Who is right!

[laura0528]

I am starting to plan our first Disney trip for August 25-31st. We will be staying 6 nights/7days. I have a 5 year old and a 3 1/2 at the time of the trip.

Where should we stay? I say Polynesian because of the monorail, but hubby wants to save the money and stay else where. If he is right where should we stay?

 

[jennyjinx3]

We stayed on site for the first time (not our first trip) in Sept 2011. We chose the Polynesian because we have 3 small kids (DD 7, 5, 3) and Magic Kingdom and Epcot are our favorites and so easy to get to from the Poly. And also because we got 40% off LOL! Anyhoo, I recommend the Poly if its in your budget, it was so easy and convenient for us that our next trip in Sept 2012 DH wants to upgrade form POR back to the Poly he loved it that much. The rooms are not spectacular but are roomy and comfortable. It's the atmosphere and convenience that are amazing. Loved it and may be back again next year of we can swing it I have lots more info if you want

 

[mrzrich]

For deluxe location at a moderate price, choose the Swan or Dolphin. If you are a teacher or school employee, a nurse, a government employee or a member of the military. You may be able to snag a room for between $150 to $200 a night. If you don't fall into any the above categories, I have also gotten good deals as a Starwood Preferred Guest ( Its free to join SPG.com)

I find the area with boat and walking access to Epcot and DHS to be the best location. Convenient to dining and entertainment on the Boardwalk, and YC/BC as well.


****Just checked your dates and got a Nurse Rate of $139 a night. AAA rate is $159 a night

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

How about a compromise with a stay at a moderate??? POR is pretty close to everything, as is POFQ b/c it is right next to POR. I know when I priced out Poly, it was almost double the price for our family to stay there. I would rather stay longer at a place a little further away. It really has to be up to you guys though. We can't determine who is right. What's right for our families may be completely wrong for yours! But...if it were me, I'd split the difference and go moderate. I love the moderates.

 

[cluvsdisney]

Neither of you are right or wrong. The monorail at the Poly is certainly appealing but you pay for that. If convenience to the MK is very important, check out the Wilderness Lodge. It's considered a deluxe but it's priced lower and they have a boat to the MK which is a nice alternative to the buses.

 

[goopysolelady]

With a 5 and 3 1/2 yr. old I'd definitely stay as close to MK as possible as I'm sure that will be their "favorite"! I love the Poly but have you considered the CR or renting points at Bay Lake Tower...which has become my favorite resort! #3 "favorite" resort is Wilderness Lodge (and rates are a little cheaper)...your children might really enjoy the boat ride to MK or TTC. Youngest DGD was 2 for her first visit and the Poly was the perfect place; easy to get back to for those afternoon naps. First visit for oldest DGD was at age 3 and WL was our "resort of choice". I'd consider the Epcot resorts when your children are older (Boardwalk was our choice there...the girls loved the "clown pool" ); for now they'll want to get as much of "Mickey and Friends" as possible! Enjoy!

 

[Hooves]

Nobody is right or wrong, it's all a matter of opinion.
We hate the double transportation system into MK but at the same time we wouldn't want to spend that much money on one of the monorail hotels just to avoid it. Of course we hire a car and therefore don't rely on Disney transport so boats/buses etc aren't at the forefront of our mind when choosing resorts.

 

[mkoerner]

If you want deluxe near the MK, WL is a less expensive option. It's beautiful, all in one building, and a quick boat ride to the park. CBR and POR are very nice options in the mod category, with preference to POR due to its proximity to DTD.

 

[neville04]

we just got back from a stay at POFQ with a 5/12 and a 3 year old- and it was perfect... the resort was so small- everything was so close -it was perfect. The pool was just perfect with the slide for the boys- they both loved it!.. I felt like where ever we went our bus stop was always really close to the entrance/ exit to all of the parks which was a huge plus too!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Neither of you are right or wrong. The monorail at the Poly is certainly appealing but you pay for that. If convenience to the MK is very important, check out the Wilderness Lodge. It's considered a deluxe but it's priced lower and they have a boat to the MK which is a nice alternative to the buses.

We've done a few trips to the Poly years ago with good discount and rates were lower....right now the Poly is over priced and just ridiclous....not even in our thoughts anynore....

