1st Disney trip-Poly or GF?

[mickeynut1]

We are planning our 1st World trip Sep 2014. Will have 2 little girls ages 3 and 5. Want to stay on monorail. Polynesian looks beautiful but worried about construction. GF another option-can't decide b/w standard room (book through Disney) or try to rent points for GF villas (which I know may be hard to get)? I like the new splash pad there and the princess theme at Park Fare (we like to eat onsite a lot and my girls love their princesses!) Help!

We have stayed at both and while the Poly is our favorite, the GF is a beautiful resort and is a great alternative if you are concerned about construction at the Poly. Like the pp, we have stayed GF GV, SL club level, and RPC main building CL and while RPC is my favorite (I didn't care for SL), I would definitely book GV again if RPC wasn't doable. I don't think there are any bad rooms/views at the GF and the GV rooms are great (IMO). I think the GF is a great choice .

Not all of us can get a military 40% off discount...But we like to stay in a deluxe resorts since we save up and don't go on vacations very often, and our children are young so we want to be on the monorail. BUT, with that being said, that is why we only go 4 or 5 nights max instead of a whole week like some people, bc that is all we can afford going deluxe It's all about what you prefer. I do hope to either book a room only AAA discount OR take advantage of free dining in hopes that they offer that again

I agree. I would choose less nights and stay where I want to stay without a discount (we are a deluxe family), than choose just anywhere just to go longer (but that is just MY preference as well ).

 

[peaches0313]

Thanks Mickeynut!

 

[Happyjen27]

We ended up going Poly for our first visit last year.

We were considering GF and CR as well, all because of the monorail. Location and transportation have been our primary considerations. Because when my kids are done, they are DONE, and the faster we can get to the room for a nap, the better.

GF and Poly both share the same boat to/from the MK, and that was our favorite way to travel. The boat does GF at a better time than it does the Poly, last to get on when going to MK, first to get off when returning from MK.

The factor that tipped us over the edge to Poly was the walk to TTC. To get to EP from GF, you've got to hop on the monorail, go 3 stops to the TTC, then get off to get on the EP monorail. For Poly it was a short, convenient walk to TTC.

I've heard not flattering info about the GF and buses to AK and DHS, so perhaps spend some time on the transportation board to explore this? Poly shared buses too, but it didn't seem burdensome because we spent the most time at the MK.

The splash pad would certainly be a big plus for us toward the GF. In the end though, it's all about the transportation for us.

I doubt you will be disappointed no matter which resort you pick, it's your first trip, so try one, and then revisit the topic for your second trip. We ended up not loving the Poly, so this time we're doing the CR.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

We are planning our 1st World trip Sep 2014. Will have 2 little girls ages 3 and 5. Want to stay on monorail. Polynesian looks beautiful but worried about construction. GF another option-can't decide b/w standard room (book through Disney) or try to rent points for GF villas (which I know may be hard to get)? I like the new splash pad there and the princess theme at Park Fare (we like to eat onsite a lot and my girls love their princesses!) Help!

I think GF would be perfect for you to try!!! Between standard view at GF or the GFV, that's a difficult decision. If you plan on making some of your meals and want that real "home away from home" feel, the villas would be perfect. From what I've seen, the GFV will be really nice!! I've never had much of a desire to stay at GF but I sure would love to try the GFV!!!!

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

Hi Peaches! I know your main consideration is Poly versus Grand Flo but if convenience factor becomes a priority, I would seriously consider Bay Lake or the Contemporary. You can walk to MK from them (Bay Lake is a hair closer) and for us that was *priceless* when our DD was very young. The theming is quite different between the three and many people use that as their primary decision maker. We like contemporary styled things so that was another plus in the Bay Lake / Contemp column. The Grand Flo and Poly are far more romantic (imo of course) so we always visit each and meander around the grounds / beaches / lobby, etc. They are all fantastic resorts though - there is no way you will be disappointed with any of them. As far as deciding between HS and Epcot - that's a tough one. Our DD tended to enjoy HS a bit more than Epcot until she was around 6 - then it was Epcot all the way. She is almost nine now and Epcot is her favorite park - even over MK!!

PS I would probably try to rent points to stay at either GFV or BLT if you decide Poly is not for you. You might be able to get a 1BR for around the same price that you would pay for a standard hotel room booked through Disney directly.

