Poly or CR

[Fiveisaparty]

I have posted about CR before, so bear with me I am planning on a trip this December with my in laws and my husband's brother and his family. We booked 3 rooms at CR, but I really am thinking about breaking from the pack and staying at Poly. I would be by myself with my 3 kids (husband doesn't want to spend vacation time on "another disney trip" since we did DCL earlier this year). I have always wanted to stay at Poly and this is my first time to stay at a Deluxe resort (3 mods one value last 4 years). I figure if I springing for a Deluxe I should stay where I really want, but I am a little worried about navigating it myself with my kids (6,7, 9 at the time). What do you guys think? Is Poly really that much better or is it in my head? I would still be close to the family, but imho a better resort. Thoughts? TIA

 

[pieface]

I have stayed at the poly several times I love the place. The south seas theme is wonderful it's quieter than C R. The monorail is more convenient and the resort is much cleaner. You can take a break and sit on the beach lay in a hammock. Much more relaxed place I love it.

 

[monorailsilver]

If you are going to want to spend pool time with the rest of the family then no, don't switch resorts.

If you think just being in the parks is all the family time you are going to want then yes!

Your kids aren't that young so they won't be running off in 3 different directions so I don't think navigating them around will be difficult.

Do they all swim? That would be the only thing I'd be worried abut. What if one doesn't want to do the slide and the rest do, you'd have to watch in different directions.

I just have to say you are a good wife for going on a Disney trip with out your Dh and with his family/your ILs! I couldn't do it.

 

[Fiveisaparty]

I just have to say you are a good wife for going on a Disney trip with out your Dh and with his family/your ILs! I couldn't do it.

LOL...well, I do like my inlaws and the kids and I love Disney so I'd rather go with them than not at all

 

[Wood Nymph]

I can think of many reasons why it will be a much nicer trip for you and your kids if you stay at the same resort. The kids will love the CR and spending lots of time with their relatives. If your DH was with you then that is a whole different scenario. But with kids that age you still have to be with them all the time. You won't have the benefit of having the instant babysitting you would get if you don't stay at the same resort.

 

[scarlett24]

The Polynesian is a beautiful resort and it is also very easy to navigate. I would be very comfortable being there with just my kids. It is only a hop, skip and a jump away from the Contemporary, so you and your family won't be far away from each other and some alone time may be nice at the end of the day. If you have your heart set on it, I would go for it. I would choose the Poly over CR anyday.

 

[wiigirl]

I would suggest the Poly.

 

[Fiveisaparty]

I think I going to try and convince everyone to switch to poly

 

[Fiveisaparty]

My SIL doesn't want to switch, she is doubtful we would use the pool. I don't know she may be right since it is December. I guess I'll just keep thinking about Poly...I really think I'd like it better, but maybe my kids would like CR more. Decisions, decisions

 

[mmmears]

The Polynesian is a beautiful resort and it is also very easy to navigate. I would be very comfortable being there with just my kids. It is only a hop, skip and a jump away from the Contemporary, so you and your family won't be far away from each other and some alone time may be nice at the end of the day. If you have your heart set on it, I would go for it. I would choose the Poly over CR anyday.

Totally agree.

 

[Happyjen27]

I think it's better to stay with the group than stay alone. I see you're going to try and convince everyone to stay with you at the Poly, which is a smart compromise.

I didn't love the Poly, but I find I'm in the minority on that. I'm not quite sure the grass is greener at CR, but I'll be finding out my next trip.

If everyone is solid on wanting the CR, I would stay with them. Don't give up on the Poly, you can try it next time.

Just think, CR might be the first deluxe on the quest to try them all.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

I've written about this many times here already, but it's been a while so here goes!

The Poly was my dream resort. CR was DH's. I was pretty darn luke warm on staying at CR if the truth be told.......) For our 20th anniversary we went without our girls and did a split stay between CR and Poly. As soon as I walked into the CR, I fell in love!! LOVE LOVE LOVE CR!!! Love the room decor and love the TPV. Not only is it pure magic watching the colors change on the castle ALL NIGHT LONG which you can see laying in bed but the view during the day of looking out to see the expanse of the Poly, GF and Seven Seas Lagoon is very special. Being able to walk out the door and be on your way to the MK is PRICELESS. LOVE IT!

Anyway, after a couple of nights we were on our way to check in at the Poly. What a let down. It wasn't as special as I thought. The low ceilings and circa 1970's hallway decor just didn't do it for me. The grounds are really beautiful for sure. I know I would like the new room decor but it's still a low ceiling type of feel that I just didn't like. And, the biggie for me was when you do take the buses, the buses stop first at CR and then Poly. It doesn't seem like a big deal in writing but when you're on a bus at midnight coming back from DHS, it's annoying. I just kept wishing we had stayed at CR for our entire trip. We have since returned to stay at CR, and I continue to love it.

In my mind, the convenience of staying at CR cannot be beat. Everything is under one roof, the transportation is fantastic, and that walk to MK. Worth every penny! We would walk over in the morning, take the monorail back in the afternoon with no wait and be in our room so quickly.

I do understand the draw of the Poly, especially if you've never stayed there. I'm all for Mama being able to stay where she wants -- everyone should be able to try their dream resort. Good luck. The bottom line is this: You are going to have an amazing vacation no matter if you stay at CR or the Poly. It's a huge blessing to be having to decide between the two.

