What's so great about the Polynesian?

[MsStinkerBelle]

The Polynesian makes me feel like I'm at a destination within a destination. I love that relaxed Polynesian-themed atmosphere. It is truly an oasis of sanity for myself and my family after the hustle and bustle of the MK. I love having a room that overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon where I can see Cinderella's Castle from my room. We're returning Christmas of '08.

With that said, this Christmas my family is staying at the AKL. We love the African theme and since we avoid the AK in the summer (heat + animals = peeee-yewwwwwww!) we're looking forward to enjoying in the cooler weather with the atmosphere of the holidays. The theming here is also 'exotic' to us and we're excited to stay there.

We love both the Polynesian and the AKL for different reasons. I love being on the monorail but it isn't a dealbreaker for me as my daughter is no longer a toddler or preschooler. Some people complain that the rooms are too 'dark'. Frankly I love the rich colors and details that add such character to the place. Plus I am not a morning person so bright and cheery in the morning drives me crazy.

I guess I was as clear as mud! LOL!

 

[TangaroaTiki]

Seems to be really loved by everyone.

We stayed at AKL during our recent stay and really enjoyed our time there.

Will probably go back again next year so just wondering what makes the Polynesian so special that maybe we should consider staying there next time around?

What is so great about the Polynesian??? Everthing The only drawback is the cost.

 

[Nancyg56]

I liked the Poly but it was not my favorite resort. I will admit I am the only "No" vote in my family. It is beautiful, has plenty of restaurant options, the fireworks and the EWP can be seen from the beach and the transportation is convenient. My family loved this resort because of all of the points made in this thread.

I loved AKL and would choose this resort any time if I had a Savannah view. I was not inconvenienced by the bus transportation but II will say that if your primary destination is the MK or EPCOT and the restaurants you will visit are on the monorail the Poly is the way to go if you can.

 

[shyjade]

I will let you know after next week!!

Last September we stayed onsite for the first time, at AKL. While we loved the resort (and the buses were great) we were checked into a filthy room and had lots of issues trying to get the problem fixed. It wasted the first day of our short, 4-day trip and customer service was non-existent.

We decided to try the Poly this time (leaving Sunday) and hope to have a better experience. Had customer service existed for us at AKL, we would have saved the $$ and stayed at AKL again. But I refuse to go thru the same problems we had last time. Besides, we spend most of our time at MK and Epcot so a monorail resort makes sense for us to try, at least once.

 

[ziggylu]

Thanks for all the replies.

Sounds very nice. I think we'll be torn when it comes time to book again....we spent almost all of our time at Epcot and AK actually(i'm a big animal lover! ) so location wise either would work.

The bigger rooms sound definitely appealing(we were suprised at how SMALL the rooms were at AKL for what's billed as a "deluxe" hotel!)

Personally I wouldn't stay at AKL without the savannah view since to me the animals aer what the resort is all about. Sounds like a view isn't as much of a deal breaker at Polynesian which might be something to consider....

It'll be a year before we go back so we have lots of time to decide!

Thanks again!

 

[TLSnell1981]

I have always loved the Poly. It is where we stayed most of the time when our children were young. While the lobby is all hustle and bustle....the rooms are quiet and relaxing. As stated, monorail and MK view are two of the best things about the Poly. I also LOVE the gardenias, that are mass planted and the tiki torches. My garden at home has 15 gardenia bushes, tropical cannas and hibicus in the summertime....oh....and of course tiki torches. I may not have the view at home, but I can close my eyes and "smell" the Poly.

 

[MickeyNicki]

DH has always wanted to stay there, the tropical feel did it for him. So we stayed there last month for 4 nights and it was ok..the best thing about it is the monorail and Kona.

If we go for a weekend I would go back to the Poly but for a weeks stay we love the YC

 

[ElizabethB]

We laugh whenever we're at the Polynesian that, indeed, it really does feel like Hawaii. Why? Because the Polynesian screams "I was built in the 1970's". Most of Honolulu was, too. So, yes, it reminds us of bad architecture in Honolulu, but I'm not sure that's good thing.

 

[Bear-N-Babe]

Regarding "location"...

If you are going to the Magic Kingdom, you just hop on either the monarail or a boat. If you are going to EPCOT, either take your resort monarail to the TTC or walk to the TTC and take the EPCOT monarail.

When we stayed there last, I liked the romantic and relaxed atmosphere. The gardens were beautiful.

