Poly CL... Did I make the right choice?

[Akwafunk]

*ack*

I am now reading so many bad reviews of the Poly's CL rooms, I am starting to wonder...

I picked the Poly, even though it is at the upper reaches of the budget, because of our group - we are 7 people with one non-driving adult, one adult with serious mobility issues and a three-year-old who will probably need to crash for a nap, so I figured being on the monorail would be a good thing. A convenience worth paying for since we're only at WDW for 2 days. Our not-very-ambulatory member will probably be spending a fair amount of time at the hotel, so I thought having a lounge to sit in would be good. But having seen the Poly CL lounge, well, it's not exactly a relaxing space.

While it totally messes with our ability to get around easily, I wonder if I shouldn't have picked AK. We do want to spend a day at AK, the other at the MK. We will have two cars, so some of us could avoid bus waits that way. Also, we're going just after New Year, so it shouldn't be too full.

I don't know. I am a total newbie, never stayed on property, only been to MK once for the day a long time ago.

Help! Thoughts?

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've stayed at the Poly a few times and some were CL....we were not impressed with the lounge....rather small and didn't care for their offerings....kind of sparse for the cost....

Monorail has it's issues too, we used the small launch more than the monorail or even the big ferry to the MK....really depends on where your longhouse is located as to what you're closer to for transportation...we never drive..

We've moved on from the Poly to WL....cost alone at the Poly is ridiclous...WL has a boat to the MK, enjoyable ride and we've never encountered waiting or crowds....you can also boat to the CR and use the monorail for EPCOT (after switching to the EPCOT monorail at the TTC (next stop after leaving the CR....We prefer WL over AKL, AKL is on the edge of Disney property, so to us it's way out there for everything but AK, and that's not our favorite park....WL is quite compact, all under one roof and their CL offerings, to us, are better.....but the big difference over the Poly, is the cost...WL can be had for half of what you pay for the Poly...with a good discount....but as with all the resorts...it's a personal choice but my wallet speaks for me and we'll take the saving of the Lodge and the closeness to the MK....good luck with your decision..it may seem we're always bias to the WL, but we have stayed at most of the deluxes and done alot of trips to WDW and WL comes out on top 10 times out of ten...

 

[damien]

I think the price of Poly CL is insulting. I checked it out as we wanted to stay in the Hawaii longhouse. It would increase from our Garden View room price of $4,000 for 10 nights to $8,700 for 10 nights. Yeah, thanks but no thanks.

I'll take Tokelau with the larger room, closer access to the TTC, guaranteed balcony and keep the $4,700 for myself. I could take 1/4 of that and buy myself a years worth of the same gummy worms, soda and goldfish crackers I'd have access to for 10 days.

 

[chimo2u]

I think the price of Poly CL is insulting. I checked it out as we wanted to stay in the Hawaii longhouse. It would increase from our Garden View room price of $4,000 for 10 nights to $8,700 for 10 nights. Yeah, thanks but no thanks.

I'll take Tokelau with the larger room, closer access to the TTC, guaranteed balcony and keep the $4,700 for myself. I could take 1/4 of that and buy myself a years worth of the same gummy worms, soda and goldfish crackers I'd have access to for 10 days.

WOW! That's crazy....you'd think even at $150 extra a night, it would only add on another $1,500 for 10 nights (which is still ridiculously high!...but, $4,700 extra that's highway robbery!!! )
Do you have 2 rooms booked for your 10 nights???

ETA: I was originally booked at the POLY CL GV too, and with all the crazy reviews,transportation cuffufles, obvious maintenance issues (I mean, come on....if it rains, I don't want to see buckets full of dripping water scattered in the lounge/GCH!!!...I think reading that is what really pushed me to switch my reservation!) .....until they fix those issues, well, I think my money is better spent on a resort that gets better reviews, and have switched us to Board Walk Inn, Deluxe room for our stay next October. I really feel the POLY is a beautiful resort, and I would love to try it myself one day, but I want to feel good about that decision and not second guess it every day like I have been doing!
Good Luck choosing , I hope your trip is wonderful!

