Which resort for a special trip, opinions needed!

[NJTOAD]

I turn 64 this coming December and am retiring on 1/1/2027, I am starting to plan a secret surprise DW trip for me, my partner, my sister and her husband for the fall (Oct.) of 2027. We have all been through a lot in life, and I feel we have all earned a special trip, adults only. It won't be a long stay, 3nts/4days, no park hopper, but definitely MNSSHP, but here is the conundrum:

My family went to DW for the first time in June 1972 and we stayed at the Poly, I would love to have us all stay there on this trip, but know all to well of the exorbitant room rates. That being, said all four of us have also stayed at WL and love it as well, and at a considerably lower rate. Since this is likely to be a once and done trip for us together, I am thinking about biting the bullet for the Poly. I mean we are all either in our 60s, or very close, and you just never know what the future holds...and ya can't take it with ya Feel free to chime in.

 

[gottalovepluto]

You need to start by setting a budget. That is even more important due to your age and upcoming plans to retire. Then decide where you're staying, do not let feelings drive this decision. Either hotel would be a wonderful choice.

 

[fla4fun]

I turn 64 this coming December and am retiring on 1/1/2027, I am starting to plan a secret surprise DW trip for me, my partner, my sister and her husband for the fall (Oct.) of 2027. We have all been through a lot in life, and I feel we have all earned a special trip, adults only. It won't be a long stay, 3nts/4days, no park hopper, but definitely MNSSHP, but here is the conundrum:

My family went to DW for the first time in June 1972 and we stayed at the Poly, I would love to have us all stay there on this trip, but know all to well of the exorbitant room rates. That being, said all four of us have also stayed at WL and love it as well, and at a considerably lower rate. Since this is likely to be a once and done trip for us together, I am thinking about biting the bullet for the Poly. I mean we are all either in our 60s, or very close, and you just never know what the future holds...and ya can't take it with ya Feel free to chime in.

Are you comfortable with renting DVC points? You might be able to get Poly or even WL for less than going direct. I think the biggest consideration is whether you feel you need the flexibility of being able to cancel or not. It is easier to cancel a cash reservation directly with Disney than to cancel a DVC rental reservation.

October is a busy month at WDW, so you will want to book early if you can. That may mean booking at rack rate and watching for discount promotions, but it’s better than being locked out of the resort you want. You could book WL at rack and then watch for discounts at Poly (it’s possible that a discount at Poly could make the prices comparable if WL doesn’t have a discount). Also keep an eye out for package deals. Even though I have an AP I have booked a package a couple of times because the package was a better deal overall than just a discounted room.

With such a short trip, and knowing it’s likely a one and done, I would probably spring for the Poly IF it did not cause any financial hardship to do so. I wouldn’t do it if it meant cutting back on your food budget, medications, or your budget for other necessities at home. I wouldn’t do it if it was going to significantly increase my credit card debt and interest paid. I would do it if I could cut back on a different trip to balance it out. Sometimes a splurge is justified, and this sounds like one of those times.

Whichever resort you choose, I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Fangorn]

I turn 64 this coming December and am retiring on 1/1/2027, I am starting to plan a secret surprise DW trip for me, my partner, my sister and her husband for the fall (Oct.) of 2027. We have all been through a lot in life, and I feel we have all earned a special trip, adults only. It won't be a long stay, 3nts/4days, no park hopper, but definitely MNSSHP, but here is the conundrum:

My family went to DW for the first time in June 1972 and we stayed at the Poly, I would love to have us all stay there on this trip, but know all to well of the exorbitant room rates. That being, said all four of us have also stayed at WL and love it as well, and at a considerably lower rate. Since this is likely to be a once and done trip for us together, I am thinking about biting the bullet for the Poly. I mean we are all either in our 60s, or very close, and you just never know what the future holds...and ya can't take it with ya Feel free to chime in.

Look into renting DVC points from a Poly owner and stay in the new DVC Tower. It'll be significantly less expensive than paying hotel side prices.

