POR or Polynesian? I'm in agony-help!

[horner5]

I have been on the fence on this one since we booked our end of August trip. We are celebrating our 13th anniversary with a kids-free trip; however, even though we'd like a romantic atmosphere, we are also doing the parks while we're there. We booked POR because our favorite (POFQ) is out of the question. I have been wanting to stay at the Poly, but it will probably be a $400 price difference for 4 nights with AP rates to stay there. I like the idea of being so close to the monorail and transportation for this short trip because of time constraints, however, I do like the cost of Port Orleans. I'm willing to pay the extra $$ if it's worth staying at the Poly. What do you think???

 

[magicmouse2]

If the cost is not a big issue, I would stay at the Poly for the convenience of the monorail. Also you would have a balcony at the Poly, which would be nice for evening relaxation. Its also a smaller resort than POR. I am sure you will have a wonderful time wherever you choose to stay.

 

[Tinks]

I would certainly pick the Poly. After this last trip I can't imagine travelling without that monorail. It is so convenient for trips to MK and EPCOT. It is also more reliable than the bus service. Stay at the Poly and have a great time

 

[luvaladdin]

I loved the POR resort, although we had only stayed at value resorts before then. I loved the ambiance, the landscaping, the restaurant and bar, the smaller and quieter pools, food court. I found the buses were very good. We found a shortcut from our room to the bus stop, about 2 minutes, and never had long waits for buses. Maybe it's just me, but I never found transportation to be a problem at Disney, whether at POR or an All Stars. If you stay at POR to save money, perhaps you can splurge on a couple of special meals like CA Grill or V&A's. I guess for me, it's always a financial decision, where I can't justify the high cost of a room.

Of course you will have a magical stay whatever you choose.

 

[luvaladdin]

I loved the POR resort, although we had only stayed at value resorts before then. I loved the ambiance, the landscaping, the restaurant and bar, the smaller and quieter pools, food court. I found the buses were very good. We found a shortcut from our room to the bus stop, about 2 minutes, and never had long waits for buses. Maybe it's just me, but I never found transportation to be a problem at Disney, whether at POR or an All Stars. If you stay at POR to save money, perhaps you can splurge on a couple of special meals like CA Grill or V&A's. I guess for me, it's always a financial decision, where I can't justify the high cost of a room.

Of course you will have a magical stay whatever you choose.

 

[drogerstn]

I'd be willing to pay a premium to stay at the Poly over POR, but I'm not sure how much; maybe $30 per day, but not $100. I can find too many uses for an extra $400.

I don't see a big savings in time by staying at the Poly unless you will be going back and forth between MK and your hotel mulitple times a day. Will you visit MK every day during your stay? How many times will you go back to your room each day? For my family, we sometimes go back for one mid-day break and some days we don't visit the MK.

 

[donnamerry]

POLY! YOU WILL BE SOOOOO GLAD YOU DID!

 

[horner5]

I think we'll be switching to the Poly. This is the first time in 10+ years that we will not even be in the same state as our 3 kids. It's terribly expensive, but I think in the long run, it will be worth it-not just for convenience, but for the romantic atmosphere. Thanks everyone for your input!!!!!

 

[drogerstn]

horner5,
I got to thinking (after my post above and before reading your latest post) on what we did the 1st time we went on a kids-free trip since before our 1st child was born. We had to wait until the kids were old enough to take care of themselves, so it was 15+ years. We could have spent $100 less per night where we stayed, but we elected to stay in a nicer hotel then and it was probably worth it. So, I'd like to change my vote and go along with the "romantic atmosphere" aspect and say that I'd probably spend the extra money too.

I'd go cheap if it was a family trip (don't know why) and even though I realized your trip will be kids-free, I was still thinking like I would for a family trip.

 

[AuntMinnie]

If the buses are so bad from POly, is it a big deal to walk or take Monarail to TTC and go where you want from there? And do the same thing in reverse to get back to Poly?

(I'm not being snotty, I really don't know, I have DD4 and DD5 so I would rather not stand on Bus to AK MGM, or DTD with me and DH trying to hang on to 2 kids, stroller and massive backpack. If it was just me and DH it wouldn't bother me so much)

 

[snowolf]

we go to poly in 11 days......its our favorite.....romantic but kid friendly....monorail toGF,MK,CR, or Poly and with in walk distance to ttc(faster than bus). take monorail to epcot from there or bus to anywhere. to be able to see the castle from beach at night is so cool(grand floridian is lit up beautifulalso).....boat to mk, walk to GF, view the contemp...its disney.................

besides.........its an icon at the world........

 

[robinb]

It's too late since you have already made your decision, but I would have stayed at the moderate and used the $400 for great meals. You could eat at Victoria and Alberts one night and one of the other nicer places another night for that kind of money.

But ... the Polynesian is a very nice place and you'll really enjoy it.

 

[yecats]

Although I love the PO resort and I have never personally stayed at the Poly but have walked the grounds many times, I'm glad that you picked the poly. It's your anniversary and you get to go without your children. Enjoy every romantic minute you get especially at a beautiful resort. I think the extra money for those rare moments are well spent. Enjoy the pool, the restaurants and the monorail. Have fun and relax.

 

[VickiVM]

Ok, I vote for Polynesian also. (That's so it reflects I'm on topic)

Now, off topic a bit. How did you and your husband convince yourselves not to take the children??? We're celebrating 13 yrs this month and have 3 kids - 9, 6 and 4. To even think about going to WDW without them is like, well, child abuse. (I say that in a joking manner). Are parents even allowed to go without their kids?? And how do you let the children know without risking them calling Child Protective Services on you??? Please tell me! (she says as she realizes that perhaps other parents actually go places that are fun WITHOUT the children.)

 

[palmtreegirl]

If you can afford it I'd go with the Polynesian over the POR for a special trip.

 

[horner5]

Vicki VM:

You are a riot! You totally cracked me up this morning!! The only way we could do this without the kids is because we were just there WITH them in February. The kids are 11, 7, and 11 mos., and now that the baby is walking and communicating (in her own way), we felt that it would be a good time to sneak away for a few days because Grandma would be able to handle all 3 at once. Also, this was my husband's first trip to WDW, when we went in Feb; I'm a veteran. I don't think I have ever seen a grown man cry the way he did when we had to leave. He's decided that he wants to work for WDW now and has seriously taken the steps to do so (Michigan Winters and Springs have taken their toll on our allergies). I had no problem convincing him to go back in August. He thinks it is the most wonderful place on earth-his favorite ride was 'Small World'!!! Therefore, at least the Poly will make it romantic AND wonderful..

P.S. My kids are not really happy with this, but we're also doing a couple of mini trips in the summer to area theme parks and we've warned them way in advance of our plans to WDW. They've prepared a souvenir list for us already.

 

[Nancybell]

I'm taking my mother for a surprise visit to Disney in July and have reserved the POLY - we have never stayed at this resort before. After reading reports I was wondering if it is too much of a romantic atmosphere for my mother and myself??? We've stayed at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian - just wanted something different.

Thanks,

Nancybell