Polynesian OR Art of Animation?

[hsmamato2]

they're both so beautiful, with great theming. The Poly is right across from MK,which makes for lovely views,etc. But AoA is fantastic,themed,and has great pools- your kids will love it- save the $ and spend it on some other fun thing on your trip!

 

[Cinderella94]

Poly, without a doubt, 100%. Can't even be compared.

 

[TJA]

Normally I don't get involved in voting threads when we haven't stayed at both resorts, but in this case I just wanted to chime in. Since this is your first and only WDW trip as a family, I'm inclined to say Poly would make it stand out as awesome for you. You would have 2 awesome restaurants right there (Ohana dinner and Kona) and you can walk to GF for more dining/shopping. You can watch Wishes right from the Poly pool and beach. Maybe people love Dole Whips and you can have those right at Poly. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. TTC is right there which provides direct monorail access to both Epcot and MK. Boat to MK as well. The Poly grounds are tropical and soothing....the setting is just gorgeous with the Castle in the background.

We have not stayed at AoA, but we've visited many times when the arcade had prizes. While we think it's very cute, it wouldn't give the same type of vacation experience that Poly does. But many people don't look at the resort as a destination, but more of just a place to take a shower and sleep. So it really depends on what you're looking for in this trip. Having said that, my 2 kids remember our visits to AoA and one of my kids just recently commented that we should stay there for a couple nights, so we very well may do that! I think it would be fun to try, but I know we'd need to end the trip at a place like Poly.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are deciding to splurge and book the Poly!!

The Poly is amazing, you will love it!

So if we book now, how do we get a discount applied if one becomes available?

If a discount comes out and is available for your dates/resort/room type, you can have it applied to your existing reservation. You will have to call/look online to see availability and have it applied as Disney does not automatically apply discounts. Happy planning .

 

[Corbinator]

I just wanted to chime in, Poly would be a fantasy for me and if it's in reach for you now I am so glad you made your choice.
BUT in defense of other posters who suggested AoA (were checking in on Oct 22 to a Cars suite), we paid the same difference in price to upgrade from LM to Cars and I know the feeling. It will be a relief knowing that you are getting the trip of your dreams and didn't leave anything on the table. I was having unrealistic expectations of getting a comp at the lobby (yeah right) but ever since we went for it I haven't regretted a single thing and have actually slept better at night knowing it's done.

 

[alex9179]

If you have to pick only one, then Poly.

We did a split stay at AOA and the Poly on our first trip. If you're staying 6-7 nights, a split stay is no big deal with 2 nights at AOA and the rest at the Poly. Bell services will move your luggage for you but it won't be available until late afternoon, so keep that in mind.

The suite at AOA is great. We LOVED the room and having 2 bathrooms makes life easier. We discovered that we don't like food courts, especially with young kids, but yours are old enough to go to the bay of their choice and magic bands make paying easy. Buses are the only transportation option unless you'll have a car. They were fine, though.

We splurged for CL at the Poly (our anniversary present to ourselves). Loved the variety of dining options on the monorail loop, the transportation options, and the volcano pool. The rooms are large, the compound is very manageable for walking to the main building, and the walk is gorgeous with all of the neat plants.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I love AoA, but I would totally choose the Poly in this situation!

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

If a discount comes out and is available for your dates/resort/room type, you can have it applied to your existing reservation. You will have to call/look online to see availability and have it applied as Disney does not automatically apply discounts. Happy planning .

To add to this, remember that booking now hoping for a discount later is a contradiction. If everyone booked at rack rate now and filled the resort, Disney would not discount any rooms.

 

[cicatrixx8]

So what did the OP do?

 

[dansdad]

So what did the OP do?

Considering the OP hasn't visited the DIS since October 2016, I don't think we'll ever know.

 

[cicatrixx8]

Unless they get an email notification that someone posted on this thread like I just did....