GF vs. Moderate in 2014

[gaudioli]

We will be family of 5. DD will be 6, DS's will be 4. DH wants to stay at GF for the convenience of monorail etc. Although I certainly wouldn't mind staying at GF I'm trying to figure out the best for the money. I know it's kind of apples to oranges but my question is this: is it better to stay there in a few more years when the kids are older and can enjoy the resort more OR stay there now for ease of transportation. As kids get older obviously the bus transport will be much easier for us since we wouldn't need the double stroller so I'm not sure I can use the easy monorail as an 'excuse' in a few years lololol. Renting a car for a moderate now would still come out much cheaper wouldn't it?

 

[pluto56]

Just saying, I stayed at the GF one time and I felt poor there. There were so many very filthy rich people there, I felt like I didn't belong there. I like the moderates but I would stay at the Contemporary over the GF.

 

[Pakey]

I have stayed at the GF a few times. It's probably the most expensive 4 star hotel I've ever stayed at. Worth is very subjective.

Unlike the PP, I've never felt that only filthy rich people stay there and it's a casual comfortable relaxing hotel with a higher than average price tag.

I like staying RPC in the main building and I do not like staying in the outer buildings. You will get many different opinions.

 

[kddisney502]

Have you looked at prices for a similar time this year? From Mod to GF (the most expensive deluxe) is a big price difference, especially for a long trip. How many days are you going? How many parks do you expect to visit? The monorail only goes to MK without having to get off. You would have to switch monorails for EP and still take buses for AK & HS. So it may not be as convenient depending on which parks you'll be visiting.

 

[gaudioli]

We stayed at poly 2 years ago. Loved the convenience but we don't like to stay at the same place 2x since there are so many to choose from. I've stayed at CR before, DH hasn't but feels its like any other hotel anywhere else (not much 'theme' to it). Once 2014 prices come out this week ill price out both. We are planning 9 days and all parks. Maybe we'll stay GF in a few years for a shorter stay......it's just such a pretty resort lol. If we rent a car the transportation convenience isn't as big a deal I guess

 

[disd55]

Ever thought about WL? Boat to MK, great theme for the kids, campfires on the beach, great view of water pageant at night, small and easily accessible. Also it has Whispering Canyon Cafe which is a great family restaurant. Its one of the cheaper deluxes.

I would say do a moderate now. Save the money for more souvenirs when you are in the parks because thats what the kids care most about. Also they love the little things that come with the theme, and since they are stroller-age, the GF may not be a theme they really come to appreciate. They would really take interest in the colorful, festive CSR and CBR. CBR would have a great pool for them. Although, the moderates have many bus stops, so if you went with a mod for conveniency, do POFQ. It is small and located near Downtown Disney. Its all what would be easiest for you.

 

[gaudioli]

Ever thought about WL? Boat to MK, great theme for the kids, campfires on the beach, great view of water pageant at night, small and easily accessible. Also it has Whispering Canyon Cafe which is a great family restaurant. Its one of the cheaper deluxes.

I would say do a moderate now. Save the money for more souvenirs when you are in the parks because thats what the kids care most about. Also they love the little things that come with the theme, and since they are stroller-age, the GF may not be a theme they really come to appreciate. They would really take interest in the colorful, festive CSR and CBR. CBR would have a great pool for them. Although, the moderates have many bus stops, so if you went with a mod for conveniency, do POFQ. It is small and located near Downtown Disney. Its all what would be easiest for you.

That's pretty much my train of thought.....DD was only 3.5 for poly and she still talks about it....maybe I'll save GF for a couples only trip one year lololol I think I have DH now leaning towards moderate. Thanks for your opinions everyone!!!

 

[flamark]

If you choose a MOD your option is POR- Alligator Bayou. Unless of course you choose a suite at CSR but then you would be paying more than a deluxe so that doesn't make much sense to me. Back to my point. POR is great but it's the only choice for 5 at a MOD. GF is probably 2x the price but it way more convenient and is much nicer of a place. If $ isn't that big of an issue, go for GF would be my vote.

 

[flamark]

If you choose a MOD your option is POR- Alligator Bayou. Unless of course you choose a suite at CSR but then you would be paying more than a deluxe so that doesn't make much sense to me. Back to my point. POR is great but it's the only choice for 5 at a MOD. GF is probably 2x the price but it way more convenient and is much nicer of a place. If $ isn't that big of an issue, go for GF would be my vote.