thinking out loud....Contemporary vs. Poly

[madge]

I did the math and decided that the Fairytale package isn't for us. We love splitting our stay between the Swan/Dolphin and a MK resort, and really it is cheaper for us that way I have it narrowed down to the Contemporary and the Polynesian for our nights at a MK resort, but I just can't decide....both resorts are so similar, yet so different

we have stayed at the Contemporary before--we are eligible for SoG, so the price is right. It's familiar, the location can't be beat. I know that the Poly has a new pool area, is it better than the CR? My boys are 13 & 8, what about that slide?

I am planning on checking in on on Thursday, 10/2 and checking out on Sunday morning, 10/5....we will be doing parks on 10/2, and hanging out and enjoying the pool, watermice, etc on Friday before the MNSSHP. Saturday we sleep in and will likely do more hanging out and resting up for the trip home.

If I thought I could get a good rate, I'd just do 2 nights and book garden view concierge...not a clue what to expect to pay for regular season discount, though. any ideas?

We also kicked around the Wilderness Lodge, but I am hesitant about the transportation (boats) from there. We love the lodge, so much to do there.....

decisions, decisions....help!!!

 

[vicb]

Have not stayed at WL myself but my sister did for a week with her 2 DD's ages 11 and 13. They absolutely loved it! She is always trying to talk us out of BWI! They had a car so they weren't totally dependent on busses.

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by vicb
She is always trying to talk us out of BWI!

DON'T let her do it...............

steve

 

[vicb]

My kids won't let me, they had so much fun at the Luna pool and on the BW every night. Can't even convince them to try YC!

 

[lovethemouse2]

I went through this same delimma recently tho I'm not SOG. My cousin who used to work in Disney reservations helped me. Of course each family is different. She said CR is festive, kid-friendly, and my family would love being in the middle of the action. HOWEVER, she talked me into the Poly because it is also kid-friendly, has the trasportation convience and it's more tropical, which my hubby and I like.

It sounds like you'll be spending a lot of time at the hotel so that makes your decision important. I think it boils down to atmosphere. Which atmosphere would you prefer? I've heard people from FL say they DON'T prefer the tropical theme at the Poly so you have to know your family and their style.

Cost can be a big factor. You may be more comfortable financially (with SOG discount) at CR and be able to enjoy it more and have more money for nice dining and souviniers. AND you can ride the monorail to the hotel you DON'T choose and hang out there. That's what we're going to do. My son has his heart set on the big arcade at CR so we will ride the monorail over and shop/eat/play there one day.

 

[DancingBear]

I haven't stayed at the Poly, but I've stayed at WL and at Contemporary at SoG rate.

For myself, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to stay at Contemporary at the incredible SoG rate. This is only a short-term opportunity until SoG is renovated. I'd jump on it.

You've stayed at CR before, so you know the atmosphere. Poly and WL have better theming and pools, but being able to walk to MK is incredible, and those huge rooms at CR are great (vs. WL where rooms are adequate but noticeably smaller).

If money is any object, I'd go with the CR and save a Poly/WL visit for another time.

 

[suevee]

In Feb. the CR pool was closed for rehab. as a courtesy we used the Poly pool. It was great!!! My 7 yr old dgd chose to spend the day there instead of going to the parks on our last day at WDW.

 

[lovethemouse2]

There's the deal. CR prices and access to Poly pool! Lucky you.

 

[epcotfan]

Personally I would stick with the Contemporary. The fact that you can walk to the Magic Kingdom is a big plus. Also I found the pool at the Polynesian to be very crowded in comparison to the Contemporary's. I guess the Polynesian's pool attracts more people with little children due to the zero entry.

 

[madge]

thanks for all the advice...at this point, I am not going to do anything with my CR reservation through SoG....I have about 100 more days before anything definitive has to be done with it. I called and checked overflow at the poly and WL, and I can do as well with a code for either of those resorts.

what it ultimately comes back to is $$$...I can 2 nights at the CR for the same price as one at the Poly (and that's with a code or overflow ). Now, the WL is another story--the code rates there are very good and we love the WL...that might make an interesting decision as the summer progresses and more codes are (hopefully ) released.

thanks again!

Madge