Poly vs AKL

[kyleandconnorsmom]

My family of 5 rented points and stayed at AKV-Jambo last month and we loved everything about it. It was our first deluxe stay and we are hooked. I am currently in the process of planning a trip for my mom to take myself and my kids and my brother and his family next July. Due to my brother and sil wanting to stay at a resort that has a boat to dtd, our options are limited for that trip. However, DH and I were talking about perhaps planning a trip for October 2016 since he can't go with us in July. If not then, then April or October 2017. We will likely rent points again. Our first inclination is to go back to AKL, because we loved it so much and wished we had spent more time at the resort. However, I've always been intrigued by the Poly. ODS and I watched a YouTube video tour of the Poly the other day and we really loved it. I noticed that you can get a studio at the Poly that sleeps 5 for about the same amount of points that you can get a 1 bedroom at AKL. Space is not a huge deal for us, we did the studio at AKL this year, because YDS was just a few weeks shy of turning 3, and we found it to be sufficient as far as space. I am also not concerned with being able to take the monorail. I think it would be neat and fun, but the location would not be the reason I would book the Poly, as we enjoy the buses and have never had a complaint about bus transportation. I just question if we should go with what we enjoyed or try something new. Would my family be likely to enjoy the Poly as much as we did AKL? We just felt that AKL was really special. We even toured the Beach Club while we were there, as we almost stayed there and I wanted to check it out for future trips and we were happy that we ended up at AKL and, to us the BC felt much less "magical". I'm just wondering if the Poly would feel as sterile as the BC felt to us or if it would be as special as it looks in the videos. So, if any of you have stayed at both, I'd love your input! And to add: we are all big fans of the Dole Whip

 

[deannaf87]

I haven't been to the Poly since before the renovations but I can say that is definitely has that "magical" feel. I think most, if not all, of the construction will be over by the time you go.

As long as your oldest kids don't mind sleeping on a pullout couch, I think the Poly studios are a good choice.

 

[mickeynut1]

My family of 5 rented points and stayed at AKV-Jambo last month and we loved everything about it. It was our first deluxe stay and we are hooked. I am currently in the process of planning a trip for my mom to take myself and my kids and my brother and his family next July. Due to my brother and sil wanting to stay at a resort that has a boat to dtd, our options are limited for that trip. However, DH and I were talking about perhaps planning a trip for October 2016 since he can't go with us in July. If not then, then April or October 2017. We will likely rent points again. Our first inclination is to go back to AKL, because we loved it so much and wished we had spent more time at the resort. However, I've always been intrigued by the Poly. ODS and I watched a YouTube video tour of the Poly the other day and we really loved it. I noticed that you can get a studio at the Poly that sleeps 5 for about the same amount of points that you can get a 1 bedroom at AKL. Space is not a huge deal for us, we did the studio at AKL this year, because YDS was just a few weeks shy of turning 3, and we found it to be sufficient as far as space. I am also not concerned with being able to take the monorail. I think it would be neat and fun, but the location would not be the reason I would book the Poly, as we enjoy the buses and have never had a complaint about bus transportation. I just question if we should go with what we enjoyed or try something new. Would my family be likely to enjoy the Poly as much as we did AKL? We just felt that AKL was really special. We even toured the Beach Club while we were there, as we almost stayed there and I wanted to check it out for future trips and we were happy that we ended up at AKL and, to us the BC felt much less "magical". I'm just wondering if the Poly would feel as sterile as the BC felt to us or if it would be as special as it looks in the videos. So, if any of you have stayed at both, I'd love your input! And to add: we are all big fans of the Dole Whip

We've stayed at both and while AKL is a great resort and we wouldn't hesitate to go back, we LOVE the Poly! The tropical atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing, the pool is great as it backs up to the beach with a distant view of the castle, Captain Cooks is great for quick CS meals/snacks (we also love Mara at AKL), and it's magical being so close to MK. There's also a variety of great dining options just a monorail ride away at the GF and CR. We've also stayed at the BC and while I'm glad we tried it, there are other resorts we prefer (with the Poly being our first choice). With all of that said, I would give the Poly a try as it really is a beautiful resort with a lot to offer. Good luck.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

Thanks! I think that's what we will end up going with. It looks so beautiful! I also like that the GCH seems busy, like the Jambo lobby . For some reason that makes it seem more exciting for me.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks! I think that's what we will end up going with. It looks so beautiful! I also like that the GCH seems busy, like the Jambo lobby . For some reason that makes it seem more exciting for me.

It is a beautiful resort! We have loved all of the resorts we've stayed at, but the Poly will always be our favorite .

