Poly vs. Beach Club

[elissam]

Can anyone give me their views on which resort is better and why? Also, how do these resorts compare to BWI and GF? Thanks.

 

[scanne]

I can help a little. I haven't stayed at Beach Club, but I've stayed at the Polynesian and the GF.

Polynesian:

LARGE rooms (409 sq. feet)
Excellent location - boat or monorail to MK, walking distance to the TTC (to hop monorail to Epcot)
Beautiful landscaping and a true sense that you are isolated from the rest of the "world."
Recently refurbished rooms
Great dining spots ('Ohana and Kona Cafe are two of my most favorite WDW restaurants).
If you get a lagoon view room you will have an amazing view of Cindy's castle and Seven Seas Lagoon.
Private beach with hammocks for viewing fireworks.
Walking distance to the GF for use of their restaurants and/or health club.

Beach Club:

Rooms are a bit smaller here - 380 sq. feet
Large building and your room can be a hike from the main lobby, restaurants, etc.
Great pool - Stormalong Bay
Walking distance to Epcot
In the middle of a lot of things to do (like the boardwalk area)
Transportation is by boat, bus or foot and the boats can take a while. (We've taken boats from here to go to MGM when we were visiting the BW area).
Lots of good dining choices. (Beaches and Cream, Cape May Cafe)
I believe they will be re-habbing The Beach Club soon. I know they're starting on the YC...


To compare these resorts to the GF, I'd have to say that you can't compare the Polynesian to the GF. We were at the GF for our honeymoon in June of 2000 then at the Polynesian for our 1 year anniversary in June 2001. At first I was very excited about the Polynesian. When we got there, though, I was disappointed. However, I was disappointed because I didn't have a lagoon view room AND I was "used to" the light and airy decor of the GF. Looking back now, I really like the Polynesian and I'm trying to convince my DH that when we take our baby (who is still baking ) we should stay at the Polynesian. The room decor is traditional Hawaiin style....bamboo, earth tones.......NOT like the GF which is very victorian. We stayed at the GF again in December and I wasn't as awe-struck by it as I had been on our honeymoon.

Anyway, I don't think that one resort is better than the other......it's just what you're in the mood for with that particular vacation. I would think the BC would be closer in style to the GF and BWI. The Polynesian is definitely in a class by itself.

I hope this helps a little!

 

[Tink]

Last September, we chose the Poly over the Beach Club for a number of reasons. In our group was me 6.5 months pregnant, DH, DD 2.5 and my parents.

Our DD wanted to spend most of her time at MK, so the monrail access for us was a big plus. We didn't spend a lot of time at MGM, since I couldn't do any of the thrill rides and Playhouse Disney was closed for rehab. Also, I knew that my parents would never walk to Epcot. It would haev been too much for them. Also, at the time the Beach Club had construction going on with as the Villas were being built.

I think that when my kids are older and I know that we will spend more time at MGM and Epcot, we will do the Beach Club. I have always wanted to stay there. We usually go to Beaches and Cream once a trip, anyway, I LOVE the frozen sunshine shake.

I think both of the resorts are beautiful. For us it came down to which parks would we spend more time in, and the ease of transportation.

No matter what you chose, the vacation will be wonderful. Have fun!

 

[sharoncity]

Both BC and Poly being deluxes, they are certainly on par with each other. Which is better? Purely a pesonal choice. Do you have kids and what are there ages? 2 yrs old and up gets big votes for BC because of SAB. That is of course if you plan on having a lot of pool time. If kids are under 5 or so and you won't be doing the pool thing, then go with the Poly. The monorail alone makes it worthwhile. Older kids might like BC because of the Boardwalk area - entertainment, ESPN Club - they could do on their own. As posted above, which parks are you more interested in? Epcot/MGM or MK? Also remember the restaurants of Epcot are just a short stroll from BC.
The BC would be very comparable to the BWI. Location is the same, Both are done in lighter color schemes, rooms bright. BWI's pool is nice, but of course SAB is better (IMHO).
Poly and GF are comparable location wise. Rooms and decor are very different. Amenities like pools and extras are pretty close. From Poly, the restaurants of CR and GF are just a monorail ride away.
Like it was said , the choice depends upon your personal vacation style. Let us know what you decide!

 

[princess angel]

to help to decide between resorts, where would you prefer to be? MK side (Poly) or Epcot/MGM side (beach club)??? also, do you want tropical paradise theme, or casual beach side resort!??

the GF and BWI are both more formal and elegant than the Poly or BC. both the Poly and BC are more casual theming, yet every bit a deluxe resort!!!

I love the theming of the Poly, very relaxing and tropical.... but I love even more the theming of the Beach Club and it's location! the epcot resorts offer so very much as far as convenience, and location!
the pool (storm a long bay) at the BC is the best on property. imho it blows away the volcano pool at the Poly. the pool at the poly is so small, and no hottub! the BC has huge storm a long bay, which has 3 hottubs in it, not to mention the quiet pool with additional hottub! there are so many restaurants at the Beach club within walking distance! there is the restaurants at the BW, swan dolphin, and all the restaurants at WS in Epcot!!!

as you can see... BC would be my choice!!!

Laura

 

[elissam]

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for the info. Since we will be going at the end of October, we are leaning toward the BC since we will be able to take advantage of both SAB and all of the yummies at the Food and Wine Festival. Also, we have only one member of our party who is prime MK age (my 3 year old daughter) so we will probably only spend one or two days in the MK (but you know, it would sure be nice to be on the monorail for those one or two days!)

When my .25 year old is older and my older kids are no longer interested in WDW (right!) maybe we will do a more MK focused trip and stay at the Poly then.

... but I could change my mind tomorrow!

They all sound like wonderful resorts so thanks to all for the detailed descriptions!

 

[princess angel]

one more point! the BC to MK is not a long trip at all!
when we stay at the YC, it is only a 15 minute ride to MK, and we never wait for more than 5 -10 minutes for a bus. actually it is very convenient and easy!
(from the BW it takes only 10 minutes to MK, so from the BC it is probably 12 - 13 minutes!

Laura

 

[Ilove8Trax]

I'm sure if you decide to chose BC, you won't be dissapointed. It is by far my favorite resort. Following things being wonderful: Storm Along Bay, Beaches and Cream, Convience of Boardwalk area, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and the large walking area (if you're into strolls in morning, night, or day). I have always wanted to try the Poly(really want to, just don't want to tear away from BC) it being next to the 7 Seas Lagoon, the monarail, the themeing, and of course the food. Just ate at O'hauna's in middle of May and it was by far the best meal i had all year. It's a must, but it really does come down to which theme you perfer and the parks. Live it up either way.

 

[schuh]

How long are you staying? Why not do a split stay and try both?!!!!! Have a great time where ever you decide!!!!!!!