STILL debating--need input

[rt2dz]

OK, I'm still debating this. I really need some serious help. As many replies as people will post is greatly appreciated.

We are planning our next WDW trip for next Dec. I can't decide between the first week or the second week.

Next, I can't decide about trying the Poly for the first time or returning to our favorite AKL. If we stay at AKL, we'll go conceirge--have to do the sunrise safari. If staying at the Poly we'll do a lagoon view or garden view conceirge.

So I guess what I need is "Which do you think is better and why (detailed)?" for:
A. 1st week v. 2nd week of Dec 2006
B. AKL v Poly
C. Poly garden view conceirge v. Poly Lagoon view non-conceirge

TIA for all your replies.

Oh, if it makes a difference, it will be 5 of us: me, dh, DS6 (almost), DS3 (almost), and DS 15 months

 

[cara loves the poly]

personally if it were my family w/ such young ones, I'd pick Poly lagoon view over garden view concierge. The little one can sleep while the others watch the fireworks right from your room at night! I guess you just have to think about what is more important for your family. There are pro's and con's to everything!! On the bright side, I'm sure you'll have a great time at either resort!

 

[Bugsmom73]

With your kids, I would stick to Poly as chances are you will be spending a lot of time at MK. If you are not doing the dining plan, then I would say that conc. would be a great idea.

 

[rt2dz]

Thanks for the replies!! PLEASE, keep them coming. More is better here.

I'm thinking a little more info. might help others. When we were there in May, at WL, we had a view of the monorail, castle, fireworks, and water pagnant from the balcony. We loved it; however, we were only in the room once to see the fireworks from the balcony. So, I want to weigh other considerations than just that. Also, we spend pretty much equal time at all the parks--my oldest's favorite park is AK. So, location to parks isn't that big of a deal. Don't get me wrong, having the monorail at the resort is a big pull, just not the end-all of everything.

 

[iliketoby]

I picked 1st week, because if it were me, I'd want some extra time before Christmas to tie up all the loose ends.

I picked AKL over Poly because I like AKL better. It's newer, and in my limited experience, the staff was much nicer at the AKL. And I'd want to do the Sunrise Safari thing.

I picked non-concierge over concierge because I would want the lagoon view. Plus, you don't get much for the extra $100 a night. I can buy my own cookies.

However you do it, have a great trip!

 

[Merriwind]

I said 2nd week, because I think the PopWarner mob descends in early December. I picked Poly concierge--proximity to MK and easy snacks and such for the kids.

Sounds great--enjoy!!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We've been both of these weeks and to all of your resort choices. We usually go the first week, however, on these boards and others, occupancy rates for this year during the first week of December are reported as being high.

I would choose the second week at the POLY-GVC.

Good Luck!

 

[DisneyWisher]

We have stayed Poly GVC and loved it. Lagoon view would have been nice but the extra $100 a night just wasn't worth it to me. I love where the Hawaii Bldg is located. Steps away from the Volcano pool and from the beach. 3 out of the 5 nights we watched the fireworks from the swing on the beach. The food offerings are wonderful too (especially the pineapple bread mmmm). We stayed in Sept and DD12 had Hot Cocoa every day.

Its also nice that you will be so close to MK especially with the younger ones and that yourself or husband can take the 15 yr old to the park while the 2 younger children and remaining parent make an early night of it. Plus if you are taking strollers you won't have to close them up for the monorail when going to MK or Epcot.
Maybe you should check out Deb's site to look at pics and read review about the rooms and resorts.

Good Luck deciding

 

[Tinks]

I chose the first week in December because then you'll have more time to prepare for the Holidays when you return. You may feel swamped with things to do if you go the 2nd week. Just my opinion!

I also have 3 boys I chose Polynesian Lagoon view because this is what *I* would choose. It really all deepends on you. Can you make all your ADRs yourself or do you not want to be bothered? Would you like the option of running to the lounge for a snack? Would you like to watch fireworks from the lounge with music or from your room without music?

It so depends on picky preferences at that point. You can't go wrong!

I will throw a wrench into your decision by saying we stayed at the AKL and my boys LOVED it. BUT, because your boys are small, I choose the Polynesian for its convenience to the MK. My kids are now 9, 7, and 3 and we're returning to the Polynesian this June.

Have fun planning!

 

[denisekayt]

I picked the 2nd week in December....I JUST changed our existing Dec 2006 1st week reservations to 2nd week today

After doing a lot of reading, I think the 2nd week traditionally has a little bit lighter crowds than the 1st week, and for us needing the "little bit of extra time after getting home to get ready for xmas" isn't that important (plus, think of how many OTHER families use that argument to go during the 1st week! Less crowds for us! )

On the resort....well, I'm a WL lover myself, but am considering the Poly for sometime in the future (really mainly for the transportation benefits, personally I'm just not into the theme itself). My DH and I ate a Boma in the AKL on our last trip, and while both of us thought the animals aspect was nice, neither of us really felt like AKL was somewhere we'd like to stay.

Whatever you decide, have fun!!

 

[Tinkerbell79]

rt2dz - So let me try you help you I use to be a manager at resorts first of all trying the Poly is great however I have talked to so many guests staying there that they will always choose DAKLodge because it is what they want however the important thing about the Poly is that you can use the monorail for Magic Kingdom as well as Epcot. Always go the 2nd week because it is still to early for xmas vacation and it is after Mickey's very merry christmas has gotten it's kick off rush.... Let me know if you have anymore questions I just want you to be happy and not lied to and I am a insider with the knowledge of the busy season!!!