Poly versus CSR

[Masonmj84]

Aside from the location (which, FWIW, I do regard as a significant benefit and don't mean to downplay), what is the large price increase at Poly buying me?

Last time, we stayed at CSR, which I thought was a lovely resort (with, FWIW, great bus service). During our trip, we checked out the Poly (had dinner at 'Ohana), which I thought was also a lovely resort, but not necessarily more lovely than CSR (just different).

For example, as we were walking around the GCH and checking out the grounds near the Volcano Pool area, I commented to my MIL that, "this resort is significantly more expensive than the one where we're staying." Her response was, "oh really? I'd have guessed they'd be about the same price."

And while I thought the Volcano Pool looked cool, it didn't seem all that much cooler than the Dig Site (plus, the Dig Site has a hot tub and seemed less crowded).

So, assuming I like the theming of the resorts about equally, what, other than location, is the hefty price increase of the Poly buying me? Is it the rooms (I know they're bigger but are they really all that much nicer)? Is it that we'll just feel way more immersed in the Disney magic?

In short, sell me on why the Poly is that much better than CSR. What other than location justifies the substantial price increase?

(FWIW, we aren't really into CL as we're deluxe dining addicted teatotallers).

 

[mariamouse]

What we love about the Poly:

-Prime location (walking distance to GF and TTC for transfer to Epcot and direct park buses, monorail to GF, MK and CR, boat to GF and MK)
-Fantastic CS and TS dining options
-Large rooms (definitely much bigger than CSR)
-Volcano pool facing MK castle
-Beautiful torch-lit grounds... so magical at night!
-Great room views (even garden)
-The Hawaiian theme (we just love everything about it.. the music played throughout the grounds, Hawaiian gift shops, laid-back lobby vibe, etc)

For me, a lot of what makes the Poly great is just that feeling I get when I step in the lobby or on the grounds. To me, it just felt like home the second I stepped foot there for the first time. It sounds like you did not at all have this experience when you visited, so I definitely would save your money and stay elsewhere.

 

[jcjen519]

What we love about the Poly:

-Prime location (walking distance to GF and TTC for transfer to Epcot and direct park buses, monorail to GF, MK and CR, boat to GF and MK)
-Fantastic CS and TS dining options
-Large rooms (definitely much bigger than CSR)
-Volcano pool facing MK castle
-Beautiful torch-lit grounds... so magical at night!
-Great room views (even garden)
-The Hawaiian theme (we just love everything about it.. the music played throughout the grounds, Hawaiian gift shops, laid-back lobby vibe, etc)

For me, a lot of what makes the Poly great is just that feeling I get when I step in the lobby or on the grounds. To me, it just felt like home the second I stepped foot there for the first time. It sounds like you did not at all have this experience when you visited, so I definitely would save your money and stay elsewhere.

I agree with all of this. The polynesian is where I grew up staying (until my grandparents bought into dvc). We still frequented the hotel for the occasional stay and always visited for drinks/meals during our stay. The polynesian IS Disney to me. It does not sound like you feel this way and that is fine. I agree that you would be better off saving your money. Everyone appreciates different things in a resort.

 

[marylandgirl]

We have stayed at Poly many times and love it! It's our favorite! With the Poly, it is really all about the convenience of the monorail. Being able to just hop on it back to our room in mid-day for a break from parks was always nice. The restaurants Kona, Ohanas and Capt Cooks are all great too. And I do have to admit, we are big on relaxing at the resort at night, watching the fireworks and electric water parade right from the Poly beach, then taking short walk back to our room. It really does feel like you are "in the magic".

The beach and pool area are nice, but the pool gets so crowded mid-day, you can;t even find a place to put your bag on the ground, let alone find a chair. The pool is definitely too small for the size of resort for sure.

That all being said, for our next trip we are planning on trying CSR, mostly for the points you made -cheaper, similar theming. I believe the prices of Poly have gotten ridiculously high as of this year. I can't see spending that $, even for the location and convenience. We plan to spend more time at parks so we are hoping it will work out. I have seen many pics of CSR and think it looks beautiful too and am looking forward to trying it out.

What didn't you like about CSR that is making you consider Poly? Or do you just want a change this time?

