Would you recommend the Polynesian?

[Spike-in-Berlin]

We are planning a trip to the "World" this fall and after our last trip to Florida (2007) when we stayed on property for the first time (WL and CSR) we are planning to share our at least 6 days again on two hotels for money saving reasons. 3 days at a value or moderate and 3 days in a deluxe. Although we just ADORE the WL we want to experience something new. I already dreamed of staying at the Poly as a kid and I love Polynesian theming anyway. So the Polynesian is our favorite as the Deluxe hotel. But I read some bad critics about the Polynesian a few years ago and would like to hear some more up-to-date opinions and recommendations about the Polynesian.
By the way I would also appreciate informations and opinions which moderate or value resort is preferable as we like the CSR but again we want some change.

 

[erstwo]

I agree - Pop Century and Poly would be my dream Value/ Deluxe vacation!

The Poly is one of those resorts that costs so much that some people give it bad reviews just because they expected to be waited on hand and foot. I understand that $350 a night (& up!) is extremely expensive, but Disney doesn't advertise that each room at the Poly comes with a private butler, but I think that's what some people are expecting.
On the flip side, the Poly is also one of those resorts that becomes *home* to many people who visit WDW. The Poly is the only resort my grandparents would stay at and I have fond memories of spending time there with them. Every time I'm at the Poly, I feel like I'm there with them again. Very cool - at least to me!

I can see why your wife would like the WL though. My mother in law is from Wuppertal and she loves the Wilderness Lodge too. She says it just feels so "American" - like you've visited the American West while you're still in Florida.

I hope you have a fantastic trip!!! :wave:

 

[captainkidd]

While I have never stayed there I have eaten there on many an occasion. Its a nice resort, I don't know much about the rooms but it is a great atmosphere and the main pool is nice but busy.

This is exactly the thing with the Poly. Before we stayed there, we thought the same way. After staying there, I wouldn't recommend it. The rooms themselves are nice, but the longhouses are pretty shabby, with elevators that would be better suited for the Tower of Terror than a $400 per night hotel. I say, if you can get an EXTREMELY deep discount, maybe give it a shot. Otherwise, spend your hard earned dollars on a real deluxe like Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian or Yacht and Beach. The Poly is a moderate at Deluxe prices.

 

[disneygirl76]

We are planning a trip to the "World" this fall and after our last trip to Florida (2007) when we stayed on property for the first time (WL and CSR) we are planning to share our at least 6 days again on two hotels for money saving reasons. 3 days at a value or moderate and 3 days in a deluxe. Although we just ADORE the WL we want to experience something new. I already dreamed of staying at the Poly as a kid and I love Polynesian theming anyway. So the Polynesian is our favorite as the Deluxe hotel. But I read some bad critics about the Polynesian a few years ago and would like to hear some more up-to-date opinions and recommendations about the Polynesian.
By the way I would also appreciate informations and opinions which moderate or value resort is preferable as we like the CSR but again we want some change.

My DH and I are going to be staying there in September. We have not been there before (well, DH was there when he was 6). I can't wait to stay there. We have stayed at WL, YC and GF and loved them all - GF and YC are our faves so far. We have heard many good things about Poly. This site was recommended to me: http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/

Thank you VERY MUCH for this terrific link! :wave:

 

[DisneyDude]

stayed at the Poly last year for 21 nights still singing the "hooky la" song, wonderful experience.
Don't do the value push it for PORS the combination of the two could be a dream come true:animwink:

 

[EvilQueen-T]

stayed club level at the poly in the big suite that sleeps 8 or so and it was so over the top i don't even know where to begin. i've not stayed there since then thanks to the economy economy and the economy. i've not stayed in a standard room there so can't speak directly to that but if nothing else you just can't beat the location if you spend a lot of time at mk or epcot because of the monorail. another plus that some might not think of is the fact that you can park without valet almost at the front door.

to know where i'm coming from...we've stayed at pofq (love), gf club level (love), poly club level (love), cbr (ok, mainly didn't like location otherwise hotel was fine), bwi (nice hotel but had worst experience with staff that i started to think we weren't at wdw), wl (so so) truly loved the resort but hated either having to take a bus or that super slow raft thing to mk, and allstar movies (haven't stayed in a hotel that run down since i was broke on spring break back in the day...we got what we paid for i guess). hope this helps a bit.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

stayed at the Poly last year for 21 nights still singing the "hooky la" song, wonderful experience.
Don't do the value push it for PORS the combination of the two could be a dream come true:animwink:

You stayed there for 21 nights. 21?

