Poly vs. AKL..thoughts please...

[mickeydonald]

We are considering one of these two resorts for our March 2004 trip. I understand the fundamental differences between the two in terms of transportation options, park access and price. We have never stayed at either one of them (we were at WL last year) and are currently debating which one is best. It will be 4 of us including our 2 yr old and 5 yr old. Any thoughts with respect to which might be best in terms of theme, experience, etc.? Quality of rooms, staff? We would prefer to stay at one hotel for the entire week.

Thanks.

 

[kdibattista]

I have not stayed at the Poly so I can't compare but I can tell you that AKL is fabulous!!!! It's our favorite resort and I can't imagine staying anywhere else. We have never had bad transportation service while we were there... in fact, never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. The Poly is probably a more convenient location but again, I can't really comment. I don't think you will be disappointed either way!!!!

 

[mport]

We have stayed at both resorts. Love the WL, the last trip we stayed at the Poly, nice for transportation, watching fire works, neverland club for the kids is much nicer than the cubs den, the only negative comment is that the poly is older and you can tell. Perhaps the better phrase would be nostalgic. Don't get me wrong we liked the Poly but the WL is our favorite, we will let you know if that changes in December with our stay at the AKL.

 

[GladysK]

I really think everyone should stay at AKL at least once. It is such a thrill to walk out on your balcony and see wild animals all the time!

But the one thing I missed there was water-as in lakes. I do love to sit on my balcony and see water.

Poly is so close to MK, and being on the monorail,two big pluses.

 

[disneycuban]

I just got back from the Poly and loved it. It is so relaxing when you walk into the GCH after a long day at the park, IMHO they have better and larger rooms, a better pool, and just a nicer ambiance.

 

[corvair]

We split our stay this summer between the two... We liked AKL and it is nice....but the poly.... i can never go back without staying there....My DDs who are 10 and 13 would say the poly... my 10 year old liked the akl but thought poly was the best ever... my 13 year old loved and i mean loved the akl until we got to the poly... we are glad we stayed at akl one time... but i do not feel the need to go back... in my opinion the restaurants... the pool.... the location....the monorail... the boat to MK was the best...never waited.... i liked the thyme at the poly. are better at the poly...my family even rented the water mice...had a ball.. had to do it 2 days....they were on the water for an hour at a time....thanks...amy

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We have stayed at both resorts several times. My opinion is as much as I favor the AKL, in your situation the Poly would be the better choice. We also have young kids and the monorail is really a blessing. What we have done is spend the first part of the trip at the Poly and done most of our parks from there, then when we transferred to the AKL for the last 3 or so nites, we make it our resort time. AKL is really a wonderful relaxing resort.

Good Luck!

Laura

 

[DrTomorrow]

Polynesian. Better location, bigger rooms, more transportation options, Seven Seas Lagoon and monorail, Monorail, MONORAIL!

 

[Mike_in_FL]

We just got back from staying at both AKL (2 nights) and the Poly (3 nights). My report is somewhere around here... We have three children (7,4 and 21 months), and did not find it that big a deal transferring between the two hotels - they will transfer the luggage for you if you wish. You might want to reconsider and try both! I think AKL is a great contrast from the rest of WDW and well worth a visit for a few days. We really loved both hotels, but if you are only going to try one, I would go for the Poly. The grounds, the lagoon, the castle, the monorail etc. Three words: location, location, location!

Hope this helps!
Mike

 

[mickeydonald]

Thanks for the responses...I hear that the AKL pool is nice. How about Poly since it is an older resort?

 

[corvair]

My DDs thought the poly pool was alot nicer..... so did i...... the AKL pool is bigger but the poly pool is funner.... we loved the under water sound system....and the water fall ..and the slide is great...I thought the AKL pool was hard to walk around... the poly was easy to get around it....and to captain cooks....loved the poly....amy

 

[cindyfan]

Even though the Polynesian is an older resort....
The new pool was just built a couple years ago...2001 I think.
And all the older buildings are going through rehabs. Hawaii, the conciege building should be done by mid-October. They already finished 4 of the buildings, and will start 2 others in September.

We have stayed at both AKL and Poly and we chose Poly again for this Oct.
We do spend time at the resort and AKL has limited activities. Although we love to watch the animals...after about the 3rd day, it got to be kinda old. We were looking to rent boats or bikes.
And the monorail gives us so many options for shopping and meals.

Also, the Poly has a 2nd pool...the quiet pool. When we were at AKL...the pool always seemed crowded....and no where else to relax.
Poly has the beach, we were able to just soak up some sun and relax with a book.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We have stayed at the Poly countless times and at AKL on three occasions. They both have their attributes, however, our favorite is the Poly!

As previously mentioned...the monorail, easy access to MK, new volcano pool, view, atmosphere....returning to the GCH and feeling at home, etc...etc...etc...


Good Luck!