Poly Standard vs. AKL SV

[Jen4400]

Hi all. We are currently booked at AKL SV the first week of February. There is DH, DS6, DS4, and myself. We were able to get the Salute to Armed Forces discount, so we got a great rate. Although AKL sounds fantastic, I can't stop thinking about the Poly, especially because of its location. We aren't able to get a Salute discount at the Poly (or any monorail resort) for our dates, and so the price difference is about $1000.

We love the theming and restaurant choices at AKL, and I think we would be really happy there. That being said, the Poly theming looks fun and the location and transportation options are very appealing. I should also note that we are staying seven nights and will spend five days in the parks (2 MK, 1 each in the other parks).

Is staying at the Poly (standard) really worth an extra $1000 more than AKL SV?

Thank you!!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The question I always ask is: What else could you be doing with that $1000?

For some, that's practically a rounding error in their checkbook. For others, it's a nice chunk of an IRA contribution (nearly 20% of the annual limit!) or the difference between running part of the vacation on credit vs. paying cash, or having several character meals and a nice souvenir for each kid vs. "we stayed at a nicer resort." It can also be "that's a month of overtime" versus "that's 3 hours of billable because you're a hotshot lawyer."

So I usually start there. Poly and AKL are both beautiful resorts, with their own merits and features. You will have a nice vacation at either. The question becomes: What do you give up to have the vacation at Poly vs. AKL in terms of time, money, things, etc.

 

[maryj11]

I would choose the Poly over AK but with our budget a 1000.00 would be to much for us. It depends on if you have plenty of money I guess. You could do a split stay.

 

[JonesFamilyTravels]

We love both resorts! Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is such an amazing experience. You will love it! It is our favorite Disney Deluxe Resort. Since you are saving so much money, why don't you spend an evening at Disney's Polynesian. You can do the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and then watch the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes Fireworks from the beach. That way you can enjoy some of this resort and still save a lot of money!

 

[Nancyg56]

I think that they both have merits that place them in "my favorites" category. I will say that our stay at AKL was lovely. It is totally not the Poly, and that is in a good way. WHen you leave any of the parks and return to AKL, you return to a different World. This was especially nice for us because our DGD was able to decompress and I unwind form all the stimulation the parks we about. I did not find the buses a problem, and I really did not think that the Lodge was remote. If you choose this resort, and for $1000 I would need a very good reason not to, especially with Savannah view....plan to spend some time here. It is worthy of exploration.

The Poly is the polar opposite of AKL. It is tropical, lush and very Disney. The transportation options are very convenient to Epcot and MK, and it offers plenty of dining and entertainment options. This is, with the exception of my newly created teenaged "resort snob" granddaughter and me, my families favorite resort. It is pricey though, so I need a really good reason to book it.

Look at your overall vacation budget, see what you want to do, and if your funds would be stretched if you make the change from AKL to the Poly. AS much as I like to choose resorts based on my wants, I also consider if the additional funds spent on a resort would reduce my spending in regards to dining and entertainment. If your kids are younger and would want souveniers, would you have to say no? This is different than wanting to say No. Would you eliminate character dining and skimp on food? This is just the vacation portion.
How about your overall position? Does it take away from your emergency cushion? I refuse to go over my vacation budget. If I can move resorts and still remain within my comfort level I do. If not, I choose the one that keeps me from worrying that I will return home with buyers remorse.

 

[Jen4400]

Thanks for the responses. After sleeping on it, we've decided to stay at AKL. The reality is that spending that extra $1000 isn't going to make our vacation better, it will just change the experience. Also, that is a lot of money and we'd be better off saving it. Very much looking forward to our trip and staying at AKL. Thanks again!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for the responses. After sleeping on it, we've decided to stay at AKL. The reality is that spending that extra $1000 isn't going to make our vacation better, it will just change the experience. Also, that is a lot of money and we'd be better off saving it. Very much looking forward to our trip and staying at AKL. Thanks again!

Great! It will change the experience, but I bet it will be for the better. Take a look at all the resort activities AKL offers, and make time to enjoy some of them. For my family, our AKL trip was one we looked at as "The Perfect Vacation" and the one my husband, who had experienced sticker shock when I told him the total cost of our package, (we booked CL for two rooms on this trip) said was the best money we ever spent.

There was something surreal about relaxing on the balcony with coffee in the morning, or wine before leaving for dinner, watching the animals grazing. We could have stayed there all day, just enjoying that special view. The art tour of this resort was pretty amazing as well, and I took the time to enjoy the restaurant tour. The CM's there love to discuss "home" and will spend as much time with you as you want. I will never be able to vist Africa, but since I know that won't happen, I think this experience was a nice way to take a peek at that exotic area.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the responses. After sleeping on it, we've decided to stay at AKL. The reality is that spending that extra $1000 isn't going to make our vacation better, it will just change the experience. Also, that is a lot of money and we'd be better off saving it. Very much looking forward to our trip and staying at AKL. Thanks again!

We've stayed at both the Poly and AKL and while the Poly is our favorite overall, we also love AKL. AKL is a beautiful resort with a relaxing atmosphere and great dining options. I think you'll have a great time .