GF Lodge Tower vs. Poly GVC - what do you think?

[jenjersnap]

So, we are considering joining AAA since we're getting nervous about AP/general discounts and would like to get one more trip in sometime during Value season (we are frugal deluxers at least, DH is!). For the dates we are considering, AAA is showing only a couple types of rooms available for these two resorts. GF only has tower lodge rooms, Poly has LV or GVC. They are all pretty close in price, I think there is $20 difference between them all Now, I know each has their fans and their styles are completely different, but I need some guidance.

We are a family of 4, 2 DSs 4 & 19 months. I have always wanted to stay at the Poly, though I think GF is lovely. I figure neither of our choices (excluding Poly LV) will have a MK view which is a bummer. Concierge would be nice (though I swore off the idea just last week LOL) for breakfast and snacks for the boys. OTOH, we're planning on spending some time at GF anyway - we'd like to do 1900 Park Fare this time and the pirate cruise for our oldest, perhaps the tea. DH's big thing is that the GF pool is boring and that the Poly is more appealing for two small boys. I do have to agree with him there, we spent two evenings last December at the Poly after meals at Kona Cafe and the Luau and the boys loved investigating the nooks and crannies, playing on the beach, the hammocks, etc. I am sure the GF has fun stuff too, but we are not quite as familiar with it. We always believed that, however, if we were splurging for CL at Poly we do LVC. With GVC and LV so similar in price, I am figuring that we can compromise - watching Wishes from the lounge or the beach and getting the advantages of the lounge in exchange for the promise - but not guarantee - of a castle view.

If given those two choices, which would you do? How about a family of boys like ours? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[copper68]

well, you've got 2 great choices.. how about splitting your stay? not sure how long you're going for, but if you could split the stay that would be perfect.. and it's really easy to do.. they get your luggage and move it for you etc.. my DH and i split our stay last year between the BWI and Poly LVC.. the bellhop at the BWI came when we called in the morning, got our bags, we went to the parks, and then headed over to the poly, checked in with conceirge, and they went and got our bags.. there was no wait time ever.. it was wonderful.. i've never stayed at the GF, but i did have my wedding reception there.. truly a beautiful resort.. it doesn't seem like a kids place, but who knows..

my opinion.. split your stay between the two..

 

[jenjersnap]

Thanks! Ordinarily we love splitting stays - look at my sig! However, this will be a much shorter stay for us, probably just 4 days, so we'll need to stay put this time.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Well, I vote for the GF tower room. We just returned from a Sugar Loaf stay in a tower room and it was WONDERFUL!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Grand Floridian. The room we had was on the 4th floor so it had the vaulted ceilings, too. It was nice having the extra sitting area with the sofa and second tv. It felt kind of like a suite. I didn't take any photos, though...why, I just don't know....I was just so excited and then my DH got sick and it kind of went down hill.... Our room actually had the pool view - I know you don't want that, but it was fine for us.

We stayed at the Poly in a lagoon concierge room in August and it was OK, but we didn't have such a great experience with the CMs - compared to what I have read on this board it was a major disappointment, too. I personally think the lagoon view is overrated from the Poly, anyway. (Just my opinion - I know others love it) We couldn't see the castle unless we went out on our patio and on the beach we were eaten alive by some kind of sand bugs. Yuck. The castle is so far away.....I prefer the view from the CR. I just think you won't mind a garden view from either resort. Well, also, I see you are going in December. The Grand Floridian is just so lovely for the holidays. They have that life size gingerbread house cookie store in the lobby, live Xmas music, gorgeous floral decorations and a huge tree in the lobby. You can't go wrong in that resort.

Good luck with your decision!! It is a tough one!!

Lives4Disney

 

[vettechick99]

I'd only go for Poly LV if it was LVC. So excluding that choice, I'd pick Poly GVC. I've done all of them (except my GF was concierge) and having the C service for the food offerings and the staff will come in very, very handy with you and your kids. You won't have to find breakfast and the afternoon snacks and cordials are mighty nice.

GF without C service is just another "nice" hotel to me.

Can I ask the rate you are getting?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Here's a link if you wanted to check out the layout of the GF lodge tower room, http://www.the-grahams.net/gf/rooms.html. I can break them down as follows and you can decide what's more important:

GF Lodge Tower ~ larger room, separate living space with a 2nd tv is nice, especially after you put the little ones down to bed. Can't confirm what views are offered, but you can always request lagoon view. Theme pool has zero entry from the beach and the water slide. Three cabanas are available on a first come, first serve basis (a nice feature if you're spending a few hours at the pool). Beach and loungers available. Second pool open 24 hours with a hot tub. Gasparilla's Grill 24 hour counter service and arcade. Kids activities by the courtyard pool daily.

Poly LV ~ Beautiful tropical theme, great views and a pool you already know you enjoy.

Poly GVC ~ same as above, with the added benefit of concierge service. Includes pre-planning assistance before you arrive, private check-in, deluxe continental breakfast, snacks and cold drinks throughout the day, evening meal with a few hot items, wine/beer, late night desserts and cordials. Lounge has a great view of the castle.

As I said, it all depends on what is more important to you for this trip. It's not an easy decision, but I find it better to list out the pro's and con's from each selection and go from there.

Tammi