CR or GF ?

[Native NYer]

We were at the Poly last week, got a bounceback offer (30% off), and booked another trip for August. The bounceback doesn't go into effect until August 10th, so we booked 2 theme park view rooms from 8/10-8/16. We we were planning on arriving on 8/9 and bought our airfare already. So, we booked a one night room only ressie for the savanna view room at AKL with our AAA discount. Then we switched to the CR (tower MK view) b/c of the convenience of the monorail and walkway to the MK.

We are debating keeping our tower MK view room at the CR or switching to the GF. Any suggestions? What would you do?

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

I'm curious too!

 

[Blessedx3]

My vote is for the CR because it is closer to MK and the views are spectacular. Also you are first on the monorail to the park by the time it gets to the GF it can be pretty full. But the GF is gorgeous as well. I think you need to go with what theme you like best. Good luck and have fun.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I think both hotels are so unique and beautiful in their own way. I guess it just really depends on the person.

We love the Poly, came back from there a few weeks back and plan on going there again soon. The Contemporary for us just seems too....contemporary! LOL

The Grand Floridian is beautiful. I love the surroundings, the brightness of the hotel....it is just absolutely breathtaking...BUT, the thing that stops me everytime is the people and the "snootiness".

If I had to choose on surroundings alone, I would choose the GF. It's so beautiful.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[stagemomto3]

My vote is for the CR because it is closer to MK and the views are spectacular. Also you are first on the monorail to the park by the time it gets to the GF it can be pretty full. But the GF is gorgeous as well. I think you need to go with what theme you like best. Good luck and have fun.

We've stayed at the CR once and the GF 7 times. We've never had a problem with the monorail being crowded on the way to MK. Many of the CR guests would rather take the short 5 minute walk to the MK than have to go around the entire loop of the monorail.

 

[solman]

We were at the Poly last week, got a bounceback offer (30% off), and booked another trip for August. The bounceback doesn't go into effect until August 10th, so we booked 2 theme park view rooms from 8/10-8/16. We we were planning on arriving on 8/9 and bought our airfare already. So, we booked a one night room only ressie for the savanna view room at AKL with our AAA discount. Then we switched to the CR (tower MK view) b/c of the convenience of the monorail and walkway to the MK.

We are debating keeping our tower MK view room at the CR or switching to the GF. Any suggestions? What would you do?

I recently picked the GF over CR largely because my travel agent advised me against the ongoing construction there.

 

[Native NYer]

How is the overall attitude around the GF? Is i snooty? Friendly? I found the Poly CMs ultra-friendly. I loved it!

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

How is the overall attitude around the GF? Is i snooty? Friendly? I found the Poly CMs ultra-friendly. I loved it!

I think the CM's at the GF are very friendly...BUT, for me, it's the attitudes of the other guests that really get me.

 

[Tinkaroo]

How is the overall attitude around the GF? Is i snooty? Friendly? I found the Poly CMs ultra-friendly. I loved it!

Many people like to give the GF a bad wrap on this, but personally I've never seen it. (I've stayed there twice - once in a garden view, once in concierge - but visit just about every trip.) I've always had wonderful CM's there, and have never had any sort of bad, uncomfortable, or snooty experience with guests.

In fact, I would go so far to say that I have had the best service and experiences there vs. any other Disney resort, both as a guest, or as just a visitor to the shops or restaurants! We love the GF!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would keep the CR Magic Kingdom view. By the time you go in August the construction inside will just be finishing and how can you say no to this view?

 

[iloveeeyore]

If I read your question correctly, you're deciding between CR and GF for one night only, right? If you mean one night, I'd definitely stick with MK view at CR, because that view is absolutely unbelievable and should be experienced once.

For a longer stay, you should go by the theme you prefer. I personally prefer CR, but many think it's too sterile and lacks a "Disney" feel. I sort of feel that way about GF, so go figure!

Honestly though, if I were switching resorts during my stay, I wouldn't do it between two monorail ones. I'd love to try the savannah view at AKL. You could enjoy your AK day first from there where it would be very convenient, and save MK for after you move to monorail line.

Such a dilemma! I love Disney in August and wish we could go this year. You'll have a great time no matter what.

