Is Poly worth the price?

[LarryBoy]

As we are planning our next trip for summer '09, there is a part of me that really wants to stay at the Poly. We haven't been since summer '07 ( a really long break for our fam), and I want to stay somewhere nice. Preferably a MK resort or an Epcot resort. As I look at the prices it's hard for me to decide if a room at the Poly is worth so much more than say the WL. We have eaten at 'Ohana many times and I just love the theming, setting, and location of the resort. There is a part of me, however, that can't decide if it is worth so much more than some of the other Deluxe resorts. I'm torn and can't decide what to do. WL or Poly? Another option I'm considering is AKL which is gorgeous, but seems so far from everything. Since we are going in summer, and our DS will be 8, I want to be near either MK or Epcot, and I want an awesome pool. I'm also looking into DVC points, but that's for a whole different forum. Help! Sorry to ramble, but I want this next trip to be truly awesome since it will have been two years between trips. What do you think? What would you do? All advice is welcome.
Thanks!

[KAT1811]

I guess I would say that it is all relative to your individual situation. If the actual cost of the Poly is not a burden why not try it? The resort would be a very special vacation indeed. Who can beat the monerail and proximity to the MK. On the other hand the WL is a lovely resort with great proximity to the MK as well. The cost is much less too a great incentive. Our children are young and I will be pregnant on our next trip so proximity to the MK and Epcot is key as well as the ease of travel inbetween the two. But, for you and a DS 8 you'd be fine at either. You could always try for a discount to help ease the cost. Everyone here raves about both resorts so I do not think you can go wrong.

[sisterslovindisney]

We love the Poly and for us the price is definitely worth the benefits that we get. Why not have Magical Journeys price you out the trip at both WL and Poly and see what the actual difference will be. If you can afford to do it then I'd say go for it!

[Jasper]

It all comes down to how many of the extra amenities that Poly has to offer that you and your family will actually use. The best thing to do is sit down with your family and make a list of what things you absolutely must have in a resort and then a second list of what you would like in a resort. Once both lists are compiled go down the list of must haves, if that gives you a clear indication of what type of resort you want. If that still doesn't clear things up then go to the list of what you would like to have. I am pretty certain that by the time you get to the end of the second list your mind will be made up!

Also, don't forget that if you do stay elsewhere you can always come to the Poly to enjoy the restaurants and atmosphere.

[Mousemates]

For us the poly is a splurge, not something we can generally afford, but with a disocut rate in vlaue season, it comes close enough into our range to make a go of it....will be there (for the first time as an official guest) the first four days of January 09....woohoo!

[nyobabe2]

We stayed at Pop the first time we took the kids down and thought, "this is great, we love it" THEN, my in laws splurged and took us all to the Poly in October and man oh man, that was the good life. Needless to say, we're going back next Thanksgiving and saving up for the POLY!
You're going in another year, you'll have time to put a little bit away each week to stay if that's where you really want to go. To me, the monorail sold it!

[Gregandmel]

We are staying at the Poly for the 1st time this October as well (actually our 1st trip to WDW in general). This isn't a trip that will be repeated anytime in our near future. We have an 8 year old and 17 year old (both boys) and we wanted our "One time" in WDW to be really memorable. Having everything so close will cut down on our stress level and even though we waited an additional year for this trip JUST so we can stay there, I know it'll be well worth it. Our kids will always remember their trip and part of our vacation is "where" we stay. I say Go For It!!

[MPLSguy]

Within the past year I have stayed at both the POLY and WL, and personally I much prefer the WL hands down! I think the thyming of WL is better and enjoyed the rooms more there as well. So since it cost's more to stay at the Ploy, the choice is clear for me. But then again thats my humble opinion.

[Tinkerbella16]

I feel the same way you feel, but I am like this everytime we are ready to book our next trip. The Poly is my dream resort to stay in. I would love to just stay there ONE time (as hard as that would probably be after staying there). I'll get quotes for the Poly, and the price just blows me away, so then I'll shorten the days to see if its reasonable and it is still soooo expensive!!!

