Which deluxe resort???

[mickey's merry men]

We are in the early planning stages of a trip to WDW next February (I'm a teacher so we can only travel during the BUSY times ). We had considered the AKL savannah room but recent information suggests that the animals will not be available to all the "usual" rooms due to construction of the new DVC villas. So we're thinking of saving that one for another trip.

My question is which deluxe would you recommend? Polynesian, Boardwalk, Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge? We've done the "moderate" resorts and wanted to try the next step up (we've done the Contemporary already).

We'd appreciate knowing which resorts you like best and why..

Thanks!

 

[ClareH37]

I really like the Epcot resort area - being able to walk (or get the boat if you don't want to walk) to Epcot and HS is a major benefit.

Also, there's so much to see and do in the area, you don't have to drive or use the Disney transport to get away from your resort.

My absolute favourite is the Boardwalk Inn, it's such a beautiful resort and as it's only got around 350 odd rooms it seems a total world away from the noise/crowds of the parks.

However, if you've got children they may prefer Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Epcot resorts, they're all lovely

 

[Tiffany]

We are in the early planning stages of a trip to WDW next February (I'm a teacher so we can only travel during the BUSY times ). We had considered the AKL savannah room but recent information suggests that the animals will not be available to all the "usual" rooms due to construction of the new DVC villas. So we're thinking of saving that one for another trip.

My question is which deluxe would you recommend? Polynesian, Boardwalk, Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge? We've done the "moderate" resorts and wanted to try the next step up (we've done the Contemporary already).

We'd appreciate knowing which resorts you like best and why..

Thanks!

Since AKL is out for this trip then I would say go with the Beach Club. The EC resort area deluxe resorts are great. Checkout the Swan/Dolphin as well they offer discounts for teachers.

 

[Ron_G]

The Poly was great , loved staying at a resort on the monorail line.
The themimg is beautiful & very relaxing...nice pool too.
We enjoyed Ohana (I have heard some bad reviews though).


Ron

 

[KatMark]

We have only stayed at Poly (besides Contemporary). We like the Wilderness Lodge from our walks around the resort. We do not like the Boardwalk or Beach Club--they just aren't us. We love the Poly--it has been the one other resort that we have stayed at a number of times that we really enjoyed. DH offered that we stay this year for our anniversary trip, but with two boys in college, I couldn't justify the cost. But it is really a lovely resort and I would stay there in a heartbeat.

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Polynesian in a heartbeat - love the themeing and the monorail. We really like the MK resort area.

 

[ntsammy5]

My absolute favorite is BWI, but that's just me. location, location, location. Sunrise safari at AKL is special too.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would suggest the Polynesian. You still get access to the Resort Monorail, there is a walkway to the TTC when getting to the Epcot Monorail, they have a great theme and the Volcano pool is also very nice.

 

[spaceace510]

Polynesian in a heartbeat - love the themeing and the monorail. We really like the MK resort area.

My thoughts exactly!!

 

[mickey's merry men]

Thanks for the great advice. I hate to muddy the waters even more but DH woke up today and suggested we try to the Grand Floridian instead. So now we're down to GF or Poly? Any pros or cons (other than the obvious money difference)?

p.s. - we have done the teacher deal at the Swan before. A FABULOUS deal if you can get it! I highly recommend it to all teachers and nurses. It's wonderful!

 

[mickeynut1]

We LOVE the Poly . The grounds are beautiful, convenient monorail access, you can see the castle from the pool, watch fireworks from the beach.....it's just a great resort with a relaxing atmosphere....not to mention the great restaurants (Kona ).....you can't go wrong staying there Good luck and happy planning

 

[polyfan60]

We wanted to try a new resort this time (in the Epcot area) so we stayed at the Boardwalk Inn. There was a lot of good food options, nice rooms, nice pools, and is very peaceful and quiet which is a nice change. However, there are no breakfast options really except for the Boardwalk Bakery which always has really long lines. It is good to have the close proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios but everywhere else is TERRIBLE. You have to stop at the Swan and Dolphin (which both have separate bus stops-unlike Boardwalk Inn and Villas) and sometimes the Yacht and Beach Club (also have separate bus stops). It is crazy and eats up a lot of time getting to the park. A deluxe resort, in my opinion, should really not be stopping at all of these other bus stops which I big reason this would not be my first choice. I would definitely go with the Poly, though. It has beautiful rooms, a nice theme, good restaurants, is close to both the MK and Epcot, has a beautiful pool, and you can sometimes see the fireworks at the MK which is so Magical.

 

[alldiz]

We are in the early planning stages of a trip to WDW next February (I'm a teacher so we can only travel during the BUSY times ). We had considered the AKL savannah room but recent information suggests that the animals will not be available to all the "usual" rooms due to construction of the new DVC villas. So we're thinking of saving that one for another trip.

