Polynesian vs. CR

[KatMark]

I just jogged down there and considered it part of my workout. Its a really nice trail by the beach. Walking from the poly to the gf was one of my favorite parts of our trip especially after a nice dinner at Citricos or Narcoosses. Very romantic walk in my opinion.

I agree...it is a very romantic walk.

 

[nonnasally]

I agree with the previous poster. Although I think the CR's rooms are more modern looking and to my personal taste, the Poly rooms look very spacious. But the grounds of the Poly are so romantic, especially at night when all of the tiki torches are lit. Nothing better than watching/hearing Wishes from a hammock or swing on the beach at the Poly. Congrats on your upcoming marriage!

Agree with Wendy 100%/ Nothing like the Poly for romance and fun. There are sooo many places to get lost in and even though it is always fill you never seemed to mind. Just the smells walking into the lobby are memories my DK's ( now in their 30's) still remember and talk about to this day. Truly a magical place. CR is an amazing place but doesn' t hold a candle to the Poly in my opinion.
By the way, nice banner Wendy! Best wishes to the happy couple. Wherever you land will be magical.

 

[Gabe's Mom]

I have stayed at both resorts. I love both. To put it in perspective, I think CR is my favorite resort on property. You can't go wrong with either choice, but for a honeymoon I'd go with the Poly. It really is romantic. Sitting on the beach watching wishes, wish I was there right now!!

 

[Mom2Elliot]

Stayed at both last summer and will not return to Poly, we are booked for CR again this summer The pool at the Poly is very small and overcrowded. We could hardly move in it and gave up for the quiet pool. Also, we got caught in rain showers going between our room and the GCH on several occasions - it was a very long walk from our room. With the CR you are inside (or under a covered walkway if coming from the Garden Wing.) The Poly room was so dark and just felt really old. I know the CR is just as old, but with the decor, the rooms feel more updated and bright to me. I also did not like Capt Cooks what so ever and much preferred Contempo Cafe. Even getting drink refills at Capt Cooks was a pain - it is tucked in a small space right near the door with people coming in and out.

With that said, we are a family with little kids and not on our honeymoon, so different things will probably appeal to you! Have a wonderful time.

 

[mickeynut1]

For a honeymoon, I would DEFINITELY pick the Poly -- much more romantic.

the grounds of the Poly are so romantic, especially at night when all of the tiki torches are lit. Nothing better than watching/hearing Wishes from a hammock or swing on the beach at the Poly.

POLY POLY POLY!

The Poly has the most gorgeous grounds, killer views from the beach, great food, excellent staff, hammocks on the beach, the rooms are very dark and romantic and the tropical music playing all the time is awesome!

I agree 100% . These are all the reasons the Poly is our favorite resort......we love everything about it .

 

[mike45248]

I was wondering when you were going to show up

I think CR 4 life only has to click paste when replying to a message about the CR. He says the same thing every time. Poly rooms are just as large as the CR rooms by the way. CR is also only cheaper if you are in the Garden wing other than that they are more expensive.

 

[lborne]

I saw some pictures of the view from a room at the CR on another thread and they were amazing! Does anyone have any pictures of the view from the Poly? You see... I luuurve the fireworks! I cry every time I see them... Kid you not!

Firework pics from the Poly did not come out. But here are daytime photos with the castle in the background. Let's play, "can you spot the castle". It is that little blurb that could be the castle or a cell phone tower . To be honest, the castle by day from the Poly is not easily seen. The trees hide most of it, and it is very far away. Don't be fooled by photos from people who have large zoom lenses - that goes for both the CR and Poly pics of the castle. But to be fair, my camera does make "objects appear farther than they really are" - but not by much. You won't be sitting on the balcony or beach by day admiring the beauty of the castle. Night is a bit different with the lights, but the more amazing shots of the castle are from the CR. But I also agree with the PP that I rather see a bit of the castle above the tree line than above the parked cars. However, you will get a great view of the CR from the Poly.

 

[GovieMom]

At the Polynesian balconies are only available on their 3rd floor rooms and that's something you need to request.

Not true; our second floor room in Tokelau had a full balcony.

 

[GovieMom]

Poly rooms are just as large as the CR rooms by the way. CR is also only cheaper if you are in the Garden wing other than that they are more expensive.

Agree with both statements.

 

[CtinaDitty]

lborne,

Thank you so much for posting pictures!

