Help me decide! Poly or GF

[ksc37]

Okay, so we've finally given in to temptation and are going to take advantage of the Free Dining package

Now comes the big decision... which resort? One thing I know for sure, we really want to stay at a monorail resort, and we like the theming of the Grand Floridian and the Poly. That being said, here's the situation...

Both Poly GV and GF GV are available for our dates (GF is about $50/night more). We have two small boys (2 and 4), so a child-friendly place is important (is the GF child-friendly?).

I've never stayed at the GF, and would like to, someday. How do the pools compare? How do the rooms compare? Does the GF have a child's play area? How else do they compare? Can you watch Wishes from the GF?

Thanks!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I've stayed at both (although Poly was about 15 years ago) and prefer GF but both are really nice for kids. Yes, despite popular belief GF is very kid friendly. That's where they run all the activities for kids (4 and over): Pirate Cruise, Wonderland Tea Party, Grand Adventures in Cooking. THere are two pools. The themed pool (with slide) and the "quiet" pool which is not quiet, and very large so it never seems to crowded. That's actually the pool my kids prefer. Both GF and Poly rooms are large, I just think Poly rooms are more dated, IMHO. I don't think you can go wrong with either. The convenience of the monorail and ferry can't be beat. Both have a character breakfast for kids and GF has a character dinner and the Poly has Ohana which kids love. You can see WIshes from both the POly and GF and you can see with EWP from both also. Good luck making a decision.

 

[Laurajean1014]

GF and Poly are both very nice. But for only $50 a night more, stay at GF and then you can decide if it is worth it.

I also think GF is kid friendly - well behaved, kid friendly.

Try their children's chef special and the Pirate Cruise!

 

[pozey]

We just returned from a stay at the Poly. It was me, DW, DS(9), DS(6), and DD(2). We loved the Poly. We've never stayed at the Grand Floridian so I can't compare the two. But I can tell you that the kids loved the pools, the lush surroundings, and just about everything else about the place.

Here is one more thing to consider........while both the Poly and the GF are monorail resorts, only at the Poly can you walk over to the TTC and catch the monorail to Epcot. To catch the monorail to Epcot from the GF, you would have to take the Resort Monorail all the way around with stops at the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary before getting to the TTC and changing over to the Epcot monorail. Now if you will spend much of your time at Magic Kingdom, this won't be an issue. But if you plan on going to Epcot, you might keep this in mind.

 

[johnsonet]

My DD (8) and DNiece(6) are right here and I asked them whether they thought a family w/ 2 little boys (2 and 4) would prefer Poly or GF (they've both stayed at both resorts - and both ADORE The Grand but also totally loved the Poly)~

ANYWAY, they both said Polynesian

They think the Grand is "a little more grown up - for girls our age . Boys probably wouldn't like that." "The Grand has a good, good, good view - but so does the Poly."

"The Polynesian has more kids"

"Let's just say the mom wanted to do Tea - the boys just wouldn't be interested!"

Good luck -
P.S. If you want to try the GF, then I think that's where you should stay!

 

[Harambe]

We've done both and, for us, there's no comparison. POLY - hands down. Loved the pool, and enjoyed the quiet pool as well. The grounds are beautiful, with the torches lit at night. We really enjoyed "coming home" after a hectic day at the park.

Also - love the Kona Cafe, and 'Ohana character breakfast.

 

[susy]

We just stayed at the Poly and visited the GF for dinner-big difference. I would definitely take the GF over the Poly for $50 more. Poly was kid friendly, but I would describe it as "overun" with kids-more than I've seen at any resort. I could see the Gf as more of a haven from the parks........

 

[BCV23]

We've stayed at both and love both. Both are child friendly and have great CMs.

There are so many good restaurants on the monorail circuit and it is so much fun to use it to go to meals that I don't find the restaurants a determining factor.

As pozey said, the convenience of the TTC to the Polynesian can't be beat. THe little launches are fun from either.

Both resorts do a great job with maintenance and mousekeeping.

The Polynesian has always felt a bit more removed from the bustle of the parks to me.

But I love them both!

I would just go with the one that is pulling you most strongly. Next trip you can try the other.....maybe. I think many people start making family memories at a resort and have trouble pulling themselves away. It's a good problem.

 

[ksc37]

Thanks for all the replies. You all raise great points and made me excited to go to both resorts. That being said, I just made reservations at the Grand Floridian

Basically, it came down to a couple of things...

(1) We've stayed at the Poly before, and even though I loved it, I want to try something new.
(2) As my boys (now 2 and 4) get older, it will be harder to convince them to stay at a "flowery" hotel
(3) Double sinks.

I'm really excited... just 98 more days!!!

 

[rcraw45425]

We have stayed at both and my DH says he has no desire to stay at the Poly again. He thought that he would like it but it was, IMO, a lot noisier than the GF. We just returned from our second stay at the GF in April and it was wonderful. I also feel that the CM's seem to go the extra mile for you there.

 

[BunnieGene]

We've stayed at both, the poly first and the GF a year later. If I'd been able to try the GF first, I don't know if I'd ever have made it to the poly. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. It's my understanding that "Grand" stands for Guest Requests Are Never Denied

 

[arec27]

dont want to add to your cofusion, but I vote for the poly, hands down! the walk to ttc for epcot is great! the fire ceremony in the eve..cool...awsome Hawaiian themed dances and activities going on...my kids wont stay anywhere else...and we always go to the GF for dinner)