GF vs. WL

[WoodysRoundup]

We are torn between GF and WL for our upcoming trip. We've chosen these two because they offer larger rooms with some privacy to put the baby and toddler to bed where they are a bit away from the "action" of the main bedroom. The GF offers the lodge tower room with an octoganal sitting area and the WL offers a deluxe jr. suite with french doors to close off the sitting area. We've thoroughly studied both floor plans and find both room options to be perfect for our needs.

Here are my questions...We will travel with a 2 and a 3 and 1/2 yr. old. I've been to Disney many many times and assume the majority of our time will be spent at the MK. How quick is the boat service to and from MK at the WL vs. the swiftness of the service on the monorail from the GF? Also, how does the bus service rate at WL vs. GF? DH's main concern is ease of transportation to and from the hotel for naps. Even though GF is on the monorail, I know the trip to and from EPCOT can be a long one (although it IS enjoyable). Also, which resort might suit us better with two little ones in tow? HELP! Thanks!

 

[Kimberle]

Let's see. I've stayed at WL, not GF.

WL has 2 boat runs. The larger one goes WL/FW/MK. It averaged around 10 minutes from WL to MK for us during our Sept trip. The boat is large, you can roll your strollers on. The 2nd, smaller boat (must fold strollers) goes from WL/CR/FW. We loved "boating" over to CR for dinner or to the Trails End & petting zoo at FW.

There is also a paved trail between WL & FW. It's about a mile. Nice for renting bikes or strolling (daytime as it's not lit).

In the morning, WL & GF share buses. So if you decide to stay at GF, those people you see when you get on the bus will be from WL! *LOL* I loved being the 1st stop so we always got our choice of seats!

In general, we found the bus & boat service excellent. We rarely waited more than 5-10 minutes, coming or going.

In case you didn't know, GF also has it's own boat to MK. It's small (the same size as between WL/CR/FW), so you'll have to fold up your strollers.

The deluxe rooms at WL are at the tips of the resort. Thus, you have a wonderful view of the lake & EWP.

My advice, pick the resort that most appeals to *you*! They are very different regarding their theming.

Enjoy your stay! You'll have a wonderful time whereever you stay!

 

[Kimberle]

Just one more thing. I know what your dh means abt getting to Epcot! We stayed at the CR when dd was 2.5. I know people rave abt taking the monorail to Epcot, but I really found it a pain in the a**!! First you go up to the station, take mono to TTC, roll all the way down, roll all the way back up. I was exhaused by the time we got to Epcot!! Sometimes they had the chains down so we could walk accross, but not always!! Those llooonnngggg ramps are horrible when pushing a heavy stroller!!! I was so happy to take the bus from WL to Epcot!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi there, I can give some opinions about the GF. Even though the buildings are spread out, it's really not a long walk to get anywhere. The monorail service is located on the 2nd floor of the main building. It runs continuous service with hardly any wait time. The MK is the stop right after the GF. How you return to the GF will probably depend on the kids. The boat is a nice way to get back and the GF is the first stop, but you do need to fold up the strollers. The monorail stops at the TTC, Contemporary, Polynesian and then the GF, however you can wheel the strollers right in if they're sleeping. I like the privacy of the balconies at the GF and they have 2 great pools for the little ones. The theme pool has an entrance from the sandy beach and the quiet pool has a kiddie spot that's 2 feet deep I believe. Gasparilla's grille is the 24 hour counter service dining option. I thought that the food was surpisingly good and a value also.

Again, your decision on how to get back and forth to Epcot will depend on the kids. You can push them off and on the monorail in a stroller, but need to pack it up if you're taking the bus. We usually take our car if we're going to visit in that area. Take advantage of valet parking for $6 and you can also valet at the Boardwalk Resort. Provided your not going during a busy time of year, this shouldn't be a problem. You can take a short walk or the boat over to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. There is never a crowd here. The Boardwalk is a great place to stroll around with the kids also, lots of snacks and outside eating.

Tammi

 

[Snurk71]

Don't believe that the extra sitting room is sectioned off from the main bedroom in the GF tower rooms. We stayed in one a few years ago with DD at 15 mos. There really isn't any separation between the areas. It does give you some additional room. But you won't have a "private" area in the room to split sleeping vs non sleeping.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Okay, I'm back to square one. Since it seems as though the room type may be a better choice for us at WL, I am leaning that way. However, this is where I really need the advice of people who have stayed at both GF and WL.

Our #1 priority is ease of transportation primarily to MK and Epcot (with 2 toddlers). #2 priority is room configuration.

Room-wise, I say WL...Transportation-wise, something keeps telling me, GF. HELP!!