Caribbean Seaside and the Polynesian are Walt Disney Global’s tropical-themed accommodations, and each have gained reimaginings and added facilities in the previous few years. It should look like a daft hotel face-off, however due to advanced transportation and eating, it’s an incredibly shut name.
Necessarily, this put up head-to-head smackdown solutions whether or not Reasonable-tier Caribbean Seaside Lodge is excellent sufficient, or in the event that they must splurge at the Deluxe-tier Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge. In different phrases, the comparability now not being extremely lopsided is dependent closely on pricing, since Caribbean Seaside is far more cost effective. When making an allowance for the associated fee differential, the decision may surprise you…or now not.
That is mirrored in our Ratings of ALL Walt Disney Global Inns from Worst to Perfect, which does take worth and a number of different variables under consideration. When you’d wish to learn that for a rundown of the way all accommodations rank, have at it. However, spoiler alert, each Disney’s Polynesian Village and Caribbean Seaside Motels are within the height 10!
Environment apart the cost, this one is admittedly no contest. If our Polynesian vs. Grand Floridian put up was once any indication, the Poly is best than the flagship hotel of Walt Disney Global. Then again, we have been already calling the rooms at Caribbean Seaside “Poly-lite” and now that Caribbean Seaside Lodge’s re-imagining of its commonplace spaces and eating is whole, the hotel makes a powerful case for being the No longer-So-Deficient Individual’s Poly…
What this put up will search to handle is whether or not the distance in high quality between the 2 accommodations is sufficient to justify the large chasm between the 2 in worth. With that during thoughts, our first comparability right here shall be value, with the entirety else following from there. Whilst we received’t grade on a curve within the next classes, you must mentally be doing that your self, bearing in mind your individual funds, how a lot time you’ll be spending on the hotel, and different pertinent (to you) elements.
Now, it’s time to peer whether or not Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Lodge can pull off a Rudy towards the heavy favourite…
Price: Caribbean Seaside Lodge – On reasonable, Disney’s Polynesian Lodge prices virtually triple what Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Lodge prices. Even with reductions factored in, the Poly continues to be a minimum of double the price of Caribbean Seaside each unmarried night time of the yr. (In some circumstances, Caribbean Seaside is a good higher worth.)
That is the backdrop towards which the remainder of this comparability is about. Now, we’re now not announcing the Poly must be two times (or extra) as excellent than Caribbean Seaside to be without equal victor. As discussed, we’re now not grading the entirety else on a curve.
The reason is is inconspicuous: whilst value is function, its relative weight is subjective. For some folks, it issues so much. For others, cash isn’t any object, and easiest continues to be easiest. In different phrases, chances are you’ll need to make a psychological be aware of that massive worth distinction as you learn the remainder of this. Or, chances are you’ll now not…
Theme & Setting: Polynesian, Most likely – Technically, we’re evaluating Polynesia to the Caribbean, which might be separated by way of huge expanses of ocean, however are however relatively very similar to informal visitors. Each “really feel just like the islands.” Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge has one of the crucial nicest grounds of any resort at Walt Disney Global, and is really transportive. From the plants to the carved indicators to the longhouses, theme here’s actually efficient.
In contrast, Caribbean Seaside Lodge seems like a resort masquerading as any other position. The main points and structure aren’t as convincing, so it falls in need of being an entirely immersive themed atmosphere. That’s the disadvantage. The upside is that it does a actually excellent activity shooting and conveying one of the crucial essence of vacationing at a tropical hotel.
Whilst it’s now not as excellent from top-to-bottom, the grounds are lush and supply a calming morning stroll, the brand new Centertown space is outstanding, from the internal of the brand new foyer to Centertown Marketplace, Banana Cabana, and Sebastian’s Bistro. Even the outlying room constructions glance so much like Jamaica or Cayman when partially-obscured by way of arms or in the event you squint good. There’s a ton to discover at Caribbean Seaside, and I like wandering this hotel overdue at night time or within the early morning.
Each accommodations have noticed their serene skylines develop with the addition of thematically-incongruous towers. At Caribbean Seaside, the additions of the Skyliner and adjoining Disney’s Riviera Lodge have made the hotel really feel a little bit much less like a tropical get away. However at the plus facet, a minimum of each are substantive belongings to Caribbean Seaside, including distinctive transportation and a greater diversity of eating choices.
Over on the Polynesian, the Island Tower was once plopped at the outer edge. It is a web unfavorable for the hotel as an entire, even supposing we do love Wailulu Bar & Grill and now want staying on the Island Tower. Can’t see the hideous external in the event you’re within it!
The issue with the Poly is that the hotel infrastructure is overburdened, together with the pool, seaside, eating places, seating spaces, or even line for the monorail within the Nice Ceremonial Area. Because of the added room stock and its standing as a ‘vacation spot’ hotel, the foyer may also be packed and the grounds are continuously bustling, particularly in evenings round fireworks. The Poly must really feel serene and non violent, however is continuously crowded and chaotic as an alternative. This isn’t all the time the case, despite the fact that, and if you’ll be able to to find the ones quieter occasions, the Poly continues to be one thing particular.
