We're planning an enormous trip for July/August 2008 and want to make reservations as soon as possible to get the good views. Originally, the plan was to stay at Contemporary, but then we all decided on Boardwalk. Last night we began talking about the Polynesian (where we stayed on my first Disney trip when I was 6). I really don't know which would be the best, since I've been to all three but have only stayed in one. I liked the atmosphere of them all, but this is the longest trip we've ever taken (6 days in parks and 1-2 days of hotel pools, Downtown Disney, etc.)
We spend the most time in Magic Kingdom and Epcot, if that helps.

Please help us decide!!!

We spend the most time in Magic Kingdom and Epcot, if that helps.



Well, both the Contemporary and the Poly are on the monorail, offering easy access to both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The tower in the Contemporary offers great views of the MK, including the Wishes fireworks show.

The Boardwalk offers walking or a boat to both Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios.

Contemporary is the best, prolly.

If money wasn't an issue, I would pick the Polynesian. It's a monorail resort, great proximity to both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. The resort is beautiful, a real tropical getaway. The beach, the view, the pool. :)

Well, contemporary has my vote. However, it is the most expensive out of the three. Polynesian comes in second, with boardwalk in third, but not that much less. Unless you stay in one of the garden wing at the contemporary, that would be the cheepest by a long shot. Contemporary would be the best for me because you can walk or monorail to MK, and Epcot from monorail. if you avoid buses, you can even monorail toepcot, wlk through to the boat launch at the international gateway, and then go to MGM.

Hopefully, we will stay at polynesian this year (halfway through july) and maby at a moderate around next February. It will be one amazing year.

I'll give you my biased opinion :)

I vote Contemporary. I've never stayed (not by choice :() but just walking in says opening day Disney Magic to me. The transportation rocks and I love the view.

The Polynesian is my least favourite hotel. Although I must be a little off because they have a super high rate of return guests. I just think the theming and architectural elements haven't really weathered the time or the trends as well.

The Boardwalk is super cool and seems a little less, fast paced then Contemporay.

We always stay at the Poly and do so because of the laid back theming. It's a wonderful place to relax and is completely convienent. Resturants are great as is the pool. Sitting by the pool in the evenings and watching the fireworks is fantastic. And most of the rooms have wonderful views. Everything also has recently been updated. If your looking for fast paced then Cont is probably a good choice. We have friends that stay there every year and love it. It all comes down to a matter of choice in the end. If you want more in depth type info and pics on the Poly though...try Tiki's site. It's great!

Im a Boardwalk vote...great fun at night,walking distance to Epcot.Mgm is right there.Lots of dining choices close by...Poly is my 2nd ...just a beautiful romantic feel:)

I have got to put my vote in for Poly...this is my dream resort, just LOVE it! The atmosphere, the pool, the laid back feeling just can't be beat!

I think all the resorts you mentioned have their advantages (some help, huh? ;)). I really like booking a tower room in the Contemporary, with a view overlooking the MK and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Some people have pooh-poohed this as just another big city hotel like a Marriott or a Hilton. But hey, how many nights do us average folk spend at a Marriott or a Hilton?

I have yet to stay at the Poly, although I do enjoy the theming. I also like the fact that you can either take the monorail into the MK or walk to the TTC and take the monorail there into Epcot.

I stayed at the Boardwalk once, with a lousy view of the parking lot. The location is terrific, though, within walking distance of either the Studios or Epcot. And you can also take the ferry to either park.

So it all comes down to you - which theme is more interesting to you? Go for it, and let us know.

Thanks for all your help! I think we'll do Contemporary, unless we change our minds yet again between now and when we book, or unless anyone else who posts on here changes my ideas significantly. Most of you guys are saying book a tower room overlooking MK at Contemporary, and that sounds beautiful to me. I really liked the floor there with the stores and kiosks. The child in our group also wants to stay there because there are jelly beans sold in the general store, right below the Monorail (I know, good way to choose a hotel!). Let me know what you think!

I've stayed at the Contemporary and the Poly but never the Boardwalk. I like them both very much. I notice you mention having some pool days. I'd take a look a pics of the pools to see what you think. I tend to chose hotels based on pool pics :-) but that's me.

I believe the Poly wins hands down in terms of ease of transporation to MK and Epcot (there is a short walkway that leads from the Poly to the direct Epcot monorail. Since the Contemp and Poly both usually share buses there won't be much difference in speed to/from the other parks.

I really like Chef Mickey's for breakfast but I give the overall atmosphere award to the Polynesian in almost every other category. Just my opinion. You can't go wrong either way frankly.

My vote is for the Poly. We stayed at the Poly in February for 9 nights. It was like a vacation away from our vacation. It was peaceful, quiet, beautifully decorated, and simply awesome. It really is meant to feel like Hawaii. (Which was the name of our building.) One of the best memories I had of our trip was getting up at 4am with our then 3 month old son and walking him around the property for 2+ hours as my husband and daughter slept. I felt as if I was in Hawaii with the only reminder was hearing them practicing the show in front of the castle. (That was pretty cool too!!)

It was also convenient staying on the Monorail as it was the fastest way to get back to the hotel from MK.

I wish we could afford to always stay at the Poly! :crying: