Polynesian or Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[FairytaleTraveler]

I am currently planning to visit November 6-11. It has always been my dream to stay at the Polynesian, however my husband things Animal Kingdom lodge would be better for our two kids 4 and 7. Can you share your pros and cons?

 

[VH103428]

Unless you plan on spending a lot of time at Animal Kingdom it is pretty far from the other parks. The monorail makes life easy with kids. Animal Kingdom is a great resort but takes forever via bus.

 

[kylenne]

I agree with Poly. Folding down strollers every time you want to go somewhere is going to get old fast and you'll be forced to at AKL given the bus only transportation. With kids that young you are probably going to spend a lot of time at MK so it will be more convenient to stay at Poly. Epcot monorail is an easy 5 min walk away at the TTC too. And being on the monorail loop will also give you easy access to character dining that's popular with that age group.

 

[Hubalorian]

Unless you plan on spending a lot of time at Animal Kingdom it is pretty far from the other parks. The monorail makes like easy with kids. Animal Kingdom is a great resort but takes forever via bus.

Poly is far away from the other 3 parks. AK is far from MK but closer to the other 3

 

[Simba's Mom]

Actually I think your DH has it backwards-Polynesian would make more sense because of the proximity to Magic Kingdom. Also, if he's thinking that the kids would be interested in the animals, we took our granddaughters to Kidani when they were 7 and 4. Yes they were interested-for the first couple days. After that, they were less interested and anxious to go to the parks.

 

[DeeBee3]

I think it depends on your kids and your style of vacationing.

The ease of access to MK is definitely a major Pro. My kids also enjoyed the Poly pool. I did not like the different buildings because we were there in a rainy period and had to contend with that to get to transportation or food/entertainment.

We also loved AKL. They have many fun activities for the kids and it's a beautiful place. The food options are also varied. However, you could walk or monorail to experience other restaurants near Poly.

It is annoying to fold up the stroller on the bus, but for us it's not a game changer. If you expect it, then you just prepare for it. I really think it depends on the parks you plan to visit and the amount of time you plan to stay at your resort.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Animal Kingdom is my favorite resort on property. Beautiful, great food, nice pools, fun activities and you can’t beat watching animals from your room. It’s a pretty wonderful way to wake up. I don’t think the bus ride to the parks is that bad but it is frequently listed as a big con for most people. (It’s only 6 miles from Magic Kingdom.) AKL also tends to be quieter than Poly, as the Poly gets a lot more foot traffic from people who are not staying at that hotel but are visiting or eating there. AKL also has a nicer splash pad (at the Kidani pool area) and a playground (Poly had no playground).

The advantage of Poly is the monorail and potentially the boat to/from MK. Poly also has lovely theming and decent food and pool. You really can’t go wrong. Poly has been more recently renovated than AKL, I believe. (Regular non-DVC rooms are Moana themed.)

ETA: you can also see MK fireworks from the Poly beach, which can be fun, especially with little ones who may be too tired to be at a park that late.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I agree with most of the points here. It really depends on how you and your kids plan to spend most of the trip. If you plan on 2 or more MK days, I'd recommend Poly. Otherwise, we'd always recommend AKL. Our kids and grandkids have loved it there with the animals. At AKL you have access to both the Jambo and Kidani side, meaning access to both pools.

I always totally disagree with those who tell you it's so far away from everything, because it's really not true. The only thing AKL is far away from is MK. If you're at Poly and visit AK, it's just as far. So I wouldn't base it on that. Personally, having stayed at both, we'd pick AKL. It's quieter! But Poly is also beautiful and obviously one of the original attractions!

You don't have a bad choice, just 2 amazing resorts to choose from.

 

[Silvermist999]

You can take the monorail from the Poly to MK and Epcot. Boat is also an option to MK. And bus to DHS, AK and Disney Springs. We always stay on the monorail line for more dining and transportation options.

 

[FairytaleTraveler]

I think it depends on your kids and your style of vacationing.

The ease of access to MK is definitely a major Pro. My kids also enjoyed the Poly pool. I did not like the different buildings because we were there in a rainy period and had to contend with that to get to transportation or food/entertainment.

We also loved AKL. They have many fun activities for the kids and it's a beautiful place. The food options are also varied. However, you could walk or monorail to experience other restaurants near Poly.

It is annoying to fold up the stroller on the bus, but for us it's not a game changer. If you expect it, then you just prepare for it. I really think it depends on the parks you plan to visit and the amount of time you plan to stay at your resort.

My thought is the ease to access MK and use of the monorail would be great. Thanks for your feedback

 

[Instagramhusband]

Younger kids, I would say Poly. Monorail makes getting to MK easy and Epcot not to tricky. I do really like the AK Lodge and if you have Savannah view if can lead to special moments early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

 

[leebee]

We didn't like the Poly. Having to go outside and wander between buildings to get anywhere, the crowded QS restaurant, and packed, noisy pool area reminded us too much of staying at a value- but NOT at a value price! AKL is my favorite resort of all, so if it's in the budget, it's always my first choice. To me, AKL feels like I am getting my money's worth out of Disney's ridiculously overpriced hotels!

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I love AKV for its tropical lush setting and the relaxing atmosphere. Poly is too crowded for us.

 

[Pink Partridge]

We are at AKL right now. We were at Poly in December. I would choose AKL over Poly any day.

I didn't always think that way. But the Poly is way too crowded and understaffed lately.

AKL is relaxing and just plain lovely. I am sitting on my balcony and taking it all in. Heading down to the lobby for drinks soon. It has a true resort feel. All of it.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I'd go with Poly. We stayed at both in October. We were in a Poly longhouse and it was updated and clean. AKV is really run down. DVC members for 30 years and many AKV stays. It was a real bummer!

 

[Rory607]

My kids love Poly and will always be their first choice(not that they get to choose). I personally don’t want to pay for a deluxe if the only mode of transportation is bus, but that might not matter to everyone.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

If the POLY is your dream then stay there . It’s one of our favorites! We love everything about it - the location , the rooms , the food , everything! AKL is nice but you can see the animals at AK . I know my kids would choose Poly . Plus you have young kids . I think they would prefer the food at the POLY and the pools and new Moana splash pad ! You can watch the fireworks from the beach or possibly your room . It’s really such a luxury. Have a magical trip !