SO confused, please help!!??

[flinkerfrosch]

I think it'd be fun to do a split stay. I would spend most of the days at AKL and a few at Poly! I've always wanted to stay at Poly but we would need two rooms b/c of the size of our family. We are staying a AKV in October and it looks beautiful and they seem to have a lot of activities for kids I was worried about the distance from AKL and only having the buses but I don't think it will be that bad. And I've heard that AKL don't share buses so we won't have to pick up guests at other resorts

AKL does look beautiful!! We are going in the same month

I actually didn't think to spend more days at AKL and less days at the Poly..hmmm..that could lower the cost as well. So much to think about.

Thanks for your help, and enjoy your trip come Oct!!!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

jenjersnap makes a good point. If you won't be back for 5 years, then do a split stay. If you think you'll be back in a year or so, pick one and enjoy the heck out of the resort then do a different resort next time. We've done a few split stays for different reasons (ASMu to BWV; POR to Poly; and Pop to FW) and I didn't find that the move was obnoxious or time consuming. I wold say to make sure you end at the nicer resort (going from AKL to WL is a wash, but I'd rate Poly nicer than either of AKL or WL).

I agree that AKL and WL are very similar. I was considering WL because of the transportation, its the same price as AKL, and I've heard the kids activities are great!

Now, I've heard the same for Poly in regards to kids activities, but I do know the Poly would be like a whole other vacation, and that too sounds so fun!
The price is much higher which I'm trying to convince myself its worth it...

One negative I have heard about the Poly is that the pool is very small and crowded. I'm not sure how crowded it would be in Oct, but we do have lots of down days/pool days planned.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

For me personally I would take Polynesian out because of the construction going on.

WL just has been redone, and its looks fabulous. If doing a split I would do AKL and WL.

Construction? I know its going on now, but would it be done come mid October?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

AKL is a beautiful resort! I could easily spend 10 days there. The transportation is not bad at all.

I'm going to assume you've stayed at AKL? If so, did you have kids, and how were the activities?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Personally, I would just leave it with AK, then if a RO discount comes out, split the stay. If you are going in October, the resorts aren't likely to be packed, therefore as long as you called as soon as the RO discount became available, you should get what you want.

I'm actually leaning this way, and wait and see..I think I may be safer to leave things as is, and see what happens.
Sometimes when you leaves things be for awhile, and then come back, you have a clearer perspective on things which would probably help me make my final decision.
Thanks for your help!

 

[spiceycat]

Construction? I know its going on now, but would it be done come mid October?

think it is the start of a major overhaul at the Polyn.

for free dinning you must pay rack rate for the room and tickets - NOT WORTH IT.
30% discount is better with the deluxe resorts.

have you consider renting a reservation from a DVC member or broker -
AKV (kidani) and AKL/v (Jambo House) are both DVC resorts

so is VWL and BLT - BLT is part of the CR and it is the closest to the MK. You can actually walk there. You take the monorail to TTC - then change to the Epcot monorail for Epcot.

VWL has boat or bus to MK - bus to everywhere else.

would consider renting in your situation - it would save you money.

blt has tiny studios (the smallest of all the DVC resorts) - the 1-bedroom is big - the only place that has bigger 1-bedroom is OKW.

 

[mickeynut1]

I already have my reservation with pool view booked at AKL. If I made a change now, and booked 4 nights at AKL and 5 nights at the Poly in hopes that the 30% dicount came out..what if the 30% discount is not offered, I'm worried that if I wanted to change my reservation, and go back to my original plan (10 days at AKL) cause the extra $$ was too much, what are the chances of me getting a room again at AKL in Sept when I'm going in Oct.

I'm so confused as you can see...lol

I've also looked at it in the other way, and if I kept my reservation as is and waited, but then if the 30% discount did come out Aug or Sept, what would the chances be of me getting a room at the Poly for 5 nights?

I want to start by saying that AKL is an awesome resort . A split stay is a great idea, but spending 10 days at AKL would also be a great trip. I think I would keep your reservation as is for now and try to change later if/when a discount comes out. If you go with a split stay now "in hopes" of a discount later and nothing comes out for your dates, it could be hard to get those nights back at AKL. If you are paying rack rate, it might not be too hard, but adding nights later is more difficult than taking them away. Also, it seems discounts for the Poly have only been around 20%, while other deluxe resorts have been 30%. With that said, even if you have the Poly booked and a discount does come out, there is no guarantee that the discount can be applied to your reservation as there has to be availability under that discount. Sometimes you have to be flexible with your resort in order to take advantage of a discount as having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied. Good luck .

