Poly or POR?

dundeehunter · #1 07-24-2007, 09:39 AM

I am planning a trip to WDW for Dec 4-10. The cast will include my parents (71 & 68), myself-30ish, & DD's(11 & 8). Due to the lack of discounts for December not released yet....I have a dilemma

. Do I book the Poly due to the Queen beds & daybed along with the ease of the monorail system OR do I save money and go with POR where we could use the trundle bed? I was hoping that a room discount would come along and we could get the Poly for the POR cost??? Or does that not happen? I have looked at the past discounts and I don't think I can wait until mid September to book this trip.

Plus, I have not found a good flight out of Milwaukee yet. I flew non-stop in January from Chicago to Orlando for $59 one way...hoping for a special like that again, but not counting on it. Please help me decide...pro's and con's...

SurferStitch · #2 07-24-2007, 10:01 AM

You'll never see the Poly for a POR price. The Poly cost has significantly increased over the past 5 years, and is only slightly cheaper than the GF anymore. Despite that, DH and I are staying there in December. We got the AAA rate for now (room only), and are hoping for an AP rate to be released.

We will never stay at POR again. We had two bad experiences there, so that's enough for us. Dirty, musty, dark rooms coupled with rude desk staff has turned us away for good.

SBETigg · #3 07-24-2007, 10:25 AM

We had a great stay at the POR but we really love the Polynesian. The price isn't going to go down anywhere near POR rates. If POR is what you can afford, stick with that and make it work.

You might consider two rooms at a value resort. The POR with five of you in a room is going to be a tight fit and not all that comfortable. Can be done, but the Polynesian would provide a far more comfortable environment if you can swing it. But again, I wouldn't go into a financial crunch for it. Best wishes with whatever you decide.

TexasPrincessAurora · #4 07-24-2007, 10:33 AM

If you can afford the Poly without it breaking your finances that is the way to go. Even with any discounts it's going to be much more than POR will ever be, but it is so worth it. The comfort it provides, the great location, ease of transportation most anywhere in the world, excellent dining choices, great customer service, larger rooms and more comfortable beds all make it worth it. It is simply, to us anyway, the most relaxing place to be in the world.

CanadianWDWFan · #5 07-24-2007, 10:38 AM

Go for the Poly if you can. While I LOVE PO, Poly is by far a better place to stay. Sure it costs a bundle but the rooms are really big. They are the biggest that I have stayed in while on WDW property.

We got AP rates for the Poly and it was way more than the AP rates at POFQ. I don't think that you should count on getting any really discounted rates for the Poly.

dundeehunter · #6 07-24-2007, 10:49 AM

If room rate discounts come out for December, will any be for the Poly? I was hoping the the rate would come down close to $200? If the value season is $315 a night, what is the typical discount break out? I have to find a room to hold all 5 of us...Pop Warner is that week and I refuse to do a Value resort.

I would love to splurge as this will probably be the only time that I will vacation with my parents. Thanks for all your help!

SurferStitch · #7 07-24-2007, 11:50 AM

I don't think you'll see $200/night. You may see around $250 per night, IF the AP rates become available for the Poly. It's not guaranteed that any AP rates will be available.

We stayed at Pop last December, and our trip started at the tail end of Pop Warner. There wasn't a PW person in sight, and we loved the resort. Room was very clean, mousekeeper was excellent, loved the food court, and we almost stayed there again this December. DH decided to surprise me at the last minute with the Poly, and we can't wait, but I was all set to stay at Pop again.

BUT...if the Poly is too expensive, two rooms at Pop may be the way to go. You could get away with one room at POR, but those rooms are a little small for more than 3 adults (314 sq.ft.).

NJMan66 · #8 07-24-2007, 09:08 PM

You asked for people's opinions, so here is mine. With this many adults, especailly older folks, room comfort is key to a stress free, relaxing vacation.

My advice, if money is not the issue, is to either book a 2 bedroom at a DVC Resort ($$$) or two adjoining rooms at a less expensive resort. Having stayed at a 2 BDR at SSR, I have to tell you it was wonderful for me, my wife, mother-in-law and two kids. We never felt crowded and having 3 TV's and a balcony made the times we spent in our rooms all that more pleasurable. Plus, if you parents are on medication or a strict diet, having a full kitchen with full amenities also was a plus.

If a DVC is above your budget, then you will LOVE having two rooms at POR. You will like it even more if your room is on the first floor and faces one of the private pools.

DDuck66 · #9 07-25-2007, 10:29 AM

If the Poly is within your budget (don't include possible discounts) then I would definatly book it. We are going next May for our 14 year anniversary and are going to stay at the concierge level!!!!

wedway fan · #10 07-25-2007, 10:35 AM

had the same dilemma myself when planning our trip for april '08. we're a family of 5, so we need the extra bed. for us it came down to convenience and MK proximity- kids are 8,6 and 3. have never stayed at POR, but have stayed at poly pre-kids and loved it.

have to agree with previous posters- if the finances fit, gotta go with poly.

Mickey91 · #11 07-25-2007, 11:24 AM

I say that if you can swing it, book the Poly. The day bed is much more comfortable than the trundle, and the extra space is essential with that many adults.

dundeehunter · #12 07-25-2007, 12:27 PM

I booked my trip!!!

I opted for 2 rooms at CBR. As my parents are older, I thought that they needed a room all to themselves. We were going to do one room at POR...but I think 2 rooms are much better!!! Wendy at Magical Journeys was so kind with all of my questions. I will be going back to WDW in January, 2009 for my youngest daughters 10th birthday. I want to do the Poly with my DH and DD's...thanks again for everyone's opinions/tips. Much appreciated! let the planning begin!

Tammy

SurferStitch · #13 07-25-2007, 12:50 PM

That's great!!

CBR is a really nice resort. We like it a lot, and our experience there was MUCH better than at POR.

Have a great trip!!!

CanadianWDWFan · #14 07-25-2007, 01:03 PM

Good News!

We had a great time at CBR as well!

Happy planning!

NJMan66 · #15 07-25-2007, 01:21 PM

That's great. Good choice on the CBR. When requesting a room, may I suggest getting one on the first floor and close to main building.