GF or boardwalk?

[TCRAIG]

We are currently nooked st the GF but I can save $450 by switching to boardwalk. Im torn :/
We just came back from disney in sept staying at beacb (loved) and wilderness lodge. We try tonstay at a new hotel each time. My dh has been wanting boardwalk and doing GF for iur 10 year anniversary, but I dont like that there isnt a dedicated counter service at boardwalk (we have a 19 month old) so I would like to get food quickly in the AM.

Thoughts?

I would do BW this time around and save GF for your anniversary. I've stayed at both - love both - but to me - having your first stay at GF coincide with your anniversary would make it all the more special.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I love GF (and love Gasparilla's as well), but BWI is our favorite. With a little one, especially, you will have so much within walking distance (DHS, EP and tons of restaurants) and won't have to worry about folding a stroller for two parks. The Boardwalk Bakery is lovely and you could also get a few breakfast things (including yogurt) to keep in the fridge in your room. One thing we love to do when we are staying in the EP area is to eat breakfast at Les Halles in France. The food is good, coffee is great and it's super quiet in the morning - perhaps a breakfast option on your EP stays. When my DS was younger, convenience is what made the vacations for us. The less we need to travel, the better. I would look at both resorts and your touring plans and pick the resort that will offer you the most convenience. They are both lovely resorts!

 

[got15]

OK- both BW and GF are our 2 favorite resorts. We love both of them for similar and different reasons. When my kids were infants/toddlers we stayed at GF almost exclusively. The pool was one of our biggest draws- also I wanted a hotel that was relaxing so that when we are all on super Disney stimulus overload - we could have somewhere nice and quiet to relax in. The GF did that for us- and they have a wonderful splash pad and play area (shallow) in both pools. Also- the monorail and boat to/from MK was critical- esp. with a stroller. This past fall we decided to take our 2 kids and the jumbo double stroller to the BWI. I knew that there was no splash pad- but it was also the beginning of December- and in case it was too cold- it wouldn't matter. Have to say we were pleasantly surprised- the vibe was v similar to the GF- it was more of a chiller less hectic version. The service was actually a gazillion times better- and had the Disney Service that it was famous for. Prob didn't help that Bob Iger was staying there at the time as well. But the pool was great- I could see my 7 year old from all corners- it was nice and chill, we ate at the Boardwalk Bakery and Pizza Window a few times, rented a surrey bike, and enjoyed the BW- which was actually very relaxing and more convenient than a monorail (we have been stuck on quite a few...). The dedicated bus service was awesome- and made taking the bus and waiting for it- less of a hassle. IMO, if you already plan on doing the GF- then try something new, you won't be disappointed in the BW. Heck- for the $$ that you save- you should do CL there- it's one of the best! But- if the pool is a deal breaker for you- and you plan on a lot of MK time- I would do the GF. It is quite magical there. Our 7 year old has requested BWI for his upcoming 8th Birthday... and we are obliging. Either way- enjoy!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I'd stick with the GF. There is a food court, boat to MK, and you can watch fireworks from the GF. The monorail would be easier to get around with a 19 month old in a stroller.

 

[C.R.]

On a short trip like that, where you are hopping around, I think that transportation is really important.

I would be willing to bet a lot of money, that your total transportation time with the itinerary outlined above would be AT LEAST double staying at GF as opposed to BW. Probably triple, honestly.

MK - GF monorail, BW dedicated bus
EP - GF shared bus with other MK resorts or monorail around to TTC, get off and switch monorails and take monorail to Epcot, BW is 6 minute walk.
HS - GF shared bus again, BW is 12 min walk
AK - GF shared bus again, BW dedicated bus

The shared buses at Poly, GF, and Contemporary are a pain and add a lot of travel time.

I've been a regular at the GF recently and an at BWI in June, and this is exactly why! We are so excited for this stay.

 

[Babsy]

GF (wonderful)

proximity to the MK is the best, monorail or boat
rooms are the largest
dining options are more varied and better than at the BWI (IMO)
other transportation, via buses, not as good as BWI
a good option when spending more time in the MK (Not true of OP)
amazing lobby to relax in, live music
both pools are fabulous with zero entry and splash areas
unless you stay RPC, you have to go outside to get to a restaurant
you can watch fireworks from your resort, or, if you have TPV, from your balcony
there is something magical about being able to see the Castle from your resort
walk to the Poly for the great amenities and dining there


BWI (also very nice)

main pool is creepy, I saw it first in real life and couldn't believe that it was in WDW!
I don;t like the way that you have to take 2 elevators to get down to the Boardwalk
long hallways
great walking access to both Epcot and DHS (or boat)
dedicated bus to the MK
you have to go outside to eat
don't get a room facing the BW, you can hear noise from the buskers with the doors shut
nice, comfortable rooms
Epcot fireworks are loud, every night at 9:00 pm
walk to the BC/YC or Swolphin for amenities (Picabou is fairly good cafeteria food) and alternate dining options


Both are great options!

I would stay at the GF as my first choice. (I wouldn't mind going back for the anniversary either, though. Yes, it is that good.)

Good luck choosing!

 

[Nancyg56]

You guys are making me rethink the GF. We are spending 1.5 days at MK 1.5 at epcot and .5 hs and .5 at AK so stayimg at either GF or BWI would be convenient.

The clown pool isnt creepy to us so that didnt matter. I forgot the bakery was steps away, which may work. I will need to look at the menu but as long as my LO has atleast yogurt 1st thing in the morning, she will be OK until we get inside the parks.

I would not shy away from the BWI if the only issue is dedicated CS options. I htink that while the GF has better options in regards to CS, if your little one is happy with yogurt, I would buy some and pop it in the fridge. WE always ended up with some healthy food choices on hand because no matter where you stay, leaving the room early in the morning or later in the evening is not always fun, nor is it always an option. CHoose the resort that works in your budget and is convenient for the parks you will be visiting. The food always tends to work out.