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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
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    Default Polynesian or Animal Kingdon Lodge?

    My Mom, Dad, Brother and I are holding our first family vacation in well over 10 years at WDW this November. I've been going back every other year since 2005, but none of them have been there since the mid-90s. When we went years ago when my brother and I were children, we stayed at The Polynesian, which is where my Dad would like to stay this time. My Brother really wants to stay at The Animal Kingdom lodge and get Savannah-view rooms. Given the choice between those two options, which would you choose? Or would you do both in one trip?
    EJ in Houston

    3-16 -- Port Orleans Riverside
    11-12 -- Pop Century
    11-11 -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
    11-09 -- All-Star Sports
    11-07 -- All-Star Sports
    11-05 -- All-Star Sports
    09-95 -- Off Property
    3 prior visits as a child beginning in '72 -- Polynesian/Contemporary Resorts

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    Omaha, NE
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    Default

    Personally, Poly is my choice, if only for the location. AK is pretty far away from my 3 favorite parks (Epcot, MK, and HS), and I like to be close to the action. Nothing cooler than being able to hop on the monorail in the AM!
    AKA Courtney


    "To all that come to this happy place: welcome...Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.."


    Most Recent Trips:
    September 2007 - Pop Century
    September 2011 - Pop Century
    January 2012 - Pop Century

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
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    Between those two choices, I'd go with the Poly. It's a far more convenient location.
    Linda aka: Faline
    INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
    [email protected]

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
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    Mobile, AL
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    I've stayed at both. Here is my opinion on each:
    Polynesian- Pros: Beautiful resort. 2 great table-service restaurants in it. Easy access to Magic Kingdom & Epcot. Larger rooms. Able to watch fireworks every night from the beach. The pool is fantastic.
    Cons: Did not care for the counter service here. Limited seating and very busy. Pool can also get busy. No hot tub.

    AKL- Pros: Gorgeous resort. If u plan to visit in lat November, you'll see their beautiful Christmas decor including the huge tree in the center of the lobby. We loved being able to view the animals at any time. Boma is a fantastic restaurant. The counter service is better here. I like the food choices here. Two hot tubs.
    Cons: Farther away from parks and have to use bus (which wasn't bad but monorail is much better). Not a fan of the pool. It's pretty plain IMO. The slide is very small.

    Between the 2 resorts, I don't think you can make a bad choice.
    Sassy2000

    Prior to 2007 off site
    Oct 07 AS Music
    Apr 08 AS Movies
    Dec 08 CSR & POR
    Feb 09 Pop

    Nov/Dec 09 CBR &AKL
    May 10 CSR
    Oct 10 Poly!!
    May 11 AS Music
    Oct 11 AKV & BWV
    Feb 12 AKV
    Feb 13 POR Royal Room

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
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    Clinton Township, MI
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    I'd try to keep dad happy (if my sons ever read this, keep that in mind ). You could try splitting your stay, but I'm not a huge fan of that after having done it a couple times.
    Steve (aka brownie)
    INTERCOT Staff: Accommodations & Mousellaneous
    ASMv 4/00, 10/01, 11/03, 5/21
    ASMu 8/12, 11-12/22
    AKL 6/18
    BC 9/94
    CSR 8/14, 3-4/22
    POP 11-12/10, 3/12, 10/12, 7/17, 4/22
    POFQ 10/01
    POR 9/04, 1/16, 11/19
    WL 12/03
    Disneyland 6/07, 1/15
    Disney Dream 8/14

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    Never stayed at the Poly but AKL is our favorite

    I would pick the one your Dad wants to stay at. The time you will have with him is priceless

    18 Previous Visits

    Most Recent December 2011 (POP)
    May 2012 (Disney Fantasy !)
    Sept 2012 POP Mom/Daughter Trip

    Sept 2013 40th Anniversary Adventures Disney Ireland

    2014 Check out MK Makeover!

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    I would go with the Poly. AKL is a great resort as well, but you just can't beat the location of the Poly.
    Last Trip-April 2008-Boardwalk Inn
    Next Trip-October 2017-POFQ

  9. #8
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    Jun 2005
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    I just returned from AKL, and have not stayed at the Poly. I think that I would stay at Poly due to the location and ease of transportation. The AKL has Boma, true, but the counter service is very limited and I would have liked a better selection of entree's. I had a arusha view, but didn't see ton's of animals. The view is special if all you did was sit in your room. If you are out and about, then the view means nothing.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
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    South Jersey
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    Another vote for the polynesian here. Having stayed at both, I'd definitely pick the poly. There is nothing like the feeling of being in one of the original Disney resorts. You can hop the monorail to either mk or epcot. If it were financially doable I don't think we would stay anywhere else.
    In need of a Disney World fix really bad.

    Dunkie

  11. #10
    Join Date
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    My son really loves the look of the AKL and thinks it would be a great place to stay. But given the choice on our last vacation, even he preferred the Polynesian because of location/transportation options. I would stick with the Poly.
    Sherri
    Next: Aulani Celebration 10/2018 (50th)
    Past Stays: Contemporary, GF, Poly, BC, POP, POR, Dolphin, AKL Kidani, BLT
    1990 August Honeymoon- GF
    Delighted Disney Return Guest since 1981, DVC (BLT) since 2014


  12. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
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    If it was any other view but the Savannah view I would pick the Poly for location alone...but I really want to be able to stay Savannah view at AKL one day and it is just a gorgeous resort....its a tough choice but the upside is you will make a good decision any way you go


    Dec.11-18, 2021 Port Orleans Riverside
    Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2017, Port Orleans Riverside
    Oct. 29-Nov.4, 2014-Yacht Club
    Dec. 17-23 2011-Wilderness Lodge
    Dec. 20-30, 2008-Pop Century
    Dec. 25,2005-Jan.1, 2006-Coronado Springs
    Jan. 1-7, 2003-All Star Movies

  13. #12
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    I have stayed at both and I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I much prefer the convience of the Polynesian (not to mention I think it is one of the prettiest resorts). Being able to hop on a boat or monorail makes getting to the fun easier. The other reason I love the Polynesian is the fact you are so close to other resorts which will give your family places to explore and an abundance of dining options. I hope you have fun
    Sean
    So many Happy Trips!

