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

[KrzyKtty101]

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.

For what it is worth, we stayed at the Poly last time. My husband LOVED it, mostly because he got addicted to the Dole Whip and some BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich they had. However, going back next summer, it is the BC that he decided to return to. Guess he loved that one more.

So what I mean is the Poly is nice, don't get me wrong it is. But none of them have grabbed us like the BC and the AKL thus far.

 

[pixiedust33]

Ok, so this is maybe a different topic I should post somewhere else, but does anyone know if it's possible to search across multiple dates to see if the Poly does have some discounted room rates available if I switched up my dates?

I am now leaning towards AKL after the helpful feedback, but the Poly is also still nagging at me and I'm pretty flexible on dates if we could get a deal there at another time.

 

[SnowWhitee]

I don't know if it's legal to post this, but on MouseSavers they have a list of 2023 room rates by season/date and view. That could help you estimate for Poly: https://www.mousesavers.com/2023-polynesian-village-room-rates-season-dates/

Also, you could check into renting points through DVC. That might help you get a studio or villa at a resort in MK area or Epcot area for cheaper than Poly rack rate. There is a DVC forum here where you can learn more.

 

[jimmymc]

I would immediately put Grand Floridian over Contemporary. It's a quieter resort, and I think the splashpad and other areas for your 2.5yo to play are better.

Wilderness Lodge is also a great option, with the boat to Magic Kingdom, really nice kiddie pool and water playground, and great bars for late night drinks. Only downside for you is you can't really see the fireworks like the other resorts, but I'm not sure if this is even an issue. It's also my personal favorite theming of any WDW resort.

Animal Kingdom can still be a great option. The distance is not as bad as people make it seem. It's the same distance to Studios and Epcot as the Magic Kingdom area resorts, and the long ride to MK is offset by the fact that you get a direct bus. I would at least take the bus over in the morning, then maybe consider a Minnie Van for the ride back. Here and Grand Floridian have the most things to do at the resort in my experience, like shopping, pools, places to just play and hang out, and dining options.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

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!

One thing I forgot to say is that our room did only have a shower, so if your kiddo doesn’t like them that’s something to think about. Mine didn’t enjoy that aspect, but after a couple days decided it was okay. We probably could have requested to move to a room with a tub but decided against it because we had such a nice view.

We did 6 park days, 3 of them were at Magic Kingdom and a Halloween party. After melting all morning in the parks, the resort actually felt like a separate vacation because it was so serene.

I also feel like I should say that no matter which choice you make you will have a great time. I was so worried about everything being perfect while I was planning (like you mentioned). When we got there I kind of had to drop my plans because it was just so hot, my husband ended up with migraines twice and my kiddo is apparently allergic to something down there. We ended up mostly just going with the flow, went from planning to park hop to doing half days and just enjoying the resort. And it was great, there were no meltdowns or arguments. It doesn’t have to be perfect, you’ll have a good time regardless because you’ll be together.

 

[Disneychick75]

Pixie Dust, the theming at the Contemporary is definitely Disney. There's

For what it is worth, we stayed at the Poly last time. My husband LOVED it, mostly because he got addicted to the Dole Whip and some BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich they had. However, going back next summer, it is the BC that he decided to return to. Guess he loved that one more.

So what I mean is the Poly is nice, don't get me wrong it is. But none of them have grabbed us like the BC and the AKL thus far.

And see, we swore that we absolutely would never stay at the Poly again. Gave it 2 tries and both times, ugh. The worst was our 2nd trip:

The CMs were not helpful at all. When we pulled up, we sat for 20 minutes. My daughter finally had to get one of the CMs to see about us. There were no other cars. The CMs just stood around talking to each other. Then, my daughter and her wife went for a walk about an hour after we checked in. Our car was running and no CMs were around. Someone could have just driven off in it.



That's the nice thing about having so many different themed resorts.

 

[stinkpickle]

If we were in your shoes, we would likely do either WL or AKL.

 

[RanDIZ]

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!

Heavy on resort time has AKL written all over it. Best restaurants on property too. Don’t let the distance play a factor. We’ve stayed plenty of times without transportation issues. Sanaa take out and the Mara QS are great options. You can’t beat having animals at your resort with a 2.5yo either.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

We had great experiences with the buses at AKL. It is a beautiful and unique resort. We did have a horrible time with buses at BWV, but YMMV. Poly is my favorite, but the price tag has gotten too steep for us.

