POFQ or POLY?

[Linda B]

First time posting, so thanks in advance for any responses. Right now we have 2 rooms at the POFQ with free dining for 8 nights the end of Jan. We would love to be on the monorail if possible. To switch to the Poly would almost double the cost.(with the 30% discount and then paying for the dining plan) We are planning on 3 days at MK,1 at Epcot,1 at HS, and 1 at AK. We are taking our daughter and son in law, and our 2 grandaughters, age 4 (turns 5 while there) and 2. Do you think the additional cost justifies being on the monorail? We are not renting a car so we will be depending on Disney's transportation. Is the Poly still a nice hotel? I know it is a deluxe hotel but I guess I am concerned because the hotel is older. Thank you!

[pfalcioni]

Welcome!

To me, I don't think it would be worth the price to upgrade to Poly - unless the following is true:
1. This is the "trip of a lifetime" and you want everything first-class.
2. You are used to 4-star (Hilton, Marriott) type rooms when you are on vacation.
3. Money is not really an issue, doubling the cost of the room won't keep you from taking another vacation at a later date, or add to debt.
4. You and your family plan on spending enough time in the room and around the resort (pool, etc) to justify the cost difference.

In my opinion, Disney transportation is excellent - especially when you're just going to and from the parks. Being on the monorail, although it is really cool, isn't necessary (in my opinion). Another option would be to rent a car - but really, we love letting Disney do the driving. However, it is nice to have the opportunity to go to the grocery store, or drive to a resort restaurant or the water parks.

Poly is a gorgeous resort - NOTHING at Disney is old or run-down, they don't let it get to that point. Sure, nothing is perfect, and you might see some tired carpeting in a few places, but what I usually tell people is that Disney's rooms are usually better than non-Disney rooms in the same service level - so, a Disney Value is as good or better than a budget hotel chain like Super 8. Same goes for Moderates and Deluxe - expect solid service, high quality, and those special touches you'd only see at a Disney resort.

[vicki_c]

Wow - Pam gave you such good advice, I wouldn't have much more to say!

[WTP]

Pam really did give great advice. I'll add that POFQ is my favorite moderate and it is "home" to us. We're planning on an Epcot area resort for our next trip entirely because that is the only place my IL's will stay (sigh) but honestly given the choice I like POFQ! And that is even before I factor in the cost factor. I admit the monorail resorts are beautiful and seem to be convenient...but I would only do them if the price doesn't make you balk. If you would be dipping into savings meant for something else or going into debt to stay there, I would advise against it!

[Linda B]

Thank you for your thoughts Pam, Vicki and Susan. Staying at the Poly won't put us in debt, but the practical side of me is questioning spending that much money to stay there vs POFQ. We actually did stay at the Poly the 1st time we went to Disney World back in 1986. (our daughter was 5 then) We have been to CBR twice, it's nice but too big for me. We have stayed offsite too, but I really like staying onsite. I have read great things about POFQ and the boat to DTD sounds like fun. But then watching the fireworks on the beach and the convenience of the monorail for 2 of the parks at the Poly is appealing too. But I do know that with either resort we will have a great time! Thanks again.