GF, Poly or BLT? Help!

[peaches0313]

We are planning our 1st trip to WDW for September 2014. We have only been to Disneyland and stayed at the Grand Californian. We have 2 little girls ages 3 and 5. We would like to stay on the monorail. We keep going back and forth between these 3 resorts. The GF was our initial choice and appeals to us b/c of the princess dining there, the new Alice in Wonderland play area. The Polynesian theming looks awesome too, but I think unfortunately we've ruled that one out due to the possibility of future construction. We never liked the CR or BLT as much as the Poly or GF b/c the theming doesn't appeal to us (or lack of theming). I do like the fact that you can walk to the MK though. Also I hear that in the BLT you can have a separate living area so after kids go to bed, hubby and I can hang out but I don't know if that would be affordable. Anyways, now I wonder if this resort should be in the running. Should we stick with our original feeling and book GF???? I keep lurking on this website for ideas/tips. TIA!

 

[jimandami]

We are planning our 1st trip to WDW for September 2014. We have only been to Disneyland and stayed at the Grand Californian. We have 2 little girls ages 3 and 5. We would like to stay on the monorail. We keep going back and forth between these 3 resorts. The GF was our initial choice and appeals to us b/c of the princess dining there, the new Alice in Wonderland play area. The Polynesian theming looks awesome too, but I think unfortunately we've ruled that one out due to the possibility of future construction. We never liked the CR or BLT as much as the Poly or GF b/c the theming doesn't appeal to us (or lack of theming). I do like the fact that you can walk to the MK though. Also I hear that in the BLT you can have a separate living area so after kids go to bed, hubby and I can hang out but I don't know if that would be affordable. Anyways, now I wonder if this resort should be in the running. Should we stick with our original feeling and book GF???? I keep lurking on this website for ideas/tips. TIA!

I personally loved our stay at BLT. We rented DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa and it was fantastic!! You could rent points for a 1 bedroom, and I am almost certain that would be cheaper than either the Poly or GF. The short walk to MK from BLT cannot be beaten, IMHO. We like to visit the GF for dining but for some reason, staying there has never appealed to me.

 

[peaches0313]

Thank you! I do not know what you mean by renting points though. We are not a DVC member, as far as I know..

 

[jimandami]

Thank you! I do not know what you mean by renting points though. We are not a DVC member, as far as I know..

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse. There are 2 ways to reserve a room at a DVC resort (if you are not members). You can go through Disney (often abbreviated CRO) and it is very expensive. Or, you can rent point from a DVC member who cannot use their points for the year. They often charge around $11-13 per point for this. There are also websites that act as points brokers who will handle the transaction for you, but they charge $14 per point. There is a rent/trade board under the DVC section of this board, which has a sticky at the top with everything you need to know about DVC point rental.

 

[annej]

We have stayed at all 3. While BLT was nice for all the extra space, i didn't really care for it. And we love the CR but not so much BLT. Just felt like it was lacking something. We love the CR with a theme park room. Can't beat that view. With your girls, I would probably stick with the GF. It is very princessy! ANd my DD's favorite even though she is now 21! We love the poly too but the construction would also make me leery and is the reason I did not book it for our next trip. The GF has the monorail and the boats to get to the MK and while the walk is nice to the CR it is exhausting at the end of the day.

 

[peaches0313]

Thanks Anne! And JimandAMi, I did not realize BLT was a DVC resort... Don't think I want to mess with all that

 

[princessap]

We are in the exact same situation!! Planning a trip for the same time and debating the same resorts! lol

We loved the poly this year and our plan was to stay there for september 2014 but if the pool and gch are under construction we won't. I am leaning towards renting points for a villa at the GF. I always wanted to stay at the CR but my dh doesnt like the look of it at all and my kids think it looks boring so I am outnumbered there

am interested to see what advice you get on here!

 

[mirage0306]

Yes, there is probably construction at the Poly for your dates. While I would normally recommend that resort (it's my favorite!), I would definitely think twice about staying there during construction, especially if you're booking now because we just don't know the extent of it yet.

I am not really a fan of the GF theming, but many many people love it and if you have two little girls, they'd probably adore it!! It's not my cup of tea, but the resort is definitely gorgeous.

If you're going to be spending a lot of time at the MK, the ability to walk from the Contemporary cannot be beat, though.

If it were me, and i didn't want to chance the Poly construction, I'd go with the Contemporary. But I don't think you can go wrong with either the CR or the GF. I'd go with what theme you like better, or maybe what resort has better rates for your dates. Have fun!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are planning our 1st trip to WDW for September 2014. We have only been to Disneyland and stayed at the Grand Californian. We have 2 little girls ages 3 and 5. We would like to stay on the monorail. We keep going back and forth between these 3 resorts. The GF was our initial choice and appeals to us b/c of the princess dining there, the new Alice in Wonderland play area. The Polynesian theming looks awesome too, but I think unfortunately we've ruled that one out due to the possibility of future construction. We never liked the CR or BLT as much as the Poly or GF b/c the theming doesn't appeal to us (or lack of theming). I do like the fact that you can walk to the MK though. Also I hear that in the BLT you can have a separate living area so after kids go to bed, hubby and I can hang out but I don't know if that would be affordable. Anyways, now I wonder if this resort should be in the running. Should we stick with our original feeling and book GF???? I keep lurking on this website for ideas/tips. TIA!

We've never stayed at BLT, but have stayed at both Poly and GF. While the Poly is our favorite, the GF is a beautiful resort and would be my choice if construction at the Poly is a concern. Good luck.

 

[jperrot1]

In your situation I suggest GF, although I have never stayed there. I have stayed at both the Poly and CR, though. I just think with your little ones a monorail resort will be great, and the princess stuff is held at the GR. We have son 8, and two nephews (6 and 10) and they are doing the pirate adventure at GF this coming Monday. If you want to make your trip even more convenient, may I suggest looking into Club Level at GF. Club Level at the Poly made things so convenient, and I'm sure it would be an incredible experience at the GF also.

 

[TatooineTrader]

You can't go wrong with any of those resorts!