Great pool and sandy beaches.

Food is great at Kona Cafe and 'Ohana.

At night, you could relax on the beach and watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

Something my daughter likes about the Poly is that she can sleep on the day bed instead of with her mother. Let me elaborate... Other resorts affored us just two queen or double beds. That meant that teenage daughter slept with mom and teenage son slept we dear old dad (me). At the Poly, there is a day bed, so daughter sleeps on that, son has his own bed and Mrs & Me get to sleep together.

 

[wezee]

Though we usually stay at a mod. to save$$$$, DH and I have a 30th anniv. in a few years and we are bouncing between the YC and the poly. DH wants the YC because of the whole boardwalk atmosphere, and I want the Poly for romance. On our anniv., I want to take a bottle of wine to the beach and watch the fireworks.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

Count me as a fan of AKL. I never have stayed at Poly, I'm sure it's nice. Maybe in a few years, a few trips later, we'll give it a try but there are other resorts I'd like to experience first. Next October we're going to try either WL, BWI or go back to AKL. We would have liked to stay at CR, but to pay for a tower room, just wasn't in the budget.

Personally, I don't think there's anything better than waking up (assuming you have paid for a savannah room) and watching zebra and giraffe grazing outside your balcony.

 

[griffs95]

Can't wait to walk into the GCH and breath in the atmosphere. Really love the location, the feel, the beach, etc, etc...... We enjoy going to the AKL to eat at Jiko and Boma, but have yet to stay there. I have to keep the spouse in the comforts she has grown accustomed to.

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

I know this is off topic (well, still in the Poly theme) but I didn't get an answer last time - is the Tonga toast at CC the same as the TT at Kona?

Sorry if I upset anyone, just one of those burning questions I can't seem to get answered...

 

[Caitsmama]

Personally, I don't think there's anything better than waking up (assuming you have paid for a savannah room) and watching zebra and giraffe grazing outside your balcony.

I DO! Waking up and (assuming you have a lagoon view) seeing Cindy's Castle there! LOL

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I know this is off topic (well, still in the Poly theme) but I didn't get an answer last time - is the Tonga toast at CC the same as the TT at Kona?

Sorry if I upset anyone, just one of those burning questions I can't seem to get answered...

I haven't read the other posts so not sure what I'm getting myself into here but.....Yes - according to my DH. He had Tonga Toast at Kona's and then on our last day at the Poly he ordered at CC. He thought that was strange that they're the same thing but different prices. Anyways - he loved the Tonga Toast at both places.

 

[earthfaries]

I was wondering that also. If I were to shell out that much cash for a Deluxe, I would go for the AKL. It is beautiful and the rooms are great. I guess it is all personal opinion and location has a lot to do with it, but I personally don't care for Polynesian that much. It is nice to have dinner at, etc. but I have no desire to ever stay there.

 

[Esmerelda]

Wow...the Poly...

we had our first stay there ever 2 years ago. We used DVC points (not the best value but oh well....you only live once) to stay in the concierge building. The room was huge...the lanai was also huge and we had a dead on view of the castle and the lake. I have to say it was breathtaking!

The concierge staff was absolutely fabulous and were the best CM's I've ever encountered.

I have stayed at all the Disney hotels over the years except for the Carribbean Beach Resort and the Grand Floridian. I also have stayed at all of the DVC resorts. I consider myself blessed as I only get to travel there once per year for the most part.

I would give the Poly a 9 out of 10. We totally enjoyed ourselves there. I totally love beaches and the scenery at the Poly did not disappoint. We could sit on our balcony at night, the lights shining on the water...the water lapping against the shore...and the castle lit up in the distance...one word...WOW


have a great time no matter where you are in "the world",
Esmerelda <lived on a deserted beach in another life

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

I haven't read the other posts so not sure what I'm getting myself into here but.....Yes - according to my DH. He had Tonga Toast at Kona's and then on our last day at the Poly he ordered at CC. He thought that was strange that they're the same thing but different prices. Anyways - he loved the Tonga Toast at both places.

Thanks so much! Now I feel better, I won't need to use TS for breakfast. Just felt that we couldn't stay at the poly and not try Tonga Toast.

 

[Cool-Beans]

If it were on the monorail, I'd pick AKL over the Poly.

But the Poly is great. They have that great music (even underwater) and a decent staff. You get the EWP and if your room is in the right place, you get a truly outstanding view.