Poly or CR for Sept?

[MUNUMom]

I am at the beginning of planning my trip down and am hoping to stay on the monorail. We normally stay at the WL but have little girls and are thinking it will be easier. We have decided to look at either the Poly or CR. Anyway, I was hoping for some opinions on which resort people prefer. What is most important to us is a nice room and not havng to walk far to get onto the monorail. I know the pool at the CR is plain, but that really isn't that big of a deal. Any thoughts would be great. TIA

 

[KatMark]

We have stayed at both--with and without our kids. We have not been at the CR in years, but our most recent visit at the Poly was in 2004 when our oldest son graduated high school (we took him and his girlfriend). We like it better because it is more quiet than the CR and we just don't like the theme of the CR anymore. We also prefer the restaurants at Poly and the pools.

 

[CoolPool]

Which theme appeals to you more? One is mod and one is tropical. Look at pictures. Which says "vacation" to you?

I think how close you are to the monorail will depend on what type of room you book. Naturally if you book CR tower then you'll be very close to the monorail; it will be in the same building. However, there are garden view rooms at the Poly that are steps away from the monorail too. So there is a price point to consider.

The last point to consider is construction. The CR has a new Kingdom Hall, I mean Tower, going up. So that's something to consider as well.

 

[spiceycat]

in sept - believe me the pool will be a BIG deal.

hot and humdity.

if you stay in the tower - definitely less walking to the monrail.

the polyn some building are not close to the poly monrail. but it definitely has the better pool.

would also go with it - just for the pool.

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

You also have to consider that CR is within walking distance of the MK. Sometimes the lines for the monorail get really backed up. If you stay at CR you can just walk in about 10 mins.

My vote would be for CR.....we're staying there in Oct. in the tower, theme park view!!!

 

[MUNUMom]

Thanks for the info.....I think the walk way to MK is worth it to stay at CR. We will have to wait and see.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I have a preference for the Polynesian because you can walk to the GCH to get the monorail to the MK or take a short walk to the TTC to get the EPCOT monorail. There are two pools. Plus, you can swim in the Volcano pool and see the castle in the background while you do so, and there's a little kid's water play area by the volcano pool. And there are lots of kids activites at the Poly for kids at the Keki Corner in the GCH.

You also have to consider that CR is within walking distance of the MK. Sometimes the lines for the monorail get really backed up. If you stay at CR you can just walk in about 10 mins.

In addition to the monorail, you can take the boat launch from the MK to the Polynesian (it stops at the Grand Floridian first). I've found the monorail lines move pretty quickly for the resort monorail. Walking to the CR sounds like a good idea but unless a stroller is involved, small kids with small legs usually don't look forward to doing this after walking in the parks all day.

Go with what resort fits yours and your family's needs best. Both resorts are nice!

 

[brergnat]

Look at some online pictures and have your daughter choose.

While I think the CR rooms are nice, they seem too "standard hotel" to me. EVERY hotel these days looks like that...it's a nice place for adults to stay if they don't want to feel like they are at Disney...

I think the Poly is more kid friendly. Not that the CR isn't, but for a 5 year old, the CR is a bit too "adult". CR is much better for teenagers.

Regarding transportation, I think the Poly wins. Being within walking distance to the TTC is a nice plus. The walk to MK from Contemporary is nice, but not faster than the monorail. Plus, the Poly has the boat to the Poly AND there is a large ferry from MK to TTC, so technically, you have three options to get back to Poly from MK.

Poly has better restaurants, and their 24hr quick service is good (and the CR temporarily has only a "grab and go" counter service, due to the construction).

I'd choose Poly.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have stayed at both Resorts and I would go with the Contemporary. Besides the thememing of both Resorts, what sets the Contemporary apart is the walkway to the Magic Kingdom and the fact they are the 1st stop on the Resort Monorail when leaving the Magic Kingdom. They are also the 1st bus stop when returning from Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney, since both Resorts share bus service. As for Epcot I know some people say the walk to the TTC is very fast and I thought it was good myself. However I thought it was faster taking the Monorail there and it's a very quick 30 second ride there, so I don't see how some people say walking is faster. Finally by September the Contemporary's new counter service location which is to be called Chef Mickey's Express should be open by then. Incase it's not their temporary location has a very good menu of food to choose from.

 

[joenan88]

I was at The Poly last November and visited GF and CR..My kids (9, 7 and 6) were enamored with the CR...They liked the pool at The Poly but the thought of staying in a resort where the monorail runs through appeals to small kids...and some adults..I still think it is cool.. So we booked the MK view to surprise them in August..they will be thrilled!

 

[frdeb1999]

I'd choose Poly. The monorail is right there and we have never had to wait more then a few mins for one. The walk to the TTC is not bad at all, and if you really want you can always ride the monorail completely around to it and then change over. We love the boat launches that go accross, very relaxing. The pool is wonderfull and the theming is fantasic. We are'nt huge fans of CR at all. Just seems too busy and crowded all the time. Poly is very laid back and relaxing.