Grand Floridian Villas over Bay Lake Tower?

[Andrea0710]

We are going to WDW the end of next February- early March, and we currently have reservations at Saratoga since that is our home base. However, at 7 months we can switch to another resort and would like to be near MK since we have two little ones (10 and 5 with her first ever visit). We have stayed at BLT before and enjoyed the stay, but we were thinking of trying Grand Floridian. Pros and cons? Thanks in advance!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

There are several pros for VGF - location, monorail, etc. The cons that I can think of: switching will cost you more points (which would be the case for BLT, too) and it might actually be difficult to get rooms at VGF at 7 months. It's a small resort and can be tough. But it would certainly be worth a try, perhaps even waitlist. It's a beautiful place to stay. If you decide to do it, be online and ready to modify your reservation at exactly 7 months.

 

[LAX]

I think it would be a longer walk to MK if the walking path from VGF is complete by the time you go. One of the greatest benefits of BLT is the ability to walk to MK, IMHO. Plus, even if BLT does cost more than SSR in points, VGF will cost even more. However, if you have enough points and don't mind splurging, go for it if it's available.

LAX

 

[Donna M]

The theming is very different within the two resorts, and that could be a deciding factor. We don´t care for BLT because of the feel of the place. We love VGF.

 

[PalmettoPath]

We are owners at both BLT and VGF. We stay regularly at both. Since you can now walk to MK from both, that option is equal. We like BLT, but we love the Grand Floridian. It has been our go-to resort since it opened in 1988. BLT has the rooftop patio and the rooms are actually quieter (better wall construction -- probably the best of all DVC, along with the converted Polynesian villas). On the other hand, another factor to consider is that the BLT rooms are among the smallest of all DVC. For example, a BLT studio is a tight 339 sq ft vs. VGF studio at 374 sq. ft. We love Saratoga as well, but I agree that switching to the MK resort area is a good call for that stay. In the end I'm sure you'll be happy with either, but I would go VGF for the reasons noted above and also for all resort amenities as well. Plus, the Contemporary and Polynesian are just a short hop away.

 

[bbn1122]

I own at BLT a and have stayed at VGF.

-Pros of BLT-
Walk to MK
Monorail
CR amenitiesyou can use the pools there too)
CR Restaurants (Chef Mickey & California Grill)
Excellent view of Fireworks from CR and BLT a walkway or room
Views of MK even from many LK rooms
3 bathrooms in 2 bedroom
Bay Lake
Spacious Villa

I really like BLT, I like the outside area and pool. I really like how easy it is to walk over to CR. You feel like you can touch MK from there.

-Pros of VGF-
Beautiful Resort
Monorail
GF Lobby
GF Restaurants
GF shops
Walk to MK

I thought VGF building and rooms were stunning. I was not crazy about the pool closest to VGF. Very busy. I enjoy the larger pool by GF main building.

I have 3 sons, they loved BLT when younger, GF too girly. But as they got older they appreciate the beauty and elegance of GF.

 

[tiggerunner]

I went to BLT with 83 year old Mom and nephew a few years ago and she can’t stop talking about it. We walked to MK and Epcot. Then used The monorail to go to Poly and GF for a few meals. She used a wheelchair occasionally and used it for a walker other times. We had a corner room that gave us a lake and castle view. She was giddy. For the points it was a better fit and a wonderful memory.

 

[sethschroeder]

VGF is better in our book because of the theme, room size, and ability to walk to TTC to take the monorail to Epcot. That being said you likely will only have a choice of BLT when it comes time to book at 7 months.

 

[kes601]

I think it would be a longer walk to MK if the walking path from VGF is complete by the time you go. One of the greatest benefits of BLT is the ability to walk to MK, IMHO. Plus, even if BLT does cost more than SSR in points, VGF will cost even more. However, if you have enough points and don't mind splurging, go for it if it's available.

LAX

The walking path has been complete for several months. A few weeks ago the path between Poly and VGF was closed briefly but it has also reopened.

It is a longer walk, but I actually prefer it to the BLT walk because you are next to a lake rather than a parking lot.

 

[dvc lover 1970]

Both resorts are great but different. I would try VGF since you have done BLT in the past.

 

[EZMoney]

We are going to WDW the end of next February- early March, and we currently have reservations at Saratoga since that is our home base. However, at 7 months we can switch to another resort and would like to be near MK since we have two little ones (10 and 5 with her first ever visit). We have stayed at BLT before and enjoyed the stay, but we were thinking of trying Grand Floridian. Pros and cons? Thanks in advance!

Probably better luck getting a studio at Poly….more points, but it should be available at 7 months.

 

[GoingSince1990]

The walk from GF to MK is a bit longer than the walk from BLT, but is much more pleasant and scenic. From BLT you walk through the parking lot, alongside a busy road and have to cross using traffic lights, obviously needing to be very careful if you have kids with you. The walk from GF is a beautiful lakeside path with no traffic anywhere near. GF is a very nice resort and has been my favorite since my first stay there in 1994. Try it if you can.

 

[Andrea0710]

Thanks to all of you for your advice! We are able to change next Monday, and I am thinking GF may be our top pick!