What Would YOU Do? About This Page:

[atwinhusen]

I have a dilemma, and as I need some help, thought I would put it out to you pros here on the boards.

I have two reservations booked (some of our family deciding not to go last minute) for a 8night stay the last week of February. Both are room only reservations, so I can still get my deposit refund on the unused reservation. What would you choose?

1. 8 nights at the Polynesian garden view room, for the price of Port Orleans Riverside with a 40% annual pass discount, (so somewhere @ $140/night). We were upgraded because of the delay of the completion of the new Royal themed rooms.

2. 8 nights 1 bedroom villa at Bay Lake Towers, Magic Kingdom view, no discount.

3. Spit stay, 4 nights at the Poly, then 4 nights at BLT .

Our trip now only includes myself, my husband and my 4 year old son. It is his first trip to WDW. My husband & I made our last WDW trip 15 years ago, and neither of us has ever stayed on property.

I love the idea of being able to walk to the MK ( where I anticipate we will be spending most of our time) having a washer/dryer in the room (as not to pack as many clothes), and having the option to eat our food "at home" rather than "eating out" for an entire week.

And yet, I know we have been blessed with pixie dust to get such a discount at the Poly. We will never stay there at a better rate, and I know they have a laundry room available. My son is excited about spending at least one evening in the Neverland Club, and the monorail location can't be beat. I am saddened that the volcano slide will be closed @ the Poly during our stay.

So, will we miss the villa at BLT enough to justify the cost, or perhaps will we love the Poly so much, we will regret even doing a spit stay?

Any thoughts or suggestions are most appreciated. Thanks!

[krisk11]

I would go with the Poly because I doubt you will ever get it for $140/night ever again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great hotel and it's a fun ride on the monorail to Epcot and you can walk to the TTC

[shannonwellnitz]

Wow, that's a tough one!!!
I think I would go with BLT.
I know the discount is amazing, but the draw back of the pool being closed, and not being to walk to Magic Kingdom would be my deciding factor.
The idea of your 4 year old looking out the window and seeing Cinderella's Castle all lit up, and Wishes from your balcony...need I say more. LOL!
Unless money is an issue, then go with Polynesian.
I really don't think you can go wrong with either...but my heart would take me to BLT.

I would not do a split stay, I did this once and found I spent my whole vacation counting days until the next part started...not enjoyable!

Good Luck!!!!
I am sure, no matter what you decide, you will have a FANTASTIC time!!!!

[GingerJ]

A split stay sounds like such a pain! Although we could stay at a deluxe without going broke, I think I would feel guilty for spending that kind of money (not-well-off family of six growing up, so thriftiness is ingrained even when it need not be).

Take the Poly and use your savings for souvenirs or a character buffet...that's my vote.

But I know you'll have fun, whatever you choose!

Ginger

[fluffybunny]

I would go with the Poly. Not a fan of BLT.

[Carla33]

I would go with the Poly. It sounds amazing. The location is great and you can't beat the price. Have fun!

[lindadarrall]

I'd prefer the Poly over BLT (although I've never stayed in either) but I don't think I'd split a stay between two deluxe resorts...

A few days in a mod or value capped with the remainder of the trip in a deluxe, sure... But splitting between two deluxe resorts seems like a hassle.

[Ashli]

Originally Posted by krisk11

I would go with the Poly because I doubt you will ever get it for $140/night ever again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great hotel and it's a fun ride on the monorail to Epcot and you can walk to the TTC

I would definitely stick with the discounted room at the Poly! That's an amazing deal, and it's a beautiful resort.

[LizCatMom]

I would totally go for Poly and not bother with a split stay. I've only been to Poly for dinner at Ohana, so I don't know if there is another pool other than the volcano pool -- I'm sure that would be easy to find out -- but, I loved the whole feel of the resort, looking across the water and seeing Cinderella's Castle, the girls playing in the sand on the beach...you make ME want to stay at Poly!!! The small tradeoff of not having a washing machine in the room would matter very little to me in the long run and few times in the past when we've elected to stay somewhere with a kitchenette we wound up using it very little, so I don't think you'll miss it. But, that's just my two cents. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!

[lesabrowning]

We have stayed at both and enjoyed both very much. We are DVC members, so I am pretty spoiled now with the villas and use the washer and dryer every day. Also, the walk to Magic Kingdom IS amazing. But the Poly is a fabulous place to stay and you have an incredible rate. You have the monorail so that makes up for the MK walk somewhat. Will your boy really spend a lot of time in the pool? I think since it is just the three of you and you have this amazing Poly discount I would stick with the Poly. Such a great place!!

[Colexis Mom]

I'd go with the Poly first, and then a split stay second (do BLT after the Poly)!

[Sue M.]

I wouldn't split. And Poly at $140 a night? No contest. Go Poly. Tokelau is right next to the quiet pool, and a great location.

[coasties]

POLY! With it being his first trip I would want the extra $$$ for souvies, fun snacks and experiences in the parks. ENJOY no matter what you choose!

[oceanmarina]

We loved the Poly (we stayed at the Tuvalu house). But with the slide being under construction and the fact that you like the option of not always having to eat out I would pick BLT. The villas sound amazing and convienent. You can even walk back to the hotel after Wishes at BLT.
I would not do a split stay unless you are doing 2 different sides (like an epcot resort like Beach Club)
I loved the Poly but found the rooms had a very outdated feel (we stayed there 2 summers ago and probably would not go back till they did a major refubishment). With either one you have great character dining options too.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Marina

[chezp]

Much as I love Bay Lake Tower, I'd go with the Poly for that price, as I doubt you'll ever get it for such a good rate again!