Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Both are monorail Resorts and that's a super + in my opinion.
Polynesian is themed nicer but there is no covering between the longhouses and you could get drenched if caught in a rainstorm. If you get a longhouse far from the Great Ceremonial house, it's quite a long walk. The pathways can be confusing at night and my kids kept getting lost on them.
On the other hand, if you get a far away Longhouse, then you're only a 5 minute walk from the Ticket and Transportation Center.
The Polynesian is beautiful at night. They light gas tiki lights at night and it kinda smells like gas. I get a sore throat every time I stay there. I think it's because of these tiki lights.
The Main Pool at the Polynesian is nicer than the one at The Contemporary but my wife and I don't swim so it's not a factor for us.
I like the shops better at The Contemporary Resort but The Poynesian has some nice ones too.
For quick counter service,The Food and Fun Center at The Contemporary seems bigger and more organized than Captain Cooks at The Polynesian.
The giant Game room at The Contemporary resort is a great way to keep the kids occupied and to help them burn off some of that sugar rush energy.
The Polynesian has a game room too but its very small.
The Contemporary Resort has that monorail running through the middle of it and thats nice too on bad weather days.
The Contemporary Resort is a short walk from The Magic Kingdom. This is a big plus for me and my wife. Leaving the MK at closing time can be a nightmare so we just leave after Wishes and walk back to The Contemporary.
It's really up to the individual as to which is a better resort.
My wife and I seem to prefer the Contemporary Resort.
One more facter to consider...Because of it's great theming and being a Monorail resort, The Polynesian seems to have become VERY popular and so as a consequence, the rooms have become more expensive. My wife and I have reached a point now where it's almost too expensive for us to stay there anymore.
The Contemporary Resort is somewhat cheaper.
Hope this helps...at any rate you'll have a great time.
My wife and I switch every year..one year at the Polynesian, the next at The Contemporary Resort.
Ya gotta LOVE them Monorail Resorts. :sohappy: