Is GF REALLY that superior?

[writersblock]

My son and daughter had a portion of their honeymoon in WDW and both opted to stay in the Epcot resort area. (They were raised with > annual trips to WDW like some folks go the beach. LOL! ) So they basically knew what they wanted!
I believe that young people really enjoy the Epcot area the most, generally speaking. Personally, I love the MK resort hotels the best and the GF or Poly just screams romance to me. (My DH and I had our 45th anniversary at the GF RPC and the BWI CL as a split stay.)

All of the resorts that you have listed are awesome and would make a lovely honeymoon destination. If your love is the GF and if your SO favours the BWV, then it sounds to me like you have narrowed the list down to two. Personally, I would go with the split stay that others have recommended and stay at both the Gf and the BWV. However, not everyone enjoys moving while on vacation, so that is completely understandable if you want to select just one.

Regarding whether or not the GF is worth the money? Probably not worth what WDW charges, but then none of the Disney resorts are really worth what Disney charges for them. Many people happily pay it, however, and fully enjoy the experience. I know that we do not regret spending the money that we did to stay there for our anniversary. It was truly magical. We were in the main building with a perfect view of the castle and fireworks and I will never forget our first night on the balcony watching Wishes in each others arms. Dreams are made of moments like that one.....

Then we moved to the BWI and we had a wonderful room overlooking the boardwalk and truly enjoyed the CL there. The friendly staff has a special place in our hearts because of their kindness. This is also a special resort. It may not look like much from the outside (at least not to me), but the rooms are lovely and the CM's the best in WDW, IMO.

We didn't choose the Poly because there was massive construction going on there at the time. However, the Poly has now completed the work and is a wonderful choice once again. It is tied for one of the top three resorts in WDW and I simply cannot choose one between them (GF, POY and CR). This would be a wonderful honeymoon choice. Very romantic at night with the torches lit!

The AKL is spectacular, with an amazing lobby in Jambo and, of course, the animals. It wouldn't be my personal first choice for a honeymoon, though. It simply doesn't have the prime location that the other two resorts have, the rooms are a bit small and dark for my taste and the luxury is just a little lower than what you find at the GF and the BWI, IMO.

Bottom line: I would choose in this order:

GF then Poly then BWI then AKL.

Be aware that while we have stayed at all these resorts many times, we have stayed in the hotel rather than the DVC portion in each case. Our son owns DVC at the GF so we have been in the rooms there to visit him, but have not actually stayed there ourselves. The GF studios are lovely, IMO, but we prefer the layout and amenities of the standard hotel rooms. Personal preference.



As I understand it:
The problem with split stays and Disney Dining plans is that there would be a day when you would buy the dining plan twice (moving day). You can buy it though, for both stays, if that isn't a concern. I do wonder why, if you are staying in a luxury resort with presumably just the two of you, you would want to buy a DP. The economics are really unlikely to work out in your favour if you buy the plan/package. DH and I always find that we do much better paying OOP for our meals. If you are hoping for free dining, then a RO discount usually works better for us. You may want to look carefully at you plans to determine if going with a dining plan will work best for you.

Congratulations! Enjoy whichever resort you choose!

You've been incredibly helpful, thank you. I just assumed that DDP was better value, and it means not thinking about the cost of everything while you are there (which is pretty attractive for us). We could, in theory, just do one portion of our stay on the plan, and the other without. Club level AKL was attractive because of all the food sitting about all day! In terms of what we would eat, we'd probably either buy breakfast to eat in our rooms or something small on the go, sandwich or similar for lunch, then a sit down dinner (food type for this would vary. Sometimes junk food, sometimes lobster!).

We are tempted by the split stays - but how practical are they? Is it a PITA to move, or pretty seamless? Would we have to take a day out of our itinerary on the moving day? I'll post it as a separate thread to try and get some extra responses but I'm really curious as to how it would work. We could, in theory, do 12 days and have 6 at AKL (standard villa) then 4 at BWV and then 3 at GF at the end, or do two weeks split between AFK and BWV or even POR and GF. It's so hard to make the decision on how many days and which resorts.

Is it REALLY worth staying on site at Universal when we only want 1 or 2 days there?

Thanks!

