Polynesian or Contemporary?

[frankzappafan]

We're going to visit Disney World this Spring with two 5 year olds. Any thoughts on which is better, the Poly or the Contemp? Budget dictates either a Tower room at the Contemp or the least expensive room at the Poly (garden view).

 

[jeank74]

I think your kids might enjoy Contemp more than Poly because:

1. there is a train going through the building
2. there is a Chef Mickey's Restaurant in the building and they can see characters from the hallway.
3. everything is in the same building.

But you, the parents might enjoy Poly more because of the sandy beach, the torch at night and the romantic Hawaii theme.....

No matter what resort you choose, you will have a great time at Disney World.

 

[Kim&Chris]

We just returned from the Polynesian (without kids) and I saw tons of kids having a blast in the Poly's new Volcano Pool! I'm not much of a pool person, so we just strolled by a few times and the kids looked like they were having the time of their lives.

In addition, the Poly has a snack bar that's open 24 hours that has tons of "kid food" like pizza and other snacks.

The resort has a restaurant called O'Hana, which has a great character breakfast every morning. The kids are actually able to dance around the restaurant in a sort of "conga line" led by Mickey or Pluto.

The monorail runs through the Great Ceremonial House, so you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing ride to the Magic Kingdom without worrying about parking your car.

The Polynesian gets my vote!

 

[DisneyFans4]

If your into the hawaiian theme then definitely the Poly. Your kids will also love the volcano pool with the slide. We were there this summer and absolutely loved it! If you can spend the extra $$$, go concierge level, very well worth it. Service was great as the hotel staff. The monorail and the TTC are right there within easy walking distance.

 

[Dsnygirl]

I would vote for the Polynesian- it is more kid-friendly, and the pool is more fun for the kids than the one at the Contemporary (It has a volcano and a great slide) If you take them to O'Hana for Dinner, they have times where they stop and play Hawaiian games for the kids- it's adorable- all the kids in the restaurant come down and play. The theming at this hotel is more fun for kids (they are doing a Lilo and Stitch thing) and you can watch the castle, fireworks, and the electic water pagaent from the Polynesian beach. It still has the monorail like the contemporary too. The garden View rooms are great- I wouldn't let that detour you. For pictures and info about the Polynesian go to Tikiman's website. I wish I knew it offhand, but do a search on these boards. It's a fantastic site with lots of pictures! Have fun!

 

[frankzappafan]

If staying at the Poly are there any of the lodges to avoid? Any to try and get?

 

[DisneyFans4]

If your staying at the concierge level the only building is the Hawaii building. It has it's own separate entrance that can only be opened by your key. No other guests have access to the building.
If you want to be near the pool the Samoa and Fiji buildings are close but they may be noisy since you are so close to the pool.
The entire resort is absolutely beautiful and the staff are friendly and very courteous. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back.

 

[WilmaBud]

Another vote for Contemporary Tower, here! The monorail goes right through the building (and it's OUTSIDE the great Ceremonial House at the Poly). They have an awesome arcade (the best onsite, IMHO), and a snack bar, as well. Plus, nothing beats watching the fireworks or the electrical water pageant (depending on which view you have) from your balcony. Chef Mickey's is great for kids. AND, you can walk to and from the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary.

 

[DisneyFans4]

The Poly is also next to the TTC which brings you right to Epcot which is great! You can also see the electric parade and the fireworks from Poly's beach which is awesome!
The luau is fabulous there, as well as O'Hana's which is served family style and the food is great!

 

[MAC3]

I've never stayed at the Contemporary. But this past Oct. we stayed at the Poly for 4 days. We all Loved it. Beautifully themed and well maintaned. Lots to do.

The volcano pool is the berries. I enjoyed it as much as the kids.
I vote Poly! My new Favorite!

 

[CuteKatCar]

I can't comment on Poly (not until after June 7th anyway- yippee), but my girls loved the Cont. They were 5 and 8 on our last trip there.

My suggestion - resort hop. We did that one year. 5 nights at the GF and then 3 nights at the Cont. The kids were really mad when we got to the Cont. (the GF is just so beautiful). But they loved it. They loved the playground, they are big arcade kids, so they just loooovvveed the arcade and the pool does have a slide. I do think my kids will like the Poly pool better now.
My biggest reason why we went back to the CR the next year - the walk to MK. That walk is unbeatable. 10 mins (we pushed strollers). We spend alot of time at MK so the close proximity can't be beat.

However, as far as the Poly, you will be the second stop on the monorail going to MK - pretty good deal there too - or you can take the boat - your kids will love that too. And that's really pretty at night.

It's a tough decision - Good Luck!!

Anna

 

[Cinderella03]

Definitely the Poly! My first stay there was when I was 2 yrs. old..now I'm 24-been there 10 times! LOVE IT!!

