Poly lovers, have you tried BC?

[MinnieTink]

We are currently booked at BC this August for my birthday trip. Yesterday my DH asks how much more it would be for Poly. Why did he ask that?? Lol. Now my wheels are spinning and I'm trying to figure out if we should stay put in BC, or for $400 more (for the week) change to Poly.

We are a family of 5. Me, DH, DD16, DD12, and DS5. We love all four parks but are MK and EP people. Last trip we ended up leaving MK to spend our last night at EP, so maybe we lean a little bit towards EP being the favorite.

We stayed in Poly in 2005. A dream trip. Loved the big rooms, the VERY comfy beds, the food options and just the tropical, away from it all feel of the resort.

The BC looks nice. The proximity to EP and DHS, and Boardwalk are all great. I know the pool is a big draw for BC, and I'm sure we will make a point to go in it once or twice while we are there, but we are generally at the park A LOT.

Anyway, just looking for any opinions, from all, but especially from Poly lovers' who have experienced BC as well. Thanks!!!

 

[yolie912]

Yes, we are Poly lovers and we really didn't enjoy our stay at the Beach Club. I wasn't a fan of it. The first room we got the sink was broken and the handle from the sink fell apart. Thankfully the next day they moved us to another room and that was much better. This year we are back to the POLY. =) That's our happy place.

 

[jdd]

We've done both, and the Poly would be our favorite! Now, we were only at the Beach Club for two nights, so that might not be a fair comparison, but the whole family preferred the Poly.

I loved the view of the castle, and being able to watch Wishes from the beach. The monorail is a huge plus for us - MK one is right at the GCH and it's an easy walk to the TTC to get the Epcot monorail. We also walked over to the Grand Floridian one night just to check out that resort. Loved the pool and the grounds. The other thing we really liked was the seperate buildings - it gives a more "resort-y" feeling, whereas the BC felt more like a hotel to me.

We enjoyed the BC pool, but not sure it's worth all the hype. Walking to Epcot was fabulous though - so since you're Epcot fans, that's awesome. We took the boat one night to DHS, and it took longer than I thought - we never tried walking, but I think that'd be a better choice.

Good luck - you'll have a wonderful vacation whatever you decide!

 

[PoohsFan1]

I know you asked for Poly lovers who have gone to BC, well we are the other way around...we are BC lovers that are going to try the Poly for the first time in August. I was a bit concerned when I booked the Poly because our family really enjoys the BC and the whole Epcot resort area, but we are really excited to be trying a new resort and one that I haven't been in since I was a kid (will be the first stay for DH and both DDs). The BC location is awesome and the resort is beautiful...and like you said, SAB is a huge draw that I know your family will enjoy. If you think that your family would be happier at the Poly, then go for it, however, if you want to try out a new resort then BC is a great choice . Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Phelia325]

We stayed at the Poly for our first trip to Disney as a family in spring 2010 (it was where i stayed as a kid for my 1st trip in the 80s), so it holds a lot of sentimental value. We love the proximity to MK and love how small and intimate the resort feels. Nothing beats sitting on the beach at the poly and watching the fireworks while they play music. However, we ADORE the BC. We are returning for our second trip to the BC this year. As much as I love the Poly, I must say that I was not impressed with the room at all. We were in the Hawaii building, ground floor and had connecting rooms. Both rooms smelled like sulphur (much worse than the normal disney water smell), the bedspreads were old and dingy, the rugs were filthy, the doors were missing the emergency information sheet, and for the entire length of our trip, a dirty tissue from a previous guest remained above the tv. In comparison, our BC room was clean and fresh and updated. The BC is amazing and ideal for trips where you plan to spend a lot of pool time. We love the lively boardwalk area and the proximity to epcot is awesome, particularly if you like to eat at the restaurants there. We are leaving shortly for our 4th trip in the past 2 years, where we have stayed at the Poly, BLT and BC. Of those 3 resorts, the BC is by far our favorite for resort amenities.

 

[padawans]

We are currently booked at BC this August for my birthday trip. Yesterday my DH asks how much more it would be for Poly. Why did he ask that?? Lol. Now my wheels are spinning and I'm trying to figure out if we should stay put in BC, or for $400 more (for the week) change to Poly.

