Upgrade to Poly, Is It Worth It?

[Katerbug]

We have ressies at WL, Dec 17-25. DH really wants to stay at a hotel on the monorail. I specifically booked WL for the atmosphere. Thought the kids would really like it. Is it worth the hassle and money to switch to Poly or CR just to have the monorail. Kids are 7 and 9 and DS has autism. DH thinks the convience is worth it.

What do you guys think?

 

[Tikiman]

I think any monorail resort is worth the money myself just in the time you save and the easy access to the other resorts on the monorail as well as the fun of riding it. Also there is much quicker boat access from the Polynesian and you can walk from the Contemporary to the MK. Even Epcot is an easy ride from the Polynesian.

 

[monorailsilver]

YES!

I have stayed at the WL twice & was not thrilled with it.

I liked the atmosphere but waiting for the boats/buses I didn't like.

 

[grimley1968]

Well, I'm torn. I actually like WL better than Poly. But I can't deny that Poly has ALL the other resorts beat, hands down, for transportation. It certainly is convenient for getting to and from MK and EPCOT, especially if you have strollers and don't have to fold them down when you ride the monorail.

However, WL is a REALLY nice resort, IMHO. There is a nice boat that goes to MK from there, and it is stroller/wheelchair friendly, unlike the boat from Poly. True, the WL boat is shared with FW, but it is a very nice ride to MK. It can be a bit crowded coming back from MK at night, but so does the monorail, to be honest.

I don't think you can do wrong with either, but if transportation speed and convenience trumps atmosphere (can you tell I really love WL?), then Poly gets the edge. We actually chose Poly this time around for this very reason, since we have a 6 YO and a 2 YO, who still needs a stroller a lot. Being able to stroll a conked out 2 YO DD all the way from EPCOT to Poly without having to disturb her is worth the extra cost for us, this time around.

But please don't take my post as a dis to the Poly. It really is a great resort with a great atmosphere and wonderful dining. It's just that WL has sort of become our favorite. Poly's a VERY close 2nd, though.

 

[scanne]

Although the WL is our familie's favorite (not mine, mine is the Polynesian!), we agreed that the Polynesian was better for us this time than WL for a few reasons.

1. The size of the rooms. We have two little ones that will be running around/crawling around and the rooms at WL do not have the space that the Polynesian rooms do. In fact, I was worried about the beds at WL because they're high off the ground and the legs are sort of angled so if you bump into them it could really hurt! Especially if you're a one year old crawling around.

2. Transportation - as mentioned above, the ability to hop on a monorail to get to MK or Epcot without having to take little ones out of strollers is a BIG plus for us! We have a double stroller and it is HUGE! I'd rather push it than fold it up and lug onto a bus - even though we will have to do this to get to MGM and AK. But we are spending most of our time at MK and Epcot.

3. The ambiance - WL's ambiance is equal to the Polynesian's, but this trip I wanted to feel like I was in a tropical getaway, not a lodge in the woods. My parents have a second home in the Pocono Mountains and if I wanted woodsy, I'd go there.

Just my two cents. Have a great time no matter where you go!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi! We have been to WDW several times with our autistic ds (6 years old) and our 3 year old ds. We've stayed at both Poly, AKL and WL with our kids and loved all three resorts. Poly was great for the monorail to EPCOT and MK. Plus the grounds were beautiful! WL had a great relaxing atmosphere and autistic ds loved the boat ride. AKL was great too. I guess I'm not helping here, am I? It's so hard to decide. Are you going during a very hot and/or busy time? If so, then maybe Poly is better for you, since the monorail will get you back to the hotel fast. If it won't be that busy, then WL would be just as good. Also, consider AKL, especially if your ds loves animals.
Let me know if you have any questions. And let me suggest visiting us over on the DisAbilities board, if you haven't already. There are many other Parents of autistic children that hang out over there. We are a supportive bunch! And please feel free to ask me any questions.