GF or Poly?

[MIMomof2]

Back from our May stay at the Poly and now planning for next year! We absolutely loved staying at Poly CL. Everything about it was great - the CL food offerings, proximity to monorail and TTC, the beach, movies on the beaches, fireworks viewing, Capt. Cooks/Kona...In the interest of trying something new though, we're now also considering GF CL, for 2012 trip (probably around Labor Day weekend). If we loved the Poly, would we like GF? FWIW, 5 and 8 yo DC loved, loved the Poly as well. We definitely want to stay at a MK resort (otherwise would also be tempted to look at Beach Club).

 

[latinqt]

We love the GF. Haven't stayed at the Poly but we have visited. Seems like some of the rooms are musty smelling. Hopefully they have solved that problem. The pool there is awesome. If your looking to change for the sake of change try the GF. You may love it and it is of course on the monorail. That's an absolute plus.

 

[bluejasmine]

havent stayed GF would like to one day but for now when picking a deluxe its been Poly for us..

For the tropical relaxing atmosphere, the great service in CL and the closeness of monorail plus the amazing views!

 

[DisneyChristmas]

We've done both and prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the Poly.

That said, it's fun to explore something new. So, why not try GF?

 

[Niki in NJ]

We loved GF! I am sure club level is amazing (we haven't stayed club level). The decor of Poly has never appealed to us, so we haven't stayed there, so I can't really compare - but I do know how we loved the relaxed and quiet grounds of GF.

 

[nrpofp]

Back from our May stay at the Poly and now planning for next year! We absolutely loved staying at Poly CL. Everything about it was great - the CL food offerings, proximity to monorail and TTC, the beach, movies on the beaches, fireworks viewing, Capt. Cooks/Kona...In the interest of trying something new though, we're now also considering GF CL, for 2012 trip (probably around Labor Day weekend). If we loved the Poly, would we like GF? FWIW, 5 and 8 yo DC loved, loved the Poly as well. We definitely want to stay at a MK resort (otherwise would also be tempted to look at Beach Club).

We also just returned from a great stay at the poly this May. I loved both resorts and was considering the gf next year. My dh says he doesn't feel comfortably staying at the gf. He likes the laid back atmosphere of the poly. Since we used the health club at the gf and ate dinner there 4 nights. I kind of felt like I got to enjoy both resorts. I think price will be the determing factor for me. Whichever resort I get the best price with an Ap discount is the one I will go with.

 

[woodkins]

We've stayed at both, loved the Poly but DD was dying to stay at the GF so we gave it a try. It wasn't for us. It was very nice, the rooms were fine, but it just felt like a fancy hotel, where the Poly feels like you are at a resort and was more relaxing to us.

We HATED Gasparilla grill (the arcade is in the eating area) and preferred the kiosk/computer ordering system at Capt. cooks as well as the food choices at the Poly.

We all much preferred the Volcano pool over the waterfall pool at the GF as well. The center pool at the GF is very large, but it is just a pool....boooring

After our stay at the GF we have gone back to the Poly for all of our trips in the foreseeable future.

 

[toodycat]

The GF is great and it is just as laid-back in its own Disney way. There are still little kids running around the lobby and guests wearing shorts and T-shirts. The service is excellent and the dining options are all great, whether you want a character meal or a gourmet dinner. We've never found either pool crowded and we love the landscaping and views of the lagoon. The transportation option of boat or monorail is very convenient. Just sitting in the lobby and listening to music is a great way to pass the time. The club level is excellent and the CMs are very thoughtful. We've had more than our share of pixie dust at the GF. I think if you give it a try, you'll be glad you did.

 

[bethclayton]

I am happy to answer this question because I have very strong opinions about it.

I would absolutely recommend trying GF CL. If you think Poly CL was amazing, you will think CL at the GF is to die for! We stayed at GF RPC in March 2010 and were completely awestruck. We then stayed at Poly CL in Dec 2010 and thought it was very nice for the price and would certainly return... but with that said, the GF CL is in a whole other league. It literally makes the Poly CL look shabby (as I said, we would stay at the Poly CL again... because there is a proportionate price difference from the GF). My kids loved the GF when they were there (8 and 10 at the time), and then loved the Poly, but are thrilled to be returning to GF CL on our next trip April 2012.

I also want to add that we are normal, regular, middle class people and did not feel as though the GF was the least bit stuffy. My kids are spirited and excitable and they felt very comfortable there, and I never once felt self-conscious about them being there. The staff was so gracious and made us all feel like a million bucks. It is extremely kid friendly, every bit as much as the Poly, with all the accompanying pool games and whatnot. And they also have table tennis for the kids and a hot tub for me, what's not to love?

Good luck with your decision. You have what my best friend calls a "high-class problem," lol!

 

[woodkins]

I am happy to answer this question because I have very strong opinions about it.

I would absolutely recommend trying GF CL. If you think Poly CL was amazing, you will think CL at the GF is to die for! We stayed at GF RPC in March 2010 and were completely awestruck. We then stayed at Poly CL in Dec 2010 and thought it was very nice for the price and would certainly return... but with that said, the GF CL is in a whole other league. It literally makes the Poly CL look shabby (as I said, we would stay at the Poly CL again... because there is a proportionate price difference from the GF). My kids loved the GF when they were there (8 and 10 at the time), and then loved the Poly, but are thrilled to be returning to GF CL on our next trip April 2012.