 

[Babsy]

Split stays:
PROS:
* Split stays are great, IMO, because you get to stay in more than just one resort. This is especially useful to us because I can never decide which ONE resort to stay in on any given trip. Like you, I vacillate among the many wonderful choices! LOL
* The other thing that I like about split stays is the ability to take advantage of the proximity to the parks in multiple areas. For example, we often stay in a MK resort and then move to an Epcot resort. Then we plan our park visits to coincide (primarily) with when we are staying within walking/close distance.
* If you find that you are in a room that you are disappointed in at one resort, you have the opportunity to have a better experience in the other. In other words, you don't have all your eggs in one basket.
CONS:
* You do have to pack up and unpack during your vacation. Planning and packing for the move can reduce the time this takes, but some time will be spent getting ready to move and then settling in at the next resort.
* You check out at 11:00 am and check in at 3:00pm (4:00 pm in DVC). So there are a few hours on moving day when you are 'homeless'. How much that bothers you depends upon your circumstances (e.g. do you need a room during these hours or will you be in the theme parks anyway?)
* There is some very minor expense involved in moving. It basically can be as little as a few extra tips or, possibly, include a taxi/Uber fare.
* Some people find moving during the vacation unsettling, some love to move and have 'two vacations in one'.

How you move resorts:
1. Bell Services
Arrange express check out so that you will automatically be checked out at 11:00. Then you do not have to go to the front desk to check out if you do not want to do so on moving day. When you get up on moving day, pack up your things and call Bell Services.
Let Bell Services know that you are moving to "___' resort and ask them to move your bags for you. You go ahead with your plans for the day. Later, when you are finished for the day (at least after 3:00 pm), you go to the new resort and check in. Be aware that if you have Bell Services move your bags for you, it could be evening before the bags arrive at the second resort. So, be sure to keep a small bag/backpack with you, containing anything that you might need during the day (medications, swimsuits, etc).
After you go to your room, call Bell Services and have them deliver your bags to the room. You will have to be in the room for them to deliver the bags.
Advantages: only cost is a couple of tips to Bell Services; you go about your day almost immediately, no need to waste time and money on a cab
2.
Get up on moving day and pack up. Go to the front desk and check out of your first resort. Grab a cab or call Uber and go to your next resort. Try checking in. If your room is ready, drop off your bags and go about your day. If you room is not ready, drop your bags with Bell Services and go about your day. You will receive a text message when your room is ready. You can return anytime later in the day to settle into your room.
Advantages: you are already 'checked in' for your room and have your bags at the new resort when you start your day, no worries about when your stuff will arrive at the second resort

Some random thoughts:

If you pack two suitcases, one for each resort, then packing and unpacking can be quick and easy.

We find packing cubes great for keeping organized. It only takes me about 15-30 minutes to throw everything in our case and be ready to leave. I have done this often and prefer the second method of moving. However, it will take more of your time. I allow a morning for moving when I follow method #2. It won't take the entire morning, but it spoils the most of it.

If you aren't sure if you even want to do a split stay, I would only plan one in this trip. If you find that you do not like packing and unpacking, it would be better to only have to do it once. After this trip, you can decide whether or not you find moving a PITA or if you love the variety in accommodations.

Most people like to 'move up' in resorts. So, if possible, plan your 'nicer' resort for the second half of your stay. For example, I would stay at the POR (moderate) first and then move to the GF (deluxe).

Universal:
I would stay on site here in order to get the Front of Line access. However, I believe that you can purchase FOLA, so it isn't really necessary. I haven't been to USF in years, though, so someone else will be better able to help you with this decision, I'm sure.

 

[Baklava]

I like the GF but, to me, it's third of the 3 monorail resorts (First being poly and 2nd being Contemporary just because I'm a nerd for the (now) retro-modern style and, of course, it's got a MONORAIL GOING THROUGH IT!) but that's a personal taste - The restaurants are great and I like the open lobby with the live music.

I KNOW, RIGHT? There's a monorail INSIDE the hotel! Like, right in the middle! Walking through the hotel and WHOOSH! Hello, monorail!

I don't understand how everyone is not totally blown away by the monorail INSIDE the hotel!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The other challenge of a split stay for OP is that OP is talking DVC rental, possibly in high season. So stringing together multiple "reserve at 11-months" owners may be a challenge, and potentially leave OP with part of the stay booked, but having to look at different options for, say, arrival or end of the booking, and not getting things booked "in order."

It's not common to be able to book on day 1 of an 11-month window via the brokers right now. David's is looking for points to book people within the next 6 months. DVC Rental Store have a massive backlog for 11-7 month bookings right now, and they're not even booking DVC high season at this point on an 11-month basis (May-June 2017).

 

[JasonMouse]

We did Beach Club honeymoon, because it's close to my favorite park, so it's not totally about the resort. The only significant difference I see is location as far as Deluxes go, which is why I've never stayed at Saratoga and Key West.

 

[Tigger's ally]

As I understand it:
The problem with split stays and Disney Dining plans is that there would be a day when you would buy the dining plan twice (moving day). You can buy it though, for both stays, if that isn't a concern.