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I love both CSR and Poly and have stayed multiple times at both - it just depends on how much I want to spend (and what time of year it is). For the price of a garden view room at Poly, you can get a junior suite at CSR with two bathrooms and a living room with a pullout sofa.

Poly has larger rooms, and many of the rooms have a balcony. Poly rooms can sleep five and/or can accommodate kids who don't want to sleep together with two queens and a day bed. We thought the beds were more comfortable at CSR, but we liked the Poly rooms as well. Transportation to MK and Epcot is better at Poly, while transportation to DHS, AK and the water parks is better at CSR.

The pool is better at CSR. It is bigger with a better slide, and it doesn't get crowded with pool hoppers like the Poly slide. MY kids definitely prefer the jaguar slide to the volcano slide.

Poly has better dining options. We like Kona a lot and enjoy the character breakfast at 'Ohana. Captain Cook's is good, and they have Dole Whips. Pepper Market at CSR is a great value if you are on the DDP, but it is expensive dining OOP.

Poly has nicer public spaces. CSR lacks a comfortable lobby to hang out in. Unless you are hanging out outside by the lake, you are pretty much in your room or at the pool at CSR. Poly also has the beach to see the fireworks. Our Disney trips aren't really hang out at the resort kind of trips, though, so it is not worth twice the price for us.

If I am paying rack rate, I'd pick CSR every time. For a 40% discount or a room in value season, I'd consider returning to Poly.

 

[KatMark]

We have stayed at both. And while we LOVE both, we would choose CSR over the Poly mostly because of the cost and the fact that the Poly does not have a hot tub (we don't use the monorail....we find it overrated and always breaking down...we find the buses or us driving much faster).

However, I truly believe that everyone, if they have a liking for the Poly, should try it at least once.

 

[iloveeeyore]

We have stayed at the Poly many times and the CSR once (last summer with free dining), so maybe I can offer a little perspective, though I would never wish to sell you on anything. Every person's experience, opinion and values are unique, and what's worth more to one person may seem trivial or frivilous to another.

The Poly is our very favorite resort, and we booked the CSR last summer because we were able to book a pretty cheap trip with free dining (Poly wasn't in the budget that time), and we thought it was an EXCELLENT value! We really liked the CSR, our room was comfortable and we found the transportation convenient and efficient. The pool was very nice and the grounds were lovely! That said, we never really felt like we were in Disney when we were at the resort.

On the other hand, the Poly is completely immersed in the magic! There are views of MK, CR, GF from practically every point. You can see and hear the MK from many of the public spaces. There is the monorail which brings you to the MK in 10 minutes, the GF in 5 minutes, the CR in 13 minutes! You have easy access to dining at so many other resorts, a marina where you can rent watercraft and drive them right up to the MK! There is also a boat available for transportation to the MK or GF, if you prefer that to the monorail.

The rooms are enormous and elaborately themed compared to CSR's. Most rooms have private balconies or patios (request this, because they don't all have that). All rooms have day beds that can be used to comfortably accommodate a 5th adult. The rooms are also accessed from inside hallways, which for us, is better, but not everyone prefers this feature.

I can't say enough about that intangeable pixie dust that we feel at the Poly. Yes, the CSR has a lovely beach with palm trees and hammocks...but they don't have a panoramic view of MK and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Yes, CSR has a great pool...but it doesn't have a wicked-fast slide that goes through a volcano or hawaiian music playing underwater. CSR is beautiful at night, especially in the Casitas area...but no tiki torches.

It's all a matter of personal perspective, and like I said, we really liked CSR, wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. But for us, the Poly does have enough extra magic to make it worth the difference in price...for us.

 

[mariamouse]

We have stayed at the Poly many times and the CSR once (last summer with free dining), so maybe I can offer a little perspective, though I would never wish to sell you on anything. Every person's experience, opinion and values are unique, and what's worth more to one person may seem trivial or frivilous to another.

The Poly is our very favorite resort, and we booked the CSR last summer because we were able to book a pretty cheap trip with free dining (Poly wasn't in the budget that time), and we thought it was an EXCELLENT value! We really liked the CSR, our room was comfortable and we found the transportation convenient and efficient. The pool was very nice and the grounds were lovely! That said, we never really felt like we were in Disney when we were at the resort.