I don't think we would be unhappy staying in any resort in Disney, but from what I've been told is that it may get to be a bit much staying 10 days at AKL and having to take the buses all the time (we won't have a car)
Staying at AKL is a must, and we are super excited about it. I just thought it would be a nice switch up to try 2 different resorts in the 10 days, and especially the Poly. I've heard such wonderful things about both resorts, and that they are so different.

We didn't think the buses at AKL were bad at all. The buses only service AKL and Kidani, so there's no sharing with any other resorts. It does take a little longer getting around (maybe 5 extra minutes), but nothing to make the transportation a reason not to stay there (at least not for us). Since you're going for 10 days, a split stay is a great idea (especially splitting with the Poly ), but I think 10 days at AKL would be a great vacation too.

Now, here I go again, but maybe instead of Poly, we could split stay at WL. The prices are the same, and WL has great transportation. We do not have a car, so this could be a great compromise! Never stayed at WL, but from what I've heard and read, its a beautiful resort with lots to offer the kiddies!

We've also stayed at the WL and love taking the boat to MK, which is also convenient to the CR for a variety of dining/shopping options as well as being able to hop on the monorail to visit the Poly and GF. The WL is a beautiful resort with a relaxing atmosphere, great pool, and great CS options.

but I do know the Poly would be like a whole other vacation, and that too sounds so fun!
The price is much higher which I'm trying to convince myself its worth it...

One negative I have heard about the Poly is that the pool is very small and crowded. I'm not sure how crowded it would be in Oct, but we do have lots of down days/pool days planned.

Not to confuse you more and make your decision harder, but we love the Poly and it is a vacation within a vacation to us . The tropical atmosphere is beautiful, the volcano pool is awesome, and you can't beat having the beach for watching the fireworks. Some do say that the pool gets very crowded, but we didn't find that to be the case during our stay and we also spend alot of time at the pool. If the Poly is doable, I would split AKL/Poly; otherwise, 10 days at AKL would be a great trip, IMO .

Construction? I know its going on now, but would it be done come mid October?

The longhouses are undergoing a refurb, but I don't think it's interfering too much with other parts of the resort.

 

[mara61]

We did our first split stay last year but it was a 3/5 stay. I packed our clothes or the 3 day in a separate suitcase so I didn't fully unpack. Worked out perfect. While my boys are not as young as yours we do still change clothes usually mid day, sometimes depending on where we re dining for the evening. My youngest who was 7 at the time gets messy so regardless he would need to change.

Did you by chance check to see if there was availability with DVC by renting points? I did that for the first time last year and loved it. My youngest s not the bravest sort and the splash area at Kidani along with the zero entry pools at Kidani and Jambo are perfect for him.

We are taking them for the first time as bigger kids to the water park, they are taller now and can do more. We took them at 18 months and 3 1/2 and to us it was a waste of time and money. They had more than enough fun at the resort pool.

And are you flying out of Windsor or Detroit? I've been stalking the flights....

 

[flinkerfrosch]

think it is the start of a major overhaul at the Polyn.

for free dinning you must pay rack rate for the room and tickets - NOT WORTH IT.
30% discount is better with the deluxe resorts.

have you consider renting a reservation from a DVC member or broker -
AKV (kidani) and AKL/v (Jambo House) are both DVC resorts

so is VWL and BLT - BLT is part of the CR and it is the closest to the MK. You can actually walk there. You take the monorail to TTC - then change to the Epcot monorail for Epcot.

VWL has boat or bus to MK - bus to everywhere else.

would consider renting in your situation - it would save you money.

blt has tiny studios (the smallest of all the DVC resorts) - the 1-bedroom is big - the only place that has bigger 1-bedroom is OKW.

I agree 100% that a discount would be a bigger savings then free dining.

For renting points, how does that work? Is it a timeshare thing?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I want to start by saying that AKL is an awesome resort . A split stay is a great idea, but spending 10 days at AKL would also be a great trip. I think I would keep your reservation as is for now and try to change later if/when a discount comes out. If you go with a split stay now "in hopes" of a discount later and nothing comes out for your dates, it could be hard to get those nights back at AKL. If you are paying rack rate, it might not be too hard, but adding nights later is more difficult than taking them away. Also, it seems discounts for the Poly have only been around 20%, while other deluxe resorts have been 30%. With that said, even if you have the Poly booked and a discount does come out, there is no guarantee that the discount can be applied to your reservation as there has to be availability under that discount. Sometimes you have to be flexible with your resort in order to take advantage of a discount as having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied. Good luck .


