Wilderness Lodge or Gran Floridian?

[MartyMcfly]

So im planning a trip in april and love the poly but dont want to stay during construction.

Money isnt an issue but im having a tough time deciding between the GF and WL

Its an adult only trip but we both love themeing. The thing we love about the poly is the hammock on the beach overlooking the seven seas lagoon and the volcano pool.

Weve stayed at the lodge and enjoyed it very much but im thinking if the grand gives that similar poly beach vibe id like to be there.

Help!

 

[Mousemommy1]

So im planning a trip in april and love the poly but dont want to stay during construction.

Money isnt an issue but im having a tough time deciding between the GF and WL

Its an adult only trip but we both love themeing. The thing we love about the poly is the hammock on the beach overlooking the seven seas lagoon and the volcano pool.

Weve stayed at the lodge and enjoyed it very much but im thinking if the grand gives that similar poly beach vibe id like to be there.

Help!

The WL is our absolute favorite resort, but we are trying GF in August. (We wanted to stay at the Poly but won't due to construction).

We have visited the GF many times and it is such a beautiful resort. As you are probably aware, there is the beach area there at GF but I think that area is smaller due to the DVC building, but to me, their "beach pool" is very "beachy".

Maybe try something different and go GF? We won't stay at the same resort twice until we've stayed at them all, so unfortunately, we can't quite return to the WL yet.

Good luck deciding!

 

[mickeynut1]

So im planning a trip in april and love the poly but dont want to stay during construction.

Money isnt an issue but im having a tough time deciding between the GF and WL

Its an adult only trip but we both love themeing. The thing we love about the poly is the hammock on the beach overlooking the seven seas lagoon and the volcano pool.

Weve stayed at the lodge and enjoyed it very much but im thinking if the grand gives that similar poly beach vibe id like to be there.

Help!

We've stayed at both and love both for different reasons, although they are totally different experiences. With that said, since you've already stayed at the WL, I'd give the GF a try. The GF is a beautiful resort with great dining options and beautiful grounds. You don't say what room type you're considering, but if you choose the GF, I'd look into RPC if that's an option. Staying at the GF in the main building is amazing and is an experience in itself, IMO. Good luck with your decision.

 

[HereForMinnie]

Some people think the Grand is stuffy but I find it to be very calming, relaxing and yes beachy.

While the Poly has a very laidback (almost too laidback) element, the Grand is the type of place where you can spend all day playing in the pool and then dress up later for a nice dinner.

If money isn't an issue as you say, I would choose the Grand over any Disney resort.

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

GF for sure!!!

 

[wiigirl]

GF for sure!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Just posted about Sugarloaf at GF vs. CL at WL.

If money is not a big deal, and you say cozy/romantic is part of your goal...then I totally give a shout out to club level at WL.

If your big thing is view, then GF and WL might disappoint. I am assuming you like having a view of MK, not just the grounds at Poly.

Of the monorail resorts, my favorite room view is actually CR lake view! CR rooms also get a fabulous view of the water parade. It just doesn't have the fun pool of Poly.

If the water parade matters, and you don't want to watch from the beach, then most rooms at both GF and WL have some limits.

Also, it's entirely possible to visit Poly, no matter where you stay. Book a dinner there! It's easy to get there form any monorail resort, or any resort if you have a car, or pair with a MK visit.

 

[mariamouse]

We've stayed at both and love both for different reasons, although they are totally different experiences. With that said, since you've already stayed at the WL, I'd give the GF a try. The GF is a beautiful resort with great dining options and beautiful grounds. You don't say what room type you're considering, but if you choose the GF, I'd look into RPC if that's an option. Staying at the GF in the main building is amazing and is an experience in itself, IMO. Good luck with your decision.

I agree with this! We haven't stayed RPC yet, but have stayed in the outer buildings and loved walking around the grounds. So beautiful!

Given that your favorite thing about the Poly is the relaxing beach view of SSL and MK, GF is the clear winner. Although you don't get that same expansive view that you do from the Poly, there are still plenty of pretty views of SSL and you can see the castle lit up at night from the marina area, boat dock, and resort grounds. While the CR MK view might be a bit more impressive in terms of proximity, we actually like the view of the lake in between the resort and the castle. Give the GF a try and, even if you don't love it, the Poly will only be a short walk away!

 

[Babsy]

The beach vibe of the Poly is very different from that of the GF, but there is still a beach at the GF with a different, more sedate beach atmosphere. It is lovely but perhaps a bit more upscale and manicured (GF) than tropical and relaxed (Poly).

We love both in different ways. If you love the Poly, I expect that you will also greatly enjoy the GF. It isn't the same, but that is a good thing. It is just as wonderful, just a little bit different. Variety is the spice of life!

I enjoyed the WL (esp CL) very much but IMO the GF is soooo much nicer. The view of the MK and the water pageant are great from the GF, IMO as well.

Of course, as PP said, the CR tower has the best view, but it doesn't have a 'beachy' feeling.

From what you say, I expect that you would like the GF the best.

 

[toodycat]

GF! WL is lovely, but has a completely different atmosphere. GF will feel light and airy like a seaside mansion in Newport. The beach pool is lovely. I prefer it to the Poly pool which feels more crowded.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Since you say your visit is in April, this probably won't impact you, but if construction (Poly?) runs over and you are going in early April, it might:

Starting January 21, 2014, service on the Magic Kingdom Resort and Express monorails will be unavailable on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to allow for planned maintenance. This schedule will run through the end of March 2014.

I suspect the monorail will be operating the two weeks surrounding Easter.(April 20)

 

[Lisann]

I love the Grand Floridian. And I find it to be quite laid back. It's much more of a casual resort than most would think. My sister and I are thinking of switching our Beach Club ressie to the GF for May.

I say try something different. I think you will love the Grand.

 

[ColoradoDisney]

My favorite MK area resort is WL. If you want convenience to MK, I would choose CR since you can easily walk to the MK entrance. I am less sold on the value of the monorail given the new hours of operations. If you could walk to MK from GF, that would be awesome!

For an adults only trip, it is hard to beat BC/YC for great access to EPCOT and Boardwalk.

Both WL and GF are fantastic properties. You will have a great experience at either.