For those who prefer Poly to GF...

[KimR]

I keep reading post af post of people who just love the Poly and I'm starting to wonder 'am I missing something'? When I'm choosing a resort it's usually between GF (for the MK area) or YC (for the EPCOT area). I love them both and it's always such a hard decision. And now all these positive Poly posts are only adding to the confusion. We've been to the Poly for dinner at 'Ohana and quite honestly, I was not that impressed. The resort seemed dated and lacked the brightness and elegance of the GF. The pictures I've seen of the rooms look dark and dreary to me. So what makes the Poly so special? For those who have stayed at both, why do you prefer it to the GF (as it seems so many do)?

 

[bhillier]

The GF is an awesome resort too. I think I love Poly because I love the tropical feel of the resort as a whole.

 

[Disney Fool]

I personally love both resorts. I don't think it'a a matter of one over the other. For me, at least, it's how you feel for a certain vacation period. If you want a south sea island laid back feeling, go with the Poly. If you want a little more pampering, and an elegant feel, go for the GF. But, I think it's that way for all the Disney resorts, which is why each one is different--not better, different. Wilderness Lodge caters to the outdoors feeling of the Pacific Northwest, and many folks love that resort. I happen to be in love with the AKL -can't explain it, I just love the atmosphere--I always feel as if I'm really away from it all. I say this because you mentioned you didn't like the darkness of the rooms at the Poly. Some people will tell you that they love the muted colors and that they are authentic-looking. The Poly may just not be your "thing" and that's okay, too.

 

[RayJay]

Kim

The YC is awesome, we have stayed there. SAB is awesome for the kids and the food is equally superb. The location can't be beat for Epcot and MGM. We have stayed in the boardwalk area (BCV, Boardwalk Villas) the last 4 times so we wanted something different and the Poly was it. The Poly gives a great sense of vacation and relaxation (tropical) not that the YC dosen't, but we've found being closer to MK was the best with young kids.

Yes the rooms at GF and YC are brighter, that's their theme.
We don't think the rooms are dark at Poly, but yes the buildings are brown.

The GF looks awesome as well, we have never stayed there but it does remind us of the YC. You will be very happy at either, go with what you think you'll like.

I believe the Poly, YC, and GF are the 3 best, although some may argue Wilderness lodge or AKL are best.

All of our stays were memorable, just another opinion.

Happy 4th
RayJay

 

[crazywig]

i've stayed at both and prefer the poly, i like the more relaxed feel and i'm sure my room was bigger

 

[jel0511]

As someone who has stayed at all three of the ones you've posted, it really depends on what type of feel you like on vacation. Out of the GF, YC and Poly (ranked in order), I prefer the GF of course. It is because of the elegant feel of the place, and I love the room decor. The YC is second, because I didn't like the decor as much as GF. The Poly is a very relaxed place, but I personally detest the rooms there. DH and I love visiting the Poly, but everytime we end up staying there, we always say the same thing, WHY??? It's all based on personal preference and what you prefer. If you're happy with the GF and YC, will you dislike the Poly? Really that's only for you to decide. IMO, if you prefer the elegence and upscale feel of both the GF And YC, most likely the Poly will be a disappointment. Now, darkness isn't the issue for me at the Poly, because I LOVE the WL! Now, I've never stayed at WL, we always stay at VWL, but the room decor is similiar and it's awesome for me! DH and I have come to the conclusion that we'll never stay at the Poly again, since after 3 stays, we've decided it's not our cup of tea. We'll stay at GF from now on for a monorail hotel.

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed at all three and based on your love of the GF and YC and your impression of the Polynesian I don't think you would be super happy there. You might but the rooms are not light and airy and elegant. The rooms are a bit darker and very casual, less colorful but just as comfortable. I liked the Polynesian much better than the GF for the same reason you like the GF. I thought the GF was a bit to frilly and flowery. It was beautiful but not where I wanted to stay. I really liked the YC better than the GF, except for the rose bedspreads! In any case. Take a good look at photos of the Polynesian rooms and see if you really think you want to stay there.

 

[KimR]

Thanks everyone! Your responses have helped me decide and I think I am going to stick with my original plan and go with either the GF or the YC. As much as everyone seems to love the Poly, I think these two resorts are the best fit for us! Have a great holiday weekend, everyone! Hopefully I'll be making my room reservations later on this afternoon! As soon as I decide...

oh, and daanzzz, you really should try the YC again. We stayed at the YC a few months ago and they've redone the rooms - the rose bedspreads are gone and the new ones are a nautical design. I thought the room was beautiful (but I still prefer the decor of the GF).

 

[daannzzz]

oh, and daanzzz, you really should try the YC again. We stayed at the YC a few months ago and they've redone the rooms - the rose bedspreads are gone and the new ones are a nautical design. I thought the room was beautiful (but I still prefer the decor of the GF). [/B]

I have seen the pictures of the new rooms and I like the look. The lower dresser makes the rooms look bigger. I am not sure when I will get back there though as I am trying all of the resorts. Next is the BWI.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've never stayed at GF so I can't compare. I have stayed at YC and while it was really nice I find the Poly more relaxing. The Poly is also convenient to both MK & Epcot since you can walk to TTC to catch direct Epcot monorail. Of course that's not quite as easy at night as walking out the back entrance and walking "home" to YC.

 

[PamNC]

who has stayed at both and prefer the Poly.

Here's my "why." The main reason is because I like the theming better. We love the lush tropical feel - it's so relaxing. The GF was too stuffy for my taste. Although, don't get wrong it was a very nice resort - just not our speed.

The Pool at the Poly puts the pool at the Grand to shame!

The Poly is more convenient with the TTC just a short walk away.

PamNC
4 days and counting - Polynesian here we come!

 

[jacksmom]

We really love both GF and Poly! But, we prefer BC to Yacht! We just like the lighter colors and theming at BC better. But, the one draw back to Poly is there is no hot tub! After a long day in the parks, we really enjoy the hot tub! So, I guess the GF is our favorite!

 

[DebbieB]

We stayed at the GF on our first trip in 1994 and the Poly on our second in 1996. I kind of felt like you, the Poly just wasn't my taste. It seemed dark, dreary and musty. I've also stayed at the Beach Club, GF again and Boardwalk, I would rank them all above the Poly. Some people love it, but I like the bright style of the others better. Walking into the GF lobby always wows me!