Do you love Grand Floridian, Polynesian, both, or neither?

[Pens Fan]

I voted neither but with a qualification. We enjoy some of the lounges at both resorts but have no desire to stay at either (for now). The Grand is just too stuffy for us, but we do enjoy Enchanted Rose and sometimes pop over for a drink and snack. It's also fun to check out the gingerbread house at Christmas but I can't imagine staying there at that time as it just seems so chaotic with everyone else doing the same. We love the overall vibe at the Poly. We really enjoy Tambu Lounge, and think Captain Cook's is a great QS option (those pork nachos!). Trader Sam's has always on our bucket list, but we haven't made it there yet - some day! We definitely plan to stay in the tower once it's built, but we always stay in 1 or 2 BR's so staying at the Poly has been a no go for us up until this point.

Edited to add: One drawback for us that both share is not being all in one building. It's Florida. There is a good chance it's either going to be raining or surface of the sun hot - or both.

 

[NhiN]

We thought we would be more of Poly lovers but actually prefer VGF. Poly has everything that it seems like we would want- laid back vibes, beautiful tropical landscaping, history, dole whip but… anytime we’ve been in the lobby, we’ve thought it was extremely crowded. I think it’s a bit echoey too? We do still love it and stay sometimes but in general feel like VGF is a nicer place for rest. The crowds just haven’t seemed as loud there. It’s beautiful, and it has some wonderful restaurants. Narcoossee’s, Citricos, and Enchanted Rose are all wonderful. Also the walk to Magic Kingdom is a huge plus.

 

[Stargazer65]

If I use the "L" word then they might expect commitment.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

Love Poly with my 3 kids.
Love Grand Flo with just my wife.

We all love the Polynesian. It’s a great place for us to take our three chuckleheads.

At this stage of the game, there’s no way I’m taking them to the Grand Floridian. There’s WDW expensive and then you have three chuckleheads destroying the WDW flagship resort expensive.

I’ll keep the Grand Floridian for a future trip with just my wife.

 

[jimim]

We eta each trip over GF. I have stayed there multiple times over the years. I'm just nota fan of the monorail. Just slows down too much. It's fine for a visit but on a daily basis I just don't like it. Just me. I know I'm a blip on the radar with that feeling but.

 

[beccasmom]

We’ve stayed at both and they were fine, but “love” is too strong a word for our opinion of either one. Our first stay at the GF was in 1988 (?) when it first opened (I seem to remember the room rate was $148.00 (!) and our room was in Boca Chica). Our first stay at the Poly was the inaugural year of the Disney Cruise Line (we stayed there for 4 nights before our Magic cruise), so 10 years later. We have stayed at both a few other times since then. They are certainly very nice resorts and we enjoyed the convenience of the monorail. I liked the GF more, but the rest of my family preferred the Poly.

 

[dclpluto]

Love grand Floridian but never stayed at Polynesian because of no 1 bedrooms and the bungalows are too many points for me.

 

[Jwaire]

There are so many things to love about the Polynesian to list, but ultimately it comes down to nostalgia, location and atmosphere.

When I arrive at the Polynesian, I know I'm on vacation—the music, water gardens, staff and the laid back atmosphere. I want to drop my bags, grab a drink and soak it all in.

Disney has definitely did some things I don't agree with including ripping out the back water garden for the Pineapple Lanai and the astroturf area, but I still love the resort overall.

Grand Floridian is interesting. My opinion of the resort has evolved especially after discovering the amount of details and effort that went into building the resort.

While the theming isn't my first choice, I've grown to appreciate the details and elegance DDC (Disney Development Company) put into that project.

And who doesn't like to stay at a resort that The Beach Boys filmed their Kokomo video at, Princess Diana and her sons stayed at and was the defacto hotel for every sitcom of the 90's?

It's also become my top rated resort for food. Don't sleep on the Grand Floridian Cafe.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

There are so many things to love about the Polynesian to list, but ultimately it comes down to nostalgia, location and atmosphere.

