Wilderness Lodge or Polynesion ?

[Ron from Michigan]

We are going in Dec. and trying to decide between Wilderness Lodge or Polynesion? Have never stayed at either one. Thanks for any info.

 

[Tess]

I want to be as far from the cold as I can get. . .Polynesian and its south seas ambience is just the ticket! Then, of course, I'm pretty biased since it's also our favorite resort.

Really, the transportation options are more varied at Polynesian which makes things more accessible.

That's my vote anyway. . .

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Poly! Unless money is a problem.

1. Larger, nicer pools.
2. Larger rooms.
3. Tropical theme.
4. Way better parking.
5. Better transporation.
6. The best cm's.

MKY

 

[enord]

I agree with mkymouse4ever.

Go with the Poly.

 

[Andy123]

I'm going to toss a vote in favor of the Wilderness Lodge... we have stayed at the Lodge many times, and at the Polynesian many times... I think the cast members are better at the Wilderness Lodge. On our last trip, we saw one of the former Polynesian Concierge cast members working the front desk of the Lodge! Yes, the lodge is a further away. But that's part of the charm of it. It feels like its in the Wilderness without really being there!!! There is no monorail, but the buses are good. We have never had a problem with the transportation at the Lodge, but have waited for a long time for a bus at the Polynesian. It's a personal choice. I think these are the two best themed resorts on property so you're not going to go wrong. The rooms at the Polynesian are bigger, but they are also older. My favorite is the Lodge, but I also like the Polynesian, it's just not my favorite anymore.

 

[erikthewise]

If money is not an issue, then the Polynesian is the BEST!
But Wilderness Lodge can be an excellent value. It's not unusual to get a rate of $130-140/night during off-season. Think of WL as a high-end Moderate or a low-end Deluxe and you'll have the right idea.

 

[daannzzz]

That is a tough decision to make. The Poly does have bigger rooms and bathrooms and a daybed. The tropical atmosphere is awesome BUT IMHO if I went in December I would rather stay at the WL. If it is cold while you are there the atmosphere works much better at the WL. Imagine all those palm trees and tropical plants in 45 degree weather VS. a cold morning at a log cabin. if the weather is warmer it works at the WL too.
The boat to the MK is nice but the monorail is fun too. I love the Poly but would choose the WL in colder months.

 

[CamColt]

Exactly what Tess said.

 

[Guapy]

This is a tough one, but I will throw in another vote for the WL. I just got back a week ago, and the WL was amazing. It was my first time staying there. No, it does not have the monorail, but this seems to be one of its pluses as well. It just seems there is less traffic at this resort. And it also was the most relaxing resort I have stayed at. I never spent so much time at my resort before as I did last week. I love the Polynesian as well and have stayed there several times, it was definitely my favorite. But WL has now taken its place.

WL positives

1. Soothing music in the background
2. Magnificent lobby
3. Great snack bar
4. Less traffic
5. Quieter children
6. Relaxing cozy atmosphere
7. $100 less a night (siginificant difference)
8. December is a great time to visit with all the fireplaces around the lobby

 

[Eeyore1954]

Ron: If you are going in Dec., you MUST stay at WL. The decorations alone are worth the trip. Beyond that, the Lodge is simply wonderful. Sitting in the rockers by the fireplace is a great way to relax. Whispering Canyon is a terrific restaurant -- full of good food and good fun, too. The Lodge tours are great, the geyser is fun, the hidden Mickey hunt is wonderful. You are in the middle of Disney, but if you want to get away from it all, you can walk a few feet and find wonderful peace and quiet.

As others may have suggested, you might want to do a split trip: a few days at the Poly and a few days at WL. That way you can experience both! If you have a tough time choosing, this might be the way to go.

Whichever one you choose, I hope you have a truly magical vacation!

 

[Carpe'Disney]

Here's a vote for the Poly and here's why:

Stayed at both at least twice.

1. Requested a view of the castle during a December trip at the Poly. I got it at was then the Morrea building(think it is tiki now..not sure) on the second floor. We thought the view was incredible. Wake up in the morning and see the castle it was breathtaking. Another plus, one that we were very happy with was that you could watch the fireworks from the Christmas party from your balcony or lying in bed. (romance galore)

2. Transportation. If you drive you are close to your car. If you dont you are close to a bus or monorail or boat. Your pick!

