We stayed at the Poly last Sept, after rescheduling twice due to Ivan. Loved it, almost two vacations in one: Disney and the South Seas. Granted I've never stayed elsewhere at DW, hopefully I'll never have to! The $$$ was definately a stretch for us but I justified it with the logic that the value season price at the Poly was appx. the same as peak season price at a moderate.
Weather is great in late Sept/early Oct, 80-90 daytime, cooler at night. Crowds were non-existant, possibly due to Ivan, rode even the popular rides with no wait. We stayed in Samoa and room was great, no mold issues. Rooms were quite large and comfortable for the 5 of us. Kids loved all the bunnies and lizards on the grounds - only negative was the golfcarts whizzing around at night-they're very quite so they almost run you over before you hear/see them. Watch out!!! Also loved Captain Jacks, had a good variety of reasonably priced and heathy foods, fruit, bagels, yougrt etc. in a very casual setting.
Weather is great in late Sept/early Oct, 80-90 daytime, cooler at night. Crowds were non-existant, possibly due to Ivan, rode even the popular rides with no wait. We stayed in Samoa and room was great, no mold issues. Rooms were quite large and comfortable for the 5 of us. Kids loved all the bunnies and lizards on the grounds - only negative was the golfcarts whizzing around at night-they're very quite so they almost run you over before you hear/see them. Watch out!!! Also loved Captain Jacks, had a good variety of reasonably priced and heathy foods, fruit, bagels, yougrt etc. in a very casual setting.
My mom always told me money can't buy class or manners and I see now she was right. 

where near Chicago are you located?...I'm from the burbs of Chicago
myself. Grayslake to be exact...right by Six Flags! I am soooo drawn to the Poly...I'm hoping to convince Dh to stay there next year!!
and we are planning another trip back to the Poly in June. But....................
