Which Deluxe Resort - Poly? AKL? Contemporary? Or??

[pixiedust33]

After the latest room discount offer, I'm back again to ask for help deciding which resort to stay in. We're going for 5 nights in late February - me, my husband and our 2.5 year old. Our plan is heavy on resort time, mostly half days in the parks and probably 2 MK days. We don't have a specific budget for this trip, but I also don't like throwing money away for no real reason. I was initially set on the Poly back when I booked when rooms for 2024 first dropped, even though it was the most expensive but I was unable to snag a discounted room rate or the $1K dining credit at the Poly so it is now MUCH more expensive than my other options, and I'm no longer sure if it's really "worth it". We have money set aside for stuff like this, but with the more significant difference in price paying rack rates at Poly, I could probably do another weekend away so I'm starting to question the value proposition a bit more.

What I really like about the Poly is the vibe for both us and our toddler - the theming, the pool, the splash pad, the food, the tiki drinks for mom and dad after toddler goes to bed, plus the proximity to MK and Epcot. I had ruled out AKL as being too far away, but it seems like it might offer a similarly cool vibe and I could perhaps offset the distance and use some of the saved $$ by planning to take Minnie Vans? Would love to hear from anyone who has done this at AKL because I mostly just hear terrible things about the busses and don't want to do those. Also would love thoughts on the quick service options, because we're not going to want to do table service all the time with an impatient toddler.

The Contemporary, on the other hand, gives us the MK proximity, but the theming seems pretty boring to me for a kid and I'm not super excited about the food and drinks for myself there either. Their splash pad definitely seems lacking from a toddler perspective.

Or, am I missing some other, better option? We're not going to be using the evening hours so it doesn't have to be a deluxe, other than we will be spending a lot of time at the resort so I want it to be nice with good dining options and a fun pool.

Really appreciate opinions from others who have wrestled with this question!

 

[travelgirl06]

I would look at Wilderness Lodge. Easy (stroller-friendly) boat ride to MK, great food options and a nicely themed pool. The main pool has a kids area with slides and the Boulder Ridge pool has a zero-entry area.

You are also close to the fort if you want to pop over there (playground, pony rides, etc).

We were pleasantly surprised to have a decent fireworks (and great EWP) view from Glacier Point!

 

[pixiedust33]

You are also close to the fort if you want to pop over there (playground, pony rides, etc).

Thank you! I've actually never even visited these resorts and always forget about them. Is it walkable between the lodge and the larger fort wilderness resort area? I've been doing a lot of Disney research the last few months and had bookmarked fort wilderness for when our son is older, but I do think he would like some of the amenities there now, too.

 

[CynBeth]

I also would say Wilderness Lodge. We love the theming and Whispering Canyon Cafe is one of our favorite breakfasts. We were not crazy about AKL. We do not mind the theming at CR for us the few times we have stayed there it was neat to have the monorail running through it.

 

[SnowWhitee]

Hi, I second looking into WL. There is no longer a walking path between WL and the Fort. But they just planned to start running the boats again on Oct 1 that go between WL, the Fort and CR. This is separate from the boat that takes you to MK. Usually there is a bus that runs from WL to the Fort also.

My first reaction was Poly, but given the scenario you described, I think WL is a good 2nd option. I too feel that the CR pool area is lacking, even after the refurb a few years back. It's just not exciting.

Or, if you wanted to try the Fort, you could stay in your own cabin or even rent an RV and campsite. The pool there is basic, but there are other things on resort property like @travelgirl06 mentioned above that would be fun. In that case you might want a golf cart to make moving around the Fort easier.

Here is some info to get started: https://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-resorts/fort-wilderness-resort-campground/

If you have any questions you can't find the answer to, post on the Camping at Disney World forum - the people that frequent it are super friendly and would be happy to help. https://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-at-disney-world.24/

 

[BeachMouse1]

Just throwing out the Grand Floridan. Maybe get one of the discounts there? Great pools for kids, Gasparillas and Grand Floridan cafe. Walking distance, monorail and boat to MK. Lots of kids activities as well.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

I just stayed at AKL with my 2.5 year old, we booked a standard room and I called to request a partial savannah view. It was amazing, and we had an great view. We did half park days because it was so hot and went to the pool every afternoon. My toddler loved the zero entry pool and the smaller kid pool, we also visited the splash pad at Kidani but she didn't really like it. Characters popped up in the lobby a lot which surprised me, so we got to meet Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale, and Donald in the lobby. Daisy was there too one day but we missed seeing her. We did start to get a bit bored of Mara by the end up of trip but it was a long one, and on some of our MK days we grabbed lunch at monorail resorts and then went back to grab our bus at MK.

