Contemporary or Grand Floridian resort with kids 6, 10 and 14 years old?

[brunette8706]

Hello all!

We want to take the kids over July 4th holiday. Which resort would be better for kids?

Thanks so much!

 

[mrsap]

Have you stayed at or been to either resort?

 

[sponica]

My kids just want a pool and I like the vibe of GF more than the contemporary.

I'd probably go with whichever is cheaper between the CR tower and the GF rooms though.

 

[brunette8706]

Have you stayed at or been to either resort?

Yes I have years ago.

 

[brunette8706]

My kids just want a pool and I like the vibe of GF more than the contemporary.

I'd probably go with whichever is cheaper between the CR tower and the GF rooms though.

That’s what I was thinking. The Contemporary seems somewhat sterile.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I just did a stay at BLT and IMO the Grand looks like it would have a better pool area for kids. I found the Contemporary pool to be really small for the size of the resort. Being able to walk to/from the Magic Kingdom in less than 10 minutes is pretty nice though. May be a longer walk if you have strollers and stuff but I tend to do a brisk walk and it was super quick to MK.

Agree with the other poster who said to compare prices between the resorts.

 

[mrsap]

Yes I have years ago.

What I always suggest is to show the family walkthrough videos on YouTube of both resorts, and see which they prefer. Make sure they see the rooms, pools, and the property. Videos are so helpful and will let them see what they’re getting. We never stay anywhere without looking up videos first. Personally, I would pick The Grand. Good luck deciding!

 

[brunette8706]

I just did a stay at BLT and IMO the Grand looks like it would have a better pool area for kids. I found the Contemporary pool to be really small for the size of the resort. Being able to walk to/from the Magic Kingdom in less than 10 minutes is pretty nice though. May be a longer walk if you have strollers and stuff but I tend to do a brisk walk and it was super quick to MK.

Agree with the other poster who said to compare prices between the resorts.

Thank you for your in-depth thoughts !

 

[mrsap]

That’s what I was thinking. The Contemporary seems somewhat sterile.

Agreed. We never had any desire to stay there. The pools do not compare either, IMO.

 

[brunette8706]

Agreed. We never had any desire to stay there. The pools do not compare either, IMO.

Yes. Definitely agree! I think I'm leaning towards the Grand Floridian. It’s so beautiful!

 

[NYCgrrl]

I think GF is a great choice for the entire family although I didn’t initially. Went there first during an adults only trip but when the traveling kids learned where we were they clamored to leave Poly and visit GF. The trip went smashingly with their presence. Easy monorail access to MK and Epcot, and a great view for the fireworks by the marina.
The pool areas are much more fun than CR and for my money GF’s theming seems to work better. Contemporary was a one and done for us, and as a PP said it’s sterile. Kind of ironic since my home is decorated in Mid Century but the hotel’s decor just didn’t seem to work for us.

 

[brunette8706]

What I always suggest is to show the family walkthrough videos on YouTube of both resorts, and see which they prefer. Make sure they see the rooms, pools, and the property. Videos are so helpful and will let them see what they’re getting. We never stay anywhere without looking up videos first. Personally, I would pick The Grand. Good luck deciding!

Yes! I’m addicted to watching the YouTube videos of these resorts. The Grand Floridian is just beautiful. Thanks!

 

[brunette8706]

I think GF is a great choice for the entire family although I didn’t initially. Went there first during an adults only trip but when the traveling kids learned where we were they clamored to leave Poly and visit GF. The trip went smashingly with their presence. Easy monorail access to MK and Epcot, and a great view for the fireworks by the marina.
The pool areas are much more fun than CR and for my money GF’s theming seems to work better. Contemporary was a one and done for us, and as a PP said it’s sterile. Kind of ironic since my home is decorated in Mid Century but the hotel’s decor just didn’t seem to work for us.

Yes this makes perfect sense. I do agree. Definitely leaning towards the Contemporary Resort. Thank you!

 

[jennab]

Honestly I really thought we’d love GF but we don’t. Granted we were there when construction started so rooms had not been redone. The outdoor buildings were annoying every time it rained, a pain to get to Epcot (3rd stop then switch), last ones on monorail to MK so always packed, both pools were pretty busy especially the one with the slide. Food at the QS was pretty meh and employees there plus the front desk were rude rvery time we talked to them. So my vote would be for CR. Everything in one building, I prefer their food choices, pool area seems less busy. Easy walk to MK and 1 monorail stop back when legs are tired after the park.

 

[katyjeka]

Love Contemporary, liked GF. No particular reason. You will have a great time at either!!

 

[brockash]

We've done both, currently staying at Grand and I think we'd always choose CR over Grand. We just prefer being in one building, quick walk to CR, being the first stop after MK on monorail, food, pool/hot tub situation etc.