We are a family of 5. Me, DH, DD16, DD12, and DS5. We love all four parks but are MK and EP people. Last trip we ended up leaving MK to spend our last night at EP, so maybe we lean a little bit towards EP being the favorite.

We stayed in Poly in 2005. A dream trip. Loved the big rooms, the VERY comfy beds, the food options and just the tropical, away from it all feel of the resort.

The BC looks nice. The proximity to EP and DHS, and Boardwalk are all great. I know the pool is a big draw for BC, and I'm sure we will make a point to go in it once or twice while we are there, but we are generally at the park A LOT.

Anyway, just looking for any opinions, from all, but especially from Poly lovers' who have experienced BC as well. Thanks!!!

They are both great resorts. I prefer the theme of the Poly better. I also prefer the Poly rooms and layout of the resort. The things I don't like about BC are the long hallways and small bathrooms. Those things don't seem to bother most people. I think you would be happy at BC. It's always fun to try a new resort.

 

[PHLtoMCO]

Another Poly lover here but the BC is still a great resort! The Poly pool tends to get ridiculously over crowded and SAB is clearly much larger. My sister and I also love going to Jellyrolls so the BC comes in handy when have to venture back "home" after a night at the bar

 

[kapoof]

we are bc lovers that stayed at the poly 2 years ago and loved it! the poly is very tropical feeling of course while the bc is more 'cleaner ' i want to say in the feeling of color and style. both are totally aweomse resorts, if you stayed at the poly before, why not try out the bc? have a great trip!

 

[CaptainEO71]

We've stayed at both several times, and we've even done a split stay between the two. Have you considered doing that? That way you can experience the best of both worlds (in our opinion).

We love both resorts, but if we had to pick just one, we'd pick BC. One of our favorite things to do is end the day in Epcot, and to be able to walk back to the room is priceless.

Have a great trip no matter which one you decide on!

 

[mmmears]

We have stayed Poly, YC, and BC and enjoyed them all.

The Epcot resort area has a different "feel" than the monorail resorts -- you can't see the castle and the fireworks, etc.

BC decor is very different from the Poly, as is the hotel setup with a lobby and indoor corridors vs. the Poly gardens and longhouses.

If you like the look of the BC, I think it's worth trying it out. You may find another favorite (it's really nice and the pool is so much fun).

Or, like a PP suggested, you could do a split and get the best of both worlds (EP/MK splits are great!).

But if you are a die-hard Poly fan and think that you will miss it so much you won't appreciate a new resort, then I would either stick with the Poly or do a split.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and while the BC is a nice resort, the Poly is our favorite of the two. SAB is nice, but I agree with a pp that it's not worth all the hype (at least not to us). Our family likes the volcano pool at the Poly more than SAB, especially with the way the volcano pool backs up to the beach with a view of the castle off in the distance. We also love Captain Cooks, as that's our favorite resort CS. The BC is great in that it's very convenient being within walking distance to Epcot and DHS and it is a beautiful resort, but we prefer the Poly for the larger rooms, the close proximity to MK, and the relaxing tropical atmosphere. But with that said, if the BC has been a resort you've been wanting to try, you really won't know if it's a resort for you unless you try it for yourself. Good luck deciding and happy planning.

 

[sydneysmom]

We haven't stayed at either, but I wanted to say I totally feel your pain of the decision. We stayed at the GF and LOVED it...we were completely spoiled by everything.

We decided on the YC for our next trip to save a little bit of money but I keep going back to "will I be disappointed that it's not the GF?" So I made a decision. I'm letting the Disney Gods decide....if we are lucky enough to get a good pin code again, I'm going to book the GF as a surprise to everyone. If not, I'll book the YC and we'll be very happy there.

Personally, I LOVE the look of the YC and BC but I know exactly how you feel.... you love being on the monorail and being "that" close to the magic... you kind of feel a little like you won't be if you're over in Epcot. I'm betting that it's not true and it's going to be JUST as amazing, only different. I keep thinking how fun it's going to be to be able to walk to Epcot ! I mean, how cool is that ??

You can't go wrong either way....that's the way I'm looking at it! Good luck!

 

[Kimi313]

We are huge Poly lovers but this year we are trying BC in May. I know we will enjoy our stay and be glad we tried it but I will let you know if it becomes my new favorite or I stay true to the Poly!