So every trip I visit the Poly to just walk around, or make an ADR for breakfast. I always say that this is my favorite wdw resort, eventhough I've never stayed there yet lol. Next year I think I will book the Poly, but since I know how expensive it will be...I will save better so that I can fulfill my dream. Do what your heart is telling you to do. If money is a real issue, than I'd probably go for maybe WL or Beach Club. WL is a gorgeous hotel!

[Polynesian Dweller]

The Poly is definitely worth it and that's because of the ambiance that is unmatched. It also has the best transportation options of any hotel and the view from the Poly beach is, IMO, the best on the property. Terrific for watching the fireworks.

[FreFam5]

God - I hope it's worth is as we're staying there for the first time in October!!!!

My Magical Journies TA emailed me last week and told me she could save us $1000 if we stayed at the cabins at FW. to us $1000 is HUGE but we just couldn't do it. We want the convenience of the Poly and the setting of the Poly. I hope we aren't disappointed!

[Aggie97]

The Polynesian is our favorite resort for a number of reasons:

• Monorail access to MK and other resorts
• Quick walk to TTC to catch monorail to Epcot
• Wonderful dining, shopping and bar/lounge options, both at the Polynesian and other monorail resorts
• Large rooms, tropical theming, beautiful beach, and lush grounds make it feel like a vacation within a vacation

We stayed at the AKL in June, and while we really did enjoy many things about the resort, we felt a little too far away from the action.

We will stay at the WL in October for the first time, so I can't make a comparison between it and the Polynesian yet.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

[IloveDisney71]

If you look at my signature you'll see that I've stayed mostly at the value resorts. But we splurged for Christmas this past year and stayed at the Poly and we LOVED it! It was beautiful. We loved having access to the monorail. It was such a quick trip to the MK and we just walked over to the TTC to catch the monorail to Epcot. My DH doesn't care for the buses too much, so he really LOVED the monorail perk! You will still have to catch a bus to AK and DHS (and you'll make a stop at the GF to pick up guests there - I was surprised that deluxe resorts shared buses). If you can afford it, I say go for it. We may never be able to stay there again, but we will cherish the memories of our stay there. Make sure you catch Wishes from the beach and try a Lapu Lapu and the tonga toast - YUM!

[Polynesian Dweller]

God - I hope it's worth is as we're staying there for the first time in October!!!!

My Magical Journies TA emailed me last week and told me she could save us $1000 if we stayed at the cabins at FW. to us $1000 is HUGE but we just couldn't do it. We want the convenience of the Poly and the setting of the Poly. I hope we aren't disappointed!

One hundred per cent guaranteed, you won't be disappointed!!

[FTDW Poly 08]

How much more is a week at Poly than WL (approximately)?

[mel]

I'll have to tell you that I thought the very same thing. We had stayed at the poly for the three times and this summer couldnt afford it. We stayed at the pop and while the pop was very clean we wished we were at the poly the whole time. Next time we stay at disney we want to be at the poly. The reason we love poly is because of the monorail and its in the center of the action. (ask my tired feet from walking to the bus and they will tell you the same thing..)

[dnickels]

How much more is a week at Poly than WL (approximately)?

On the main Disney page, They list the 2008 Rates for Poly starting at $340 / night and
WL starting at $225 / night.

[Disney Crazy]

LOVE THE POLY! LOVE THE POLY!! LOVE THE POLY!!!

No prejudice here...lol !

Actually, we haven't stayed at the AKl or the WL so I cannot help with the comparison. However, we have stayed at several other WDW resorts and for DH, DD and I, the Poly wins hands down. The amenities, location and overall feel of the resort are perfect for our family.

It's all about what you can afford and what will make your vacation perfect for your family. If going to the Poly will stretch your budget, then go elsewhere. You don't want to spend your vacation worrying about the budget.

[Marker]

I'm probably not a good choice to answer this question, but I'm going to anyway.

Is the Poly worth that much more, to me NO.

But then to me, NONE of the Deluxe Resorts are worth that much more. The moderates are plenty nice for me, and I'm also perfectly happy in the value resorts.

[mouseketeer mom]

Yes. Totally worth the $$$.