Is it worth it?

[blues2411]

We are going to Disney for a week starting Aug 1st. I am traveling with my friend and her daughter (age 5). I am trying to decide between a moderate resort or GF. The GF is actually cheaper than the Poly or CR during the 4/3 special. I am wondering if it would be worth the extra money to stay on the monorail. I'm thinking it would be nice to be on the monorail due to the heat that time of year. What would you do???

 

[Disneymama5816]

We always stay on the monorail when we can afford to do so. We love the views of the CR (our favorite). Probably the reason the Poly and CR are higher is because the lower view categories are not available. Keep trying back if you are interested in them. The GF is really pretty and the monorail is wonderful, especially for coming back to MK for a nap and swim in the August heat. The new pool at the CBR is beautiful and the pirate rooms are really cool (especially to a 5 year old) as far as the moderates go. Hope this helps.

 

[Uno Mas]

I would always try to stay on the monorail if you can afford it. Particularly with a 5 year old - that will make the trip much easier on her, less busses, easier access to your resort, etc, etc.

 

[mmmears]

If it is affordable for you, definitely stay on the monorail! You really wont regret it, since your transportation options will be much better. We've stayed at the GF 3 times with our DD, and she loved it every time.

BTW, if GF is showing up as less expensive, it must be because of the room categories at the other 2 monorail resorts. GV rooms at the CR and Poly are less expensive than GV rooms at the GF. If you start changing the rooms categories (or checking just what's left with the 4/3 deal) that would explain why the GF shows up as less $$$. It's a great deal, BTW!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I'm sure I'll be one of the only ones to say so, but......

...we just didn't like the Grand Floridian. Our visit there for dinner on our trip in January provoked multiple comments from both DH and DS that "they were glad we were staying at POR". The "elegance" (though undoubtably beautiful) was just not for us. Give us the bayou any day.

Staying on the monorail loop would be lovely, but we had a great experience with the buses at our mod resort so that perk in itself would never persuade us to stay at the GF (admittedly, however, it wasn't "hot" when we were there). Plus our favourite park was AK, and you can't take the monorail there anyway.

If I were going to pay the money for a deluxe, it would be the Poly or the WL. The theming at those locations are more suited to our family's tastes.

No flames please.....just another humble point of view.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you decide!

 

[Cmbar]

I'm sure I'll be one of the only ones to say so, but......

...we just didn't like the Grand Floridian. Our visit there for dinner on our trip in January provoked multiple comments from both DH and DS that "they were glad we were staying at POR". The "elegance" (though undoubtably beautiful) was just not for us. Give us the bayou any day.

Staying on the monorail loop would be lovely, but we had a great experience with the buses at our mod resort so that perk in itself would never persuade us to stay at the GF (admittedly, however, it wasn't "hot" when we were there). Plus our favourite park was AK, and you can't take the monorail there anyway.

If I were going to pay the money for a deluxe, it would be the Poly or the WL. The theming at those locations are more suited to our family's tastes.

No flames please.....just another humble point of view.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you decide!

NO Flames Gina! But without staying there you are simply talking styles. I love all the styles at the Disney resorts with the exception and a big YUCK to Animal Kingdom Lodge. We went there for dinner and said oh never would we stay at this dark resort with nothing but animals to look at and far away from everything..... BUT I know there are lots of people who love this resort, so I could never tell someone that it isn't great.

To the OP. I have stayed in all the moderates except Coronado. We stayed at the GF last year with a great discount and I have to admit, if I could afford it I would gladly stay there again. If truly there is no hardship in picking the GF, I would definitely stay there. Especially with a smaller child. We loved the monorail options, the options of great restraunts to eat in right in our hotel, great quick service and two great pools. The view from the beach is beautiful and you can sit and listen to the fireworks at Magic Kingdom right from your hotel. In the heat of summer I would definitely pick GF just for ease of travel. The moderates are GREAT resorts so don't think twice if you would rather spend your money on other things beside the room accomodations. However if you go moderate, invest in preffered rooms so you are close to the main area and pool. Especially at CBR! In the August heat I would be grumpy walking all that way before I even started touring the parks! Also, one thing to note is that The grand floridian is not too uppity for a child. My kids loved the Grand Floridian, especially my son who loved the monorail. It is an amazing resort and I really don't think you can beat it (unless you like the WL, Poly or CR styles better). Wherever you decide, enjoy your trip!

 

[kate&sarahsdad]

If money is no object, I'm staying at the GF. If money is tight, I'd go with a moderate. We love to stay at CSR.

 

[Minnie824]

Definitely stay at GF! We've stayed there w/our DDs multiple times and we all loved it. Everyone there is so friendly and the resort is beautiful.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Staying at any of the Monorail Resorts no matter which one it is makes things so much easier when at WDW, so I say go for it.

 

[KatMark]

Truthfully, the GF does not appeal to us and we also (and I will get slammed for this) think the monorail is overrated. You can sit on it just as long as you can a bus, wait as long, be in it like a can of sardines, etc.

I would look at the theme of the GF and compared it to whichever moderate you would stay at and see what suits your needs better. Also, the money that you save at a moderate could be spent on something extra special.

 

[ms_missy66]

Regardless if you like the style of the GF or not, the convenience of the monorail is awesome! You won't regret it with a five year old. My daugther, who is that age, definitely handles the bus system just fine, but waiting around for one at the end of a long day is never fun. Go for the GF!!