Is VGF Inconvenient for Dining?

[Indecisive]

Hi there! A couple of years ago, my family stayed at BLT. We loved it! We did not find it inconvenient to walk from BLT to CR for dining. Granted, we were in a GREAT location within BLT, on the same floor as the bridge to CR and very close to the bridge.

I am planning our next trip and would consider staying at BLT again. Of course, it is always nice to try something new! I would like to stay in the Magic Kingdom area. Looking at the GF resort map, it appears that the Villas are quite a distance to all the dining options in GF. But, perhaps it looks longer on the map than it is in reality. What do you think? Are the Villas convenient enough to the resort dining? And are the GF quick service options good?

(BTW, although I would love to stay at the Poly, I have pretty much ruled that out because I need a one-bedroom. Also, I have ruled out VWL for a few reasons. So I am down to VGF or BLT).

Thank you!

 

[SuperRob]

Depends on where in the resort you're eating. It's a little bit of an extra hike, but we didn't find it burdensome. Just leave five minutes earlier than you normally would and you'd be fine. You'll get used to it because you have to walk the same direction to go pretty much anywhere (except to your car, if you have one).

 

[southerngirl528]

There is a covered walkway from the VGF to the GF. It isn't much (if any) longer a stroll than one might have staying in the far end of BLT to the Contemporary. Plus, I LOVE the restaurants at the GF way more than at the Contemporary!! Yummmmm!

 

[magicaldisney]

I think it looks longer than it really is. It really isn't any different than walking from BLT over to Contemporary.

 

[quinnc19]

In addition to the covered walkway that leads to the GF entrance, one can walk the perimeter of the lake passing by the pools to get more quickly to some resort areas. It didn't seem burdensome to me, or longer to food than other DVC villas.

 

[Indecisive]

This is all very helpful. Thank you so much! Decisions, decisions . . . ! We may end up back at BLT anyway because there will be 5 of us, including my mother (aka Grandma) in a one-bedroom and it would be nice to have the extra toilet at BLT. But I am tempted by having different dining options as well as a different water slide to try! Anyway, it is good to know that dining is equally convenient in both places. Thanks again!

 

[SuperRob]

This is all very helpful. Thank you so much! Decisions, decisions . . . ! We may end up back at BLT anyway because there will be 5 of us, including my mother (aka Grandma) in a one-bedroom and it would be nice to have the extra toilet at BLT. But I am tempted by having different dining options as well as a different water slide to try! Anyway, it is good to know that dining is equally convenient in both places. Thanks again!

I think both the dining and pool are better at VGF ... but I'm extremely biased. It's our favorite resort. We also had a negative experience at the California Grill during our Honeymoon, so we haven't been back there.

 

[Mpadovani2]

It must look longer on a map than it is. My two year old and I walk from the villas to the main lobby in under 4 mins and he has really short legs. Dining venues are great there, with the exception of Gasparilla's. I found it to be dirty with extremely slow service and poorly managed.

 

[automaticsoap]

Don't forget you can also walk over to the Poly from VGF!

 

[prncssjas]

This is all very helpful. Thank you so much! Decisions, decisions . . . ! We may end up back at BLT anyway because there will be 5 of us, including my mother (aka Grandma) in a one-bedroom and it would be nice to have the extra toilet at BLT. But I am tempted by having different dining options as well as a different water slide to try! Anyway, it is good to know that dining is equally convenient in both places. Thanks again!

Hi there, I don't blame you for considering all the options! My one stay at BLT and the walking distance was a small turn off for me as well. We love the VGF. While the walk is not SUPER long--it can be a bit cumbersome if you are tired or really hungry. What we love about the VGF is that it's right by Beaches (the pool counter service place) and you can refill your mug AND get super yummy food closer to the villa building. It works out well. The only down side is that it does close early (around 8pm on some days, I think?). All the sit down restaurants are terrific. The gasparilla grill is great because it is 24 hours...but can get super busy. Best of luck and you can't go wrong with the VGF.

 

[MountainMouse]

I just finished a split stay at VGF and BLT. We were at one of the furthest BLT rooms and in my opinion the walk to the Contemporary was significantly shorter than from VGF to the main GF building. Add to that the fact that Gaspy's is just past the main building and it's clear that it's further than the Contempo Cafe for quick service. That said, both places have quick service drinks by the pool which I would say were equally close. It was nice to stay in both, the GF is in its own special category and is my personal pick but with a 4 year old we were happier with BLT and the walking distance to MK. The contemporary seemed to appeal to the 4 year old more with Chef Mickeys and the monorail through the hotel and the Fantasia gift shop.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

First thing in the morning and after a long day in the parks, Gasparilla Island Grill feels like a hike. Aside from this one quick service location, everything else is quite reasonable.