Which Deluxe resort?

[Fantabulously Cherry]

We are thinking about taking our DD for her 3rd birthday in July 2016. It is a possiblity that we will gat APs when we arrive for our September trip. With not having to pay for tickets on the July trip, we are thinking about the possiblity of upgrading to a Deluxe resort. I've narrowed down my choices, so let me know which you would recommend and why. I'm also thinking about things like buses, amenities and other dynamics for the trip:

1) AKL
2) WL
3) Poly

 

[John93]

Poly and WL would beat out AKL for me personally. AKL is great - but with a 3 year old being close to the MK would be a priority for me. Also, the Poly and WL pools are much more kid friendly in terms of their design than AKL's. The Poly is really a beautiful resort, but will run you much more money than WL. I'd go with WL. Very close to MK (boat ride or short bus ride), great pool, beautiful lobby, and great rooms for an overall fantastic price! Nothing beats the views or the feel of the Poly for me though.

 

[wdwrich]

The Poly. For a 3yo, being close to MK is convenient, and being able to roll a stroller right onto the monorail (vs folding it for buses) is a real blessing.

 

[becky15]

WL or Poly. WL is close to MK with very fast boat service and we almost never had to fold our stroller. Just check the WL schedule for major renovations over on the WL board; permits have been filed for big projects, apparently and they could be going on in July 2016. If it's getting a lot of work, I'd go for the Poly.

 

[Glittercat]

We are thinking about taking our DD for her 3rd birthday in July 2016. It is a possiblity that we will gat APs when we arrive for our September trip. With not having to pay for tickets on the July trip, we are thinking about the possiblity of upgrading to a Deluxe resort. I've narrowed down my choices, so let me know which you would recommend and why. I'm also thinking about things like buses, amenities and other dynamics for the trip:

1) AKL
2) WL
3) Poly

Neat! We'll be there July 20-27 2016, when do you think you guys will go?

We're trying Poly but I've never stayed deluxe before this. We chose Poly because of wheelchair accessibility, availability of restaurants, theming (vacation within a vacation )monorail, modern decor, and fun looking pool!
What are your main needs/desires for your resort?

 

[maltdizzy]

Poly also has walking access to the TTC for ferry to MK, when monorails back up and direct monorail access to Epcot.

 

[grimley1968]

The Poly. For a 3yo, being close to MK is convenient, and being able to roll a stroller right onto the monorail (vs folding it for buses) is a real blessing.

I could not agree more with this. Also, the Poly is within walking (and stroller) distance of the TTC, from which you can go to EPCOT via monorail, as the previous poster mentioned. So, really, you can go to MK and EPCOT all the way from a Poly room to either of those parks without ever folding the stroller. Very, very nice if your little one is napping. If the monorail is super crowded, you might possibly need to fold the stroller, but that's only happened to us at park opening and closing times.

Editing to add: sorry PP for pretty much re-stating what you said, but it is a critical point in re Poly vs. WL. We actually prefer WL now that our kids are older, but there's just no beating the transportation options at the Poly with strollers.

 

[Babsy]

Just doing my vote for the Poly. reasons already given by other PP's.

 

[spiceycat]

would say Polyn - but do you work out - Polyn does not have a gym - you would need to go to GF for a gym.
WL does at VWL.
was hoping that DVC would put one in at Polyn - but have not.

 

[Aerinha]

I adored AKL and didn't find buses and issue because they are dedicated (no extra stops)...until the day the rain didn't stop and I got soaked through my apparently too old rain coat. I was in Epcot with 3 hours before my Le Cellier ADR and could either schlep around the park getting wetter or walk 20 mins out of park to a bus stop to wait up to 20 mins for a bus, walk back to my room to change and then go right back in the still torrential down pour. I took the schlep option and cursed myself for not booking an Epcot or monorail resort.

In your case, with a little one, I would go Poly. However, monorail refurb has those resorts using a lot of buses so it might not be any better than WL.

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

Neat! We'll be there July 20-27 2016, when do you think you guys will go?

We're trying Poly but I've never stayed deluxe before this. We chose Poly because of wheelchair accessibility, availability of restaurants, theming (vacation within a vacation )monorail, modern decor, and fun looking pool!
What are your main needs/desires for your resort?

We are looking at 7/16 or 7/17 - 7/22 or 7/23. If we can pull this off, I'm planning on BBB for a makeover in the morning and CRT for lunch (knock wood). Obviously, being closer to what she likes is desirable. We will see duiring our trip in September, but I have a feeling MK will be the big hit thanks to Mickey, Anna and Elsa. Frequency of buses for other parks and restaurants are factors as well. Pools as well. The Poly has where I have always wanted to stay! LOL

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

would say Polyn - but do you work out - Polyn does not have a gym - you would need to go to GF for a gym.
WL does at VWL.
was hoping that DVC would put one in at Polyn - but have not.

I do work out, but at Disney, I get my walking done in the parks. LOL!

 

[darkwing818]

Just doing my vote for the Poly. reasons already given by other PP's.

Poly as well for us also.....

 

[worleygirl26]

I've never stayed at Poly so it gets my first choice vote. Of AKL and WL I would choose AKL Kidani. The pool is great for little ones. We had no issues with the buses and the property was breathtaking. WL is lovely too but we much preferred AK.

 

[Nancyg56]

I adored AKL and didn't find buses and issue because they are dedicated (no extra stops)...until the day the rain didn't stop and I got soaked through my apparently too old rain coat. I was in Epcot with 3 hours before my Le Cellier ADR and could either schlep around the park getting wetter or walk 20 mins out of park to a bus stop to wait up to 20 mins for a bus, walk back to my room to change and then go right back in the still torrential down pour. I took the schlep option and cursed myself for not booking an Epcot or monorail resort.

In your case, with a little one, I would go Poly. However, monorail refurb has those resorts using a lot of buses so it might not be any better than WL.

I agree. I really love AKL and when we stayed there I found the buses worked fine, but with a little one, we liked the Poly. My DH liked AKL but he thought that monorail convenience outweighed all of the benefits the AKL offered. One Poly tip: we had requested balconies for our connecting rooms, but we could not get them, and so we had a patio. Best happy accident ever! Our group used the patio as additional living space, and while our DGD (or my DH) napped the patio offered a lovely spot to relax. The grounds are plush and offer plenty of privacy.

 

[Buzz-Light-Beer]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those resorts you mentioned. My preference would be The Polynesian mostly because it is close to the Magic Kingdom and being that your DD is still little she will most likely love the Magic Kingdom the most.

 

[Glittercat]

Poly also has walking access to the TTC for ferry to MK, when monorails back up and direct monorail access to Epcot.

That is a good bit of information, thanks for that!

We are looking at 7/16 or 7/17 - 7/22 or 7/23.

Spiffy! My birthday is 7-23 and I never believed I would get to celebrate at Disney! Next time we'll be going in Dec. or Jan. to celebrate both kids birthdays!

If we can pull this off, I'm planning on BBB for a makeover in the morning and CRT for lunch (knock wood).

Oh that sounds delightful! I hope you get the reservations you're wishing for!

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

AKL.

You just walk in and this relaxed "ahhh" feeling comes over you. It's so beautiful! Plus, Giraffes from your balcony! What can beat that!?