Still torn between Poly & AKL-WHY???? :)

[FairyDust2008]

Well, I really know why, LOL They are 2 GREAT resort choices. I've been doing the research on both, etc but still haven't come to a complete decision, even though at times I think I have Poly seems very tropical obviously in theming and that appeals to me but then the animals (don't have an animal image or I would have used it ) are what appeals to us at the AKL and having a savannah view and the whole ambience there. If anyone has any RECENT PHOTOS from their trips to either one of these resorts, PLEASE SHARE I wouldn't have made the ressies at AKL if I wasn't into the resort theming, etc. I've always wanted to stay at the Poly too. UGH! It is definitely a pressing decision as far as resort for our 1st family wdw trip I wished I could make up my mind but I guess this is the fun part in deciding even though it is stressful as well. I'm just happy to be going to WDW for our 1st family trip I know that whichever resort you pick at Disney, you are at Disney so you gotta have the magical mentality, ya know? Well, I'm going to sleep on it and be fresh tomorrow. Maybe I'm just being silly and all with it. I'm trying to weigh the differences such as pool, food, monorail, busses, etc. Thanks all for listening

 

[FairyDust2008]

Does the fact that I'm currently booked at AKL concierge/club level outweigh anything positive about the POLY, such as monorail, theming, etc? I know that both resorts get pretty good reviews for the deluxe category so I know I'm picking from 2 AWESOME RESORTS. Split stay just isn't something I"m into so I know I have to either stick with AKL concierge/club which is a great choice or do garden view at Poly. For the price, I feel I'm getting more bang for my buck getting concierge at AKL and it is a slight bit more at POLY for just a garden view room, no concierge. I know Poly is a bit higher in cost because of location/monorail, etc. Well, we shall see

 

[CoolPool]

If AKL Savannah View CL is really less expensive than a GV room at the Poly (what season is that?) then you are definitely getting more for your money by getting "extra" for less money. I lurve me some AKL. And the dedicated bus service is fabulous.

But I'm trying to figure out how Savannah View CL is cheaper than a Poly GV! LoL. I'm jealous!

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Personally, if you can afford the Poly - DO IT!!! It's our favourite and it's a monorail resort.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I have stayed at the Poly, and we are staying at AKL (my newest dream resort) this summer. I love AKL, but if this is your family's first trip I would lean towards the Poly. Nothing beats being on the monorail and you are going to be able to look across the lagoon (while standing on the beach) and see the Magic Kingdom. You will definitely feel like you are in the heart of Disney if you are staying at the Poly. I think everyone should stay at a monorail resort at least once!

 

[joenan88]

You started this exact thread a few weeks ago....If Akl And Poly Were Your 2 Choices-which One Would Win Out And WhyI remember responding to it...You got 25 responses..if you are still undecided with your reservation at the AKL, club level then switch..you have had it booked for awhile..

 

[ConcKahuna]

I say split stay. Bell services takes care of the luggage transfer, so it's not difficult at all. Start your day at one resort, head to the park, end the day at the new one

 

[MUFFYCAT]

If you don't want to do split stay, I'd say the Polynesian.
We stayed there our first visit in 2000 and stayed there every time after that
with 2 split stays at the YC & BC.

The kids will love the pool and playing in the sand. The grounds can't be beat along with the monorail and watching the MK fireworks from the resort.
I also stay concierge and love it. Chef Dick and the whole staff are awesome!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I honestly think you are comparing apples and oranges.

Think about it. CL at AKL with all the food, wine and beer, drinks, service that comes with that. Along with the sunrise safari and overall hotel itself.

versus

A regular garden view room at Poly just for the monorail line and a room that is about 10 feet longer. I think the problem is alot of people here love the Poly (understandably so) and it is swaying your decesion.

If you like the AKL themeing than AKL is giving you the most bang for your buck. The monorail can take just as long as the buses for AKL since they do not share. I think that is even honestly.

What does your family think? Both are very nice and you cant go wrong with either. I remember you listing Poly when you first started planning so maybe that really was your first choice. Good luck and let us know whay you end up with!!!!!

 

[luvdisney00]

I understand your dilema. Last year I was so torn between the Poly & BC that I second guessed myself to death! I eventually chose the Poly and we loved it!! I can't comment on AKL because I've never been there, but the pictures I have seen look beautiful. All I can say is look at all the factors, theme , location, amenities etc.. and choose. Once you are set, forget about the other resort and just research the one that you chose. Don't keep looking at the other one thinking what if..just be happy about your decision.

It's Disney Deluxe...you will have an amazing time either way!
Good Luck!

 

[John's Mom]

FairyDust2008,

After reading all your recent posts, I have come to the following conclusion: If the AKL Club Level IPO would contact you and get your ADRs and reserve the Sunrise Safari, you would stick with the AKL.

