Grand Floidian, Contemporary, Poly? DECIDED!!

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Totally agree. We've had great service throughout all of Disney, but the Polynesian CMs (especially those in Hawaii) are truly wonderful. I've never met staff so keen to please their guests and always offering a smile.

The CM's there are very well trained and have that laid back happy Polynesian way about things!

I am back there in about 9 weeks.

 

[jockey]

Anna I am a big fan of GF! We are staying here on our next trip - there are fantastic restaurants, the rooms are beautiful and the staff are helpfull! As someone has already suggested, why not have a split stay.

 

[mushumadness]

Ive had to sacrifice upper class lol, for polynesian concierge, but I think its worth it, so its down to premium economy for us. But hey thats just nine hours, and the concierge is 14 days!

 

[wideeyes]

sounds like it will be a fantastic trip. I would choose the hotel over UC as well.

 

[kkymmy]

I can't comment on the quality of accomodation and stuff as I've never stayed in any of these resorts, but I have visited.

I would say contemporary if you're hellbent on staying in the first Disney Hotel in Florida...and it's OK but yes it's going to look dated because it was designed to look modern at the time. In building resorts since then, I think Disney have been mindful of creating timeless resorts, or resorts that improve with maturity.

Grand Floridian looks absolutely astounding externally and definately has that luxury feel about it through the decor. Just by walking through the doors you can tell that this is in the higher price bracket but isn't necessarily a place you would expect to find lots of young children...unless you are at a character breakfast the rooms seem very 'grown up'.

Polynesian doesn't immediately strike me as a Deluxe resort but after having a wander round and checking out the amenities and the CM's it deserves it's place in this top bracket. Definately more kid friendly than the GF in design and themeing but outwardly more non descript.

Have a fab time anyway...just being on Disney property will be amazing!

 

[gilld]

I can't comment on the quality of accomodation and stuff as I've never stayed in any of these resorts, but I have visited.

Grand Floridian looks absolutely astounding externally and definately has that luxury feel about it through the decor. Just by walking through the doors you can tell that this is in the higher price bracket but isn't necessarily a place you would expect to find lots of young children...unless you are at a character breakfast the rooms seem very 'grown up'.


Have a fab time anyway...just being on Disney property will be amazing!

There are LOADS of kids at GF and we found all staff very friendly, incredibly helpful and not at all "stuffy" And yes, it was quality.

 

[missingthemagic]

Hi, we had the same dilema a couple of weeks ago! decided to go for the poly as it has everything we expect from a deluxe plus close proximaty to the ttc. Also after visiting tikimans site it just seemed the perfect place to unwind with the kids after a hard days parkbashing.oh and theres the views from the resort to MK and the fireworks at night.

 

[Frances999]

I agree that one should not discount the GF because it doesn't appear "child friendly". From our experience the GF is no more or less child-friendly than any other Disney resort.

The Grand Floridian does offer quality, but don't expect five star. None of the Disney resorts are AAA Five Diamond properties, so on a nationwide scales none of the resorts offer the highest quality or facilities of internationally-acclaimed five star hotels/resorts. The Disney Deluxe resorts have their own merits but if you are looking for only a truly luxurious and high quality palce to stay rather than the whole Disney experience, there are much better resorts outside of the WDW area.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

The Grand Floridian does offer quality, but don't expect five star. None of the Disney resorts are AAA Five Diamond properties, so on a nationwide scales none of the resorts offer the highest quality or facilities of internationally-acclaimed five star hotels/resorts. The Disney Deluxe resorts have their own merits but if you are looking for only a truly luxurious and high quality palce to stay rather than the whole Disney experience, there are much better resorts outside of the WDW area.

Agreed.

When we were looking at hotels in the Disney area, I was contemplating the Ritz Carlton (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/orlando_grande_lakes/) or the Hyatt Grand Cypress (http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp). Both are off site, but (from what I have seen) better standard and better value than the Disney Hotels. With Disney hotels you are paying for the name and the theming. We like Disney, but a better hotel off-site is more attractive to us.

IF we had decided to book a hotel, I probably would have gone for the Hyatt Grand Cypress - that seems to have received consistently good reviews on tripadvisor.com (the Ritz is a little "up and down"). However, in the end we have plumped for a gorgeous villa: about the same price as a concierge room at the Hyatt, but with a lot more room and privacy for our money (including a private pool, home gym, gourmet kitchen etc)...