On the other hand, the Poly is completely immersed in the magic! There are views of MK, CR, GF from practically every point. You can see and hear the MK from many of the public spaces. There is the monorail which brings you to the MK in 10 minutes, the GF in 5 minutes, the CR in 13 minutes! You have easy access to dining at so many other resorts, a marina where you can rent watercraft and drive them right up to the MK! There is also a boat available for transportation to the MK or GF, if you prefer that to the monorail.

The rooms are enormous and elaborately themed compared to CSR's. Most rooms have private balconies or patios (request this, because they don't all have that). All rooms have day beds that can be used to comfortably accommodate a 5th adult. The rooms are also accessed from inside hallways, which for us, is better, but not everyone prefers this feature.

I can't say enough about that intangeable pixie dust that we feel at the Poly. Yes, the CSR has a lovely beach with palm trees and hammocks...but they don't have a panoramic view of MK and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Yes, CSR has a great pool...but it doesn't have a wicked-fast slide that goes through a volcano or hawaiian music playing underwater. CSR is beautiful at night, especially in the Casitas area...but no tiki torches.

It's all a matter of personal perspective, and like I said, we really liked CSR, wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. But for us, the Poly does have enough extra magic to make it worth the difference in price...for us.

I love this post. Sums up my love of the Poly so perfectly.

 

[Masonmj84]

What didn't you like about CSR that is making you consider Poly? Or do you just want a change this time?

About the only things about CSR I didn't like were how spread out the resort was (we were in the Ranchos section) and that you had to take buses everywhere (even though I thought the bus service was excellent).

I loved the theming and feel of CSR and, for the price, thought it was fantastic.

I love the theming and feel of the Poly too, but the price difference makes me scratch my head.

The main reasons I'm considering the Poly are:

1) To try something different as well as to satisfy my curiosity about what all the hoopla is about.

2) For location/convenience. This trip, we have MVMCP tickets and an 8 am character breakfast in MK the next morning. We have young kids, so I love the idea of letting them fall asleep in the stroller at the party and then being able to wheel them back to the room without having to fold up the stroller. Then, the next morning we can sleep in a bit later than if we were staying at a non-monorail resort.

3) I'd like to see Wishes from not only the vantage point of within the MK (which we plan to do during MVMCP) but also farther out (i.e., the Poly Beach or TTC) on a different night, while at the same time, having an easy stroll back to our room.

I just don't want to spend all that extra money to stay at the Poly and then end up having buyer's remorse if it doesn't end up being all that much better than our experience at CSR.

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

I love both resorts for different reasons.

CSR was our first resort at Disney. My DD picked it out for her 14th birthday trip. We love the pool (better than Poly IMO-especially with the hot tub). We love each of the 3 areas of CSR. The queen beds were oh so comfy. I think I honestly have slept better at CSR than the Poly. And we loved the out of the way feel of CSR although it really isn't far out at all. The Disney theme is more subtle there which makes for a very relaxing and even romantic trip. I recommended CSR to a co-worker for her and her now husband and they loved it!

I wouldn't hesitate to return to CSR for a budget or romantic trip.

The Polynesian is absolutely wonderful. It is my personal home away from home. It fits our family better now (except for the pool) because DD and DS can no longer share a bed. The much bigger rooms (especially in Tahiti) and the location to the TTC are tops for us. We love the atmosphere, the view, the smells and the access to great food. We ate at CSR only once during our 3 stays there. We eat at the Poly at least once every trip.

Now that we've bought into DVC we aren't likely to return to the Poly until they build a DVC there. The cost is too much. However for a quick trip when we are out of points, we will go to CSR for almost as much magic with a much lighter bite out of the wallet.

 

[Amy&Dan]

We have stayed at both. And while we LOVE both, we would choose CSR over the Poly mostly because of the cost and the fact that the Poly does not have a hot tub (we don't use the monorail....we find it overrated and always breaking down...we find the buses or us driving much faster).

However, I truly believe that everyone, if they have a liking for the Poly, should try it at least once.

This is exactly how we feel.

Even when my kids were younger, we spent time evenly at all the parks, so being so close to the MK wasn't a huge perk.

The Poly for us is a "so glad we stayed there" but CSR just works better for us and at less than half the price, its a no brainer for us.