3. I found the poly less crowded than the Wilderness lodge. Especially with the DVC there. This is just my opinion, of course.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks everyone for there opinions, we will take them all seriously. Maybe we will split our time between the two.

 

[Lori of the Lodge]

I vote for splitting your vacation between the two resorts.

Last year we split our stay between Dixie Landings and Wilderness Lodge. We went to Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM, and Universal while we were at DL, then we moved to the WL and used the boat to access MK. We would also take the boat to MK, then transfer to the TTC Monorail and hop on the Epcot Monorail. (you can also do this by taking the boat to CR and taking the Resorts Monorail) It's lots more fun than the bus!!

Spliting was a good experience, however if I had it to do over again, I'd have stayed at WL for our entire vacation. Wilderness Lodge is WONDERFUL I haven't stayed at the Poly yet, maybe next time we will do a few nights there.

 

[jwfla422]

I also vote for both. Split your stay if you can. They are 2 very different experiences.

We've stayed at both. I prefer the convenience of the POLY especially if your building is near the TTC. The ambiance there is beautiful.

But, I also like WL's ambiance also. I like renting bikes and riding through the FW area and stopping at the petting farm. This should be an experience for our dd since we're staying at WL this next trip.

We have a car so transportation issues won't be a problem. I have to admit we have had problems with that in the past with WL's buses. We will valet so if we go to another resort for a meal we can valet there too which will make it easy for us.

I do agree there is more space in the POLY's rooms. Depends on how many of you are going.

WL is a good value (especially off season) and the Artist Point is also an excellent restaurant as is the Trail's End Buffeteria at FW (just a boat ride away).

I think it's hard to compare the 2 but if I were given one rate for both I'd lean towards the POLY mainly because of the convenience.

 

[hmp2z]

I haven't stayed overnight in either, but I have to say, there is a SMELL on one side of the Polynesian lobby (back left) that makes me seriously ill. Smells like mutton tallow, if you have ever experienced that. Bleh....
I think that the lobby at the WL is beautiful, and we are going to be spending 4 nights of our wedding/honeymoon stay at the WL this August. Of course, my first and only love is the GF, but it is always good to try something new...
Good luck with your decision!
Heather P

 

[redd45]

I've stayed at the polynesian,haven't stayed in wl room but did stay at vwl. I love having the monorail but other than that prefer the WL. I really liked the lobby and thought the fast food place was better. My husband also preferred the wl. My DD prefered the Poly,monorail,ohana's,pina coladas although she hasn't stayed at the WL. I did notice the smell at the Polynesian,kind of sickening,DD didn't notice it. I really didn't help did I(lol).Susan

 

[KJMAX1]

We are staying at the WL in August, and got a rate of 120.00 a night. I must say, dont forget those bubbling hot springs you could climb into, in Dec.

 

[jmarie]

I am having the exact same dilemma. This past weekend, I did a "search" for all WL and Poly threads. Exhausting. When I think I have decided on one, I read something to change my mind, and this goes on and on.
I was thinking of splitting my stay, but we're only going for 6 nights and I'm afraid this would be more disruptive than anything.
I am afraid that no matter what I pick, I will be wishing that I picked the other! When you spend this amount of $, you want the decision to be perfect. As time goes on, I will be asking more questions on these boards, so get ready...

 

[pennyplanner]

We have only stayed at WL. The reason?
We were after a bit of quiet after a busy day in any of the parks. The Lodge delivered with its majestic setting and cozy nooks.

Transportation? Not a problem in 11/99 during the Millenium Celebration. Just not driving a car for a whole week was a treat. The rides to and from were just one big scenic tour. We never encountered long waits. New system now though. We are awaiting reports.

I know people who wouldn't stay anywhere but the Poly so I'm sure it's lovely. We are hoping to try out the Kona for lunch in November so we will catch a glimpse.

For us, we prefer the woods to the tropics and WL just does it so well.

Enjoy your stay wherever you decide!

--penny

 

[PlutoPal]

I have stayed at both and loved both of them! The WL is really really nice and the atmosphere and decor there is awesome. The Poly is the same way, only with the added feature of the monorail. If I had to choose one, it would be extremely difficult for me, but I would probably pick the Poly.