Which would you choose?

[AspiringCindy]

We've decided to take an unexpected mini trip to WDW for 4 nights the first week of Dec. We wanted to try a resort that we've yet to try and will be without a vehicle for our stay.
I have it narrowed down to AKL Savannah view or Poly GV. Which would you choose? I was originally leaning toward AKL, but then changed gears when I realized I would be without a vehicle.
Oh yeah, the DD's are 10,9 and 2.

 

[soccer mom]

These are my two favorite resorts (AKL being #1 and Poly a close second)! If the kids like animals at all I would probably choose AKL. It is so great to sit on your balcony and watch the animals. My kids (13, 15, 17) absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back. The story teller at the fire pit in the evening was great. But I told them we're visiting all the deluxe resorts before we go back. Personally, if you ever think it will be possible I would wait until you can do a LV at the Poly. Even as teenagers, I thought my kids were going to fall over when they walked into our room and could see the castle through the doorwall.There mouths hit the floor. It was 100% Disney! Watching the fireworks from your balcony was spectacular. It really was a special trip.

Let us know what you decide!

P.S. If you ever decide to do the LV at the Poly, don't tell the kids! I told mine we couldn't afford it. Made sure I showed them all the pictures of what they would be missing and then "SURPRISE!" when we walked into the room.

 

[cindyfan]

I've stayed at both and even though I love both....
I prefer Poly! Especially witht the kids and no car.....
It is just awesome to be able to use the monorail!!!!

 

[daannzzz]

I prefer the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It also has fine transport to all the parks, great views of the animals and wonderful decore. You will have only two queen beds or a queen and a bunk bed here. Though I love the theming at the Polynesian and the bathroom decore I don't care as much for the room decor but it is fine. You will have a larger room at the Polynesian. It will have a daybed too and you will be able to ride the monorail to the MK. Both are great so it will be fun no matter where you are.

 

[soccer mom]

Hi again.

Forgot to mention my take on the transportation. I think AKL has the best because they don't share buses with other resorts. A direct ride everywhere! We have never used our car at the World.

Poly's only advantage is if you are going to spend all your time at MK. Being next to the monorail station is overrated, especially if you are on the opposite side the the resort. A long walk at the end of a long day (a nice walk, but none the less long). You still have to take a bus to anywhere else except MK and Epcot and you make stops at GF and CR.

 

[eller]

We love the AKL. I agree with Soccer Mom on the bus situation.

The only plus I would give to the Poly is that it has one great slide. Was there a children's pool at the Poly? I can't remember. Both have zero entry. AKL has a good slide and a kiddie pool for the 2-year-old.

Mara is much better than Captain Cooks, although pricier. But I'd rather pay a bit more to have better food.

Know that the room lighting is dark at AKL, but that suits us. It makes it feel more relaxing when we get back from the parks.

If you can swing a deluxe room the 10- and 9-year-olds would probably like the bunk beds.

I'm sure you will enjoy either. If transportaion is a big deal stay at the Poly. You won't know the difference until you stay at AKL. We seldom have a car anymore and the buses have never been a problem.

Whichever you deside, be sure to bring a small (but tall) easilly folded stroller for your little one. That was the only problem we had the first time we stayed at the Poly. We took the BIG double stroller and it was a pain on the boat or bus.

Have a great trip!

Lori

 

[AspiringCindy]

Getting around just seems a little easier at Poly-because you can just walk onto the Monorail with the stroller. I know Poly has a great pool, but will it be too cold to swim? I've never been to WDW in late fall or winter. This is a hard decision because both resorts really appeal to me! I actually think decor wise, AKL would suit me better! HELP!

 

[franw]

While the AKL is not my favorite resort (people seem to either love it or dislike it) I don't think you could go wrong on such a short trip at either place. Certainly there are a lot of conveniences that you would have at the Poly that would be great for a shorter trip. There are some activities there, like seeing the electrical parade go by, the fireworks over the lagoon, etc. that would probably give you a little more feel of being at Disney. I think if you surveyed 100 people, 50 would say the Poly and 50 would say the AKL. Then there is always that next trip coming up for the one you didn't choose!