When I arrive at the Polynesian, I know I'm on vacation—the music, water gardens, staff and the laid back atmosphere. I want to drop my bags, grab a drink and soak it all in.

Disney has definitely did some things I don't agree with including ripping out the back water garden for the Pineapple Lanai and the astroturf area, but I still love the resort overall.

Grand Floridian is interesting. My opinion of the resort has evolved especially after discovering the amount of details and effort that went into building the resort.

While the theming isn't my first choice, I've grown to appreciate the details and elegance DDC (Disney Development Company) put into that project.

And who doesn't like to stay at a resort that The Beach Boys filmed their Kokomo video at, Princess Diana and her sons stayed at and was the defacto hotel for every sitcom of the 90's?

It's also become my top rated resort for food. Don't sleep on the Grand Floridian Cafe.

If it wasn't for Full House staying at Grand Floridian, I'd probably have no interest in staying there. I actually had a past thread asking if anyone ever stayed at the Grand Floridian just due to the Full House episodes. Nostalgia is pretty powerful. Disney knows that. I know that. And Disney knows that I know that they know that I know that they know that I know that they know nostalgia is powerful. So yeah, I'm in (because I'm doomed due to the nostalgia). Just not with the chuckleheads (Sorry, Disney, party of two, here).

 

[Jwaire]

If it wasn't for Full House staying at Grand Floridian, I'd probably have no interest in staying there. I actually had a past thread asking if anyone ever stayed at the Grand Floridian just due to the Full House episodes. Nostalgia is pretty powerful. Disney knows that. I know that. And Disney knows that I know that they know that I know that they know that I know that they know nostalgia is powerful. So yeah, I'm in (because I'm doomed due to the nostalgia). Just not with the chuckleheads (Sorry, Disney, party of two, here).

This podcast changed my mind about the Grand Floridian. It's a fascinating episode, if you're into Disney history.

https://podcast.progresscityusa.com/e/the-progress-city-radio-hour-episode-18-town-hall-bob-holland/

 

[Jack Kerouac]

This podcast changed my mind about the Grand Floridian. It's a fascinating episode, if you're into Disney history.

https://podcast.progresscityusa.com/e/the-progress-city-radio-hour-episode-18-town-hall-bob-holland/

I’ve already started listening to it. Hopefully finish it in the coming days (I have a <10 min commute and young kids at home). But loved it so far. Thanks for sharing!!

My college degree is in history and I love all things Disney, so this is awesome!

 

[nlenguyen]

For our upcoming trip we want to do a split stay at a MK resort. The time we want to go, VGF is actually less points than PVB. Should I plan on booking the VGF standard studio vs PVB standard studio?
I saw a review video of a VGF and there seems to be a lack of any type of Disney in those rooms compared to the PVB studio

 

[Jack Kerouac]

For our upcoming trip we want to do a split stay at a MK resort. The time we want to go, VGF is actually less points than PVB. Should I plan on booking the VGF standard studio vs PVB standard studio?
I saw a review video of a VGF and there seems to be a lack of any type of Disney in those rooms compared to the PVB studio

Not sure how many points more the PVB standard is compared to the PVB standard view during your time of travel, the point cost may be worth staying at PVB. PVB has the largest studios of any resort at WDW. With a Murphy bed, it can feel even larger when it's not in use. Also, the split bathroom is nice for getting ready or cleaned up if there's more than one person staying in the room.

 

[nlenguyen]

Not sure how many points more the PVB standard is compared to the PVB standard view during your time of travel, the point cost may be worth staying at PVB. PVB has the largest studios of any resort at WDW. With a Murphy bed, it can feel even larger when it's not in use. Also, the split bathroom is nice for getting ready or cleaned up if there's more than one person staying in the room.

It would be 3 points more to stay at PVB vs VGF

 

[Jack Kerouac]

It would be 3 points more to stay at PVB vs VGF

I know everyone has a different experience with DVC, booking styles, room sizes, etc. So I don’t want to minimize the cost of three points, because that could mean lot with a 50 point contract, especially with those points being banked and borrowed.

