Which resort would you choose?

[DisGirlAllie]

Hello, I am planning a bit of a splurge trip for next February. We're planning to be at WDW for 4 days and we want to splurge a bit and stay at a Deluxe resort. We've narrowed down our picks to three resorts: Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge (savanna view). We've stayed at DAKL and WL before (and loved!) but the Polynesian would be new to us and is a bucket list type resort. I think there are pros and cons to every resort (and though prices haven't yet been released, I'm bracing myself) so curious what folks would choose for themselves. Which resort would you recommend?

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We stayed at WL (Boulder Ridge Villas) for the first time recently and we fell in love with it. It’s absolutely beautiful and the boat to MK is great. Poly still is my favorite, but WL is great too.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

If POLY is a bucket list resort and you're willing and able to pay then that's the one I'd choose.
I love it there and I'm staying there myself in August.
Great atmosphere, great food, great transportation, and love that its close to MK and on the Monorail line.

 

[sponica]

AKL is still on my list.

I've stayed at Poly and WL (although WL was one night post cruise).

I probably prefer Poly to WL but it's by a slim margin. I'm willing to give WL another chance, but I'd need the room in a different location, we were so close to the overhang near the lobby ALL we heard was loudness from the lobby and the restaurant most of the night. Might not be a big deal if you're out closing a park, but we were in the room most of the night after dinner.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I'd say if your plans involve multiple days at MK, you cannot beat the location of Poly (or even WL). But if you plan on doing all the parks throughout your trip, I'd recommend Animal Kingdom Lodge every time.

Now with my opinion out of the way....! I agree with above note - if Poly is a bucket list experience for you, I think you've already answered your own question! Go and enjoy the Poly experience!

 

[RickNJane]

I may be an outlier here, but the Poly does not do it for me. Tends to be crowded and Noisy. The monorail these days can also be very crowded, making for a long(ish) wait on a train. AK is a bit out of the way, but you cannot beat the Savanna views. Makes for a very relaxing stay. We do love the WL lobby and vibe. Have not stayed there, but it is on our short list.

Since we are DVC we stay at BWV for EPOCOT and Disney Studios and BLT for MK. AK is an oasis. Have you thought about renting DVC Points? That would open a lot of possibilities such as the new Poly Tower and BR at WL.

 

[kylenne]

I voted Poly because it's a new resort to you, not just because I'm biased. Personally I like to be in the action and AKL and WL are a bit too isolated for my tastes. The monorail loop is my favorite too just because the dining options are so good and making a night of lounge hopping is fun.

 

[fla4fun]

Since you have already stayed at AKL and WL, it seems like an obvious choice to go to the Poly. Out of the three WL is my favorite, but that is due in large part to the theming. When you live among palm trees and beaches, the vibe of WL feels more exotic than the Poly to me. We have stayed at the Poly several times and enjoyed it immensely.

Poly is in a good location for going to both MK and Epcot, since it is right next to the TTC. We often walk over and take the ferryboat across to MK rather than pack into the monorails. You can also access the Epcot monorail from the TTC without having to use the resort monorail first. It is also nice to resort hop on the monorail, and you have easy access to other resorts via the MK. There is also a small boat you can use for MK, as well as a walking path since you will be there during cooler weather.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would try Poly if you've never been. I like trying new resorts to give the trip a new feel.

We've done Poly before and enjoyed ourselves. We've never done WL but will be doing AKL next trip.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Although not my favorite, I voted Poly as you mentioned it is a bucket list/new to you resort.

 

[beccasmom]

I’m all for trying “new to me” resorts, so if that’s your choice, I would go for it.

We only stayed at the Poly one time (as part of a Disney Cruise vacation way back in its inaugural year). It is a lovely resort with a lot going for it (theme, convenience, restaurants) and has greatly changed since our stay. It is not my favorite (I know I’m in the minority), although I can definitely recognize why it’s so popular.