We didn't think the buses at AKL were bad at all. The buses only service AKL and Kidani, so there's no sharing with any other resorts. It does take a little longer getting around (maybe 5 extra minutes), but nothing to make the transportation a reason not to stay there (at least not for us). Since you're going for 10 days, a split stay is a great idea (especially splitting with the Poly ), but I think 10 days at AKL would be a great vacation too.



We've also stayed at the WL and love taking the boat to MK, which is also convenient to the CR for a variety of dining/shopping options as well as being able to hop on the monorail to visit the Poly and GF. The WL is a beautiful resort with a relaxing atmosphere, great pool, and great CS options.



Not to confuse you more and make your decision harder, but we love the Poly and it is a vacation within a vacation to us . The tropical atmosphere is beautiful, the volcano pool is awesome, and you can't beat having the beach for watching the fireworks. Some do say that the pool gets very crowded, but we didn't find that to be the case during our stay and we also spend alot of time at the pool. If the Poly is doable, I would split AKL/Poly; otherwise, 10 days at AKL would be a great trip, IMO .



The longhouses are undergoing a refurb, but I don't think it's interfering too much with other parts of the resort.

Thanks for taking the time to give me your opinion
Everyone seems to be on the same Page in regards to my resort choices, and that I can't make a "bad choice" but AKL and the Poly seem to be the top 2 with a very close WL following behind.
I really appreciate your input, and have some thinking to do.
I think I am going to wait and see what comes out discount wise, and leave my reservation at AKL for now. I would hate to lose days there if things didn't work in my favor. I know if no discounts were offered, we would be very happy at AKL for the 10 days.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

We did our first split stay last year but it was a 3/5 stay. I packed our clothes or the 3 day in a separate suitcase so I didn't fully unpack. Worked out perfect. While my boys are not as young as yours we do still change clothes usually mid day, sometimes depending on where we re dining for the evening. My youngest who was 7 at the time gets messy so regardless he would need to change.

Did you by chance check to see if there was availability with DVC by renting points? I did that for the first time last year and loved it. My youngest s not the bravest sort and the splash area at Kidani along with the zero entry pools at Kidani and Jambo are perfect for him.

We are taking them for the first time as bigger kids to the water park, they are taller now and can do more. We took them at 18 months and 3 1/2 and to us it was a waste of time and money. They had more than enough fun at the resort pool.

And are you flying out of Windsor or Detroit? I've been stalking the flights....

That's great you enjoyed your split stay! It's not for everyone....

I know nothing about "renting points" how does that work? Another disboard member asked me the same question. Is it a timeshare? Is it cheaper?

We live in Canada, but flying out of Buffalo. Got an amazing deal..for 4 of us, $899.20 return, taxes in. Can't beat that! We were always going to drive cause I wanted to take my new car on a road trip, but with the price to fly we changed our minds.

I hope you find an amazing deal as well. We booked with Southwest. Its a great airline. I've flown with them many times.
Good-luck

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for taking the time to give me your opinion
Everyone seems to be on the same Page in regards to my resort choices, and that I can't make a "bad choice" but AKL and the Poly seem to be the top 2 with a very close WL following behind.
I really appreciate your input, and have some thinking to do.
I think I am going to wait and see what comes out discount wise, and leave my reservation at AKL for now. I would hate to lose days there if things didn't work in my favor. I know if no discounts were offered, we would be very happy at AKL for the 10 days.

You're welcome . Good luck deciding, although I know it's not easy since there are so many great choices. But I agree in that I think you will be very happy at AKL for 10 days if that's how it ends up .

 

[jenjersnap]

Thank-you again for your input. I know I am very indecisive, ugh!

We probably wouldn't be coming back to Disney for at least 2 yrs probably closer to 3 years at minimum. Not cause we don't want to, but for other reasons..

You, and others have also stated that I probably wouldn't have a hard time booking another resort closer to my arrival date, so that's comforting..

I have also thought about renting a car, but my husband would kill me cause originally we were driving (we live in Canada) and I convinced him to fly (got a great deal) and also convinced him that we didn't need a car cause Disney provides the transportation..so we're stuck with the Disney transportation. Not that its that bad from what I've heard, but I do agree it would be nice to have your own wheels.

