Beach club v Grand Floridan

[K8T]

I know a bit of a difference but having booked BC for Oct. and just returned from dlp, oh was very impressed with dlh and has said would we be better at the GF? Personally I love the BC pool and convenience of walking to Epcot and Dtd.

Am I mad to turn down the GF? What are the benefits, apart from a 'posh' hotel?

Thanks

 

[torsie24]

It's all about which location you prefer I'd say.

Both are going to be comparable room wise.

We adore the GF. But you know what. Today I'm missing EPCOT and I think the BC is gorgeous from having walked around it lots when we stayed at BW. So I'd pick BC today.

GF is a bit less casual so I always think its more akin to the YC than BC. But all the deluxes are wonderful.

I'd say see if you prefer the idea of being right by MK or EPCOT.

Then if that doesn't work look at loads of photos of each and see which photos you go 'oooh' more at - my scientific approach!

I love the DLH but the GF is loads better than it.

 

[Elise79]

Where will you spend more time? MK or Epcot & DHS.

BC you can walk to both Epcot and DHS. GF you stuck relying on the monorail or boats.

I would choose the Contemporary over the GF as you can walk to MK, monorail to Epcot, Poly & GF and boat to FW & WL. Just another idea...

 

[wilma-bride]

Might just be me but we felt a little out of place whenever we have visited the Grand Floridian. For me, it would be Beach Club (or another Epcot resort), purely for the location and proximity to Epcot/Hollywood Studios.

As others have said, though, if you think you are likely to spend more time at MK, then go for Grand Floridian.

 

[ben1993]

We love the GF, but we're big fans of Disney's Victorian style resorts, it's the best location IMO too but if you spend more time at Epcot and DHS then BC is better. BC is way more casual but still luxurious.

 

[WeeScotchLass]

A vote for BC here. I have stayed in both but just love the atmosphere, pool and short walk to EPCOT at the Beach Club...it also is my favourite smelling resort

 

[queendisney]

it also is my favourite smelling resort

its weird isn't it but they do all smell different..I thought that was just me

 

[disneyholic family]

at the GF, i would only stay in the Royal Palm Club so that you're in the main building and don't have to go out in the rain to get to your room.

If you're not staying in the RPC, then stick with the Beach Club.

Having said that, my favorite resort is the GF, second favorite is WL.

I do love the beach club pool, but we always stay at the YC when we're in the mood for that pool. i much prefer the YC to the BC.

but everyone is different.

But for your specific question, remember that at the GF, if you're not staying in the royal palm club, you will have to go outside to get to your room.
Which isn't true at the Beach Club

 

[UKDEB]

How long are you staying? Have you considered a split stay? Like you, we're always drawn to the Epcot resorts on the basis of location (although the Beach Club is my least favourite purely in terms of decor, but you've already stayed there, so you know you like it). However, we've opted to spend the first 6 nights of our November stay at BLT partly because, other than the odd night here and there (at the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary) we've never experienced a Magic Kingdom resort stay. A split stay would give you the best of both worlds.

Quite apart from location, I much prefer GF over BC, but then BC is my least favourite of the deluxes simply because the decor does nothing for me. That said, the rooms have had a much-needed refurbishment since our last stay and that always appeals to me (much nicer to be in a refreshed room than a jaded one, regardless of resort). Beth makes a good point about the main building at GF. Being in one of the annexes detracts from the upscale resort experience in my opinion.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

A vote for BC here. I have stayed in both but just love the atmosphere, pool and short walk to EPCOT at the Beach Club...it also is my favourite smelling resort

Funny you say that. I bought some Waitrose own brand Sea Salt and Kelp bubble bath yesterday, and a swear when i filled the bath and walked back into the bathroom it smelt like The Beach Club

 

[thestevied]

at the GF, i would only stay in the Royal Palm Club so that you're in the main building and don't have to go out in the rain to get to your room.

If you're not staying in the RPC, then stick with the Beach Club.

