Which Monorail Resort?

[DisneyLisa]

We're trying to decide which monorail resort to stay at in July. Would like to hear what we should take into consideration while trying to decide which resort to choose. Our group consists of 3 females - myself, friend and DD 14 (DH & 2 teenage sons and her DH have no interest in WDW so it's become an annual vacation for the girls & we love it). Stayed at BC last year but thought we'd like to try a monorail resort this year. Plan to spend 9 or 10 nights.

My friend wasn't sure she could handle the "smell" when we visited the Poly last summer but DD loved it and wants to stay there...I'm leaning towards the GF, but did always want to try the Contemporary until I saw the GF. Friend is concerned the GF might be too "stuffy" - her words.

Appreciate any comments.

[jdads2]

Here is a reply that is no help:D

I see each resort as so different from one another that I can't compare or suggest which to choose. I love the Poly for its relaxed feeling and south seas theme. We were lucky enough to stay there for our firsttrip to WDW. We plan on staying at the GF in 2003 or 2004. We visited on our last trip and loved it. We haven't been to the Contemporary but, from what I have read here on the DIS, it has some huge fans.

Whichever you choose you can't go wrong.

[fireplug]

Heres a thoght you may or may not like.
Try two or all three of them! it really isn't a big deal to check out of one and into another . We have freinds who have done it twice and love it. The call it there "World Tour". So think about it and try something different, it might be real fun:pinkbounc

Steve

[Snow Shoe]

The CR is where we like to stay when not at a DVC resort. Water mice can be rented there, parasailing, fishing trips all can be done at CR. The pools are nice, there is a large game arcade next to the food court. CR is not heavly "Disney" themed which is what I like. There are 3 very good restaurants there also. Cheif Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse, and the California Grill. The rooms are among the largest at WDW. Here is alink to Deb's site with Contemporary info and pictures. http://www.wdwig.com/faq_con.htm Have a great time!!

[DisneyLisa]

Fireplug - I was thinking about that idea, but have read a few negative things about it. I guess the one thing we have going in our favour with that idea though, is that we are planning to alternate between a park day and a rest day, so we could check out & in of each resort on our rest day (there would be no worry about lost luggage etc. as we're driving to WDW so have our own vehicle & could take our things wherever we go...might be a good idea...then we'll know which is our favourite for next year's holiday right :) . One problem I see wth that idea is: if we want to spend a day around the pool - which pool do we use & where would we change etc...would they let us use the pool at the resort we are checking into later in the day?...might feel like lost souls with nowhere to go...have to give that some thought.

Any suggestions as to which order we should book the resorts if we go that route?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I've stayed at all three monorail resorts, and my favorite is the Grand Floridian!

If you were to stay at all three, I'd do the Contemporary Tower then Polynesian Lagoon View, then the Grand Floridian Lagoon View. Or, the Polynesian Garden View then the Contemporary Tower, then the Grand Floridian Garden View. Definetly stay in the tower at the Contemporary!

[DisneyLisa]

CaliforniaDreaming: Just curious - why is GF your favourite?

[RobinLyn]

We loved the Polynesian!! Stayed at the Poly twice, GF and Comtemporary once. It was great having the monorail when our boys were younger. We especially liked the atmosphere of the Poly. But the GF is so nice (newer) and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. I really like the victorian theme of the GF. We have friends who stay there every year, they don't want to try any other resort. I would not go back to the Contemporary though. We had a nice concierge Tower room on the 12th floor, but this resort just doesn't do it for us as far as WDW resorts go. IMHO, there are much better choices. The rooms are large but the decor is older (stayed there in 1999), nothing fancy. I don't think you can go wrong with the Polynesian or the GF.

RobinLyn :)

[happydays]

Polynesian:earseek: Polynesian:bounce: Polynesian:wave:

[Ityldu]

Polynesian without a doubt. Cont. is too cold and GF is too stuffy - In our opinion. The thing that really surprised us about GF was the amount of brides and the worst was being caught on the elevator with a bride while I was dressed for the parks.

As far as switching resorts, it is very easy and painless. We've do it every time and we have little ones that still need naps (well, they did the last time). You can spend the entire day at the resort you are checking out of, as well as the entire day at the resort you are checking into. I believe there are changing rooms, at the very least, bathrooms near every pool. Three resorts might be a lot in 9-10 days, but 2 resorts would be a breeze.

