Really, I'm not selfish, but...

[greenpea89]

Another vote for POR. POR has a fun theme and I think the AB section looks "Christmasy". You could really do a cute holiday theme in the room for xmas and make it super special for your family. Then take the $1000- and put it in a CD for your next trip to WDW ! It's like two presents in one!
Seriously, $1000- is four nights in an All Star Family suite or two nights at one of the Deluxes (all room only). Your kids are small and will fit easily (but cosily) into one room at POR AB. When they are bigger it probably won't be as comfortable so IMO you might want to take advantage of that situation now. One of the larger deluxe rooms that fit five will still be there later and if you've saved $1000- you can put it towards that future trip.
What your children will remember is the fun that they had on the trip and the feeling that the stay gave them rather than a specific room. If you really go all out and bring a little tree with ornaments that match the southern "down home" theme (even little homemade ornament that your kids make) and stockings that match the theme (you could easily make those too- sorry getting a little carried away with the theme thing here !) then you've created a gift they will remember and treasure forever. Plus, you either have a nice contribution to a college fund or a wonderful holiday to look forward to in the future.
That being said, don't feel selfish if you decide to go with the Poly. It is a beautiful resort, to me it would be a decision between the Poly and POR, and you know what would mean more to you - the money saved or the resort.
In the end it's your holiday and you'll have a great time at either resort!

 

[Dorisk3]

I would go for the Poly- provided a few things. If you are not totally overextending yourself- I know $1000 isn't peanuts- but if you have that money- I think it is worth it. The $100 jump is an easier decision- I think the monorail is easily worth the extra expense. This is just for me personally- I prefer the deluxes to the mods. We aren't a family that goes every year though. I would rather stay somewhere I like better and wait an extra year or two to go. I would particularly make the decision in favor of the Poly if I knew it would be a few years before I would be going again.
Again, only if you can really afford it- I would offer the saying "why postpone joy?' - if staying at the Poly or BC brings you more joy- than go for it. When we went to POFQ after the previous year at the WL I kind of regretted it. The kids didn't care though- they loved both places! It was only me- but sometimes it is ok for "me" to get what I want to too!

Good luck in your decision!

 

[goofy4tink]

Here's our 'story'...had stayed at POR several times. It was our first WDW resort stay..it was DxL back then. So, along comes a great deal back in '03...book 4 nights, get 3 more free. I had booked POR first, then the deal came out, so I changed to WL...but, then I thought of how much my then 10 y/o dd had wanted to stay at the Polynesian. So, once again, changed my resort...from WL to Polynesian. So, we were booked at Polynesian for 7 nights. My dd was thrilled, couldn't stop jumping up and down...finally getting her wish. Well, we got to the Polynesian, checked in, went to our room. As we were walking back to the monorail area, to go to MK, I asked my dd what she thought about finally being at the Polynesian. Her response? Not what I expected, that's for sure. She said, and I quote..."Well, it's nice but it just doesn't seem as magical or as Disneyfied as POR." Thought I was going to kill the kid, right there in the Polynesian lobby area.
Even dh thought it was 'okay' but not special enough that he wanted to go back. Now, I know the Polynesian has it's ardant fans...and they have every right to be passionate about it. I feel the same way about BW.
But, if it were me, I would be at POR, planning another trip with that $1000!!!

 

[budbeerlady]

If you were ok with spending that money for beach club I would do the extra $100 for poly!

 

[simonkodousek]

If you can justify the price, I would go for the Polynesian. The monorail is a lifesaver in some situations.

 

[Princessbaby]

We were in the same boat! We LOVE the Poly and eat there often and we would love to stay there, but the price difference between Poly and POR is just too great! We also LOVE POR, so my DH pointed out that we might as well find something better to do with that money (for us it was about $1100 difference). We are not disappointed with POR and really enjoy what it has to offer, so that is where you will find this family of 5 for many trips to come!
Good luck with your decision! I know it's hard!!

 

[minnie61650]

I thought WL did five too? You can get rooms with a bunkbed, and a cot plus the regular bed I thought.. Could be wrong, limited number of rooms, but not club level. I would really reccomend WL, I actually like the boats from poly, gf, and WL more than the monorail.

Just an FYI

The WL standard rooms sleep 4.
The deluxe rooms are CL and sleep 6.

The prices , room types, and # of persons a room sleep are listed in the DIS homepage website:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disney-rates-deluxe-2008.htm

Standard WL room layout with Queen beds:

Standard WL room layout with a Queen bed and bunk beds:

\Deluxe WL room layout:

WL Deluxe room

 

[allisonswonderland]

Not sure if you have made your decision, but my husband and I the first trip we took, stayed at POFQ...it was nice, but the next year we had the opportunity to stay at the BC, which we LOVED and have stayed there ever since(the last 5 trips). Not to sway where you are staying - I am just saying if you have the opportuity to stay somewhere that you and your kids would love, do it...you just never know what may happen and you may regret it, esp if you have budgeted for the BC - at least stay there.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

POR is a cute resort.

That being said, nothing beats staying on the monorail!! If you have already planned on spending BC money and the monorail is only $100 more than go for it!!!

 

[rosiep]

I have to weigh in. I am all in favor of saving money whenever I can and when planning my trips I am scrupulous about getting the best deal. That said, there are times when I want to splurge..and I do. Our first visit to Disneyland could have been hundreds of dollars cheaper if I stayed off site on Harbour Blvd...but because it was my first visit I wanted the whole magical experience and I stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel. It was worth the extra money because it enhanced my 1st experience there. Next time staying off site will be ok by me, except for my anniversary (25th!!!) which we are celebrating at the Disneyland Hotel.

When at WDW I have stayed at DTD hotels and on-site and I found in the long run on-site was actually cheaper.

Since this is a special Christmas trip..I would spent the extra $100 and stay at the Poly. You never know what your next circumstance will be and I'm sure you'll be grateful you had the experience.

Best of luck-
let us know what you decide

 

[Mrs D]

I know you are looking for opinions on your specific options, but I just want to throw out an idea for you. Have you considered renting a DVC villa? You could do a Beach Club Villa (or Villas of Wilderness Lodge) and it would probably be less expensive by renting the points. It would be a nice upgrade to have the kitchen and living area. Not sure if this would work for your family (your 5 year old might need to sleep on an airbed) but it's another option just to further confuse you/

Whatever you decide I hope you have a magical holiday!