Trying to Pick a Deluxe

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I'm starting to look into planning a trip to WDW and I want to stay on property. I've been to WDW 3 times, only staying on property 1 (WL). I would love to stay on property and I just can't decide where. I am looking to go January/February to cut costs. I don't think I want to stay at any of the Epcot area resorts, I'm stuck between WL (because I love the atmosphere), Contemporary, Poly, AKL. My dream has always been to stay on the monorail loop, but I love the atmosphere of WL and when I walked threw/ate at Jiko on my last trip, I loved AKL. I do like to spend a good amount of time relaxing in the hotel, so I don't just use it for a place to sleep. Thoughts? I know something like this has probably been discussed on the boards, but I'm a newbie!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I have stayed at the Polynesian Concierge probably a dozen times, Boardwalk twice, and AKL once. The Contemporary has never appealed to me, and we have considered WL many times but never stayed there.

To answer your question, if you are looking for a place to relax and explore, AKL is what I would recommend. I love the Poly, but with all of the monorail issues and the addition of the Bungalows, it's just not the same as it once was. With the ridiculous price difference, you can stay at AKL and go explore the Poly once or twice. AKL has many places where you can view animals, three great restaurants, and just a laid back feel. We requested a standard room near the lobby, and while our view was not great from the room, we came back with dozens of pictures and videos of animals taken from the viewing areas.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you are looking for a relaxing resort, I would take CR off the list. The common areas of the other resorts (lobbies, pools, etc.) far exceed those at CR. The atmosphere at Poly is lovely. WL is beautiful, but I'd keep my eye on the current construction going on there. AKL is fantastic. Given the construction at WL, I would whittle your choices down to Poly and AKL. AKL will be cheaper, but smaller rooms and no monorail. If that doesn't bother you, I think my vote would be AKL. It's far more relaxing than Poly IMHO.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I have stayed at the Polynesian Concierge probably a dozen times, Boardwalk twice, and AKL once. The Contemporary has never appealed to me, and we have considered WL many times but never stayed there.

To answer your question, if you are looking for a place to relax and explore, AKL is what I would recommend. I love the Poly, but with all of the monorail issues and the addition of the Bungalows, it's just not the same as it once was. With the ridiculous price difference, you can stay at AKL and go explore the Poly once or twice. AKL has many places where you can view animals, three great restaurants, and just a laid back feel. We requested a standard room near the lobby, and while our view was not great from the room, we came back with dozens of pictures and videos of animals taken from the viewing areas.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!!

You know I think you're right. I was looking at all the room rates for my options and the Poly was just insane, Contemporary was less and you're right that AKL was a lot cheaper. WL was also comparable. Last time I was there, I walked around the Poly and the theming just really appealed to me, but it's good to know for the price it's just not worth it compared to the others. If I want monorail, maybe Contemporary because it is cheaper and then I can just take the monorail to explore the Poly. I absolutely loved the AKL and the dining there, but is it too far away from everything?. I think the good thing about WDW is that even if you don't stay at a resort, you can still explore because they're RELATIVELY close to each other. Thank you for helping me narrow it down.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

If you are looking for a relaxing resort, I would take CR off the list. The common areas of the other resorts (lobbies, pools, etc.) far exceed those at CR. The atmosphere at Poly is lovely. WL is beautiful, but I'd keep my eye on the current construction going on there. AKL is fantastic. Given the construction at WL, I would whittle your choices down to Poly and AKL. AKL will be cheaper, but smaller rooms and no monorail. If that doesn't bother you, I think my vote would be AKL. It's far more relaxing than Poly IMHO.

I don't know exactly when i'll be going, so hopefully the construction at WL would be done by then if I do consider it further. It's tough because I've always wanted to stay on the monorail loop but GF is way too expensive, Poly is still very pricy, and I love the CR atmosphere (I enjoy a modern/sleek/clean style), but you're right. The idea of having a bigger room is nice too. Is the size of the rooms dramatically differnet? I do know because CR was one of the original resorts, the rooms are bigger, but is it that noticeable? Sorry for my questions, I am just so indecisive LOL

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I was concerned about AKL being "too far away". We were there for 6 nights and had bus issues ONCE. (Waited an hour, but to be fair it was the middle of the day and raining.) We always felt like getting where we wanted to go was doable in a reasonable amount of time. You are actually relatively close to everything except MK and Disney Springs.

