SAB Versus Poly on monorail for toddler

[Redbudlover]

Hi, My DS, DDIL, DGD of 19 mos. and I, the the charming DGM, presently have reservations for the BC next September - chosen mainly because of the SAB - and because I dearly love the BW. My DS and DDIL have never been to DW before and I was able to entice them with stories of the SAB and a personal poll I took of toddlers parents when I was at the BWI last December!!! My DDIL and I are having second thoughts, though, because a toddler is going to be much more interested in the MK than in Epcot. So we are wondering whether to change to the POLY. It really changes the whole trip. I booked the trip for free dining and the Food and Wine Festival.... which my kids will like, but the toddler?

I was at the POLY two years ago and loved watching wishes and the EWP from my balcony and from the beach, loved Konas, loved the beach, but wasn't thrilled with the Pool. HOw is the POLY for a toddler? Is the monorail worth giving up the restaurants and boat to Epcot? Is it worth giving up SAB? The character breakfast at Cape May is lovely, but I guess we could take the monorail over to 1900 Park?

Does anyone have any thoughts on these issues? BTW - we all get along really well....

 

[maxiesmom]

Honestly, I think SAB is more for older kids. Ditto with the boardwalk. The Poly pool is great for little kids. It has a zero depth entry, and a small water slide. Plus the adults can sit pool-side, sip a nice adult beverage, and watch Wishes, all while the little one swims! (Of course one adult should be with the little one, don't flame me). And if you plan on spending lots of time in MK, I would defiantely go with the Poly. It is a quick 10 minutes away, where it is about 40 minutes away from the Beach Club by bus. Plus, you can always hop the monorail to Epcot too! If the little one is the main focus, I would switch to the Poly.

 

[Sammie]

Two rooms or one, if one definitely Polynesian. The toddller will truly be happy wherever the adults are happy and will only remember what she is told over the years.

So decide what is important to the parents. Transportation is best at the Polynesian to all the places you want to visit. You are just a monorail ride away from Epcot.

The buses at Beach Club are not good to the MK and at times your ride can be 45 minutes from the time you get picked up due to stops at the other resorts.

Not sure how the poll you took at the BWI of toddler parents would affect staying at BC, unless those polled had stayed there too.

 

[Redbudlover]

Thanks for the input. I didn't realize the buses to MK were always such a long ride. I only went once while at the BWI and it was slow but I just thought it was a one time event...

And Maxiesmom, it is good to hear some input about the POLY Pool vs SAB. I had been thinking SAB would be better for a toddler because of the sand bottom and shallow areas.... anyone else?

Oh, my poll was whether my DGD would be too young to enjoy DW! I have never been able to talk either of my adult DSs into going to DW with me. But now with a first grand child, I needed leverage to get them to go with me....

 

[maxiesmom]

Oh, my poll was whether my DGD would be too young to enjoy DW! I have never been able to talk either of my adult DSs into going to DW with me. But now with a first grand child, I needed leverage to get them to go with me....

My youngest niece's first trip was at 2 months. Then again at 14 months. While she didn't get much out of her first trip, she had a ball during her second. We have video of her during breakfast at the Castle, and it is soo cute! Her eyes were so big, and she was dancing in her chair. Even if she doesn't remember it, we know she had fun.

 

[BCV23]

Polynesian all the way. The volcano pool is zero entry just like the toddler area at SAB. Plus there is tons of actual beach.

As for restaurants, we love that there are so many good options around the monorail loop. Kona is so good but so are GFCafe, Citricos, Narcoossee's, California Grill and of course V&A (not on the DDP and not for your DGD I imagine ).

I also think that area has better QS options than the Epcot resorts since you're planning on the DDP. QS at the Epcot resorts is lacking.

FW is more convenient from the Polynesian than from Y&BC IMO. Some of WS is closer to the Epcot resorts but others are as quick to get to from the front of Epcot as from Y&BC.

 

[Redbudlover]

What are good CS places to use? You are right - that was a problem at the BW. And I love Citricos, Narcoosees, California Grill, though haven't tried GF Cafe or V&A - and V& A won't work with toddler - you are right. How is the GF Cafe?

