Having 2nd thoughts about staying @ the GF

[FairyDust2008]

Now that it is down to our countdown for our WDW vacation, I'm having 2nd thoughts about staying at the GF. For my kids 1st WDW experience, would another resort be more kid friendly and give them the atmosphere over the GF. We were thinking of the Poly, WL standard club level or the CSR now. The CSR is obviously the cheapest in price, and the WL club being the same price as the garden view at the GF and then the Poly garden view is cheaper than the GF but more expensive than the CSR. Is the WL standard club worth it more at the same price as the GF garden? I know you won't have the monorail obviously at the WL, so how is the transportation at WL?? The CSR I understand doesn't share transportation but how is the timing of getting places?? The Poly we love too..........................If anyone can provide any insight, I would sure appreciate it. I thought getting the GF, I would be completely satisfied, LOL but now thinking that it doesn't have the kid appeal like the other choices. Maybe I'm just being goofy in wanting to switch because I do like the GF too. I was just looking at some of the money things with having extra for other things if we stayed especially at the CSR but even some with the POLY. Now, we wouldn't save any money at the WL staying standard club because it is the same price as the GF garden view, but would we be getting more out of the standard club at WL than the garden view at GF???? Any insight would be awesome-THANKS!

 

[DrDeb]

i know it's a value resort BUT why not POP?? we've stayed in many resorts and if you have a car this is SO bright & kid friendly AND less expensive-- even the Cont is exciting-- and you'd still be in a deluxe and with the monorail there it's very convenient-- our resorts changed as our 4 dkids grew--GF is MOST lovely but definitely a different feel IMO

 

[mmmears]

The GF is child-friendly. There is a great pool with a waterslide, another large pool, a beach are, and a quick-dining area that I believe is open 24 hours. We took a 2 year there the first time and never had any issues -- now she doesn't want to go to WDW without a stay there. It is really beautiful, too, and oh so convenient to the MK. People say it looks stuffy and is not for families, but the resort has been filled with families every time we have stayed there.

Of course, your other options are great as well. Just wanted to let you know that there are people out here who have had great stays at the GF.

 

[MissSixty]

I just returned from a 7 night stay at the GF. Have no worries, this place is very child friendly, its fabulous. The service is unlike any other resort. It is very whimsical with the orchestra playing in the main building.
I did have some of the same concerns as you, and have stayed at the Poly and WL previously, but nothing beats the GF! The MK is only one stop away! The beach is huge and beautiful, the pool is very relaxing. Its quiet and bright resort with the most dining options of any resort, plus access to the other resorts via monorail. Stick with it, you will love it!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I think the GF is very child friendly. I think that the WL is a great choice as well. The rooms are smaller but they have a nice concierge level and CMs. The buses are good and they have the boat to the MK. You can also take a boat to the CR and get the monorail from there if you want. They have 2 places to eat and the Roaring Forks. The pools are better at the GF and they dont have the cabanas. The WL has a marina and you can rent bikes and boats there.

Staying concierge you will breakfast available every A.M. and then snacks and drinks all day. They put out a nice spread at night and some very nice desserts and coridals, wine and beer in the evening.

I wouldnt stay at CS I would choose any of the deluxes you have listed first.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'd either stick with the GF or go for the Poly. Both are very kid friendly. For your 1st Disney experience I think you will be very happy to go with a monorail resort. It is sooooo convenient. Don't let anyone fool you - GF is loaded with kids. My kids love the GF, the Poly and YC.

 

[Pirate at Heart]

I changed my mind about staying at GF Sugerloaf. We are staying at the BC and Poly Club instead. I know my DD's 9 and 11 will love Stormalong Bay and the Broadwalk and the Poly is just so fun and tropical. The GF is beautiful to be sure, but it has a more "adult" feel to it--we'll stay there when they are older.

 

[texasgirl73]

I feel your pain. I really want to stay at GF but when I show my children the photos of it they are completely uninterested. I was telling myself they would like it once we got there but I know that there are other hotels they would enjoy more....so I ended up going with the Animal Kingdom Lodge- still stylish enough for me but interesting enough for them. Sounds like WL and Poly would be great options for you....have you shown them photos? Look for which places bring a twinkle to their eyes!!!

 

[sherry8253]

The boat to the MK from the WL is great. We stay CL at the WL in Jan '08. The offerings were yummy and the CM's were exceptionally nice and helpful. Have a great trip!!

 

[princessesrule4]

My kids absolute favorite is the GF!! It is very kid friendly!
Runners up in order are : CR, BC, (haven't stayed at YC but want too) and then Poly!

