I stayed there one night before the waterfall was removed (I've been going to WDW for years and never could push myself to spend the money for Poly, but wanted to stay there once before the renovations started) it was AMAZING! I paid in the low $300 range but it was an AP discount in May. Some things got hectic before I could get away so I didn't arrive when I wanted to (4ish) I got there at 8pm and walked up to check-in and I was told that they had over booked for the weekend and the room level I booked (as basic as basic can be - view of a bus tailpipe or something for the cheapest rate I could get) wasn't available, so I got bumped to a 2 bedroom concierge suite, and was that ok? After I regained consciousness, I said, it'll do, and I was escorted to room #1, the Ambassador Suite with private, fenced courtyards for each bedroom as well as the great room. Even if I had not been in the suite, strolling the beach, after I calmed down, and seeing the movie playing on the inflatable screen, the fireworks going off in the Magic Kingdom, and the luau music and cheers in the distance, it was the most magical experience I've ever had at a WDW resort!! I can't speak highly enough about the themeing and how well it transports you to a completely different place and feeling! The staff was by far the best I've ever encountered at a WDW resort, and I've stayed at almost all of them multiple times. So while yes its definitely a "splurge" stay and not an every trip resort, its WELL worth it!! The next night I was there, I hooked up with my friends staying at Bay Lake Tower and spent the night with them (so only paying for 1 night of my weekend also helped me in swallowing the costs) and it was "ehh," which has always been my reaction to that resort, its nice, but it doesn't make my socks roll up and down.