Do you find long lines transferring monorails to get to Epcot? When I stayed at the POLY last time we just walked to the transfer center, because our longhouse was close....

Maxiemom - that is what I told my kids - she may not remember it but she will love it - and her parents and I will remember forever!

 

[BCV23]

What are good CS places to use? You are right - that was a problem at the BW. And I love Citricos, Narcoosees, California Grill, though haven't tried GF Cafe or V&A - and V& A won't work with toddler - you are right. How is the GF Cafe?

Do you find long lines transferring monorails to get to Epcot? When I stayed at the POLY last time we just walked to the transfer center, because our longhouse was close....

Maxiemom - that is what I told my kids - she may not remember it but she will love it - and her parents and I will remember forever!

Captain Cooks and Gasparillas at the GF are both good. There is also the Kona Cafe bar for pastries, fruit and coffee. We've never used the QS place at CR but most people seem to like it. It will be closed and moved from what I've seen on the DIS. Not sure of the time line.

We love GF Cafe and lunch there is pretty much a must do for my family. It is also good for dinner. We've never had breakfast there but it is such a pretty spot that I'm determined to try it one of these days.

We always walk to the TTC to go to Epcot. The lines for the Epcot monorail are never long in our experience.

Happy planning and happy memories!

 

[auntie]

I think that there a good many things at MGM for toddlers...and you have the boat transporation to that from the Beach Club. As well as Epcot for the adults. Even at that you have the Nemo attraction in Epcot also. Personally I wouldn't change because you have enticed the others to go based on SAB. Not everyone is crazy about Poly..some think it's somewhat outdated looking.
Also I prefer a resort that is located all in one building, given that there might be afternoon thundershowers or inclement weather at some point. Don't like having to go from inside the buildings where long houses are located (which can be pretty spread out) only to walk outside to get back inside to the lobby. Little ones are happy wherever the adults are happy, they don't know the difference..you do. If your family is going because of the SAB recommendations, I'd stick to that.

 

[brergnat]

This is my dilemma too. We are tentatively planning a trip for early next year. We will have me, DH, DMIL, and 2 DS's (3.5 and almost 2). I am torn between the Poly and Yacht Club.

I've made a pros and cons list, so maybe this will help you decide too:

YACHT CLUB:

PROS
-SAB pool has a sand bottom zero entry section IN the pool...kids can play in the wet sand and make sandcastles WITHOUT worrying about the bacteria in the lake water at Poly (my oldest son is autistic, and he won't necessarily understand WHY he cannot go in the seven seas lagoon, even if I tell him he cannot---this could make him pretty upset)

-We love Epcot/not much interest in MK since we visit Disneyland about every 2 weeks. For the record, I believe Epcot has just as much to interest kids as MK does. A large majority of the attractions at MK have height restrictions, while most at Epcot do NOT.

-Yacht Club has a workout room (crucial to DH, pretty important to me as well)

-Yacht Club is located all in one building (important when you have kids in strollers and it's raining)

-YC is a quiet, peaceful resort. Poly is very busy and loud in the main lobby, especially. YC has a very low key vibe, which is necessary to escape the mayhem of the parks

-location, location, location---lots of good dining/entertainment options just steps away

CONS:
-No real counter service options (although this can be remedied by utilizing room service, concierge, OR just buying some groceries to keep on hand)

-smaller room size...kids junk takes up a LOT of space, and the Poly wins out on room size


Now, onto the Polynesian:

PROS:
-on the monorail

-bigger rooms

-good pool, although I hear VERY often that it is overcrowded, which could be a problem

-location, location, location---lots of good restaurants to choose from on the monorail line, monorail to MK and close to TTC

-nicer grounds

-more kids activities during the day (although, they are probably more for older kids, as my kids would not get much out of learning how to make a lei or something, especially the 2 year old)

-GREAT restaurants on property. 2 of my favorites, Kona Cafe and 'Ohana are right there, plus the Tambu Lounge is AWESOME!!!


CONS:
-separate buildings (I really hate this in a hotel...just not my preference)

-OLDER buildings. I constantly hear of issues with mold/mildew smell, poor bathroom ventilation, broken a/c units, etc.

