Go with the consensus, despite personal reservations?

[RookieLady]

I am planning on booking for a trip next August (2013). We usually stay Deluxe, and I like to try new hotels. This past summer we stayed at BC (awesome), but we decided we prefer the MK resorts because that's the park where we spend the most time. GF (my choice) is the only MK resort none of us have not stayed. However, my baby was too little to remember Poly (his first choice this time) and neither kid remembers the contemporary (which we liked). I refuse to stay at the Poly (or any resort) if I know it might be under construction. The family concensus is to go back to the Wilderness lodge. I was underwhelmed by the transportation the last time we went, but we went at New Years and it was cold on the water on the way to MK. I really wanted to try GF, but despite photos, pleading, etc., my 11 and 8 year old sons say they don't like the way it looks. The Wilderness is a lot cheaper than the GF, which is a serious consideration. Which would you choose? The GF over objection? The Wilderness with ringing endorsement but personal reservation? or the contemporary as a compromise to all?

 

[MMS1125]

well WL and GF are both under construction right now. I'm not positive on the timeline. There's rumors the Poly will be renovated too (may just be rooms which it needs!)

the GF is too ritzy for my taste but my dh loves it..go figure. I'd pick the Poly over the GF anytime.

If you are really wanting a monorail resort CR might be your best choice to avoid the construction

 

[Sandi]

If I'm in charge and I'm paying, we go where I want to go. I appreciate that you want your children to be happy, but will they be unhappy at GF? Will you be happier at GF? Their votes, while cast, don't really count.

 

[cwt580]

GF is under construction also. Both GF and POLY under comstruction. Both gonna be villas added. POLY sounds nasty. Main building getting some work in2013.

 

[minnie mum]

The rule in our house has always been: the one who pays gets to make the selection. When the kids are old enough to pay, then they can pick.

 

[reiella]

I haven't been to the GF myself, but I certainly can empathize with the idea that the photos don't sell the GF well. I'm fairly certain it looks better than how I see it in those photos. There's also that it has a style that isn't as 'fun' as the resorts you're choosing from [Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge have some pretty 'fun' theming].

In general though, I don't suggest vocalizing the "I'm the one paying, so it's my choice" trump. It is a very legitimate point, but it's also very difficult to deliver without inviting bitterness/resentment [it's better applied if you never asked their opinion in the first place, imo]. The resort choice [especially with the GF] is more about the adults anyway, the kids should enjoy themselves at the Parks.

The concern over construction is very easy to use as a justification though [and it is legitimate in it's own right, so bonus]. And there's also the next trip.

 

[Karabee]

I agree - you're paying, you pick. The GF is a beautiful resort, and from what I understand, the construction has really not been that bad at all in terms of disrupting your stay. I found the staff there to be so friendly, and it really is such a kid-friendly resort.
I'm holding off on going back to the POLY until they are done with whatever is going to happen - it needs a little facelift
I can't imagine your kids would have a trip ruined by a hotel, but I can imagine you regretting one if your heart isn't into it.

 

[sndral]

I am planning on booking for a trip next August (2013). We usually stay Deluxe, and I like to try new hotels. This past summer we stayed at BC (awesome), but we decided we prefer the MK resorts because that's the park where we spend the most time. GF (my choice) is the only MK resort none of us have not stayed. However, my baby was too little to remember Poly (his first choice this time) and neither kid remembers the contemporary (which we liked). I refuse to stay at the Poly (or any resort) if I know it might be under construction. The family concensus is to go back to the Wilderness lodge. I was underwhelmed by the transportation the last time we went, but we went at New Years and it was cold on the water on the way to MK. I really wanted to try GF, but despite photos, pleading, etc., my 11 and 8 year old sons say they don't like the way it looks. The Wilderness is a lot cheaper than the GF, which is a serious consideration. Which would you choose? The GF over objection? The Wilderness with ringing endorsement but personal reservation? or the contemporary as a compromise to all?

It seems that your concern w/ the WL is twofold: 1) last time you stayed there it was January and the boat ride was cold - which as you are going in August will not be an issue, and 2) the WL is less convenient than the monorail resorts - which won't change.
Your concern w/ GF is the DVC units being built and w/ the Poly is that it may be undergoing a refurb - it is still over a year until your planned vacation, so who knows whether the construction will be finished by then @ the GF or the Poly totally refurbed.
At this stage I'd just wait and see what's happening w/ your possible resorts. Who knows what will or won't be happening @ Disney a year + from now, once you get a little closer to when you actually plan to go, maybe a great discount will come out w/ rooms available @ one of your choices and help you decide.

 

[danceintherain]

I second the wait and see approach. There's no reason to get attached to any particular resort when things can change quickly. I'd probably drop it for now, and readdress it when it's actually time to book. Obviously, you're not attached to a certain room category or view, so you won't gain anything by booking now.

If you're anxious to book, I would probably go with the Contemporary as a compromise for now.

Oddly enough...after we went to the Grand Floridian for a meal, DH became more anxious to stay there than I am.

You could always consider a split stay.

 

[Phatoomch]

I understand what the PPs mean about 'when you pay, pick where you stay' but you said the general family consensus is WL - does that include a spouse? If so, my advice is to sit down with your spouse (only) and discuss your reservations about WL and decide which resort you'd be happy in together - then let the kids know where they are tagging along to

 

[mickeynut1]

They are all great choices and we've had awesome stays at each one (with the exception of the CR where we have not yet stayed). With that said, I agree with others that I would wait it out and see what happens with some of the resorts as far as construction. You never know what might or might not be going on in a few months that might persuade you one way or another toward a particular resort. With that said, I don't agree with the "you pay, you pick" theory. I am actually going through the same thing as I'm having a hard time deciding where to book for a few nights before our cruise in July 2013. We decided to go with the Poly for a few nights after the cruise, but we are having trouble agreeing on where to stay prior to the cruise. My DH doesn't really care but my two DSs are wanting one resort while I'm leaning toward another and since this is a family vacation, I think all opinions should be heard and a compromise be made so everyone is happy. I don't think my DSs would really care once we get there (they will be 18 & 20 when we go), but I can't bring myself to just book anywhere I want with no regard for what other members of my family want as I want everyone to have a good time and enjoy where we stay. Good luck with the planning and decision making .

 

[Anniefrances]

I've stayed at Poly, CR, and WL but not GF. I like all three for different reasons

The things I liked most about WL were the feel of the resort (after all the stimulation in the parks it felt great to return to a very relaxed/remote environment) and the boat ride. Unlike buses, we rarely had to wait more than a few minutes and the ride (during warm weather) was an enjoyable way to begin and end the day. And when exiting MK after Wishes, the walk to the dock is so much shorter and faster than the walkway to CR or dealing with the crowds to catch the monorail.