I am very indecisive too hence the split stays! . I think you have come to the right conclusions about keeping your AKL stay for right now but leaving the idea of a split open in your mind, depending on discounts.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I am very indecisive too hence the split stays! . I think you have come to the right conclusions about keeping your AKL stay for right now but leaving the idea of a split open in your mind, depending on discounts.

Thanks!!

I've been crunching numbers all morning, and have decided that I will definitely split stay- 4 nights AKL & 5 nights Poly, if a 30% discount comes available for the Poly. If the Poly does not fall under the discount, then I may split stay with the WL as my back-up (and I am aware that WL only normally has 20% off at best)
My husband and I have decided that a split stay would be fun and a great experience. Even though 10 days at AKL would be great as well, we like the other options of having different transportation (boat) being closer to the monorail, and seeing Wishes and the water parade from either of the resorts we were to split stay at.
Now, I have to sit back and wait..the waiting is killing me though..lol
My only worry, if the Poly is getting a big rehab, then the 30% may not even happen, or could be reduced to 15 or 20%. If that's the case, again, I have WL as our back-up that we would be perfectly happy to stay at as well.
No lose lose when you're at Disney..only win win

 

[flinkerfrosch]

You're welcome . Good luck deciding, although I know it's not easy since there are so many great choices. But I agree in that I think you will be very happy at AKL for 10 days if that's how it ends up .

Who would have thought it would be so hard..lol

I don't think I've ever spent so much time planning a vacation. Thank-god I decided to start early (I've been planning since Jan) or I think I would have gone crazy!

I will admit though, I'm loving every min of planning! Its a lot of work, but so fun. I breath, eat and sleep Disney right now. My family is tired of hearing me talk about it..lol..

I get excited at bedtime when I can read for hours and NO interruptions from the kiddies...

I'm going to assume I'm not the only one that is like this, but I'm just so happy and blessed we can afford to take our kids on a wonderful, magical trip we will remember for ever!! Many great memories to come

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[jenjersnap]

The Poly refurb is supposed to be finished by October. They are on schedule so far with the last longhouse, Rapa Nui, starting rehab on August 11. Unless you had your heart set on Rapa Nui, LOL, I wouldn't worry that it will affect your stay. Congrats on deciding.

 

[mickeynut1]

Who would have thought it would be so hard..lol

I don't think I've ever spent so much time planning a vacation. Thank-god I decided to start early (I've been planning since Jan) or I think I would have gone crazy!

I will admit though, I'm loving every min of planning! Its a lot of work, but so fun. I breath, eat and sleep Disney right now. My family is tired of hearing me talk about it..lol..

I get excited at bedtime when I can read for hours and NO interruptions from the kiddies...

I'm going to assume I'm not the only one that is like this, but I'm just so happy and blessed we can afford to take our kids on a wonderful, magical trip we will remember for ever!! Many great memories to come

Thanks again for all your help!

Glad I could help along with the others . I agree about it being hard.....there are so many great choices that I always have a hard time deciding where to stay....LOL. I understand about the planning. That is just as much fun as being there for me .

Have fun with all of your planning.....I know you and your family are going to have an amazing trip .

 

[flinkerfrosch]

The Poly refurb is supposed to be finished by October. They are on schedule so far with the last longhouse, Rapa Nui, starting rehab on August 11. Unless you had your heart set on Rapa Nui, LOL, I wouldn't worry that it will affect your stay. Congrats on deciding.

Honestly, I have NO idea what longhouse I should pick? I know nothing about the longhouses, I have yet to get that far..lol..picking the resort has taken me months, so now, its on to where's the best place to stay in the resort.

If you have any suggestions, that to would be greatly appreciated

I want to have a real balcony, and possibly close to the pool and restaurants. We don't mind a few mins walk either. I would also prefer to stay on a higher floor vs the ground floor.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Glad I could help along with the others . I agree about it being hard.....there are so many great choices that I always have a hard time deciding where to stay....LOL. I understand about the planning. That is just as much fun as being there for me .

Have fun with all of your planning.....I know you and your family are going to have an amazing trip .

Thank-you, Thank-you!!

 

[mara61]

That is a great price on airfare, sigh..So you must be closer to New York. I flew southwest many years ago to CA and had a good flight. Alas, the best flights out of Detroit are through Delta and Spirit. We have driven the last two years, but for various reasons I'm hoping to fly this year. If we have to drive, we drive but $800-$900 would be cheaper than driving for us. My husband does not get paid time off so we have to take that into consideration.