Which Monorail resort?

[Therapeutic Smile]

My girlfriend and I are headed to WDW this coming December. It will be Value season, six nights (12/11-12/17). We're currently planning on booking a moderate (probably POFQ) and then hoping for a discount to drop one of the Monorail resorts to under $200/night (even if this means going the AP route, which I would consider doing). My question is this:

Which one?

I've stayed on WDW property four times: once at the old Vacation Villas near DTD, once at the BoardWalk, once at the Beach Club and once at POR. My girlfriend has been there once, and her family stayed at POR (Dixie Landings at the time), so she's never stayed at a Deluxe before, and I've never stayed on the Monorail before. I figure Grand Floridian probably doesn't drop that low, (sub-$200) even in Value season, so chances are, we will get to choose between the Contemp and the Poly.

I kind of like the idea of the Contemp, even though I can't fully explain why... but my girlfriend does love Hawaii and I think the theming at Poly would rock her socks! Anyone who's stayed at both care to comment? Anyone know if the GF ever drops under $200? As a matter of fact... what should we be looking at for a "good deal" during Value season at any of these three resorts? Is an AP probably the way to go? (I've heard tell of $100/night off of deluxe resorts with an AP)... and finally... is it that big a deal to stay on the Monorail? I have to say I loved being at BWI/BC because of the walk to Epcot and the boat to Studios... didn't particularly like taking buses everywhere while staying at POR...

Anyway, lots of questions, hope someone can help. Thanks!

 

[DisneyWisher]

Last Year I got CR Wing for $161 a night for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I'm not sure how low the others go. (hehe sounds like the limbo) In Sept last year I got Poly GVC for $330 including taxes so $200 a night seems likely for a garden view room. I'd book one of these instead of Mod because its easier to have a code applied then going through the whole info again. Just keep your eyes out for those codes

 

[Micca]

We have stayed at all of the monorail resorts My first choice would be GF, but the Poly is a CLOSE second. CR is fine, but definitely #3 for us.

 

[stellaxluna]

The GF is my choice..

 

[Ilovestitch]

Poly won't go below $200 in value season. Rack rate is $339/night. We stayed there this past Dec. and it was around $230/night for the cheapest room w/AP rate. It's worth it though!!!

 

[dreamalittledream]

Does anyone know if CR tower would be around $200? I have no concept of what an AP disc might get me and am starting to think about my 2006 Dec trip.

 

[freediverdude]

Yeah, during the slump of 2001-2003, I saw some Poly and GF AP rates drop below 200, but not since then. And even then, it was like 189 plus tax which put it above 200 with tax. Since then, the Poly has been like 219-239 plus tax, and the GF has been higher than that, like 250+, in value season. The Contemporary Tower also doesn't dip below 200 either, that's usually around 250, 275 in value season (I was offered the tower for around 209 I think during the slump, which I probably should have grabbed, cause no more). Your choice below 200 will probably be the Contemporary wings (which are just fine, in my opinion).

 

[Grumpy24]

We have been to both the CR and Poly, and I too like the CR. However, if you have been 4 times and your GF has been none, then by all means "rock HER socks" and choose the Poly if you can.

 

[CaipiraBob]

Unless there is a sudden drop in tourism, max discounts have been running about 90$ off rack rate in any given season. Maybe that will help you decide on where to look for a room.

It's worth extra to stay in a monorail resort if you haven't before.

 

[dreamalittledream]

Thanks for the info on the AP pricing. That said, We loved the Poly and I vote for the OP to treat his GF right and enjoy the trip! Wishes on the Beach at the Poly in a hammock is about as romantic as u can get!

 

[momtobrynncess]

My husband and I got engaged, and honeymooned at CR, we always stay in the tower, and we love it, however, it is pricey. I do understand how you feel about the "theming" - we love it too. The convenience of a monorail resort is well worth the price. Here's the important part though, the Wilderness Lodge (which is not technically considered a monorail resort, but IS a deluxe), is beautiful, and we are staying there this year for 7 nights. It is right next door to the CR, and you could just grab a tender over to the CR and use the monorail system. And you can boat over to MK as well. GF and Poly will never drop that low. But last year around June, when they started to hand out the discounted rates, we were offered WL for $110 a night!!! That's a pretty good deal in my book!! We've tried them all, so whichever you can afford, I'm sure you will be happy with. But consider WL as well!

 

[swilphil]

You definitely should be able to get into a CR Garden Wing room for under $200. We stayed in the North Wing and loved it. At first I felt like I was staying in the ugly stepchild of monorail resort rooms because of all the great things you hear about the CR Tower, but we were quite pleased with it.