We always choose the WL and take the savings and stay a few days longer...at the Poly, the monorail ain't as fast as it's cracked up to be, and we've seen the lines trying to board at park closing....not for us anymore...

The boat to the MK from WL is great...the Lodge has about 750 rooms, quite small by Disney standards, doesn't get all the day visitors jamming up the place like at the Poly...is all under one roof, great themed pool and 3 hot tubs.....when push comes to shove and we want the MK area...it's the WL all the way...we have stayed at all the monorail resorts in the past but dollar for dollar...nothing beats the Lodge....

 

[Bunnyfeather]

I took my kids at 4 and 2 and we picked CR for proximity. You can walk to MK or ride the monorail, Epcot by monorail. And the monorail goes right through the resort, which delighted my son more than words can say.

 

[mickeynut1]

We love the Poly and that would be my first choice, but if you are looking to save a little, I agree that the WL is a great second choice . It is close to MK via the boat, plus you can take the boat to the CR and hop on the monorail to shop, dine, and visit the Poly and GF . For us, the WL runs a close second to the Poly and we've had 2 great stays there. Plus the resort is beautiful, the pool is great, and Roaring Forks is great for quick CS meals. Good luck deciding, but I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter which resort you choose .

 

[Deb & Bill]

You could also try a Contemporary Resort Wing Room. They are spacious, very nice and a little less expensive than the CR Tower rooms. A very short walk to the main building, close to the pool, right on the lake.

And you can walk to the MK.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

You could also try a Contemporary Resort Wing Room. They are spacious, very nice and a little less expensive than the CR Tower rooms. A very short walk to the main building, close to the pool, right on the lake.

And you can walk to the MK.

If and when we decide to go deluxe, this will be our first choice, as we are a family of five. We just can't justify the Poly or any other hotel when we can stay cheaper and be a monorail ride away from it!

 

[disnut8]

I agree with everyone who says there is no right or wrong. We will have a five year old with us next week but we're staying at Pop Century.

Every single Disney resort has pros and cons. You have to figure out within your family what is right for you. I think you are seeing the bright eyed perfect Disney trip with your kids and want the monorail just for Magic Kingdom. Your husband is seeing dollar signs. You will be there seven days. Are all your days going to be Magic Kingdom only? You will have to either take the monorail around to the TTC (which is kind of a waste of time) or walk to the TTC to get to Epcot. You will have to take buses to the Studios and Animal Kingdom and I think the Polynesian shares a route with other monorail resorts (but I'm not sure so no flames on that one, please). So, other than only Magic Kingdom, being on the monorail doesn't do you that much good.

I'm siding with your husband on this one but I think you have some serious discussions ahead.

 

[AJA]

You really can't make a wrong decision. I would LOVE to stay on the monorail but it is very expensive. You should get a really good discount at that time. If I were making the decision I'd go with Wilderness Lodge it's a little less expensive (you should get at least a 30% off discount).

If you want to try a moderate I would suggest either of the POR resorts. You have to use the bus for all the parks but the boat to DTD is a real treat. And the savings of POR vs Poly is huge.

 

[no capes darling]

How about doing a split-stay at a value or moderate; then going to Poly... afterwards you and your husband can hash out between yourselves which was the better choice. I think which one is the best option is such an individual thing that you're not going to get the answer you really are looking for because of the sheer number of people here with their feelings of what is better.

I have friends that will ONLY stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge- no where else will do. Others I know are completely happy staying off site. I know for myself I'll never return to All-Stars for a value, but would happily return to Pop.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I also second trying to rent points at the Bay Lake Towers (at the contemporary). The site the Dis recommends is this just put in your dates. It is $13 per point. With two kids maybe a 1 bedroom, lake view would be nice.

A split stay is a good idea too!

 

[laura0528]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am now leaning towards a moderate or value. Either POFQ/POR or POP.

Now to start thinking about dinning options.

 

[no capes darling]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am now leaning towards a moderate or value. Either POFQ/POR or POP.

Now to start thinking about dinning options.

I love love love POFQ. One nice thing about it is the resort is so small that you're not walking forever to get to the food court or busses. And the boat ride to DTD is a nice perk, too!