You must be quite wealthy indeed. And a VERY huge WDW-fan if you spend, what, THREE full weeks there? Wow!
We are actually thinking already about doing first moderate and then deluxe instead of value and deluxe and save money somewhere else.

 

[Korfar]

Yes I would. It is aesthetically pleasing, has a relaxed atmosphere, not over run with out of control ankle biters and has two decent table service eateries.

Rooms are decent size, nicely presented, though some are looking a little tired. The location is top ho, and its simply spondiferous to be able to hop on the monorails and get to the AK or Epcot, especially if you plan on visiting the World Showcase hostelries.

My dear wife however prefers Wilderness Lodge, but being a woman her opinion like her sense of direction isnt worth much.

I like the sense of direction part. Love my wife to death her sense of direction is not all there.

 

[disneysroyal411]

Tips for the Poly- When you first get there, all you have to do is sniff in the smell. It is wonderful!

Next, walk bare feet around resort, it really transports you into a mood of being in Polynesia in the tropical area, well it does me at least.

Eat at Capt. Cooks and get a flatbread and dole whip! You won't regret.

Lastly, have fun! Watch the fireworks from the beach and the water light show of floats.
:xmas:

 

[mickeysshoes]

Where ever you choose stay at the value first then move UP! You dont want to down grade. Once you go Deluxe its hard to move down!!! WL is our home away from home!!! Have a great trip.

 

[disneysroyal411]

Where ever you choose stay at the value first then move UP! You dont want to down grade. Once you go Deluxe its hard to move down!!! WL is our home away from home!!! Have a great trip.

Poly is our Home away from Home! We love it there. We are going with a larger party this year and were going to try out Bay Lake Towers but the extra people coming this year thought the price was to expensive so we are going to Poly again which I don't mind!

 

[fredtom]

Yes... Definitely!



"An Adventurer's life is best!" :lol:

 

[DougK]

You WILL love the Poly!

 

[mp2bill]

My dear wife however prefers Wilderness Lodge, but being a woman her opinion like her sense of direction isnt worth much.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

We have stayed at Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian.
IHMO I would rate the restaurants and pools even.
The Wilderness Lodge is a nice, out of the way, deluxe resort. You have to make an effort to get there as it’s not on the monorail, so you don’t get as much traffic through the resort. The downside is of course, you must use a bus/boat to get where you want to go.
The Polynesian has bigger rooms, but as mentioned showing their age a bit, and location, location, location. Being on the Monorail is great for access to the MK, other resorts and Epcot.
I was recently quoted vacation package prices for the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, the total difference between the two resorts for a 7 day trip was $350.00 USD. My next trip I’m going to the Grand Floridian as I like being on the Monorail

As far as the resorts on the monorail go, I'd go with the GF. The Polynesian and Contemporary get a lot of traffic because there is so much other stuff you can do there, but the GF really only has spa treatments and whatnot. Also, if you wanted to walk from the MK, it's closer than the Polynesian.

 

[captainkidd]

As far as the resorts on the monorail go, I'd go with the GF. The Polynesian and Contemporary get a lot of traffic because there is so much other stuff you can do there, but the GF really only has spa treatments and whatnot. Also, if you wanted to walk from the MK, it's closer than the Polynesian.

I agree - GF. Only thing is, you can't walk to the MK from there. You can walk from the CR, but that's still not enough of a reason for me to ever want to stay there.