Poly or WL??? -- Help me decide

[bookcrazy]

We are going to WDW for two weeks in Sept. (the 17th to Oct 1). This will be our 3rd trip to WDW. Previously, we've stayed at POFQ and CBR. My DH and I will be celebrating our anniversary while there. And we will be traveling with DS-12 and DD-10.

We will spend our first week at AKL. I am so excited about seeing this resort!! I really think we'll enjoy our visit there, from everything I've seen and have heard. However, 2 weeks is a bit too long for us to stay in one hotel--get tired of same view, food, etc. Plus, we'd really like to experience other WDW hotels. Thus our desire to move to a second hotel.

However, we're at a toss up for our second week. Note: This will be the hotel where we will be celebrating our anniversary. Should we go with the Poly GV or WL (standard view)?? We're looking for a relaxing atmosphere (so DH can completely forget his stressful job and we can enjoy being together). Also, we will be using onsite child care for our night out.

We want good, reliable transportation. The pool will be important to my DC. Although we will be in the parks a lot, we will be spending some time around the resort-- especially since we'll be there for 2 weeks and also due to the early park closings in Sept. So, things to do around the hotel and easy access/ smooth transportation to other entertainment/parks within WDW is important. Also, would like good dining options within hotel & decent travel options to other dining within WDW. Part of our vacation is not having to drive while on property! (unless it's to DTD).

Thank you for reading through all this! Any advice and personal experience at these resorts is appreciated---both the good and the bad!!

 

[Blondie]

Since you are will be staying at the AKL first, I'd opt for the Polynesian.

As much as I adore the WL, since the AKL is very similar in architecture, I'd go with the Poly for a nice change of pace.

You'll have the monorail right there and it doesn't get any more reliable than that! Even though the Poly isn't one of my favorites, it does have a certain charm about it. The rooms are bigger at the Poly too. And don't forget about the two restaurants at the Poly, O'Hana, and the Kona Cafe!

 

[Terk-1]

That's a tough one. I've stayed and enjoyed both. My family stayed recently at the AKL. They liked it, but really enjoyed the WL much better.

I think I would recommend the Polynesian. It's really beautiful and makes you feel like you're in the tropics. It's got the monorail, but also a shuttle boat to the MK and is a quick walk to the TTC.

Just an FYI. The MK monorail begins at 7am from the TTC, but the EPCOT monorail does not start (even on EE days) until 7:30am.

 

[Scoootch]

I'd have to agree with Blondie!

Esp. if you are looking for a totally different theme for your 2nd week and the Poly is so romantic for your anniversary too. Both the WL and the Poly have great pools and restuarants but I have to say -- when we stayed at the WL last Oct., the rooms were quite small for being in the "deluxe hotel" catagory. Not any bigger than the rooms at POR - IMHO Although, aside from the room size we really like WL. You just may want to try out the Poly for both the larger room size and completely different theming being that AKL is kind of similar to WL a bit. Plus you'll have the monorail at the Poly.

Have a wonderful trip. 2 weeks makes for very relaxing.

 

[eeyore0062]

I prefer the tropical feel of the Polynesian to the rustic, Northwest atmosphere of WL.

I also like that the rooms at the Polynesian are SO much bigger than those at the WL.

The Poly is so much more convenient, has a gorgeous beach, and tiki lined walkways which we find very romantic.

We also far prefer the restaurants at the Polynesian.

Both pools are nice, so I can't use them to weigh one against the other.

Whichever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[lmhall2000]

POLY!! The WL is excellent, too, but since you'll be celebrating your anniversary- the Poly has much more of the romantic ambience (sp?) and we'll be there 9/23-30! So maybe our children could play together! We have a ds (8) and two dd's (4&5)
I've heard great thing about the Neverland club for the kids- and we're planning on doing 'Ohana's one night based on the great reviews for their food- plus having the monorail right there and the boats to the parks will be a big plus for the kids. Have a great trip- we loved AKL too- but I think you're right in splitting a 2 week stay.

Tara

 

[minnie my my]

I have experienced the WL's transportation and the Polynesian's. Without a doubt, the polynesian wins. The monorail will get you to the CR and GF a lot quicker than taking a bus to TTC and then another bus or monorail to them. The monorail and boat from the Polynesian are a lot faster to MK than the boat or bus to MK from the WL.

Others have already mentioned the theming. The AKL and WL are very similar in architecture and interior design. If you want a truly different experience the Polynesian would be your best bet. However, they are both wonderful resorts.

 

[bookcrazy]

You all are great!! You've really helped clear up my thinking. It's always good to hear experienced viewpoints from others!! I feel much calmer.

Sounds like the Poly is our choice for this trip!!

(I think we are attracted to both AKL and WL because they are so similiar. I'd never thought of that before!! We will try WL sometime...but I think you're right... we'll do that on a trip when we aren't at AKL too).

THank you so much!! And feel free to point out any great things that we shouldn't miss at the Poly while we are there. (I'll have to get a lime ribbon so I don't miss the great DISer's who are there!!)

Thank you again,
Lisa

 

[goofy4tink]

We were booked for a week at WL this Aug. It has been our dream to be able to do the Polynesian at some time. So...when this package came out, we were able to change to Polynesian for about $350 more! My dd loves Neverland Club, we love the transportation that's available, the room size. I figure that with this deal we should go for the more expensive resort. Next trip we'll go back to WL, which is really what our budget allows normally. Maybe you could do the same thing.