Grand Floridian vs. Poly

[biggroofy]

Tossing a coin here - Myself, DW, DD4, and an infant (6 month). Has GF been recently renovated? I learned that Poly has completed renovation in 2006.

We will dine in restaurants in both resorts. I "believe" GF is a bit more quiet than Poly, regarding noise from Monorail etc?

Any comments?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

From what I have read on the other threads I think the Grand Floridian renovation is set to be completed sometime in December, however I am not 100% sure about that so hopefully someone else can confirm that.

 

[ParkPrincess]

We've stayed at both and love the GF. We will definitely be staying at the one again.

Whichever you choose, you'll really enjoy yourself. They're both great resorts!!

 

[WickedWench]

I did not hear any monorail noise while at the Poly. Perhaps you would get some noise if you were staying in Aotearoa or Rarotonga. The only time I heard the monorail was while I was near the platform. The only noise of any kind that I experienced was the fireworks, but I think you would hear them at the GF too. The housekeeping at the Poly needs improvement, but it was not bad enough to make me not want to stay there.

 

[DeterminedOne]

Have stayed at both and both are nice. GF is my favorite, though. I liked the atmosphere of GF more, it was more upscale, service was top notch with added touches. Also, the room at GF was brighter and had more of a lively feel. Don't get me wrong, Poly is not a bad resort. It's just that GF was more of a step up, IMO.

 

[BCV23]

We've stayed at the GF 7 times and the Polynesian 31 I think. I love them both. Mousekeeping is usually excellent at both.

The monorail makes but a soft whoosh sound wherever you are. With doors shut, you can't hear it at all.

The rooms at the Polynesian are either slightly bigger in the original buildings or over 50 ft larger in the newer buildings.

More options for transportation at the Polynesian as you can walk to the TTC and take the ferry to MK or the Epcot monorail. At the GF, you must make the whole resort monorail loop and transfer to the Epcot monorail. It is also convenient when returning to the resort to take whichever bus comes first...Polynesian or TTC (MK). You can also do that for the GF but then would need to catch the resort monorail to the GF or make the longer walk.

At the GF, turndown is supposed to be automatic in all rooms and these days it is only automatic in club level at the Polynesian. However, when we were staying in the Royal Palm Club at the GF it took a couple calls to get turndown which was important as we needed the daybed made up. There are also two robes for use while at the GF. Probably my favorite difference at the GF is the hamper for used towels.

GF has two sinks in a dressing area outside the bathroom while at the Polynesian there are 1 or 2 sinks in the bathroom itself.

Decor is very different and I enjoy both.

We too visit restaurants at both and find it fun to "commute" via monorail, small launch or by just making the lovely walk along Seven Seas Lagoon.

Beach situation is better at the Polynesian as there are three and every longhouse is quite close to one of them. Pools are comparable but my grown sons still miss the old slide at the Polynesian!

The grounds of the Polynesian give it a more relaxed atmosphere IMO compared to the more formal grounds of the GF but both are lovely.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[Lyons Family]

We stayed at the GF this summer, and just loved it.
Quiet, the pools were not too crowed.
I would stay there again because of the monorail.
The only thing we did not like was waiting for the bus to typhoon lagoon, it took over 45 min, and 2 animal kingdom/blizzard beach buses came while we were waiting.

 

[peaches]

Stayed at both, Grand Floridian 06 when son was 2, Polynesian 07 when son was 3. Tough choice, But I would would choose Grand Floridian because I (we) enjoyed Citrico's and Narcosse's. On our trip to Poly, We would take monorail over to GF for diner, and it was a nice walk back after diner to the Polynesian. Pushing the stroller on the walkway back..was one of my favorite memories from our last trip. Just having had a great meal, great night air, son sleeping, walking arm and arm with DW while pushing stroller, the great views and the atmosphere. These are special moments that my little son has given me. He has really made me slow down and experience the little things WDW has to offer.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

They are both nice. I've actually only stayed at GF, but I would gladly stay at the Poly.

It sort of depends on which theming you prefer.

GF is more stuffy, but elegant.

Poly is more whimsical and makes you feel like you are in an exotic locale.

Poly is the only deluxe which does not have a hot tub.

 

[Cinderella]

Hi there - all this stuff about noise from the Speedway and the monorail comes from the Unofficial Guide and it's a load of old cobblers.

I do like some of the stuff in the unofficial guide but they don't update their info often enough. Probably someone complained about the noise back in 1983 or something.

Now - I've stayed at the Poly twice and it is lovely. But next time I'm hoping to stay at the Grand Floridian.

Here's what's great about the Poly - lovely theming and relaxing atmosphere;
fun pool for kids; excellent transportation choices; friendly staff.

Here's why I'm trying the Grand Floridian next time: They have hot tubs - the Poly doesn't, they have a spa, gym and tennis courts - the poly doesn't. I like eating in their restaurants - not that there's anything wrong with the poly restaurants, but I prefer fine dining sometimes when I'm on vacation and if it's available at the resort I'm staying at - all the better.

I really think your choice will depend on the amenities you will use while you are there. If you won't use the spa, gym etc and would prefer a relaxing, tropical theme choose the poly. But, if you'd prefer a resort with a spa, gym etc - choose the GF. You can still travel to use those amenities if you're at another resort, but it's nicer if they offer them where you are staying.

Hope this helps - both are fabulous resorts. And if it came down to it, I would choose the one offering discounts because rack rates are becoming extortionate in Disney.

 

[LukenDC]

I have stayed at both the GF ad Poly and prefer the Poly. I appreciate the lush landscaping and relaxed feel of the Poly. The GF is a great place, but it is a bit more orderly (but not stuffy!) than the Poly and the Victorian theme does not appeal to me as much as the tropical theme. Both resorts are peaceful and the noise factor is about the same at both.

 

[VAgal76]

GF gets my vote!

 

[LillersMom]

Having traveled and stayed at the Poly with a infant and two older children. I LOVED the Poly. Monorail is a must...which they both have. Grounds are so peaceful for waliking a cranky baby. Muy older two watched the wishes fireworks from sunset point while I sat on the grass next to the room with a glass of wine and the baby was sleeping (Tokealu first floor lagoon end). It was priceless. Kids are now older and we are still going to the Poly. Now it is everyone's favorite! GF is just a bit too stuffy for us..though we love Citrico's.

 

[mttadisney]

Well, We've never stayed at the G.F. However, I LOVE the Poly.
It and the Contemporary are imho the 2 best Disney resorts.

 

[minniesota]

I've stayed at both resorts with my 70-something parents. I love the GF but the Poly was nice as well. Probably what sold my parents on the GF is the calmer, quieter atmosphere. After the frenzy of the parks, the GF is a wonderful oasis. We found that the Poly has more of an "energy" to it. Some people call it more lively - we felt it was a bit too noisy and claustrophobic.