Polynesian or Boardwalk Inn?

[Monorail_Man_NJ]

 

[goofylaw]

We absolutely love the Poly. It is our favorite resort at WDW. We have stayed at BWI one time and were not impressed. It could have just been circumstance. We like the Poly for the large rooms, proximity to MK, great bars and restaurants, easy access to multiple modes of transportation thanks to the TTC, and just the overall vibe. I do not think you can really go wrong with any Deluxe resort. Just a matter of what works best for you.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

We also have been given that same room at BWI, had a patio, no balcony. It was really big but the other regular rooms we have stay-in at BWI have been a lot smaller than the POLY, even on the club floor. I think there are "bookable" larger club-rooms that cost more and it looked like they had a larger balcony too.

We have also stayed in a POLY studio and they are very nice too but they still are not as large as the POLY regular rooms. They do have that extra shower area.

You didn't have a balcony? I wonder if you were in 1290 (2190?) whichever one is the corresponding room number on the first floor. We were on the second floor and did have a balcony. Not really large but large enough for us. I'd stay at BWI again in a heartbeat even in the regular size standard room. It was a delightful resort, might even be my favorite...for now. I haven't stayed at the Poly yet.

I'd love to stay at the Poly in a standard room. I just couldn't pass up the better deal I found in the studio villa. It's spring break so of course it's all way overpriced. Hopefully a standard room is in our future for another trip, though!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We did a Poly/BC split before. The Poly rooms are pretty big and the resort is beautiful but we are huge pool people and the pool was a let down. It's small and not a lot of seating. I guess it's great for little kids but mine were 15 and 9 and pretty bored with the pool. The monorail is great when it's working. Seeing the castle from the pool is amazing.

We loved the walk to Epcot from the BC. BWI is on my list of resorts to try and I would pick it over the Poly. The pool is creepy but it looks much more fun than the Poly pool. You truly can't beat the walk to Epcot and DHS and the vibe on the BW is great.

 

[Buckeye Jones]

We did a split stay at BWI and Poly in May. I loved BWI! It was fun, but relaxing. The staff was exceptional. My kids loved the creepy clown slide, and overall it was a fabulous stay. I hated Poly. It was a miserable two days. We had a deluxe studio, which was a joke. It was tiny and dirty. I wasn't impressed with the staff at all, in particular the life guards at the pool. The monorail was nice, but we will stay at GF if we want the monorail in the future.

 

[loves to dive]

BWI for me. I've been staying at the Epcot resorts since they opened. Poly is good if you are going to be MK heavy and have kids but for me, it's a bit busy and MK is actually our least favorite park (gasp). I generally stay at whichever Epcot resort is less and that includes Swan/Dolphin. My favorite is YC but I have stayed at BWI a number of times.

 

[robl45]

The rooms are pretty cool at Poly especially the extra shower. However there is noise from the ferry boats and frankly the monorail is really not a convenience. Almost more of a hassle than the bus. The pool is pretty nice though, slide is fun and the playarea is pretty nice. Boardwalk would be my choice out of the two honestly.

For my next trip to WDW, if I stay at a moderate, it will most likely be Port Orleans French Quarter. If I go deluxe, I'm thinking Polynesian or Boardwalk Inn. Which would you choose, and what do you like better? For Poly, the pros for me are the theme, beauty , the rooms look heavenly and the convenience of the monorail. I know I'd enjoy being there on my rest days. The cons(if you even consider this one)- I only "like" that it's close to Magic Kingdom. I don't love MK like I do DL. It's not my favorite park. Boardwalk Inn- I love that it's so close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The resort looks gorgeous inside and out. And the pool, WOW!!!! Yes, I judge resorts by the looks of their pool(s). I can't think of any cons as I've watched more videos of Poly than BWI.

