Poly or Contemporary?

[longing4disney]

We were in WDW 5 yrs ago and stayed at a TPV room at Contemporary. We are planning another trip end of this year and are considering whether we should stay at the Poly TPV or at the Contemporary TPV again.

Contemporary- Pro: (what we like fm our previous stay)
we love the rooms. Pleasant and modern.
monorail - so convenient to be able to just get off the monorai and take the elevator up to our room. No long walks after a tiring day.
Walk to MK
Able to watch wishes from our balcony
No long walks to restaurants in the resort
No long walk to buses

Con :
No theme
Cannot see the Electric Parade from our balcony
Pool with no theme, no different from the one in our condominium compound at home.

Poly-Pro: (what we think, since we have not stayed there)
Plan to ask for Tahiti so that we can watch wishes and electric parade from our room
Direct Monorail- to MK and Epcot (TTC)
Beautiful landscape and pool
Nice theme (but we are from the tropics, so...hmm)

Con:
long walk to resort restaurants from the hotel room
Long walk to monorail and buses compared to Contemporary
Slightly more expensive than Contemporary

Any advice or recommendation will be much appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[padawans]

Tahiti is the farthest longhouse from GCH, but I really don't think the walk is that far. It only takes 10 minutes to walk to healthclub at GF. It couldn't possiby be more than a 3 minute walk to GCH. I certainly would not let that stop me from staying at Poly. Poly is not as spread out as people think.

 

[wdwrich]

Why not try the Poly since you've already experienced the CR. We've stayed at both and I have to say the Poly is our favorite. We love the south seas theme!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

well,...we have stayed at both, and it's just our personal opinion, but here goes!
We love the contemporary (but our kids like the Poly!)
For the Cont. I love the local, the monorail, all of it,...we have stayed in the tower for our CR trips, but next time, I will probably book a Garden wing room just because it's the same room, but cheaper...to see Wishes or the Water pageant, I will be outside for it anyway!
also, the option to walk back and forth to MK is a super perk for me!!! The pool does leave a lot to be desired as far as theme, and it's nice to swim on vacation-but is that why you are going to Disney? We don't usually prefer a modern decor, but it works when you are here!!!
Poly: the walks aren't as far as you think, and the longer you are there and become familiar with your route, it's not bad. For us, the kids love it for the volcano pool and tropical feel,...but the rooms being dark wood/furnishings just do not make us as happy...the option of the mono for MK and Epcot are great tho!!!
Restaraunts are good--if you stay here you need to book the O'Hana character brkfst ASAP! It's a lot of fun! We did enjoy watching Wishes and the Water Pageant on the beach...one night me and ds12 went alone and watched them--it was a great memory for us and a special moment! But, you can mono over there any evening and grab a hammock or swing to watch things and go back to your resort. Maybe let the kids watch a movie here and do smores or whatever....
We have stayed in the Aotearoa longhouse back in 02--it was pretty cool, we were on an upper floor on and end and saw the mono go swooshing past the palm trees every day! The next 2 times, we were in the Tokelau longhouse..rooms are huge!!!!! views for standard are pretty good...not bad, but not spectacular...both times we got views of the long house behind us-this last trip we could lean out and see part of the MK...but again, we didn't pay extra for a view...we aren't in there enough to justify it.
Go to the Tikimans website( if I can post that here?) he has lots of pics, and info about the Polynesian.... I know a lot of people wanna experience every resort they can, so maybe do the poly since you have been to the CR already...or do a split--stay at the Poly the first few nights, and the Cont the last few.....
I know my pref is the CR, but lots of people choose the Poly over it because it's so beautiful. Honestly, that's as close to Hawaii as we will ever get! LOL.. so it's a blessing to have been able to stay 3 times. We just have other resorts we like better, for different reasons.
Are you totally confused?!really and truly, you can't choose a bad resort-it's Disney! Just research, look at pics, then you and your family decide...let us know what you pick!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with the Contemporary because in my opinion their Theme Park View is a lot better then the Polynesian's Theme Park View. My reason is because you can see the whole Magic Kingdom, where as at the Polynesian you only see Cinderella's Castle and personally I don't consider that to be a true Theme Park View. Plus at the Contemporay you are also guaranteed to get a room with a full size balcony, something you need to request at the Polynesian.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree with the pp that since you've already stayed at the CR, why not give the Poly a try . We've only stayed at the Poly once, but that was enough for us to fall in love with the resort . We've never stayed at the CR as the theme/decor has never appealed to us, but with that said, we are giving the CR a try at the end of this year. We love being on the monorail and since we've stayed at both the Poly and GF, we decided to try something different and go with the CR. If you like to try different resorts, I think the Poly is an awesome one to try. As Padawans said, the resort is not that spread out as some make it out to be. We stayed in Samoa and it was very convenient to everything......it was just steps from the GCH, the volcano/quiet pool, the beach, and Captain Cooks . Good luck deciding, but I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter which resort you choose .