There are some caveats though, so make sure you know what you're in for.

Steve

 

[Ohiostatefan606]

You are going to get so many opinions! But hear me out. Port Orleans French Quarter. The resort footprint is small. You can easily walk from your room to the main building. There is one bus stop. My family has stayed at FQ a couple of times, we love it. We also stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, sure it was beautiful and the pool was awesome, but it was so far to get to our room. My husband describes FQ as intimate. I think it really depends on the vibe you want for your trip.

 

[brockash]

I turn 64 this coming December and am retiring on 1/1/2027, I am starting to plan a secret surprise DW trip for me, my partner, my sister and her husband for the fall (Oct.) of 2027. We have all been through a lot in life, and I feel we have all earned a special trip, adults only. It won't be a long stay, 3nts/4days, no park hopper, but definitely MNSSHP, but here is the conundrum:

My family went to DW for the first time in June 1972 and we stayed at the Poly, I would love to have us all stay there on this trip, but know all to well of the exorbitant room rates. That being, said all four of us have also stayed at WL and love it as well, and at a considerably lower rate. Since this is likely to be a once and done trip for us together, I am thinking about biting the bullet for the Poly. I mean we are all either in our 60s, or very close, and you just never know what the future holds...and ya can't take it with ya Feel free to chime in.

If you're really not going back, then I'd do Poly, however I do really hate to spend that kind of money for such a short trip (for us shorter trip means much less time at the resort).

 

[Average Joes]

If the budget is iffy for a Poly stay and you already plan to eat out at a similarly priced restaurant, consider eating at the Poly. It would at least give you some time at the hotel without the costs. Pre-MNSSHP for lunch for example and then you have the nice transportation options to MK.

 

[NJTOAD]

Thanks so much for all the input, I wouldn't normally make a decision based on emotion, but in this case it definitely has a very strong impact as my sister is my only remaining immediate family member. I am going to use a travel agent for the first time, I never have before but I don't have the Chutzpah these days to do it myself

 

[NJTOAD]

If you're really not going back, then I'd do Poly, however I do really hate to spend that kind of money for such a short trip (for us shorter trip means much less time at the resort).

well at our age 3nt/4days is the most we really want to be there, and honestly we will spend quite a bit of time at the resort, we don't need the amount of park time we did in the past, a few hours in the morning, back to the resort for pool/nap lol, then a few hours back in the park at night.

 

[Marthasor]

I would price out both options and go from there. Will you all share a room and the costs? That would bring the price down quite a bit.

 

[Wayland10]

Check out the DVC rental boards on this site and find a Poly DVC owner to rent from at 11 months, or go through an agency- there are many out there! The cost will be reduced and you can have that nostalgia your heart craves. Best wishes for a happy retirement!

 

[Tigger's ally]

well at our age 3nt/4days is the most we really want to be there, and honestly we will spend quite a bit of time at the resort, we don't need the amount of park time we did in the past, a few hours in the morning, back to the resort for pool/nap lol, then a few hours back in the park at night.

Me and the wife are both 61 and this is what we do when we go down by ourselves. Renting DVC (we use David's but they all are similar) allows us to stay Deluxe for Moderate or even less than moderate rates. Especially when you know you are going way in advance. We have two ressies now, one in July and one in December for short stays. Let's take this October and give you a picture

Resort view room at WL for 3 nights= $670 a night plus tax.
Resort view room at Poly for 3 nights+ $954 a night plus tax

I assume with two couple you would need two rooms per night. Wl= $4020.00 plus tax, Poly would be $5724.00 plus tax.

Renting points at WL for 3 nights in a 2BR villa= $2800.00 plus tax for all three nights.
Renting points at Poly tower for 3 nights in a 2BR villa= $3600 plus tax.

In a two bedroom villa you get a full kitchen, a living room, and a washer and dryer. You don't get those in the regular rooms.

This is why we rent points.

