Grand Floridian, Polynesian or Contemporary? PLEASE help me decide!

[roliepolieoliefan]

DH and I have been going crazy trying to decide which resort to choose. We originally had ressies at the YC because we love the BW area. But 4 yo DS wants to stay at a hotel that the monorail goes through. Its such a tough decision. We love the CR just because its the CR. The GF is so elegant and the new pool is a plus. And we hear good things about the Poly and I believe it has a new pool also. We would go with a cheaper view room because we just bought a new house and the view is a luxury we will do without this trip. HELP!!!! We are going in Oct. for the MNSSHP. Thanks for any advice. And already asked, DH doesn't want to split resort stays.

 

[Demosthenes]

Let me start by saying that if I could choose any of the resorts on the monorail loop (by far may favorite resorts!) I would take a Contemporary Tower Club room; however, since the luxury if a good view is not worth it to you right now, I would take a garden view at the Poly. The Poly is gorgeous, and some garden view rooms actually have views of the lagoon. For theming, there is not a better resort @ WDW IMHO than the Poly. GF is beautiful, but a garden view room there can cost as much as a tower room at CR or lagoon view at the Poly, so it doesn't make much sense for you this trip.

 

[animalcrackers]

Although I didnt stay at any of these resorts, I would pick the GF. The Contempory, while it is one I will eventually stay in, doesnt seem as themed to me. The Poly had a smell which both me and my mother smelt strongly and didnt like. The Pool at GF looked like the coolest to me and although elegent we did seem people wandering around in swimsuits.

 

[js]

You may not have all your choices but I hope you do.
My mother and sister are taking my two children October 12-19 and booked the Contemporary Towers back in December or January.
My husband and I decided we would spend two nights at WDW prior to our cruise and have been trying to get Contemporary-garden or towers, with no luck.
Room was available at both Poly and GF though. We chose GF since I want to do Poly with my family on another trip. Still trying to see what opens up though at Contemporary and will keep calling.

 

[Dvcm1997]

Keep in mind that with the expansion of SOG that the CR is now taking all their resv. for military personel, just in case the dates you want are sold out, I would pick another resort as backup.

My favorite resort as a child was CR. Tower rooms(view of MK from the balcony). Just loved the location and the monorail running through.

I have also stayed at the Poly and love that too (a relaxed atmosphere after a busy day in the parks)and with the new pool (just had friends stay there and their dd 9 just wanted to be in the pool).

The GF is just not for me, I have stayed there and it is a beautiful hotel. I like the theming at the Poly & CR and as you stated you can get a lagoon view for the cost of the garden view @ CR, Poly or maybe get a garden view and stay a couple of day extra with the money you have saved on the room.

 

[Tess]

Contemporary seems to give better discounts (and is the least expensive of the 3), but as others have said--may be a problem to book.

I would vote for Polynesian. We've stayed at GF and while it's lovely, the kids just enjoyed Polynesian more.

 

[erikthewise]

Decide for you? I can't even decide for myself!

The Contemporary is the cheapest and has most convenient access to MK (You can even walk! about 10 minutes, even less if you stay in north garden wing.) Probably best watersports program though I haven't done that.

Polynesian has the best theming, an excellent view of castle and fireworks, topped only perhaps by the Tower at the Contemporary. But anyone at the Polynesian can share the view for the price of a short walk. Polynesian also may have the best concierge program in terms of service and cost.

GF has elegance, an incredible lobby with live music, most dining options, largest rooms (though not by much), spa services, and the cache of being the "flagship" resort.

You can't really go wrong in that the monorail makes all three resorts very accessible to a guest in any of the three. Also the Poly and GF are only a short walk apart along a very nice path. Poly guests can use the GF Health Club (for a fee of course).

 

[SheilaCNJ]

One thing to keep in mind is that the GF doesn't really have any inexpensive dining options on-site. If you want to have a cheap breakfast you'll have to go elsewhere.

I would go with the Polynesian. It seems like it has the most transportation options and I know several people who say it is their favorite resort.

 

[Darla and Alfalfa]

We like the Poly the best. The GF was wonderful at Christmas time, but kind of boring if it is not decorated. The CR lobby was too bland for me, the rooms too loud. For us the Poly meets all our needs for now. You have the monorail and the TTC is a nice walk to do. The pools are nice and the theme just makes you relax. I have to say we ate there at Christmas time and did not like the decorations there.

 

[las3888]

I think if you can get into the CR wing, it is by far the best deal. We couldn't get in ourselves for next month so will be at the WL. My 2nd choice would be Poly, then the GF. I was fairly disappointed in the GF, because it doesn't offer anything for me that the CR or Poly don't already, yet it is higher in price. If you were to splurge, I would opt for the CR Tower room...for kids it truly is Disney Magic!

 

[jlambrig]

GF hands down. The only reason we aren't staying there this year is we bought into BCV

 

[tgrzybow]

We just came back from the CR (SOG guests, Northwing) and the one advantage to staying at the CR is that you're first on the bus routes.

When going to a park/downtown the buses first come to CR then Poly and GF. We were at Disney during peak season and several times the bus was filled by the time we got to Poly and it didn't even stop at GF (I assume they send another bus at this point).

When you're returning from the parks/downtown CR is the first drop off (this was nice since our kids were always fighting to stay awake).

Also, since we stayed in the North Wing at the very end (i.e. closest to the MK) the walk to MK was very quick (approx 5-7 min) and nice.

We didn't have a view of MK, but we did go up to the California Grille Observation Deck for the fireworks, it was great, the kids really loved it (you don't have to eat there to use the observation deck).

E-mail me if you have specific questions about the resort.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I have stayed at all 3 of the resorts. The Grand Floridian is hands down the best resort. It has a wide variety of dining options, including an inexpensive option (Gaspirilla Games). Rooms also have great views (there is no bad view in the resort, reguardless of room type - you can even request a monorail view if you wish). The rooms are also the most attractively decorated (some find the CR's rooms too wild, others say the PR's rooms are way to dark and dull).

 

[mousehut101]

Been to all three too...hate with a passion CR (been there too much prob...) I think it has a weak theme...and the rooms are just NASTY. I like the GF new pool, but I still feel uncomfortable there...it does not feel relaxing to me. And the theme...well, its Florida...Not much thought went into it in my mind. The Poly is nice too but the rooms need to be brought up to date, and some building reak of mold. If I had to pick it would prob be GF then PR....then if I couldnt get a room anywhere else on property...I would consider the CR. hehehehehe