WL vs. Poly

[AlexTina]

We are staying at the WL for our upcoming trip, however, we are a family full of Poly addicts. I'm curious for those of you who have stayed at both, were you just as happy at the WL. I think it looks beautiful and am excited about staying there and DH has wanted to try it for awhile now so given the great AP rate we figured we would give it a shot. My dd (6) on the other hand has already convinced herself that she is going to hate it (drama queen).

I'll give a little background. We've stayed at GF and actually left to go back to the Poly, stayed at the CR loved the view of the MK and fireworks but hated the view of the parking lot (we really prefer to see trees, flowers, etc..) probably wouldn't spend the money to stay there again, stayed at YC and really liked that, and we've stayed at AKL and had a blast but that was back when it was just Me, DH, and DD#1. So there you have it help me convince myself that I've made the right choice, LOL...

 

[disneyag]

We have stayed at both. We love the Poly more, but the WL was really nice. The lobby is gorgeous. The WL rooms are a little smaller than the Poly. However, everything is is one building, which is nice if it's raining and you want to fill your refillable mug. I think you'll be happy there.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and love them both for different reasons. I have to be honest and say the Poly is our #1 fav resort, but the WL runs a close second . I think you will be happy staying there. Like the pp said, the rooms at the WL are a little smaller than the Poly, but it is just as beautiful a resort and the theming is great . We are booked at the WL in December (the holiday decorations are AWESOME ) and that will be our third stay there .

 

[PlutoPony]

We have stayed at both and they're two totally different feelings. WL seems much more removed from the parks and the setting is the midst of pine trees looking out on a lake is tranquil. Rooms are smaller but nice and transportation decent - but not as convenient as being on the monorail. At the Poly we were constantly reminded we were at WDW, especially since you can look over the lagoon and see MK or look the other way and there's the monorail. WL is much cheaper in our experience and that's frankly why we stayed there after being at the Poly. I think it just depends on what you're looking for.....

 

[Marty Joe]

You know, AlexTina, being a Poly fan is a lot like being a Beatles fan... once you've stepped into the GCH at the Poly or heard any Beatles song the first time - you are hooked for life. Oh sure, there are a lot of other beautiful resorts and great bands, but ther're just not the Poly or the Beatles. I'm thinking about changing my name from "Marty Joe" to "PolyDaytripper"... or maybe not!

 

[AlexTina]

We have stayed at both and they're two totally different feelings. WL seems much more removed from the parks and the setting is the midst of pine trees looking out on a lake is tranquil. Rooms are smaller but nice and transportation decent - but not as convenient as being on the monorail. At the Poly we were constantly reminded we were at WDW, especially since you can look over the lagoon and see MK or look the other way and there's the monorail. WL is much cheaper in our experience and that's frankly why we stayed there after being at the Poly. I think it just depends on what you're looking for.....

This is our main reason for giving it a try, other than the fact that DH has wanted to give it a try for awhile. With the AP discount WL woods view is exactly $832 less than Poly garden view. I have to be honest if it was a matter of a couple hundred bucks we would have choosen the Poly but we're talking close to $1000 that will easily pay for all of our food and leave us a lot more for souveniers and such. I'm excited and after all the comments I think it will be a great trip. Thanks!!

 

[BillyFeat]

My family has stayed at both resorts and the Poly is superior in ameneties and location. However, the Wilderness Lodge is a fabulous resort in its own right and is $100. less per night. Every family has its own price/comfort level and WL is ours. This August will be our third consecutive year staying at the lodge and we use the hundred dollar savings to pay for the dining plan. Best of luck in choosing your resort. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

[WDW~Lover]

well, I have stayed at the WL 6/7 times (lost count) and I was at the Poly concierge for a stay and I left the Poly for the 1 bedroom at the BWV. I hated the Poly, but the WL wins for me hands down!

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've done both, Poly 3-5 times, concierge a couple. WL we've done at least 10 times and a couple times concierge too. When the Poly was cheaper and good AP discounts would come out, it was a great resort. Now, the discounts are horrible and the rack rate worse. Won't stay there anymore, really not worth it. We found the WL to be more accommodating, still a deluxe, all under one roof, pool seems to be bigger, less commotion and crowds and the price is right, more better with an AAA discount but hoping for a better AP rate. The boat to FW, CR and MK work for us, you can't get from the Poly to FW or CR without hitting the MK first. We like strolling in FW, like the pizza and pitchers of beer at Crockett's Tavern and its a good get away and just a pleasant boat ride away.

The Poly seem to put on airs as the premier resort, pool is small and packed, and I didn't like paying good money to swim in the quiet pool. The monorail is convenient but leans toward crowded too. We've used the small ferry and the big ferry to go to the MK and its a good hike, depends on which longhouse you're in, to walk to the TTC and EPCOT monorail. We've done o'hauna, again good once, changed the items too many times, too crowded and items not really cooked to our perfection and over priced. don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful resort, just not to our pocketbook anymore.

 

[AlexTina]

Thanks for the input, I'm convinced that we are going to have a great stay at the WL . I have to agree with the poster above. We love the Poly and have always stayed there and always gotten some sort of discount whether it be Visa card holder, AP, or general public, I just can't justify the prices now. Rack $399 for garden view I just can't justify this at all, $303 with AP discount still seems high to me. Last year I think we paid around $256 with AP discount and that I could handle but over $300 with a discount can't do it . I really hope we'll love the WL and I think we will, only problem is I believe this is the last year we will qualify for a standard room as DD#2 will be 2 next year and we will then officially be a family of 5 and have to pay for a room that accomodates 5. DVC is beginning to look pretty good, LOL!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have stayed at both Resorts and each have their major pros to them, so I am sure your going to love the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[simonkodousek]

I would keep your reservation at the Wilderness Lodge. Both resorts have pros and cons, but since you are getting a good rate at the WL, that would be my choice.

 

[SnowWitch]

We have stayed at both several times. We spent 8 nights at the Poly last Oct w/ a rate of $259 per night. Great rate and well worth that. But the Poly at $399 per night, no way, the only way I could justify rack rate would be for a short trip and trying to maximize MK time. We have the Poly booked for 4 nigths in July with an AP rate $303 Fri/Sat and $254 for weeknights. Its a short trip and really wanted the ease of the monorail to the MK.

The WL is by far the best themed of the Disney resort, IMHO, it may not be everyone's theme but it is impressive none the less. Yes, the rooms are smaller, but the pool area is beautiful, 2 hot tubs, bike and boat rentals, plenty of activites for kids, etc. Dining is just as good as the Poly, the only thing lacking is a character meal but come to think of it we have never been to the Poly's character meal. The rooms are a bit smaller but for a family of 4 they are fine. The boat to the MK is quite relaxing. I noticed on Deb's site the bus system looks very different from our last trip to the Wl. We have a 8 night trip with deluxe dining in Sept....Can't Wait!