 

[fairymommy]

I like them both for different reasons. The CR is nice because it has the hot tub. That was nice at night after walking around all day at the parks to get in the hot tub and relax. I also liked that you could go right through the crowds at the end of the day at MK and just WALK back to the CR. The POLY is nice in the way that when you are there you feel like you are in Hawaii or some exotic place. The theming and the atmosphere there is so neat. I really liked the boat ride to and from MK. It was pretty quick and a nice ride back and forth. As for the rooms, having a family, it was nice for us that the CR has a door for the toilet. I know it sounds funny, but it allows for other people to be at the sinks in the bathroom while someone is using the toilet! I really don't think you'll be disappointed with either one. They are both great resorts

 

[Rhode Island Quahog]

We stayed at the Poly in October of 2008 and I would not return. The Poly was the one resort I had always wanted to stay at since my first trip to WDW as a child. My dream resort. I loved the idea of the theming..I love the caribbean, and it did not meet my expectations.

The staff were just not happy to be there, and they lacked that Disney magic I expected and I have experienced at every other hotel or park. Mousekeeping was lacking and barely minimal. After a long day at the parks and or during rain, rooms are a good distance from the monorail. The view of MK is limited and the hotel is crowded every morning and evening, for the Ohana breakfast and dinner, which makes the monorail back up worse than anywhere I have ever seen.

I however on this very trip, fell in love with the Contemporary. I just loved the monorail going through the hotel. I love the shops. I love the Contempo Cafe for a quick meal or snack. We love all the restaurants including California Grille, The Wave, and Chef Mickey's.

The rooms are beautiful and the close walk to MK can't be beat. There is also no hotel closer where you can see wishes from your balcony and even bed. Going to sleep and waking up with a view of the castle...nothing is more magical to me.

The view of Bay Lake from the pool is amazing and I love the pool. At night I also enjoy viewing the Grand Floridian all lit up across the lake. Just thinking of it makes me smile and I truly love every second we spend at the CR.

It is because of the CR we purchased DVC at Bay Lake Tower. If DVC was not available at the Contemporary, but boyfriend would never have purchased it. I just wanted to share my viewpoint. The CR to me is Disney Magic at its best. Good luck with whatever choice you make and congrats on your engagement and impending marriage!

 

[RodBelding]

Personally the Poly is my favorite Disney resort. I love the theming, beach, and restaurants. Every time we go I stop by there and get a little bit upset that we didn't book there...

That being said, I stayed at the Contemporary the past 2 years, and it's really great. The theming is fun, and Chef Mickey's is a blast. The best part about it though, in my opinion, is that you can walk to and from the MK. It's about 5 minutes to walk there, and I loved not having to fight monorail lines (even though the resort lines aren't bad). It was such a huge convenience.

So I'd personally go to the Poly for a honeymoon, but you wouldn't be going wrong with the CR either...

Have fun, and congratulations!

 

[MissionMouse]

Alrighty, I'm new to these boards so I haven't quite figured out all of the acronyms yet,...

This might help http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

 

[lovesdumbo]

CR is great that you can walk to MK and I think they have the better counter service.

Poly has monorail or boat to MK but you can also walk to TTC to catch the direct Epcot monorail. From CR you have to take the resort monorail to TTC and switch to Epcot monorail. Not a huge deal getting to Epcot but at night when your tired it takes a while to make the switch and then make stops at Poly, GF, and MK before getting back "home".

Do you like to unpack on vacation? CR rooms have very limited drawer space in the rooms.

You may find it comes down to which resort you can get a discount at.

 

[CtinaDitty]

Okay, so I went to wdwinfo.com and looked at resort photos from both places. Here is what I have come up with.

The CR room photos look MUCH nicer than the Poly room photos, BUT the environment at the Poly looks much nicer than the CR.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

[CtinaDitty]

MissionMouse, thank you for the abbreviations page! That is SO helpful!

 

[momH2the4th]

We've stayed at both and prefer the Poly 100%. Yes, they are both nice. The CR rooms are NOT bigger, but they have been updated. The Poly rooms do not seem dark to me at all. The carpet was not disgusting or I would not have allowed my kids to sit and play OR would I have made a return trip 2 years later after staying at the CR. The Poly is definitely a beautiful resort, the CR is a wonderful hotel. You just have to decide what type of feeling you want to have while you are there. The fireworks from the beach at night are absolutely breathtaking and add to the resort atmosphere of the Poly. You will enjoy whereever you stay for 2 reasons: it's your honeymoon and it's Disney! Congratulations!

 

[CtinaDitty]

Alrighty, so I spoke with FI and showed him pictures of both places and he prefers the look of the CR! We figure we can always go down to the Poly and visit the beach if we choose to! So, CR it is!

Thanks for all of your help everyone!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think you made a great choice going with the Contemporary and I hope you have a wonderfull time staying there.