Polynesian or Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[boomhauer]

We're booked for 13 nights at the Poly next July. Always wanted to stay there, but the price ($5,000) is VERY tough to swallow. The 2 parks we visit most are Magic Kingdom and Epcot, so it makes sense. From the pics I've seen, I much prefer the theme and landscaping of the Poly, but I'm not crazy about the rooms.

AKL for same time (non-Savannah) would be about $3,290. Staying there, we would get a rental car, so figure another $500 or so. So, it'd save us about $1,000, plus we'd have the freedom of a rental car. We do love Animal Kingdom and will be spending about 3 days there.

What to do?

 

[1000th happy haunt]

How about splitting your stay between the two?

 

[themudd4]

Poly is my dream resort....so if it were me and $ wasn't an issue, I'd stay there!!!
That being said Money is an issue for us especially when you are talking that long of a period of time. I agree with the PP and maybe split the stay between the 2 resorts.

 

[kaysmommie]

Split stay would be good but I know you have small children so it might be a major hassle. I usually debate the $1000 question between WL & Poly every trip. This time Poly won out. I guess it depends on how bad we need the monorail. Poly is our favorite though so if you can swallow the price it's worth it. Good luck deciding.

 

[nemoid]

I've stayed at both AKL and Poly, and if Magic Kingdom and Epcot are your parks of choice, my vote goes to Poly. You can't beat the transportation difference. Also, we stayed in standard rooms for both, and well a standard at the Poly is just so much nicer than what is comparable at AKL. Just my two cents, but I love the Poly and if I can ever afford to go back there, you can bet it would be my first choice!

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I have never stayed at the Polynesian, so I can only comment on the AKL and $$$.

We absolutely loved AKL. We hardly ever waited for a bus to take us to the parks. We didn't rent a car. My kids were 10 and 6 at the time and we enjoyed the resort a lot. To save that kind of money, I would definately stay at AKL. It is a deluxe and feels like a DELUXE!

I am surprised that there is such a price difference actually between the two deluxes. Either way, you will be staying in a beautiful resort. Have a great time and happy planning!!!

 

[BuzzandAriel'smom]

I would say split stay. It's not bad to pack up and it makes it feel like 2 vacations in one!

 

[GiGi30]

Just returned from the Poly! I actually switched my reservation from AKL to stay there, and boy am I glad I did! For us, the convenience of the monorail was awesome for us, along with the beautiful theme of the Poly! I didn't like the idea of the commute on bus everyday with a 5 month old and a 2 year old.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I voted AKL...However..I would go with a split stay if that is up your alley!

Best of both worlds.....the tropics.....Africa..(its Disney...I know)
Book a GV at Poly cause these are usually pretty good...and a non SV at AKL...maybe forgo the rental car and go to AK when staying at the lodge...

For 13 days...I am so so jealous...I would love "2 resorts" to enjoy!!
You will get the best of both "Worlds"...South Pacific...Palm trees...tiki's...Aloha's......and then....Wild Animals.....distinct decor that will transport you to a game lodge in Africa....and Wild Humans...lol....couldn't elp myself!
Have fun deciding.....keep us posted!

 

[firsttimemom]

13 nights is a long time to stay in 1 hotel. I'd vote for splitting your stay.

Hope this helps! Either way you'll have a great trip

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

AKL and Poly are our 2 favorites so we've begun to switch it up between your 2 choices every trip we take now. This trip Poly, next trip AKL, following trip Poly, trip after that AKL, and so on...

We enjoy both resorts equally, as they both have their own great qualities, so for me, if it came down to straight cash on hand (or lack thereof), I'd definitely do AKL. It all depends on what you can swing financially. I promise you this, you certainly shouldn't be disappointed with either selection.

To add, I'm no fan of split stays...just not our cup of tea...

 

[MrsJ Henry]

With that long of a stay I would REALLY want to split my stay.

 

[Kae]

I vote for split stay also ,it is very easy to do. We also thought the bus transpo was great at AKL. There is so much to do at AKL, you need one day just at the resort to fully enjoy it.

Kae

 

[Disneyanajc]

Split stay...we did a split stay in May...three nights at the AKL and eight nights at the Poly...love it...
JC

 

[MOTHERGOOSE3]

you have always wanted to stay at poly. GO FOR IT!!!

 

[MissionMouse]

13 nights is a long time to stay in 1 hotel. I'd vote for splitting your stay...

I agree and I see that both of our families have done spilt stays between PR/AKL. These two resort make a good spilt stay package since their both have a similar tribal theme. One with a lake and one with a savannah with animals. I would add if you stay at the AKL you should really reconsider a savannah view room to take full advantage of why the lodge is popular...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I voted for the Polynesian and here is why. You said yourself how you always wanted to stay there and since you would spend most of you're time at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the Polynesian makes it very easy getting there with the Monorail.

 

[boomhauer]

Thanks for all the replies!

I considered a split stay, but honestly, we did that once and I wasn't crazy about it. It almost felt as though it shortened our vacation.

With two toddlers and a 7 year old, it could also be kind of difficult. We're not 100% yet, but it's looking more like sticking with the Poly as of right now.

 

[rotlex]

Personally, and I love both of them, I'd save the bucks for whatever, and stay at AKL. The Poly is a nice resort, but, and I know I'm in the minority, IMHO, it just doesn't justify the cost of staying there. (Ducks before getting hit with a bat).

 

[Sea Turtles]

3 words... mon o rail