 

[LSchrow]

If you stay at the BWI, you have to go to the Boardwalk to eat. I like to eat something before I start my day in the parks. Even if you head out to Boardwalk Bakery, it gets pretty busy quickly. The Poly, on the other hand, has many dining options and the grounds are very lush.

actually, Belle Vue lounge, right near the elevators, has a fresh from the BW bakery continental style breakfast offering 6a-11am. a very short walk outside (mostly under awnings) is Trattoria al Forno, with a character breakfast (they also serve dinner) nearby are breakfast options at the Swan, Dolphin, BC, or you can take a stroll to World Showcase for some delicious croissants, etc in France.
in addition to the above, dinner options directly on the BW include Flying Fish, Big River Grille, ESPN.......or again, grab something wonderful in WS (our fave is Tangierine Café in Morocco), & finishing your night with ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery & performers on the BW and/or movies/games on the big lawn, a surrey bike ride around the lake......then strolling back to your room.
and of course, the strolls to EPCOT and DHS are lovely (Friendships are available, but we just love the quiet walk )

 

[mickeynut1]

The Poly pool is pretty incredible too!

I agree! We love it as it's actually our favorite resort pool. We not only love the pool, but being able to see the castle/fireworks off in the distance while swimming can't be beat .

We absolutely love the Poly. It is our favorite resort at WDW.

Us too! We've tried many resorts and while we have had great stays at all of them, the Poly (for us) just can't be beat .

We like the Poly for the large rooms, proximity to MK, great bars and restaurants, easy access to multiple modes of transportation thanks to the TTC, and just the overall vibe.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

actually, Belle Vue lounge, right near the elevators, has a fresh from the BW bakery continental style breakfast offering 6a-11am. a very short walk outside (mostly under awnings) is Trattoria al Forno, with a character breakfast (they also serve dinner) nearby are breakfast options at the Swan, Dolphin, BC, or you can take a stroll to World Showcase for some delicious croissants, etc in France.
in addition to the above, dinner options directly on the BW include Flying Fish, Big River Grille, ESPN.......or again, grab something wonderful in WS (our fave is Tangierine Café in Morocco), & finishing your night with ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery & performers on the BW and/or movies/games on the big lawn, a surrey bike ride around the lake......then strolling back to your room.
and of course, the strolls to EPCOT and DHS are lovely (Friendships are available, but we just love the quiet walk )

I agree! We found the walk to Trattoria al Forno actually shorter than the walk we've had at other resorts (including GF) to get to dining. We did have a room that was directly next to the elevator on the second floor, but I think even a room down a hall would be a short walk. Loved the Belle Vue Lounge! We got some breakfast there a few mornings last month. It was a very quiet spot mid-afternoon, too. We came back from the parks to swim and brought our lunch back to eat there in the lounge. The walk over to WS is short and pleasant when it's not too hot, especially to get to Les Halles in France, which has delicious pastries and some good sandwiches and other choices too. I was always thankful for the Friendships at the end of a long, hot day!

 

[addiln]

For me if I was spending more time at Epcot or HS I would go with Boardwalk. We stayed there last year and loved it. The night time was great there and walking back from the parks made it so simple for us. Poly is a great resort as well if you are spending time at MK. Either way you cant go wrong but in the end I would go with Boardwalk.

 

[toodycat]

actually, Belle Vue lounge, right near the elevators, has a fresh from the BW bakery continental style breakfast offering 6a-11am. a very short walk outside (mostly under awnings) is Trattoria al Forno, with a character breakfast (they also serve dinner) nearby are breakfast options at the Swan, Dolphin, BC, or you can take a stroll to World Showcase for some delicious croissants, etc in France.
in addition to the above, dinner options directly on the BW include Flying Fish, Big River Grille, ESPN.......or again, grab something wonderful in WS (our fave is Tangierine Café in Morocco), & finishing your night with ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery & performers on the BW and/or movies/games on the big lawn, a surrey bike ride around the lake......then strolling back to your room.
and of course, the strolls to EPCOT and DHS are lovely (Friendships are available, but we just love the quiet walk )

I'm not saying there aren't dining options in the vicinity, but there is no place on the resort property for full breakfast. My family doesn't eat continental breakfast. We found that a drawback in otherwise enjoyable resort.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

I'm not saying there aren't dining options in the vicinity, but there is no place on the resort property for full breakfast. My family doesn't eat continental breakfast. We found that a drawback in otherwise enjoyable resort.