 

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

We have DVC in BLT and just love it. The convenience of the MK walkway and all the places to watch fireworks are what makes it the best for our family. Great pool with splash pad. We love just riding the minorail in loops and stopping at Poly for dole whips or GF for gingerbread at christmas time. Also just a boat ride away from wilderness lodge for another hotel hop experience (great gift shop)

Theres a great running path around BLT/CR. Awesome pool cabanas with full service and one of the best restaurants at Disney (The wave). We also love chef mickey.

Any of these are nice because in reality the only time you need bus transportation is for aK.

 

[herb102211]

I would go with GF, especially because of the construction at the Poly. I would try to rent points at VGF first , as it will be significantly cheaper than paying rack rate at GF. They will really enjoy 1900 Park Fare too.

 

[princessap]

We have DVC in BLT and just love it. The convenience of the MK walkway and all the places to watch fireworks are what makes it the best for our family. Great pool with splash pad. We love just riding the minorail in loops and stopping at Poly for dole whips or GF for gingerbread at christmas time. Also just a boat ride away from wilderness lodge for another hotel hop experience (great gift shop)

Theres a great running path around BLT/CR. Awesome pool cabanas with full service and one of the best restaurants at Disney (The wave). We also love chef mickey.

Any of these are nice because in reality the only time you need bus transportation is for aK.

I am considering renting points for BLT or GFV for our next stay too and wondering how you get to DHS??

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Absolutely stay at the GF. I took my niece and she loved every part of the GF - including the character breakfast with Tigger. The monorail is less than a minute to the MK, and, if you go to EPCOT, you can do what we did -- took the monorail to the TTC and switched to the EPCOT monorail -- the look on her face as we "flew" into EPCOT was pure happiness. If you do go to EPCOT, do it before you go to MK -- Otherwise, EPCOT will be a complete letdown for the kids -- but if it is the first park they see, they will love it. I fibbed and told my niece that we didn't want to go to MK the first day because it was Mickey's day off.

Tom

 

[peaches0313]

Good to hear lots of positive advice re the GF, as that was my hubby and I's first choice.... I do like the fact that you can walk to the MK from the CR or BLT, but I can't get past the theming there... Since we have girls, I think I'm going to go for the GF! Hope to rent points, but if not will book through Disney and hope for free dining! Thanks for all the awesome advice.

 

[mukorasirish]

It's funny - my husband and I were discussing GF versus Poly last night. We have stayed at both a few times. We have three kids and prefer the Polynesian. The GF is a beautiful hotel - but that is what it is. It's elegant but really has very little theme to it that exemplifies Disney. The Polynesian is more whimsical and kid friendly. If construction is your concern then I'd go Contemporary or even Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness isn't on the monorail but the boat ride is pretty cool and easy as well.

Good luck!

 

[DizDaD7]

Good to hear lots of positive advice re the GF, as that was my hubby and I's first choice.... I do like the fact that you can walk to the MK from the CR or BLT, but I can't get past the theming there... Since we have girls, I think I'm going to go for the GF! Hope to rent points, but if not will book through Disney and hope for free dining! Thanks for all the awesome advice.

Congrats with your choice if that's truly the place you're going to book...Either way don't fret about if you made the right decision or not...No matter which resort you pick, you have to remember It's DISNEY...It's always going to be great...And that goes for mods and values as well..

Oh and don't forget to book 1900 Park Fare... Breakfast is awesome with Tigger, Mad Hatter, Alice, &Mary Poppins. Also the dinner has the stepmom & sisters I believe.....

 

[peaches0313]

Thanks DizDad! Very true..once we make a decision...will not look back! Will be great no matter what! Breakfast sounds great...My girls (and I) love Alice in Wonderland, mad hatter, mary poppins, etc! And Cinderella and her stepsisters for dinner sounds awesome too! Being that we like to eat on site a lot of the time (especially for breakfast) that sounds like a good match for my girls! My oldest calls Alice the "princess in the blue dress"!

 

[MattRyan]

I've never stayed at either, but i would vote Poly. On my most recent visit, I walked around 4 deluxe resorts to decided what I wanted for my next visit. I walked through Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, and the Wilderness Lodge.

