Thank you for all of your opinions.
To give more information, we'll be staying for just a few days. Going to EPCOT, MK, and DS for one day each (although we do have weekday select SPs so we can hop if we want to, although we likely won't.) I can get the room for 42% off (AP rate.)
We do LOVE CBR. While I am really wanting to try a different resort just for a new experience, the truth is that we would probably have stayed at CBR again if it wasn't for the double beds. They really need to put queen sized beds in all mods, IMO. But yes- we love the theming at CBR. We love the Tiki Room in MK, too- I guess in my mind I always pictured Poly to be like the Tiki Room?
We're going during value season, too, if it makes a difference. We generally don't hang out at the pool until the evening, when we get back from the parks (my kids like to go night swimming.) We probably won't be eating at any table service restaurants this time- I think I'd like to wait to do the regular DP when the baby is a little older and enjoys the characters a little bit more. Still unsure if we'll be buying the QSDP or just paying for our meals OOP (I know they have free dining but since we have SPs it's kind-of a hassle w/the free dining, since you have to buy 2-day tix now.)
I know that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and this vacation will be what we make of it- attitude does mean a lot. It's just that I don't want to get there and be like, "We paid double what we would have paid at CBR for THIS?!" KWIM? Having never seen the inside of the resort, I just don't know what to think. I can drive up for the day to visit- might just do that this weekend- but I really need to make these ressies soon- the trip is quickly approaching!
I will say that a clean, fresh room is very important to us. We stayed a POR last September and both rooms we had had paint peeling, looked dingy/worn out, had a musty smell, and rust in the bathrooms. It really tainted my opinion of that resort.
On the other hand, both times we've been to AKL, the rooms are pristine- they smell good, everything looks clean and fresh, etc. I don't mind if the rooms are darker, but I need them to be clean and not worn out looking or "in need of a refurb" like POR was.
So does that change anyone's advice to recommend (or not recommend) this resort to us?
Does anyone have pics of the inside of the longhouses?