-longhouse location could be great or horrible, depending on where you end up and there's no way to guarantee in advance

-bus transport from Poly to AK, Downtown Disney, and MGM is pretty awful. I speak from firsthand experience catching buses from there several times

-it's more expensive, and harder to score on a discount there

-no hot tub in the pool

-no fitness facility on site (and YES, I do have a problem with walking to the GF one...I did that when I got a massage at the GF Spa and then had to walk over to the Poly for dinner. It's a long walk just to get to a workout room. Poly should have one onsite).



Overall, it's almost a pretty even tie for us. I think it will come down to which one we can get a better deal on. The Epcot resorts seem to have much more availability as far as discounts go because they are less popular overall than the MK resorts.

As for the transportation to the other parks, I think we will rent a car no matter what to get to the parks that require buses and to restaurants in other resorts, because after my last trip, I am just FED UP with the WDW bus system. You waste SO much time getting from point A to B that it really cuts into your vacation, and time is money! Renting a car for a week is so cheap these days that it doesn't make sense NOT to. Plus, with two restless toddlers, 2 strollers, and a huge backpack, riding the buses does not sound like my idea of fun. They know what a carseat is, they know how to behave when in one, etc. It's so easy to get around WDW property that I think if we have a car, we will be VERY glad we do, especially for going to Downtown Disney and to dinners/breakfasts that happen outside of park operating hours. Try and catch a bus from one resort back to your resort when the park near the restaurant closed an hour ago...now imagine doing it with a tired/cranky toddler...just rent a car!

 

[WindyCityDisney]

I also think that area has better QS options than the Epcot resorts since you're planning on the DDP. QS at the Epcot resorts is lacking.

I thought I was the only one who felt this way! Aren't there any other folks who love deluxe resorts and amenities but need more food options than sit-down restaurants?

Back to the OP. One of the reasons we're not at an Epcot resort this year is the pools. I don't think my kids will truly enjoy SAB yet but I know they'll enjoy the zero depth volcano pool. And while your DGD may not remember much from this trip, the adults' memories will be worth their weight in gold. I'm sure you're planning, but take tons of pictures!!

 

[Redbudlover]

I am going to have to buy a new computer to hold all my DGD pictures!!! Just kidding, thank goodness for CDs! Thanks for all your advice. I am definitely settled on the POLY after reading the advice on this thread and other threads, too. I like the idea of the bigger rooms and proximity to MK and just loved POLY before. I think everyone will enjoy the beach and watching Wishes and the EWP there. Thanks everyone!

 

[mickeymom1]

we have the same concerns because i have 3 little ones. we usually stay at the beach club (love sab!), but recently stayed at the contemporary and really liked being on the monorail (it is very difficult to travel on the buses with 3 kids and 2 adults ). so, this next trip, we are actually going to try to do a split stay (4 nites at cr & 5 at bc) so we can enjoy the best of both resorts.

you could always stay at the poly this time, then the bc the next trip!!! i am sure where ever you stay you will have a magical trip with your dgd.

 

[sunee]

We took a trip with a toddler last month and chose the Poly. I love the Beach Club, but wanted a monorail resort with a toddler. Just wanted to skip the parking lot at the TTC and all that business. The Poly is by far my favorite monorail resort, so Poly it was.

It only made going to the MK easier, but that is the park that is the biggest pain in the butt to get to. And the MK is the park where the 2 year old spent the majority of his time.

Although I adore the BC, I don't see what all the fuss is over the pool. Of all the Deluxe resorts, it is the one I like the least. I certainly wouldn't chose the BC because of the pool. But, that's me.

 

[Ella's Mom]

We stayed at Poly last fall with a 2 year old and it was wonderful. We spent most of our time at MK or in the pool. The zero entry pool at Poly is great for toddlers. Our DD loved running between the pool and the beach. You can always walk over to the TTC and catch the monorail to Epcot. I'd definitely choose Poly. It's much more convenient if you plan on spending most of your time at MK. We went back to the room each afternoon for a nap. We didn't have to waste time with transportation.

 

[Redbudlover]

Thanks everyone - though the discussion I am afraid has become moot. I tried to change to the POLY today and they had none of my free dining packages left. So unless I wanted to spend an extra $600 for the dining plan I have to stay at the BC - like that is a bad thing.... LOL.