Resort Tour this past Weekend!

[LKS]

I went down for the weekend with a girlfriend from college who is planning to go to WDW with her family next year, so we spent a good bit of time touring resorts.

First we went to the GF for tea. We walked all around and thought it was beautiful, but not something that was going to jump out at our young kids as a Wow! place to stay. Then we rode the monorail around to the Poly and walked around. Unfortunately, we had to step across the Roto-rooter hose a few times and there was a strong scent of eau de sewage. No sale there, even though we thought the pool area was lovely and we liked the beach. Next, we drove over to the Wilderness Lodge, but we both have families of 5, so would have to go with a Junior Suite, so it probably won't happen - plus, I just love being on the monorail.

That night we went to the Contemporary for Dinner at California Grille and as I am a big Contemporary fan, I think I have her swayed to my way of thinking there. We both loved it. We walked all around, took pictures, spent some time up on the observation decks and for dinner had seats where we could see the Illuminations fireworks.

Finally, on Saturday night, we spent two hours at the AKL walking around, looking at the animals and having drinks in the lounge. It was wonderful of course, so I am pretty sure it's between the Contemporary and and the AKL. If only the AKL was on the monorail! Tough decision.

For the record, in June I stayed 6 nights at Contemporary Tower and 3 nights at AKL, and I loved both resorts. Oh, and this trip we couldn't get on site so we stayed at the Hampton Inn Maingate West (I think it was called) and for a budget trip it was perfect. Very convenient, clean and with a decent breakfast all for 45.99 per night. It was almost enough to make me an offsite person - at least if I didn't have all the kids with me.

 

[lovelyk68]

Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Emilys_Dad]

Don't be so quick to dismiss the Poly.... every resort has plumbing problems once in a while!! Poly rooms handle five-people families easily.

Hope your girlfriend has a good trip, even if she goes to the WRONG resort!!

 

[Gillian]

Thanks for the report! Sounds like a fun weekend

The AKL has good bus service, FWIW. You need to book a deluxe room to fit 5 but it's not as expensive (or as large) as a WL deluxe room. And I think only certain rooms have beds for 5 - the queen, bunks, daybed combo. I've read here that if you have 5 they will put you in one of those rooms

 

[LKS]

Emily's_Dad, the sewage wasn't the only reason we aren't big Poly fans, but it did give an unfortunate impression to my friend who was seeing it for the first time. She said she thought the resort looked "old." Compared to the others, I'd have to agree. We also ate at both the Kona Cafe and Ohana in June (my family and I were staying at the Contemporary) and they were two of my least favorite restaurants. Not awful or anything, but just not enough to give the Poly the edge. I also had to buy a $40 umbrella in one of the gift shops to get my kids to the Neverland Club when we had our V&A dinner in June and I decided I am a fan of covered walkways. At that time, I did not know there was no way to get to the club with out going out in the rain, or I guess I could have worn a poncho over my cocktail dress. The poor Poly has just had back luck with me, I guess. I know all you folks who love it can't be wrong, but I just like the other resorts better.

Gillian, since I stayed in an AKL deluxe room in June, I told my friend all about them and that I though the bus service was just fine as long as you get on the right bus (AK doesn't mean AKL - Oops, Mom - it does take quite a bit longer to get back via the AK Park)

I'll be interested in seeing which she picks. She does not want to split resorts like we did.