Planning our 2009 vacation and I was
wondering, if the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Beach and Yacht Clubs have been renovated recently?

Also, I know the Polynesian and Grand Floridian have monorails to the Magic Kingdom, but how do you get to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios? And does the transportation take ridiculously long? Thanks.

All sorts of accomodation info here:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_hot.htm

From the Polynesian and GF, you get to Epcot on the monorail (you change monorails at the Ticket & Transporation center). Animal Kingdom and the Studios via bus (or car).

I'm not sure about renovations, but I think that the overall facades of the Grand Floridian and the Yacht and Beach Clubs are nicer than the Polynesian. The polynesian I think may be getting a renovation soon though...

Regarding transportation, 321go's info is exactly right, and I wanted to add that the bus/monorail ride times take a maximum 15 minutes to Hollywood Studios or Epcot, and 20 minutes to Animal Kingdom

Wow, what a great website! Thanks for the information. I think I'm leaning towards the Polynesian now since we'll have two toddlers with us.

Thanks Trekker5211. I wasn't too concerned with the facade as much as the rooms. I assumed the monorail would be quicker than the bus, I guess I was wrong.

Just wanted to bring up one more thing: Depending on what building you're in at the Polynesian (the resort is spread out enough that it might be a bad idea to walk with to toddlers from one end of it to the other), you can walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center and pick up an express monorail to the Magic Kingdom, the monorail to Epcot, and more frequently-departing buses

We've been to WDW at least a dozen times in the last three years. We used the shuttle buses on one trip only. We didn't like the waits or the excrutiatingly slow speed of the bus. The 45 minute trip from the Wildnerness Lodge to Hollywood Studios ensured we'd stick to renting a car.

We typically stay at the Polynesian and like the ability to go where and when we want.

If you stay at a WDW resort the parking is free.

We also like the fact that on our last day we can stay longer at the pool then would be able to if needing to take the Magic Express.

The point about Polynesian being spread out is true but otherwise it is a great resort. We stayed there about a year and a half ago and rennovations were just being completed. It is directly on the monorail line (huge plus) and has a really good pool and also adjacent to the GF spa if you're interested in that.