Which monorail resort has the best pool?

[a1tinkfans]

Thanks for your input.

We're thinking of an early October vacation, but I'm not totally sure. Hope it's warm enough to swim. I've read about free dining in Sept? Maybe that would be a better deal.

One thing about the Polynesian that makes me hesitant, is the whole theme. We've (DH & I) been to Hawaii before and will probably take the kids there the year following this trip. So I don't know if I want to stay somewhere decorated to look Hawaiian, KWIM?

I'll look into the Contemporary some more. I'm sure GF is nice, but it is pricey plus I'm not sure the kids would appreciate it.

You could consider the WL and use the boat back and forth to MK, if thats where you'll be most POOL is great

 

[SydneyFalco]

I love the CR and will never understand those who aren't thrilled to be inside the main tower or who don't think it has a special vibe, but there's no doubt about it: the pool area just out and out blows. Like somebody said: city pool. Though the wife loved staying at the CR almost as much as me, she will not go back cause she loves a relaxing, decadent swim.

As for crowding, I was only there once and it was pretty crowded... not "elbows and 'scuse me"s crowded, but pretty crowded.

We didn't swim when we stayed at the Polynesian cause it was a chill January. I didn't know there were no hot tubs. Bummer.

My guess is GF is the best of both worlds, but, as is always the case with GF, you have to think about the ridiculous prices.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The Contemporary doesn't have much landscaping. It reminds me of going to the city pool.

They have recently added more landscaping around their pool area.

 

[kaffinito]

I think BLT has the nicest pool. The pool slide is great, they have a nice hot tub, and the pool never seemed too crowded.

 

[Tommy_B]

I know Wilderness Lodge isn't on the monorail, but the intent as I got it was easy access to the MK and I think the boat is as easy and as fast as the monorail is and I like not just the pool, but the overall ambiance of the WL.

Yacht & Beach Club of course have the best pool, but it isn't easy to get to for a lot of back and forth to the MK.

 

[Tam1067]

Fun cool theming? That would be the Poly

Nice, relaxing atmosphere and not overly crowded? That would be the GF

 

[apey101]

One more vote for the Grand Floridian. The theming at the Poly pool is really neat but our children LOVED the afternoon activities and the waterslide at the GF waterfall pool. The quiet pool at the GF is also beautiful and it's a great spot for an evening cool off before bed. I also agree with an earlier poster that most children will be having such a great time that they will be thrilled with the pool at any of these resorts!

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Both Polynesian pools are small. We were there in Oct. 2009 during a non-busy time of year and the volcano pool was busy enough, I can't imagine it during a peak time of year. What's great about the volcano pool is you have a direct view of the castle.... you could actually watch the MK fireworks while swimming.

I've seen the Grand Floridian pools, they look very nice... and the themed pool with the slide looks similar to the Polynesians' - there's a slide, a rock formation with water falling from it, zero entry, on the beach. But you don't get that castle view. You can see the castle and fireworks from the Grand, just not from the pool. Plus hot tubs like posters said.

When we priced our trip, comparable rooms at the Grand and the Poly were the same price plus or minus a few dollars. That's for garden view and theme park view rooms. If you compare the Poly to the Grand's rooms in the main Grand building, yes a huge price difference.

We picked the Grand for our next trip to do something different, to try different pools, and a different theme park view. We also love the Grand's restaurants and lobby, especially in December for Christmas. Plus it's a quick boat ride to the Poly and quick monorail ride back. We plan to visit there for Ohana breakfast, dinner, and an evening stroll.

Hoping not to offend Contemporary lovers... but that place just looks boring, it feels like I'm at a hotel for a work conference, not at Disney. I've never stayed there but visited before to eat at California Grill and for a pirates cruise.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

We have stayed at both CR and Poly. The CR pool is nice and was never crowded in the pool however there was a lack of seating around the pool which was bothersome. maybe they have added more since the light refurb of landscaping and kiddie splash area. Loved the slide. It was fun over, and over, and over Didn't care for "flow" between the main pool, bar/bathroom area, quiet pool, and beach area. Kids loved the pool but other than the slide, it was a bit bland for us as adults.

Poly pool is very well themed. Love the "flow" between the pool, bar area, bathrooms and sandy beach. Well planned. We actually prefer that it has no hot tub. Love the zero entry area. Pool does get very crowded but we always find seating usually at an umbrella table which is our fave. The view of the castle while in the pool area is just stunning and sets the mood. We actually think the Poly slide is boring. Don't like that it is all enclosed and the steps and top landing always seem to smell like urine...gross I know. Little kids love the slide and the line can be quite long so they don't take the time to stop and use the restroom.

We look forward to trying GF in a few years. Both pools look great and the slide is open for a more exciting swoosh down

I would stay at the resort theme that appeals to you most. The kids will have fun at any pool and the frozen drinks for the adults are great at all the pools

 

[Microsoft5]

It has to be with either CR and the Poly. Although Poly is very busy. But CR has the largest pool area so even on busy days people spread out. GF has the quietest but not my favorite.

 

[2manypets]

They have recently added more landscaping around their pool area.

Even so, they still can't take away that "cement pond" look. I don't mean to put you on the defensive, but it's just plain boring.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Even so, they still can't take away that "cement pond" look. I don't mean to put you on the defensive, but it's just plain boring.

If that's your opinion I respect it because I realize not everyone likes the way it looks. Anyway incase you haven't seen a picture of it since the renovation here is what it looks like.

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[SydneyFalco]

Thanks for posting the pic, CR Resort Fan 4 Life. It give me a better idea of how things are now than some others I've seen.

I still think a few structures and some colour are in order. Perhaps such things aren't considered because, to work with the Contemporary's original style, they'd have to be pretty retro in nature and Disney management are terrified of everything looking "dated" despite being brand new.

Frankly, I think that's the exact wrong approach. I'm a big fan of the style in question, and I think it should be embraced. Something adventurous and retro could be done without looking dated (at least to crackpots like me.)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for posting the pic, CR Resort Fan 4 Life. It give me a better idea of how things are now than some others I've seen.

I still think a few structures and some colour are in order. Perhaps such things aren't considered because, to work with the Contemporary's original style, they'd have to be pretty retro in nature and Disney management are terrified of everything looking "dated" despite being brand new.

Frankly, I think that's the exact wrong approach. I'm a big fan of the style in question, and I think it should be embraced. Something adventurous and retro could be done without looking dated (at least to crackpots like me.)

You're welcome.

 

[Tinkermom76]

I stayed at the CR in Dec and my girls 5&7 loved the pool. We only got to swim 3 times but they loved it and they just started swimming lessons so they are not great swimmers.

I picked the CR for the exact reason that you want a monorail resort and I do agree that the kids will love any pool you give them, but nothing beats being near Chef Mickey's and watching the monorail fly by while you are eating.

 

[2manypets]

If that's your opinion I respect it because I realize not everyone likes the way it looks. Anyway incase you haven't seen a picture of it since the renovation here is what it looks like.

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Thank you for the picture. It just does nothing for me. Still flat, cementy, boring IMHO.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you for the picture.

No problem.

 

[Southerndisney]

Great picture of the CR pool.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Great picture of the CR pool.

Thanks.

 

[kristina87]

I just got back from the GF for a week and I loved their pools. One is open 24 hours and another has a bar and a rock waterslide, both are really close to the beach. The Polynesian looked nice from afar too, but I vote GF!