 

[Sue M]

I didn't vote cause I couldn't decide! I'm not a CR fan, so wouldn't vote for that. Love Poly, grounds are beautiful, love walking around the resort and being able to see MK, and the castle. So nice to be able to watch Wishes from the beach. Love GF too. You can look up historical discounts on Mousesavers.com to see what discounts were available during your dates.
We also love both WL & AKL. Built by same person. AKL has good bus service, and it's a wonderful resort. The only thing is, unlike the other resorts, it's not near any other resorts for dining, etc like the MK or Epcot resorts. But we've enjoyed 2 stays at AKL. And like the dining options there and at Kidani.

 

[clayfolks]

I love AKL. It is beautiful and relaxing. The bus transportation is very good and doesn't share with other resorts except Kidani. We stay there frequently.

I have stayed at GF and BLT/CR. I was not impressed with their transportation realities. The monorail broke down repeatedly and the bus transportation was subpar. We are staying at the Poly in September and WL in December. I am not counting on great transportation from either of those, but am looking forward to trying new resorts.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I was concerned about AKL being "too far away". We were there for 6 nights and had bus issues ONCE. (Waited an hour, but to be fair it was the middle of the day and raining.) We always felt like getting where we wanted to go was doable in a reasonable amount of time. You are actually relatively close to everything except MK and Disney Springs.

That's one thing I was worried about is the transportation because it's in a secluded area (good and bad). How long would you say a bus ride to the TTC was? I might have a car, so bus might not be a problem, but it's still nice to know!

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I didn't vote cause I couldn't decide! I'm not a CR fan, so wouldn't vote for that. Love Poly, grounds are beautiful, love walking around the resort and being able to see MK, and the castle. So nice to be able to watch Wishes from the beach. Love GF too. You can look up historical discounts on Mousesavers.com to see what discounts were available during your dates.
We also love both WL & AKL. Built by same person. AKL has good bus service, and it's a wonderful resort. The only thing is, unlike the other resorts, it's not near any other resorts for dining, etc like the MK or Epcot resorts. But we've enjoyed 2 stays at AKL. And like the dining options there and at Kidani.

Thank you for Mousesavers. Did you like the rooms at AKL? I heard they are a little small. It's a dream of mine to stay at the Poly one day, but it is just so expensive. CR is a LITTLE cheaper, but it's not on the top of my list besides location and room size. It's good to know that the bus transportation is reliable at AKL though.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I love AKL. It is beautiful and relaxing. The bus transportation is very good and doesn't share with other resorts except Kidani. We stay there frequently.

I have stayed at GF and BLT/CR. I was not impressed with their transportation realities. The monorail broke down repeatedly and the bus transportation was subpar. We are staying at the Poly in September and WL in December. I am not counting on great transportation from either of those, but am looking forward to trying new resorts.

Wow, everyone seems to really love AKL...this is definitely helping. The fact that the busses don't share with any other resorts is extremely good to know. That must make the trip so much quicker..I really would love to experience the other dining options at AKL too, I loved Jiko.

 

[Regan117]

We've stayed at them all, and honestly, AKL is our favorite of these. But because of the distance from MK, we don't always book here (our kids are small). WL has too much construction going on right now, and I don't like staying where there's construction, so I'd say CR for sure. If the distance doesn't bother you, AKL is FANTASTIC and much cheaper.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

We've stayed at them all, and honestly, AKL is our favorite of these. But because of the distance from MK, we don't always book here (our kids are small). WL has too much construction going on right now, and I don't like staying where there's construction, so I'd say CR for sure. If the distance doesn't bother you, AKL is FANTASTIC and much cheaper.

