Polynesian, Contemporary or Split Stay?

[captainkidd]

Hi all. Curious to hear some opinions.

Stayed at the Poly 4 times, and we obviously love it. Never stayed at the Contemporary, as the theme (or lack thereof) does not appeal to me. However, having stayed at both the Poly and GF, I feel like we should stay at the Contemporary at least once. We're booked for 11 nights at the Poly in July. Right off, I'll say I'm not a fan of split stays, but I would consider it. If we stayed at the Contemporary, it would be in the Tower with a MK view. What should we do?

 

[Scuttle]

Hi all. Curious to hear some opinions.

Stayed at the Poly 4 times, and we obviously love it. Never stayed at the Contemporary, as the theme (or lack thereof) does not appeal to me. However, having stayed at both the Poly and GF, I feel like we should stay at the Contemporary at least once. We're booked for 11 nights at the Poly in July. Right off, I'll say I'm not a fan of split stays, but I would consider it. If we stayed at the Contemporary, it would be in the Tower with a MK view. What should we do?

I hear you about the theming, but I highly recommend the Contemporary. I have stayed at the WL, Poly, Contemporary and GF and the Contemporary was our favorite. Hands down the best rooms out of those four resorts. Plus the walkway to the MK is great. I say go for it. We had a great time. The one downside I would say is the pool is nothing special, but you can always hop on the monorail and go to the GF or Poly.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I love the Contemporary but wouldn't want to do a hot weather trip there because the pool isn't all that awesome. There's better to be had. After our recent September melt-your-face trip I wouldn't do a hot weather stay away from Stormalong Bay. I know that wasn't one of your choices but it was sooooo awesome we wanted to spend all our afternoons there...and every morning in the parks we spent wishing we were there.....and every evening talking about being back there...... LOL!

 

[captainkidd]

I hear you about the theming, but I highly recommend the Contemporary. I have stayed at the WL, Poly, Contemporary and GF and the Contemporary was our favorite. Hands down the best rooms out of those four resorts. Plus the walkway to the MK is great. I say go for it. We had a great time. The one downside I would say is the pool is nothing special, but you can always hop on the monorail and go to the GF or Poly.

Interesting reply. The rooms, though not my type, do look nice. How do you find the lack of ceiling fans? I hate when the room doesn't get cold enough, especially since we're there in July. Also, the bathrooms have an odd design. We have a lot of toiletries with 5 people. Where does it all go?

The pool isn't a HUGE issue, as the Poly pool while cool, is too small. One issue that concerns me about the pool is going from our room to the pool area in our bathing suits, and back. Just seems kind of uncomfortable with the escalators and business people around.

 

[zurgandfriend]

We have stayed at both and prefer the Contemporary.

The rooms, which were refurbished a few years ago, are in my dear wife’s and my opinion much nicer than the Polynesian.

The pools as a previous poster mentioned are okay but may not be as nice as some other resorts but again, in our opinion, are equal to or better than the Polynesian. Granted we have not stayed at the Polynesian since 2009 and I have heard of some improvement to the Poly’s quiet pool since then.

We love the Kona Café especially breakfast, but find that the California Grill, The Wave, Chef Mickey’s and the Contempo Cafe more enjoyable than the Ohana and Captain Cook’s .We still make ADR’s for breakfast at the Kona every trip being on the monorail is great!

My dear wife loves the Bay View Gifts, between BVG and Mouse Gear she usually finds most of her souvenirs. The only other store she regularly visits is the Christmas store in Liberty Square. We currently have a distinctive Disney Tree in the Living Room.

The Polynesian Resort’s theme is of course just that Polynesia. Some say the theme of the Contemporary is “cement slab” but to us it says Walt Disney with the monorail running through the tower gum drop shaped trees.

Did I mention you can walk to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Meeko's Mom]

I would definiately recommend the Contemporary Tower MK view. We have stayed there twice once in the Tower w/a Magic Kingdom View (12th Fl., got upgraded) our very first visit and our second visit we stayed in a Garden Wing prior to it becoming BLT. Would never stay in the wing again but would stay in the Tower in a second. Our first visit being on the 12th Floor w/MK view set the bar very high, so I have to say I was disappointed by the Garden Wing. Happy Holidays!! :xmas:

 

[captainkidd]

Dining is another slight concern. California Grille isn't quite my cup of tea. However, I love Ohana. Chef Mickey's I don't have an issue with, but it's too expensive. I prefer Kona. Never eaten at The Wave. Can't imagine Contempo Cafe is any worse than Captain Cook's.

 

[Minthorne]

Ok so this is my first post here, though I've been a lurking guest for awhile. But I wanted to chime in here. The Contemporary is my favorite resort. Maybe I just like the understated themeing, the upscale but not over-done (I think Grand Floridian is overdone) feel of the place. I think the Poly is great but I think you should do the split and give the Contemporary a try!

I can't wait until Jan 15 for my week long trip in the Contemporary Tower MK view- and I was there just last June!!

 

[minniemickeyfan]

I voted for the split stay since you're happy it seems with the Poly and want to try the Contemporary. At least this way, if you don't like the Contemporary, you will still stay at Poly. And maybe do the Contemporary first and save what you know for last.

 

[MaryJaneP]

I'll join the split stay vote. Have stayed at, and loved both, why not do some of each. By splitting, you can be certain you will enjoy that with which you have experience, as well as excitement about trying something new. I'd be interested in hearing your final choice and how you enjoyed your stay. Since you know you love Poly, maybe finish there. If you love CR as well, it could be further motivation for your next visit.

