Stayed at all 3 monorail resorts?

[jmkst58]

Has anyone stayed at all 3 monorail resorts? What's the best thing about each of them? Worst? Thanks!

[Wish Upon A Star]

How about 2 out of 3?

We stayed at GF in 1999 and at Poly in 2000.
We are going back to GF in July of this year.

What we liked about the Grand Floridian:

The elegance of the resort, our beautiful room in Boca Chica, the HUGE swimming pool, walking around the resort at dusk taking in all the sites, sitting on the beach watching the EWP, renting water mice and driving around 7 Seas Lagoon, watching the castle change colors, eating at 1900 Park Fare, having great sandwiches at Grand Floridian Cafe, being a quick monorail stop to MK.

What we liked about the Poly:

The relaxing atmosphere, the nightly torch lighting ceremony, the smell of the resort (very tropical), sitting on the hammocks, eating at Kona Cafe and Ohana's, hearing the drums from the luau, seeing the luau, the CM's are extremely nice, everyone is your "cousin" going around saying "ALOHA" several hundred times per day, the pool, refillable mugs, great coffee, feeling like you are in paradise.

[zoey452]

Staying at GF was like a dream, so wonderful! And now there is the new pool too. If only I could afford it! The new pool is absolutely gorgeous, right on the beach looking out at the lagoon.

I stayed at the Poly with my family one time. The rooms are the largest of any standard rooms, I believe. Very spacious, even for two adults and two teens.
Also, I love the Kona Kafe. Wonderful food! Great decor!

The best feature of all is the monorail. Can't beat that for fun and transportation to MK.

[jmkst58]

wow.....both sounds wonderful.....Any reason you never stayed at the Contemporary? THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH!!!!

[zoey452]

but if I am chosing between deluxe resorts, I'd rather stay somewhere else for the same $$$. :)

[jeannej]

My family has stayed at both the Polynesian and the Cont. Resort.
tower room.

Polynesian:
The resort was ok. We has a first floor lagoon view room. I thought the decor was dated and the room needed rehab. But, it was spotless! The service on our first stay was lousy but on our second stay it was ok. THe pool was under construction both times we stayed there, but I hear that it is kind of cool. I do like the lobby and Ohana's is great!

Contemporary:
I love this resort! We have stayed here twice and both times in the Tower. Loved the spacious rooms, the stmosphere, the pools, the acrade, and the Fun and Food Center. The rooms were kept very clean and housekeeping meet all our needs. The first impression I recieve and the initial service was so memorable that I will always love this place.

However, I do beleive it depends on what you like. I prefer the hustle and bustle feel of the Cont. resort. I live in So. Florida so the Poly is more of the same. Both resorts are very nice. We haven't stayed at the Grand FLoridian because it is our style. To fancy maybe for very casual people like my family. (But, that is my impression)

jeannej

[Wish Upon A Star]

Good Question . . .

Well we were scheduled to stay at the Contemporary Tower in December 2001, but because of ongoing construction to our home, we had to cancel.

We would of scheduled our July 4th trip at the Contemporary, but our DD and DS wanted to go back to GF because they wanted to try out the new pool and they really loved it there . . .

Our November 30th trip this year will be spent at the Wilderness Lodge because we wanted to try a non-monorail resort and we heard it has beautiful decorations at that time.

We won't go to WDW in 2003, but maybe in 2004 we'll stay at Contemporary . . .but I'll probably end up staying at the Poly!

[jmkst58]

zoey452.....what's your favorite deluxe? I do plan on investigating the other deluxes but I have got to think that the convenience of the monorail would be #1 for me (I am a stroller mom).

jeannej....The atmosphere of the Contemporary? I was thinking that this resort would be the least on theming and atmosphere and a reason I wanted to cut it out, but I have never visited, so I have no idea.


THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH!!!

Looking to book next trip VERY soon......YEAH!!!

[drusba]

GF: best luxury of the three, impressive rooms and huge lobby (with a piano man), quickest to MK by monorail (but not quickest coming back); good restaurants. Downside: most expensive of the three.

Poly: nice theme, good shops, best boat and activity area of the three, easiest of 3 to Epcot as you can walk over to monorail at TTC. Downside: always seemed to have an "old" feel to me; not impressed with Olivia's.