My question is which deluxe would you recommend? Polynesian, Boardwalk, Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge? We've done the "moderate" resorts and wanted to try the next step up (we've done the Contemporary already).

We'd appreciate knowing which resorts you like best and why..

Thanks!

I would recommend the BW or WL. I love both. The villas even better

WL for the peaceful setting and beautiful surroundings, Boat to M.K, Boat to Contemporary for monorail access, Whispering Canyon cafe, Artist Point,geyser, bay lake, Kids club.

BW for walking or boat to epcot and mgm.
Great pool area and pool slide.
Community Hall.
Action of the boardwalk but resort seems relaxing....Much more so than the BC....IMO.
Happy Planning
Kerri

 

[Marty Joe]

MMM,

If you're down to the Poly or the Grand Floridian you are in good shape. Both are great resorts. You just have to decide which theme suits you best. I love the Poly because of its laid back Hawaiian/tiki torch atmosphere. The Poly is the only place I can go and truely feel like I'm on vacation. I have visited the GF many times and I believe I would enjoy at stay there as well. It is a beautiful resort with fantastic dining options. I just like the Polynesian feel. The cool thing about the monorail loop is while you are staying at one resort, you are about five minutes to all three resorts (dining and shopping options), the Magic Kingdom, or the Epcot monorail. We have never done a split stay until this June - Pop (family get together/3 days) and the Poly. My heart is NOT in it, but my DW's family (the Clampet's) will be there and have decided on Pop. I'm sure it will be a great time . (Sorry about the left turn!) Anyway, you could stay half your adventure at the GF and half at the Poly (and maybe the third half at the CR .

 

[Time Traveler]

If its between Poly and GF i'd definitely go for Poly. It just feels a lot more laid back than GF and I love its themeing. It also has great dining options and is on the Monorail Loop with GF (so you can visit GF to walk around if you'd like).

 

[bellebud]

I try to pick our resorts by a few factors...

'where did we stay last time' and 'where might we stay next time'... if you did the contemp last, do an epcot resort. If you did the swan/dolphin last, do an MK resort.

The temperature... in February, will you swim? I would think the pool won't be *as much* a factor than if it were definitely going to be warm enough. Also, if it might be a little chilly (I've never been in February), the WL w/ the one building, fireplace and cozy feel is really nice! The poly and GF have outside buildings (except for some rooms in the GF main building, but I thought I read they're all conceirge???) Not that it's too cold to be outside or anything, but just something I think about in selecting my resort.

I also take into account our must do parks - and which resort will be easiest to get to and from for them.

I think about how much time we've got at WDW. If it's a shorter trip, transportation is more important to me. I don't want to spend a lot of time on busses if I don't have too many days there. The poly is the best for transportation to the most places.

I also consider if it's our 'only' trip of the year, or our 2nd (and sometimes 3rd)... if it's our only trip, I go for pretty much anything we feel like, and transportation is again fairly important. If it's our 2nd trip, we've been there/done that fairly recently and I don't put as much importance on transportation issues. I pick the resort more for the resort itself, and then I also consider budget (not that I don't consider budget everytime, but I consider it more when it's an *extra* trip).

Have fun deciding!!

 

[drcandon]

My vote is for the Poly...even during busy times it feels more relaxed..the GF is beautiful, no doubt, it just feels a bit "stuffy" for me..

The GF during busy times is a bit more "crowded" feeling even though ti is a physically bigger resort - probably because of all the special events - like wedding held there.

I guess it all boils down to whatever vacation "appearance" you want to experience, if you want rustic feeling stay in the Wilderness lodge, if you want old south - stay in the GF, southsea islands stay in the Poly

Transporation at the Poly and GF is great even during busy times thanks to the monrail system..transpo at the Widerness lodge can be a bit of a pain, except to MK. And of course at AKL it is all bus - but NON shared buses, unlike the Epcot area buses.

And just for clarification - many threads have said that the construction in AKL only affects the Sunset Savanna - no others - I have personally not been there since the construction has began..Christmas this year we will be back but in the Arusha savanna ( I hope).

 

[geokeim]

If its between Poly and GF i'd definitely go for Poly. It just feels a lot more laid back than GF and I love its themeing. It also has great dining options and is on the Monorail Loop with GF (so you can visit GF to walk around if you'd like).

GF is great, but I wouldn't pay more than Poly.

 

[nytimez]

My understanding is that at Animal Kingdom, only a certain portion of the savannah will be devoid of animals, and those rooms will be re-classified as "standard view" rooms during that period. In other words, if you book a savannah view room now, you will still get a room that has a view of animals during that period.

 

[dad2t&e]

The Wilderness Lodge. It is nestled in the trees, very quiet, family friendly and just a very restful place to be. Boat ride to MK and or buses to all parks. My family and I really enjoyed it and will be staying there again.