Grand Floridian vs Yacht

[Abatts]

I've read many pros & cons to each and still can't decide! Yacht is about $800 cheaper. Background - Family with 3 boys - 15, 12, & 4. We'll have a small stroller for youngest. Quick 4 day trip, 1 day at each park, not purchasing park hoppers.

Edit to add - we will be there one night early for a few hours to enjoy resort, afternoons on MK, EP & HS days. Pools are a plus but not a huge factor - we live at the beach on east coast so the "Beach Pool" isn't a huge thing.

 

[OKW Lover]

Save the $800 and go with Yacht. Convenient location to Epcot & DHS. Bus ride to MK or AK. More dining options readily available nearby.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

Cab't go wrong. They are both great

 

[CaptainAmerica]

When was the last trip you did with this group, age-wise?

Not to completely throw a wrench in things, but 15 and 12 year old boys are basically grown men and I wouldn't want to try to squeeze those five people into any single hotel room. I'd go two rooms at Yacht if it's in the budget, or two rooms at a Moderate if it's not.

 

[TTA Rider Matt]

I have never stayed at the Grand, but I’ve stayed at the Yacht Club a number of times, and I would recommend to save the $800 and stay at the Yacht Club. The kids will absolutely love the pool at the Yacht Club, and the proximity to Epcot and the Boardwalk is one of my favorite parts about staying there. Based on what I’ve heard about the Grand, sounds like you are going to be happy either way, but if you are planning pool time, I would suggest Yacht Club.

 

[ninafeliz]

Both are awesome. I prefer the vibe of the GF more, but love the ability to walk to 2 parks from the YC. I prefer the vibe of the MK resort area more, but again walking to two parks instead of one.... Also, I love the GF pools but you can't beat SAB. The rooms at the YC are nicer (redone more recently, better storage just feel newer) but they are bigger at the GF. I think in your case maybe go YC for the savings, pool and ability to walk to 2 of the 4 parks? If you don't need the pool since it's a quick trip you still can walk to two parks and save money at the same time. You can't go wrong either way.

Also, I have 4 boys but they are 12,8, 5 and 5. We stayed in regular Disney rooms until the twins turned 5, and still stay in regular rooms that have a pull out couch and thus allow 6. Yes, when we get a larger room (like 2 BR DVC villas) the space is nice but we also do just fine in smaller rooms. Given the locations and amenities of the resorts you mentioned - I would absolutely stay in one of those over 2 rooms in a value or moderate

 

[Skippyboo]

Yacht- walking distance to both Epcot and HS.

 

[Abatts]

When was the last trip you did with this group, age-wise?

Not to completely throw a wrench in things, but 15 and 12 year old boys are basically grown men and I wouldn't want to try to squeeze those five people into any single hotel room. I'd go two rooms at Yacht if it's in the budget, or two rooms at a Moderate if it's not.

Thanks! We travel quite often and while my 15 year old is the size of a grown man, he’ll be fine sharing a bed with his brother .

 

[Abatts]

Both are awesome. I prefer the vibe of the GF more, but love the ability to walk to 2 parks from the YC. I prefer the vibe of the MK resort area more, but again walking to two parks instead of one.... Also, I love the GF pools but you can't beat SAB. The rooms at the YC are nicer (redone more recently, better storage just feel newer) but they are bigger at the GF. I think in your case maybe go YC for the savings, pool and ability to walk to 2 of the 4 parks? If you don't need the pool since it's a quick trip you still can walk to two parks and save money at the same time. You can't go wrong either way.

Also, I have 4 boys but they are 12,8, 5 and 5. We stayed in regular Disney rooms until the twins turned 5, and still stay in regular rooms that have a pull out couch and thus allow 6. Yes, when we get a larger room (like 2 BR DVC villas) the space is nice but we also do just fine in smaller rooms. Given the locations and amenities of the resorts you mentioned - I would absolutely stay in one of those over 2 rooms in a value or moderate

Thanks! Yes - we were all set with GF then I saw the awesome rate at Yacht. And I think it would be cool to explore the boardwalk as we’ve never been able to do that. However being on the monorail is something we haven’t done either. Any suggestions on room location at Yacht for standard view?

