Just Back Grand Floridian vs. Polynesian

[HairyChest]

Just got back from a December trip to the world. I stayed at the Portofino Bay hotel at Universal (best hotel at universal and well worth it no question) and then a split stay at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian.
Polynesian was the first resort I stayed in and it had my heart. I tried the Grand on another trip and loved it as well but I kept thinking about the Polynesian, I couldn't decide what was better. Well now I finally got to compare them head to head
The Grand Floridian wins bar none.
The Polynesian definitely is beautiful, has trader sams, the tiki torches at night and has the easy walk to the TTC.
The problem is the beds are springy and alittle hard, the room service was only served until midnight and didn't have much that I liked.
The Grand on the other hand has luxorious beds that are plush, room service 24hours with fantastic food options, beautiful bright rooms with beautiful views even in the regular garden views, the lobby and the smell leaves a luxorious and awesome impression and it has that Disney magic feeling that I didn't get originally when I just went there for breakfast. Even my brother who didn't care to stay at the Grand after just visiting and only wanted to stay at the Polynesian kept saying wow throughout the stay. He said "this place is definitely worth more then the Polynesian". If you only visit the Grand and don't go to the pool area and beach you may think its nice but stuffy. Once you go outside and see the rooms and pool and beach, itll leave an amazing relaxing impression.

Polynesian is special to me and still a favorite but if I had the option between the two I would pick the Grand and wouldn't ponder if I made the right choice.

 

[Nancyg56]

It's funny that you compare the two. My family has also stayed at both, although no split stays for us.

For us, atmosphere is key, and I tend to gravitate towards the Grand. My DD and DSIL are always pulled to the Poly. They booked it in July, felt like they had come home, and settled into the lush tropical garden that the Poly envelops guests into....and fell over when their 15 YO DD announced she much preferred the Grand! LOL! They never saw that coming....Thanks Nana!!!! LOL!

For my family, atmosphere is that intangible feeling that add or detracts from a vacation experience, and both of these lovely resorts offer different vibes. You want to really mix up the family....try the Beach Club or Animal Kingdom Lodge! LOL! They both take you to a different place, offer a very different vacation experience, and are so much fun.

 

[hedberg1661]

Portofino Bay hotel at Universal (best hotel at universal and well worth it no question)

Good to hear this as well. This is next on my list at Universal.

 

[trishadono]

Just got back from a December trip to the world. I stayed at the Portofino Bay hotel at Universal (best hotel at universal and well worth it no question) and then a split stay at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian.
Polynesian was the first resort I stayed in and it had my heart. I tried the Grand on another trip and loved it as well but I kept thinking about the Polynesian, I couldn't decide what was better. Well now I finally got to compare them head to head
The Grand Floridian wins bar none.
The Polynesian definitely is beautiful, has trader sams, the tiki torches at night and has the easy walk to the TTC.
The problem is the beds are springy and alittle hard, the room service was only served until midnight and didn't have much that I liked.
The Grand on the other hand has luxorious beds that are plush, room service 24hours with fantastic food options, beautiful bright rooms with beautiful views even in the regular garden views, the lobby and the smell leaves a luxorious and awesome impression and it has that Disney magic feeling that I didn't get originally when I just went there for breakfast. Even my brother who didn't care to stay at the Grand after just visiting and only wanted to stay at the Polynesian kept saying wow throughout the stay. He said "this place is definitely worth more then the Polynesian". If you only visit the Grand and don't go to the pool area and beach you may think its nice but stuffy. Once you go outside and see the rooms and pool and beach, itll leave an amazing relaxing impression.

Polynesian is special to me and still a favorite but if I had the option between the two I would pick the Grand and wouldn't ponder if I made the right choice.

We did a poly/gf split this summer.

For poly I like better: transportation (TTC) , the view of MK and 7SL, the walk around the resort(tiki lights), food( I love anything from Kona), the beach just to sit.

For GF I like : the pools! the outside bars both for food and drinks, the lobby, the turndown service, the bathroom setup with separate sink area, the basket of towels in the hall so you can grab if need before the maid gets to your room,

My 21 and 19 yr olds also noticed the better beds at GF!

If you check my signature you will see I'm heading to gf in September with DH because he doesn't like the darkness of poly.

Me I love them both and still slightly prefer poly . How do I cope? I have lunch booked at poly for 1/14/17!