 

[gogo]

We stayed at the Poly Theme Park View/Club level last January. The view from our room was absolutely beautiful and I would enjoy staying at the Poly TPV again but the lounge itself was not impressive (did have a nice view but still a lot of $ for the offerings and view. The lounge furnishings seemed dark and dated. As with all the resorts and differeent room categories at Disney, it still comes down to personal preference/convenience and cost.

If you do stay with the Poly club level or any other resort with club level, the people not going to the parks as often will enjoy being able to access the lounge where there are refreshments and food offerings throughout the day. And, it is relaxing as opposed to staying in the room or just meandering around the resort while others are at the parks. This may be an instance where Club level is definitely a nice feature to have and worth the extra cost.

If someone in your group has mobility issues, remember to access the monorail at the Poly, you still have to exit the Hawaii bldg. and walk to the Great Ceremonial House to get to the monorail (up the elevator). Although the GCH is not a long distance from the Hawaii bldg., we still had to walk past the pool to get there. Just something to think about.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Never stayed CL at the POLY but if you are going to be confined to the resort the POLY is a beautiful place to stay (even the GV rooms are pretty there IMO). I also heard they have great FW viewing from that lounge. They also have 2 GREAT restaurants: Ohana and Kona.
Not crazy about the bus stop there but we have never had any problems with the monorail to MK.
Our only CL stay was BWI and it was GREAT! Not that convenient to MK and AK though.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

We've never stayed CL, but LOVE Poly. If you're going to be resort-bound, it's definitely top of my list. As far as deluxes go, we've also stayed at WL and were completely under-whelmed. True, the cost is much lower, but we just didn't care at all for the resort. Truthfully, we'd choose POR (moderate) over WL anytime.

We just stayed at Poly in August and didn't have single complaint. Our room (Tokelau longhouse) was spotless, cleaned regularly, and looked brand-new. This recent stay has made Poly our favorite resort of all that we've tried.

We love it!

 

[heidijanesmith]

We've never stayed CL, but LOVE Poly. If you're going to be resort-bound, it's definitely top of my list. As far as deluxes go, we've also stayed at WL and were completely under-whelmed. True, the cost is much lower, but we just didn't care at all for the resort. Truthfully, we'd choose POR (moderate) over WL anytime.

We just stayed at Poly in August and didn't have single complaint. Our room (Tokelau longhouse) was spotless, cleaned regularly, and looked brand-new. This recent stay has made Poly our favorite resort of all that we've tried.

We love it!

Same here! We have never stayed Cl at the Poly but really LOVE the resort. We had no problem with our GV room, very clean and great location. My DH has ambulatory issues, so we requested to be close to the GCH and the pools. We got a ground floor room in Niue, steps to the GCH and the pools. A great location for anyone with mobility issues.

AKL is a lovely resort too, quick bus to AK. Buses took a while to get to MK, but the bus drops you off at MK's entrance. If you drive to MK, you have to park at the TTC then take the monorail to MK or the boat. Even though the buses take a while to get to MK from AKL, I would rather take the bus and be dropped off at MK's entrance.

Rooms at AKL can be quite far from the lobby, so if you stay there, request a room close to the lobby. I am not sure where CL rooms are at AKL, hopefully close

 

[Anonomom]

We just got back from a weekend stay at the Poly CL. While I prefer the Contemporary, I thought the Poly was fine. Food offerings were nice and plentiful, and the lounge isn't bad. The lounge is perfectly nice, if not terribly exciting.

Now, we were on an AP discount, so that maybe colors my opinion somewhat. I don't think I'd pay rack rate for CL.

 

[carlton the bear]

I think the price of Poly CL is insulting. I checked it out as we wanted to stay in the Hawaii longhouse. It would increase from our Garden View room price of $4,000 for 10 nights to $8,700 for 10 nights. Yeah, thanks but no thanks.

