Reality Check -- Poly really worth $400 a night?

[G8r4evr]

I haven't stayed there, but I feel it's not worth it. I've gotten the Royal Pacific and Portofino for $125 and $199 a night. They're far nicer, closer to the (Universal) parks, and allow unlimited fastpass-like privileges. I know it's not Disney, but that is a much better deal. I wouldn't pay more than $200 a night for the Poly. It's nice, but not $400 nice. It doesn't even have a hot tub! I've never stayed at a hotel that would be worth that price. Even the Hyatt Regency Kauai (rated in top 5 often), I didn't pay that much, and it's true paradise!

That said, obviously people are paying it. If I were the OP, I'd choose the Dolphin/Swan for $199.

I couldnt agree more. I wouldnt pay more than $200 for a room at the Poly....Dolphin for $199 would get my vote.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

With all the conveniences that the Polynesian has, that being the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, walkway to the TTC so you can get on the Epcot Monorail and the brand new renovated rooms I would say it's worth the extra $ per night. However only you can make that decision, all we can do is give our opinions.

 

[CindyandBrice]

I don't know how long your stay will be but, try it for one night. Stay the other nights at POR, and one night at Poly. You won't feel so bad about the money doing it that way and it get to try 2 resorts. We stayed at Pop last year for 5 nights then 2 at POR. Disney will move your bags for you to the new resort. Did you ask for AAA room only rate? This may save you some.

 

[CindyandBrice]

Oh, and if you do stay at Poly, make sure the main pool is open. I believe sometime in 2008 the main pool is scheduled for renovations.

 

[GalDisney]

Have you checked AAA or Hotwire or Priceline for discounts? I have often seen discounts on those sites for the Polynesian that Disney itself does not offer.

 

[boomhauer]

I don't think so. I had the Poly booked for July, and after staying at WL this past December, switched over to there. I've always wanted to stay there, but to think that I could use that extra $150 per night on fun was enough for me.

 

[willis37862]

Save your money - it's JUST a room!!!

$400 is a lot of money on a room. If this is a "once in a lifetime thing" then I would do it, but if not, and spending the money would be rough on finances, I would stay at POR or the Swan or Dolphin.

I don't think so. I had the Poly booked for July, and after staying at WL this past December, switched over to there. I've always wanted to stay there, but to think that I could use that extra $150 per night on fun was enough for me.

I agree with these posts. If it was a once in a lifetime trip I would go for it and enjoy it. But otherwise I would spend the whole time thinking of all the other useful ways I could have spent the money. Now if money is no issue then I would go for the Poly. But if you are like me and money is an issue , I would go with POR. That's our fave resort and I don't think I could get DH to switch even if it was to a deluxe.

 

[CEDmom]

Absolutely not. There are very few hotels that are worth that kind of money and those that are include a lot more than what the Poly has to offer. It's a lovely place but not at that price.

It's amazing when it's your own money how it really hits home what the value of things are. When it's given to you it's hard to make that connection.

 

[Brenner965]

Have you checked AAA or Hotwire or Priceline for discounts? I have often seen discounts on those sites for the Polynesian that Disney itself does not offer.

While AAA will offer discounts, I can say with nearly absolute certainty that the Polynesian has never been a hotel offered on Hotwire or Priceline.

The All-Stars and Swan/Dolphin have shown up in the past, but it has been a long time since any of these have been reported wins.

Furthermore, you have no idea what hotel you are getting with Hotwire/Priceline until after you submit your credit card information, so it's really not a good choice for someone who has their heart set on a particular hotel.

But I agree with those who suggest that it's a matter of supply and demand. Disney isn't stupid. They will price their rooms at a point that they think the market will bear and then offer "surplus" at a discount.

 

[JanetRose]

The Swan!!!

Beautiful and I loved taking the boat to MGM or Epcot!

 

[CrazyFool]

It's amazing when it's your own money how it really hits home what the value of things are. When it's given to you it's hard to make that connection.

