Polynesian vs. Wilderness Lodge???

[csmolu]

How do these two resorts compare?

I want to book a week May 2016 and am feeling conflicted...
We stayed at WL this May and LOVED it, but the upcoming construction makes me nervous. It'll be me, my DH, DS 7, DD 5, DD 3 and my mother.

Is the Polynesian as relaxing or is it a different vibe. TIA!!

 

[Kirk]

All resorts have a "different vibe" but yes Poly will be relaxing.

 

[TheDisneyNurse]

I really liked Poly! WL is our "home" resort. We love it so much, no amount of construction would deter us. Lol

The only thing I didn't like about Poly (and every other resort set up like this) is how the buildings are spread apart. I like how all the rooms are in one main building at the WL, BC, etc. But that's just a personal preference. It's a great hotel

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

I'm debating this for our July 2016 trip. We are leaning towards the Poly for overall ambiance. I do love the WL as well.

 

[Atobias]

Following. Trying to decide between Poly and WL for fall 2016. We've stayed at AOA in the Mermaid room for the last 2 years and I'm ready to try something different. I'm willing to pay more for the location near MK otherwise we'd just get a Nemo suite. Advice?

 

[mickeynut1]

How do these two resorts compare?

I want to book a week May 2016 and am feeling conflicted...
We stayed at WL this May and LOVED it, but the upcoming construction makes me nervous. It'll be me, my DH, DS 7, DD 5, DD 3 and my mother.

Is the Polynesian as relaxing or is it a different vibe. TIA!!

We've stayed at both and while we do love the WL, the Poly is our favorite. The tropical atmosphere is relaxing, the rooms are large and spacious, all rooms have a daybed, the pool is great as it backs up to the beach with a distant view of the castle, and it's a quick monorail ride away from the GF and CR for a variety of great dining options. With that said, you really can't go wrong with either one as they are both great places to stay, but the Poly is just amazing, IMO. Good luck.

 

[Babsy]

We've stayed at both and while we do love the WL, the Poly is our favorite. The tropical atmosphere is relaxing, the rooms are large and spacious, all rooms have a daybed, the pool is great as it backs up to the beach with a distant view of the castle, and it's a quick monorail ride away from the GF and CR for a variety of great dining options. With that said, you really can't go wrong with either one as they are both great places to stay, but the Poly is just amazing, IMO. Good luck.

I agree! The Poly is truly special!

 

[Bree]

I have stayed at WL many times and loved each trip. Nobody really knows what the construction impact is going to be. May 2016 is nearly a year away. Are you looking at two rooms? Regular rooms sleep 4 people. The Deluxe Club Level rooms will sleep up to 6 people.

We stayed at Poly for the first time at the beginning of this month. It was nice, but I really didn't find it to be relaxing. There always seemed to be a constant flow of non-guests. The worst was in the evenings because the GCH was always packed with people for the Spirit of Aloha show and dining reservations. At night we couldn't get one of the few loungers or swings on the beach to watch Wishes because, again, lots of non-resort guests were camping out. We ended up going into the pool area to sit and watch them. Another thing I didn't like was that the longhouses are separate buildings from the GCH. We were lucky and got a room in Samoa so it was a quick 30 second run through the rain to eat dinner. I did like the size of the room and it sleeps 5. Again, are you looking to all stay in one room or are you booking two rooms? The bathrooms at the Poly have a different set up than WL. The sinks, shower and toilet are all in one room. It makes getting ready a little tricky at times.

 

[csmolu]

I have stayed at WL many times and loved each trip. Nobody really knows what the construction impact is going to be. May 2016 is nearly a year away. Are you looking at two rooms? Regular rooms sleep 4 people. The Deluxe Club Level rooms will sleep up to 6 people.

We stayed at Poly for the first time at the beginning of this month. It was nice, but I really didn't find it to be relaxing. There always seemed to be a constant flow of non-guests. The worst was in the evenings because the GCH was always packed with people for the Spirit of Aloha show and dining reservations. At night we couldn't get one of the few loungers or swings on the beach to watch Wishes because, again, lots of non-resort guests were camping out. We ended up going into the pool area to sit and watch them. Another thing I didn't like was that the longhouses are separate buildings from the GCH. We were lucky and got a room in Samoa so it was a quick 30 second run through the rain to eat dinner. I did like the size of the room and it sleeps 5. Again, are you looking to all stay in one room or are you booking two rooms? The bathrooms at the Poly have a different set up than WL. The sinks, shower and toilet are all in one room. It makes getting ready a little tricky at times.

We most likely would do a Deluxe and a regular room if we stay at WL. We stayed as a family of 5 in a bunk bed room this most recent trip (my youngest is still 2) and it was a little on the cramped side...

 

[justme0729]

I would give the Poly a try! If for nothing else, you get easy access via the monorail to MK, Epcot, and MK resort dining. I think the Poly is relaxing without feeling remote. At WL, we felt far away from MK and the action. At Poly, you can relax on the beach and watch the action of monorail, boats, pool, people etc. I like both the WL and Poly but I like the Poly more

 

[JenQ]

I just went through this debate booking a trip and choose the Poly. My decision mostly came down to space for my family of 5. I dont like to feel cramped and the rooms at WL seemed to small from the photos and video. I've never stayed at either.

 

[Atobias]

I would love to hear any advice or opinions regarding splitting your stay between hotels. Should we stay 2 days Mermaid suite at AOA and then 3 at Poly? Or is it more trouble than its worth?

 

[csmolu]

I just bit the bullet and reserved at Poly. I'm sure I will change my mind a million times over but that's where we are at for now. 309 days to go

 

[Minnie-Maniac]

My family has never stayed at Polynesian but we did visit the resort and it looks wonderful. We have stayed at the WL once and also loved it. The geyser going off outside near the pool is really cool.

 

[joeyd5150]

first stay ever at the Poly coming up in September! Very excited

 

[cdhale]

I love them both, but I love Poly more. And you can't beat the monorail!

 

[joeyd5150]

Hopefully I'll have something constructive to add in September, going to the Poly.