We love WL. I resisted staying there for several years (the theming just seemed “meh” to me ), although DH kept pushing for it. It is now firmly one of my top 3 resorts (and DH has only said “told ya so!” once! ).

 

[CynBeth]

I would also go with Poly.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Hello, I am planning a bit of a splurge trip for next February. We're planning to be at WDW for 4 days and we want to splurge a bit and stay at a Deluxe resort. We've narrowed down our picks to three resorts: Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge (savanna view). We've stayed at DAKL and WL before (and loved!) but the Polynesian would be new to us and is a bucket list type resort. I think there are pros and cons to every resort (and though prices haven't yet been released, I'm bracing myself) so curious what folks would choose for themselves. Which resort would you recommend?

Unless there are details left out, I'd go with poly just because you said it's a bucket list thing. (But you have your whole pro/con list, so I get there may be other important factors.)

Of the the three, I've stayed at AKL twice and loved it! I would go back in a heartbeat.

WL has been on my short list once or twice, but hasn't "won" yet. I've also not stayed at Poly, but being an original resort, I would definitely love to try it someday.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices!

 

[Anthony1971]

If Poly is a Bucket list and you never stayed then Poly it is.
I will add WL and POLY are hands down the best themed resorts at Disney. I keep AKL separate as while you can call it themed it goes well beyond and can easily fit in the destination category. We own DVC and have stayed at all 3 multiple times as those are our favorites with Poly being first. We enjoy the immersive theming above all.

 

[Rory607]

I vote Poly since you’ve never stayed there and also vote to do club level if you can make it work with your budget. One complaint I hear about Poly is that it can feel chaotic. But if you stay club you have the lounge to get food/drinks and hang out in. One of my favorite things is watching MK fireworks from the club lounge with a glass of wine or decaf and dessert! You feel like you’re in the Disney magic without the crowds.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I love AKL, but if Poly is a bucket list resort, I’d go there. I love the ambiance at Poly and the food options are great. Also can’t beat being on the monorail loop.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Just beware that Poly can be very crowded. It’s my favorite resort but it gets packed, to the point where it can be frustrating trying to get through the lobby or find a spot on the beach in the evening.

 

[petrola]

Wilderness Lodge is my absolute favorite resort. I love the boat to MK and I believe since it's not on the monorail, it's a less crowded resort and a more peaceful environment. But if you're looking for a high energy vibe - poly has that for sure.

And if you don't mind the bus transportation, Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing resort as well!

 

[zdad59]

I hate to be a PITA but......IT DEPENDS. Are you Magic Kingdom people or EPCOT people or Animal Kingdom people??? That would 100% affect my choice.

From what you have listed I would choose Wilderness Lodge. We love the peacefulness there and the "Welcome Home" you get every time you walk through the doors.

Lately we've been inclined to stay at Beach Club. It has a great vibe, great location relative to EPCOT and HS, and is quite relaxing.

Based on our current bias, I'll vote "OTHER" in your poll.

 

[MartyParty]

Hello, I am planning a bit of a splurge trip for next February. We're planning to be at WDW for 4 days and we want to splurge a bit and stay at a Deluxe resort. We've narrowed down our picks to three resorts: Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge (savanna view). We've stayed at DAKL and WL before (and loved!) but the Polynesian would be new to us and is a bucket list type resort. I think there are pros and cons to every resort (and though prices haven't yet been released, I'm bracing myself) so curious what folks would choose for themselves. Which resort would you recommend?

I've stayed at all three plus we own DVC at Poly. I voted for Poly as you've not stayed there and it's likely something you would want to experience.

But personally, if I were planning a trip for ourselves this year, I'd put WL or AKL Savannah view at the top. WL if wanting that back to nature, peaceful, national park, etc. feel. If wanting something more exotic then its hard to beat the Savannah, animals, and restaurants of AKL.

Whatever way you go, all three are a win, and you'll enjoy it! Good luck...