We had no issues with the busses at all, the only time we felt we waited a long time was when we went to Disney Springs and I'm pretty sure that was caused by a break down. We stayed there for 9 nights and only used busses. I was worried about the bus situation too but it really ended up being completely fine, and my toddler really LOVED the bus. Based on how much we saved switching from WL to AKL, you would definitely still come out ahead even using Minnie Vans all the time.

 

[Disneychick75]

If you're planning more time at MK, I'd say the Contemporary. So easy to walk to MK or hop aboard the monorail.
If your child was older, I'd say AKL because little ones love seeing the animals from the balcony.

 

[Marthasor]

Another vote for WL - or even consider a 1-bedroom at Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge (both located at WL) for a little extra space, a full kitchen and washer/dryer. WL offers a great theme, a great pool and splash pad for toddlers plus very good dining options. It is close to WL (a bus or boat ride away) and they are about to reintroduce the boat that goes between WL, Ft. W and CR, making it easier to access dining and recreation options at those resorts (we love spending time at Ft. W, visiting the stables, renting boats, etc.) I think it solves the dilemma of high cost at Poly and lack of theming at CR. If you want to look at a mod, consider POFQ - it's an adorable, compact resort with comfortable rooms and a great pool area for little ones. The only thing lacking is a TS, but the QS there is very good.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

After the latest room discount offer, I'm back again to ask for help deciding which resort to stay in. We're going for 5 nights in late February - me, my husband and our 2.5 year old. Our plan is heavy on resort time, mostly half days in the parks and probably 2 MK days. We don't have a specific budget for this trip, but I also don't like throwing money away for no real reason. I was initially set on the Poly back when I booked when rooms for 2024 first dropped, even though it was the most expensive but I was unable to snag a discounted room rate or the $1K dining credit at the Poly so it is now MUCH more expensive than my other options, and I'm no longer sure if it's really "worth it". We have money set aside for stuff like this, but with the more significant difference in price paying rack rates at Poly, I could probably do another weekend away so I'm starting to question the value proposition a bit more.

What I really like about the Poly is the vibe for both us and our toddler - the theming, the pool, the splash pad, the food, the tiki drinks for mom and dad after toddler goes to bed, plus the proximity to MK and Epcot. I had ruled out AKL as being too far away, but it seems like it might offer a similarly cool vibe and I could perhaps offset the distance and use some of the saved $$ by planning to take Minnie Vans? Would love to hear from anyone who has done this at AKL because I mostly just hear terrible things about the busses and don't want to do those. Also would love thoughts on the quick service options, because we're not going to want to do table service all the time with an impatient toddler.

The Contemporary, on the other hand, gives us the MK proximity, but the theming seems pretty boring to me for a kid and I'm not super excited about the food and drinks for myself there either. Their splash pad definitely seems lacking from a toddler perspective.

Or, am I missing some other, better option? We're not going to be using the evening hours so it doesn't have to be a deluxe, other than we will be spending a lot of time at the resort so I want it to be nice with good dining options and a fun pool.

Really appreciate opinions from others who have wrestled with this question!

AKL is a wonderful atmosphere, bar none it is sooo special. But lordy it is SOOOO far away. It has no other nice transportation options. I also found the Minnie Vans unreliable. When we went last summer, they cancelled every time I tried to book one, many minutes after they were late, and caused us to be late to dinner reservations that we would have been early to if we had just taken the bus. It is our favorite resort by far, but we almost never go there because it takes forever to get to MK from that one. QS food and all food here is the best. The African spices and flavors are soo yummy.

Last time we fell in love with the Beach Club. It is walking distance to two parks, has the skyliner, and if you are park hopping, you can take the monorail from Epcot to MK. It is central to a lot of the parks, so it makes Bus time pretty short.

 

[hertamaniac]

AKL pure and simple with the 1/2 day plans.

 

[pixiedust33]

AKL is a wonderful atmosphere, bar none it is sooo special. But lordy it is SOOOO far away. It has no other nice transportation options. I also found the Minnie Vans unreliable. When we went last summer, they cancelled every time I tried to book one, many minutes after they were late, and caused us to be late to dinner reservations that we would have been early to if we had just taken the bus. It is our favorite resort by far, but we almost never go there because it takes forever to get to MK from that one. QS food and all food here is the best. The African spices and flavors are soo yummy.

Last time we fell in love with the Beach Club. It is walking distance to two parks, has the skyliner, and if you are park hopping, you can take the monorail from Epcot to MK. It is central to a lot of the parks, so it makes Bus time pretty short.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of with the Minnie Vans! Appreciate you sharing your experience. I do love the Beach Club, but I'm a little worried about the chaos of Stormalong Bay with my crazy toddler so am looking for a splash pad this time around. Maybe I need to consider renting a car for AKL....