Posted from DISboards.com App for Android

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

We've stayed at both. I'd choose the Poly over CSR any day. We love the monorail, the grounds, the pool, the larger rooms, the ability to watch and hear Wishes from the Poly beach, the QS dining, and the overall atmosphere.

While CSR was fine and we did really like the pool, we didn't like how spread out the resort was. We also didn't like the Pepper Market (though to be fair, it was our 1st time on DDP and we were SO lost in how to use it), and we REALLY disliked the convention atmosphere.

 

[*Fantasia*]

The large price increase buys you at the Polynesian are.. The view of the Magic Kingdom-- The Castle! You can see the fireworks nightly from the beach. It will buy you a nightly water parade.. what do you call that?? You can easily walk to TTC for the Epcot monorail. If you like Ohana restaurant, it's right there in your own resort. ...and there's your monorail. Of course, you must like the tropical theme of the South Pacific.

If I have the money to stay there and not worry about budgeting, then I would stay there. It's the deluxe resort that I would want to keep going back to if money is not an issue. (to add... WL is also my other deluxe option.)

Some of us may say it's worth every penny and some of us may say it's not worth paying that much. You should at least try Poly once so you can experience it yourself if Poly is worth spending on.

 

[longhorns2]

I felt like I was on a poor mans Hawaiian vacation at the Poly. Like I got 2 vacations in one: the trip to WDW and the parks PLUS this magical tropical place to come home to.

I loved walking the paths lit with tiki torches at night, eating at Kona and Ohana (and Cooks!- all freakin AWESOME) then wandering back to the beach for WISHES or just to hang in the hammock on the beach. Traveling over to the GF for meals was a cinch as well (we monorailed it, but could have walked just as easily)

I am a commando park type person, but I didn't feel as rushed that trip because the transportation options allowed me faster access to MK and Epcot in particular (our 2 favorite and most visited parks for dining and fun) I was actually able to chill out and relax in the room and on the Poly grounds.

The beds were comfy and HUGE compared to other resorts on property, so this was a big plus. Had a huge bathroom as well.

So the time savings of the location, plus the extra magic I felt, plus the proximity of some great food = a magical stay. We plan on going back next summer to the Poly.

I don't know that you will have the same positive experience I had, because, sure, the sticker shock is bigger. I was there on a deep discounted room so that also played into my loving it so much- but the price isn't standing in the way of me signing up for another stay!

Before the poly, I was of the opinion that it didn't matter *that* much which resort because we were there just to sleep and shower at night. But after that trip, I realized I can have a two-fer as it was of a vacation. The resort is part of the vacation, not just a place to land after a long day.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

You know I have never thought much of the Poly - except that it was very overpriced - it has never been on my list of places I wanted to stay. I lived for a few years in Hawaii and the Poly just never did much for me.

That said - I was at MK today - had a great day - but by 1:00pm it was getting VERY crowded and I was looking for a calm, relaxing place to get a bite to eat before heading home. I decided to go for a pork sandwich at Captain Cook's. I ate outside on the patio overlooking the Volcano Pool - and the Lagoon and it was really, really beautiful - the landscaping was gorgeous - the views stunning - the food better than what I remembered and I loved the piped in Hawaiian music. The relaxing ambiance made such an impression on me this time that I think I will do that more often when I find MK just a little to busy for my liking. Definitely for me today the Poly hit the spot!

 

[*Fantasia*]

You know I have never thought much of the Poly - except that it was very overpriced - it has never been on my list of places I wanted to stay. I lived for a few years in Hawaii and the Poly just never did much for me.

That said - I was at MK today - had a great day - but by 1:00pm it was getting VERY crowded and I was looking for a calm, relaxing place to get a bite to eat before heading home. I decided to go for a pork sandwich at Captain Cook's. I ate outside on the patio overlooking the Volcano Pool - and the Lagoon and it was really, really beautiful - the landscaping was gorgeous - the views stunning - the food better than what I remembered and I loved the piped in Hawaiian music. The relaxing ambiance made such an impression on me this time that I think I will do that more often when I find MK just a little to busy for my liking. Definitely for me today the Poly hit the spot!

If you were not a Florida residence, would you pay more money to stay at the Poly or would you save money and stay at CRS?