I'll take Tokelau with the larger room, closer access to the TTC, guaranteed balcony and keep the $4,700 for myself. I could take 1/4 of that and buy myself a years worth of the same gummy worms, soda and goldfish crackers I'd have access to for 10 days.

I am not sure where your math comes from. Using the rates posted on the WDW site the difference between a standard room and a standard room Club Level is about $ 140 a night. The total difference is then is $ 1,400 for a 10 night stay, and not $ 4,700. Also, you used rack rates and not discounted rates, when you very well know that you can in most cases get your $ 4,000 room for 30%-40% less. Still expensive, but nowhere near the number you quote.
Your sarcastic comment about the gummy worms, etc is just ridiculous. Why not mention the breakfast, wine and beer, hot offerings and salads at 5 pm, and then desserts? If someone spends the whole day in the parks and doesn't take advantage of the Club Level offerings, then they shouldn't have chosen CL in the first place.
As you mentioned in one of your previous posts WDW is getting too expensive for you and you will be staying offsite in the future, so it really shouldn't bother you what other people choose to spend their money on.

 

[damien]

I am not sure where your math comes from. Using the rates posted on the WDW site the difference between a standard room and a standard room Club Level is about $ 140 a night. The total difference is then is $ 1,400 for a 10 night stay, and not $ 4,700. Also, you used rack rates and not discounted rates, when you very well know that you can in most cases get your $ 4,000 room for 30%-40% less. Still expensive, but nowhere near the number you quote.
Your sarcastic comment about the gummy worms, etc is just ridiculous. Why not mention the breakfast, wine and beer, hot offerings and salads at 5 pm, and then desserts? If someone spends the whole day in the parks and doesn't take advantage of the Club Level offerings, then they shouldn't have chosen CL in the first place.
As you mentioned in one of your previous posts WDW is getting too expensive for you and you will be staying offsite in the future, so it really shouldn't bother you what other people choose to spend their money on.

I was looking at a theme park view. If you had asked nicely instead of being rude about it, I could have told you that. I understand, that's not your style. We're staying for 10 nights. AAA rate at the Poly Garden View is $4,500. The CL rate (from WDW's website) with a theme park view would be $8,700 for 10 nights. AAA rate for that room would be just under $8,000, so we're talking a $3,500 difference.

Theme Park View - Club Level +$3,690 †

Thanks for your concern, but WDW isn't getting too expensive for me. I just don't care to spend the money for their resorts without a discount. Where did I say it bothered me what other people do?

 

[Kteacher]

Have stayed Poly CL many times-never had a bad stay! I love the Poly. The staff in the lounge are wonderful. The food offerings are plentiful and delicious. Staff in the lounge always ask us if we need anything. I can't wait to go back

 

[carlton the bear]

I was looking at a theme park view. If you had asked nicely instead of being rude about it, I could have told you that. I understand, that's not your style. We're staying for 10 nights. AAA rate at the Poly Garden View is $4,500. The CL rate (from WDW's website) with a theme park view would be $8,700 for 10 nights. AAA rate for that room would be just under $8,000, so we're talking a $3,500 difference.

Theme Park View - Club Level +$3,690 †

Thanks for your concern, but WDW isn't getting too expensive for me. I just don't care to spend the money for their resorts without a discount. Where did I say it bothered me what other people do?

Here are the posted rack rates before tax:
Value Season Std Room $ 385/night
Value Season Club Level Garden view $ 520/night
Value Season Club Level Lagoon view $ 650/night
Value Season Club level MK view $ 690 /night
To make your point look better you chose the most expensive option, the MK view. The difference between CL Garden view and a std. room is $ 135 a night, or $ 1,350 for 10 days.
If "WDW isn't getting too expensive for you", you must have had a change of heart based on one of your recent posts:

My wife and I have decided after 25+ onsite stays, next year will be our last. Disney Resorts have just gotten too expensive.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

To the OP I would say you made a good choice choosing to stay Club Level at the Polynesian and don't worry about a few negative reviews, because once in a while you will read them about every WDW Resort.

