Help! Need some Hotel opinions from all dis'ers

[lpoeppelman]

I have an opportunity to take a BIG Travel AGent discount but the Poly is not available. What do you all prefer: Wilderness Lodge (or Villas) or Grand Floridian... and why? These are both available.

We have two school aged children (7 yrs and 9 yrs) and young ones traveling with us ages (6 months and 2 years).


Thanks for your help!

 

[CinderellyCinderelly]

I have stayed at GF a million times and LOVE it there. However I have always wanted to try WL, and that might be more fun for your kids. My parents took me to the GF for the first time when I was 2 and I have loved it ever since (I'm 20 now!) So I guess my vote is for GF!

 

[NanaV]

My choice would be Wilderness Lodge. The GF, while it's beautiful, just doesn't seem to have that comfortable, relaxed, family-friendly feel to me.

 

[joenan88]

I have an opportunity to take a BIG Travel AGent discount but the Poly is not available. What do you all prefer: Wilderness Lodge (or Villas) or Grand Floridian... and why? These are both available.

We have two school aged children (7 yrs and 9 yrs) and young ones traveling with us ages (6 months and 2 years).


Thanks for your help!

The travel agent discount is great but you can not get a package..just a room..no dining..the dining saves so much the TA offer may not be worth it The GF will not accommodate you with 2 adults and 4 kids so The WL villa may be your only option..

 

[Deb & Bill]

You are technically a family of five (the youngest one won't count towards occupancy), so you would need a two bedroom villa at VWL. Or the deluxe room at WL.

I like the GF, but you might be crowded in a standard room there. Unless you got a suite.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would definitely go with the Grand Floridian. Bigger, brighter rooms and monorail transportation make this an easy decision for me.

Don't let anyone tell you that the GF is too stuffy for kids. Why do you think they have so many kids activities at the GF (Pirate, Cruise, Grand Adventures in Cooking, Wonderland Tea Party).

 

[alldiz]

While they do have scheduled activities for the kids.....ie tea party..etc....
WL is definately more family friendly.

WL gets my vote......with ease.
Kerri

 

[DisneyMomx7]

While they do have scheduled activities for the kids.....ie tea party..etc....
WL is definately more family friendly.

WL gets my vote......with ease.
Kerri

Have you stayed at the GF? I usually find the people who don't think it's "family friendly" have never stayed there. Believe me, the 1st year we ever stayed at the Grand Floridian my kids were 2, 4 and 5 and we found it to be very family friendly.

 

[Frankiesmom]

I would pick the GF- the monorail will be great with the ages of your little ones! Enjoy!!!!

 

[wezee]

The GF is on the monorail...that is a big plus, IMO. But if I had my choice, I would liik into the Beach Club. The BC has an awesome pool and is just a hop skip and a jump from Epcot. Just food for thought. Enjoy your trip, wherever you decide!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Have you stayed at the GF? I usually find the people who don't think it's "family friendly" have never stayed there. Believe me, the 1st year we ever stayed at the Grand Floridian my kids were 2, 4 and 5 and we found it to be very family friendly.

It IS super family friendly. Robyn knows.

We also love the GF.

Hmmm.....I have 2 wks from today until I go back. I have 3 kids and they love the GF, too. The GF has the nicest CMs and best service at WDW. I wish I could get a great discount for the GF.

Lives4Disney

 

[bellebud]

I have an opportunity to take a BIG Travel AGent discount but the Poly is not available. What do you all prefer: Wilderness Lodge (or Villas) or Grand Floridian... and why? These are both available.

We have two school aged children (7 yrs and 9 yrs) and young ones traveling with us ages (6 months and 2 years).


Thanks for your help!

How long are you staying? That would help me decide.

If a week or more, I'd definitely do the WL Villas (or any villas - for your age kids, I'd pick the boardwalk because of the pool). While SAB at beachclub is awesome, it's huge and your kids would probably want to split up (your 7 and 9yo's would feel too big to really enjoy the kiddie sections, and the other sections are too big for your little ones). The boardwalk's clown slide would entertain your 7 and 9yo's, and you could be in the pool w/ the 2yo and still keep an eye on your older ones. They have a cute area for the 2yo too, with a small playset and a baby pool. It's all very contained, which I like. WL is also very nice for families (I do like the boardwalk pool better, but I like WL's food choices and lobby better, and it has a more peaceful atmosphere, which the boardwalk is more lively

So for the villas - laundry w/ 4 kids would be important to me. So would the kitchen for breakfast (and coffee!) in pj's, everyone not having to get up at the same time, a napping baby and possibly 2yo. Ask for a ground floor, and your 7 and 9yo's can run around outside your patio doors while the little ones sleep in or nap, etc. I'd imagine bedtime might also be helped w/ the older ones being able to stay up and watch tv in the livingroom while putting the little ones down earlier.

BUT if you're staying under a week and laundry isn't as important and you'll all be on basically the same schedule as far as going to bed, etc, the GF is great! We've stayed there 2x's and very much enjoyed it! I love having the monorail and being able to see MK from the grounds.

Good luck deciding!

 

[CoolPool]

The monorail will make life easier though 4 kids in one room is tough. I think I agree with the above poster. For a short trip, GF. For an extended trip: Villa.