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Poly FTW

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I would go with the Contemporary because in my opinion their Theme Park View is a lot better then the Polynesian's Theme Park View. My reason is because you can see the whole Magic Kingdom, where as at the Polynesian you only see Cinderella's Castle and personally I don't consider that to be a true Theme Park View. Plus at the Contemporay you are also guaranteed to get a room with a full size balcony, something you need to request at the Polynesian.

I forgot to add that in my post! Yes,...the assurance of a full theme park view and a balconey are big draws as well!!! It's breathtaking for me to stand there and see it all!

 

[longing4disney]

Thanks everyone for your input.
Disney Mom,, I just checked out the Tikiman website. It is great! So much info. Didn't even know about it previously!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

longing4disney,
When looking at one of the cons you mentioned about not seeing the Electrical Water Pageant, each time I stayed at the Contemporary in a Tower - Theme Park View I always saw it when it was in Seven Seas Lagoon.

Also since you have stayed at the Contemporary I am sure you know that when taking their Buses to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach and Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon they share with the Polynesian. So I am sure you know that the Contemporary is always the 1st stop both going and coming back, where as the Polynesian is the 2nd stop. Anyway that's something else I would consider when debating between those resorts.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Thanks everyone for your input.
Disney Mom,, I just checked out the Tikiman website. It is great! So much info. Didn't even know about it previously!

oh! Good to know it helped you a bit!! He's really good about answering any questions you have too...and he's pretty prompt!

 

[longing4disney]

longing4disney,
When looking at one of the cons you mentioned about not seeing the Electrical Water Pageant, each time I stayed at the Contemporary in a Tower - Theme Park View I always saw it when it was in Seven Seas Lagoon.

Also since you have stayed at the Contemporary I am sure you know that when taking their Buses to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach and Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon they share with the Polynesian. So I am sure you know that the Contemporary is always the 1st stop both going and coming back, where as the Polynesian is the 2nd stop. Anyway that's something else I would consider when debating between those resorts.

When we were at the Contemporary, we could only see the electrical parade from a small corner of our balcony, and not the full view. It seemed to just move outside our line if sight. Could be the room? Sigh...seems like we were unlucky.

And yes, I do remember sharing the bus with the Poly. Is it better to be the first? I suppose we get the seats. I recall some buses went to WL too.

 

[tinkermommyof3]

We have stayed 4x at the Poly and 1x at CR. We are going back to Poly this Summer. We liked the CR room decor and size better. However, Poly wins hands down on theme, pool, grounds, beach and restaurants for us. It feels like a destination vacation as well as a WDW vacation when we stay at the Poly.

 

[iloveeeyore]

I have stayed at both and prefer the Poly for the theme and overall atmosphere, but there's also something very special about the CR!