I also want to add that we are normal, regular, middle class people and did not feel as though the GF was the least bit stuffy. My kids are spirited and excitable and they felt very comfortable there, and I never once felt self-conscious about them being there. The staff was so gracious and made us all feel like a million bucks. It is extremely kid friendly, every bit as much as the Poly, with all the accompanying pool games and whatnot. And they also have table tennis for the kids and a hot tub for me, what's not to love?

Good luck with your decision. You have what my best friend calls a "high-class problem," lol!

Keep in mind that there are 2 categories of CL at the GF. Sugar Loaf is standard CL and Royal Palm Court is a sort of deluxe CL (RPC is in the main building).

I would say that Sugar Loaf is comparable to the Poly CL and RPC is a step above both.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with the Polynesian because I like their theme just a bit more, however if you choose the Grand Floridian I am sure you would enjoy it and you can't make a wrong decison no matter what you go with.

 

[momatater]

I am happy to answer this question because I have very strong opinions about it.

I would absolutely recommend trying GF CL. If you think Poly CL was amazing, you will think CL at the GF is to die for! We stayed at GF RPC in March 2010 and were completely awestruck. We then stayed at Poly CL in Dec 2010 and thought it was very nice for the price and would certainly return... but with that said, the GF CL is in a whole other league. It literally makes the Poly CL look shabby (as I said, we would stay at the Poly CL again... because there is a proportionate price difference from the GF). My kids loved the GF when they were there (8 and 10 at the time), and then loved the Poly, but are thrilled to be returning to GF CL on our next trip April 2012.

I also want to add that we are normal, regular, middle class people and did not feel as though the GF was the least bit stuffy. My kids are spirited and excitable and they felt very comfortable there, and I never once felt self-conscious about them being there. The staff was so gracious and made us all feel like a million bucks. It is extremely kid friendly, every bit as much as the Poly, with all the accompanying pool games and whatnot. And they also have table tennis for the kids and a hot tub for me, what's not to love?

Good luck with your decision. You have what my best friend calls a "high-class problem," lol!

I completely agree with everything said here! We used to stay only at the Poly CL, or AKL CL, but last year we decided to try GF RPC and WOW!! What a difference. My oldest son/parents were coming in for a few days, and they stayed out in Sugar Loaf CL, and honestly, the only difference was the price and location. They served the exact same thing as RPC! The staff in both were equally as helpful and freindly!

I say go for it, but be careful, you may not be able to go back anywhere else! lol (I told DH that and he laughed and said he agreed! lol). Oh, ALL my 4 boys LOVED GF and believe you me, they aren't the stuffy kind at all...all boy attitudes!! Have fun no matter what you choose!

 

[billfatora]

Go with your original thought.... You stated, "in the interest of trying something new...". In the grand scheme of things, what's the worst that can happen...? I mean... you're at WDW - how can that be a bad thing ! ! !

 

[britfish]

I am happy to answer this question because I have very strong opinions about it.

I would absolutely recommend trying GF CL. If you think Poly CL was amazing, you will think CL at the GF is to die for! We stayed at GF RPC in March 2010 and were completely awestruck. We then stayed at Poly CL in Dec 2010 and thought it was very nice for the price and would certainly return... but with that said, the GF CL is in a whole other league. It literally makes the Poly CL look shabby (as I said, we would stay at the Poly CL again... because there is a proportionate price difference from the GF). My kids loved the GF when they were there (8 and 10 at the time), and then loved the Poly, but are thrilled to be returning to GF CL on our next trip April 2012.

I also want to add that we are normal, regular, middle class people and did not feel as though the GF was the least bit stuffy. My kids are spirited and excitable and they felt very comfortable there, and I never once felt self-conscious about them being there. The staff was so gracious and made us all feel like a million bucks. It is extremely kid friendly, every bit as much as the Poly, with all the accompanying pool games and whatnot. And they also have table tennis for the kids and a hot tub for me, what's not to love?

Good luck with your decision. You have what my best friend calls a "high-class problem," lol!

Thank you for your review. We were just told our reservation was moved from CR CL and we chose the GF. I was a little aprehensive because we have a 7yo and I think of the GF as stuffy. Thanks for putting me at ease.

 

[mickeynut1]

Having stayed at both, they are both great resorts . Have only stayed GV at the Poly so I can't compare club levels, but GF Sugar Loaf and RPC are both great (although staying RPC and being in the main building is hard to beat) . The Poly has an edge over the GF for us as we like the tropical theme a bit more, but we did like the GF and will eventually stay there again . We are booked for Poly CL this December and I hope I like it as much as CL at the GF .

 

[mel&me]

Been at both prefer they poly, you can't go wrong either way.

 

[C U AT DISNEY]

I've stayed at the GF when I was younger and I liked it alot. I never stayed at Poly but I have walked around and like what I see. I might try it at some point.. I like the hawaiian feel of the poly..


James