Wilderness Lodge vs. Polynesian

[Klib624]

We take our summer vacation each year to WDW. The first year we stayed at a Value Resort (Movies). The next year after learning how the whole week at WDW worked we decided to stay at moderate resort. We have been at POR for the past three years. This summer we enjoyed one of the newly remodeled Royal Rooms and it was nice. The only negative thing about POR is everything is so far away and spread out. Id rather leave alot of that walking for the parks!

In 2013 we want to change it up a little and enjoy the Deluxe resort and see if its really worth it. We are back and forth between WL and Poly. I need feedback. Which one is more bang for the buck. We LOVE the idea of being so close the MK via Monorail. One of our bigggest concerns is that there isnt a food court at the Deluxe resorts because we are used to coming back to POR and having a late dinner from the counter service.

I would LOVE to hear some feedback. We are booking the end of this month for June 2013

 

[wdwrich]

Both Poly and WL are wonderful resorts. I would choose based on which theming appeals to you. We prefer the Poly (love the tropical theme, large rooms, and the Poly has the best transportation options). Also, Captain Cooks at the Poly is open 24 hours if that's important to you.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I would go for the Wilderness Lodge - it is a beautiful resort and in a convenient location without the pricetag of the Poly - in my mind definitely more bang for your buck.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The Poly is my favorite resort, but the WL is a close second. When factoring in value for the price, I think WL comes out on top. The Poly does have the edge when considering the monorail to Epcot. But the boat from the WL to the MK doesn't take that long and it's comfortable and relaxing.

Neither of these resorts have a food court, but they do both have decent (albeit small) quick service restaurants. Captain Cooks at the Poly seemed to have a bit more variety than Roaring Forks at the WL and being able to get a Dole Whip for dessert at the Poly definitely scored some points with me.

If price isn't a consideration, go with the Poly. If you are looking for more value for your money, choose the WL.

 

[MousePrincess]

We did a split stay in January because I couldn't decide between the two so I know exactly where you're coming from! Like PP said WL is cheaper so that helps alot and there should be less walking there (depending on where you get a room I guess). The Poly sections are spread out but def not as much as a moderate. Both have quick service food options. They are just smaller/less selection than moderates. I preferred the Poly's qs but then again we didn't eat at either one much. Overall, the Poly has become my favorite resort but I certainly wouldn't be upset staying at WL again either!

 

[Turtlegirl]

Just to clarify...WL is not on the monorail, one of the reasons the Poly is so much more expensive. Also, the rooms at the Poly are march larger than at WL.

 

[jdtopgun71]

We have stayed at WL Villas twice now and love the resort. Have never stayed at the Poly but have eaten at Capt Hooks several times and always enjoy walking around the grounds and checking out the lobby and their gift shop. Personally I'd pick the Poly only because we've never stayed there and our goal is to stay at them all eventually, but if I were to recommend one over the other based on what I've seen, I'd go with Wilderness Lodge. The grounds are beautiful and we love the pool. We were lucky enough to stay in the Villas both times, so needless to say, the rooms were spectacular. My understanding is the rooms at Poly are larger than typical deluxe rooms so that may be a benefit to you.

As far as the transportation, a previous poster mentioned that the boat ride from WL is comfortable and doesn't take that long. This is true, once you are on the boat, but sometimes we've waited as long as 15 to 30 mins depending on when you get to the dock. With that said, the Poly clearly has a transportation advantage being a monorail resort.

But really, you can't go wrong with either one you choose! Enjoy your trip!

 

[taylor3297]

We love the Poly. There are so many transportation options. You have the monorail, buses, boat and you can walk to the TTC.

 

[wdwrich]

Just wanted to add that the transportation advantage for the Poly isn't just that it's on the monorail line- it's the fact that there are lots of options for travel:
-Monorail
-Buses
-Boat to MK
-Short walk to TTC for EPCOT monorail, ferry, or other park buses

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and while we love both for different reasons, the Poly is our favorite and that would be my choice . The WL is a beautiful resort, but the Poly has an edge for us in that the rooms are much larger and all rooms come with a daybed. It's also very convenient to be just 2 monorail stops from MK and just a 5 minute walk from the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail. Also, the tropical atmosphere is beautiful, it's relaxing walking around at night under the lit tiki torches, the volcano pool is great as you have a distant view of the castle while swimming, and the beach is great for lying in a hammock watching the fireworks . As far as CS, Captain Cooks at the Poly is one of our favorite resort CS places (with Roaring Forks at the WL being our second favorite). There isn't as much variety as the value and moderate food courts, but we love the selection there and have never had trouble finding something good to eat. You are also just a monorail ride away from Gasparilla's at the GF and Contempo Cafe at the CR if you want more variety. With all of that said, you really can't go wrong with either resort as they are both great places stay and I'm sure you'll have a magical trip no matter which resort you choose .

