Art of Animation or Poly?

MinnesotaFriar

MinnesotaFriar

Member
So we're heading back to Disney for New Year's yet again (yes, it's crowded then, but we did it this past year and we loved it, we used to be season pass holders so we've done/rode just about everything, we mostly go these days for the ambiance and to re-live past great memories).

We're currently debating where to stay. This past year, we stayed at the Contemporary and loved it. We had previously stayed at Value resorts because we were passholders and we'd spend (almost) no time at the hotel. The Contemporary was a great stay, for sure.

Right now, we're sort of between AoA. We are an "old" family, the oldest "child" will be turning 24 while there (but we still love going!) and AoA family suites look very spacious and might be a good fit for a family of five, with nobody that's particularly young.

At the same time, Polynesian looks wonderful (we're also looking to eat at 'Ohana during our trip). We're also looking to have a "pool day" (we've actually never had one of these, but it seems like it'd be fun) and I assume that Poly has a good pool area?

Basically, when weighing the pro's of both (and our family situation), and considering that Poly is more expensive, what say you all?
 
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SHAUN39

SHAUN39

Member
MinnesotaFriar said:
So we're heading back to Disney for New Year's yet again (yes, it's crowded then, but we did it this past year and we loved it, we used to be season pass holders so we've done/rode just about everything, we mostly go these days for the ambiance and to re-live past great memories).

We're currently debating where to stay. This past year, we stayed at the Contemporary and loved it. We had previously stayed at Value resorts because we were passholders and we'd spend (almost) no time at the hotel. The Contemporary was a great stay, for sure.

Right now, we're sort of between AoA. We are an "old" family, the oldest "child" will be turning 24 while there (but we still love going!) and AoA family suites look very spacious and might be a good fit for a family of five, with nobody that's particularly young.

At the same time, Polynesian looks wonderful (we're also looking to eat at 'Ohana during our trip). We're also looking to have a "pool day" (we've actually never had one of these, but it seems like it'd be fun) and I assume that Poly has a good pool area?

Basically, when weighing the pro's of both (and our family situation), and considering that Poly is more expensive, what say you all?
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If money is not an option then go with the Poly,I have just booked my next stay there for 2013,I think its worth every penny spent,not just for the scenery and good restaurants but for the ease of getting to the parks.Good luck with what ever you and your family choose
 
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Joshua&CalebDad

Joshua&CalebDad

Well-Known Member
MinnesotaFriar said:
Right now, we're sort of between AoA. We are an "old" family, the oldest "child" will be turning 24 while there (but we still love going!) and AoA family suites look very spacious and might be a good fit for a family of five, with nobody that's particularly young.
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I agree with everyone else when on staying at the Poly. Another fact to look at though is the fact that you have older children. They will probably enjoy Poly more. If you had younger kids, say under 10, I might have suggested AoA.
 
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HouCuseChickie

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
While I haven't stayed at either, if I were faced with the decision I would pick the Poly. We've stayed at the Contemporary and loved the room size and convenience...so surely the Poly would be even more of that big room ultra convenient goodness. :D
 
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Clamman73

Clamman73

Well-Known Member
Waking up early and going down to the beach, walking over to the lobby listening to the Poly loop music, walking over the little bridge where the water flows to the pool, the foliage, walking into the iconic lobby of Poly, going upstairs to Kona for breakfast and ordering a Samoan and then hopping on the monorail to MK...how awesome is that..very.
 
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MinnesotaFriar

MinnesotaFriar

Member
Original Poster
I think I should clarify that money IS a factor. ;)

Now, we're not traveling on a shoestring budget or anything like that, but when Polynesian is almost double the price (looks like AoA is $425/night whereas Poly is $700/night), well, money almost HAS to be a factor.

That said, I love the post from Clamman (thank you for that imagery, very tempting!) and while it's not entirely up to me, I'm leaning towards Poly!
 
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pixiesteno

pixiesteno

Well-Known Member
I don't know, I like the ambiance at the poly, but have never stayed there. AOA looks like a really nice resort and seems to have a pretty neat main pool, it would definately be something that I might consider. We have stayed with our adult son at ASMu family suites and have had ample room. I guess it would come down to how much time at the resort and what kind of ambiance you are looking for in relation to funding. I would love to stay at the Poly someday, but I am not sure that I could justify in my mind the price per night. That may just be me, can you tell that my grandparents, who lived through the great depression, had a large hand in raising me? ;) If staying at the Poly is going to impact other activities during the trip or length of stay, why not do a cost anaylsis and share with everyone and make a joint decision?
 
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ShookieJones

ShookieJones

We need time for things to happen.
MinnesotaFriar said:
I think I should clarify that money IS a factor. ;)

Now, we're not traveling on a shoestring budget or anything like that, but when Polynesian is almost double the price (looks like AoA is $425/night whereas Poly is $700/night), well, money almost HAS to be a factor.

That said, I love the post from Clamman (thank you for that imagery, very tempting!) and while it's not entirely up to me, I'm leaning towards Poly!
Click to expand...

So money is a factor....BUT....It apparently looks like you can afford the Poly. So it comes down to what you want to spend your money on at the end of the day....
You dropped some coin at the Contemporary and enjoyed it, you're going to have a similar if not better experience at another monorail resort....
so if it's just an either or situation...as everyone else has stated..
THE POLY.
It's a no brainer really.
 
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MinnesotaFriar

MinnesotaFriar

Member
Original Poster
Thanks again to everyone!

But let's take money out of the equation sort of, and I'll couch the question from a different angle...

Let's say it's either 2 nights (and 2 days at the parks) at Poly or 3 nights (and 2 days at the parks) at AoA? Money would be about a wash at that point.

Would you still go Poly for 2 nights (and also, from what I understand, it's quite nice to spend New Year's Eve at the beach at Poly when the year changes, we spent this past on the observation deck at the Contemporary and that was great, as well)?
 
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tsaintc

tsaintc

Well-Known Member
I have never stayed @ the Poly, but have been on the property often. If your decision is based only on atmosphere, I would vote the Poly. However, you may want to consider some of the other points such as cost.

Just a few other thoughts as well . . . If you have your heart set on 'Ohana, I would try to book ASAP. Very limited space there already. Also, I would not bet on using any pool during your stay. Winter temps in Fla are very unpredictable. During our last trip for the Holidays in 2010/11, daily temps did not reach the 60s during the 12 days we were there.
 
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kaelynj1s

kaelynj1s

New Member
I have never stayed at either resort. But if it were up to me, I would choose the Poly because of the convenience of the monorail. I would much rather be on the monorail than shoved on a bus with all those people after a loooong day at the park.
 
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WDW_Emily

WDW_Emily

Well-Known Member
I have never stayed at the poly but just returned from a trip where we stayed at AoA. Our family of five fit perfectly in our suite. The youngest person in my family is 12 and I am the oldest child at 20. It's your typical value resort but geared towards families of 5 or 6. Most tables in the cafe seat 5+, etc. The pools are wonderful, the main lobby/food court area is gorgeous.
However I had also heard great things about the poly so I think you will be happy at either one :)
 
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