 

[ryguy]

I won't lie I am Polynesian snob. But my kids wanted to stay at the Contemporary over Thanksgiving so we gave it a try. The MK View tower rooms were awesome. It's so nice to be in your pj's and watch the fireworks. Walking to the MK is also a big plus. The downside was the pool stunk, and I thought the contempo cafe while good just didn't have enough seating. People were constantly looking for seats. My wife thought the Contemporary room lacked storage space. Both are really good, but if you haven't stayed at the Contemporary I would say give it a try. Either way your solid. Have fun!!

 

[disneylemons]

I would vote for the split stay - that way you KNOW you will be happy with your room for at least half the stay..that being said.. I love Poly, and not a fan of the "no theme" of the Contemporary. But a couple years ago we stayed at the BLT with a 2 bedroom suite and it was fantastic. I also think the Contempo Cafe is one of the better counter serves and I love the excitement of Chef Mickey's even when we aren't eating there..just fun! Haven't tried the Wave yet..but will I'm sure!

 

[dreamscometrue]

I vote split stay.

We've done split for our last several trips of 8 nights or longer, and we love the change. I guess the one thing we do differently is try to split between 2'very different' resorts.

The last time was between the kinetic atmosphere of BLT, being so close to MK, fireworks, monorail, etc. and the serenity of AKL. We like the contrast. Even though the Poly and Contemporary are both on the monorail line, they are different enough that a split would give 2 somewhat different experiences.

Regardless...enjoy your vacation! :wave:

 

[Peg J]

I never thought I'd like the Contemporary either but decided to give it a try last year. LOVED IT!! You can't beat the great location and the rooms were very nice. I must say I was a bit nervous when we say our room was right above the monorail......never heard a sound.

It was wonderful to sit on the balcony every night to watch Wishes (if we weren't in the parks).

Stayed at the Poly for the first time this summer - although I love the theming, I found it a bit "tired". Also had a theme park view but it seemed much farther away. If they would update the buildings, it would be so much better - rooms were fine.

We also did a split stay this past summer - AKL/Poly. Really was no hassle to change - they send the luggage.

I HIGHLY recommend trying the Contemporary - even for just a few nights.

Enjoy!!!

 

[worldfanatic]

I vote split stay.

We've done split for our last several trips of 8 nights or longer, and we love the change. I guess the one thing we do differently is try to split between 2'very different' resorts.

I agree, we love "splitting".
In fact, I doubt we'll ever visit WDW again without splitting our stay.
Disney has so many great Resorts to choose from, why limit your trip to one?

People complain about having to pack again, but it's not that hard.
And you get that awesome feeling of starting a "new vacation" halfway through your trip. :sohappy:

 

[worldtraveler]

Having only stayed at these resorts while at WDW, I can say my preference is the Poly. We stayed in Tahiti and it was perfect for my fam because of its proximity to the TTC. We don't mind walking a lil bit, so the walk to the Great Ceremonial House wasn't bad everyday. But, we would just go to the TTC anytime we visited the MK or EPCOT. And having to only crawl back to your room after eating at O'Hana's isn't bad either.

 

[Scuttle]

Interesting reply. The rooms, though not my type, do look nice. How do you find the lack of ceiling fans? I hate when the room doesn't get cold enough, especially since we're there in July. Also, the bathrooms have an odd design. We have a lot of toiletries with 5 people. Where does it all go?

The pool isn't a HUGE issue, as the Poly pool while cool, is too small. One issue that concerns me about the pool is going from our room to the pool area in our bathing suits, and back. Just seems kind of uncomfortable with the escalators and business people around.

The Rooms were incredible. The AC unit was very cold. I agree with the other poster that the Contemporary is a better cold weather resort, but having said that we went in August last year and it was our favorite trip yet. I guess I like being on bay lake and having the boat to FW and WL. We went over to FW for lunch one day. It's just an extra plus when compared to the Poly or GF. The walkway to MK is a HUGE perk IMO as well. I say do it. When the FLE opens we are going to stay in a Tower theme park view.

P.S. The bathroom was big from what I remember. The sinks are odd, but pretty cool at the same time.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

Since you're getting an MK view and have already stayed at the Poly, I say go Contemp. I prefer the Poly themeing and layout, but after you see the MK view at night time all your other concerns about the Contemp. are instantly forgoten about. My 1st preference is the Poly, but if I can swing another Contemp. MK view again I won't hesitate. And I'm not a fan of split stays. Never done it, never will. Too many better things to do then changing resorts.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

Interesting reply. The rooms, though not my type, do look nice. How do you find the lack of ceiling fans? I hate when the room doesn't get cold enough, especially since we're there in July.

Rooms get plenty cold !!! Proof ? I prefer my rooms Arctic, came back a few nite's and found the refrigerator escaped onto the balcony !!! :ROFLOL:

 

[Foolish Mortal]

The pool isn't a HUGE issue, as the Poly pool while cool, is too small. One issue that concerns me about the pool is going from our room to the pool area in our bathing suits, and back. Just seems kind of uncomfortable with the escalators and business people around.

My initial reply to this is I don't think anyone is going to look at you funny. Seriously, everyone realises it's a hotel 1st and foremost !! And IF anyone looks at you funny.....go shake yourself off on 'em. Kinda like a dog coming out of the rain.