Grand Floridian/ Yacht Club?

[misskrystal]

Hi everyone,

I'm having difficulty deciding where to stay on my next trip (thanks everyone who helped me to narrow it down last week).

So, after much I've narrowed it down to either the GF or YC.

Can anyone sell me on either of these? They both look so wonderful that I just keep going in circles.

Much to anyone who can help.

 

[Frances999]

There are a couple of things you could consider to help you choose.

The Grand Floridian affords excellent access to the Magic Kingdom. If you are planning to spend a lot of time at the MK, then this would be the obvious choice. If you planning to spend a lot of time at both the MK and EPCOT then the GF is also a good choice as the monorail can take you straight to the TTC where you can connect on to the EPCOT monorail. If most of your time will be spent at EPCOT, then YC is within easy walking distance and would obviously be better situated when compared with the GF.

The standard room size at the YC is 381 sq foot. The standard room size at the GF is 440 sq foot. That is quite a considerable difference.

Whilst I have never experienced it for myself, the pool at the YC is particularly grand. Stormalong Bay features numerous facilities such as a lazy river. The GF Beach Pool is smaller, though perfectly adequate and complete with zero-entry. I like the quiet pool which is surrounded with beautiful rose bushes and flowers.

Just a very minor detail (but I know it annoys some people) is that the self-parking at the GF is a bit of a hike from the main entrance to the lobby. At the Yacht Club the self-parking is much closer. Obviously this won't be too much a problem if you are going to use the valet services.

 

[gilld]

We haven't stayed at YC but we did stay at RPC at GF and it was fab. But YC is great for Epcot - personally, I'd do a split stay and choose both!

 

[misskrystal]

personally, I'd do a split stay and choose both!

That would be ideal, but we're already planning a week on I-drive and possibly a third week somewhere else in Florida. I couldn't cope with another hotel change.

I'll have to pester my Dbf for some help. He's already stayed at GF and loves Epcot, so that may sway it in favour of YC.

Maybe next time though

 

[UKDEB]

My first ever onsite stay was at the Beach Club and I wished we'd picked the Yacht Club! Whilst it's effectively the same hotel (they're adjoining and share the Stormalong Bay pool), I preferred the decor at the Yacht Club and it has a more adult feel. I don't quite understand the fuss about Stormalong Bay. Great for families, I guess.

We've also stayed at the Grand Floridian. Bear in mind that this is WDW's flagship hotel and significantly more expensive than all the others - presumably for a reason. By the time we got around to staying there, though, it was for convenience more than anything (we spent one night there following a meal at V&A's rather than get a cab back to our villa). At one time a stay at the GF would have been a dream come true, but we've stayed at so many really unbelievable hotels that no WDW hotel could even come close. For that reason I wasn't blown away. I love the hotel itself - Mitzner's Lounge and V&A's in particular - but the room was just a hotel room, IMHO. We were in one of the annexes. Maybe it would have been better if we'd been in the main building.

Would you feel you'd chosen second best if you opted for the Yacht Club? I ask that because that's what I felt when we stayed at the Beach Club. My first choice at the time was the BoardWalk, but it was more expensive (GF was out of the question at the time).

If you really can't decide, toss a coin. Disappointed or pleased? You've got your answer.

 

[UKDEB]

Frances - what's happened to your Snowman Mickey picture? I bought a print, signed by the artist (in person), at the Flower and Garden Festival last May.

 

[jockey]

My favorite resort is GF - I love the theming of the resort, its location and it's on the monorail! There are a few nice restaurants here too!

 

[Frances999]

Frances - what's happened to your Snowman Mickey picture? I bought a print, signed by the artist (in person), at the Flower and Garden Festival last May.

I removed it - think I will replace it with something a little less winter-themed! I have the print too, but mine isn't signed. I would love to have seen David Doss and have him sign it.

My favorite resort is GF - I love the theming of the resort, its location and it's on the monorail! There are a few nice restaurants here too!

Whilst I do not normally judge a resort based on its dining, I must admit that I absolutely love the restuarants offered at the GF. Citrico's and Narcoossee's are both exceptional. The views over the lagoon from Narcoossee's are truly beautiful, and the lobster I had was cooked to perfection. You can get a table with a great view of the Magic Kingdom.

There is also V&A which is obviously the creme de la creme of WDW dining.

I also think that Gasparilla Grill is an excellent choice for a counter service. On numerous occasions we would relax beside the pool and grab a salad or pizza snack from Gasparilla - the CMs there were wonderful and the food was of a very high quality. They do delicious fresh-baked cookies as well.

For a nice lunch, the Grand Floridian Cafe is difficult to beat for quality and value. Last time we were there they also did a delicious chocolate fondue dessert.

I definitely think that the GF has the best dining establishments of all the onsite resorts. We were disappointed with the "flagship" Yachtsman Steakhouse over at the YC, but you are within walking distance of the Boardwalk and Epcot, so there is still lots of choice. It's a very difficult decision!

 

[gilld]

I think GF is the better hotel, but for us YC is the better position since we love Epcot.

 

[Eljay]

Since the GF is on the monorail, you have easy access to the other monorail resorts and their restaurants. Specifically, California Grill at the Contemporary or the luau at the Poly.

On the other hand, the Yacht Club affords you access to all the great things on the Boardwalk! Flying Fish, JellyRolls dueling piano bar, surrey bikes, entertainers, Kimono's karaoke at the Dolphin, etc.

I actually love the Boardwalk Inn. Last time we had a great room right over the bakery!

You really can't lose, either way!