Back from GF/BC split stay

[lulu0506]

After surfing these boards for months prior to our trip and obsessing about my choice of resort (and ultimately deciding to do a split stay).... I thought I would offer a quick "de-briefing" (for whatever it may be worth to anyone).

We did a 3night stay at GF SugarLoaf CL and 3 night at BC CL. While we enjoyed our time at both resorts, I think if I had to do it over again we would do a Poly/BC split stay. While the GF was a lovely resort, we all felt much more at home when we arrived at the BC. We usually stay at the poly, so perhaps we were just feeling a bit homesick?

I was less than impressed with SugarLoaf CL. Something about it.... and I can't really put my finger on it.... felt not right. With the exception of 2 CM's at Sugarloaf... the people working there were not very friendly. They all seemed rushed and you got a feeling that they were annoyed. We had a first floor room (which I had requested) and that was great. We didn't really hear any noise from the lounge and it was very convenient.

There is a ton of construction going on at and near the beach pool. The view from that pool is completely blocked off and the noise was horrible!!! The jackhammering and sawing was so loud you couldn't hear yourself think. Not to mention the crane overhead. I was happy that I at least knew about the construction from surfing the disboards. Unlike the BC, where they sent me a letter ahead of time warning me of the pool construction, I didn't receive any word from the GF about this.

We really did enjoy the location of the Sugarloaf building much more than we would have the main building. It was easy access to the courtyard pool and marina. The courtyard pool had fun pool games during the day which my kids enjoyed.

Fast forward to the BC.... we were thrilled to find the pool construction over and were able to have access to 100% of the pool That was a nice surprise. The CM's at the BC were awesome!!! Very friendly and available to help with anything.

I have pictures of the GF construction going on if anyone is interested. I will try to post them here... (I've never posted pics here before)

 

[lulu0506]

Picture of Beach Pool area at GF with construction..

 

[lulu0506]

more photos...

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thanks for posting these pics. I feel better about not staying at GF for our anniversary. The view from the beach pool is my favorite. I like to sit on the chairs by the backside of the bar and gaze at the Poly. This is obviously no longer possible (well, at least for a while).

 

[lulu0506]

Yes, I would imagine the view without the wall would be beautiful!! I'm sure once the construction is done, the villas will be a nice addition to the resort.

 

[sydneysmom]

I'm glad you posted these....we're going in June of next year, and while alot of the construction "might" be done, you just never know. I know my DH really wants to stay at the GF again, but I'm not sure I want to spend that kind of money and then have the noise.

We actually decided on the YC... I think I'm even more exicted about that decision now after your review. Did you find walking to Epcot just wonderful ?? I'd love to hear everything else you thought about the BC ! Glad you had a good trip though.

 

[lulu0506]

We really loved it at BC... the walk to Epcot was maybe 8 minutes? The energy there is great and the views near the boardwalk are beautiful! The beach with the night movies and smores was a lot of fun! It truly felt like a beach resort. you will love it a the YC I'm sure! Here are some photos of the BC/YC pool.

 

[kaysmommie]

Great reviews and pictures. I love Yacht & Beach resort. i have never stayed at GF because Poly is more our style.

 

[lulu0506]

Great reviews and pictures. I love Yacht & Beach resort. i have never stayed at GF because Poly is more our style.

Yes... as it turns out Poly is more our style too I pushed for the GF stay. My DH and DS's weren't really that thrilled about it. They wanted to go back to the Poly. So, during our vacation, they would joke to me every time we passed the poly and say "boy, wish we were staying there" It's hard to be the only girl in a family of boys

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for your review and pics . We've stayed at both resorts (although not CL at the BC) and while I, too, thought SL was ok, I don't care for how the lounge is right inside the lobby. It was always chaotic during our stay and it always seemed hard to find a table. I do agree with you, though, that the SL building is very convenient to the courtyard pool and does come in handy for grabbing snacks and drinks while relaxing at the pool. Our December 2010 trip was my DH and both DS's first GF stay and while they thought the GF was ok, they kept saying they wanted to go back to the Poly too . We had a nice stay, but we are Poly people and that is where my guys like to be. My youngest really has no desire to go back to the GF, but if I can talk them into going back and staying RPC, they might like it better . I'm glad you were able to try the GF, but I'm sorry the construction was bothersome and loud.

I'm glad you had a great stay at the BC . We loved the resort when we stayed there and loved being within walking distance to Epcot and DHS. We have yet to try CL there, but I hear it's very nice. You get the best of both worlds when you split between a MK resort and an Epcot resort .

