Contemporary or Polynesian?!

stefan74

Well-Known Member
Hello All! I am in the pre-planning stages of my 40th birthday trip in September 2014. I already know I am going to take a three day cruise before my resort stay but I am at a loss of where to stay. I have stayed at the Grand Floridian before on two occasions but I want to stay somewhere else. I was leaning towards the Polynesian but now I am considering the Contemporary. I plan on eating at both resorts while I am there and I plan on eating at California Grill for the fireworks one night. I want a room which faces the Magic Kingdom but I am spoiled by the Magic Kingdom view rooms at the Grand Floridian.

From reading reviews online, the theme park view rooms at the Polynesian do not seem as good as I thought. I have read the island in the middle of the lagoon blocks the view. I was thinking of staying in the Tahiti Longhouse since I have read it offers great views of the Magic Kingdom and is in walking distance to the TTC (perfect for me).

Thinking the Contemporary was closer, I thought the Magic Kingdom views would be better than the Polynesian, plus I could walk to the Magic Kingdom. I have also read reviews about how horrible the elevator service is at the Contemporary.

I'm stuck and need some help. There will be no kids with me, just me and some family members, all over 18. Some of them have stayed at the GF with me in the past and they loved the MK views as well. Any advice would be great.

Thanks and have a Magical Day!
 

dave&di

Well-Known Member
In 2010 I stayed at the poly, with Theme park view in Tahiti building, stunning view! I have also stayed at the GF with Theme park view (Boca Chica) so I know what your used to. The Poly view is just as good in my opinion.

I have never stayed at the Contemporary but I am put off by the car park also being the view from the Theme park view rooms.

You can't beat staying over the Seven Seas Lagoon!
 
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BrittanyRose428

Well-Known Member
I've never stayed at the Polynesian, but its next on my list for when I get to stay at a Deluxe again.

As for the Contemporary, the views of the Magic Kingdom from the tower are great, and being in walking distance to the park is awesome too. I haven't experienced any problems with the elevator service when I've stayed there (though I've only stayed in the tower twice, we're usually in the wings).
 
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Tinkerbella16

Well-Known Member
Never stayed at either but if I had a choice I would pick the Poly without a thought. The Poly has always been my dream resort to stay.. One day it will happen.
 
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DisneyDebNJ

Well-Known Member
I've stayed at both the Contemporary and Polynesian and for us, hands down, the Polynesian. To us, the Poly is alot quieter, and has more of a *vacation* feel to it. (no parking lots, no convention type hotel vibe to it) Regarding theme park view, the only time I was guaranteed a theme park view, was when I booked a theme park view, and was never disappointed. You can always sit on the beach at the Poly and have a beautiful view of the fireworks at night. Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll be quite happy with.
 
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Innkeeper's Club

Well-Known Member
I would go with the Contemporary for these reasons. In my opinion their Tower - Magic Kingdom View is a lot better since it's a full view of it, where as the Polynesian just has a view of Cinderella's Castle or Space Mountain. Plus the cost for the Contemporary is less expensive and at the Polynesian you are paying more to look at a small part of the Magic Kingdom.

Besides that all the Tower rooms in the Contemporary come with a guaranteed balcony and at the Polynesian you need to request a room on the 3rd floor just to get one.

Finally when staying in the Tower you are an elevator ride away from their stores, restaurants, transportation options and etc. At the Polynesian you won't know which Longhouse you are staying at until you check-in. Even if you request a specifc one there is no guarantee you will get it.
 
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s&k'smom

Well-Known Member
Well if it were me it would be the Poly if just for all the transportation options and walking around the grounds at night with the tiki lamps lit, soft music playing, heavenly!
 
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bethymouse

Well-Known Member
Poly!

I would go for a standard room and go watch the fireworks from the beach.:cool:
Contemporary tower building theme park views to me are pricey!:shrug:
Poly =paradise.
Cont=well, contemporary.:ROFLOL:
 
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EvilQueen-T

Well-Known Member
i've stayed at all 3 resorts on the loop with mk views. you won't find a closer view than the contemporary. the elevator issue wasn't that big a deal imo but i also don't do anything at the last second so i don't panic if everything isn't instantly in front of me the second i hit the button. i think there is more of a relaxed party (beachy) atmosphere at the poly, the contemporary is more adult. at the poly we stayed club level and were right next to the main building (king kahmehameha suite), the view of the castle was a direct view out the windows without anything blocking it, beautiful. same when we did gf...we were club level in the main building with a view that to me was the same far off distant view we'd had at the poly. with the contemporary you're right on top of the mk when you have that view. if that's your biggest factor...that's the place for you.
 
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slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
I can understand the love more people have for the Poly, but I would prefer being able to literally stroll to the MK while the rest of the family is napping if I choose. But really, if you're footing the bill, I'll stay wherever you want me to be, and I'll put on that dress you like. :lookaroun
 
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NEL

Active Member
I havebeen at both hotels and although both have pros and cons my absolute favorite hotel on property if the Polynesian. I do believe that the Contemp Magic Kingdom view rooms has a slightly better view than the Poly MK views, I think that is really the only plus it has over the Poly. The Poly has beautiful grounds that you loose yourself in while working through the hotel. The restaurants are great, especially Ohana's. The pool is awesome, so is the lobby, just the general theming is just beyong great. The Contemp although its a great Hotel is has a few downsides. Chef Mickeys is in the lobby and its has music blaring when you leave your room in the morning and when you arrive at night, along with lots if children running and screaming while waiting to be seated. The music gets old after the 2nd day at the hotel. Still Chef Mickeys at the Lobby might be considered a plus if you are traveling with children, but with an adult only group I consider it a negative.

Hope This Helps
 
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jmargarone27

Active Member
I'm biased to the Grand Floridian, so I will always recommend it there. Poly and Cont seem dated to me. GF could use updates, but it's the best of the three. I wouldn't want you to be disappointed on such a special trip.
 
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stefan74

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I'm biased to the Grand Floridian, so I will always recommend it there. Poly and Cont seem dated to me. GF could use updates, but it's the best of the three. I wouldn't want you to be disappointed on such a special trip.

I am biased too that is why it is hard for me to make a decision as to the Poly or Contemporary. The GF spoiled me.
 
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