 

[Mousemommy1]

About the only things about CSR I didn't like were how spread out the resort was (we were in the Ranchos section) and that you had to take buses everywhere (even though I thought the bus service was excellent).

I loved the theming and feel of CSR and, for the price, thought it was fantastic.

I love the theming and feel of the Poly too, but the price difference makes me scratch my head.

The main reasons I'm considering the Poly are:

1) To try something different as well as to satisfy my curiosity about what all the hoopla is about.

2) For location/convenience. This trip, we have MVMCP tickets and an 8 am character breakfast in MK the next morning. We have young kids, so I love the idea of letting them fall asleep in the stroller at the party and then being able to wheel them back to the room without having to fold up the stroller. Then, the next morning we can sleep in a bit later than if we were staying at a non-monorail resort.

3) I'd like to see Wishes from not only the vantage point of within the MK (which we plan to do during MVMCP) but also farther out (i.e., the Poly Beach or TTC) on a different night, while at the same time, having an easy stroll back to our room.

I just don't want to spend all that extra money to stay at the Poly and then end up having buyer's remorse if it doesn't end up being all that much better than our experience at CSR.

I apologize if I have missed this...but, have you stayed deluxe before??? I only ask because it sounds like you are trying to determine if staying at the Poly will be worth the extra costs.

I can only speak from the perspective of our family. We have always stayed at value resorts, except for once at CBR, which we did not like. For our trip last month, we decided we would try deluxe, since we've done all of the values and we were kind of turned off of mods because of CBR...

Well, it was very difficult for me to justify the cost we were paying for WL CL (with a 40% discount) but those questions of whether it was worth it absolutely melted away once we got there. We had an absolutely perfect 11 days!!! . From the relaxed vibe at the resort to the amped up service and the location (with boat access to MK, as well as easy access to monorail via boat to CR) we absolutely fell in love...and knew that our money was well spent. I think it will be hard not to do a deluxe in the future. As a matter of fact, we are booked for POLY CL for April (also with a 40% discount) and even though our trip could be a lot cheaper, it's not the experience we are looking for...

So, the point of my rambling is that you won't know until you try. And only you can decide if it's worth it to you. But, speaking from personal experience, I think you may find that it is totally worth it!!!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

If you were not a Florida residence, would you pay more money to stay at the Poly or would you save money and stay at CRS?

I think I would stay at CSR before I would book the Poly right now. CSR is a resort that I have wanted to stay at - and is good value for money spent - which I like - guess I am not willing to give up good value at this point. Just where I am at the moment. But I must admit that the Poly has grown on me today - and given some time I might just be inclined to stay there. I am not there yet - my favorite resorts are AKL, and BWI right now - which I might book on a discounted AP rate - but I have to say I might consider the Poly - where as before I was not at all considering a stay there.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

We have stayed at both - I would pick POLY a million times over CSR. But that being said, I have zero desire to stay at CSR again..I would stay at POP again before we returned to CSR.

CSR just wasn't our thing. It was HUGE - 20 minute walk to get a diet coke after walking in the Park all day..no thank you. We didn't love the theming and the Pepper Market was a big *fail* for us.

Poly - Is heavenly to us. LOVE the tropical theming, food options (Dole Whip on tap), sandy beach to watch Wishes - and all the other fabulous things others have mentioned.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I think I would stay at CSR before I would book the Poly right now. CSR is a resort that I have wanted to stay at - and is good value for money spent - which I like - guess I am not willing to give up good value at this point. Just where I am at the moment. But I must admit that the Poly has grown on me today - and given some time I might just be inclined to stay there. I am not there yet - my favorite resorts are AKL, and BWI right now - which I might book on a discounted AP rate - but I have to say I might consider the Poly - where as before I was not at all considering a stay there.

Sounds good. CSR is a nice resort. I've stayed there twice. I'm glad I tried all the resort (except POR) because I found my favorite moderate which is POFQ! We will be trying POR next year just to see if we will like POR even more. I want to try AKL, but it's too remote from all the parks except AK. And AKL inside structures resemble WL a little bit. I think I prefer WL because it's closer to MK and I love the Northwest Pacific theme. I'm glad Disney have something for everyone!