Part of me doesn't mind being secluded, but part of me does like being directly IN the Magic...know what I mean? But after hearing all of these great reviews of AKL, it's hard not to if it's much cheaper. I'd rather use that money I'm saving on better dining and souvenirs. Is the service/room always great?

 

[Regan117]

Part of me doesn't mind being secluded, but part of me does like being directly IN the Magic...know what I mean? But after hearing all of these great reviews of AKL, it's hard not to if it's much cheaper. I'd rather use that money I'm saving on better dining and souvenirs. Is the service/room always great?

We've had the best service at AKL! The CM's are always nice and helpful, everything is clean and beautiful, and it's just such a relaxing atmosphere. Good restaurants, beautiful theming and decor, a great pool...just always had positive experiences there. The rooms are slightly smaller, square footage, than some of the other deluxes. But if you don't have 4 or 5 people staying in the room, it won't seem smaller.

 

[Nancyg56]

I also would take CR off the list if you want a relaxing retreat. This one does not offer quiet and relaxing as part of its amenities! LOL! I like the Poly and AKL for relaxing vacations. I do like the Grand but I think that between the Poly and the Grand, the atmosphere at the Poly offered moe tranquility. My DD is there now and has Aotearoa (SP) monorail side, 3rd floor. She said that bungalow is a hidden gem and is thrilled with the location. The monorail whispers by, and she has enjoyed WIshes by what is in essence a private beach.

I agree that staying at WL would be dependent on the construction schedule. I will never stay at a resort under construction because for me, it is distracting. You may feel differently, so take my feedback for what it is worth, LOL!

 

[Sue M]

Thank you for Mousesavers. Did you like the rooms at AKL? I heard they are a little small. It's a dream of mine to stay at the Poly one day, but it is just so expensive. CR is a LITTLE cheaper, but it's not on the top of my list besides location and room size. It's good to know that the bus transportation is reliable at AKL though.

They are the same size as WL rooms which you've stayed at. For us it's fine, it's usually just myself and 1 adult daughter, I have stayed at WL with both daughters and space has been fine.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

We've had the best service at AKL! The CM's are always nice and helpful, everything is clean and beautiful, and it's just such a relaxing atmosphere. Good restaurants, beautiful theming and decor, a great pool...just always had positive experiences there. The rooms are slightly smaller, square footage, than some of the other deluxes. But if you don't have 4 or 5 people staying in the room, it won't seem smaller.

Thank you! You made me really want to stay there...

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

They are the same size as WL rooms which you've stayed at. For us it's fine, it's usually just myself and 1 adult daughter, I have stayed at WL with both daughters and space has been fine.

You're probably right, it's always fun to stay somewhere new too, so maybe AKL>WL...I hate being indecisive.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I also would take CR off the list if you want a relaxing retreat. This one does not offer quiet and relaxing as part of its amenities! LOL! I like the Poly and AKL for relaxing vacations. I do like the Grand but I think that between the Poly and the Grand, the atmosphere at the Poly offered moe tranquility. My DD is there now and has Aotearoa (SP) monorail side, 3rd floor. She said that bungalow is a hidden gem and is thrilled with the location. The monorail whispers by, and she has enjoyed WIshes by what is in essence a private beach.

I agree that staying at WL would be dependent on the construction schedule. I will never stay at a resort under construction because for me, it is distracting. You may feel differently, so take my feedback for what it is worth, LOL!

I would no doubt stay at Poly, but it's just so expensive compared to my other options...I think i'd rather stay somewhere else and spend time just hanging out there. I do agree 100% though about construction, it sort of ruins the magic especially considering it's Disney. Thanks!

 

[mister morrow]

you should stay at AKL!
we will be staying there for the first time this upcoming trip, but i have seen the resort and it is truly amazing.
despite it being further away from some of the parks it has some of the best dining options in Disney (cough cough Sanaa).

I would get rid of CR and WL imo. i think it is a tossup between Poly and AKL-- Poly is also beautiful, has a great pool, it's close to TTC and has its own monorail, but it is pricy.

wherever you go, i hope you have a great time!