Rooms: Polynesian – Caribbean Seaside Lodge gained a cushy items refurbishment to its same old rooms inside the final couple of years, and the result’s…advantageous. Those have been as soon as probably the greatest Reasonable Lodge rooms at Walt Disney Global, however the main points had been toned down and the contest has handed by way of CBR.
Those rooms are bland, uninteresting, and sterile to a fault, with now not just about sufficient theme and manner an excessive amount of white. They’re certainly brisker, however are devoid of character, which is actually a disgrace. The earlier the entire arduous items refurbishment, the easier.
On a a lot more certain be aware, there’s the ‘Underneath the Sea’ fifth Sleeper Rooms Impressed by way of The Little Mermaid that changed the notorious pirate rooms. Those Underneath the Sea rooms are nice for households who need extra space whilst they’re now not snoozing, because the pull-down beds make the primary dwelling space a ways much less cramped all through the day. Those are implausible–a ways higher than the usual rooms, however can most effective be discovered within the Trinidad space of the resort.
Then there’s the “Moana Makeover” at Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge. The room is filled with customized fixtures, furniture, and Moana decor. The furnishings is heavy and really extensive, feeling prime quality and sturdy. Those little upgrades imbue the room with a better sense of luxurious, and the Moana styling supplies amusing Disney touches.
Measurement is actually the large factor, because the Poly’s rooms are considerably higher than the ones at Caribbean Seaside. This may also be significantly vital for households, as seeking to have compatibility 4 folks right into a Reasonable Lodge room isn’t all the time simple or comfy. The bigger rooms of the Poly give adults and children extra space to unfold out, and the addition of the balcony for some separate out of doors area additionally is very large.
If room dimension doesn’t topic to you, the 2 visitor rooms are so much nearer in high quality than chances are you’ll be expecting–however the Poly nonetheless has a excellent edge. Total, the Polynesian’s rooms are higher, show off higher consideration to element, have a ways higher toilets, and do a excellent activity of balancing theme and comfort.
Eating: Polynesian – As a Deluxe Lodge, it must come as no marvel that the eating scene is forged on the Poly. Captain Prepare dinner’s is one in every of Walt Disney Global’s higher counter carrier eating places, and the tandem of Kona Cafe and ‘Ohana are nice informal desk carrier choices. With Dealer Sam’s Grog Grotto and the brand new Wailulu Bar & Grill, the Poly has two of the most productive lounges at Walt Disney Global–one themed and one with implausible meals and environment.
With that stated, this isn’t as a lot of a runaway victory as chances are you’ll be expecting. The duo of counter carrier eating choices at Caribbean Seaside, Centertown Marketplace and Spyglass Grill, is lovely excellent.
Then there’s Sebastian’s Bistro’s new family-style meal this is the most productive dinner deal in all of Walt Disney Global. (I’d take that over ‘Ohana or Kona Cafe.) Upload to that Banana Cabana, which is now arguably the most productive pool bar at any Walt Disney Global hotel, and also you’ve were given slightly the ambitious lineup.
If we added the eating slate at Disney’s Riviera Lodge, which is a brief stroll from Caribbean Seaside, that might simply tip the scales in want of the Reasonable Lodge. Topolino’s Terrace has a ton of vary, with an excellent persona breakfast and romantic dinner. On height of that, Riviera has a forged slate of counter carrier, front room, and snack choices.
Then again, if we come with Riviera then we’d additionally almost definitely have to incorporate Grand Floridian because it’s likewise walkable from the Poly. And Grand Floridian has arguably the most productive eating place roster of any hotel at Walt Disney Global, particularly with regards to advantageous eating (Poly’s largest weak point).
This eating comparability is much nearer of a decision than it must be, however we’re going to offer the brink to the Polynesian. This comparability is actually tricky as a result of, for sensible functions, each Riviera and the Grand Floridian convey so much to the desk and are handy to each. However the ones short of more uncomplicated choices with out strolling are almost definitely higher suited by way of the Poly’s eating places.
Swimming pools: Polynesian – If there was once one combat the place Caribbean Seaside Lodge may’ve pulled off an disenchanted with out grading on a curve, it’s right here. On our listing of the Most sensible 10 Swimming pools at Walt Disney Global, Fuentes del Morro Pool (aka “Pirate Pool) at Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Lodge ranked #3 and Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge ranked #2.
In the ones ratings, we gave a slight edge to the Poly as it’s completely new pool space has a barely nicer and extra various characteristic set, lets simply as simply turn the ones ratings and get in touch with Caribbean Seaside #2 as a result of pirates.
We have been tempted to just do that for this put up, however integrity received out over making this extra aggressive. We actually do suppose the Poly items the ever-so-slightly more sensible choice right here–however be mindful, the merit is slight.