 

[Klib624]

WOW! I am so glad I joined this board Everyone's responses have helped so much! When you think about spending that much money and have the hopes of the Deluxe Resort being "worth it"!

Thank you all for sharing! Now whats the best building to request at Poly? We can't afford to be Castleview but with a 13 year old and a 6 year old I want them to get the most of the location. As I said most of our trips the past 4 years have involved MAJOR walking to get to anything in the resort.

 

[nikki7680]

Totally keeping an eye on this thread! We are in the exact same boat as you! We want try a Deluxe and I thought we settled on WL but we just keep thinking about Poly! Our dilema is that we have a pin code and with it, we can stay 7 nights at the WL for less than it would cost to stay 6 nights at the Poly. So, its a toss up between a hotel we have ALWAYS wanted to try or get an extra night in Disney?

 

[mickeynut1]

WOW! I am so glad I joined this board Everyone's responses have helped so much! When you think about spending that much money and have the hopes of the Deluxe Resort being "worth it"!

Thank you all for sharing! Now whats the best building to request at Poly? We can't afford to be Castleview but with a 13 year old and a 6 year old I want them to get the most of the location. As I said most of our trips the past 4 years have involved MAJOR walking to get to anything in the resort.

We stayed in Samoa and loved the location as it's conveniently located as it's just steps from the GCH, the volcano/quiet pool, the beach, and Captain Cooks .

Totally keeping an eye on this thread! We are in the exact same boat as you! We want try a Deluxe and I thought we settled on WL but we just keep thinking about Poly! Our dilema is that we have a pin code and with it, we can stay 7 nights at the WL for less than it would cost to stay 6 nights at the Poly. So, its a toss up between a hotel we have ALWAYS wanted to try or get an extra night in Disney?

I am in the minority that I would go with 6 nights at the Poly over 7 at the WL. We love the WL, but the Poly is just amazing and is our #1 choice resort . Also, if the Poly is a resort you have always wanted to try, doing so with a good discount is the best time to stay there since you never know if another discount will come along .

 

[uagirl]

I've stayed at WL twice and the Poly twice. I love them both so much I don't think I could pick a favorite! I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[Bettie]

This thread is very interesting to me! We have stayed Poly before and LOVED it but we are trying WL for our trip this January. One of the things I love about the Poly is the boat ride to the MK, so that is one of the reasons we chose WL. I am hoping we love it, too! It definitely has a super-enthusiastic fanbase!!

 

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

WL has 3 hot tubs, Poly has zero, might not be important to everyone but it's a deal killer for us, gotta be able to soak and loosen up those muscles after a long day in the parks!

 

[Kae]

WL has 3 hot tubs, Poly has zero, might not be important to everyone but it's a deal killer for us, gotta be able to soak and loosen up those muscles after a long day in the parks!

Me too! And I love WL being in one building.

Kae

 

[DEA]

WOW! I am so glad I joined this board Everyone's responses have helped so much! When you think about spending that much money and have the hopes of the Deluxe Resort being "worth it"!

Thank you all for sharing! Now whats the best building to request at Poly? We can't afford to be Castleview but with a 13 year old and a 6 year old I want them to get the most of the location. As I said most of our trips the past 4 years have involved MAJOR walking to get to anything in the resort.

I'm partial to the Tahiti building at the Poly. It's one of the newer buildings in the complex, the rooms are larger than most of the other longhouses (476 sq. ft. vs. 415 sq. ft, Rapa Nui and Tokelau are the other longhouses with larger rooms), and although it is a few minutes' walk to the GCH, it is very close to the TTC, which gives you plenty of transportation options, and you are in a good position along the beach away from the crowds (who tend to be closer to the pool) for Wishes viewing.

 

[Lisann]

Polynesian is superior to Wilderness Lodge, in my opinion. Both are GREAT resorts, but the rooms are bigger at Poly and I really like that...don't feel so cramped. Poly has monorail access, and that is hard to beat!! ) The rooms at WL are small to me, and so I would go with Polynesian if you can swing it money-wise.

 

[Belle'sFan]

We first stayed at WL and loved it! We then tried the Poly and were surprised to find we didn't like it as much. One thing I didn't like were the crowds that came twice per night for the luau dinner show. Also the lack of a hot tub. I was also surprised that the monorail was not as great as I imagined. It was a walk to the main building and then up the stairs to get to the monorail. Often it was standing room only. Once it broke down and that was terrible! We also felt the theming at the poly was less authentic than at WL. I liked that the WL is a little more away - I felt it was more relaxing and break from the hustle. I felt the poly is exciting, but hard for kids to settle down because of the vibrant atmosphere and view of the castle. Guess I'm in the minority, but after a day in the parks I like a break someplace peaceful.