 

[TLSnell1981]

CR definitely has a more casual atmosphere than GF.

 

[Princess_Belle]

If you are going to get a theme park view at the GF if you change then it really isn't going to make much of a difference. If you switch to the GF and get a Garden View then i think that would be a down grade. My DH and I stayed in the CR mk view on our honeymoon. It was the most magical thing to wake up to the castle!!! And the view at night is absolutely breathtaking.

 

[Native NYer]

I would keep the CR Magic Kingdom view. By the time you go in August the construction inside will just be finishing and how can you say no to this view?

This photo is breathtaking! Even though I'll end up doing two monorail resorts in one trip, I think I may just have to stick to the CR. But if we do switch to the GF, we'll take a MK view as well.

I'm going with my nephew (he's 4 yrs old), my mom, dad, brother, SIL, and my new niece (she's due mid July). We visited both the CR and GF on our trip last week and were conflicted. Although I think the GF is beautiful, I'm wondering if it's as kid-friendly as other resorts? What has been everyone's experience?

 

[Lives4Disney]

This photo is breathtaking! Even though I'll end up doing two monorail resorts in one trip, I think I may just have to stick to the CR. But if we do switch to the GF, we'll take a MK view as well.

I'm going with my nephew (he's 4 yrs old), my mom, dad, brother, SIL, and my new niece (she's due mid July). We visited both the CR and GF on our trip last week and were conflicted. Although I think the GF is beautiful, I'm wondering if it's as kid-friendly as other resorts? What has been everyone's experience?

OK, since you are bringing your 4 yr old nephew....CR FOR SURE. I have a 17 yr old son that grew up staying at the CR several weeks/year since he was 1 yr old. He still LOVES that resort more than any other. The CR is a boy's paradise....with the monorail, fun restaurants, arcade, view. It is a really exciting, high energy resort. You will get a kick out of watching your nephew being thrilled at the CR. For as much as GF is my favorite, I know a little guy would love a stay at the CR.

Enjoy,

Lives4Disney

 

[ducklite]

I would keep the CR Magic Kingdom view. By the time you go in August the construction inside will just be finishing and how can you say no to this view?

I can, quite easily. Having the parking lot between me and the parks totally takes away the famtasy and brings back the reality.

I much prefer the GF or Polynesian for that, and many other reasons.

 

[Native NYer]

When we ate at Chef Mickey's, I noticed that it's a totally different energy level than at the GF. I'm thinking the GF may be better for a December trip and leave CR for the summer.

 

[Native NYer]

How's the noise level in the tower rooms at CR?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How's the noise level in the tower rooms at CR?

When it comes to hearing guests in the room next to you that has never been a problem for my family. As for hearing what happens on the 4th floor that depends on a few things. If you have a room that is over Chef Mickey's chances are you might hear the song they play every half hour, however if your not in your room when it happens no big deal. Personally my family and I have had a room over Chef Mickey's before and we did not mind it at all. Now if you were on the other side by the shops that area is quiet and should not be any problems. Finally if you happen to get a 6th floor room on the Magic Kingdom side, (there are no 5th floor rooms on the Magic Kingdom side because of the Monorail station) you do not hear the Monorail when it goes by and I can speak from experience. A few years ago we had a room on the 6th floor over the Monorail station and we did not hear it at all.

 

[Native NYer]

When it comes to hearing guests in the room next to you that has never been a problem for my family. As for hearing what happens on the 4th floor that depends on a few things. If you have a room that is over Chef Mickey's chances are you might hear the song they play every half hour, however if your not in your room when it happens no big deal. Personally my family and I have had a room over Chef Mickey's before and we did not mind it at all. Now if you were on the other side by the shops that area is quiet and should not be any problems. Finally if you happen to get a 6th floor room on the Magic Kingdom side, (there are no 5th floor rooms on the Magic Kingdom side because of the Monorail station) you do not hear the Monorail when it goes by and I can speak from experience. A few years ago we had a room on the 6th floor over the Monorail station and we did not hear it at all.

Thanks for the info I may put in a request for a room away from Chef Mickey's. I already put in a request for a high floor.

It's really too bad that with a MK view, you get a view of the parking lot. But I won't give it up for a room facing Bay Lake!!!