Which theme park view is better is definitely up for debate (meaning highly subjective)! You will have some say that "CR view is better hands down" while others feel the same about the Poly! The view from the CR is definitely closer, and you can really see some of the details of the park, but the view from the Poly is breathtaking too, with the white sand beach and palm trees and the whole lagoon in the foreground, with the castle (though more distant) beautifully centered in your view. The fireworks are gorgeous, though different, from each.

In your case being from Singapore, I'm not sure that the theme of the Poly would be as much of a draw to me. The Boardwalk has its avid fans, but DH and I don't have a real desire to stay there because we vacation at boardwalk towns in New Jersey in the summer. Sounds like I'm not much help, LOL! I would advise giving the Poly a try to see if you like it...or maybe a split stay. We are becoming big fans of the split stay. It gives you opportunity to try something new and still enjoy the tried and true!

Good luck with your decision. I don't think you can make a wrong one.

 

[Sue M]

We stayed at Poly in Tokelau, which is next to Tahiti. Ask to be on the end close to Tokelau, and you won't be that far from the GCH. Any you can take a short cut thru Raratonga. Main pool is a short walk along the beach path. You will be very close to TTC.

Personally unless you're really adverse to walking, nothing is all that far at Poly. And the grounds are so beautiful, we enjoy walking around the resort.
There's also a nice walking path along the lake to GF.

 

[longing4disney]

In your case being from Singapore, I'm not sure that the theme of the Poly would be as much of a draw to me. The Boardwalk has its avid fans, but DH and I don't have a real desire to stay there because we vacation at boardwalk towns in New Jersey in the summer. Sounds like I'm not much help, LOL! I would advise giving the Poly a try to see if you like it...or maybe a split stay. We are becoming big fans of the split stay. It gives you opportunity to try something new and still enjoy the tried and true!

Yes...exactly, the tropical theme is really nothing new to us since we come from Singapore . The last time we really did enjoyed our stay at the Contemporary. But we also went to Ohana for breakfast and compared to Contemporary, the Poly had so much atmosphere! It really had a feeling of vacation that is different from Contemporary so we told ourselves that's where we'll stay if we go to WDW again. Now that we are planning another trip, the memory of the convenience of the Contemporary and our pleasant experience is racking havoc to our decision making The ability to walk to MK is also a major plus for the Contemporary.

Regarding split stay, will it mean that we won't be able to be on the dining plan at the second hotel? We did the dining plan previously and enjoyed it very much. I am also concern about wasting time checking in and out of hotels and moving our bags

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

Yes...exactly, the tropical theme is really nothing new to us since we come from Singapore . The last time we really did enjoyed our stay at the Contemporary. But we also went to Ohana for breakfast and compared to Contemporary, the Poly had so much atmosphere! It really had a feeling of vacation that is different from Contemporary so we told ourselves that's where we'll stay if we go to WDW again. Now that we are planning another trip, the memory of the convenience of the Contemporary and our pleasant experience is racking havoc to our decision making The ability to walk to MK is also a major plus for the Contemporary.

Regarding split stay, will it mean that we won't be able to be on the dining plan at the second hotel? We did the dining plan previously and enjoyed it very much. I am also concern about wasting time checking in and out of hotels and moving our bags

If you want to do a split stay between Poly and CR (both Disney resorts), you can still be on the DDP and Disney bell services will even move your bags for you. We stayed at the Poly last year. It is worth at least a few days for the pool and atmosphere. The walks aren't bad at all. The only time it was a real issue was when it was raining. I would go back to the Poly in a heartbeat. You probably are very set on a Theme Park View, given all of the past comments. However, our garden view from Tokelau third floor had a "turn your head to the right" theme park view. Unless you want to be showered and ready for bed as soon as Wishes concludes, the beaches at the Poly provide a great viewing location for Wishes. We were there during the busy time in July, and crowds were not a factor for us at the beach watching wishes. If it were me, and I was doing a split stay, I'd do the TPV at CR and then a GV at Poly. Have a great trip!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Yes...exactly, the tropical theme is really nothing new to us since we come from Singapore . The last time we really did enjoyed our stay at the Contemporary. But we also went to Ohana for breakfast and compared to Contemporary, the Poly had so much atmosphere! It really had a feeling of vacation that is different from Contemporary so we told ourselves that's where we'll stay if we go to WDW again. Now that we are planning another trip, the memory of the convenience of the Contemporary and our pleasant experience is racking havoc to our decision making The ability to walk to MK is also a major plus for the Contemporary.