We just opted to spend eight more points for our February stay because we preferred some of the accommodations at the other resort. But we did it based on research and others’ help and advice. DVC points are a commodity, so I get it.

While we’ve never stayed at VGF, we spent seven nights at the Poly in August. We had five people (2 adults, an 8yo, 5yo, and 3yo) in our room and it was tight. We found a way to make it work and we will be back in June 2024. My parents stayed in a separate studio while we were there and they loved it (they had a gorgeous view from the third floor).

My wife and I will one day stay at VGF, but it will be without our boys. Or, at least not until they are civilized or we have more points.

After walking the grounds of the Poly, part of me actually made me think, if I’m staying Standard View, Pago Pago provides the better room, due to the proximity to the TTC versus the GCH. If you want to do more MK and EPCOT, ask for Pago Pago. If you want more pool time or access to the GCH, ask for Tokelau.

Of the DVC longhouses, Moorea might be the most risk-free. It provides in-house laundry (first floor) and is located between the GHC and TTC. Plus, you might make a friend and get invited to watch the fireworks from their balcony.

We’ll be at the Poly from June 1-4. Say hi if you’re there.

 

[nlenguyen]

I know everyone has a different experience with DVC, booking styles, room sizes, etc. So I don’t want to minimize the cost of three points, because that could mean lot with a 50 point contract, especially with those points being banked and borrowed.

We just opted to spend eight more points for our February stay because we preferred some of the accommodations at the other resort. But we did it based on research and others’ help and advice. DVC points are a commodity, so I get it.

While we’ve never stayed at VGF, we spent seven nights at the Poly in August. We had five people (2 adults, an 8yo, 5yo, and 3yo) in our room and it was tight. We found a way to make it work and we will be back in June 2024. My parents stayed in a separate studio while we were there and they loved it (they had a gorgeous view from the third floor).

My wife and I will one day stay at VGF, but it will be without our boys. Or, at least not until they are civilized or we have more points.

After walking the grounds of the Poly, part of me actually made me think, if I’m staying Standard View, Pago Pago provides the better room, due to the proximity to the TTC versus the GCH. If you want to do more MK and EPCOT, ask for Pago Pago. If you want more pool time or access to the GCH, ask for Tokelau.

Of the DVC longhouses, Moorea might be the most risk-free. It provides in-house laundry (first floor) and is located between the GHC and TTC. Plus, you might make a friend and get invited to watch the fireworks from their balcony.

We’ll be at the Poly from June 1-4. Say hi if you’re there.

Those are actually the dates we would want to stay. We are trying to get a BWV for 2 nights and another room for another 2 nights

 

[maui22]

I was all about Polynesian because of family memories. Poly and CR being the originals.
DW was not a fan of longhouses but agreed to a PVB purchase. She now sees why I loved Poly.

I wasnt a fan of GF while she was. We stayed there and I really enjoyed it. Ironically, DW is not a fan of the resort after staying there. She likes to visit and shop there.

Over the years, I have learned to not judge a resort by the feel when visiting. When we stay at a resort, it can be a completely different vibe. Learning the pools and lounges tell me more about whether DW and I will enjoy the resort or not.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

Those are actually the dates we would want to stay. We are trying to get a BWV for 2 nights and another room for another 2 nights

BWV is on my shortlist of resorts I want to try next. Just seems like a really cool resort. My wife is hesitant due to the Skyliner (we got stuck on it the one and only time we went on it).

 

[nlenguyen]

BWV is on my shortlist of resorts I want to try next. Just seems like a really cool resort. My wife is hesitant due to the Skyliner (we got stuck on it the one and only time we went on it).

We are doing it because they will have the pull down bed

 

[Jack Kerouac]

We are doing it because they will have the pull down bed

The Murphy bed is such an improvement. It’s one of the reasons we changed our OKW 1BR to an SSR 1BR for our February visit.