Actually, you buy the dining plan based on nights, not days. There is not a day you pay twice.

 

[Terapin]

I love the Boardwalk and related resorts. I adore being so close to Epcot and to the restaurants around the BW. Great for a couples trip if you like walking around and not being limited to being at the resort once you leave the parks. And the boat to DHS is great. Great resort for outdoor running! I like this resort for what else you can do once you are finished at the park.

AKL has great theming and the rooms are nice and large. The resort itself is really nice and enjoyable. There can be some very long walks to some of the rooms, though. And once you are back at the resort, you kinda just feel like staying there as heading out can be a lengthy process. No running trails, either!

Grand Floridian is really nice in a fancy coffee drink kind of way: looks nice, tastes good, and is a treat. I like being so close to the monorail. But the rooms are nothing special, and if you get an outer building room they really are just rooms in a spiffy building. The quick service place is nothing to write home about, but the GF Cafe is quite nice.

 

[Melwhit16]

So I read "Is gluten free really that superior? " guess I wasn't in Disney mode.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

GF gets my vote with a 4 night cruise DCL .. Now I am just causing trouble!

 

[BabyFu18]

Personally I'm not a fan of split stays, but I know so many people on these boards love them. I like to really make my resort choice my home (away from home) for as long as we are there, so I don't want to pack up halfway through my vacation to relocate. I know it's probably not a huge deal to do split stays, but it's really just a personal preference on if you want to do that or not.

As far as your resort choices, I've never stayed in the villas but have stayed at the Poly, BWI and have an upcoming GF stay. I will say I loved both Poly and BWI for different reasons....

Polynesian Resort - Was really laid back and relaxing, I loved the tropical atmosphere (stayed here many times), it's a family favorite for sure. The pool is always crowded, so that's its biggest downfall to me, but even that wasn't a huge deal and won't keep us from staying there again in the future.

Boardwalk Inn - I really enjoyed this resort more than I though I was going to, and I'd love to stay there again. I loved all the activity on the boardwalk, easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as easy access to the other areas in the resort. Also even though the boardwalk area was usually a hub of activity the pools never felt overly crowded. Biggest issue here is that some rooms are a pretty long walk at the end of a busy day.

Grand Floridian - I'm staying there in a little over a month, I think the resort is very beautiful, still feel the hustle and bustle of Disney but with some Victorian charm thrown in. I'm excited to try it, I don't necessarily thingk it's superior to any of the other resorts you are thinking of staying at, they are all great just different themes.

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Haven't stayed here yet, but want to try it sometime. We went over for dinner once, walked around the resort, shopped, etc. and it was amazing so I'm sure staying there would feel the same way.

Honestly I'm no help because I don't think you can make a wrong decision, congratulations on your wedding and enjoy your honeymoon!

 

[justme0729]

For our honeymoon, we are staying at AKL CL (we own there) because our families will also be there after our wedding in Disney and we like CL. If we were alone and renting points.... I would definitely choose the Poly! It's easier to rent, the villas are newest, you have direct monorail to MK and Epcot at TTC, trader SAMs and Tambu lounge for drinks, access to CR and GF for easy dining, and views of the castle and wishes from the beach. Poly is definitely my favorite! We are using our complimentary night from our wedding at the GF though because we haven't stayed there and probably wouldn't in the future

 

[mousefan73]

If you are considering a split stay consider how you will book things.
How are you doing park tickets??
If you have an AP, there is no issue... Keep in mind though tickets are cheaper per day the longer the stay. you book two resorts ( 2 reservations) and park tickets.. All 3 separate and then linked in MDE.

It takes some pre-thinking though if you go with a package... where you have room, tickets, and DP.. or a speciall offer like with us FD.

We do a free-dining package and a room only as a split stay. We usually make the FD part longer and add a few nights at a delux on the end with a room only discount.

Important is we do the package first and make sure we have the number of park days convering both rooms. You can get more park days than your package... buying two packages with tickets is more expensive as you start over with the base prices with the tiers...


This is why we dont book the room only firsst... though you can get your part tickets earlier than the package start ( this is another thread)... I would only do this if the Room only was only available after the package.


switching resorts is not a PITA..... in our opinion.. we do it with 2 kids!!!

 

[Lisann]

You will only know if GF is superior once you have stayed at all the resorts you have listed. I adore GF. I feel so relaxed there and for me, that is what vacation is all about.

I loathe split stays. Once I have unpacked, I don't want to do it all over again. The only way I would consider a split stay is if I was staying for two weeks, with a week at each resort.