 

[bnk1120]

Stayed at BC CL in September and loved it. Will be back again this October. It is great that you got to try GF! Now you can say been there, done that!

 

[mmmears]

Thanks for your detailed review and photos. I'm glad you had a great trip overall, but I'm sorry you had to contend with the noise and inconvenience of all the construction over at the GF. I think EP/MK split stays are great. I guess now you know you prefer the Poly over the GF. Glad you liked the BC.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post your review and add those pictures, too. All I can say about those construction walls is this: I would NOT have liked that one bit.

We soooo agree with you on doing the MK/EP resort split stay -- our fave is CR/BC.

Thanks again for posting!!

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for your review. i agree BC CL is wonderful. Very friendly and welcoming CMs.
I've not stayed at GF. Not sure of the appeal. Maybe one day def. AFTER construction is over!
We stayed at Poly in Tokelau, and loved it.

 

[stefani_]

Thank you for the pictures. I was considering a 1-night stay at GF as a treat for my mother and myself, and spending the rest of the time at POFQ, which we stayed at last year and absolutely loved. However, for the investment of GF, I would be not be impressed with having to put up with the construction. Are those views from the main pool? Is any of that construction mess visible from any of the buildings, besides Big Pine Key? We were considering SL, or otherwise just a Standard Outer Room.

If anything, I'd rather treat ourselves with a 1 or 2-night stay at BWI/YC/BC and save GF for another year. However, I'm able to get some discounts this year which is why I was looking forward to staying at GF

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Thanks for the photos!! I was pretty sure I was done changing resorts... but I kept pricing Sugarloaf---but now I know for sure I am done!!! GF is great--but I'll reserve it for an afternoon shopping trip instead! POR/Poly/YC next week!!!!

 

[lulu0506]

Thank you for the pictures. I was considering a 1-night stay at GF as a treat for my mother and myself, and spending the rest of the time at POFQ, which we stayed at last year and absolutely loved. However, for the investment of GF, I would be not be impressed with having to put up with the construction. Are those views from the main pool? Is any of that construction mess visible from any of the buildings, besides Big Pine Key? We were considering SL, or otherwise just a Standard Outer Room.

If anything, I'd rather treat ourselves with a 1 or 2-night stay at BWI/YC/BC and save GF for another year. However, I'm able to get some discounts this year which is why I was looking forward to staying at GF

Yes, the view of the wall and crane are from the beach pool. GF has another courtyard pool (without a slide and waterfall). I'm not positive, but the construction would not be viewed from any of the outer buildings, but it would be seen from the main building. I was just happy we didn't spring for the Royal Palm CL room. That would have been disappointing!!

There was a wedding going on at the pavilion and the reception was on the beach where all the walls and construction were going on! I hope that the bride got a hefty discount

 

[lulu0506]

Thanks for the photos!! I was pretty sure I was done changing resorts... but I kept pricing Sugarloaf---but now I know for sure I am done!!! GF is great--but I'll reserve it for an afternoon shopping trip instead! POR/Poly/YC next week!!!!

Good idea!! Good Luck and have a great trip!!

 

[litlpixie]

I have to chime in about your comment on Sugarloaf and "something not right about it", because I TOTALLY AGREE. I stayed in SL twice as well as Poly CL, AKL CL, BC CL, and the feeling I got both times at SL was "just get your food and get out...please"

At the other lounges, I was way more comfortable and never felt like I was being rushed or not wanted. But, at the same time, we loved the GF, loved the lobby, the food options, and I probably would stay there again just to try the concierge in the MAIN building. But SL was just "eh"

Our favorite CL so far is the Poly, only because of the view in the lounge, and the easy access to outside (which was a plus at Sugarloaf.)

 

[lulu0506]

I have to chime in about your comment on Sugarloaf and "something not right about it", because I TOTALLY AGREE. I stayed in SL twice as well as Poly CL, AKL CL, BC CL, and the feeling I got both times at SL was "just get your food and get out...please"

At the other lounges, I was way more comfortable and never felt like I was being rushed or not wanted. But, at the same time, we loved the GF, loved the lobby, the food options, and I probably would stay there again just to try the concierge in the MAIN building. But SL was just "eh"

Our favorite CL so far is the Poly, only because of the view in the lounge, and the easy access to outside (which was a plus at Sugarloaf.)

Yes, I agree 100% about SL CL. I felt like they wanted us OUT and fast! I think the other thing about GF (especially where the SL building was located) there wasn't a nice view of anything.

Oh well... no regrets really. As a PP said... I wanted to try it and now I have