WL vs. Poly

stitchlover · Apr 15, 2008

We just stayed at WL for the first time and absolutely loved. So much so that we booked it for next March before we even left. But as usual we get home and start thinking about our next trip and my DH and DD start saying "Are we really going to stay at the same hotel again?" They keep thinking they need to try something different. Actually my DH would like to find about 3 hotels that we set up and rotate between. I think that is why he wants to try something different.
So ANYWAY...we have looked at Contemporary, Beach Club, Animal Kingdom and the Polynesian. Have gotten room only quotes for March '09 and I think we are leaning towards the Poly. Please tell me we will love it and I won't regret giving up my reservation at WL. I think I am probably going to make the switch later today.

JimR24 · Apr 15, 2008

We were booked at the Poly for this coming September but then switched to the WL when we visited them both. My MIL was blown away when she walked into the WL and thought it was going to be more expensive than the Poly. Yes I want to stay on a Monorail resort but I'm nit sure I can justify the cost. Will we do it one year?? You betcha.

Since you stayed at the WL, I would try the Poly. Can't see my family staying at the GF, looks to uptight and stuffy to me. The Contemporary is cool looking and it would be my 2nd choice. I say go for the Poly.

DisneyMusician2 · Apr 15, 2008

It's almost impossible to be disappointed in the Poly. I would say go for it and have a great time.

It really is fun to be on a monorail resport if you haven't done it before. :thumbsup2

slavike · Apr 15, 2008

I completely understand. We are going in September, and we have a 1 and 4 year old and I hemmed and hawed because I just love that monorail so much. But at the same time we have never stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, I have never even been in it. I have been going to disney every year of my life and I have never been there. So I am forcing myself to change...

Enough about me..I can't help you with the WL but I can with POLY. It's VERY NICE. Now I don't have a favorite hotel because they are all so different, but we tend to stay here often. We stay in Tuvalu with a a MK View and it's little slice of paradise. Lush Quiet and the water is super peaceful...Let me do some pro's and con's for you..

Pros':

Monorail to the parks and during the day (see cons for leaving the parks at night). Boat Launch to MK and from MK at night (it's less busy than the monorail). Zero Entry Pool. Kona Cafe in the Hotel. Incredible Staff. Lush Landscaping. Watercraft Rentals. Close to GF Spa. Beach access for Firework Viewings and Hammock Relaxing (oh and late night movies if weather permits). Excellent Conceirge if you get a room in Hawaii. Wyland Gallery. Hawaiian Style Decor in rooms. Brady Bunch Hawaii Decor throughout Resort

. Walkway to TTC.

Cons:
Monorail from MK leaving Parks at night can be Chaos. Not always the classiest of guests ( I don't know why, but it always seems that this hotel has some trashy guests in both the pool area and the quick service dinning area, unlike any other hotel WDW). Captain Cooks - It's Small and Confusing since the rehab and there isn't a great deal fo seating. Size - It can be a walk from your hotel room to the Ceremional House. And finally, Brandy Bunch Hawaii Decor Throughout resort.

stitchlover · Apr 15, 2008

Thank you so much for your replies.

You will love Wilderness Lodge, those that indicated they are staying there next. We did. It was an incredible experience and we are very sad to not go back. But I can understand my husband's idea about finding 2 or 3 that we rotate among.

WL finally answered that question we have always had "Are the deluxe resorts worth the extra money?" The answer was hands down YES! Everything from the look and feel of the resort, the buses to and from the park (never was our bus standing room only and this was Easter Week folks!), the staff at the resort, the food in the food court, the extra things to do at the resort, and to have queen sized beds, etc. I believe that as long as we continue to have jobs and make wise financial decisions we are Deluxe bound from here on out.

We did call and make change our resort this afternoon. I requested one of the newer buildings because we really liked having a balcony at WL. I know all the newer buildings have balconies at the Poly. I am very excited about having such easy access to the monorail. It ended up costing about $950 more for the upgrade from WL to Poly but we are easily able to handle that increase.

Once again thank you for your replies. Now I have to go change my ticker!

mickeynut1 · Apr 15, 2008

stitchlover said:
Thank you so much for your replies.

You will love Wilderness Lodge, those that indicated they are staying there next. We did. It was an incredible experience and we are very sad to not go back. But I can understand my husband's idea about finding 2 or 3 that we rotate among.

WL finally answered that question we have always had "Are the deluxe resorts worth the extra money?" The answer was hands down YES! Everything from the look and feel of the resort, the buses to and from the park (never was our bus standing room only and this was Easter Week folks!), the staff at the resort, the food in the food court, the extra things to do at the resort, and to have queen sized beds, etc. I believe that as long as we continue to have jobs and make wise financial decisions we are Deluxe bound from here on out.

We did call and make change our resort this afternoon. I requested one of the newer buildings because we really liked having a balcony at WL. I know all the newer buildings have balconies at the Poly. I am very excited about having such easy access to the monorail. It ended up costing about $950 more for the upgrade from WL to Poly but we are easily able to handle that increase.

Once again thank you for your replies. Now I have to go change my ticker!