No, there's nowhere at BW itself for a full breakfast. But Trattoria al Forno is just outside. I found it closer than the breakfast options at GF, actually. Trattoria al Forno has the Bon Voyage character breakfast inside, but there is the option to sit outside for a regular breakfast. Room service is also available although it's pricey.

 

[allsaintsatx]

I agree! We love it as it's actually our favorite resort pool. We not only love the pool, but being able to see the castle/fireworks off in the distance while swimming can't be beat .

wow, the way you describe it is making me wish I was there in that pool right now!

 

[mickeynut1]

wow, the way you describe it is making me wish I was there in that pool right now!

Me too

 

[Disneyland1084]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I see I have a lot to think about. I'm leaning more towards the BWI, but this trip will be my mom's first time there, my second. I'm thinking she'll really enjoy Magic Kingdom (As I said in a PP, I like it and really enjoy some of the rides,but don't LOVE it) and if so maybe Poly would be a better choice. Who knows. The trip is still two or three years away.

 

[Nancyg56]

The Poly pool is pretty incredible too!

I thnk so too!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I see I have a lot to think about. I'm leaning more towards the BWI, but this trip will be my mom's first time there, my second. I'm thinking she'll really enjoy Magic Kingdom (As I said in a PP, I like it and really enjoy some of the rides,but don't LOVE it) and if so maybe Poly would be a better choice. Who knows. The trip is still two or three years away.

Okay, I am biased, but if I was choosing a resort to stay with my Mom (oh jeez, I am the Mom!!!) I would no choose either of these resorts. I would choose either the Grand or the BC. I think that the ambiance of teh GRand is so conducive to relaxing, it is a serene resort. Teh lobby offers a lovely respite in the afternoon and early evening with entertainment from the Grand Pianist and the Grand Orchestra. The shops in the main building are a nice way to wander and pass some time, the grounds are gorgeous to stroll through.

The MK is just a blink away. I like the Poly, but I find the Grand to offer services that are a step above, and atmosphere that is absolutely breathtaking.

If you want an Epcot Resort I woud think about the Beach Club. It is busy, but in a good way. 5 minutes at teh most from the back gate of the WC, it is convenient. It's lobby has cozy nooks to sit and read or people watch, and the back porch offers seating to people watch. Ther restaurants and lounges are steps away. Personally, I think tht the pool is fine, but it can be a busy place. I do find a quiet place to relax with my cocktail and book though,

 

[Disneyland1084]

I thnk so too!



Okay, I am biased, but if I was choosing a resort to stay with my Mom (oh jeez, I am the Mom!!!) I would no choose either of these resorts. I would choose either the Grand or the BC. I think that the ambiance of teh GRand is so conducive to relaxing, it is a serene resort. Teh lobby offers a lovely respite in the afternoon and early evening with entertainment from the Grand Pianist and the Grand Orchestra. The shops in the main building are a nice way to wander and pass some time, the grounds are gorgeous to stroll through.

The MK is just a blink away. I like the Poly, but I find the Grand to offer services that are a step above, and atmosphere that is absolutely breathtaking.

If you want an Epcot Resort I woud think about the Beach Club. It is busy, but in a good way. 5 minutes at teh most from the back gate of the WC, it is convenient. It's lobby has cozy nooks to sit and read or people watch, and the back porch offers seating to people watch. Ther restaurants and lounges are steps away. Personally, I think tht the pool is fine, but it can be a busy place. I do find a quiet place to relax with my cocktail and book though,

I agree the Grand is gorgeous. I visited there when I was at WDW back in June. I loved the beauty of it, and the pool area. I wasn't a guest there, I just walked around the resort. If the price is right, it's a possibility. I've seen videos of the BC and liked it. I still have a lot of research to do on all the deluxe hotels. If I can't do deluxe, I'll do moderate. Only time will tell.