Our first stay was at CR because thats where I stayed as a child. The kids loved it - the monorail going through it, the music from Chef Mickeys, the pool w/ slide, the game room. ( the older, much bigger one)
Then we started staying at GF and now it's their favorite! ( me and DH too!) They like the pool better ( slide, waterfall, zero entry, squirt fountains.) They love the marina and renting boats and taking the boat to MK. They love the orchestra, piano player in the afternoon and evenings. We stay Club Level so they LOVE all the food!

/good luck with your decision!

 

[luvtheBuzz]

Of all the deluxe resorts we've stayed at (the only ones we haven't tried are AKL and BWI), I think my kids favorite would definitely be GF. We've stayed there twice and I know my kids would go back there in a heartbeat. They've really enjoyed the pool slide there ( I have, too!). And the lobby is just beautiful. The only thing keeping me from booking us there again is the $$$. So, if I were you, I'd book it and enjoy!!

 

[johnsonet]

How old are your kids? No matter what their age, I would HIGHLY recommend GF and Polynesian if your budget allows. They are the BEST!
Don't worry about the GF being "stuffy" - it is DISNEY WORLD

 

[Rora]

GF is great but I think I might agree with you and say that it's not very kid friendly, for their first visit. To be honest, I would do WL OR ASMovies. While Movies is a cheaper resort it has the most kid friendly stuff. What child wouldn't love giant statues of Pongo and Perdy or the Toy Story Characters? If you really can't decide, show your kids pictures of some resorts you would stay at and let them pick their favorites, then go from there. No matter what resort you stay at you will have a MAGICAL time!

 

[Lives4Disney]

GF is fabulous. You will receive the best service from the nicest CMs and your kids will be treated royally. There is no comparison to any other WDW deluxe. We were die hard CR fans until all that was available for a lst minute trip was the GF. That one stay sold us and we've been back a dozen + times. It is wonderful & it's become our family favorite - I have three kids with a wide age difference.

We've stayed Poly, YC (love this one, too), BC, BWI, CR too many times to count, and S/D. NOTHING compares to the GF. It is one hop away from MK by monorail, there are pretty pools & beach areas, nice fast food restaurant & character meals & fine dining options - where kids are welcome also.

GF is the best.

 

[conandrob240]

I did not think GF was as fun and friendly as other WDW resorts. It was a little on the "stuffy" side for us. I think the Poly had a much more fun atmosphere. I also like the pool and beach area better at Poly. Either way, you'll have fun. Enjoy your trip.

 

[kgc07]

We took out 3 YO DS to DF Sugarloaf last year. He had a good time any enjoyed himself, but he is much more excited to stay at AK this year. The GF is somewhat kid friendly. I say somewhat because we ran into a few childless couples who seemed to want the hot tub all to themselves.

 

[Markstudy]

Depends on your kids.

I have never heard a kid ask for live classical music, royalty type furnishings and decor, pampering by a 1st class staff....

All of these perks, sound like the kind of things that make adults happy.

Disney has so many resorts that are aimed at making everyone feel like a child again . I'd guess that the only 2 resorts that put the adult first are GF and Yacht Club.... ( unless you have some very sophisticated children )

If I were you.... I'd stay at the GF and enjoy it. The Kids will get plenty of "kid time" in the parks... have some fun at GF enjoying a little "adult pampering" for yourself... your kids won't know the difference. Save something for you next trip..don't worry, once your kids see the monorail, they'll think the resort is GREAT!

 

[kaysmommie]

We haven't stayed at GF but lots of my friends have and they love it and would never stay anywhere else. It's a bit out of our budget. But we do usually at least eat there every trip. My DD loves the place, always has. It's been her dream resort since she was 3. The live music in the lobby and the views of MK are the best. The pool area is awesome and you can even rent Cabana's. I think it's very kid friendly, it's Disney. That said we do love the Poly and WL too!

 

[micksnewfriend]

Stick with these ressies. I had the same second thoughts when we took DS2 to DW in December and stayed at the GF. He absolutely loved the pools and met a number of other children his age. The monorail access was particularly fantastic since Magic Kingdom ended up being his favorite. Good luck and safe travels.

 

[adell557]

If we could afford it we would stay at the GF, it seems like everything we have scheduled to do it there for our DD4 and DS2.

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter

Cooking Adventures

1900 Park Fare Character Dining

And

Disney Girl Tea Party with Aurora

With all these things it seems like it has to be child friendly