Transportation: Tie – You could be questioning: how can this be a tie? The Polynesian has one of the crucial absolute best transportation at Walt Disney Global, with direct monorails to each Magic Kingdom and (if you are taking the non violent stroll to the TTC) Epcot. This implies you might have simple non-bus transportation to 2 theme parks.
Then again, now that the Disney Skyliner is open, Caribbean Seaside gives one thing very similar to each Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Because of having the hub Skyliner station and a 2d station, Caribbean Seaside has direct get entry to to each parks, with much less general transit time than the monorails from the Poly. Having the ability to (simply) get to DHS or EPCOT prior to Early Access begins is large, and makes doing the headliners at the ones parks with minimum wait a lot more uncomplicated.
Likewise, the Skyliner gondola station drops Caribbean Seaside Lodge visitors off on the Global Gateway front to Epcot, which makes it more uncomplicated to knock out each Remy’s Ratatouille Journey and Frozen Ever After all through Early Access. It’s a little bit trickier with Check Observe and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind being on the entrance of the park, however there’s nonetheless so much to be stated for aerial get entry to to Epcot and DHS.
Then there’s bus transportation, which leaves one thing to be desired at each accommodations. Caribbean Seaside has an interior bus loop, and whilst that’s now not as dangerous because it was, it’s nonetheless now not best. In a similar way, the Polynesian ceaselessly stocks buses with Grand Floridian, so it’s no sooner than Caribbean Seaside. In point of fact, this can be a toss-up.
Verdict: It Is dependent – The Poly is one in every of Walt Disney Global’s maximum iconic accommodations, and it beats Caribbean Seaside Lodge handily in general high quality. Nonetheless, the distance between the 2 has closed significantly in the case of rooms, facilities, eating, and transportation. The hotel’s reimagining and Disney Skyliner gondolas had been instrumental in turning Caribbean Seaside right into a hotel with near-Deluxe choices.
This tale of this combat must be considered like that of Rocky. Even if Creed wins in spite of everything, nobody cares as a result of Rocky publish this kind of valiant effort because the underdog. The tale of Caribbean Seaside Lodge right here is identical: it publish a commendable effort, and the Poly’s victories weren’t just about as decisive as chances are you’ll’ve anticipated.
On the contrary, essentially the most decisive victory of all here’s Caribbean Seaside at the pricing entrance. It wins that one by way of a large margin, and is the primary reason why that is now a toss up. With that stated, if cash isn’t any factor to you, make a selection the Polynesian–it’s the objectively best of the 2 accommodations when worth is taken out of the equation. No longer by way of an enormous margin, however by way of a large sufficient one to make that our advice.
On a non-public be aware, if we have been ‘compelled’ to choose from paying rack fee at Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge and Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Lodge, with out query, we’d make a selection the latter. Each. Unmarried. Time. Even with standard reductions, the cost distinction isn’t proportionate to the standard distinction for us. We will be able to have a wonderfully great time at Caribbean Seaside Lodge, know the way to leverage its facilities, and like the Skyliner to the monorail.
Plus, touring with out youngsters negates the scale distinction between the rooms and we mechanically resort-hop for desk carrier dinner, anyway. For us, many of the downsides of Caribbean Seaside are negligible, and certainly now not sufficient to triumph over that obvious worth distinction. (Once more, for us.) We do use DVC issues to stick on the Poly, but it surely’s simply actually arduous to justify paying rack charges and it’s lovely uncommon for warm reductions at Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge.
That’s simply us, despite the fact that and your mileage might range at the query of worth for cash. That’s actually what we’re maximum curious as to what everybody else thinks with this one. Clearly, in a strict query of which is absolute best, the Poly wins. Then again, whilst you consider value, a actually sturdy argument may also be made for Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Lodge.
When evaluating any two accommodations, different elements will clearly come into play. Necessary facilities, location, game, and different variables are going to topic and weigh another way for various events. Our purpose is for this put up to be useful in providing a head-to-head comparability of essentially the most an important components of each and every Walt Disney Global hotel enjoy, however we recommend supplementing this with our complete assessment of Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Lodge (in the event you haven’t noticed the brand new rooms, it’s certainly price testing only for that) and our Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge Assessment.
Making plans a Walt Disney Global travel? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney Global Inns Evaluations web page. For the place to devour, learn our Walt Disney Global Eating place Evaluations. To economize on tickets or resolve which kind to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney Global Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel have a look at artful pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney Global Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to begin is our Walt Disney Global Shuttle Making plans Information for the entirety you wish to have to understand!
Your Ideas
We’d actually love to listen to your rationale in your pick out within the feedback. I feel different readers want to listen too, so please make your case within the feedback. Deciding whether or not Caribbean Seaside Lodge is “excellent sufficient” or if it’s “price it” to splurge for the Poly is a tricky determination, and a couple of views past ours will assist others when making that gigantic (dear!) determination. Listening to your comments–even whilst you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas underneath within the feedback!