Cont: largest rooms, good elevated views if you get tower rooms, California Grill is one of the best restaruants on site and has ideal view of MK from the 13th floor, can walk to MK; downside: ugly design--big box with a monorail running through it; internal lobby, shop, restaurant area always feels like it is in the dark in a vast cavern.

[jmkst58]

Wish Upon A Star.......hehehehe........LOL.......I can tell that you love Disney. So much to do....so little time.

Haven't stayed on-site yet. I am REALLY excited about it. I can imagine getting hooked.

drusba.....THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Very helpful info!!! I just can't decide which factors are most important to me. THANKS!

I think I'm going to have to go run some numbers........Maybe price will decide. THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!!

[DisneyKidds]

As Meatloaf sang.... 2 out of 3 ain't bad...

We have stayed at GF and CR.

We loved the GF and hope to go back some day. We went on our honeymoon and the resort is gorgeous and elegant, while being comfortable at the same time. We checked out the new pool last time we were at WDW and it is very nice. The pool had been the one knock on the GF IMO. The original pool is big and nice, but nothing exciting. We love sitting and relaxing in the lobby of the GF. 1900 Park Fare is our favorite character breakfast. GF is the flagship hotel of WDW.

We enjoyed our stay at the CR but probably won't go back. One, because we didn't care for the hotel itself, and two, we now own DVC. The best thing about the CR, IMO, is being able to walk to the MK. It is much quicker than the monorail and it is a short and easy walk. The rooms are large. Other than that the CR didn't do much for us. We were in a garden wing. The room showed it's age, as the CR is the oldest hotel on property. The rooms in the garden wing, other than the funky decor, could be a room at any hotel. The CR also lacks quiet corners, nooks, crannies, and comfortable places to just sit and relax. The overall decor of the hotel seems cold rather than comfortable. Perhaps the Tower provides more of a magical experience, but we didn't feel it when we stayed at the CR. I know there are lots of people who love the CR, but it's not for us.

[Wish Upon A Star]

jmkst58:

Ok, you pegged me . . .LOL

Actually, we thought that going in 1999 would be our only family vacation there . . .my DD was 9 and my DS was 5 1/2 at the time. It was their first time. DH and I went a couple times before by ourselves and never stayed onsite.

WARNING!! Staying onsite is addicting! Let me tell you, we had the most magical, enjoyable family vacation ever! Our DD and DS were perfect angels, they enjoyed themselves so much and were constantly on their bestest behavior. It was such a nice break from reality . . .Our stay at the GF that year was truly amazing. We felt so "elite" everything was spotless, turndown service at night with those chocolate mints, the huge, oversized robes that were hanging in the closet . . .we were so pampered! We only stay 7 nights and at the end of that stay, I cried! It was so depressing to think that we couldn't come back . . .my DH also got all teary . . .and then I asked the BIG question . . .can we come back next year?? It's the Millennium Celebration!! And he said "YES"

DH and I are now certified Disney Addicts, it's almost as bad as having a gambling addiction! (Thank god we don't have one) The only reason we are traveling 2 times this year is because we had to use last December's unused flight tickets and we happened to purchase annual passes . . .We won't return again until April 2004, I need to save up!!

[jmkst58]

Interesting.....I'm now considering the GF which originally was my last choice. Usually the one you least expect....I guess.

Wish Upon A Star....I feel the bug creeping over me already. Maybe I shouldn't stay on-site and fuel it. Kinda scary.

[dmfuru]

jmkst58,

Who is in your travel party (kids?,, Solo?)

[jmkst58]

Interesting question.........

Definitely my husband and I (20-somethings).......

I have a 22 mo. old daughter that I would love to bring. I just took her there 2 weeks ago. I have considered leaving her at home this trip though. Don't get me wrong!!!! She was my BEST travel companion on the last trip (So many precious moments too). But I did learn on the last trip that this next one would still really be for me and not so much for her.

I hate EVER being away from her, though, so if I did bring her, it would definitely be in the cooler months and I would probably bring my mom. 2 queen sized would probably be the plan.

[las3888]

I've stayed at all three and I would say...

Best

CR - Pure Disney Magic (especially for kids) with monorail
Poly - Tropical beauty
GF - overrated

Worst

CR - Not as 'themed'
Poly - Moldy smell in rooms
GF - overrated

[jmkst58]

Thanks. This is hard!

