Polynesian v. Wilderness Lodge???

[Cmarie123]

We are planning our next trip in December and cannot decide between the Polynesian or the Wilderness Lodge. We have two children (ages 6 and 13). I would greatly appreciate any suggestions/recommendations that will help in making our decision as we have not stayed in either of these resorts. We always, ALWAYS dine at Ohana so I have some knowledge of the Polynesian. Thanks!

 

[partypa]

Would have to give the Edge to The Wilderness Lodge for a December visit, it was made for a Christmas time Holiday, just beautiful. The Resort itself is so Comfy and cozy, we love it

 

[stefwynn30]

Would a split stay be an option for you?. I've only stayed at the WL but would love to try the Poly at some point. I think it really depends on what theme appeals to you more.

We love the Wilderness Lodge and have stayed there 3 years in a row and 6 times total. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it feels like a calm peaceful haven after a long day at a theme park. I love sitting in the lobby with a cup of coffee soaking in the atmosphere while reading a good book. Its very cozy and just beautiful.

We always go to the Poly for dinner at some point during our trip and while I prefer the WL theme its very nice too.

 

[bowbat]

Do you spend a lot of time in your room?

We LOVED the WL resort -- the lobby, the restaurants, the atmosphere, the "secret" little nooks, the peacefulness of the setting. And in the holiday season, it's really in its glory. BUT...the rooms were small (IMO) and pretty dated looking. We tend to spend a lot of time in our room, so that was a killer for us.

The Poly, on the other hand, has nice spacious rooms that are great for lounging in. We never felt cramped. And it's of course super-convenient with the monorail & being able to walk to TTC. We just weren't that wowed with the rest of the resort, plus it's not the best for holiday decor (if that's your thing).

So if you're basically in your room just to sleep & shower, I'd go with WL. If you spend a lot of time in your room, I'd choose Poly.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have stayed at both resorts and I would go with the Polynesian for these reasons. I liked their theme just a little more, bigger rooms, Resort Monorail access and walkway to the Transportation & Ticket Center.

However if you like a resort where all their rooms, stores, restaurants and etc are located in one main building then in that case go with the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Cmarie123]

Thanks for the input. We do not spend much time in our rooms at all! The main reason we were leaning towards WL was because of the amazing Christmas decorations! We have always wanted to stay at Poly because of the monorail also. We just stayed at POR this past December and the room size was perfect for our family. Any idea if the WL rooms are around the same size as those at POR? Aren't the deluxe rooms supposed to be larger?

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've stayed at the Poly a few times....it's just got too pricey.....also our problems there were small pool always crowded, never could find 3 lounges together, never mind a table and chair.....too many day visitors passing thru and jamming up the works....but primary is price....monorail...eh...we used the big ferry alot for the MK and the small motor launch more.....

WL, our past 12+ trips have been to the Lodge and headed there again in 2 weeks....it's off the beaten path, hardly ever crowded...all under one roof....great boat ride to MK, FW and CR....plenty of pool seating and tables...rhough the rooms are smaller still plenty of space and best of all....it isn't ridiclously priced.....

 

[Cmarie123]

pepe, are the rooms larger than the moderates? We were pleasantly surprised with the space we had at POR. If the WL rooms are similar, we should be fine! You are right about the price difference! It will cost us $800 more to stay at Poly. If the monorail is the only real difference, I think we will do WL.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We just stayed at WL this December and it is a beautiful resort, especially at Xmas time. I still kept comparing it to the POLY though and I would probably not stay there again unless it was at Xmas or they gave me a discount that I couldn't turn-down. The rooms at WL are ALOT smaller if that matters. The boat is nice but still not like having the monorail access. We enjoy both Kona and Ohana at the Poly too. Not as fond of the WL options. The Poly X-mas decorations are not as good as WL IMO.
I would probably always pick the POLY if the $$ was right.
You do have the option of the bunk-beds at WL for the 2 boys though. There is a daybed in the room at the POLY.

 

[elaw]

The WL is beautiful at Christmas time !

