Polynesian vs Wilderness lodge?

[JonT36]

What is everyone’s thoughts on big differences and preferences between the 2? Other than the obvious monorail for poly.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Poly rooms are bigger. The theming of both resorts have a laid back vibe but I think WL is much more so because it’s removed from the hustle and bustle of the MK area. The main feature pool at Poly was a madhouse the one time I stayed but the quiet pool was fine. I was pretty disappointed as I was hyped up about the hot tub at the feature pool but reality is there are too many guests (at peak hours) to be able to chill there so I always ended up at the quiet pool. I didn’t try to enjoy the feature pool at WL as all I was after were the hot tubs which I found to be nicely removed from the pool craziness (but lacking lounge chairs as they’re in a small area).

Geyser point is really nice for a bar or casual no reservation meal at WL.

But I’m serious about room size. WL is noticeably smaller. OH! Different bathroom layouts. WL has the toilet and shower in a room with a pocket door and sinks outside. Poly has a door to the bathroom which opens to the sink and shower (glass shower door if that matters to you) and you have to walk through that to get to the toilet.

Both are recently remodeled so make sure the photos/reviews you’re reading of them are after their remodels.

 

[XoxoAmy]

We've stayed at a 1bd villa a BWL and also a regular room (pool/marina view) at Poly, so I can't compare the room size, but the feel of the resorts is very different. Poly always felt like a fun tropical party, but not in a bad way (you can avoid the party atmosphere and enjoy quiet walks on the paths). WL definitely feels woodsy/rustic and it's so well designed you can't believe you're still in Orlando FL. It's a really beautiful resort. The Lobby is simply stunning. Poly is nice but I wasn't blown away by the lobby or main building. The main pool at Poly is def crowded. We mostly did the DVC pool at WL but hopped over to the WL main pool and it didn't feel as crowded as Poly.

For dining I think they are pretty comparable, esp. now that Artists Pointe is reopened. Probably just a hard to get a res at Ohana as Artiste Point, and both are great (but no characters at Ohana for now). The quick service restaurant is very similar at both. There's a REALLY great outdoor bar at WL, and the Poly has a wonderful outdoor walk up bar with outdoor tables and chairs and tiki torches and music. I didn't get to Traders Sam's at Poly but I've heard its great and there was always a wait to get in after 8pm (no kids allowed after 8pm).

For transportation, Poly wins for sure (I love the monorail as MK is our favorite park) but the boat to MK from WL is really really nice. Esp. on the way home.

 

[Marthasor]

To reiterate a bit of what PPs have said, the rooms at WL are quite small compared to Poly and, IMHO, WL rooms are really overpriced at this point. There used to be a time when WL was considered "deluxe lite" (along with AKL) as it is farther away from the parks, the rooms are smaller and it doesn't have easy access to other resorts for other dining and recreation options (especially now that the resort boat launches aren't operating). I just think it is priced too high for what you are getting at the resort. I would only stay at WL if we booked a villa at CCV or BRV. Otherwise, I think it's worth it to pay more to stay at Poly for easier access to the parks and other resort dining options.

 

[kanerf]

The boats from WL to MK are operating. I was there in Dec. The boat to the campgrounds was not operating.

 

[FSU Girl]

I prefer Wilderness Lodge over Polynesian. I’ve stayed at both, but only once at Poly multiple times at WL. I like that all the rooms are under one roof at WL. If it’s super hot or rainy out and you want a quick bite to eat you don’t have to venture outside. The boat ride is relaxing to Magic Kingdom. I’ve had a pool view room at both and found the one at Poly super loud and annoying. Also the boat horns were really loud. I didn’t notice the boat horn at WL at all. I prefer staying at WL and visiting Poly for the restaurants and dole whip

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

• Poly rooms are larger, and noticeably so. Wilderness Lodge rooms are closer to moderate in size.
• Poly has the daybed, so extra sleeping surfaces.
• Poly sinks are inside the one bathroom. WL has sinks outside. Maybe no one cares, but this is one of my only complaints about Poly (other than the price!).
• Wilderness Lodge rooms are all connected in main building. Poly spread out over several buildings. When it's raining, this can be a big deal.
• You can watch the MK fireworks from Poly beach. You can even watch them from the main pool. WL has a VERY LIMITED fireworks view.
• Second floor rooms at Poly do not have a balcony. I love a balcony.
• I like the food offerings better at WL.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Oh forgot that at Poly you not only get monorail to MK, it's also super-easy to walk over to TTC to take the direct monorail to Epcot.