[WilmaBud]

I've stayed in the Contemporary and the Polynesian. They both have great locations and views (esp. in the Tower at the Contemporary and certain buildings at the Poly). The Poly has more theming, but I'm not looking for theming when I go to the Contemp. The monorail going right through the building is so cool, the kids love it. I'll admit, I'm not a big fan of the Poly (moldy smell, dark decor, and we didn't have nice CM's during our trip there), but obviously, many people just love it. I love the Contemporary - it just feels like you're right in the thick of things. I'd like to stay at the Grand Floridian some day, but it's not in my budget for now, and I don't think my kids would get that much of a kick out of it. Good luck with your decision.

[jmkst58]

How does this reasoning sound?

Stay at the Contemp if you have a child old enough to appreciate the novelties (having monorail through building).

Stay at the Poly if everyone in party will appreciate the theming.

Stay at the GF to most impress the adults (this actually is my main purpose {on top of convenience}). I want a good introduction to resorts to impress my husband enough so that he will never want to stay anywhere but Disney.

[dmfuru]

I've stayed at all three resorts. What is important to your husband (since you are trying to win him over)? Which parks? Ease of transportation? Amenities? Which hotel theme interests him? Will you use a car or WDW transport?

DOes he like fancy restaurants?

Sorry to be nosy, but I might be able to point out some things for you if I knew a little more.

[jmkst58]

No problem whatsoever. THANK YOU SO VERY, VERY MUCH!

Parks-
I plan to do a Deluxe/Moderate split, so we will probably plan MK and Epcot for the Deluxe days. He had found MK such a pain to get in and out of last time and I only got to spend one precious day there. That's why I chose monorail resorts. Comments??

Ammenities/Theme?
Being treating nicely is HUGE. Loves that. He would love a great, fun pool. That would be important. He enjoys lounges. He's a techie. So many times, though, I have introduced him to things that I never thought that he'd like, and he ended up loving them (I was thinking that would be the case with Poly and Floridian themes......DEFINITELY NOT SURE ABOUT THAT THOUGH). He does get impressed with things that are well done and/or extraordinarily made. He can appreciate details.

Dinners
He was never into fancy dinners (meat, potatoes, hamburgers, beer kinda guy), but I keep taking him to them, and he ends up loving them. It would take A LOT to convince him to go to V & A's, but he would probably like it if he did. He liked Coral Reef, Brown Derby, Le Cellier on our last trip. I'm going to drag him to more on the next trip. Probably half and half.

Again.....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[WilmaBud]

You would probably love California Grill (on the top floor of the Contemporary). Try to go there even if you don't stay at the Contemp. The Grand Floridian is definitely the most adult-oriented, but the other two have things to appeal to adults, too. From the Contemp., you can walk, take the monorail, or take a boat to the Magic Kingdom. I think you can take the boat to the Poly., too (not sure about G. F., but I think probably you can). The Contemp., though, is the only one you can walk to the Magic Kingdom from. As I said before, if you stay in the Contemp. Tower with a view of the Castle, it's breathtaking (esp. at night, w. the fireworks and the Castle changing colors). But at the Poly, you can walk to the beach and see that, too (once again, I don't know about G.F.). One thing I'm not crazy about at the Contemp. is Chef Mickey's. It's a nice character meal, and all, but it makes a LOT of noise. We stayed on the 11th floor last time for only one night, and by the end of just that one night, I was SO sick of that song they kept singing at Chef Mickey's. We heard it every time.

[dmfuru]

I liked all 3 resorts. There are some differences in some smaller ponts of each resort though.

For example, GF; beautiful main building with evening entertainment and pianist in the lobby. It has a nice pool and beach. It offers a variety of food choices.
You can take the monorail to the MK, and take the boat launch back to the GF. TO get to Epcot, you change monorails at the TTC--minor 'inconvenience.' If you have a car, parking is far away (we used valet, but back then it was free).
It is a very calm and serene resort.