    6/30/12 through 7/10/12 Fort Wilderness!

    12/27/11 through 1/4/12 Fort Wilderness!

    12/27/10 thorugh 1/4/11 Fort Wilderness!

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    12/27/09 through 1/4/10 Fort Wilderness!

    7/1/10 through 7/11/10 Fort Wilderness!

  14. #13
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    May 2007
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    Default

    Poly would be my choice!

  15. #14
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    I've stayed at both. Given the choice, I would choose the Poly.
    Alex

    4/1976 - offsite,4/1983 - offsite,5/1999 - CaribBeach,5/2000 - CaribBeach,
    11/2001 - Coronado,7/2003 - AKL, 8/2004 - POFQ, 8/2005 - Poly, 8/2006 - Grand Flo,10/2007 - POFQ, 8/2008 - Wilderness Lodge, 8/2009 - POR, 8/2010 - CaribBeach, 8/2011 - Coronado, 8/2012 -Coronado, 8/2014 - Coronado

  16. #15
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    It sounds like I would be in the minority here, but AKL would be our choice. The Poly is an awesome resort, but AKL has become our favorite. The quiet, the animals, the food selections - all lead us back to that place as much as possible. They have some of the best restaurants on property, and (in our opinion), the best counter service at Disney at Mara.

    I can't argue, if you plan to spend a lot of time at MK or EPCOT, you cannot beat the Poly. If you're not planning as much time at those parks - or if you have your own car - then the location advantage is minimal.

    In reality, these resorts are probably both among the nicest resorts in the entire world (not just at Disney). You don't have a bad choice! And a split stay is definitely something to consider. Hope you have a great trip!

  17. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
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    Poly all the way!
    Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize.
    Nov/Dec 2001 POR-early 10th anniversary
    Oct/Nov 2002 Poly/AKL-late 10th anniversary
    Dec 2003 POR
    Nov 2007 CBR
    Oct/Nov 2008 CBR/AKL
    Nov/Dec 2019? I HOPE!!!!!!

  18. #17
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    Oct 2007
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    Quote Originally Posted by brownie View Post
    I'd try to keep dad happy (if my sons ever read this, keep that in mind ). You could try splitting your stay, but I'm not a huge fan of that after having done it a couple times.
    Brownie, what experience(s) did you have with split stays that make you say that?
    EJ in Houston

    3-16 -- Port Orleans Riverside
    11-12 -- Pop Century
    11-11 -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
    11-09 -- All-Star Sports
    11-07 -- All-Star Sports
    11-05 -- All-Star Sports
    09-95 -- Off Property
    3 prior visits as a child beginning in '72 -- Polynesian/Contemporary Resorts

  19. #18
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
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    Houston, TX
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    A huge, heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone who replied! I greatly appreciate your advice. I SO love this site!
    EJ in Houston

    3-16 -- Port Orleans Riverside
    11-12 -- Pop Century
    11-11 -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
    11-09 -- All-Star Sports
    11-07 -- All-Star Sports
    11-05 -- All-Star Sports
    09-95 -- Off Property
    3 prior visits as a child beginning in '72 -- Polynesian/Contemporary Resorts

  20. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by AllDisney View Post
    Never stayed at the Poly but AKL is our favorite

    I would pick the one your Dad wants to stay at. The time you will have with him is priceless
    I agree, AllDisney! Just between you and me (and everyone reading this, which I hope does not include my brother), I think my bro' should just shut up and let Dad have The Polynesian...but I can't very well tell him that. I can, however, cite that the overwhelming majority of Intercot-ers recommended The Polynesian over The Animal Kingdom Lodge...and then cite some of the many reasons you all have beautifully laid out for me.
    EJ in Houston

    3-16 -- Port Orleans Riverside
    11-12 -- Pop Century
    11-11 -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
    11-09 -- All-Star Sports
    11-07 -- All-Star Sports
    11-05 -- All-Star Sports
    09-95 -- Off Property
    3 prior visits as a child beginning in '72 -- Polynesian/Contemporary Resorts

  21. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
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    Quote Originally Posted by EJS-Houston View Post
    Brownie, what experience(s) did you have with split stays that make you say that?
    It was the packing and unpacking that was the biggest pain for me. On our 2003 trip, we went from All-Star Movies to the Wilderness Lodge. We had to check-in to the Wilderness Lodge before going out to the parks due to our schedule. I'd rather avoid the hassle. It might be okay if you built the day you switched as a no park day, but for me I think I'd rather stay in one place.
    Steve (aka brownie)
    INTERCOT Staff: Accommodations & Mousellaneous
    ASMv 4/00, 10/01, 11/03, 5/21
    ASMu 8/12, 11-12/22
    AKL 6/18
    BC 9/94
    CSR 8/14, 3-4/22
    POP 11-12/10, 3/12, 10/12, 7/17, 4/22
    POFQ 10/01
    POR 9/04, 1/16, 11/19
    WL 12/03
    Disneyland 6/07, 1/15
    Disney Dream 8/14

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