 

[Native NYer]

I say split stay. Bell services takes care of the luggage transfer, so it's not difficult at all. Start your day at one resort, head to the park, end the day at the new one

I second this idea! A split stay will allow you to experience both resorts and not have to choose just one. It will be like getting two mini-vacations in one!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I've stayed at both and I'd recommend doing a split stay. That way you'd get to experience both. Do the AKL first and then wind down at the Poly.

 

[SeaSpray]

This really is quite a dilemma for you.

You probably know how much I love the Polynesian Resort, but I've stayed (pool view) at the AKL and I LOVED that resort too. However, NOTHING beats the Polynesian, in my opinion. But then again, that's because ALL of my trips to the Polynesian have been on the concierge level, so of course nothing could ever beat THAT! LOL

If I were faced with the choice between AKL CL or Polynesian garden view, I would really have to think about that! In other words, I don't think I would automatically choose the regular room at the Polynesian. Although, during our last trip to the Polynesian DH and I were walking all around the grounds of the resort and we both agreed that the resort is so gorgeous and we LOVE having the boat directly to the MK and the short walk to the TTC to the Epcot monorail, that we'd still be happy even in a regular garden view room. Also, we LOVE 'Ohana and the Kona Cafe (we could have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Kona Cafe every day and be happy! LOL), so the fact that we love the restaurants there factors in, too.

Having said that, we LOVED Jiko and we liked Boma, so we do like the restaurants there as well. We didn't like the fact that there's no place for a sit-down lunch though, but that's a minor drawback because most of the time we were at a park at lunch time.

I like concierge services....but the reason why we're able to partake in some of the offerings is because of how close the resort is to the MK and Epcot. It's so easy to pop back at the resort when you can literally see your room from the MK. LOL I'm not sure how often we'd be back at the resort to take advantage of the offerings if we had to take the bus back every single time.

I don't know if I've been any help to you, but I just thought I'd share my thoughts, in case they're able to help you at all.

Honestly, in our case, I'm pretty sure that DH and I would choose the garden room at the Polynesian over the CL room at the AKL. We both just really love the "feel" of the Polynesian, and I know we'd have that, whether we stayed CL or not.

P.S. But like I said, the AKL is my second-favorite Disney Resort, so it's really a tough call! LOL I can't wait to see which you choose, but I'm sure you'll love whichever one that is.

P.P.S. I agree with luvdisney00; once you make a decision, then research and daydream over the pictures of THAT resort! Don't look back! LOL

P.P.P.S. My DH just walked into the family room so I asked him which he would choose. Without hesitation he said "The garden room at the Polynesian, of course!", then he added "because of the monorail and transportion. Especially for a first trip, you'd want to be accessible to good transportation. I felt that the AKL was just too far away". Then he went on to say "If they have kids, they'd love the volcano pool!".

So there you have it; the opinions of 2 people in the space of 1 post.

 

[Disneyonmymind]

4 nights at the Poly, followed by 3 nights at the AKL. We couldn't decide either, so now we don't have to. I can't wait to be there.

We have never done a split stay before. This will be our first time.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

P.P.P.S. My DH just walked into the family room so I asked him which he would choose. Without hesitation he said "The garden room at the Polynesian, of course!", then he added "because of the monorail and transportion. Especially for a first trip, you'd want to be accessible to good transportation. I felt that the AKL was just too far away". Then he went on to say "If they have kids, they'd love the volcano pool!".

Those are the reasons plus the size of the rooms is why we chose the Polynesian for our first trip.

 

[iloveeeyore]

How old are your kids? When are you visiting?
The answers to these questions might make a difference.

Kids in strollers, heat of summer, definitely Poly! Otherwise, stick with AKL. (That's coming fom a very avid Poly fan.) There's a reason you booked it, afterall. You thought it the best bang for your buck and that it would meet all your family's needs. (Is CL at AKL REALLY cheaper than Poly GV? WOW).

If the advice you're getting on this board is not helping, flip a coin or draw straws. Honestly, both resorts are that great. Whatever you choose, decide to get 100% behind it! Make up your mind to LOVE it. Visit the other for a meal and ask to see a room (I've suggested that before to you, we do this all the time and LOVE visiting other resorts).

...And when you get home, book your next trip at the other!

 

[FairyDust2008]

It is only cheaper by about $5.00 so not much Thanks for all the responses. Just thinking about everything

 

[FairyDust2008]

You started this exact thread a few weeks ago....If Akl And Poly Were Your 2 Choices-which One Would Win Out And WhyI remember responding to it...You got 25 responses..if you are still undecided with your reservation at the AKL, club level then switch..you have had it booked for awhile..

It hasn't been booked that long and I've only made this one AKL reservation so it isn't like I'm booking and cancelling right and left. I just was having some reservations.

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

I, too, am torn between the two resorts. I have stayed in both and I love them equally.

But this month we ended up choosing POR as both were booked