Having 2nd thoughts about staying @ the GF

[FairyDust2008]

Thanks all We are staying put at GF: I think it gives us the perfect place to celebrate our wedding anniversary and kids b-days, their 1st WDW visit, our 1st WDW as a family Just seems like it is the "perfect" place for us afterall. I was just going through the typical making sure I did the right thing for vacation for everyone thing, LOL I think it will please our whole family and we'll have a wonderful, memorable time. Thanks for your input and all the great reviews for the GF. We can't wait Thanks again!

 

[Lamandpercy]

We have no kids but when we stayed at GF there were lots there. Out of all the resorts we have stayed (WL, Poly, BC, ASSports, Boardwalk, AKL) my DH still loves the Gf best. Yes he is 34 but mentally about 7. The hot tub at the GF is the best on property. The Gasparilla Gril is 24 hour and close to the pool for refillable mugs.

The monorail is so convenient for MK which is great after a long day. Our room had a view of the monorail and Dh almost wet himself with excitement. You have easy access to Poly and Contemporary if you want meals at the noisier character meals. Also you can take a boat to WL if you wanted to have a look around which is well worth it. Whispering Canyon is a great place to eat, very good fun.

I would stick with GF, as OP said, the kids get all their time in the parks and most have said they loved GF. The view of the fireworks from the beach was fab as was the Electrical Water Pageant (don't miss - 9pm each night).

The CMs really take care of you here, we were taken to our room on a golf buggy with our bags. The CM took us to our room and took the time to tell us about the decor and asked to find tink in the wallpaper. Where else would that happen?? We loved it and would go back every time but it would swallow our DVC points in 3 nights.

Hope you make your mind up without too much hassle - have a great trip!

 

[CNYGuy]

We are staying at GF for the first time in November. Three kids under 5 and 1/2...I would rather stay at CR, (my favorite) but the room is at GF with a conference rate that I could only match with a great code...so GF for us...unless a great code comes out. I am sure they will love it since they have nothing else to compare it to.

 

[mickeynut1]

Our favorite resort is the Poly with the WL running a close second . Although I'm sure the GF is a nice resort, we don't care for the atmosphere . The Poly seems to be more relaxed and we just love the tropical surroundings . We enjoy walking around at night with the tiki torches lit and having a direct view of the castle from the pool . My vote would be for the Poly or the WL CL (which we've also stayed).

 

[sjrolaids]

My family loves to stay at GF. DS (9) has been there several times and he adores it. We took our DD (21 mos) this past Christmas for her first time and we had a great time. I have no problems about staying there with kids of any age. It has a great pool with a zero entry by the beach. Kids had a blast! Also, love the Poly...you can't reallly go wrong w/ either location.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks all We are staying put at GF: I think it gives us the perfect place to celebrate our wedding anniversary and kids b-days, their 1st WDW visit, our 1st WDW as a family Just seems like it is the "perfect" place for us afterall. I was just going through the typical making sure I did the right thing for vacation for everyone thing, LOL I think it will please our whole family and we'll have a wonderful, memorable time. Thanks for your input and all the great reviews for the GF. We can't wait Thanks again!

You are doing the right thing!! DS's favorite resort used to be AKL and then he stayed at the GF and it is his new favorite hands down!! He always said he wanted to stay at the CR, but when it came time to book for December, GF was his choice, so we booked it!

Have a great time!!

 

[karibritt01]

We have stayed at CSR twice and absolutely love everything about it. Transportation was always wonderful. With the exception of leaving DTD, we never waited longer than 10 minutes for a bus to the parks or home.

We visited Poly on our last trip (luau), ad GF twice (1900 Park Fare breakfast and dinner.) Poly was nice, but other than the monorail, we couldn't see anything outstandingly special to justify the price difference. The GF was gorgeous, but did seem stuffy. The lobby was wall to wall marble, which gave it that cold feeling. My kids loved visiting, but neither would have chosen that as their hotel. Please consider that we did not see anything except the main building at either resort, so I'm sure there are highlights at both that we missed.

JMHO, but walking into the lobby at CSR, with the mexican music playing softly, and the fountain and view of the lake... . I feel like I am HOME!

Which of the themes appeals most to you out of the choices? American southwest, South Pacific Islands, Mexico? I think the key to being happy is to start with something you love.

 

[Vickie46]

I think you would like the Beach Club 100 times better than the GF.... its is more kid friendly and not so stuffy... but everyone has their own opinion... give it a try and see how you like it.... anything disney is wonderful.

 

[CoolPool]

I thought you were staying at the AKL Club. LoL.

 

[toodycat]

For my son's first trip to Disney, we stayed at the GF in a concierge room. He loved it. The pools were beautiful and the food and characters at 1900 Park Fare were great. Also, being on the monorail was a great convenience when it started to look like nap time was imminent. I've stayed at AKL, CS, WL and the Poly as well. All of them are good, but the GF remains our favorite.

 

[traci]

We have done both the GF and Poly with our kids. We prefer the GF. It doesn't feel stuffy to us. It's not like it's the Ritz or 4-Seasons....
We like the resort and there are plenty of children.

We love the restaurants at Poly and the layout of GF. Of course the monorail is great at both! Enjoy your vacation whatever you decide on.

P.S. I saw pics of one of the values recently (can't remeber which off hand) and it looked really fun! We need that monorail otherwise I wouldn't mind trying a value

 

[allisonswonderland]

The Beach Club is a great resort and the lobby is always packed with families and kids...there is so much hustle and bustle. The Yacht Club is always so quiet in the lobby (at least when we are there). We are staying at the GF this time and are very excited about it, we do not have children, but can assure you, we have seen many there.

I do think the convenience of the monorail and being so close to the MK will be a plus! And remember, it is DISNEY - this a a kid friendly place PERIOD!

 

[geokeim]

I believe each of the Disney resorts have something special to offer. GF is different from Poly, and Poly is different than CSR and on and on...
But that said, since you're already there, why not give it a chance?
Then next time, you will have a new experience to look forward to!
IMO though, GF is a great experience. You are fortunate!