WDW Advice
 

To celebrate my younger daughter's graduation from college, we're heading to WDW in May. We're considering hotel options, specifically Animal Kingdom, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian. Is it more important to be on the Monorail line or have a savannah view and fabulous theming at Animal Kingdom? We're thinking Animal Kingdom might be ideal for hubs to hang out 75%of the time.

Any and all advice is welcome.

I don't have any experience with the Grand Floridian, however I have stayed at both AK and the Poly.

For "hanging out" it's a no brainier. AK hands down. You have a freaking safari out your window (assuming a savanna view). Be advised there is really only one savanna at AK lodge, they charge extra for the central "Arusha" view but all the same critters are free wander to any of the locations. So save a few bucks and go with the basic "savanna" view. Also there are feeding stations located all over the savanna, they rotate which one has food all the time so if you don't see any critters when you first arrive panic not. It won't be long before they fill a feed station by you and they show up in doves.

The Poly is a nice place to stay, Tonga toast is one of my favorite things at WDW. It's also a Monorail resort which makes getting to the MK like falling out of bed. When we stayed at the Poly we asked for a room at the far end (Rapa Nui). From there it's a 2min walk to the Transportation and Ticketing center, the hub off all WDW transportation. It made getting to any of the parks a breeze but a longer walk to the Poly pool and restaurant.

I suggest the Motel 6

This may decide us. Thank you, Moonliner. My daughter and her friend will be out and about all the time but Tom and I will be taking it slow and easy, with ample time for Tonga Toast and fireworks viewing.

Their concierge level has really gone downhill, though.

I used to drive, but if you want to take advantage of the better transportation (I hated the bus system), you can monorail from the Poly (which I prefer to the Grand Cal) to the Tragic Kingdom AND to Epcot, and you can boat from Epcot* to the Studio Park. Animal Kingdom is the only one of the major theme parks not part of this cool transport chain.

Then again, I always found it more convenient to just drive everywhere, and the AK Lodge is probably the more fun hotel.


* boats from the Epcot-adjacent (specifically WorldShowcase-adjacent Beach Club.

Which ever you choose, I hope you have a great time Helen!

:snap:

If your dates include May 4 through May 9, let me know.

For what it's worth, I've found AK Lodge to be the most relaxing location... quieter, less people. After about 3 days of hard-parking, I usually need a half day or so to chill and the lodge is great for that.

It's a week later. I really would have enjoyed a meet, Scrooge McSam. If any LoTers find themselves in the vicinity, I'd love to meet you.

We looked at youtubes of the Polynesian and AK last night. You all knew John Lennon signed the paperwork formally ending The Beatles at the Polynesian in '74? That was new to me.

The verdict: Polynesian, requesting Rapa Nui. The monorail decided it for 3/4 of us. The other 1/4 (me) wanted AK. Next time.

If you've been to the luau, what did you think?

Being at Rapa Nui you get easy access to both monorail loops. It's a nice feature.

I have no idea the current state of the Luau, We last did that more than a decade ago, it was great but I drank myself into a stupor on their luau punch.

(Note: It's non-alcoholic just very very sweet and tasty after a long day in the sun)