Having said that, my favorite resort is the GF, second favorite is WL.

I do love the beach club pool, but we always stay at the YC when we're in the mood for that pool. i much prefer the YC to the BC.

but everyone is different.

But for your specific question, remember that at the GF, if you're not staying in the royal palm club, you will have to go outside to get to your room.
Which isn't true at the Beach Club

Just curious... Why do you prefer YC to BC?

We've booked to go to YC next September. Chose it over BC as it looked slightly more adult orientated, and we are two adults travelling without kids.

Any other reasons you prefer YC?

 

[Mosleymouse]

Just a note that for an October stay the courtyard pool at GF is closed while they refurb and make a zero depth entry. This only leaves the beach pool next to construction as the only option. For this reason i would choose BC. Info from mousesavers newsletter.

Hope this info helps.

 

[disneyholic family]

Just curious... Why do you prefer YC to BC?

We've booked to go to YC next September. Chose it over BC as it looked slightly more adult orientated, and we are two adults travelling without kids.

Any other reasons you prefer YC?

i like the theming of the YC much better than the BC - i really don't like the theming of the BC at all.
i love the beautiful wood everywhere in the YC.....it's very elegant ....to me anyway..

other than that they're essentially the same and share the same pool so there's not that much difference..

the one really big difference other than theming? all YC rooms have balconies, whereas not all BC rooms do.

but really, i just think the YC is so much prettier! but everyone's taste is different so it's nice that they have lots of different options!

 

[UKDEB]

Just curious... Why do you prefer YC to BC?

I prefer it for the reasons you mention. It's more of a styling distinction, though, than anything else (it has a sophisticated, clubby feel; whereas the BC is fresh and breezy and not to my taste at all). You'll find equal numbers of children at each. Other than the decor and resulting ambiance, I can't think of one single reason to choose one over the other. The two resorts are connected and you're free to use the facilities at either. The Beach Club is closer to Epcot, but not enough to factor that into the decision-making process.

ETA: Beth was posting as I was typing.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Can i add that i found the BC lobby to be much busier due to Cape May being just off to the side.Also you find YC houses most of the convention people.

 

[irenep]

I love the GF (and I agree it feels similar to DLH) but for me being able to walk to the parks beats anything (one of the reasons I have DVC at BCV and BLT) so if it was me I would head for the Beach Club but if a good balcony is important then maybe YC.

 

[WeeScotchLass]

Funny you say that. I bought some Waitrose own brand Sea Salt and Kelp bubble bath yesterday, and a swear when i filled the bath and walked back into the bathroom it smelt like The Beach Club

I'll have to get a bottle, just the smell brings a smile to my face

 

[K8T]

Thank you everyone, interesting to read your thoughts and also for the info. that the pool is closed.

We are booked for 7 nights, it says water or pool view, so not a balcony. We still have three nights to book elsewhere, as our flights cover 10 days, but were thinking of moving up to Universal somewhere, possibly the Hard Rock.

I really don't want to have to split the stay up, I hate thinking that I have to pack up and move on in a few days (it doesn't help we have just done a trip to Paris (city) for three days and then onto DLP for two days and then into London for a weekend. I felt like I had to keep re-organising bags

We will probably be in all the parks for one day or so, but probably use Epcot most for dining options, dd isn't really into Princesses and stuff, so Magic Kingdom probably isn't that important. I quite like the thought of strolling Downtown Disney, we didn't do that last time as dd was too little and needed to go to bed!

Had a good chat with OH and we are staying where we are, I am hoping the refurb. will help - I wasn't aware that it had had one.

Thanks again, I can always rely on the Boards for a balanced view!

 

[Elise79]

I think you maybe confused - you can not walk to Downtown Disney from BC. You can walk (or boat) to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios though

 

[K8T]

Oh, I thought it was just across the water, as could see something like restaurants or shops in the evening. I must be confusing that with somewhere else! Well it was a few years ago!