Boardwalk vs. Poly: Which Should I Choose??

Blueskyze

Blueskyze

Well-Known Member
We are planning a trip for January 3-12 (adults-only anniversary trip), and we originally were thinking that we wanted to spend the whole trip at The Boardwalk. Then we decided we’d split the trip up, with the first 4 nights at AoA in one of the Little Mermaid rooms. I really wanted to see AoA, and we could put the money that we’d save toward doing a couple of tours that we really wanted to do. We have already booked that room; I figured they’d fill up fast and didn’t want to take any chances.

For the last 5 nights of the trip, we were planning to stay at the Boardwalk. From the pictures I’ve seen, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and walking distance to Epcot would be a dream! Plus it seems like there is a lot to do there at night, which will be a bonus since the parks close a bit earlier in January. Until this week, I hadn’t considered any other resort. However, after listening to some podcasts about Deluxe resorts, I’m also considering throwing in the Poly as an option. We already have an ADR for ‘Ohana and will probably make one for breakfast at Kona. I like the thought of being so close to a Dole Whip machine, and have always wanted to try a Lapu Lapu.

Right now I’m still leaning toward The Boardwalk, but my question is for those of you who have stayed at either one of these resorts – what is your favorite thing about it? Or least favorite thing? The pools won’t really be a consideration at this time of year – at least last January, it was pretty chilly and we were in sweatshirts and jeans all week. This will be our very first stay in a Deluxe, so fill me in! I'm planning to make my decision (and my reservation) in the next couple of days.
 
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Avenger117

Avenger117

Well-Known Member
captainkidd said:
Not sure the last time you were there, but that smell in the lobby we all loved so much is gone. It's been replaced with a bamboo scented air freshener. I can't even go in the lobby any more because it gives me an allergic reaction.
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It was July, It smelled really good when I was there and the CMs at the entrance were great!!
 
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ParentsOf4

ParentsOf4

Well-Known Member
The biggest problem I have with the Polynesian is that it's one of the original WDW hotels. Opened in 1971, it feels like it. Not in terms of condition but in overall layout. It was "wow" when it opened then but after the decades of conspicuous consumption that were the 1980s and 1990s, it simply doesn't have the same "wow" factor today. No matter what you think of it, it still is a 1970s hotel.

The Boardwalk was opened in 1996 during the peak of the 1990s boom, 25 year years after the Polynesian. Disney wanted it to be up to the 1990s standards of "wow". Architecturally, it's a much more impressive resort.

We've always enjoyed the several bars and restaurants on the Boardwalk, especially after Epcot closes at night. Still, since the OP is going in January, I wonder if it might be too cold to fully enjoy.

The small, quiet Belle Vue Lounge is inside the Boardwalk. DW and I enjoy its quaintness and think it's a fun place for 2 adults to have drinks.
 
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Blueskyze

Blueskyze

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thanks for all the input - this is exactly what I was looking for! I'm not too concerned about having lots of restaurant options in the resort - we will be on the dining plan, and I've already made dinner ADRs for most of the trip. Some of the negatives I'd heard about the Boardwalk was that it had a "convention" feel to it and it could be a hike to get to your room.

I don't have any desire to stay at the Contemporary - I like the restaurants, but it just doesn't have any appeal to me. AKL is awesome, and if it wasn't so far away from the other parks, it might be in the running. This will be the first trip where we don't rent a car, so we definitely want to be close.

ParentsOf4 said:
The small, quiet Belle Vue Lounge is inside the Boardwalk. DW and I enjoy its quaintness and think it's a fun place for 2 adults to have drinks.
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I looked this place up - it looks like a relaxing place to go have a drink! I'll definitely check it out if we stay there.
 
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luv

luv

Well-Known Member
captainkidd said:
The Contemporary is consistently ranked as the worst Deluxe Resort at WDW by readers.
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I did not know that, but wholeheartedly agree with the assessment.

Contemporary is easily last on my list for Deluxes. DS had it as his número uno back in the day and I stayed there several times, but never once liked staying there. The rooms are better since the re-do, but still...do not like the place. I do enjoy riding through on the monorail, though. :)
 
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W

wiigirl

Well-Known Member
I would vote Poly.
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bdearl41

bdearl41

Well-Known Member
I trust tripadvisor because of some great places its pointed me too for great prices. Borgo Le Terrazze in Bellagio, Mas de Bellevue in St. Remy de Provence, Adare Village Inn in Adare are all places I found on tripadvisor that I would have never found otherwise, and were absolute gems. I guess at WDW you wont really be at the hotel. Anywho of Poly and Boardwalk, i think Poly is more appealing, just me though.
 
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