Polynesian or WL? 1st timers

[Samally]

1st time to Disney with kids 5yrs and 6yrs. Only at parks 3 1/2 days.
Should we stay at Polynesian or WL. I told DH Poly since it is on the
monorail, he says based on info on Disney website the kids would like
the WL better. Can anyone help us decide?

 

[Bugsmom73]

FIrst of all welcome to the Dis. You will find an opinion both good and bad about any resort here. The poly is more expensive but does have a zero entry pool you can monorail and boat it to the Magic Kingdom and then walk to the Ticket and transportation center. However, the Poly has many different buildings and you will have to walk outside to get the the eating areas.

WL, all in building, great theming. Pool is good and they have 2 hot tubs, Poly has none. They have a great selection of food places, and we found their food court fairly decent. It is cheaper than Poly, but the rooms are smaller. You can request bunkbeds, so your kids do not have to share a bed. You must either take a boat to MK or the bus. You bus everywhere else here.

If you have budget concerns, then chose the WL. If not chose the Poly, and go have a meal at WL.

 

[MissionMouse]

First time to WDW
only 3 1/2 days
I would definately stay at the PR just because of your short stay and the age of your children.

If you think the kids might like the WL better, then show the kids pictures of each resort and a map of where their located and get their feedback

Personally the WL is less impressive to us since we live out West and have stayed at lodges out here which Disney copied to make the WL.

We also prefer monorail resorts or resort where we can walk to one of the parks.

 

[Marthasor]

We took our DS's to Poly last year and they LOVED it! The themeing for children (and adults!) is amazing - volcano pool, torch lighting ceremony, fireworks and electric light parade from the beac, etc. I would definitely agree, with 3 1/2 days, being at a monorail resort is a HUGE plus - it is very convenient! I think you will enjoy either resort, but transport from the POLY just can't be beat! Have fun!

 

[kaysmommie]

I have stayed at WL and am staying at Poly in September. I would definately pick the Poly. Your kids will love it! The rooms are bigger and the restaurants are great! You can't beat being on the monrail. The theming of Poly is relaxing and beautiful. WL is nice too but I would rather stay at Poly.

 

[Tam1067]

Although we're staying at the Polynesian this time (because we're 5), we loved WL last time, and so did our 3 kids (who were 7, 5, and 1 then). The boat to MK was great, as were the lobby, restaurant, and pool at WL. So I think either way, you'll be fine.

 

[pooh2001]

Pro's of both - close to MK, Can see fireworks from the beaches, have fun restaurants, both deluxe category, both near a dinner show


Polynesian -
day bed- no one has to sleep together in the same bed
Lilo & Stitch character breakfast at 'Ohana
Monorail to MK (and close to TTC for Epcot direct monorail)
LOTS of activities for the kids during the day
2 pools - Volcano slide with waterfall to play under and a 'quiet' pool which is a very good size (original Poly pool)
Spriit of Aloha show here
Check out the website below dedicated to the Polynesian
http://www.tikiman2001.homestead.com/poly9.html

Wilderness Lodge -
Has bunkbeds but you are not guarenteed to get them - only about 20% of the rooms have them
Pool can be crowded because the WL villa's next door can use the WL pool too.
Boat ride to MK is nice
Walk to campground for free campfire with marshmellow roasting(you have to purchase the marshmellow kit)
Very close to Hoop De Do show


We like the Polynesian - but if the budget is tight, we do Wilderness Lodge