Grand Floridian vs. The Polynesian

[DisneyMarine]

We have only stayed at the Grand Floridian, and next spring we are going to stay at the Polynesian. I would like to know if anyone has stayed at the GF and the Poly, and can tell me your likes and/or dislikes. Thanks.

 

[angelaj]

I have stayed at both resorts. I like the Poly, but I LOVE the GF. The biggest drawback of the Poly is the rooms do not have split bathrooms. But I do love the atmosphere there (especially the tiki torches at night) and you have direct monorail access to both the MK and Epcot.

I love the elegance of the GF. Everything about the resort is beautiful. I love listening to the orchestra at night. The one thing I didn't like about the GF was Gasparilla's. The food wasn't very good and you've got to put up with the noise of the arcade.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the Poly. Have fun!

 

[shannonandtom]

We have stayed at both. Our first stay was at the Poly then after that was the GF and since then we always stay at the GF. The Poly was fine, but the GF is more our style. We love everything about the GF, the main building, piano player, the band, the pools, the shops, Narcoossees, Gasparilla, Mizners, what's not to like.

The Poly to us was too old and dark. Some people like that but not us. One nice thing about staying at the Poly was being able to walk over to the TTC and catch the Monorail over to Epcot.

I think you will be happier by sticking with the GF.

Just my opinion.

Tom...

 

[daannzzz]

The GF is much more formal feeling and the Victorian decore is more frilly. I liked staying here and while the decore was nice the newly remodeled rooms are a bit to dainty for me. If you really like that style be prepared for very casual at the Polynesian. The rooms are decorated very informal and less colorful but they are comfortable and the gorunds of the place are beautiful in a tropical way with less formal gardens that the GF. I liked the bathroom decore alot at the Polynesian and htough the sink is in with the shower and toilet it was no problem for the two of us.

 

[jel0511]

I've stayed at both and for me it's a toss-up. I like the Poly for it's informal feeling and grounds, but I like the GF for the rooms and formal flair. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with either of them, but I give the GF a slight edge, but the rest of my family gives the Poly the slight edge, so I lose there. I think it's more of a comfort thing,my whole family just feels more comfortable at the Poly. I also think it had to do with us staying in the main building. When we had to return from the pool, it was weird having to walk through the lobby in our swimwear. Next time we stay, we'll be staying in Sugar Loaf, so it might be a different feel for us. As you can tell, I'm as confused as you, so my best advice.... Toss a coin!!!!

 

[ead79]

I have stayed at both resorts and liked them both very much. The themes are very different, but each theme is very well done. The GF is more elegant, but the Poly has a more relaxed feel to it (however, I do not think the GF is stuffy). They both have the convenience of the monorail, but you can also save time by walking to the TTC from the Poly if you're headed to Epcot. The GF offers a minibar, upgraded toiletries, and bath robes in all rooms, but you must stay in concierge at the Poly to get those things (and the "minibar" at the Poly is really an empty fridge--which is nice too). I prefer the restaurants at the Poly to those at the GF. Really it just comes down to personal choice and what you're in the mood for theming-wise. They are both great resorts!

 

[weloveminnie]

I'll be at GF on December 24 for the first time.

 

[Poly Pal]

We've stayed at both.

The GF is beautiful and the lobby is spectacular. To us it has the feel of a big city hotel with a bustling, not very relaxing atmosphere. We like the split bathrooms and the old decor (haven't been since the refurbishment, so can't comment on the new "frilly" theme). We did not like the blazing white "Wal-Mart parking lot" lighting at the main pool.

The common areas of the Polynesian are not as spectacular as the GF in size or scope. But it is still very nice. We really get that 'drop your shoulders, deep sigh" feeling of relaxation at the Polynesian. No hustle and bustle. No feelings of being under dressed. Just a real vacation feel. We like the soothing color theme used in the rooms. The rooms appear (at least to us) to be larger at the Polynesian. That may be because the space devoted to the bathroom is not as large as at the GF. We like both pool areas and the tiki lit pathways. The south seas theme wins us over every time!

I offered the GF or the Polynesian to my wife for next April's trip (thinking that it would be nice to be at the GF for Easter). Her reply - "Heck no! Why would we want to stay there? I want to stay at the Polynesian!"

Have a good time wherever you stay!

 

[TeenaS]

We just got back from the GF. We stopped over to see friends in the Concierge building at the Poly while we were there. It was so very old and dirty. The rugs were filthy. The grounds of the Poly are nice but the place needs a major overhaul and fast!!! No comparison - stay at the GF!

 

[adams66]

What rugs were filthy?? The guest rooms or the hallways or the loungs areas or all of the above?? Were they dirty or just well worn and faded?

 

[hookedup]

I have enjoyed both but I prefer the GF. Maybe it is just a personal preference like the color of car one likes - I can't explain it. Here are some of the reasons I like the GF -
I love the elegance yet casualness about the resort. I love the views of the castle while surrounded by the beautiful resort of GF. We have a small child (2 yrs old) and I was a little worried that the Poly would be more appropriate for him - I was wrong GF was wonderful with him too! We stayed at Sago Cay and we were close to food and refillable drinks for us conveniently located.
I think that both resorts are very special and it may just come down to a matter of personal choice as to what things make your vacation magical.

 

[TeenaS]

Adam - the rugs were ripped, worn and dirty - - the pattern was actually gone in some areas. This was in the hallway and in the lounge area of the concierge building #5. It was not a pretty sight. Hopefully it will go under major renovations soon.

 

[Tikiman]

First of all the carpets in the Polynesian Hawaii (concierge) building were never dirty when we visited even last July. They may be worn around the stairs to the lounge but in the halls they looked good to me and they clean them every couple of days. They will be replaced next June when they rehab the Hawaii longhouse but I think your description is a little deceiving as to what sort of shape the place is in. Also I was just curious as to what someone from another resort was doing in the Polynesian Concierge lounge?

 

[TeenaS]

It was worn and in horrible shape and this was last week. As to why I was there - we were invited in to see the place by a guest relations person working there. This is customary - all you need to do is ask someone at a resort. Tell them you are thinking about booking concierge next time and would like to see the facilities. Don't worry - we didn't touch anything or drink or eat anything.

 

[BCV23]

We were in Poly concierge in both June and October and the carpets were clean. I agree with Tikiman...the only faded carpet I noticed was on the stairs to the lounge. They keep the rooms immaculate.

We enjoy both resorts very much. Different themes both executed to perfection. However, the Polynesian is better for transportation. I agree with Poly Pal's description of deep sigh relaxation that comes with the Poly, too. GF has more fine dining options....but we do love Kona, too. You can't go wrong with either choice.

 

[Tikiman]

The nice thing about any of the monorail resorts is you have access to all the resturants at the 3 resorts or even pop into the MK for some food.

Aloha

Steve

 

[adams66]

Well, personally I can't wait until January to experience the relaxation of the Poly myself. I wish we could go after the rehab but we have to go in January. Oh well, someone has to do it!!

 

[BCV23]

Very true...in fact, it's a lot of fun hopping the monorail to dinner. We also very much enjoy taking the launch from GF to the Polynesian after dinner or taking the beautiful stroll along the lake back to the resort.