 

[Fiveisaparty]

I agree it is a blessing! I was also thinking maybe I'd do a split stay, just don't know if it is worth the hassle of repacking everyone. Thanks for your thoughts. That makes me feel better because I am also indifferent to CR.

 

[freediverdude]

IMO the choice between CR and Poly is one of the hardest resort decisions to make. Both have their pluses and minuses. So I think the answer is "it depends on your situation". One thing you mentioned, about going in December, your relative may have a point there. Especially towards mid-to-late December, it will most likely be chilly here and there, and you won't feel much like doing the Volcano pool and hammocks and everything over at the Poly, vs. most things are under one heated/cooled roof over at CR.

Some pluses for CR are:
-Walk to/from MK (absolutely worth every penny after fireworks not having to deal with a line for the monorail or bus)
-Most things under one roof, including health club and restaurants/shopping
-last stop on monorail before switching to Epcot monorail
-rooftop restaurant with fantastic view of fireworks

Some pluses for Poly are:
- Cool Pacific theming and tiki torches
- Volcano pool with what I consider the best pool slide on property, although that's a matter of opinion, lol
- luau dinner show
-walk to Epcot monorail

Good luck with your decision! It's a very tough choice since both have good transportation options and amenities.

 

[chasgoose]

I would probably just stay with the CR. If you push everyone to the Poly, if things aren't to their liking or things just go wrong (which is possible even at Disney) you will be blamed for it. Those who like the Poly really like it, but those who don't really don't. It's theme isn't for everyone and if your in-laws don't like it now, they probably aren't going to like it later...

 

[1971DBday]

Why don't you do a split stay?

Also, we used the pool in December. We've seen 70s and low 80s in December and even swam on some high 60s days!

 

[lmhall2000]

Absolutely stay at the CR! We have been to both, thought for sure CR would not be our cup of tea...we loved it! Never plan on going back to Poly, rooms do seem darker and I really do not like the new decor...CR is soothing, relaxing and you can walk to MK! Have everyone go to Ohanas for dinner...get your fix and enjoy CR!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

As much as I love the Poly, I would stay at CR with the rest of the family. Because you are going without your DH, you really need to think of the "what ifs" since you are the only adult in the room. What if you or one of the children become ill? You will need other adults nearby to take care of the other children. What if everyone wants to go swimming together? Must be staying at same resort. What if you forget something in the room? Can't really send back another adult to retrieve at another resort as they will not be familiar with the layout. What if.......(fill in the blank) If you DH was with you, it would be a different dynamic. Also, you do not want the rest of the family to feel like you are putting a wedge between your groups.

You can always choose the Poly for a later trip that is not an extended family trip. If deciding between the CR and Poly are the biggest issues of this trip, you are truly blessed Have a magical vacation

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

As much as I love the Poly, I would stay at CR with the rest of the family. Because you are going without your DH, you really need to think of the "what ifs" since you are the only adult in the room. What if you or one of the children become ill? You will need other adults nearby to take care of the other children. What if everyone wants to go swimming together? Must be staying at same resort. What if you forget something in the room? Can't really send back another adult to retrieve at another resort as they will not be familiar with the layout. What if.......(fill in the blank) If you DH was with you, it would be a different dynamic. Also, you do not want the rest of the family to feel like you are putting a wedge between your groups.

You can always choose the Poly for a later trip that is not an extended family trip. If deciding between the CR and Poly are the biggest issues of this trip, you are truly blessed Have a magical vacation

I agree with this.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[mickeynut1]

The Polynesian is a beautiful resort and it is also very easy to navigate. I would be very comfortable being there with just my kids. It is only a hop, skip and a jump away from the Contemporary, so you and your family won't be far away from each other and some alone time may be nice at the end of the day. If you have your heart set on it, I would go for it. I would choose the Poly over CR anyday.

These are my thoughts as well . However, to be fair, we haven't stayed at the CR (yet). The Poly is our favorite out of all of the resorts we've stayed at, but we are giving the CR a try in December.

My SIL doesn't want to switch, she is doubtful we would use the pool. I don't know she may be right since it is December. I guess I'll just keep thinking about Poly...I really think I'd like it better, but maybe my kids would like CR more. Decisions, decisions

We've been twice during December and the weather is very unpredictable that time of year. Our first December trip we were able to swim on our arrival day, but then the temps quickly went down and the pool was closed the rest of the week due to the cold. However, on our 2nd December trip, temps for a few days were in the 80s and we were able to swim 2 or 3 days. So with that said, as much as we love the volcano pool at the Poly (it's our favorite), I wouldn't choose a resort solely on the pool for a December trip as the weather is too iffy and there is a chance you won't be able to use it. But if the Poly overall is appealing to you, I would stay there. The tropical atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing and you can't beat having the beach for watching the fireworks .

I agree it is a blessing! I was also thinking maybe I'd do a split stay, just don't know if it is worth the hassle of repacking everyone. Thanks for your thoughts. That makes me feel better because I am also indifferent to CR.

A split stay is a great idea, especially if everyone is split between 2 different resorts. It's easy to do as Disney will move your luggage for you, but keep in mind that there is a chance you will be without a room for part of the day when you change resorts. Also, if you are doing the DDP and want it for the whole trip, a ticket purchase is required for each stay. Good luck .