 

[ninafeliz]

Thanks! Yes - we were all set with GF then I saw the awesome rate at Yacht. And I think it would be cool to explore the boardwalk as we’ve never been able to do that. However being on the monorail is something we haven’t done either. Any suggestions on room location at Yacht for standard view?

SV rooms are pretty generic, I think most face the front of the resort (porte cochere). I am more familiar with CL SV than general SV. I know there are some looooong hallways, you could request close to lobby and leave it at that. However, at least at the YC (as opposed to the BWI) there are stairs and exit doors at the end of the long halls, so if you aren't actually going to the lobby or shop you can get out at the end. However, and you should double check on the YC thread, I think there are some rooms that face SAB but are classifies at SV because they are either sideways or also overlooking a roof with SAB past the roof. If I'm right, I would probably request partial SAB view (use the touring plans view finder to check).

 

[DeeBee3]

I'd say Yacht for walkable location to Epcot and HS. Can't beat that. Also lots to choose from in the dining world.

 

[Marthasor]

With boys that age, I would definitely do YC. One of my 14-year olds favorite things to do at WDW is walk around the Boardwalk, rent a Surrey bike and play carnival games at night. The atmosphere is far more lively, there are a ton of dining options and getting to EP and DHS is super easy. I really think it's a better vibe for that age group than GF.

 

[GoBears79]

I've stayed at both and while I love the GF, the Y&BC is my home away from at WDW. The ability to walk to so many great restaurants at the two parks, the Boardwalk and in the Swan & Dolphin tip the scales, not to mention the amazing Stormalong Bay.

 

[disneymama2019]

Definitely Yacht Club, especially for $800 less - savings is great, or it could go towards extra activities. There's so much going on in that area, tons of dining and the pool is really the best. I really enjoy GF but not sure how it would vibe with your teenage boys tbh. They'd probably have more fun at Yacht.

 

[lfcfan]

Thanks! Yes - we were all set with GF then I saw the awesome rate at Yacht. And I think it would be cool to explore the boardwalk as we’ve never been able to do that. However being on the monorail is something we haven’t done either. Any suggestions on room location at Yacht for standard view?

Agree with everyone here, for your purposes, go with YC. We like GF when we are doing multiple days there, especially with new walking path. But YC is our choice for Ep/DHS!

When are you going, and how did you find a great YC rate, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[Minnie1222]

Any suggestions on room location at Yacht for standard view?

I've seen pictures of SV rooms with a shared balcony. It's probably not that important, but nay, I don't want to be in those rooms.

 

[ninafeliz]

I've seen pictures of SV rooms with a shared balcony. It's probably not that important, but nay, I don't want to be in those rooms.

I forgot about those! I agree, I would hate those. Intensely. When I did a room request for SV YC I did put private balcony, and then whatever my other request was.

 

[Princess Tam]

We have stayed at both of these top notch resorts.

Based on your itinerary, I’d recommend the Yacht Club to reduce the amount of bus travel time within the WDW resort. A boat ride is just more fun!

You‘d have Hollywood Studios, Epcot, the Boardwalk, and a mini golf area all within walking distance. You would also have access to one of the best pools and water slides on property and you can get ice cream at the Beaches and Cream soda shop.

And your kids may enjoy the experience of watching birds trying to scavage French fries at the poolside quick serve.

Wherever you decide I hope you and your family have a fabulous vacation!

 

[AJKMOM]

There is going to be major construction at the GF, adding more DVC villas.

 

[Princess Tam]

There is going to be major construction at the GF, adding more DVC villas.

Do you happen to know when this construction is scheduled for?