Poly or AKL

[MagicKingdom05]

We might have to change our dates from Sept 4-11 to July 20-27. Anyways the two resorts that are intersting us is Poly and AKL. We will be there with our then 2 year old and our then 8 month old. Any suggestions either way.

 

[AndyMcV]

The Polynesian hands down. It is an amazing resort and you are on the monorail line and so close to MK. That alone with your little ones is enough.

 

[Stephanie84]

I have never stayed at AKL but I will have to agree with the above poster and say that the Poly is the way to go. Been to AKL for dinner many times and while it is beautful, its so out of the way compared to the Poly. The Poly has the convenience of being on the monorail line and practically next door to the TTC. In Fact, request a room in Rapa Nui. In the morning you can pop open the stroller and head down the little path to the right and it takes you right to the TTC. Bus frequency is alot better there than waiting at the poly, or you can pop on teh MK or EPCOT monorail. IMO it's the most convenient place to stay at WDW. It's a beautifully kept resort as well.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

These 2 resorts seem to have a lot in common w/ the thmed decor, lodge atomsphere, etc...

We have visited the POLY but not stayed there. The monorail would be super convenient...but....we stayed at AKL recently and WE LOVE IT!! We will definatley be back. The animals were so cool...thet were righ outside our balcony. The resort may be further out but it didnot seem to be an issue for us.

Either way, you cant go wrong....

 

[cart-mom]

I've stayed both and would highly recommend the Poly. What doesn't it have? It's on the monorail, O'hana's, Kona Cafe, Spirit of Aloha, the volcano pool, the beach, the lake, the view of MK, (brain fart - can't remember the name and I'm sure someone will - the nightly show on the lake with the boats with lights), and all the cousin's. It's so relaxing at the Poly.

 

[shyjade]

Hands down, Poly. We've stayed at both (actually the only 2 Disney hotels we've stayed at). First we stayed at AKL and although beautiful, we had a bad experience at check-in (they gave us a dirty room) and couldn't get management involved to resolve it until 6 hours later. It was a terrible start to a very short trip and a waste of our first day.

Next time, we decided to spend the extra money and stay at the Poly. We loved EVERYTHING about the Poly and it felt like a vacation within a vacation. Would never go back to the AKL's terrible customer service again.

 

[HunnyJar]

POLY! If nothing else but the room size and convenience. We have stayed at both resorts and while I do love the theming of AKL, I doubt we would ever go back with our kids unless we were in a 2 bedroom villa. The room size just isn't great for little ones that like to move about.

Besides being on the monorail, the Polynesian is excellent for families in my opinion. One day on our trip last week my daughter (1) and myself stayed at the resort while my husband and son went to DHS. We had plenty of space in our room for her to play and not feel crowded. Also we had enough space for her Pack n Play without feeling like it was in the way. You could also easily see the fireworks from the beach and the water parade.

And I will agree with a PP about some rude CM's at the AKL. My husband and I were shocked at how we were treated. We even spoke to a manager about it. If it were just my husband and myself, we might give the AKL another shot, but no way would we go back unless we had more room for our kids. It's just too small for us.

 

[MissionMouse]

We have stayed at both and would recommend the PR, unless you are wanting a great get-a-way resort. PR is in the heart of Disney World with views of Disney icons: monorail, CR, castle, CR, Wishes. Water recreation right outside you door with a water launch that goes straight to the MK. Electric Water pageant at night. Easy transportation options to return to the resort during the day for breaks or naps. Curtains are highly effective in making the room dark during the day. TTC also is within close walking distance to catch the Epcot monorail loop.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with the Polynesian because in my opinion they have a better theme, overall location and more transportation options.

 

[KatMark]

We have stayed at the Poly a number of times and love everything about it. We've not yet stayed at the AKL, but it is on the list for our next visit with a split stay with our moderate resort. I think in your instance, I would go with the Poly...nothing like watching Wishes from the beach at the Poly.

 

[PrincessYessenia]

We own at AKV so by nature I would pick AKL, HOWEVER...Kidani and Jambo House are SO different to me. AKL is so much larger and louder and so crowded compared to the laid-back, relaxing feeling of AKV-Kidani. I will NOT being staying in the main lodge unless it is concierge, and even then I'd rather be in Kidani...

So if it's AKL against the Poly, I would pick the Poly. The resort is beautiful, the plus of great transportation, close proximity to MK, the great food options and the views are just a few reasons why I pick the Poly in this situation.

 

[vettegirl]

The Poly is amazing, it really feels like you are in a tropical paradise. The rooms are beautiful and large. Also the location is perfect.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I have stayed at both and LOVED both.
That being said, with kids that little, I would DEFINATELY stay at the Poly. Being on the monorail is priceless when they are that age. I also feel the food options are much better at the Poly.

 

[MickeyNicki]

The Poly is soo much better thank AKL...location alone keeps us going back to the Poly