What Should I Do??? (WL or Poly)

[spacec47]

I have stayed at both the WL and the Poly...and I would go with the Poly. We had a 1 yr old and a 3 yr old and got a garden view room in Roratonga on the 1st floor. I can't stress how convient the monorail was. It is well worth the 800 if you can afford it! With our young kids being able to keep them in the stroller on the moniral was extremely convient esp when they fell asleep! I would do the WL when strollers are not in the picture.

 

[cdotla]

I stayed at the Poly once in the late 1970s as a child. Apart from driving over it in the monorail I haven't been back since until this month.

Since it always looked the same my thought was that I would feel like I stepped into a time-warp back to the 70s and I was no longer that interested in the 70s-themed tropical decor. How wrong was I!

Just last week, we took a pop over to the Poly to hang out and see the fireworks and electrical light parade from the beach. What an absolutely magical place it was! Tons of people swimming in the pool and playing on the beach or lounging in hammocks with the most spectacular view of both the fireworks and electrical light parade, occurring simulataneously. It was FANTASTIC!

And the tropical, lush theming and atmosphere was to die for. As one previous poster said, its like DIsney and a tropical oasis vacation all rolled into one. And the convenience of the monorail, ect and views of MK...well, bottom line is my next trip I am shelling out for it. Sooo worth it!

As for WL, I have never been so I can't comment. Would like to see this one too, but for the view of MK and location I can see why Poly is more.

 

[Sea Turtles]

Tough one dude. They're both great resorts so you have "Wilderness" people and "Poly" people. Both swear by their preferred resort. The only thing that stands out in your original post is that you had the WL booked but were still thinking about the Poly. Switch it up to the Poly and have a great trip. With your crew, a long house in close proximity to the GCH would suit you well.
Enjoy

 

[Maukey]

Anyone else???

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

Poly
We spent a week at the Poly this summer with our 6, 9 and 12yo. This was our first on-site visit and we really liked the convenience of having the monorail to the MK and the short walk to the TTC to pick up the monorail to Epcot. It was also nice to jump on the monorail to go to the GF and Contemporary for suppers. I also debated about the extra $ for staying there, but after our visit, I would highly recommend the Poly.

 

[PlutoPony]

It just clicked to me that you have 3 kids - the 9 and 14 yo in addition to the baby. If you're going to have a pack and play and stroller in there with you, the WL room will be VERY crowded. Plus you only have 2 beds and no other sitting area, just seems like you'll be on top of each other. At the Poly, you're talking about 2 beds plus a couch/futon of some sort and more extra room for a pack and play. We stayed in Tokaleau, which has the biggest rooms at Poly and I'd say it was almost spacious compared to our room at WL. Don't know how much the extra space is worth however....

 

[Sandi]

With 3 kids, I'd choose the Poly just for the additional space in the room. We've stayed at both resorts and enjoyed both. We have only one child felt less crowded at Poly -- it's definitely larger. (I'm not sure if the remodeled rooms have 2 sinks -- they used to only have one sink which is a real drag.)

 

[luvlumpy]

Well, we stayed at the WL last year and I never imagined staying anywhere else. We loved it! We booked the Poly this year with free dining because we couldn't get the WL. We were not in the least disappointed. We loved Poly!! The atmosphere is pure Disney. It's bustling at all times. We just felt like we were right in the middle of everything. Like a pp said, the WL is secluded and while it has a wonderful atmosphere, it just isn't as exciting to me. At the Poly all the CMs said aloha when we passed, the lush landscaping, the HUGE rooms, Wishes from the beach, the restaurants, the shops, the transportation--it just can't be beat! Will we go back to the WL? Probably, but only for price. Staying at the Poly was pretty pricey, even with free dining. If price was not an issue, I would definetely choose Poly!!!

 

[teethrdh]

We just returned from WL and fell in LOVE!!!!!!!!!!! I have been many places like Jamaica, Hawaii, St. Thomas, my parents spoiled us with 4 star hotels and tropical spots and honestly I thought I would hate the WL, it was my favorite hotel I have ever been to. I don't know what it is but there is just something magical about it, it stole my heart. The room was really not that bad in size, its not like you are going to be throwing parties in the room, to sit on the deck with hot chocolate by the stream... or in a rocking chair by the fireplace. There would be people curled up on the couches taking naps in the lobby,it never seemed crowded even though the cm told us is was booked up, it was just amazing!

 

[2dogmom]

I have stayed at both and love both of them. I usually stay at Poly because I am traveling alone with my 2 girls (7,4) and the monorail makes it so convienent and I know where everything is, how long it takes to get somewhere, etc. This December I will be splitting my stay between the two. My girls aren't too excited about it, but it is expensive to stay at Poly the whole time. You really can't go wrong with either resort. If you are unsure, I would split the stay. I have done that before (WL/Poly) and it was very easy to do. (Pack bags the morning of the switch, tell them where your bags need to go and how many you have, and go back to the next resort after a day at the parks.)

 

[odhrty]

I've had the same problem deciding. I went from CR, WL Pop WL to Poly. I have decided to splurge and hope I made the right decision. Location and theme won me over. We are from Washington State so the lodge is something I can get here. Tropical Hawaii is a little harder to come by. I still find myself thinking about the beach club though with that great pool and easy Epcot MGM access. I may add a day at the the end of the Poly trip for one day at the Beach Club. Let us know what you decide. My vote is Poly.

 

[Kimberle]

Poly has no hot tubs, WL has 3. During the colder months, this may be a consideration for you.