Boo

 

[Midnight Belle]

There are LOADS of kids at GF and we found all staff very friendly, incredibly helpful and not at all "stuffy" And yes, it was quality.

I agree GF is child friendly I had one child with us when we stayed and they could not do enough for us or him. Lots of children enjoying themselves. They even have their own seats and television in the main reception of the GF. Plenty of colouring books and pencils provided as well.

 

[UKDEB]

The Grand Floridian does offer quality, but don't expect five star. None of the Disney resorts are AAA Five Diamond properties, so on a nationwide scales none of the resorts offer the highest quality or facilities of internationally-acclaimed five star hotels/resorts. The Disney Deluxe resorts have their own merits but if you are looking for only a truly luxurious and high quality palce to stay rather than the whole Disney experience, there are much better resorts outside of the WDW area.

I couldn't agree more. There is definitely a lot to be said for staying onsite at WDW, but even the Grand Floridian (Disney's flagship resort) pales in comparison with true 'resort' destinations.

As for GF not being child-friendly, being stuffy, folks looking down their noses - absolutely not. This really is a perception thing. If you think you're going to feel uncomfortable, without a doubt, you will.

 

[UKDEB]

They even have their own seats and television in the main reception of the GF

I have photos of my daughters (aged 19 and 16 at the time!) enjoying themselves there. CMs and other guests were laughing and joining in the fun. GF is definitely not stuffy.

PS - Please don't flame them for depriving small children. They were only there momentarily!

 

[UKDEB]

. We like Disney, but a better hotel off-site is more attractive to us

Us too. When we stay onsite, it is for the convenience.

IF we had decided to book a hotel, I probably would have gone for the Hyatt Grand Cypress - that seems to have received consistently good reviews on tripadvisor.com (the Ritz is a little "up and down")

We loved the R-C at Grande Lakes. Trip Advisor is a great resource, but you have to read between the lines. We had intiially intended to book the HGC, but got a great deal at the R-C (within a few months of opening). We went to look around the HGC to quell our curiosity. I'm sure it was wonderful in its time, but it's very dated in comparison.

However, in the end we have plumped for a gorgeous villa: about the same price as a concierge room at the Hyatt, but with a lot more room and privacy for our money (including a private pool, home gym, gourmet kitchen etc)...

You won't be disappointed! Have you seen my review on Trip Advisor, btw?

 

[Boo Boo Too]

You won't be disappointed! Have you seen my review on Trip Advisor, btw?

I am sure that I wont be. Assuming your review is this one (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...sort_Club_of_Orlando-Celebration_Florida.html - hope that is linked ok, the Feb 24th review_, then yes - it is an excellent review! Nice photos too. Thanks for writing it

Boo

 

[UKDEB]

That's the one!

 

[mushumadness]

Hiya

Well its decided and done lol, I know some people find my changes frustrating lol, but I am setteled now.

We are going upper class both ways from Gatwick with virgin, in the international.

We are staying the first week in the polynesian lagoon view concierge

And the second week Contemporary 14th floor concierge with wdw view!! absolutely cant wait!

So alls set thank you for all the advice it was very appreciated!

So heres to more planning!

 

[wideeyes]

Hiya

Well its decided and done lol, I know some people find my changes frustrating lol, but I am setteled now.

I find it rather amusing as I am just the same! (hopefully not as bad )

Sounds like you are going to have a great holiday anyway and that is all that matters.

 

[TinkTatoo]

Hiya

Well its decided and done lol, I know some people find my changes frustrating lol, but I am setteled now.

We are going upper class both ways from Gatwick with virgin, in the international.

We are staying the first week in the polynesian lagoon view concierge

And the second week Contemporary 14th floor concierge with wdw view!! absolutely cant wait!

So alls set thank you for all the advice it was very appreciated!

So heres to more planning!

That sounds great and I'm looking forward to hearing about both resorts. we love the Contemporary and are staying 12th Floor concierge over Christmas

 

[kkymmy]

sounds amazing! hope you have a lovely time, cant wait to hear all about it!

 

[fizz13]

WOW! You are going to have a fantastic time, enjoy those conceirge snacks.
Claire xx