Grand Floridian or Wilderness Lodge

[splashmountain31]

Hello,
DH and I are taking our 34 month old twins to Disney in May. I thought the GF would be a good choice given it's on the monorail. But, is it REALLY that inconvenient with younger children in a non-monorail hotel (Wilderness Lodge)? I didn't think the price was OVERLY expensive at the GF, but when I checked other non-monorail resorts (ie. the Wilderness Lodge), it is 1K cheaper. Given this is the first trip for us with the children, I'd like it to be a fun and stress-free as possible.

Any suggestions would be great!
thanks!!!

 

[firsttimeworldlodger]

Hi,
Our first trip will be in a few days so I am not speaking from experience. We booked the WL because my husband loved it and we thought our kids (3 3/4 and 15 months) would love it. One of the things I liked was you ride a boat to get to MK, my older girl will love that. It's a tough choice! I hope this was a little helpful. Have fun!!!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Well, we love the WL. BUT, I would love to stay at the GF but we just can not swing that cost. If money is not a factor, I would stay at the GF. The monorail is so nice. We have however never had a problem with the transportation at WL. The boat is nice and the bus is fine.

Jordan's mom

 

[prplcrzy]

My vote is for WL.

I haven't stayed at either resort, but I think the WL seems more kid friendly.

You can take the water shuttle over to MK so that to me is just as easy as the monorail.

Have a great trip!

Nancy

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Go with GF. IMHO it's one of the best hotels for people with small children. Actually I would pick any of the monorail hotels over WL for families (especially if you use strollers), GF is just my personal favorite. Believe it or not, contrary to many popular opinions, GF is not at all stuffy and very kid friendly. My children were 2, 4 and 5 the first time we went and we keep coming back. They love the pools and you can see the fireworks from either the boat dock or Gasparilla's (the fast food place). I'd go with GF or the Poly with small kids. We take the monorail to MK (it's the 1st stop) and on the way back we usually take the ferry (again the GF is the first stop).

 

[MickieD]

GF is perfect for small children! We went 1st time april 2004, my girls were then 4 and 18months. We're going back in April 05.

Can't beat the convenience of monorail and Concierge Main Building is fantastic!!

Just my 2 cents!

 

[java]

My vote is for the GF. We have stayed at both and convenience wise the GF can't be beat. You can so easily shoot back to the room for a quick break and then just hop on the monorail and go back. The wilderness lodge is nice but I had to watch my little one like a hawk near the pool and water features. I also thought it was a little "dark" rooms dark lobby dark ect... but in the summer I guess you would love the shade, but for us we went in December and it was kind of depressing(just a little it is Disney after all) But we loved Artiste Point restaurant.

 

[splashmountain31]

for the great feedback. I think we'll go with the GF... My dh justifys the cost with the fact that we haven't taken a REAL vacation in over three years. I'm somewhat conservative and like to save money where I can, but I think splurging once in a while is ok.

We're going again in October with my parents (poly) and my peanuts will be over three. I'm sure the cost will probably shock me then!!!

thanks again for all the help!!

 

[ToyStory Fan]

Sounds like you may have already made up your mind, but I don't think you can go wrong either way - both have easy (child/stroller friendly access to MK) - even from WL - you don't have to fold up strollers on the water shuttle, and that also gets you to the monorail that you'd take to Epcot - even from the GF you'd have to transfer at MK to the Epcot monorail...so not so bad. Another thing that no one mentioned was that both have 3 levels of food service - a quick counter type of food service - good for quick snacks/breakfast/lunch, and then 2 full service restaurants each, so if you don't feel like venturing out for dinner you have some good selections right at your feet. We've eaten at Narcoosees, and Artist Point - both are exceptional. We also love the Whispering Canyon Cafe too (the kids have a blast) so enjoy you'll have a great time.

 

[splashmountain31]

what a tough decision. It's true...either way we have to ride some sort of transportation... maybe I should just draw a name out of a hat.

My dh would prefer the WL over GF, but he said it was entirely up to me. Now I'm thinking WL. I'm so indecisive...

thanks again

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Rooms are also bigger at GF. You have the choice of monorail or ferry each way. There are lots of places to watch the fireworks from right at the hotel. GF has a great beach and also a character breakfast and dinner. WL is nice, but if you have the chance I don't think it compares to GF.

 

[Dan726]

We went to WL last year with DD 3 and DS 1 and had a great experience. We were originally looking at a monorail resort but ended up using the $ saved to upgrade to Concierge at WL. Plus, we really like the atmosphere/theme at the WL.

We ended up enjoying ourselves so much that we bought into DVC and are going in March to VWL.

Either way you go I think you will be happy!