 

[osugal]

You will love the BC. We stayed there last year and it was wonderful. It has a very bright, sunny, but calming feeling. It's like you're at a beautiful New England resort. The pool and the food are both great there. And, we could literally get to Epcot as quickly as we could get to the lobby of the hotel. It was a fantastic vacation.

 

[jscottnc]

We are a Poly family (of 3) that has stayed at BC. I like the location -- walking distance to
both Epcot and DHS, and the bus ride to AK and Downtown Disney is quick. The rooms are nice though a bit smaller than Poly rooms (your family of 5 might be cramped). I especially like the double vanity separate from toilet and shower. The counter service available at the Poly is far superior to that available at BC (though you can cross the bridge to the Boardwalk area).

 

[jdd]

I especially like the double vanity separate from toilet and shower.

Actually, that reminds me - that's one thing I didn't like. I definitely understand that would be a plus for most people - you can be in the bathroom/shower and someone else can be using the sink. But for me, I'm always up early and like to get ready while the rest of my family is still asleep (then take a sunrise walk around the resort and get a to-go breakfast for us!). Anyway, with the setup at the BC, I would wake everyone up with the light over the vanity. I think they should either put a curtain up there, or maybe add a sink in the bathroom area??(although it's pretty small....)

 

[MissionMouse]

We have stayed at both resorts. We find the meaningful difference to be at the resort level and not the room level. Location plays a lot when you are considering deluxe resort and in the case of the PR and BC it gives you a different vacation feel. PR in the heart of Disney icons. BC in the heart of TS dining of Disney. Its also a case of what you see is what you get when it comes to theme.

Each resort location brings in its share of non guest foot traffic; meaning evenings are busy. PR has more than its fair share of pool hoppers, in contrast SAB/BC is controlled and the area is fenced off. Pool hoppers removed fairly quickly, but SAB has hours and typically closed at 10-11 depnding on the season. We prefer the Disney views and theme of the PR. Transportation options are very close depending on what you prefer or appreciate. PR with three options to get to MK. Walk to Epcot and DHS with the option of boat transportation. International entrance is quick and rarely busy. Bus service at both is shared by neighboring resorts..sometimes good...other times a nightmare (like Main Street before the parade starts). Staying at BC with park hoppers makes WS a quick dining option throughout the day or multiple visits to illuminations during your stay.

Both are enjoyable resorts/locations, but they will provide a different vacation feel and distinct magic.

 

[hopeandtink]

loved them both!

 

[MinnieTink]

We are huge Poly lovers but this year we are trying BC in May. I know we will enjoy our stay and be glad we tried it but I will let you know if it becomes my new favorite or I stay true to the Poly!

Have a great trip! And I would love to hear what you think afterwards.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. It's a tough decision, they both seem like great resorts, so I guess it's a win-win no matter what we decide.

 

[TaraPA]

I did a split stay between the 2 last month. I loved them both but BC just stood out as my favorite. But I loved Poly too! It's all a matter of which area do you prefer for your family - MK or Epcot? We spend a lot of time at Epcot, and like someone else said, being able to literally be in your room 5 min. after Illuminations ends is such a plus for us. We were able to run back & forth to Epcot for lunch to bring back to have at the BC pool, it's that close. We stayed at BC twice last month on 2 separate trips (once BCV & the next BC CL) and I am so hooked on that quick walk to Epcot. I love being right in the hustle & bustle of the Epcot Resort Area. You're within walking distance to so much more than Poly offers (to walk to). The resort is light & bright & airy, and the staff was top notch.

Poly was great as well, and even though we were right by MK & TTC, it was a lot of walking to get where we wanted to go (in our opinion). I'm sure we actually walked more at BC, but it just seemed to take long to get wherever we wanted, be it waiting for the boat, or changing monorails, etc. The TTC was PACKED everytime we walked over there, I think that had a lot to do with our feeling of not getting anywhere quickly. Maybe a different longhouse would solve that next time. The theming is complete opposite of BC - so that will play a part in deciding which your family likes better. We LOVED the room at Poly - very large - much larger than a standard room at BC - so for a famiy of 5 that alone might be the deal breaker. We love Captain Cook's as well, and Kona too.

You can't go wrong with either. If someone made me choose right this second I would choose BC, but I will definitely be staying at the Poly again in the future too! Good luck & consider a split stay!