[ead79]

I have stayed at both the Poly and the GF. I have never stayed at the Contemporary because the decor isn't my personal style. It looks like a fun resort, though. :) Of the ones I have stayed at the GF is definitely my favorite. The decor is so pretty and feminine. The lobby is amazing, and you get some great perks standard that you must stay concierge level at other deluxes to get (like bathrobes and a stocked mini-bar--it has all sorts of food and drinks, not just alcohol, which I don't drink). The rooms at the GF are very large, and I just really enjoy the resort. I did not find it to be stuffy or stuck up at all when I was there, but some people do feel that way. The Poly had a neat tropical atmosphere, and I wasn't bothered by the smell--I actually found it quite relaxing. The grounds are gorgeous and the rooms here are also large. The room decor isn't my personal taste, but that's just my opinion. You might check out the pictures of the resorts on www.wdwig.com to see which decor you and your friend prefer. Hope this helps! :)

[nolanzzz]

OK - I've heard this a few times - what is this "smell" at the Polynesian??? We're going in June - 5th trip, but 1st at Poly - I'm really excited, but now I'm getting nervous about this smell I keep hearing about!

Pleeeeeze somebody - fill me in!:confused: :confused: :confused:

[fireplug]

DisneyLisa,
I think starting at CR, then Poly, then GF,that way you end up in the most luxurious. As far as the pool question,you could check in with a small carry on size bag and then go to the pool for that resort, you can change in the restrooms off the lobby. We have done that when we had to check out and we weren't leaving for hours. another hint is to pack the clothes you want for each member of your party into a resort specific suitcase ( 1 for CR,1 forPoly, 1 for GF) that way you don't have to unpack and rapack so often.

Steve

[smjj]

The smell has been the topic of several threads on this and other boards. It boils down to some smell it and like it to others who think it stinks to those who can't smell anything. I remember a smell of tropical plants mixed with mulch. It was not unpleasant or overpowering at all. Others will say their room smelled so bad they moved to another room or resort. We will be back at the Poly this Dec. and I will pay more attention this time but my vote and advise to you is stay at the Poly, it is in my opinion a wonderful resort. I will not knock the other monorail rssorts, they are all very nice, some people just prefer a different setting thats all..smjj

[DisneyLisa]

Thanks everyone for all the input.

One thing I've noticed checking out the room lay-outs for the 3 resorts is that the GF has the best designed bathroom in my opinion (same type of set-up as the BC - a set-up we loved). With 3 females, it's an important consideration...might be a deciding factor for us. I don't think we'll go for resort hopping - want to keep it as relaxed as possible.

I think I'm leaning towards the GF...seems to have everything we're looking for & assuming it's not too formal (as friend is worried about), which posters say it's not...we should love it.

Thanks again.

[kimberwing]

If you pick the Poly (we are staying there in April) which bldg, view, etc. do you request?

Thanks!

[kimberwing]

If you pick the Poly (we are staying there in April) which bldg, view, etc. do you request?

Thanks!

[mmcvay]

We stayed at the GF this past November. We NEVER had the feeling of it being "stuffy". The staff is very attentive and the grounds are beautiful. We stayed in a Boca Chica, Lagoon view room. Our room had a small balcony and we could stand on it at night and watch the fireworks. In the morning, we would enjoy our morning coffee and watch the boats travel back and forth across the lagoon. I loved the GF fruit plates, they were huge and delicious. Also, the lighted barges at night went right by our balcony. DH and I both enjoyed the double sinks in the bathroom. We never bumped into each other trying to get ready for the parks or dinner in the evening.

We have visited the Poly and walked around the grounds and buildings but we've never stayed there. I do know that it has a huge following on these boards. If it wasn't a nice resort, it wouldn't have so many folks returning to enjoy it. IMHO, the Poly is nice but we just felt like it was showing it's age a little. The GF to us just seemed brighter, newer, and more luxurious. Regarding the monorail, the Poly and GF are both very convenient to MK and the TTC. I'm sure where ever you choose to stay, you'll have a magical vacation.:pinkbounc

[JANIE G.]

WE WERE JUST AT THE GRAND FLORIDIAN LAST WEEK, FOR THE FIRST TIME AND ABSOLUETLY LOVED IT. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED AND I WON'T STAY ANYWHERE ELSE BUT THERE FROM NOW ON. I'VE STAYED AT THE CONTEMPORARY AND THE POLY AND THE GRAND FLORIDIAN HAS THEM BEAT! JUST MY OPINION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, LET ME KNOW.

[*DiSnEyGuRlIe267*]

No offense but I think that the GF SUCKS! UGH.... just a bunch of ride snobby people. I would say the Contemporary tower room. I love it theie so that would have to be my choice. :bounce:

[nolanzzz]

I appreciate you taking the time to reply and relieve my fears a little - I really am looking forward to it - always dreamed about staying there or at GF, so I guess it must be true what Disney says about dreams ...it's coming true!!!!