Regarding split stay, will it mean that we won't be able to be on the dining plan at the second hotel? We did the dining plan previously and enjoyed it very much. I am also concern about wasting time checking in and out of hotels and moving our bags

If the atmosphere at the Poly was impressive to you, even being from Singapore, then I'd say go ahead with the theme park view at the Poly. I don't think you will be disappointed, if you go with the understanding that the castle is not nearly as close to the Poly as it is to the CR...to me, the view is equally breathtaking, but in a different way, if you know what I mean. There are tons of photos on the Poly FAQ thread on this board, and also on the thread on the sub-board "resort photos" (where you will find a thread devoted to Poly photos).

Regarding split stays and the dining plan...the answer is kind of no. If you want the dining plan, you are required to purchase a package that includes tickets (unless you have Annual Passes, then the rules are different about the dining plan). This means that if you wanted the dining plan for both legs of your stay, you'd have to purchase 2 packages, including tickets at both. The problem with purchasing two back-to-back packages is that you don't get credit on your tickets for your previous days of tickets, so you have to pay the higher price for the tickets (you know how it's much cheaper to purchase 8 day tickets than 2 sets of 4-day tickets). You CAN do that, but it would negate any savings you'd realize from purchasing the dining plan. If you do decide on a split, it's best to do the package on the first reservation with tickets that are for your whole length of stay. You would only get the dining plan for the number of nights of your first stay...the credits are good until midnight of the night you check out of the first resort. Then you'd pay room-only and OOP for dining the rest of your stay. You are still welcome to dine in all the same restaurants...you'd just pay OOP. This can actually work out cheaper than the dining plan, depending on where you dine, and you can plan your less expensive restaurants for the second half of your stay.

In terms of moving...that is as easy as pie. We have done it once and will have no problem doing it again. If you decide to do this, I recommend posting a separate question about it to maximize the advice you get. In short, Disney will move your luggage for you while you are at the park or at DTD or a waterpark. The only issue for some is that you have to plan to be "homeless" for the day you move...we find this easy at Disney...we just go to a park!

If that sounds too much of a hassle, just stay at the Poly! It is a wonderful resort!

 

[longing4disney]

We just booked our 11 nights stay at the Contemporary! Yes! Contemporary again.

I did a straw poll among my family members and the vote is unanimous (except me who is still split both ways). These guys (DH and and 2 DS) are so unimaginative! They just remember the good time they had and the convenience of the Contemporary!! In fact, we will be moving to Universal after Disney and again will be staying at HRH like before. The guys in my family are basically "if it was good, why change" guys.

To be fair, now that we have decided, I'm actually pretty excited about going back there! Some sort of homecoming?

We are now keeping our fingers crossed and hope that there will be a GP for FD in Nov/Dec. fingers crossed!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We just booked our 11 nights stay at the Contemporary! Yes! Contemporary again.

I did a straw poll among my family members and the vote is unanimous (except me who is still split both ways). These guys (DH and and 2 DS) are so unimaginative! They just remember the good time they had and the convenience of the Contemporary!! In fact, we will be moving to Universal after Disney and again will be staying at HRH like before. The guys in my family are basically "if it was good, why change" guys.

To be fair, now that we have decided, I'm actually pretty excited about going back there! Some sort of homecoming?

We are now keeping our fingers crossed and hope that there will be a GP for FD in Nov/Dec. fingers crossed!!

I would say you made a great choice going with the Contemporary.