Poly vs. AKL

[wannabee princess]

We've not stayed at Poly, but LOVE AKL. I've started thinking and I am wondering if for a short trip, with most of our time planned for MK and Epcot, if it would be a smart idea to consider trying the Poly.

I'm interested in hearing input from those who have stayed at both. Would we love the Poly too? Give me the scoop!
Thanks!

 

[nicdanh]

It all comes down to Convience with us because we have 2 toodlers. Its very nice having the monorail and the zero clearence pool. Plus we love the atmosphere there. We have also stayed at AKL twice and think it is a great place but the location is so far out. If I had to choose it would be Poly all the way.

Michelle

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Remember that Poly doesn't have a jacuzzi--I always have a hard time justifying a stay at Poly for that reason. However, the location is the best, with all the great transportation choices that GF has (my favorite resort). The CMs are very friendly and the atmosphere quite relaxed. I love the AKL as well--you might try to split a stay, that would give you an advantage if you like to visit Animal Kingdom a lot (we do, and usually start our stays at AKL for many visits to AK) and then we transfer to GF for the proximity to MK and monorail to Epcot (and all the other great stuff, of course). Have fun deciding!!

 

[BambiTamby]

ITA, Ladyhawk10 !

In fact, instead of deciding, we just split the trip!

Those two are my favorite resorts...of course, I haven't stayed at the GF...yet!

If you have to stay in one place, then the Poly would be a wise choice. It's neat to try other resorts.

 

[Micca]

Those are two terrific resorts AKL has the "newer" thing happening, Poly has the "Walt would've approved of this" feel.
Both are top notch. If the monorail makes a difference, there is no choice.

 

[firefawnkimmy]

Were trying the AKL out for our honeymoon but have never stayed there before, but have heard a lot of great things about it and youve been there before so know about it already! But I have been to the Polynesian. It has a great atmosphere from when you first walk into the main building for check in and are surrounded by plants. Then you have the beach to walk along at any time of day, and the pools are GREAT! Rooms are not my favorite to be honest, I even prefer the ones at the moderate resorts to them, BUT they are still very very nice. I am always for trying new things so I would stay go for the Poly and try it out. Its only for a few nights you said so I doubt splitting your stay would be ideal for R&R but the monorail is awesome! We rode it all the time just b/c it was fun to, with beautiful views of everythign, and we HAD a car there!

 

[leighe]

I love the Poly and AKL! The rooms at Poly are HUGE especially in comparison with those at AKL. We have never minded the location of AKL but after staying at the Poly you'll understand why some people think AKL is so far out. Poly has a great location! Really a feel of being right in the middle of everything. I think the lagoon view rooms at the Poly are my favorite place to stay in all of WDW! When staying at the Poly I sorta feel like I never leave MK - you can always see it from somewhere at the resort!

 

[Tinks]

I have noticed that almost everyone who likes the AKL also likes the Polynesian. They must have a similar laid back feel. I think you should try the Polynesian this trip. We love this resort. Just remember that it is a bit older than the AKL so the lobby may not be as spectacular, but it is still pretty and nice. Have fun!

 

[Mississippian]

I've stayed at both. The AKL is nice but a bit closed-in feeling. The Poly is right on top of the action. You can walk both to the resort monorail and to the TTC for easy access to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

If you like to return to your room once a day, you will have about an extra hour in the parks if you stay at the Poly. The bus transportation at AKL isn't all that bad, but it just takes longer.

 

[Tikiman]

Here is a link to our trip report from when we stayed in AKL concierge and than switched over to the Polynesian concierge. It may give you an idea of what each is like.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=230951

 

[princesscrazydaughte]

If you have younger kids I'd do the Poly. Our trip there this past December was awesome!!!!!! Mine loved the pool and if you come back early you can see the fireworks and the electric parade from the beach. It is a great way to end a perfect day. We used the boat all the time to hop over to Magic Kingdom and back---we found that to be extremely convenient staying in the Hawaii. We waited at most 10minutes. I don't know if I would do AKL without a car.

Good luck deciding and have a great time!!