Which is better during Dec - Poly or AKL

[mecarroll]

Okay, currently we are booked at AKL but I am thinking about switching to Poly as a surprise to my wife. We've only been to the CSR and we DO want to upgrade to a deluxe this time. So that part is settled. Before I switch to the Poly, I wanted to get some feedback from folks who are familiar with both AKL and Poly during the month of December. I know that the Poly is very romantic (this will be our 1 year anni) and beautiful. I also know the AKL does a good job at decorating for Christmas. How is the Poly. Which do you prefer (at Christmas)?

THANKS

[mecarroll]

Anyone....anyone....

[Mickey91]

Well I haven't stayed at the AKL. And, I didn't get to see the Poly at Christmas. I will say, from a wife's point of view, if I had the chance at the Poly and didn't get it I would be very sad. It is beautiful any time of year and I can only imagine it decked out for Christmas. Plus, you're right next to the MK and on the monorail. We stayed at the WL and I figure the AKL is decorated in a similiar fashion. Very simple but beautiful. I think there is a website that you can see the resorts at Christmas time. I know I found them online somewhere. I just can't remember where.

Well, good luck!! Maybe someone will come along who will know where to find the Christmas pics! My vote is for the Poly!

[Aggie97]

We stayed at the Polynesian for Christmas last year, and it was great. It is decorated for Christmas with a pretty, large tree in the lobby and lots of poinsettas, other Christmassy things all around. It's just my husband and I right now, so we like staying at the Poly b/c of: 1) the restaurants and bars at that resort and at the GF and Contemporary, quickly accessible on the monorail
2) the large rooms and bathrooms (recently renovated - much nicer than before)
3) the lush, "away from it all" feel of the resort, with the tropical landscaping, beach, etc.
4) the great transportation via monorail (and you can walk to the TTC from the Poly)

We visited the AKL for a few hours and thought it was a beautiful resort as well. The lobby had a HUGE Christmas tree, and the African CMs were singing carols in the lobby when we visited. Overall, it reminded us a lot of WL (which we also visited for a few hours).

My personal pick would be the Polynesian... but I'm sure you will enjoy either resort!

[AvaNellMouse]

And the other side of the coin...
DH and I spent a week at AKL in early December, 2006
Our observation is that it is out of the way and terribly inconvenient to everyone but the people staying at the resort. We never ever waited more than a few minutes (5 or less) for a bus to or from AKL. Do not let the idea of it being off the beaten path sway you from staying there.
We ate at Citrico's at GF one evening and it took us over 30 minutes to get a monorail back to MK to get the bus back to AKL. We found all of the monorail resorts to be full of guests that were staying in the hotels and guests (like us) visiting the hotels to see the decorations. It was okay to have the 30+ minute wait after dinner that one time. I think it would get really, really old if we had to do it all week.
My vote is AKL. It is paradise.

[SUPERMICKEY]

I personally prefer the Wilderness Lodge. The atmosphere is uncanny. The Christmas Tree is beautiful....the decorations are like at no other resort...the view of the laguna is unbelievable....the pool at night reflects the beauty of the evening....the parade at the laguna can be easily seen...the fireworks are spectacular...but between AKL and Polynesian, I will pick Polynesian for a lot of the reasons I have previously stated....Happy 73rd Birthday Donald (June 9th)

[mecarroll]

Thanks for everyones responses so far. I must admit...this is going to hard to decide!!!

[Septbride2002]

If you want the WOW effect by the Christmas decorations then I would go with the AKL. There is a HUGE tree in the lobby and beautiful decorations all over the resort. There is an african theme to the decorations though - so if your wife is a purist (like myself) you may want to look at the Beach Club or Boardwalk.

The Poly does not have a large tree. The decorations again are not for purist as they have a tropical theme. I must admitt out of all the deluxe resorts I've see at Christmas - the Polynesian has my least favorite. In fact I think the moderates at Port Orleans do a better job then the Poly did. Otherwise - LOVE the Poly, love the location, love the rooms, love the little walk ways.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a fabulous resort and I find the rooms very romantic. There is someting primitive about the carvings in the headboards and furniture. The rooms are somewhat dimly lit with a golden hue. And I love the idea of watching animals off the balcony while early in the morning.

Either way we loved our stays at both resorts so you can't go wrong either way. My personal reccomendation for Christmas Decorations is the Beach Club, Boardwalk, or Yacht Club. More traditional ornaments in traditional colors.

~Amanda

[SBETigg]

And the other side of the coin...
DH and I spent a week at AKL in early December, 2006
We ate at Citrico's at GF one evening and it took us over 30 minutes to get a monorail back to MK to get the bus back to AKL. I think it would get really, really old if we had to do it all week.
My vote is AKL. It is paradise.

But you wouldn't have had to do it all week. The boat launch is quick, easy, and gets you to the MK in ten minutes or less. You have options! I have never waited more than ten minutes for a resort to MK monorail. I suspect there was probably some kind of unusual monorail problem holding you up.

The Polynesian is the one I would pick at any time of year. Larger rooms, great transportation options (to Epcot as well as to MK and great bus service to all other destinations as well), fireworks on the beach (can't beat it!). But I'm sure the AKL is lovely at that time of year, too, and you'll save a little money for other things that way. Tough call. Good luck with it!