Solo trip with a toddler- Contemporary or Poly?

[Babsy]

Most points have been made - except for three that I can think of:
(1) there is a chance (admittedly less) that you will not get a balcony at the Poly either. the Poly does not have balconies on the second floor.
(2) distance to the garden wing at the CR is less than the distance to most buildings at the Poly and has a covered walkway (it really isn't far away)
(3) you will most likely walk to/from the MK, so the elevator to the monorail will only be an issue on occasion (such as inclement weather). With the Poly you will still have to walk outside in the elements to get to your room. AT the CR you walk 2 minutes under cover to the GW.

I have to say, that walk to the MK trumps everything else for me with a stroller. I LOVE the Poly, but I would stay in the CR this time around. Next time, the Poly would be a good choice, with toddler a year older.

 

[LoopyDoopy]

You have to be 4 and potty trained to use the childcare centers at Disney.

Really? It says 3-12 on the website.

 

[brockash]

Hi! I'm looking forward to a Labor Day trip to Disney, but my DH is not feeling the Disney love.

This trip will likely be just me and my 2 yo
DS (will turn 3 approx 2 mos after the trip). It is possible my mom will come along, but if she can't, we are still going.

I'm excited about the trip but a bit nervous about traveling solo with a toddler. Being at a monorail resort is important to me for the stroller convenience factor. We would be in a standard room at either resort, tower TPV is not an option.

I am anticipating this will be a go with DS 's flow trip and that we'll spend a lot of time at MK. I foresee breaks, fairly early evenings and some pool time.

I initially booked CR for the convenience of walkability to MK for breaks, plus i like the room size and decor. However, now I'm second guessing that.

The pluses for the Poly are that its pool looks nicer, is zero entry, and has what appears to be a better splash pad. Also, 'Ohana room service.

*We stayed at the Grand Floridian last summer (with my mom and my DH) and DS loved the splash pad. I just want to try a new resort this time. We were never out late enough for fireworks last year, but I'm hoping DS can hang a little longer this year.

Any thoughts or recommendations re: resort?

I'd def. do CR, just for the walkability with a stroller. It's so much easier to not have to deal with folding up the stroller for the smaller ferries, or buses if neither ferry/monorail working. CR does have a splash pad, but yes I think the pool overall is def. better at Poly, but for it just wouldn't be worth it with a stroller.

I'll say this, if the monorail worked as it was supposed to and all the time, I'd probably be more inclined to stay at Poly with a stroller, but the fact is, most of the time it doesn't. I can't tell you how many times we've had it shut down for hours during our stay, or had substantial delays etc., so as the monorail stands today, I'd stay at CR, because not having to deal with folding up the stroller and possibly waking a sleeping child etc., is just not worth anything extra I feel Poly may have. Also, we've stayed in the Garden Wing, and while it def. is not the same as staying in the tower, it's not bad either and honestly I can't imagine is any longer of a walk to the main area than many of the Poly standard rooms. -I would recommend requesting a ground floor room though, as the elevator is slow and small.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have done countless solo trips with DS since he was 3 and have stayed at all the deluxes (including CR garden wing) with him. This is really a tough call, but my vote is for Poly standard. Yes, you can walk to MK from CR, but that's where the pluses stop for me when traveling with a toddler. CR's pool is in major need of a refurb and is definitely not toddler friendly. Also, if you want to access QS at CR, you will have to deal with the elevators and a stroller (you will have to do this when you get off the monorail as well). The elevators at CR get really backed up (the one at the monorail is the WORST) and with a stroller, it makes getting on the elevator even harder. At Poly, you'll be able to use the zero entry pool, the splash pad, QS is easily accessible as are the views of the water pageant and the fireworks. Heck, you can take your 2 year old to Trader Sam's to enjoy a mocktail and the antics! Yes, I know the monorail has its issues, but the amenity perks at Poly over CR trump the monorail issues for me. You can still walk to TTC to catch the EP monorail (big plus). I just think as an overall resort - Poly wins.

This is an excellent post that in my opinion covers many of the pertinent aspects of staying at both resorts, particularly with children. Great write-up.

 

[spiceycat]

love them both partial to BLT - they have a much smaller pool, and a fountain/splash area. this pool is not designed for adults - it is 3' deep - the bigger pool (much, much bigger) at CR is at least 5'. both have slides. So if you can stay in the BLt side you can use them both. If you stay in the CR side you can only use their pool. (the one on BLT side is just too small for both CR and BLT guests to use)

BLT has an activity center - where you will find games and all sorts of stuff for you or your child to make. (great on rainy days). you can get DVD here.

now for the Polyn - it is also a wonderfully place. if the monorail is having problems - just walk over to the ferry (at the TTC) and take it - no folding up your stroller here (just like on the monorail) - it will take you to the MK. wish I had done that on my last trip - got stuck on the monorail....

 

[Glam]

Thanks to everyone who replied. You've given me a lot to consider

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks to everyone who replied. You've given me a lot to consider

Good luck in your decision. No matter what you decide you'll likely have a great time. FWIW, I find when you get a lot of conflicting opinions (like you have here) you eventually get to that point where you just go with your gut and it'll work out fine.