These two resorts (and the type of room) are very different. It's hard to put them against each other. First of all, they have two very different themes. African vs. Hawaiian. Both are heavily themed, so you can't go wrong. People talk about the distance AKL is from the parks/rest of WDW. This is true; however, I've noticed that AKL's transportation is one of the best out of all the resorts. Their buses are always on time and it's nice to have a ~20 min (give or take where you're going and the time of year) non-stop bus ride (for instance, Kidani and AKL are the only pick ups for some of the parks. This compared to staying at a resort that shares with other resorts (S/D, YC, BC) or a resort with multiple stops (SSR) is a big diff. Especially at night. I hate being on a bus and it stopping every 5 min and blinding you with the bright fluorescent lights. I'd much rather have a non-stop ride. Less chances of being accidentally pushed/trampled when people get on/off. Note that the resorts I mentioned are subject to change. Each bus schedule is different depending on how busy WDW is and the resort you're staying at/where you're going. However, it is nice that Poly has multiple forms of transportation to choose from and the option of the TTC.
Both resorts have amazing restaurants. Poly is closer to more restaurants (on the monorail loop) and the parks. However, Boma and Jiko are two of the best restaurants in WDW, imho.
Types of rooms... AKL concierge is CONCIERGE. So you have the plus of pre-park planning/itinerary help. The Sunrise Safari is a MUST-DO if you're staying here. It's so convenient. The savannah view rooms are beautiful, and something that you have to experience. The floor that concierge is on has one of the best locations on the safari in terms of seeing the animals. I have read about beautiful Poly GV's as well, but in my opinion, I'd rather look at live giraffes and other animals versus some grass (be it well manicured grass) and plants and flowers and other longhouses. The concierge option is great because of the food offerings. They are so good! The food was so plentiful that we were not on the
DDP on that, and will not be on our next trip in a few weeks as well.
So with all this reasoning (I noticed that you've stayed at both), I'd personally pick AKL Concierge again. I feel like it's more bang for your buck. Furthermore, I'd love to stay at Poly, but the theme doesn't really appeal to us. We frequent real tropical locations in Asia every year and it's kind of hard for Disney to pull of the magic for us (although they do give it their all, of course) at the Poly. However, if you were to tell me that you had a lagoon or MK view at the Poly, I'd prob pick the Poly because I've never stayed at a resort with a view of Cinderella's castle.