 

[wdwnutze]

I would have to say the Polynesian. We have never stayed at the Cont. but we love the Polynesian. Your kids will love the pool and playing in the sand at the beach. You can sit on the beach and watch the fireworks over the castle. The resort is so relaxing. You really do feel as if you are on an island. It's so nice to go to the Polynisian at the end of a long day at the parks. The rooms are very spacious too. We had our family of 5 with no problem. Very convenient with the monorail and the ttc next door. You won't be sorry if you stay there.

 

[TeamMMouse]

We have stayed at both resorts and I would strongly recommend the Polynesian. The Poly has great pools and a laua right by the lake. It feels like such a special place. The kids will be so excited when they see the waterfall and great lobby area. On the other hand, the Contemporary is much colder, sterile and just not as fun & comfortable. Yes, the restaurant is neat and the monorail runs through, but not enough to make up for all the other pluses at the Poly. I vote Poly in a big way!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by WilmaBud
Another vote for Contemporary Tower, here! The monorail goes right through the building (and it's OUTSIDE the great Ceremonial House at the Poly). They have an awesome arcade (the best onsite, IMHO), and a snack bar, as well. Plus, nothing beats watching the fireworks or the electrical water pageant (depending on which view you have) from your balcony. Chef Mickey's is great for kids. AND, you can walk to and from the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary.

DITTO! Arcade and snack bar are open 24 hours too! Great pool/waterfront. Disney character voices in the elevators call out your floor, views are astounding, and nothing beats walking back to the resort after an evening parade (when everyone else, including Poly folks, are crowding onto the monorail ramp, boat launch or buses!) taking the elevator to your tower room, and watching the mayhem/struggle from the comfort of your room/balcony!

 

[rae519]

We've stayed at both the Contemporary Tower and the Tahiti Longhouse at the Polynesian.

IF you have ideal weather, the Polynesian is terrific - BUT if you have torrential rain and cold - then it's a nightmare since you have to walk outdoors to get anywhere. We were soaked each time we left the building. PLUS if you go from the Transportation Center to the Tahiti at night, it is very poorly lit and does flood out when it rains so your shoes get soaked thoroughly.

Had we stayed at the Contemporary we would have had access to restaurants, shops, the monorail - all in dry conditions.

No one can predict the weather and we just had a run of bad luck with the rains and cold when we were there, but it really turned us off.

I would go there to eat though - food is plentiful and delicious, especially Tonga Toast.

Rae

 

[DisneyFans4]

You can see the fireworks and the electric parade right from Poly's own beach. It beats watching it from the park and then having to get back on the monorail to get to your hotel. Watching the fireworks from the beach is so relaxing and there are no crowds, it's absolutely wonderful!! The snack bar and arcade are also 24/7. The other great thing is the TTC is also right there so you can hop on that at any time and get to Epcot.

 

[TINKTWINS]

I vote The Poly, The Poly The, Poly!!

I absolutly LOVED it!! My almost 3yo twins loved the zero entry pool. We were in Hawaii, so we were spoiled. If you can do concierge I highly reccomend it. It was well worth it for us having 4 kids. The room is a great size. I loved being on the Monorail. We ate at Ohanas twice. We were on the ground floor. Our patio was a few short steps from the quiet pool, however we didnt use that pool. Had I known what it was like to stay lagoon view in the Hawaii bld I would have definatly chose that!

We took the Monorail to the Contemporary twice, once to check out the shops and the other to eat dinner at Chef Mickeys. DH and I did not like the food at dinner. However the family pic they took was the best weve ever had. I do think the food selection for the kids there is great though. I like the shops however we wanted a Contemporary beach towel but couldt get one. We were told they are very limited on items with the Contemporary printed on it. My PO towels are awesome, id like to collect them from as many resorts as possible. I did get one from the Poly.

The Contemporary didnt appeal to me but im sure its all in your individual taste. I love palm trees and the beach so for me the Poly was it. My kids loved the beach and the hammocks too.

 

[chrisp]

Contemporary! We (family of 5) stayed at Poly once, then CR. Next 12 trips we voted - CR each time.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I agree with TinkTwins, the food for the adults at Chef Mickey is not great at all but terrific for the kids. I also stayed concierge level in the Hawaii building and boy did that save us alot of $$$, especially with 2 teenage boys. We never bought any drinks in the park and the beverages alone can save you alot. My husband and I really enjoyed the cordials and wines with the crackers, cheese and mini desserts and then sitting in the private lounge and watch the fireworks and electric parade. There is nothing like the Poly!!!!
Of course taste is everything and if your not into the hawaiian theme then Poly isn't for you.
The staff are so friendly and truly spoiled us. I didn't have to make one dinner reservation because they did it for me. They welcome you with a gift and say goodbye to you with a gift. I can't wait to go back again this summer! I especially loved the personal check in.