Grand Floridan vs Polynesian

[AMR9115]

Hi. Looking to plan a 1 night staycation for my birthday in May. Would check in on a Thursday and do a little bit of time in the park and the rest probably at the hotel and spend my birthday at the parks. Looks like MK has extra magic hours that morning so probably start off there and maybe venture to another park. Would you pick Grand Floridian or Polynesian and why?? I've only stayed at Art of Animation and looking to splurge a little and enjoy my bday while all my friends are working.

 

[HairyChest]

These are the 2 best resorts in Disney, my 2 favorites. Have you stayed at either place before? If you haven't, Id go with the Polynesian. The ambiance, trader sams, ease of access to Epcot and magic kingdom, fireworks from the beach, the vibe is awesome. when you are at the Polynesian, you won't feel like you are missing out from the parks because the castle is front and center, and there is so much to do there with the beautiful grounds its like an extension of Adventureland. Its perfect for a staycation.

the grand Floridian has better beds, brighter rooms, seems new, a beautiful atmosphere, and feels like staying on Mainstreet. it makes you feel more luxurious but for a staycation, you would probably want to do more things at the poly.

Either one you pick will be amazing, and keep in mind they are a short walking distance away so you can always spend time at the other as much as you'd like, the real difference is the room you are staying in.

 

[AMR9115]

I haven’t stayed at either, only stayed at art of animation for 2 nights and barely spent time there. This time starvation I’m planning on doing parks from morning-when room is ready, spend the afternoon and maybe night at the hotel relaxing and enjoying amenities. Maybe stoping at a park but probably not and then spending all day Friday at the park starting with extra magic hours in the morning.

Both look awesome and are similar in price so I’m having a hard time deciding.

These are the 2 best resorts in Disney, my 2 favorites. Have you stayed at either place before? If you haven't, Id go with the Polynesian. The ambiance, trader sams, ease of access to Epcot and magic kingdom, fireworks from the beach, the vibe is awesome. when you are at the Polynesian, you won't feel like you are missing out from the parks because the castle is front and center, and there is so much to do there with the beautiful grounds its like an extension of Adventureland. Its perfect for a staycation.

the grand Floridian has better beds, brighter rooms, seems new, a beautiful atmosphere, and feels like staying on Mainstreet. it makes you feel more luxurious but for a staycation, you would probably want to do more things at the poly.

Either one you pick will be amazing, and keep in mind they are a short walking distance away so you can always spend time at the other as much as you'd like, the real difference is the room you are staying in.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would do GF. It's WDW's flagship resort for a reason. It is definitely "grander" and is much quieter than Poly. I find Poly to be incredibly chaotic and the pool area has zero shade. If you want something a little more relaxing and luxurious, go GF.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

We love staying at The Poly, but always venture to GF for dinner. I don’t think either choice is a bad one.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi. Looking to plan a 1 night staycation for my birthday in May. Would check in on a Thursday and do a little bit of time in the park and the rest probably at the hotel and spend my birthday at the parks. Looks like MK has extra magic hours that morning so probably start off there and maybe venture to another park. Would you pick Grand Floridian or Polynesian and why?? I've only stayed at Art of Animation and looking to splurge a little and enjoy my bday while all my friends are working.

My choice would be the Poly. We've stayed at both and while I do love the GF, the Poly is my favorite overall. Both are beautiful resorts with a lot to offer, but the tropical atmosphere at the Poly is very relaxing (IMO) and the beach is great for watching the fireworks (you also can't beat having a view of the castle from just about anywhere on the Poly grounds). With all of that said, I agree with HairyChest that you can't go wrong with either one as they are both great, so I would choose the one that theme/decor/atmosphere appeals to you the most.

 

[sahickman]

These are 2 of the best resorts in my opinion and being that it is your birthday I would stay at the GF to have a more pampered feeling. The rooms are so nice and the beds are better, even in the outer buildings. While the Poly is great, it is a bit busy and the rooms aren't quite as nice. My family loves the Poly but there are many kids happily running around. Also, the Poly gets frequent visitors(non hotel guests) there just for their fun restaurants. At the GF it easy to find a quiet spot and a server for drinks/food at the pools. And the pools are set a little more off the hotel pathway so you wont have as much traffic around. I love the live music in the GF and there's lots of fun little spots to explore in the lobby and out on the grounds. It would be a special memory. You cant go wrong with either, but I would lean towards the GF!!

 

[Shellyb84]

That's always a hard choice between those 2! The Poly does seem to be a bit more busy in the lobby than GF usually, but I've seen the GF lobby really crowded before also around dinner time. The grounds and rooms at both resorts are gorgeous, but the vibe at the Poly is a bit more laid back and relaxing. I feel like we've received better service from the CMs at the GF and I prefer their QS over the Poly's. Poly definitely takes the win for the better pools, and it has Trader Sam's which is one of my favorite places on property. I think I would have to go with Poly if you're spending a good bit of time at the resort. Honestly you can't go wrong with either one though.

 

[Shellyb84]

These are 2 of the best resorts in my opinion and being that it is your birthday I would stay at the GF to have a more pampered feeling. The rooms are so nice and the beds are better, even in the outer buildings. While the Poly is great, it is a bit busy and the rooms aren't quite as nice. My family loves the Poly but there are many kids happily running around. Also, the Poly gets frequent visitors(non hotel guests) there just for their fun restaurants. At the GF it easy to find a quiet spot and a server for drinks/food at the pools. And the pools are set a little more off the hotel pathway so you wont have as much traffic around. I love the live music in the GF and there's lots of fun little spots to explore in the lobby and out on the grounds. It would be a special memory. You cant go wrong with either, but I would lean towards the GF!!

The Poly doesn't have servers at the pool? We've only been once and didn't spend a ton of time poolside.

 

[bluejasmine]

Those are my two favorites and would be a hard choice to pick one, we are doing a split stay for our anniversary bc I love both but if your staying just 1 day and plan on going to MK I say GF its the first stop on the monorail you be in MK within minutes litteraly. Maybe plan a meal over at the Poly and stay there the next time?

 

[jods]

The Poly doesn't have servers at the pool? We've only been once and didn't spend a ton of time poolside.

We had a server when we stayed poly.

 

[heidijanesmith]

I would choose the Poly over GF. The Poly is gorgeous and the location is fantastic. I love being able to walk to the TTC and catch the EPCOT monorail.

I just stayed at the GF and getting to EPCOT is a pain and takes a while.

 

[BayouQueen]

For one night I would stay at the Poly. It's more lively than the GF. GF is great for a longer stay because it is a gorgeous calm in the storm, a really peaceful environment to get away from the busy parks. (GF is really my favorite.) But for an overnight birthday celebration, I would want Trader Sam's and just a more festive environment. If it's too "busy" there, you'll be glad to check out, whereas at GF you'd be sad to leave.

 

[CynBeth]

Poly!

 

[sahickman]

The Poly doesn't have servers at the pool? We've only been once and didn't spend a ton of time poolside.

The Poly has servers but they were busier in my opinion

 

[HappyMomma]

Flip a coin, they'e both fantastic. Poly has turned into a busier/more congested resort though.