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of with the Minnie Vans! Appreciate you sharing your experience. I do love the Beach Club, but I'm a little worried about the chaos of Stormalong Bay with my crazy toddler so am looking for a splash pad this time around. Maybe I need to consider renting a car for AKL....

When we stayed at AKL we did have our car with us. Honestly, we found it easier to drive to most of the parks rather that use the busses, the only exception was MK. If you use the bus from AKL to MK, plan on it taking at least 45 minutes (20 in travel time and another 15 or so for the bus to arrive). Sometimes you will get lucky, but I would normally leave our room an hour before I wanted to be anywhere.

 

[pixiedust33]

I just stayed at AKL with my 2.5 year old, we booked a standard room and I called to request a partial savannah view. It was amazing, and we had an great view. We did half park days because it was so hot and went to the pool every afternoon. My toddler loved the zero entry pool and the smaller kid pool, we also visited the splash pad at Kidani but she didn't really like it. Characters popped up in the lobby a lot which surprised me, so we got to meet Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale, and Donald in the lobby. Daisy was there too one day but we missed seeing her. We did start to get a bit bored of Mara by the end up of trip but it was a long one, and on some of our MK days we grabbed lunch at monorail resorts and then went back to grab our bus at MK.

We had no issues with the busses at all, the only time we felt we waited a long time was when we went to Disney Springs and I'm pretty sure that was caused by a break down. We stayed there for 9 nights and only used busses. I was worried about the bus situation too but it really ended up being completely fine, and my toddler really LOVED the bus. Based on how much we saved switching from WL to AKL, you would definitely still come out ahead even using Minnie Vans all the time.

Thank you for the 2.5 year old specific feedback! It's a solid point that our vehicle obsessed son probably would LOVE the bus experience and one I hadn't really considered. Also good to know that there were characters visiting too!

 

[KrzyKtty101]

If you are staying at AKL, I doubt you would regret it. My problem is I want to stay at them all LOL. Well except Boardwalk for the longest time, that water slide was too creepy back then.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We're big fans of AKL and stay often and recommend it often - especially with kids. The animals, access to 2 amazing pools (including a splash pad), the best resort dining options on property (our opinion, of course!), and such an amazing, peaceful location. For those who try to tell you how far out of the way it is, I always want people to tap the brakes on that thought. Most of the time, it's just not true. If you're going to stay at AKL and go to MK 50% of your days, then yes - it's not a convenient location. It's a good ride from AKL to MK. If you're planning to distribute your time among all 4 parks (and perhaps Disney Springs), AKL is no more remote from a transportation standpoint than any other resort at Disney. It's just as far to AK from the monorail resorts as it is from AKL to MK. AKL is such a unique experience, especially with kids. But based on the resorts mentioned in this post - you really won't have a bad choice! Just many, many good ones. But don't dismiss AKL because folks tell you how remote it is. It's really not.....

 

[thanxfornoticin]

If you are staying at AKL, I doubt you would regret it. My problem is I want to stay at them all LOL. Well except Boardwalk for the longest time, that water slide was too creepy back then.

We were very happy to see the creepy clown go away!!!! It made the pool much better at BW!

 

[pixiedust33]

If you are staying at AKL, I doubt you would regret it. My problem is I want to stay at them all LOL. Well except Boardwalk for the longest time, that water slide was too creepy back then.

Thank you for this perspective! I am getting so hung up on picking the perfect place, that I think I am losing sight of the fact that all of these resort are amazing in their own way and a part of the Disney bubble! I think the only thing I would perhaps regret is paying SO much more for the Poly because everything would have to be absolutely perfect for me to feel it was worth it.

 

[pixiedust33]

But don't dismiss AKL because folks tell you how remote it is. It's really not.....

I appreciate this! I am struggling with the fact that I think 2 of our 4 park days will be MK (though one will definitely be AK, too!) and I feel the appeal of a monorail resort for a quick getaway if our toddler starts melting down at any point, but we're also spending a ton of time at the resort so really want to pick the best overall resort for our interests too.

 

[pixiedust33]

Just throwing out the Grand Floridan. Maybe get one of the discounts there? Great pools for kids, Gasparillas and Grand Floridan cafe. Walking distance, monorail and boat to MK. Lots of kids activities as well.

Thank you for this! I think the Grand Floridian IS probably a better option for us than the Contemporary now that I think about it. I just always thought of it as the adult only resort but the kids splash pad area there looks super cute and the food is way more appealing to me and my husband (plus a spa on site and easier access to character dining on the resort monorail loop).