Polynesian vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge

I would say the biggest pro/con is location, location, location. We just stayed at Animal Kingdom. It was beautiful. However, it just seemed so far away from everything. We had a car and it still seemed like it took forever to go anywhere.
Since we used DVC points for that trip, I do not know what the price difference would have been compared to the Poly. I can say though that Mrhub and I both agreed, we still prefer the Poly.

See I think they are two very different options. If money wasn't an issue it would be Poly hands down..due to location, dining options, the monorail, the beach, the view, the theme..ohhh I love the Poly.

However, I do love AKL! I think it's a great value for a deluxe resort and if you can find a discount then you have a really great deal. AKL also has some great dining options but the bus ride can be a bit far if you're spending most of your time at MK.

I think that if you're planning to spend a lot of time in the room, AKL wins. The amazing views (if you have a savanna view) and the amenities of the resort are wonderful.

But, if you're going to any theme parks at all...ever...Poly wins. That monorail and closeness to everything just offers so much more convenience.

I honestly think AKL wins easily on Dining options, except that you have the monorail which can take you to the GF and the Contemporary. As far as in the resort dining AKL has Jiko and Boma vs. Ohana and Kona, which I think is an easy victory for AKL. I've never even tried Sanaa, so that might be another plus.

I love Boma..but Ohana and Kona are close to the top of my top ten list..oh..new idea for a thread...

Historically Ohana and Kona would be a worthy competition to Boma and Jiko, but my last few experiences at Ohana have been mediocre at best and most people's experiences seem to concur. I think they've gone downhill ever since they got rid of the potatoes.

Ohana does have a very nice view still though and may be my favorite place to watch the fireworks. It's better than the Cali Grill in my opinion.

For whatever reason they didn't build Boma and Jiko where you could see the animals which is a strange decision.

Being on the Monorail of course trumps any minor advantage that AKL has on restaurants, but the only question is whether that justifies the price. To us, the answer is usually no, because the price difference is usually more then $100 on AP discounts.

I would go with Ohana/Kona over Jilo/Boma. I hate to admit this because I seem to be the only one but....I love the noodles at Ohana. And I really hate to admit this but I do not remember anything about the potatoes. I do remember that they use to serve potatoes instead of the noodles but I do not even remember if they were mashed, sliced, diced, cheesed, fried or just seasoned.

The best was the Tangaroha ( not sure of the spelling)at the Poly. Anyone remember that buffet?
Joe

Has Ohana really gone that much downhill??
I haven't been there in at least four years so my frame of reference may be a bit off.

I've never done Jiko or Sanaa but I would looove to!

I think they were scalloped..but I'm not sure. I really don't remember much about them either.

If they got rid of the peel and eat shrimp, the salad and the desert..well then I'd be really sad.

Sorry no pictures. That was before the digital camera period in my life. It's one of the places to eat that we miss most. Great Polynesian buffet.
Joe

Hey Joe -- here's a recipe for Stir-Fried Shrimp from Tangaroa Terrace! You can make this for Jan this weekend and look through your Polynesian slides. (Go to the store, get some leis and pineapple, and make it a luau!)