Which will wow them, WL or Poly?

[Bbgrizzle]

Next December we will be doing five nights at WDW, followed by a 7-day DCL cruise. My family of five have done WDW and the cruise twice before. However, this time we are taking my mom and her husband and it will be their first WDW trip ever (and first cruise.) My mom is a big disney fan, but most likely this will be her only WDW trip (we live only 4 1/2 hours from Disneyland and it's much less expensive to go there than WDW). So, which resort would give her the most Disney-esque experience? I have it narrowed down to WL and Poly (because those are the most appealing to my famly). If you could only go one time, which resort would you stay in? I just want their trip to be magical!

 

[MINNIEBOWSER]

I would stay at the Poly. I think both resorts are beautiful, however, I think the Poly would give you a little bit more "disney-esque" experiences. At the Poly you can watch the MK fireworks from the beach or from your room if you have that view. At that time there will be the x-mas parade fireworks which are just as beautiful watching it from the distance at the Poly. Then, there is the monorail, which is the best "disney-esque" transportation you could experience. GOOD LUCK with your decision. They will have a great time where ever you choose to stay.

 

[Kimberle]

WL. My mouth dropped the first time I pulled up!! I just knew I had to come back and stay there!!

I have pictures in my link below if you'd care to look.

 

[Grumpy92]

You cant go wrong with either hotel. Have to say we love sitting in the WL lobby and watching as guest come in the front door. Their mouths drop and you can see them say Wow! It is very similar to the Grand Californian.

The Poly is tropical south seas atmoshere. It is one of the original resorts, the access to the monorail and beach view cant be beat. You feel like you are in Hawaii or Tahiti, so Aloha.

The following site has wonderful pictures: http://www.bruceandkris.com/

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

That's a hard choice. The WL lobby is more "WOW" but the Poly has the better MK views. What theme would they like better? If I could ever talk my Dad into going to WDW I know he'd love the WL.

You know, the WL would be a nice contrast to your cruise... theme wise. Hmmm... I guess I vote for that!

But the Poly would be great too.

 

[Shannon G]

I have never stayed at either of those resorts, but have visited both. Personally, I would choose WL. I thought it was a beautiful resort. To me, the Poly just seems a bit outdated and worn. But, the Poly does have the advantages of the beach and the monorail. I think it really depends on which atmosphere is more appealing to you.

Also, depending on your needs and budget, if you stay at WL you may be able to rent points from a DVC member to stay at the Villas at WL. If it works out, this can save quite a bit of money over the Disney rates to stay at the same resort. We did this for a stay at the Boardwalk, and it allowed us to stay at a resort we otherwise would not have been able to afford!

 

[daannzzz]

I am a huge WL fan. Walking into the lobby for the first ( and second, and third etc.) time is still awesome. It is a wonderful resort and place to stay. I also love tropical styles and tikis and Polynesian atmospheres so the Polynesian is great though I was a hair dissapointed with my stay and I am still not sure why. For the most Disney magic though I would agree that the Polynesian has more. It really does feel like you are in the South Pacific. The rooms are large and the walkways beautiful but you have a Monorail at the front of the hotel. Little boats that take you over to the GF and the MK at the back of the resort. You can walk over to the TTC to take the Ferry over to the MK or the monorail to Epcot. You can sit on the beach and watch the fireworks and electrical pagent (also viewable at the WL).
The Polynesian feels relaxed yet in the middle of things. The WL really does seem like it is more remote and quiet.
Good luck on choosing.

 

[Blondie]

What do you think would impress them more, a huge log cabin away from the hustle and bustle of the parks or a south seas polynesian beach atmosphere?

Having stayed at both, and as much as I adore the Wilderness Lodge, I'm going to have to go with the Polynesian for someone who has never been to WDW before. With the ease of the monorail and the views of the MK from the Poly beach and considering the size of the Poly rooms are larger, I think they'll be more impressed with that. Just my opinion ofcourse!

I think they'll have a great WDW resort experience at either of those resorts.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Looks like both resorts have their own great qualities. We stayed at WL and loved it, which is why it is on the list. Also we have never seen it done up for Christmas, which would be great. We have only visited the Poly, but really want to stay there, which is why it is on the list. The views of MK and the monorail are very appealing, plus the grounds are beautiful. I've never been inside the rooms, but I've seen pictures.

Maybe I'll have to show them the pictures of the resorts and let them decide.

 

[PamNC]

would be for the Polynesian. Haven't stayed there, but have visited a lot. I'm actually staying there for the first time 2/9 - 2/15. We tried WL - it's beautiful and a definite WOW as you enter the lobby, and even when you drive up. But, I found the rooms to be dark and small. Also, transportation left something to be desired.

And, for "disney-esque" I don't think you can beat the Poly or Contemporary.

PamNC

 

[BCV23]

Another vote for the Polynesian.

The lobby of the WL is awesome but you can always go there for a meal and to see the rustic decorations as well as the lobby itself.

For pure magic you can't beat the Polynesian. The grounds are so beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxed, the CMs are great, transportation is the best of any resort in our opinion, 24 hour snack shop if your Mom is an early riser. Kona is wonderful for any meal, and many people love 'Ohanna. There are more great restaurants a monorail or boat ride away.

And for a family of five, the rooms are so much larger than WL.