The Contemporary: the main tower is very active and bustling. The rooms are nice and large. There are lots of food options. Again, there is a nice pool and activities at the resort.
There are great views of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon from the main tower (including from the lounge). You can walk, boat or monorail (have to go to TTC, Poly, and GF on the way--but it's the 1st stop going FROM the MK to the CR) to the MK. Parking is closer to the resort than at the GF.
We've only stayed in the tower rooms.

The Polynesian; Laid back, tropical feel to it. Big rooms. Great beach for walking, watching the fireworks and the Water Pageant.
Good food options. Monorail or boat to MK. Short walk to TTC for Epcot monorail. Parking is pretty convenient.


Does this add anything?

[jmkst58]

Hmmmmm....hopefully getting closer.......

I am so sorry, but one more question for each of you. SO SORRY!

dmfuru......

You really felt that switching monorails to Epcot was more of an inconvenience than anything? I was thinking that it would be a convenience. (I've heard bad things about the bus plus even with a car, you wouldn't have to drive in, park, and then walk or tram).

Maybe the other resort could be at the boardwalk and then I could boat or walk to Epcot, and boat to MGM? AK might not be fun..but it's not my favorite park anyway. :-) THANKS SO MUCH!

WilmaBud- Thanks for the California Grill suggestion. Heard raves about its atmosphere. Food is good too?


THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP, REALLY!!!!!!! It's going to take a little while to process it all. SO HARD! Seems to be coming together, though. Especially about the monorail/Boardwalk combo.

[dmfuru]

No no no no...


The switch to the Epcot monorail from the resort monorail (at the TTC) is a very MINOR inconvenience--sorry if that was unclear.

[married2grumpy]

Of the 3 I've only stayed at the Poly but have visited all 3. It is all a matter of personal taste I think. The GF looked beautiful and I would like to stay there one day. I was only there for a few hours but I noticed more older people by the pool and through out the resort. For a couple looking to get away without kids and a little more formal atmosphere this would be a good choice.

I am very afraid of heights so those tower rooms with balconies at the CR have no appeal to me. My husband took us up to the observation deck and I almost had a heart attack. The wing rooms looked very inconvenient and what is the theme there anyway?

The Poly was very relaxing. The whole atmoshpere was very nice. Every time you past a CM they would say Aloha. Even after a stressful day in the parks with the kids, once we stepped onto the resort the stress was gone. I loved the smell of the flowers on the walkways outside and the hawaiian music piped through outside. I loved our patio and being able to watch the kids play in the grass right outside of our room. The EWP and fireworks on the beach were the best part for me. What a way to end the evening. When they were over, you were just a few minutes away from your bed. It was nice.
P.S....We noticed no offensive smells. My husband has allergies and was fine the whole time. Not one person in our party noticed any kind of smell other than a beautiful tropical smell that I wish they would bottle, sell and name "Tropical Relaxation".

Good luck on your decision and happy planning.

[Humphrey1227]

Yes did all 3 gf= 2 trips (total 25 nites), Poly = 5 trips (total 54 nites), CR = 4 trips tower (42 nites) + garden 3 trips ( 15 nites). Yes, I do feel like an authority. CR is favorite (especially tower). Like the rooms, festive atmosphere, pools, boating, location, very busy resort, lots of people, shopping, resturants, cm's. down-side: conventions, bus with the ttc. Poly 2nd choice! Love pools, boats, rooms, location, cm's, atmosphere, very relaxing, shopping, tansportation. down-side: very spread out, resturants. GF least favorite. Like: location, buildings, rooms, gardens, old pool, transportation. Down-side: People, CM's, new pool, parking self & valet, resturants, conventions, shops. Of course everyone has a different experience & expectations, some days are great in each resort some are not. We especially like the magic kingdom & area, so of course these are are favorites.

[Kimkimba]

Just my memories (which are everything), since it's been a few years. Stayed at the Contemporary once and liked it. It has a very busy feel. Kids love it, my current dh would not. Stayed at the Poly twice and am going back in Sept. My memories are totally Disney magic. We are the family that like to stay home and be around each other. My husband is not a lover of crowds. We went to Key Largo a few years ago and will probably retire there. This is why we are going to Poly in Sept - the atmosphere. It is right for our family. Have at the GF several times - nice restaurants but I know if we stayed at the hotel I would not feel relaxed. I need a more laid back feel and so does dh with our dd (13) and ds (4). Just my opinion - depends on the type of person you are.