 

[disneyworldaddict]

I've stayed at both Poly was before the refurb. Here's my comparisons. Rooms at Poly were bigger with much more dresser space and the sofa bed, in addition to the 2 queens. The bathroom was a regular bathroom with one sink in the same room as the toilet and shower. AKL was entirely enclosed and had double sinks out side of the shower and toilet room. It didn't have as much storage. The atmosphere is one of the best I've ever experienced. The new Poly refurb lobby seems more generic than before. (I've been there since the refurb, but just to eat) I also prefer the Mara, it's one of my favorite QS. But the old pool at Poly was much sunnier than AKL. The convenience of the monorail is great, plus there's boat options as well. AKL is great on a rainy day or if you want to relax at your resort with a few drinks, by the fire indoors or out and of course there are the animals.

I wish I could find a way to live in WDW and just move from resort to resort. I still even love the values!

 

[cleophus12]

Hopefully, by July the construction at the Poly will be complete and the resort will be back to its lovely self. Right now, however, the construction fences are still in several places around the resort, and when I was by there last week I could only hope that the people in the rooms looking out on a construction fence were getting a great deal. Also if you are considering using/renting points, the AKL uses less points generally than the Poly.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

Hopefully, by July the construction at the Poly will be complete and the resort will be back to its lovely self. Right now, however, the construction fences are still in several places around the resort, and when I was by there last week I could only hope that the people in the rooms looking out on a construction fence were getting a great deal. Also if you are considering using/renting points, the AKL uses less points generally than the Poly.

If we do Poly it won't be until October of next year or April or October of 2017. Also, the studios at Poly are about the same as the 1 bedrooms at AKL, which is what would would have to have there, since the studios there don't sleep 5.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I've stayed at both Poly was before the refurb. Here's my comparisons. Rooms at Poly were bigger with much more dresser space and the sofa bed, in addition to the 2 queens. The bathroom was a regular bathroom with one sink in the same room as the toilet and shower. AKL was entirely enclosed and had double sinks out side of the shower and toilet room. It didn't have as much storage. The atmosphere is one of the best I've ever experienced. The new Poly refurb lobby seems more generic than before. (I've been there since the refurb, but just to eat) I also prefer the Mara, it's one of my favorite QS. But the old pool at Poly was much sunnier than AKL. The convenience of the monorail is great, plus there's boat options as well. AKL is great on a rainy day or if you want to relax at your resort with a few drinks, by the fire indoors or out and of course there are the animals.

I wish I could find a way to live in WDW and just move from resort to resort. I still even love the values!

You are describing the hotel rooms, not the studios at the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. Polynesian villas are studios (one queen bed, one queen sleeper sofa and one bunk sized murphy bed). Bathroom is split with sink and tub/shower/toilet in one portion and sink/stand alone shower in the other portion. No dresser, just two drawers under the queen bed and a couple of drawers in each bathroom section. The living space was reduced by increasing the bathroom space and adding the small kitchenette.

 

[Babsy]

We've stayed at both and while AKL is a great resort and we wouldn't hesitate to go back, we LOVE the Poly! The tropical atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing, the pool is great as it backs up to the beach with a distant view of the castle, Captain Cooks is great for quick CS meals/snacks (we also love Mara at AKL), and it's magical being so close to MK. There's also a variety of great dining options just a monorail ride away at the GF and CR. We've also stayed at the BC and while I'm glad we tried it, there are other resorts we prefer (with the Poly being our first choice). With all of that said, I would give the Poly a try as it really is a beautiful resort with a lot to offer. Good luck.

I agree!! WE love the AKL and like the BC just fine, but the Poly is a magical resort! I think that you would be very happy with a stay here. I understand what you mean about the BC, it has a very different feel from the AKL - much more open, with fewer trees used in the landscaping. The good news is that the lush foliage at the AKL is similar in some ways to the grounds at the Poly. Both resorts have an exotic atmosphere, especially in the evening.

If you are worried about enjoying the Poly or really want to revisit the AKL, you could consider a split stay if you are going for a week or longer. That way you get to try something new, but still have time at the resort you know that you love.

Good luck!!!

 

[justme0729]

It sounds like you should try the Poly! I haven't stayed at AKL or BC but I know what you mean when you say the BC doesn't seem to have that same magical feel. When I have been over there that's what I have thought too. I think the Poly has really great theming and so much magic- seeing the castle and wishes from the beach, plenty of activity, monorail to other resorts and Epcot with a transfer, boat to MK, the music playing around property and hearing the activity in MK makes it really special. It will be hard for me to stay anywhere else! Try it!