 

[auntfrannie]

Thanks so much for all the input, I wouldn't normally make a decision based on emotion, but in this case it definitely has a very strong impact as my sister is my only remaining immediate family member. I am going to use a travel agent for the first time, I never have before but I don't have the Chutzpah these days to do it myself

I would go ahead and book for the Poly. Since you're using a TA, if they're a good, Disney specialized TA they will keep an eye on discounts and automatically get you the best discount when they come. There are always discounts coming out for Disney Visa cardmembers, Disney+ members, annual passholders, etc.

I hope you're able to find something that works for you and that you have a wonderful time!

 

[hardcorestitch]

I turn 64 this coming December and am retiring on 1/1/2027, I am starting to plan a secret surprise DW trip for me, my partner, my sister and her husband for the fall (Oct.) of 2027. We have all been through a lot in life, and I feel we have all earned a special trip, adults only. It won't be a long stay, 3nts/4days, no park hopper, but definitely MNSSHP, but here is the conundrum:

My family went to DW for the first time in June 1972 and we stayed at the Poly, I would love to have us all stay there on this trip, but know all to well of the exorbitant room rates. That being, said all four of us have also stayed at WL and love it as well, and at a considerably lower rate. Since this is likely to be a once and done trip for us together, I am thinking about biting the bullet for the Poly. I mean we are all either in our 60s, or very close, and you just never know what the future holds...and ya can't take it with ya Feel free to chime in.

I’d consider a moderate like Port Orleans or Caribbean Beach… those are quite relaxing resorts! Plus, you have easy access to other resorts, and in the case of Port Orleans you can get to Disney Springs by boat if the weather’s good.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

If Poly is too expensive ( it is for me!), I would suggest The Coronado Springs Hotel. It has a great lobby, a very nice bar area from the lobby, some great restaurants, a nice pool and hot tub.. Since it's a special occasion trip, do "preferred room" to save on walking ( if utilizing the busses) or stay in the tower.

 

[emilyann704]

I love Coronado. The downside (for some, not me) is that it's only serviced by bus transportation. But it's SO close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios those bus trips are fast.

It feels like an adult resort. It's quiet, clean, and the ambient guitar music playing when you walk through the resort at night is so pretty. I love that it has more bars and restaurants than the other moderates and Toledo is so underrated (and priced affordably compared to other hotel restaurants at the same quality level).

 

[Genie+]

ya can't take it with ya Feel free to chime in.

I say go with Poly. You have a chance to do it. Just imagine that bit of extra excitement! Poly is great going to MK and being able to walk over to the Epcot monorail. The resort vibe is incredible! The torches at night, being right on 7 seas lagoon in the heart of Disneyworld, MK in your view, food, amenities, able to walk over to Grand Flo too, hot tub with theme park view, on and on.

Naturally I prefer hoarding my money. But if you aren’t living your best life now, when will you get to do that? Yes those other places will no doubt be fun. What about knock your socks off fun?

 

[JayMass]

As a few others have said, renting DVC points is a great option. We've done it a couple times and are looking to do it again for my twins 21st next year. The Poly seems like everyone's favorite resort (mine too) and that really drives the cost. Even when renting points, a 2BR villa at Boardwalk is about half the price of a 2BR villa at the Poly.

I think you have to weigh your options. Is what the Poly offers worth spending that much more for? In other words, is what you are giving up by NOT staying at the Poly worth it?

 

[Nancyg56]

I would suggest that you consider renting points. If you really want the Poly, especially if you want the Tower (I would) consider committing early enough to book at 11 months out. We have never needed to use a rental agency because I have friends with points they were not using.

Please look at what the focus of your trip is befpre you commit to a resort. Location matters, but time of year does as well. The monorail and the Boardwalk resorts are busy, so if that is an issue, I would look elsewhere. We just returned from a Riviera stay. We loved it. Relaxing and not crowded. Excellent transportaion options. It is not the Poly, but what is?

We used a lot of points on this trip because we wanted a 2 bedroom villa. It is not necessary but it is nice.