 

[pixiedust33]

We had great experiences with the buses at AKL. It is a beautiful and unique resort. We did have a horrible time with buses at BWV, but YMMV. Poly is my favorite, but the price tag has gotten too steep for us.

It is genuinely shocking how expensive the Polynesian is compared to everything else! And I guess maybe I was just too slow to snag deals, but I was looking within 24 hours of them dropping and it was the only resort that didn't seem to have ANY discount availability (for either room discount or dining credit).

I've wanted to stay at the Polynesian since I first visited as a kid in the early 90s (we were solidly a "moderate" family with 4 kids!), but I just don't know if it will feel "worth it" paying SO much more for it.

 

[Disneychick75]

It is genuinely shocking how expensive the Polynesian is compared to everything else! And I guess maybe I was just too slow to snag deals, but I was looking within 24 hours of them dropping and it was the only resort that didn't seem to have ANY discount availability (for either room discount or dining credit).

I've wanted to stay at the Polynesian since I first visited as a kid in the early 90s (we were solidly a "moderate" family with 4 kids!), but I just don't know if it will feel "worth it" paying SO much more for it.

Check pictures- the Poly and has tons of construction going on - not pleasant and not pretty. If you love it, maybe book it another time when it is not so messy. Search for the Disney World resort you're interested in and add construction. Then look at the images. Some people are not bothered by construction but I don't like it.

 

[pixiedust33]

Check pictures- the Poly and has tons of construction going on - not pleasant and not pretty. If you love it, maybe book it another time when it is not so messy. Search for the Disney World resort you're interested in and add construction. Then look at the images. Some people are not bothered by construction but I don't like it.

Hm, I am aware that they're building the new tower at the Polynesian but I thought it was pretty far off to the side and more by the DVC side of the resort and I was also thinking it would be nearing completion by late Feb, but admittedly haven't checked up on it lately. Have you seen it lately? I guess I should check in with the Polynesian thread to get an update on current status.

This is sort of what I mean, too - minor or out of sight construction would not normally bother me too much, but at these prices, I think I would need everything to be ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, which is maybe too much pressure.

ETA: Thinking about this a bit further - this could actually be a plus for the poly haha. My son is DEEPLY obsessed with construction equipment.

 

[Disneychick75]

Hm, I am aware that they're building the new tower at the Polynesian but I thought it was pretty far off to the side and more by the DVC side of the resort and I was also thinking it would be nearing completion by late Feb, but admittedly haven't checked up on it lately. Have you seen it lately? I guess I should check in with the Polynesian thread to get an update on current status.

This is sort of what I mean, too - minor or out of sight construction would not normally bother me too much, but at these prices, I think I would need everything to be ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, which is maybe too much pressure.

ETA: Thinking about this a bit further - this could actually be a plus for the poly haha. My son is DEEPLY obsessed with construction equipment.

LOL, the Poly might just work for you, then. I googled when I read here that construction was going on but I don't know how messy things still are.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Hm, I am aware that they're building the new tower at the Polynesian but I thought it was pretty far off to the side and more by the DVC side of the resort and I was also thinking it would be nearing completion by late Feb, but admittedly haven't checked up on it lately. Have you seen it lately? I guess I should check in with the Polynesian thread to get an update on current status.

Th construction is NOT on the DVC side. It is on the hotel side between the Poly and GF. I’ve read it’s quite disruptive.

 

[pixiedust33]

Th construction is NOT on the DVC side. It is on the hotel side between the Poly and GF. I’ve read it’s quite disruptive.

Thank you! I realized this yesterday when I started googling more recent pics and videos. Still can't find an estimated end date though, which is frustrating! It looks like a good deal of the main exterior part of the building is finished, but I know that can take longer than it seems to move to fully finished.

 

[Disturbia]

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/

FYI: The boat will be running between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness (blue route) starting Oct 1st:

We stay at AOA (Nemo suites) and book horse riding at Fort Wilderness each trip while younger kids ride ponies.

We loved AKL but the service and transportation (40+ mins during peak times to any park other than Ak) is just not on par with deluxe resorts. We take a cab and book Boma each trip.

The food at Poly was disappointing (Kona mediocre; Ohana inedible beef; QS we avoided); transportation post fireworks was still a nightmare (40-50 mins standing on the uphill ramp with a double stroller).

The extended hours were not worth it (now they have HS extended hours and will be starting AK soon so might be worth it if you have fewer days but we go for 7 nights).

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2023...mail&utm_campaign=blog&utm_term=&utm_content=