Poly or AKL?

[Bearybear]

We are going in February. Disney just announced the 4/3 deal, and it makes the Poly the cheaper than our original AKL reservations (but about $500 more than the new ALK price). We were wondering from people that stayed at both resorts which they've preferred and why? Also, does the bus sharing at the Poly make the trip to Animal Kingdom very long? We loved not sharing the bus (except with Kidani) when we were at ALK in August.

Thanks!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Of the 2, I have only stayed at the Poly (I LOVE it!), but I'm super excited about my split stay at these same 2 resorts next summer...

Yes, the Poly often shares buses with either CR or GF, which has never bothered me. Just an FYI, from the Poly you can easily walk to the TTC to catch a direct bus to HS and AK. Plus you can catch the direct monorail to Epcot from the TTC instead of having to ride the monorail around and switch at the TTC. It is very, very convenient, and IMO is a tie with CR for very MOST conveniently located resort on property. Not to even mention the HUGE rooms, gorgeous tropical landscaping, unique restaurants (plus access to all the other monorail resorts for dining options), breathtaking views of lagoon and MK from many areas, etc.

 

[Flossbolna]

I have stayed at both and both are georgeous hotels.

Poly rooms are more spacious, but I preferred the bath layout at AKL where the vanity is outside the real bathroom.

I love that AKL is in a world of it's own, some people call it too far away. But for me it enhances the theming. The Poly is more a standard hotel for me as you can see GF, MK and CR from there. But then, at the Poly you have a lot of things very close by.

I loved taking the boat to the MK and the Monorail to Epcot from the Poly. But we did not like the busses at the Poly at all. The additional stops were annyoing and in the mornings we twice had to wait over 30 min for a bus and nearly missed rope drop due to that. At AKL we always found the busses very reliable.

I personally prefer the pool at AKL, love its theming. The volcano pool at the Poly is nice, but we found it very crowded, even on rather chilly January afternoons. I once went swimming in the morning and that was fantastic! The second pool at the Poly is ok, but nothing special. Also, the Poly does not have a hot tub.

Kona Cafe is a nice restaurant, but I prefer the AKL restaurants.

In the end I think you would have a wonderful stay at each of the two resorts, but for me personally I would choose AKL. But then, if you think that this might be your chance to stay at the Poly for a halfway reasonable price, I would say, go for it and experience it for yourself!