LOL! Thanks again.:p

[smjj]

I have been on these boards for sometime now and have learned one thing. Everyone has a favorite and has an opinion on all the other resorts as well. I try not to critisize others or their choise if it differs from mine. Each resort has many features that draw the attention of others. The long and short of it is personel preference. You will not hear me say a resort sucks or stinks and it bothers me when I read comments that negative. There is no need to be that way. I hope everyone enjoys their trip and whichever you chose look at it this way. If it does not meet your standards or taste, that is a good enough reason to plan another trip and stay at another resort..smjj

[vacationplanner]

Fireplug/Steve-- I see that you have been to both so I thought maybe you could give me some insight!?!? I am planning a trip 1/03. There will be 8 adults, 5 kids (9yr, 4yr, 2-3yr, 1yr). We want to all stay separate, so we will plan on 4 rooms. The children are from 2 families, so those 2 families have more issues with space, fridge etc.

I don't know if others have been to one or both of these resorts too. Any input would be appreciated. I am thinking that we will need to get 2 villa rooms and 2 studio rooms.

Thanks--Julie

[DisneyLisa]

JanieG...just curious, but would love to hear why you enjoyed the GF so much over the other 2 resorts.

I'm still thinking GF...daughter was disappointed when she came home from school today & I said I was thinking we'd stay at GF (although she said she's just happy we're going again & it's up to me) and my friend is still thinking BC (but is starting to believe the GF wouldn't be too fancy for her).

[hvsteve1]

GF is the one Disney resort I've seen that could probably happily exist without WDW...after all,it was designed after a real resort. One could really unwind in a few days there. Contemporary is old and cold...my idea of what it would be like to live in a subway station. The theme may have seemed clever when it was built but has become very dated as years go by. Polynesian is also a nice choice but most of the comnments I see on the boards seem to indicate that the restaurants are the attraction rather than the resort itself.

[Tinker Bell]

I agree that GF is not too formal. When I first stayed in the main building I was worried about having to walk through the Lobby to go to the pool -- but you don't have to. There is a back elevator to a door right near the pools.

When not in pool clothes, the Lobby is fantastic. The flowers etc. are spectacular.

Only relative negative from my experience is that the service is not at the same level with the physical facilities and amenities. I have consitently waited longer for bell/valet service at GF than at any other Deluxe.

Enjoy!

[JANIE G.]

DISNEY LISA,

THE GRAND FLORIDIAN HAD IT ALL. THE STAFF WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL, THE RESTAURANTS WERE FABULOUS, OUR ROOM WAS BEAUTIFUL AND HOUSEKEEPING WAS GREAT, AND IT GAVE YOU THE FEEL THAT YOU TRULY WERE STAYING AT ONE OF THE BEST RESORTS AROUND. NO ONE WAS RUDE OR SNOBBY, IF ANYTHING, THEY WERE EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO MAKE YOUR STAY MEMORABLE. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES I TOOK OF THE GRAND FLORIDIAN AND OUR ROOM, JUST LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU E-MAIL ADDRESS IS AND I'LL SEND THEM TO YOU.

JANIE

[DisneyLisa]

Tinker Bell...you mentioned not having to walk through the lobby on the way to the pool which is great...always hate doing that.

But are you comfortable walking around the resort in shorts and a t-shirt for example?...I think that's what my friend might be worried about...that it is too formal. I would think it wouldn't be, afterall, it is Disney World.

[RobinLyn]

DisneyLisa,

As far as the GF being to formal or as some say "stuffy", I say it's what you make it. Who cares if some act stuffy, most who are there are just enjoying being at WDW. The so called stuffy visitors would not stop me from staying at any resort of my choice. Unfortunately, things like this can be found in many places. We all pay about the same to stay there, so what makes one persons money better than mine? Got me! Life's too short, Enjoy!!!

RobinLyn :)

[beattyfamily]

If I could afford it, I'd stay at the Grand Floridian forever!!!

It's the newest one and it's amazingly beautiful!!!

Enough said!:D

[polyjim]

The Poly is without a doubt, the best and most convenient resort on the rail. After staying at the Poly 11 or 12 times, it never gets boring, only better.
Peaceful, layed back atmosphere, with easy acess to transportation anywhere in WDW.
Nitetime views are tops, and accomodations are 5 star. Have tried a few other on the grounds resorts, but nothing compares to the Poly.
Try it, and rest assured u will love it........

Polyjim