The Polynesian is very tranquil with the South Pacific theming. The rooms are larger than the AKL and recently refurbished. DH liked the new flat screen TVs - Go Figure! Here are some things to think abut - the 6 PM torch lighting ceremony, evening electrical water pageant parade, watching Wishes fireworks from the beach, 'Ohanas, Kona Cafe, the friendliest CMs (in our experience). The monorail is great. You can get to the MK, GF, and the CR from the Polynesian via monorail. Depending on which longhouse you are staying in, the Ticket and Transporation Center is a 5-10 minute walk where you can get the monorail to Epcot and bypass the bus. We visit the Polynesian at least once per year, usually in the height of the busy summer season, once over Easter. While I do not doubt posters regarding pool hoppers and overcrowding of the pool, we have not personally experienced this. We go to the parks in the AM and head to the pool around 1 PM. Does it get crowded? Sometimes - but we have always been able to find chairs, unlike our experiences at SAB at the YC/BC. The kids will love the Volcano pool. If you have GV and want to be close to the pool and GCH, I woud request the Somoa longhouse. Also check out the activities in the GCH. They have hula dancing lessons and crafts. The Polynsesian has the highest % of original CMs still working there. I'm sure others have more to add. The Polynesian was our favorite resort before joining DVC which is why we still try to stay there at least once a year. You will have a wonderful trip!!!