 

[AspiringCindy]

That's the thing, the one I don't choose, We will return to in Aug. 2004 for a longer stay. Poly seems to be a better choice for our summer trip,but I'm really concerned about being so isolated at AKL.

 

[eller]

I think December can be hit or miss in the weather department. We swam most everyday December 2002.

Also, I almost forgot, the Poly does not have a hot tub. AKL has two.

Lori

 

[soccer mom]

AspiringCindy

I know how you feel about it looking isolated, but it couldn't be AKL any other way. It's part of feeling like you are on a savannah in Africa and it doesn't disappoint. It is part of the theming and once you're there you'll understand. Can anyone else say it better?

 

[palmtreegirl]

I would go to the Polynesian for the short trip and save the AKL for the long one!

Reasons being-

The AKL is an incredible resort that takes time to explore and enjoy. On a short trip you'd probably feel rushed and won't have time to really take it all in and get the parks done too.

Polynesian- It's close to the MK and monrail for Epcot and you'd feel closer to it all therefore helping you to feel less rushed for a short trip.

Just some thoughts!

 

[Demosthenes]

Originally posted by palmtreegirl
I would go to the Polynesian for the short trip and save the AKL for the long one!

I'd do the exact opposite . In December, if the weather is too cool to swim, you can still do the hot tubs at AKL (Poly has none). The AKL is much prettier at Christmas (IMHO) than the Poly. Also, in off-season, you don't need to worry at all about the AKL transportation. The busses handle this resort well. The only problem you will run into is if your children are picky eaters. If you want to eat at a restaurant away from the resort, it is a pain in the neck without a car.

The Poly just seems made for summer to me. Because it has two pools, it absorbs the crowds a little better than the AKL pool does. You can view the FITS fireworks (which occur more often in the summer) at night from the beach of the Poly. And transportation back from the MK or Epcot after parades or fireworks during the busy season is so much easier at the Poly than the AKL. At the Poly, you can take the boat or monorail from the MK, and the Monorail from Epcot. As good as the busses are at the AKL, they still have a hard time taking in the crowds immediately after the parks close.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

Just came back from a short trip to AKL.Went to Poly for dinner one night. Waited 30 min for bus to Downtown Disney and then made 2 stops till we got there. Unless you are going to MK or Epcot I think transportation at AKL is better. Both are great resorts so maybe it should depend on where you spend the most time.IMHO

 

[MAC3]

I chose Poly. You just can't beat that Volcano Pool!

 

[franw]

My one week stay at the AKL was way too long for me. Why don't you stay at the Poly and on the day you do AK take the bus from there and go over to the AKL and spend some time. I found the grounds were very limiting as there were no real places at the resort to walk around. The halls and lobby were freezing cold and I avoided them as much as possible. I know the whole idea is to feel you are in Africa but I guess we wanted to be at Disney and felt very removed. The room was very dark and very small. I'd check it out and see how your kids and you react to it before signing on for a long stay.

 

[hygienejean]

I vote for the Poly! It is a gorgeous resort and the monorail to MK comes around quite often. We found the short walk to the TTC and the monorail to Epcot to be very convenient too. I hate the busses and we rent a car for the other parks. The Poly is fabulous...good luck what ever you choose..........

 

[kimmar067]

...you forgot about your 46yo DD!!

My 2c:
Stay at AKL for the Dec trip and "do" the Poly for the long stay....JMHO!

 

[Lisa3]

We are also a family of 5 and I would choose AKL for entirely different reasons than already stated. Right now you have one child under 3 so you could stay in a standard room at AKL. As soon as that third child turns 3 you will either have to stay in a deluxe room or 2 rooms at most resorts- either way it will be more expensive. I would do AKL while your kids are still young and since the Polynesian rooms can accomodate 5, save this for when you have no "under 3's" in your family.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Excellent point Lisa!
After mulling it over, tossing and turning in my sleep and discussions with Kimmar, I've decided that Poly would best be enjoyed during the summer months on a longer trip. We'll do AKL for our short trip, and because it is only 4 nights, we may be able to swing concierge. Thanks everyone for your input and recommendations! Sunrise Safari here I come!