 

[Singinglizzie]

We stayed Club Level at the Poly 2 years ago and it was wonderful. There were also negative reviews about it then too. We managed to go when they were doing one of the promotions, buy 4 get 3 free (nights) plus we got a gift card, so in all it was a great price. I think folks that pay rack rates may have different expectations. The club lounge is right in the Hawaii building, so that will make it easy for your mobility impaired guest, but it is still a walk to the Great Ceremonial House, and then to the monorail. The lounge has those really nice picture windows and a great view of the fireworks each night, plus the nightly water electric boat parade. We lucked out and got a room with a Castle view, and it was really magical. One night we cancelled our dinning reservations and ate in the room in our PJ's and watched Fireworks and the boat parade - very fun. We also borrowed movies from the DVD collection and watched Pirates of the Carribbean. We liked being able to get a glass of wine, and the nightly desserts. We also ate breakfast there every morning, but by the 5th day, got a bit tired of the same offerings, still it was nice. Given your party description, I think the Poly is a great choice. All of the Disney properties are a bit expensive, but you are paying for location. I hope you find that you love the Poly.

 

[damien]

Here are the posted rack rates before tax:
Value Season Std Room $ 385/night
Value Season Club Level Garden view $ 520/night
Value Season Club Level Lagoon view $ 650/night
Value Season Club level MK view $ 690 /night
To make your point look better you chose the most expensive option, the MK view. The difference between CL Garden view and a std. room is $ 135 a night, or $ 1,350 for 10 days.
If "WDW isn't getting too expensive for you", you must have had a change of heart based on one of your recent posts:

Nothing to do with making my point look better. We're going in July. I'd like to go in Value Season, but it's not possible for us. In addition, if I'm going to pay for Club Level, I expect a better view like any other hotel would give you for Concierge Stay. Thus the comparison for the Theme Park View. Anything else I can justify to you?

Yes, Disney Resorts have gotten too expensive. Doesn't mean I can't afford them. I just don't feel they're worth the asking price. What's next, you ask for a copy of my W2's?

 

[carlton the bear]

I was looking at a theme park view. If you had asked nicely instead of being rude about it, I could have told you that. I understand, that's not your style. We're staying for 10 nights. AAA rate at the Poly Garden View is $4,500. The CL rate (from WDW's website) with a theme park view would be $8,700 for 10 nights. AAA rate for that room would be just under $8,000, so we're talking a $3,500 difference.

Not being rude, just setting the record straight - your style is whenever you get a chance you slam anything and everything about WDW Club Level. You originally give an incorrect price difference of $ 4,700, which is now $ 3,500, when the real difference is $ 1,350 if you use the garden room CL view as a comparison price point, which is the correct thing to do.

 

[damien]

Not being rude, just setting the record straight - your style is whenever you get a chance you slam anything and everything about WDW Club Level. You originally give an incorrect price difference of $ 4,700, which is now $ 3,500, when the real difference is $ 1,350 if you use the garden room CL view as a comparison price point, which is the correct thing to do.

It's the right thing according to you. I'm not interested in a Garden View in Hawaii. I admit, I was off in my initial numbers. Originally, we had 9 nights booked, and we changed it to 10.

I don't slam Club Level any chance I get. I don't think Disney's Club Level is worth the price tag, but that's just my opinion. If other people do, great for them. They clearly get more out of it than I do.

And yes, you are rude. I don't think you've posted anything here without it being confrontational in some way or another.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We enjoyed our stay at Poly CL but to be honest I would rather stay Poly MK view instead and use the extra money somewhere else

 

[Akwafunk]

Thanks so much everyone for your input.

My Inlaws just called today and said they would not be coming.


That takes mobility issue off the table, but since we're now a party of five, the Polynesian and Epcot Beach Club resort remain our only options, so we'll probably just stay where we are - I was very tempted by the WIlderness Lodge though. Looks like a good spot to be in winter.

Also appreciate the thoughts on CL - since we're probably going to be spending as much time in the parks as possible, we'll probably pass on that and save the $220 or so instead.

Thanks again.