If I had to rate them in the order I found them the most appealing, it would be:

1. Polynesian
2. Wilderness Lodge
3. Contemporary
4. Grand Floridian

The Polynesian just seemed magical, like I really was somewhere tropical. In a similar aspect, the Wilderness Lodge was very well detailed and I felt I was in the wilderness at times. I liked the contemporary too, it just seemed loud inside and had a very odd smell. The Grand Floridian just seemed "too grand" if you know what I'm saying. It was so much white and so ornate, just too much for me.

 

[peaches0313]

I LOVE the look of the Wilderness Lodge. It looks very much like the Grand Californian, where we have stayed (and loved) in Disneyland! BUT, we really do want to stay on the monorail for our 1st trip. I know its only a boat ride to the MK but still.... And the Polynesian.....looks BEAUTIFUL! I am just worried about all the construction talk on here...no one seems to know when it will be completed and I want to book my trip for next fall at the beginning of the year w/ no worries... I would hate to spend a lot of money for our 1st trip and then have construction going on! And I do not want to switch last minute..too stressful. So, I was thinking GF for this visit.. Poly next...?

 

[lmhall2000]

Travelling with those under 5, monorail is a saving expense!!! Saves your sanity!! My husband would agree...nice to jaunt back to the hotel for pool/nap/rest..then head right back to MK in 5 minutes! Sweet!!

I personally would choose Poly, they can slide down the Volcano, which is really cool..hang out at the beach when they light the tiki torches...see Mickey and the gang at Ohana breakfast, beeline it over to GF for a princess buffet (really Godmother and Alice?)...I just am not that big a fan of GF...mainly b/c to me it is more of a corporate hotel..meaning more corporate bookings there than at Poly..it is more family centered.

Our kids loved Poly, we liked the Peter Pan child care option so dh and I could go out to a restaurant by ourselves, the kids loved it! Next to Poly I would choose Contemporary, just so fun..but maybe when they're 2-3 years older

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Great choice. I have stayed in both many times and while Poly theming is my favorite, I would avoid the construction and stay at the lovely GF!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks Mickeynut!

You're welcome .

I LOVE the look of the Wilderness Lodge. It looks very much like the Grand Californian, where we have stayed (and loved) in Disneyland! BUT, we really do want to stay on the monorail for our 1st trip. I know its only a boat ride to the MK but still.... And the Polynesian.....looks BEAUTIFUL! I am just worried about all the construction talk on here...no one seems to know when it will be completed and I want to book my trip for next fall at the beginning of the year w/ no worries... I would hate to spend a lot of money for our 1st trip and then have construction going on! And I do not want to switch last minute..too stressful. So, I was thinking GF for this visit.. Poly next...?

The WL is an awesome resort, but I do understand wanting to be on the monorail. I think the GF is a great choice for your first visit and then the Poly after construction is completed .

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Travelling with those under 5, monorail is a saving expense!!! Saves your sanity!! My husband would agree...nice to jaunt back to the hotel for pool/nap/rest..then head right back to MK in 5 minutes! Sweet!!

I personally would choose Poly, they can slide down the Volcano, which is really cool..hang out at the beach when they light the tiki torches...see Mickey and the gang at Ohana breakfast, beeline it over to GF for a princess buffet (really Godmother and Alice?)...I just am not that big a fan of GF...mainly b/c to me it is more of a corporate hotel..meaning more corporate bookings there than at Poly..it is more family centered.

Our kids loved Poly, we liked the Peter Pan child care option so dh and I could go out to a restaurant by ourselves, the kids loved it! Next to Poly I would choose Contemporary, just so fun..but maybe when they're 2-3 years older

They are planning a visit next fall so if construction goes as planned, there will no longer be a volcano at the pool.

You're welcome .

The WL is an awesome resort, but I do understand wanting to be on the monorail. I think the GF is a great choice for your first visit and then the Poly after construction is completed .

I agree with this!! The WL looks phenomenal!!! Yes, being on the monorail is very convenient though. I say go with GF and then maybe Poly for your next visit.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[peaches0313]

Thanks everyone!!! I think my mind is made up on the GF this time around... Not to add more confusion....but now the question is whether to try to rent points first to try to get a 1 bedroom villa OR just book a standard room? I am thinking it won't hurt to try to get a villa. Then, if I can't I'll just book a regular room at the GF. Is it not a good idea to rent points your first visit? Will staying at a villa instead of a hotel room take away from the whole Disney feel? or will it just feel like a BIG, nice NEW hotel room with more space?