Poly CL vs BWI CL

[rosiebean]

I need help deciding between Poly CL and BWI CL for a trip this October.

Background:

I'm taking my two boys and meeting up with family who are staying at the Dolphin. My two will love both TMK and Epcot (they love to shop, lol, and will go crazy in the international part of Epcot). Ease of transportation is huge for me, which is why I'm looking at the Poly...plus I stayed there before and looooved it. But being close to my family is important to, which is why I'm looking at BWI (especially since it's also close to two parks, though I'm not a huge fan of the studio park). AND, I'd like to experience a new resort.

I booked a CL room at Poly for 35% off rack last night via Orbitz. I'm considering seeing if BWI CL rooms are available with a fall RO discount. The price for both is comparable (I'd save maybe $100 at BWI).

But son #1 loves the idea of a monorail resort. Son #2 fell in love with the BWI pool and boardwalk area (he loves to shop). They both love the look of the interior of the BWI (they have 'fancy' tastes, ). I think they'd enjoy the boardwalk at night...and I know they'd love the Poly (beach, ELP, etc.).

A consideration: the F&W festival will make nights at Epcot on Friday and Saturday less desirable (stayed at BC before and loved walking over to Epcot at night for dinner). BUT, Thursday and Friday is MNNSHP, which means we'd probably not be there either (I don't know if I can justify the cost). SO...either hotel is good for hitting Epcot on Thursday. But Friday, BWI would be easier for going to the studios that night...though we could hang out at either hotel...

I do this with every vacation and drive myself nuts second guessing, lol.

The other option is YC with the pool....

I'm going crazy!

 

[mirage0306]

Picking a resort can be challenge!

We have stayed CL at both BWI and Poly and I will tell you that we enjoyed the Poly far, far more than BWI. First of all, we all just felt more at home at the Poly. We liked the theme better, and it was more relaxing. The beach, Wishes, the atmosphere, Capt Cook's, the volcano pool, the monorail, catching the TTC monorail for Epcot...so easy.

BWI is a gorgeous resort, and it's AWESOME to be able to walk to Epcot and DHS. The location for those parks is unbeatable. The Boardwalk itself is fun at night. The pool is great--my ds10 went down the slide a zillion times. But the theme just didn't appeal to us as much as the Poly. It didn't feel as relaxing. It wasn't bad, just not ideal for us.

In addition, we found the bus transportation to MK, AK, and DTD from BWI to be abysmal. We often shared buses with Yacht, Beach, Swan AND Dolphin and the routes took a long time--and the buses were often super crowded. If you think you'll be at the MK a lot, I would really think about this. I promise I am not a complainer and i am pretty easily pleased--but I am telling you, the buses were awful.

As for the CL aspect: We liked Poly's lounge so much more. It is HUGE. Two stories. Awesome view of the lake and the castle. They pipe the music in during Wishes at night. It's a really relaxing setting. Very laid back--the CMs were pleasant but not all over us (which we prefer). We like the dedicated CL building (which, btw, is in a great location). GREAT beer--they had Kona (longboard, I think). Awesome.

BWI's lounge is smaller. No amazing views. The staff are really great, though. Like crazy friendly and willing to do anything for you. You can see some of Illuminations from the balcony.

Anyway...that's my two cents. I'd absolutely, without a doubt stay at Poly (CL or non CL) again, in a heartbeat. I can't say the same for BWI.

 

[karriealex]

Picking a resort can be challenge!

We have stayed CL at both BWI and Poly and I will tell you that we enjoyed the Poly far, far more than BWI. First of all, we all just felt more at home at the Poly. We liked the theme better, and it was more relaxing. The beach, Wishes, the atmosphere, Capt Cook's, the volcano pool, the monorail, catching the TTC monorail for Epcot...so easy.

BWI is a gorgeous resort, and it's AWESOME to be able to walk to Epcot and DHS. The location for those parks is unbeatable. The Boardwalk itself is fun at night. The pool is great--my ds10 went down the slide a zillion times. But the theme just didn't appeal to us as much as the Poly. It didn't feel as relaxing. It wasn't bad, just not ideal for us.

In addition, we found the bus transportation to MK, AK, and DTD from BWI to be abysmal. We often shared buses with Yacht, Beach, Swan AND Dolphin and the routes took a long time--and the buses were often super crowded. If you think you'll be at the MK a lot, I would really think about this. I promise I am not a complainer and i am pretty easily pleased--but I am telling you, the buses were awful.

As for the CL aspect: We liked Poly's lounge so much more. It is HUGE. Two stories. Awesome view of the lake and the castle. They pipe the music in during Wishes at night. It's a really relaxing setting. Very laid back--the CMs were pleasant but not all over us (which we prefer). We like the dedicated CL building (which, btw, is in a great location). GREAT beer--they had Kona (longboard, I think). Awesome.

BWI's lounge is smaller. No amazing views. The staff are really great, though. Like crazy friendly and willing to do anything for you. You can see some of Illuminations from the balcony.

Anyway...that's my two cents. I'd absolutely, without a doubt stay at Poly (CL or non CL) again, in a heartbeat. I can't say the same for BWI.

I would have to agree with all of this. The Poly is just so relaxing and I am sure your ds will get his shopping fix at Epcot and you could even walk over to the Boardwalk to shop from Epcot through the gateway. The ease of the Poly transo will be a good thing also. CL at the Poly is AWESOME also.

 

[bluejasmine]

Stayed Poly CL twice was booked at BWI CL but couldn't help myself & changed to our beloved Poly!

Stayed GF CL & BC CL & Poly & GF is my faves

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979