 

[AnnaKat]

The other challenge of a split stay for OP is that OP is talking DVC rental, possibly in high season. So stringing together multiple "reserve at 11-months" owners may be a challenge, and potentially leave OP with part of the stay booked, but having to look at different options for, say, arrival or end of the booking, and not getting things booked "in order."

It's not common to be able to book on day 1 of an 11-month window via the brokers right now. David's is looking for points to book people within the next 6 months. DVC Rental Store have a massive backlog for 11-7 month bookings right now, and they're not even booking DVC high season at this point on an 11-month basis (May-June 2017).

If the choices depend on renting points, then availability should be looked @ first.
If $$$ is not an issue for a 2-week stay, then many more possibilities open up.

The VGF get rave reviews. But they are difficult for Owners to even book. We have tried @ 7 months to book non-home resort studio, & it's like impossible to get the BWV, VGF, etc.
You probably need to see what's generally available before you get you set on a certain dvc studio(s) through renting points. With a 2-week stay, you are more likely to have do split stays IF relying on renting points.

 

[2013Frozen]

Love love AKL. It was our first deluxe resort, and didn't find the ride to the parks (MK, HS, Epcot, DS) really any longer than prior stays at Pop, AOA, and CBL. IMO the AKL is more laid back, but still has a luxury feel. Congrats and good luck on your choice!

 

[DisneyDinks]

For what it's worth, we stayed at the GF on our honeymoon & absolutely loved it! I didn't notice it being any more crowded than any other resort. However, we did go on an 'off' time in September. And, it was 20 years ago! The thing we will never forget is our upgrade. When we got to our room, it had 2 queen beds. My husband, very kindly, called & asked if we could be moved to a king size room because we were on our honeymoon. Within 10 minutes, a bellhop came to our room, loaded our luggage, and took us to a beautiful 2 room suite with a balcony that overlooked the castle! Every night when we came in from the parks, we had a special little treat on the bed...a rose, chocolate covered strawberries, etc. I know this is how Disney rolls, and any of the resorts would have probably done this. But, it was GF who did it for us & we will never forget it!
The grounds are very pretty & you have many places for special picture spots.
We are hoping to go back to celebrate 20. This time, I would like to stay at the Poly. I've heard so many good things. I think that would be a beautiful place to stay as well.
Congratulations!!! Enjoy planning. Let us all know what you finally decide!

 

[Parker Clan]

You've been incredibly helpful, thank you. I just assumed that DDP was better value, and it means not thinking about the cost of everything while you are there (which is pretty attractive for us). We could, in theory, just do one portion of our stay on the plan, and the other without. Club level AKL was attractive because of all the food sitting about all day! In terms of what we would eat, we'd probably either buy breakfast to eat in our rooms or something small on the go, sandwich or similar for lunch, then a sit down dinner (food type for this would vary. Sometimes junk food, sometimes lobster!).

We are tempted by the split stays - but how practical are they? Is it a PITA to move, or pretty seamless? Would we have to take a day out of our itinerary on the moving day? I'll post it as a separate thread to try and get some extra responses but I'm really curious as to how it would work. We could, in theory, do 12 days and have 6 at AKL (standard villa) then 4 at BWV and then 3 at GF at the end, or do two weeks split between AFK and BWV or even POR and GF. It's so hard to make the decision on how many days and which resorts.

Is it REALLY worth staying on site at Universal when we only want 1 or 2 days there?

Thanks!

To your question about Universal.. IMO yes it is worth staying on site. We are also honeymooning in FL this Aug. We do a combo Universal and Disney trip every summer. This will be our third summer staying at Royal Pacific Resort and the express pass and early admission make it totally worth staying on site. Especially the express pass. We are able to go on a TON of rides walk on with the EP.

Congrats and have a magical honeymoon!

 

[maryj11]

We have stayed at BC , Poly, and Grand Floridian. To me GF is the top resort of the 3, I absolutely love that resort and that would be my pick for sure with no contest. We had an outer building and thought the rooms were very nice, the grounds and lobby are beautiful. You can get some great discounts on the GF with a travel agent I cannot mention on here because it is against the disboard rules.

 

[Shanti]

Shanti, you just won "Understatement of the Day" award!

I said a "bit" because while the exterior is still completely Victorian, the guest rooms themselves are now fairly modern generic, since the last renovation.

 

[Dashzap]

We like Y&BC best because of the pool...Stormalong Bay.

Yes, stay at one of the Deluxes at Universal. We love Portofino Bay. Not only do you get the express pass, you take the boat launch to the entrance of the parks, and skip the walk through City Walk (that everyone staying at Cabana Bay and those who park at the garage must do.)