 

[padawans]

I would say niether. Poly is my favorite, but not in Dec. We stayed at WL this past Dec. I was very disappointed in the rooms. They are very small and dark. The resort is beautifully decorated, but I preferred the decorations at the epcot resorts and GF. If I had to choose between the two you chose than it would be poly. Its just a better resort with better transportation options. Its also a short walk to GF.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I would say niether. Poly is my favorite, but not in Dec. We stayed at WL this past Dec. I was very disappointed in the rooms. They are very small and dark. The resort is beautifully decorated, but I preferred the decorations at the epcot resorts and GF. If I had to choose between the two you chose than it would be poly. Its just a better resort with better transportation options. Its also a short walk to GF.

Response a little shocking, but not...

 

[bowbat]

Thanks for the input. We do not spend much time in our rooms at all! The main reason we were leaning towards WL was because of the amazing Christmas decorations! We have always wanted to stay at Poly because of the monorail also. We just stayed at POR this past December and the room size was perfect for our family. Any idea if the WL rooms are around the same size as those at POR? Aren't the deluxe rooms supposed to be larger?

According to mousesavers.com, the rooms at POR are 314 sq ft and the ones at WL are 344.

 

[partypa]

POR rooms are 315 sq ft
WL rooms are 340 sq ft
Poly rooms are 409 sq ft
If the POR room was fine for your family, the WL rooms will be fine as well. Request a bunk bed room, the kids will enjoy that, you gain a little floor space as well

 

[ktlm]

Supposedly the POR rooms are on average 315 sq. feet; the WL are 340 sq. feet; and the Poly are 409 sq. ft.

We have stayed at both the Poly and WL in December. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Here are are our pros and cons:

Poly:

PROS:
1. TRANSPORTATION!-- Walking to the TTC and getting an express monorail to Epcot or MK can't be beat

2. room size--- we were in Rapa Nui, and our room there was significantly bigger than our room at WL (and we were right by TTC)

3. Bigger gift shops if you are shopping

Cons:
1. CS- We thought WL counter service was better
2. Not the Christmas feel you get from the beautiful WL at Christmas
3. I'm not comfortable walking around on the Poly grounds by myself after dark to go to and from the Grand Ceremonial House

WL:

PROS:
1. DECORATIONS- It is gorgous at Christmas and it has a Christmas feel
2. Everything is in one building so I can leave DD and DH in the room and go relax in the lobby (i.e. grab a rocking chair in front of the fire and enjoy the Christmas decor), or go to the shop or CS
3. Although the transporation is not as great as the Poly, it is in general not bad. The boat to the MK is great, and in our experience the buses are MUCH better at WL, than they are at Poly or GF (GF was the worst we have ever experienced)

CONS:

1. Room size


We love them both. I'd stay at either one again.

 

[Geoff_M]

pepe, are the rooms larger than the moderates? We were pleasantly surprised with the space we had at POR. If the WL rooms are similar, we should be fine! You are right about the price difference! It will cost us $800 more to stay at Poly. If the monorail is the only real difference, I think we will do WL.

Yes, the WL rooms (and bathrooms) are noticeably larger than POR.

 

[Kae]

We have stayed at both, we love WL & like Poly.

WL do bunkbeds-Poly has a daybed so either way it works well for your family.
Poly does not have a Hot Tub it is a huge bummer for me.
You may not get a patio or balcony at Poly, nice to have with kids- coffee or wine on the balcony very nice.
We enjoy having everything in one building & the lobby at WL is awesome. We have not been to WDW for Christmas but I have heard that WL is beautiful that time of the year.

I would pick WL.

Kae

 

[Cmarie123]

Love the pictures! Thanks! Apparently we should be a-ok at WL if the square footage is larger than POR. Thanks everyone for getting that info to me. My brother's family is going with us also. They have 5 in their family so to stay at WL they have to be club level which is significantly more expensive. Anyone have any information about the club level rooms at WL?

 

[elaw]

Love the pictures! Thanks! Apparently we should be a-ok at WL if the square footage is larger than POR. Thanks everyone for getting that info to me. My brother's family is going with us also. They have 5 in their family so to stay at WL they have to be club level which is significantly more expensive. Anyone have any information about the club level rooms at WL?

CL rooms are generally the same as non CL with the exception of the balconies .... the CL balconies are enclosed (integrated with the roof) instead of just having a traditional rail.

 

[Belle83]

We are planning to stay at WL for our Dec. 2012 trip. I can't justify the price of the Poly, for starters. I also don't care for the retro/outdated feel of it. I've heard that it does not have king beds, which is also a factor for us. I vote WL