Poly or AKL concierege... what would you choose?

[tone.def]

So I'm thinking about the Poly or AKL concierege for my next trip to Walt Disney World... but between my DBF and I... we can't decide which one to go with and we really don't want to split our stay between the 2 and move half way through...

There are pros to both like Poly is on the monorail line, boats to MK and a 5 minute walk to the TTC...
The AKL, has a savannah, but is bus transport only...

I have read the reviews on allears.net and it still hasn't helped with the decision process because both sound great... HELP!

 

[Kimberly]

I would go with the Animal Kingdom Lodge if you don't mind the buses or intend on getting a rental car to go everywhere. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has the Savannah views too, but the Polynesian has some interesting nighttime activities as well. Some people say the Polynesian is dated, but it also happens to have the largest standard rooms out of any of the resorts.

I would pick the Animal Kingdom Lodge though simply because when i go, my friend and i are going to get a rental car, so the monorail wouldn't really be a major benefit to us.

 

[fam4jc]

HI. I would definately choose AKL over the Poly. We have stayed at both and we enjoyed AKL much more than the Poly. The poly is lovely. The pool and location is great. But AKL just stole my heart! The bus service is just fine. The food is wonderful. The atmospher is wonderful. And there is nothing like watching wild animals from your balcony! I say go for AKL!

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

I'd go with AKL. The Sunrise Safari would be the deal maker for me.

Of course, you could split your stay. We've changed resorts mid-stay a few times and it is no biggie. CMs will move your belongings for you. All you have to do is check in at the new location. Very simple, and you get the best of both worlds - plan your MK and Epcot days around your Poly stay and the monorail, and plan your AK (and DS days I guess) around AKL.

I know you don't want to split your stay, but it really is pretty seamless.

 

[ctrabada]

I've stayed AKL concierge and absolutely loved it. I've not done the Poly concierge but I think it's a beautiful resort and I've read a lot of favorable reviews of their concierge. I think you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

If you decided on ALK Concierge, you may want to consider the Sunset Safari. It is for ages 12 and up and includes a wonderful muti course dinner at Jiko.

My DD23 and I did this last March and had a great time. We enjoyed AKL very much, too.. so much we will be there next week!

 

[Doede95]

My vote is the Poly. We just love everything about it. Good luck!!

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

OP - They are both fine choices, and you are going to find loyal postings for both. Pick the one that best reflects your likes/theme/park/transport./restaurant prefs.

My vote is for the Poly and here's why:

Poly. atmosphere was just so great (Hawaiian) and the lounge was super. Loved hopping on the monorail to MK and Epcot, and loved the MK boatride back. The volcano pool was a huge hit with us all, as was the gorgeous beach. We loved watching Wishes and EWP nightly from the beach, loved seeing the Castle whenever we wanted (just felt like WDW), and didn't want to drive a single minute of our trip. Our children, DH and I like animals -- but AK was enough for us. And Poly.'s restaurants were more to our liking.

Truthfully, AKL wasn't in our top 4 (that would be Poly, GF, YC/BC, Contemp.)

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

 

[lookingforward]

I have stayed at both hotels in concierge and they were both wonderful. If I had to choose I would pick the AKL...the sunrise safari was amazing and the lounge had some really unique offerings. The AKL is simply a destination in and of itself. Very relaxing and warm.

I know you don't want to switch hotels mid vacation but that is what I would ultimately suggest. It is really easy to transfer hotels if you are actively visiting the parks. When you leave for the park just have the bellman transfer your bags to the new one. YOu don't have to do anything. When you return to the new hotel the bags will be there, and assuming it is after 3 p.m. your room should be ready to go. You really don't miss any park time.

The poly has it over AKL for location! I loved watching the fireworks from the beach and being so close to the monorail.

Enjoy your vacation!