Grand Floridian vs Boardwalk Inn

[Chuckers]

My sister and I stayed at the GF for her birthday in July a few years ago. I *loved* it!

We were on the ground floor over looking the lagoon and it was just beautiful. They took great care of us. The concierge was top notch. The monorail was a blessing. The pool is enormous and well maintained and the hot tub was so big it was never crowded.

The restaurants were fantastic and I am one of the fussiest eaters ever. The breakfast character buffet was cool because it's the English Disney characters: Winnie the Pooh and Mary Poppins.

The hotel is pure elegance. We also booked the Fireworks Cruise that leaves from the Grand Floridian and that was so much fun.

I would stay there again if it wasn't so expensive!

 

[Merandab4]

I will go against the majority and choose the GF and here`s why: I have stayed at both (at gf several times, at BW only once) and there is just something magical about the gf. I like being able to hear the boats go to the MK in the morning and hearing the opening music from the MK as well and seeing the castle from your resort. Of course this may only happen when you have a water view. Also, where to eat is always a big part of our decision on where to stay. I feel that the gf has more options. The BW has no restaurant or quick service associated with it, at least it didnt last time I was there. Someone correct me if i am wrong. You have to depend on all the restaurants on the boardwalk instead which is not a bad thing, but we do like the options of some quicker meals. I was just at wdw this past week fot the disney marathon and one of the evenings we left the MK before closing and took the boat back to gf, got some dinner at the quick service place and sat at the tables at the marina and ate while watching the fireworks. That was one of the most relaxing times that day. There r not too many resorts you can watch the fireworks right at the resort. The electric water parade also goes right by the resort. Also its nice to have the option of using the monorail. But the BW has great qualities too as others have mentioned. I would always choose the GF but of course i am biased as I got married at the wedding pavilion and had my reception at gf. You have 2 great options. You definitely wont be disappointed, although you may get spoiled for your first time on disney property and it will be hard for you to want to stay anywhere else!

 

[herb102211]

We love the BWI. It is a great location and you can walk to Hollywood Studios and Epcot or take the boat. We love being able to walk over to world showcase and be there in under 10 minutes! It is especially great if you have a lot of dining reservations in WS. You don't have to worry about leaving your hotel an hour or so beforehand. If you have park hoppers you can go through Epcot and take the monorail over to MK. We really enjoy the atmosphere that the Epcot resorts have too.

 

[grimley1968]

I'd go with BWI over GF for your situation. Here's why:

1) BWI costs less.
2) The construction at GF would take away some of the magic there until it's finished.
3) Not having kids with you, I think you'd probably appreciate being able to walk or boat into EPCOT and DHS. EPCOT and the surrounding resorts offer more adult-oriented dining options than the MK area, and DHS isn't bad for adults either. I view MK as more of a child-centered park than the other 3 parks, though I still love it as an adult. But you can still take the bus to there or AK.

GF could wait until the construction is finished.

 

[a742246]

I too would pick BWI for this trip. Save GF for next time!

As others have said construction. By next year this will be completed.

Nothing like walking around the lake by BWI first thing in the morning.
Jellrolls at night will be a blast for you.
Walking to 2 parks is a plus.

Plus you are saving 80.00 dollars a night.

If not for the construction I would choose GF. But patience will reward you.

 

[marmar]

Another BWI fan here. We got an awesome deal once and stayed at the GF. I hated the transportation available at the GF. The monorail to the MK was OK, but the bus service to the other parks was awful. We were always the stop after the Poly and the buses were packed. We always had to stand.

As empty nesters we like that the BWI does not have as many children (untrue with the BC & YC). I have never used the Clown pool. The quiet pool is nice though. And the convenience to Epcot & DHS is awesome. You also have all the restaurants at Epcot, Boardwalk and the other 4 resorts easily accessable.

We've stayed at the BWI 5 times (CL twice) and all rooms have had good views. The only problem we had was one room was a long long way from the lobby via hallways. We could cut thru the courtyard though cutting the walk in half.