Taking our first trip - Should we stay at AKL or POLY?

[ricko19]

Just hoping to get some advice from some of you experienced folks!
We are going to be doing a 7 day land/sea vacation the first week of Jan 09 with our two kids (DS 5, DD 11).

Currently we are planning on staying at the AKL, but I read that they are going to be doing construction.

I was thinking about staying at the Poly, but it looks so big and spread out.

ARRRGGHH!

Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The Poly is really not too spread out. I think you will love it there - it's very peaceful and the monorail is great for getting back and forth to MK and EPCOT.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Welcome to the DIS! And I'm so excited for you as you plan your first vacation ... it's going to be fabulous!

AKL is a great resort - very pretty and unique. But at the end of the day, the Poly is right in the middle of the magic. You have the convenience of the monorail, which is really great since you have kids that are the perfect age for the MK, and a wonderful atmosphere. Seeing the castle from the pool, being right on the lagoon to see the fireworks, easy transportation for meals at the other monorail hotels ... the buildings are not all that spread out, and the walks in between them are very enjoyable.

While all of the hotels have their advantages, I think the Poly is about as good as it gets, particularly for your first vacation.

 

[DeanDoug]

We've never stayed at the Poly (I hear it's great), but we LOVE the AKL... it's a very special resort. I think it depends on your geographical interests... but don't despair, ANY place in Disney will be wonderful!
Have a great time!

 

[Manda]

If the price difference between AKL and Poly isn't an issue for you, go Poly. Personally, we had just about the last room in the never ending hallways at AKL and I found that walk to be much, much more overwhelming that the walk to our building (Fiji) at the Polynesian. The Polynesian isn't perfect, but you just can't beat a monorail resort.

 

[TIGGER1981]

Poly!! We stayed there in Oct. our first trip...it was fantastic!

the atmosphere is fantastic! so relaxing! the food is delish! and the pools are great! and you can watch the water parade and wishes from the beach/pool
and lets not forget the monorail! its right there! door to door service! hehe or you can take the ferry to the Magic Kingdom...its so worth it
I want to go back!!

 

[frdeb1999]

I think with the ages of your kids you would really love the Poly. The monorail right outside your door is a huge plus. The resturants there are great. The 'Ohana character breakfast is alot of fun. The kids will love watching not only the water parade, but the fireworks from the beach. And the volcano pool is something we have a difficult time getting our dd out of! The bus service is quite good also to the other parks. We have stayed at a couple different resorts, but some how always manage to end up back at the Poly the following year.....hard to beat the atmosphere and service you get there. Hope you have a wonderful time planning!

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

You can't go wrong either way but if the kids are into classic Disney go with the Poly. It's fun to be on the monorail and have the castle in the backdrop. The grounds are big but it is not so spread out and it is so pretty.

If they aren't so much Disney addicted, do AKL. It really is amazing!

 

[simonkodousek]

I would go with the Polynesian. Transportation there is excellent, and the service is great.

 

[airhead]

...if I wasn't going with kids. On the otherhand,if your kids are into animals,then stay at AKL.

 

[MAKmom]

Stay at the Poly. AKL is VERY big too.

 

[kimysbug]

Poly all the way!

 

[WDWBetsy]

Have stayed at both when on trips with DH only. While the Poly is a beautiful resort, I just couldn't justify the cost for our upcoming trip, especially since we're taking our DD (who will be 2), our 10 y/o nephew and their grandma.

After weighing the different resort options (especially in terms of bedding), we have chosen AKL. Our nephew is very excited about the animals, and I'm sure DD will be as well. Grandma will definitely like it.

We personally love the food choices at AKL and the bus service was great when we were there. We're going with a pool-view bunk bed room and also renting a crib from A Baby's Best Friend.

Of course, if money is no object, the Poly is a wonderful choice.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[PilotWife]

We have not stayed at Poly, but visited several times. We have also stayed at AKL. LOVED IT! I did not think that I was going to like it at all....DH had wanted to stay there for a long time. I am know planning another trip and really want to stay at AKL again BUT Dh wants to try another "new" resort. (Poly or Wildernes Lodge) We have 3 children all under 7 and they loved AKL, and do not want to stay at another resort.

Jennifer

 

[cara loves the poly]

At the top of this page there are sticky's that describe in detail all of the resorts, if you haven't checked that out yet. The polynesian rooms are much bigger than the akl rooms, that might matter to you. The poly is much more convenient. I'm sure you will love which ever you choose, good luck!

 

[raven69david]

AKL for the kids. Lots to do there and they can view the animals at night with the night vision goggles, which we did last week. VERY cool.

 

[ricko19]

Ok, after taking the tips/hints/opinions from all of you and doing a lot more research looking at pics, etc we decided on the Poly.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[cara loves the poly]

Thanks for the update!

 

[Jordan2007]

The POLY is in the "middle of all the magic." For me, the entire park is magical, but just being that close to the Magic Kingdom makes the entire trip worth it. I love the WL and think that the MK restorts are the best. The POLY is also right on the monorail with easy access to MK and Epcot. The theming is great and when I was there in April I told my parents that I wanted to stay at the POLY some day.

The AKL would probably be good also, but I would pick the POLY.

 

[jhryb]

I really believe that you made the right choice. My family loves the Poly, it is our favourite resort at WDW.