Resort for 7&11 yo boys - Poly, WL, ???

[Sunshine2U]

We bringing our 7 and 11 yo grandsons to WDW Spring Break 2021. I'm planning a split stay with 5 days at Pop Century at the front end when we'll concentrate on full days at AK, HS and EP. Then we'll switch to 3 nights at a MK resort. I want a more relaxed experience with a couple of hours each day in MK then playing at the resort. I know grandpa and I will be ready to slow down and get off our feet.

The boys have been once when we took them to MK and HS - we stayed at ASSp for 3 nights. And the boys have been on DCL. For the deluxe resorts, I've stayed at BC, YC and Contemporary (never sure of that abbreviation). I've booked a room at WL through Dreams for the last 3 nights. Poly has always been on my bucket list. I want fun experiences for the boys. Character meals are NOT important - we'll do Hoop Dee Doo but after that mostly quick service by the pool or something like that. We may rent a boat. But not wanting to invest a whole lot in non-park activities. I told the TA if a discount (i.e. great price) comes out on AK club level I would jump on that because you get the great resort, the lounge and savanna view. Otherwise I like the idea of the MK resorts.

What would you recommend? At the end of the day cost may make the decision. But for now, let's go with "best" choice.

 

[unrequited23]

The rooms at the Poly are a little bigger and I believe all have the daybed, which would offer another sleeping space. Other than that I would suggest you check out the food options to see which appeals to your group more. For us, onsite dole whip access would be a factor.

 

[5kidsmommy]

Either will put you really close to MK. The nice thing about the Poly is in addition to the boat you also have the monorail which when my kids were that age was a ride in itself. Poly will give you a bigger room with the daybed. Both are lovely resorts though.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I LOVE the counter service options (Captain Cook's, the Dole Whip lanai, Trader Sam's window, the quick service area at the quiet pool) at the Poly. And I love the Poly. LOL So I vote for Poly.

 

[Dreams&wishes]

Poly has a nicer, bigger pool slide that the kids would enjoy more.

 

[Sue M]

I’d go with Poly since it’s on your bucket list, the boys will be happy anywhere, they’ll be in Disney. I always feel Poly and GF are special in that you can see the castle from many spots around the resort. Especially Poly. Some nights we floated in the pool while watching Wishes. They do have the better pool slide than WL. Great counter service. And can walk to GF for more dining options. I love the GF Beach Pool Grill For lunch. Also can monorail to CR.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We bringing our 7 and 11 yo grandsons to WDW Spring Break 2021. I'm planning a split stay with 5 days at Pop Century at the front end when we'll concentrate on full days at AK, HS and EP. Then we'll switch to 3 nights at a MK resort. I want a more relaxed experience with a couple of hours each day in MK then playing at the resort. I know grandpa and I will be ready to slow down and get off our feet.

The boys have been once when we took them to MK and HS - we stayed at ASSp for 3 nights. And the boys have been on DCL. For the deluxe resorts, I've stayed at BC, YC and Contemporary (never sure of that abbreviation). I've booked a room at WL through Dreams for the last 3 nights. Poly has always been on my bucket list. I want fun experiences for the boys. Character meals are NOT important - we'll do Hoop Dee Doo but after that mostly quick service by the pool or something like that. We may rent a boat. But not wanting to invest a whole lot in non-park activities. I told the TA if a discount (i.e. great price) comes out on AK club level I would jump on that because you get the great resort, the lounge and savanna view. Otherwise I like the idea of the MK resorts.

What would you recommend? At the end of the day cost may make the decision. But for now, let's go with "best" choice.

Of the two, with boys that age, I would recommend Poly. As others have said, you will get a bigger room, 2 queens and a day bed, plus a bigger pool and better slide for older children. If Poly is out of your budget, WL is not a bad choice either, but you'll have a smaller room, smaller pool and only 2 beds. If you are focusing on MK for those days, I would not recommend booking AKL as you will be quite far away from MK. Perhaps ask the TA to keep an eye out for WL CL and Poly CL at a discount.

 

[Grant Parkins]

I'll give another vote for Poly. It's our favorite resort, so I'm a bit biased, but when we did some resort hopping last trip my boys (7 &9) both said they liked Poly out of all the MK resorts

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree with everyone else that I'd go with the Poly; however, if the Poly is out of budget, the WL is a great alternative. We've stayed at both more than once and while the Poly is our favorite resort overall, we do love the WL and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

 

[Sunshine2U]

Of the two, with boys that age, I would recommend Poly. As others have said, you will get a bigger room, 2 queens and a day bed, plus a bigger pool and better slide for older children. If Poly is out of your budget, WL is not a bad choice either, but you'll have a smaller room, smaller pool and only 2 beds. If you are focusing on MK for those days, I would not recommend booking AKL as you will be quite far away from MK. Perhaps ask the TA to keep an eye out for WL CL and Poly CL at a discount.

One of the reasons I booked with Dreams is they automatically watch for discounts and she knows I want the Poly with discount. If we booked at AKL I would change so that we spend the end of the week at AK and do our "musts" at MK earlier in the week. The boys have been to MK so it wouldn't be a bad trade off and one I would be happy with.

 

[Sunshine2U]

Thanks everyone, you are confirming the way I was leaning. I knew about the extra bed but wasn't factoring in that in and I really should count the extra room for the sake of all of us - especially coming from the smaller room at POP. Does anyone have a sense of the possibilities of discounts over Easter week?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thanks everyone, you are confirming the way I was leaning. I knew about the extra bed but wasn't factoring in that in and I really should count the extra room for the sake of all of us - especially coming from the smaller room at POP. Does anyone have a sense of the possibilities of discounts over Easter week?

There are discounts out for Easter week this year, so you might have a good shot!