Polynesian Resort vs. Saratoga Springs

[cutiepiekarrie]

Hi All-

I am new to this forum but trying to do a little reserach on where to stay. I am going with my girlfriends this summer for a long weekend. We are all in our 30's. We are thinking about staying at the Polynesian Resort or the Saratoga Springs Resort. What is better / nicer? Thanks!!

 

[spiceycat]

how much time are you planning of spending at Pleasure Island?

if every night then I would say SSR.

if only once or twice during your stay - hands down the Polyn.

just depends upon you.

the views at the Polyn can't be beat anywhere else.

the transportation from the Polyn to DD (where PI is located) is not the best.

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

Also if you are planning on using the Spa at SSR. But if thats the only reason why you'd want to stay there, keep in mind you can use the Spa over the GF which is a quick walk from the Poly. I guess it depends on the location you want, close to Downtown Disney for shopping and partying or Monorail access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

You should also consider the Boardwalk which has a bunch of things to do, right inbetween MGM and Epcot and it's a lot closer to DTD.

 

[cutiepiekarrie]

Thanks for the quick replies. We are there 3 days 2 nights. So I figured one night Downtown Disney, one night universal walk. We do have a car. Do you think one is a nicer hotel over the other one? I know one is newer. Not sure what to do. The Boardwalk is not available. These 2 are the only ones that we could have. Not going to have time to go to the spa.

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

No Spa? One Night at DTD? Do Poly! The convinience of the monorail pretty much takes the cake. Plus its one of our favorite resorts

 

[septbride2002]

Saratoga Springs is a DVC resort - are you looking at a studio?

I like Saratoga Springs, it is newer and very clean. It is nice to view DTD. However I love the Poly and I think if any of your girlfriends are going to Disney for the first time they will LOVE being able to grab the monorail and go to Magic Kingdom. And they will love being able to walk out on the beach and see the castle or watch the fireworks from there. Plus the resturants are yummy.

The Poly is a great resort so enjoy!

~Amanda

 

[diathoney]

We just returned from Saratoga Springs. I think it would be a great place for a girls weekend.
1) Fabulous pool area - 2 hot tubs, plus the spa if you decide to have a massage, manicure or pedicure.
2) Not a lot of kid traffic. I'm sure they were there, but the pool was very low key - unlike the Poly amin pool which is covered in kids. (I have 2 of my own, but they don't go on Ladies weekends) Saratoga Springs seemed to have a convention/golf crowd. The pool slide at SSR is great - I went down it several times - it's "adult" great!
3) Easy access to DTD shopping and Pleasure Island - walk or boat.
4) Good bus service to all the parks. Epcot, AKL or MGM would be my choices for an adult weekend. MK is dry and loaded with the kids again. (I love both of mine dearly, but I like adult beverages on an adult weekend)
5) Kitchen area - In a studio you'll have a sink, 10 cup Coffee maker, Microwave and Fridge. In a 1 bedroom you'll have a full kitchen, plus a whirlpool tub.
6) It's easier to leave Disney from SSR than from the Poly. SSR is close to Hotel Blvd and SR 536 (Vacation Club Way to Buena Vista Blvd to Hotel Plaza Blvd - right to 536 and I-4 or the Premium Outlet Mall!) From the Poly you have quite a drive - your at the back side of Disney property.

On the downside - in a SSR studio you'll have one queen size bed and a full-size fold-out couch. They do not have roll-away beds. Also, they're a little stingy with their towels.

At the Poly you'd have a great landscaping, 2 queen-sized beds, a fridge and small (2 cup) coffee maker, and plenty of towels (based on experience)

Still, I think I'd go for SSR.

Have fun!

 

[GusGush]

You and your girlfriends should absolutely go Polynesian for your long weekend!

Saratoga Springs, which is lovely, is more of an extended-family resort -- outfitted with condos/villas that have kitchens and washer/dryers, etc. It is better suited to big groups (like extended families or groups of neighbors) who intend to eat/cook a lot of meals "in" and bunk out on fold-out couches, etc.

Our party of 11 just stayed there (Saratoga Springs) last month, and it was lovely, but it's remotely located, if you ask me, and the wait for the shuttle bus to the various parks was long (sometimes 30 minutes). You just can't beat the Polynesian for being a monorail-access hotel (monorail zips you directly from lobby to Magic Kingdom -- no waiting for the shuttle, at least for Magic Kingdom). If we hadn't been traveling with our entire family, I certainly would have preferred the Polynesian.

You can shuttle to Downtown Disney (or drive there in your car), so don't worry about your proximity to it if you choose the Polynesian. If you happen to be placed on the far side of Saratoga Springs (in relation to Downtown Disney) you would be shuttling to it anyway, because it's only close enough to walk if you're in one of the outlying sections (of Saratoga).

You will not regret Polynesian! It's unique, great pool, it has the monorail, and it's pure "Disney." Visit Saratoga when you return on a family trip with all your nieces and nephews and cousins and intend to grocery shop, cook-in and share a bathroom.

Have a great time!