Wilderness Lodge vs. Polynesian

[calap]

We are traveling to WDW for the first time in November. We have three kids (11,8,5) and are looking at a room in the Polynesian or two rooms or a suite at WL. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and can give a recommendation on what they preferred? Thank you.

 

[wdwrich]

My vote goes to the Poly. While we haven't stayed at WL, we've dined/visited many times and have been inside the rooms when friends have stayed there. The rooms at the Poly are bigger and especially for a first-time visit, the atmosphere at the Poly is wonderful. And don't forget the convenience of being on the monorail line and a short walk from the TTC. Kids (and me too) love the monorail. It's an attraction in iteself.

 

[MonoManBlue]

my vote also goes to the poly!

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and love both resorts for different reasons. But with that said, our first choice would be the Poly .....although we are booked for our third stay at the WL in December due to the awesome Christmas decorations . I have been contemplating switching to the Poly, but the WL is so beautiful at Christmas time.....and that's what's making me keep our ressie there . Both resorts offer great atmospheres so I don't think you can go wrong with either one .

 

[kaysmommie]

I love both but give the slight edge to Poly since it's on the monorail and I like the theme better since it's tropical.

 

[ntsammy5]

OK, I'll give a different opinion. We've stayed at both and while the Poly is OK, I love WL. The theming is more in line with what we like. The price is more realistic too.

 

[JimR24]

They are both beautiful reosrts and I had us booked at the Poly for our upcoming trip in September. After discussing it and visiting both reosrts we switched to the WL. We came to the conclussion that the monorail was not worth the extra $100+ dollars a night.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

they are both wonderful resorts. The poly has better transportation options as it on the monorail and you can walk to the TTC. The pools are great at both and they both have great food.

 

[MinnieSummer]

I know that Poly allows 5 people in one room, but realistically I can't see it. That's just too many people to cram into one room with one bathroom, one TV, etc. I'd do a suite or 2 connecting rooms at WL strictly for comfort and sanity reasons.

 

[Jalva22]

So, it's a single room at the Poly using the daybed v. 2 rooms or a suite at the WL? I would like to hear from someone regarding the comfort level of the daybed over the course of their stay before deciding, if it was me. If that's fine, then my vote goes to the Poly. If not, then opt for the Wilderness Lodge. Or, just opt for the one whose theming appeals to you the most. We've stayed at both and love both (along with AKL). You'd love the convenience of the monorail, but the WL is fantastic as well.

 

[Coconuts]

So, it's a single room at the Poly using the daybed v. 2 rooms or a suite at the WL? I would like to hear from someone regarding the comfort level of the daybed over the course of their stay before deciding, if it was me. If that's fine, then my vote goes to the Poly. If not, then opt for the Wilderness Lodge. Or, just opt for the one whose theming appeals to you the most. We've stayed at both and love both (along with AKL). You'd love the convenience of the monorail, but the WL is fantastic as well.

During our stay at Poly, DS slept on the daybed and loved it. The mattress was comfortable enough, not like the futon mattress that I thought it would be. I haven't priced it but I would think that 2 rooms or a suite at WL costs more than a GV at Poly. I could be wrong. I would go with Poly, based on this assumption and convenience of the monorail, closeness of the TTC, and awesome pool.

 

[Jalva22]

During our stay at Poly, DS slept on the daybed and loved it. The mattress was comfortable enough, not like the futon mattress that I thought it would be. I haven't priced it but I would think that 2 rooms or a suite at WL costs more than a GV at Poly. I could be wrong. I would go with Poly, based on this assumption and convenience of the monorail, closeness of the TTC, and awesome pool.

Thanks for addressing the daybed question! In that case, I'd wholeheartedly say go for the Poly.

 

[pepe of ohio]

OK, I'll give a different opinion. We've stayed at both and while the Poly is OK, I love WL. The theming is more in line with what we like. The price is more realistic too.

We've done both but sticker shock is in effect on the Poly, few or no discounts and rack rate is ridiclous. We take the saving and stay longer at WL, we prefer the one roof resort, we like the boat to the MK and we feel the pool is alittle larger and less crowded, secluded quaint resort and it has 2 hot tubs.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have stayed at each Resort and they both are great places to stay, however my vote goes to the Polynesian because of the Monorail and because of the walkway to the TTC.

 

[TJA]

We've stayed at both with young kids. For convenience purposes, the Poly wins because of the TTC and direct monorail service to both Epcot and MK. So if your focus is on convenience, then Poly has the edge. Pool and food are both very good at both resorts. Poly is more spread out, separate lobby and separate longhouses where the rooms are. WL is more compact, one building, so you walk inside the lobby and simply take elevators up to your room. You can see the Castle at Poly and it's fun being in the pool and seeing the Castle. You cannot see the Castle at WL. People have said you can see the top of Wishes at WL, but we were never in the right place at the right time. However, Wishes is very clear and visible at the Poly, if that matters to you. If you are still unsure, maybe check out pictures of both resorts. They are quite different in appearance and feel as Poly is tropical and WL is just like a lodge.

 

[TxTiggergal]

We have stayed at both and prefer the Polynesian. Being on the monorail is a huge convenience. We also really enjoyed walking out onto the beach at night and watching Wishes.

 

[MissionMouse]

We are traveling to WDW for the first time in November. We have three kids (11,8,5) and are looking at a room in the Polynesian or two rooms or a suite at WL. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and can give a recommendation on what they preferred? Thank you.

We have stayed at each one of these resorts and we would select the PR either club or MK View. The reason is location to MK and CR, GF and TTC (Epcot monorail loop), transportation, MK, fireworks, water pageant views, quick access to dining options of the other monorail resorts. Multiple forms of transportation to the MK (water/monorail or ferry). We also take advantage of water activites..and other services even though WL has them too were back to location/theme preference. The PR theme is also more appealing as well as the view of some of Disney icons (CR and MK Castle). It provides us more of a Disney feel...the WL was a "play" at our past travels in Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. This collection of why's are mostly likely indirectly factored into the price differences of the two resorts.

 

[ntsammy5]

...the WL was a "play" at our past travels in Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.

As is the Poly for past trips to Hawaii.

It is about location at Disney. Location, location, location.

 

[Tam1067]

I really like the Polynesian, and my kids refuse to stay elsewhere. The pool is nicer (zero depth entry), the Monorail is wonderful, and due to the Monorail, you have easy access to the other resorts on the loop.

 

[Jaymie]

We've stayed at both and I would pick the Poly again in a heartbeat. I doubt that we'll stay at WL again. Just didn't love it.