovely. But for a special holiday, the Poly will definitely make the magic.

Julie

 

[tinkerbee]

$624!!!!! That's a house payment!!! I would stay at the Dolphin. I just can't see paying that much for one night when it will be soooooo crowed.

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

My vote goes to the Poly

 

[dandave]

Wellll, If it were me, then I'd go for the Dolphin. I didn't really care for the Dolphin, but I believe you said that you liked it.
For the price difference, I could live with the Dolphin.
I believe that money is all relative, as well. I like to keep my relatives very, very, near to me....

 

[TDC Nala]

Holy Overcharge, Batman!

I'd go to the Dolphin.

 

[wintermom]

I would stay at the Swan (as a matter of fact thats where we
are staying NYE because of the rate). The Dolphin may be just
as nice but I have not stayed there. I wanted to let you know the
rate has dropped. Its 189.00 per night now at either hotel. Just
call and say you saw that rate on the internet. They will match it
and you won't have the cancelation pentalty you would have if
you book it online. I just changed our reservations this morning
and save $80.00 for our two nights. We are arriving Dec.30
and checking out Jan. 1 when we head to AKL once the rates
drop. I have stayed at the Poly before and there is no way I think
it is worth the price difference.

Wintermom

 

[CaipiraBob]

Hey Boardwalk Tigger,

If you're leaning towards the Dolphin, why not check out one of the fireworks cruises if they are still available?

I don't know any details on them, but you could see if they have any that will take you out onto the 7 seas lagoon for NYE.

That will solve your crowd and view problem.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Thanks Caipira Bob. I'm sure they are gone by now but what a great idea for next year. I have done the firework cruises before and really enjoyed them but never did it on a holiday......HMMMMM I put this in my planning folder Thanks

 

[swilphil]

I like the idea of having a special meal at O'Hana's or the Cali Grill and viewing the fireworks from there. The Dolphin Concierage Desk is very good at securing hard to get PS's. You don't have to be staying club level to use the lobby's Concierage desk. I'm sure there will be a cancellation at one those places. We love staying at the Dolphin and you could do so much with that extra money. I also would be content with watching the Epcot fireworks from my room.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Personally, I can think of a lot better ways to spend $800 than to spend it on the Poly over the Dolphin. Heck, I bet for a small portion of that $800 you could find a way to charter a boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon to see those very same fireworks you will be watching from the Poly. Regarding fireworks, I've always found the holidy versions of Illuminations to be better than the holidy versions of the MK fireworks.

I like the Poly a lot, but short of winning the lottery there isn't any way I'm ever spending $600+ a night to stay there........and maybe not even then. If you have that kind of scratch, more power to ya!!!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Swilphil.

Believe it or not it would cost the four of us $1600 to eat at the CG on New Years Eve. OUCH!!!!!! I looked into that last year and drew the line on this. Other than price it is a good suggestion though, Thanks

 

[wintermom]

Boardwalk tigger

I wanted to do the CG last year too but laughed out loud at the
price. I didn't even check for this year. We are doing the same
thing we did last year. Going to Ohanna's and hope for a window
seat to watch the early fireworks (which we were lucky enough
to get last year). Then after dinner going back to Epcot for the
midnight fireworks and then walk back to the Swan for the night.
Wintermom

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I say go with the Dolphin and take the money saved on the room and use it towards something else-dining, souvenirs or something special while in WDW. As beautiful as the Poly is, I don't think it is worth spending the extra $$ during a very busy time. So busy you may not be able to enjoy that expensive room.
Good luck!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I say go with the Dolphin and take the money saved on the room and use it towards something else-dining, souvenirs or something special while in WDW. As beautiful as the Poly is, I don't think it is worth spending the extra $$ during a very busy time. So busy you may not be able to enjoy that expensive room.
Good luck!

 

[FINFAN]

Call back the Dolphin, your savings may be even higher! Wintermom posted a rate drop, and I alled tthe Dolphin direct and they matched Expedias rate for my stay, which saved us 175 overall.
Let us know what you decide!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Would love to lower my rate but actually I have a great deal. I have a deluxe room with a balcony for $204 plus taxes and of course their resort fee Not bad for the holidays. I am going to make up my mind at the end of today but am leaning towards staying at the Dolphin.

 

[FINFAN]

Good choice....I would call anyway and see if your rate has dropped at all.....you never know, but that is a fab $$$ for what you are getting! I just had to cough up a lakeview to obtain a better rate, but this trip a few $$$ may make or break us going so no view is WAY better than no trip!!!!!!

 

[crazywig]

Originally posted by tinkerbee
$624!!!!! That's a house payment!!!

$624 is just a fraction of a house payment up here in the boston area unfortunately.


i vote for the Dolphin as well. we are BWV owners and love the epcot resort area. we stayed 2 nights at the Poly in june before moving over to BWV, i liked it, just not as much as the epcot area. you can't beat the easy access to world showcase and mgm.

 

[robinb]

Unless money is absoluely no object, I would go with the Dolphin. I would also check both resorts for a price break if you're staying on 1/1. It should be cheaper that 12/31. You may have to make and connect two reservations, but the savings might be worth it to you ... if money is important .