Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

Here are some important factors:

-we are staying in disney for 5 nights/6 days in September

-We are traveling with our two kids, ages 3.5 ( currently potty trained) and 1 at the time of travel

-we are traveling with another couple with kids the same age as ours. we are very close to them

-we have on hold right now a 2 bedroom villa with a savannah view at the AKL

- we like the idea of having a kitchen( hoping to have a few breakfasts and maybe a dinner)
having the 2bedroom will give us more space and bang for our buck

-like the idea that polynesian has easy access to the parks- is thi smore important than all the other amenitites at AKL?

so, bascially it boils down to proximity vs newer hotel with kitchen and roaming animals

thanks!!

Message edited 2/10/2012 10:42:13 AM.

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

I voted for Animal Kingdom. It's one of my favorite resorts at Disney. My only problem with it is that I wish it was a monorail resort!

My only reason to choose the Polynesian would be for the monorail and that won't even get you to all the parks. You will still need to take a bus to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

The suite at Animal Kingdom would give you the kitchen, a common area, and bedrooms with closing doors. These things are so important to me these days when traveling with DD. Plus, I believe these suites have in room laundry (something to check into) and that can be so helpful when traveling with little kids!

So for me, Animal Kingdom would be my choice. It's a beautiful resort and there is so much for the kids to do there. And I am sure they will get a kick out of the animals being so close!

Have fun!

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

thanks for your input!!

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

Would you consier Bay Lake Tower, it s a DVC property on the monorail line and is attached to the Contemporary

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

Animal Kingdome lodge is awesome, it is beautiful........but it is far away from everything. we just went with a 5, 3 and 1 year old, and I would have loved to been on the monorail. If you want to go back to your room in the middle of the day and take a break, it is so much easier on the monorail.

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

Honestly - it sounds like you're leaning towards AKL.

I love the Poly but you have to be realistic about how much time you will be spending in the parks with young kids. The amenities of AKL will probably outweigh the monorail.

The kitchen, washer/dryer, etc., alone make it worth it, IMO.

Plus AKV has an AWESOME pool area.

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

We were undecided between Animal Kingdom, the Poly and the Bay Lake Tower. We picked Bay Lake Tower, but since that isn't available, we would have picked Animal Kingdom next. The Poly was more $ than either of the other two and we couldn't afford it.

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

I don't own at Disney, but I am a timeshare owner. Since you're traveling with others I would definitely say do the 2 bedroom. Having a kitchen for breakfast, milk, snacks is awesome. Plus once you put the kids to bed the adults still have living space to hang out in.

Re: Which hotel should we choose Polynesian or Animal kingdom lodge?

If you want to be close to Magic Kingdom, have you thought of The Villas at Wilderness Lodge?


- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008