Polynesian vs. CR

[ChrisM]

Fabulous choice. Of course, I'm a well known Poly hater.

Yes, we do exist. And we can't fathom the legions of Poly lovers.

 

[Mary T in PA]

I have stayed at both, in fact I'm staying at the Poly this July and staying at CR after Thanksgiving.

I think both have pros and cons.

I see you chose the Contemporary, have fun!

Once you stay on property, it's hard to stay off property!

 

[lin7]

Congrats on your choice, I love the rooms at the CR. Hope you have a great time and enjoy the resort!

 

[a1tinkfans]

For a Honeymoon, I would choose POLYNESIAN without a second thought. Atmosphere is more romantic, especially at night...
Contemp is a different vibe IMO, like its more sterile, "contemporary" less Disney....if he/you are more reserved/minimalistic, less "disney" Id be okay with choosing it...but my first choice, suggestion is POLY, so beautiful........
Congrats to you both and have a MAGICAL time which ever you choose!

Opops, this is what happens when one does not read every single post in the thread....you chose contemp...., enjoy your trip!

 

[CtinaDitty]

Haha, thank you everyone! I really was at a loss. I had pros/cons for both locations after reading all of the replies as well as doing some research of my own. I ended up letting my FI choose and he chose the Contemporary. He just liked the look of it much better. I'm sure we'll stay at the Poly at some point! But, I figure, we can always take the monorail over to the Poly and enjoy the dinner show as well as some time on the beach there. If only it weren't so far away!

 

[chrisw127]

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.

Agreed. I always say that the rooms at the CR are far superior to the Poly, but that the public areas of the Poly have more charm. Having said that, I would pick the CR because the rooms are so gorgeous (love the bathrooms) andyou'll be looking at that more than the common areas. Plus, you can't beat a theme park view, especially if you like fireworks. Walking back to your resort at closing from the Magic Kingdom is so convenient, you'll be happy you stayed there.

 

[sotoalf]

The Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian have far better restaurants.

 

[graceesmom]

Here's my opinion having stayed at both 2x each.

If I were choosing a lobby, I'd choose the Poly.

If I were choosing a room, amenities and convenience, I'd choose CR.



Poly negatives in comparison to CR:
single sink in bathroom
No hot tub
rooms are dark
elevators are very small (not a concern unless you are a stroller using parent)
may or may not be long walk to lobby depending on your longhouse
not much seating around the pool

We prefer the updated look of the rooms at the CR and the convenience of the tower shops and restaurants from your room. Even if you're in a garden wing room, it's still closer to the tower than most of the longhouses at the Poly.

We also really missed having a hot tub after long days walking in the park when we were at the Poly last Oct.

We like both resorts, but when we return to WDW, CR is our first choice.

 

[CtinaDitty]

Thank you all! You are fantastic!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Honestly, I would go with a Tower Room at the Contemporary. I stayed at both the Polynesian and the Contemporary in January, and there is really no comparison.

The beds at the Contemporary are MUCH more comfortable, the view from the Theme Park View Rooms at the Contemporary is better than at the Poly, the Contemporary is MUCH cleaner, and I found the Cast Members at the Contemporary to be much more helpful and efficient. In addition, you can leisurely stroll "home" after a visit to the Magic Kingdom, and you do not have to go to a separate building to get to dining, etc.

At the Polynesian the carpet was disgusting, the beds were awful, the fridge started smoking during our stay (and according to the maintenance Cast Member this is a regular occurrence), and the person checking us in was EXTREMELY slow (and this was the online check-in line). Unless you are staying Theme Park View Club Level at the Poly, definitely stick with the Contemporary.

Just take a trip over to the Poly during your stay to take a stroll through the tiki torches!

Congratulations, and enjoy your honeymoon!!

I agree. I think Polynesian used to be way better than it is now, but the service has reached a point of complacence where we refuse to return. Contemporary's rooms are brighter, more modern, and more luxurious, while Poly's are darker and tackier.

I think you made the great choice. I always enjoy walking around the Polynesian grounds. But I never want to stay there again! Not even the nostalgia (it was my first Disney resort) negates our recent negative experiences there.

 

[disneys pirate life]

Alrighty, I'm new to these boards so I haven't quite figured out all of the acronyms yet, but I believe CR stands for Contemporary Resort.

Anyway, my FI and I have decided we are going to WDW for our honeymoon! Well, more I just kept talking about it and he caved. So, now I have been looking at the Deluxe Resorts. I have been to WDW too many times I've lost count but he has only been twice. Both were with me, and only one was on property. We are definitely staying on property for our Honeymoon and every trip after. Let me tell you, it is SO much better. So, the two resorts I've narrowed it down to are the Polynesian and the CR.

What are your opinions on those two resorts and how do they compare to each other? I understand we can get a theme park view at both resorts and both have monorail access. But, what are the other differences and which do you believe is better?

Thank you!!

poly