 

[Nancyg56]

I don't know. I liked the Poly but was just as happy at POFQ. While I missed the convenience of the monorail I enjoyed the resort. The Poly is lovely but it is expensive. I would rather spend less on accommodations and either visit more or stay longer. My DD and DSIL will disagree. They spent most of our last trip comparing CBR with the Poly and CBR lost. They would prefer to stay on the monorail line.

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

I've been asking myself this question all day today! We are booked for a split stay between POR & POLY in May. I loved POR & really liked certain things about the POLY. Sometimes I don't know why we are staying there again at $400 a night either. But when I start to think about the things that make it great, I don't want to change my plans. I guess it depends on the mood I'm in & today is not a good decision making mood day I'm not really sure where you have stayed before but I loved POR. Stay there & visit the Poly or go for a breakfast or lunch. Or do the split stay. Gives you the best of both worlds. We will be at the world May 2-9. First three nights at POR & last 4 nights at the Poly unless I have a change of heart. Stranger things have happened. Besides, DH & I have always had great trips no matter where we stayed & it used to always be the All Stars. I guess it depends if you're there more for the parks or more for a resort vacation. Good luck & you'll have a great time no matter what.

 

[ktink]

I have always wanted to stay at the Polynesian but there's no way I could justify paying those rates. I can't justify paying any of the deluxe hotels at rack rate. I would love to stay at all of them and we could afford to but I would rather have that money in the bank or put towards something else on the trip.

I was booked at WL just last night and we had 6 day base tickets and the package was $2409. Well we are now staying at ASMu, water park option, and added DDP for $2403. It just made sense to have our food and extras taken care of and we will go visit WL and Poly. If you are to the point that you're having to wonder if it's the right thing or not then you can't feel good about it spending the extra. Good luck, you'll have a very magical vacation regardless.

 

[mom3girls2007]

Thanks everyone for your great input! I'm so glad I found this board We're going with POR and saving POLY for sometime when we can get a better rate. With the money we're saving we plan to get the dining plan and experience some great restaurants and dinner shows.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I LOVE the Poly it is my favorite resort at WDW, but there is no way I'd spend $400 a night to stay there. We did manage to get one of the email codes yesterday and are now booked at the Poly for the end of October for $235 a night....I'm so excited, but even at that I'm thinking we could have just gotten a much deal at a moderate. I figure we might not get this chance again though. My parents took us to the WDW in 1983 and we stayed at the Poly (it was $65 a night then!) and I've been wanting to stay there again ever since, so we are going for it. But $400 a night? No way.

 

[willis37862]

Thanks everyone for your great input! I'm so glad I found this board We're going with POR and saving POLY for sometime when we can get a better rate. With the money we're saving we plan to get the dining plan and experience some great restaurants and dinner shows.

I think that sounds great. Throw in some character meals and I am sure the kids will love it. Have a great time!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks everyone for your great input! I'm so glad I found this board We're going with POR and saving POLY for sometime when we can get a better rate. With the money we're saving we plan to get the dining plan and experience some great restaurants and dinner shows.

If you are ok with that decision have a great stay at POR and a great time at WDW.

 

[PirateSusan]

$400 is a crazy amount for the time actually spent in your room. My DH and I like POR, but we are w/o children and don't mind the commute.

 

[two*little*birds]

I LOVE the Poly it is my favorite resort at WDW, but there is no way I'd spend $400 a night to stay there. We did manage to get one of the email codes yesterday and are now booked at the Poly for the end of October for $235 a night....I'm so excited, but even at that I'm thinking we could have just gotten a much deal at a moderate. I figure we might not get this chance again though. My parents took us to the WDW in 1983 and we stayed at the Poly (it was $65 a night then!) and I've been wanting to stay there again ever since, so we are going for it. But $400 a night? No way.

There was a discount code? When? Where?