Which resort will make the biggest impression on a first timer - Poly or AKL?

[WDW2000]

If you were to take the two resorts out of WDW, and you are asking for just the resort itself would leave the best impression, it would definitely be AKL. HOWEVER, if you are asking which resort would be the best for a first time visitor it would be the POLY. At the POLY you truly feel you are in the middle of the magic, surrounded by water, the castle in the distance, the monorail, the theming is spectacular. The AKL, however, probably one of the most unique hotels in the world, feels very secluded from all things Disney. If a first time visitor woke up at the AKL, and they knew nothing about WDW, they would have no idea they were in WDW - let alone Orlando. But to many that is the charm of AKL - you really feel like you are a million miles from anything, but as a first time visitor, I would think someone would want to be surrounded by Disney.

 

[DisneyFan09]

I just had to post an update!! I was able to talk my Mom into all 8 nights with the stipulation from her that we spend a day at the beach. So here are my new plans: 1st night in Cocoa Beach, next 3 nights at AKL (I booked a pool view, just couldn't afford the Savannah) for the "Wow factor" and the last 4 nights at Poly for a little bit of magic!! I'm so excited, I wish I didn't have to wait 6 1/2 more months to see the look on her face !! I'm hoping to convert her!!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Woo Hoo

Your trip sounds great!

6 1/6 months will fly by... okay well - thy probably won't! - lol

but you will have a lot of fun reading the boards and learing more stuff to make your trip perfect!

>>^..^<<

 

[the Legend]

Ive never stayed at the Poly but Ive dined there several times.

For best first impressions at a WDW Resort, you'd be hard pressed to beat the WL IMHO. I am still in awe of that fantastic lobby after my first stay there last Sept 2002.

However out of your choices, its hands down AKL for me.
The AKL matches the WL in themeing but where AKL excels is in its people and services. And if youre out to make an impression, I'd start here.

The Poly is nostalgic WDW resort. Although it has it own charm, I dont think it has the 'knock-me-off-my-feet' impact that the WL and AKL have on first arrival. You truly feel transported to the Northwest at WL and likewise to Africa at AKL the moment you enter the resort.

Its a tough choice. Glad I dont have to make it! ;-)

 

[skiwee1]

I have never stayed at AKL but have seen it. The only impression I got was that it was ugly! I just can't see what anyone sees in that place but to each his own I guess. I have stayed at the Poly and while it is very nice it doesn't over impress me. It looks tropical but not over the top. Very pretty but not outstanding. Now what really impressed me was the Wilderness Lodge. I got "stuck" staying there and really dreaded it. That is, until I entered the lobby and it literally took my breath away. It really is impressive and absolutely beautiful. I didn't think I would like the themeing as that style is not to my liking. I was surprised! That being said, I still stay at the Poly as it has the monorail and the WL has horrible transportation.

 

[Demosthenes]

For a first timer, do it the way Walt envisioned it. Stay at the Poly with a lagoon view room. Your mom will wake up to a view of Cindy's Castle, then be whisked away on a monorail to visit the site she remembers from the Wonderful World of color when she was growing up. Also, there is a beach, boats, the EWP, the Dinner Show, larger rooms, more dining options, a better pool (and a quiet pool) & superior transportation. I really enjoyed my stay at the AKL, but for pure Disney magic, these two don't compare. Don't get me wrong, the AKL is great, and it's theme is well done; but, this hotel misses some of the signatures that are uniquely "Disney," at leat compared to what you get at the Poly.

 

[MermaidsMom]

We have stayed at both places 2 times each. For a first timer I would definately choose the Poly. It has the "Wow" factor of the monorail, views of the MK, the lakes with boating and a very nice tropical feel, which is most in line with Florida. The AKL is really nice, but it seems like more of a return visitor resort because it is further out from the parks. At the Poly you are right in the middle of the original WDW theming.