 

[TJA]

Ahhh those beds at GF .
You know, right after the Poly room renovations a few years back, I remember thinking how comfortable the Poly beds were too. I'm thinking they are about due for a tune-up, right? Maybe spruce the rooms up a bit, new mattresses, etc.

I also feel the love for both Poly and GF and would stay at both in a heartbeat. I just need to find some travel dates in a low season for some better rates!

Thanks for the review, OP!

 

[ACL2000]

I've never stayed at the Polynesian but it has a unique atmosphere and style to it that's hard to replicate. Many hold it dear to their hearts.

The GF has been a part of my life since it first opened. It epitomizes the top tier of quality and luxury yet is able to seemlessly integrate a fun family atmosphere without feeling stuffy.

The attention to detail given in every corner of the resort sets it apart from other Disney deluxe resorts. The mattresses you refer to are amazing.

You can never go wrong with the GF. It's incomparable even to five star resorts even to the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton off site.

The place transforms into wonderland of charm, majesty and grace every evening like your at the Royal Ball with Cinderella, just don't forget, it's not a dream. Even the immaculate marble floor has proof of this ^_^

 

[mindeola]

Interesting. The Poly has my heart. I love to visit the GF, but I have never had a desire to stay there! Maybe one day I will have to give it a try. Especially for the beds.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I've never been to WDW, but the Polynesian is my dream resort.

 

[bumbershoot]

I stayed at the Portofino Bay hotel at Universal (best hotel at universal and well worth it no question)

So true.

 

[100acreHiker]

We've stayed 4 deluxe resorts and nothing compares to the Grand. We've stayed twice, and I wish we could afford to stay there every time. The vibe and the feeling of seclusion, the spirit of the resort, the rooms and the food—no other resort can hold a candle to it. That said, we are now a Boardwalk family; our family prefers EP and HS and the convenience for us outweighs the perks of the Grand. Plus, we save a few hundred dollars. It's a close second for us and we love it. I have no desire to stay at the Poly--every time I've visited, it was way too busy and loud for my taste.

 

[adisneyaunt]

Stayed poly club and loved it. GF felt a bit "stodgy" to us for our visit... tho perhaps as a couples trip versus a family trip.. something to think about.

 

[buzznina]

We have stayed at both and GF hands down wins over POLY for our family.

 

[Trip planner]

Interesting- would everyone prefer the grand with younger kids? I just booked our third consecutive Poly stay for the summer because my kids (will be 9 and 6) LOVE the pool. Every year I get quotes for both and choose Poly. (Mostly because I am torn and since Poly is cheaper and the kids like it, I go with Poly) now you all have me considering a switch.

 

[Babsy]

We are torn and love all three MK resorts equally. The GF is special but so is the Poly - and nothing beats the CR tower MK view!!

Most people have their favourite - I have my favourite three!

Trip planner: my DS and DGD love the Gf much more than the Poly. DGD are aged 7 and 4. They have been going to WDW twice a year since they were 5 and 2 and have stayed in all the deluxe and some moderates. They love GF best with the CR tower a close second. The Poly (surprisingly to me) comes in third.

 

[100acreHiker]

Interesting- would everyone prefer the grand with younger kids? I just booked our third consecutive Poly stay for the summer because my kids (will be 9 and 6) LOVE the pool. Every year I get quotes for both and choose Poly. (Mostly because I am torn and since Poly is cheaper and the kids like it, I go with Poly) now you all have me considering a switch.

We have grade school aged kids (boys) and they LOVE the Grand Floridian and love the feature pool. In fact, they prefer the pool at the GF to Stormalong Bay, which was way too busy and loud and crowded for our taste. If you are considering a trip to GF and can swing it, go for it. Nothing compares. For my boys, the GF is their first favorite pool, followed by Boardwalk.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

Good to hear this as well. This is next on my list at Universal.

It's an incredible resort: spacious rooms, comfortable beds, great customer service, really nice pools. Can't suggest it enough myself either

 

[HairyChest]

I hear great things about the contemporary but the theming is really a turnoff. the room views ive seen though are pretty spectacular.
In regards to the $ difference, if you are saving quiet a bit on funds by staying at the poly id say that's the right choice. you will have an absolute amazing time. but if the $ isn't a big difference to you, the GF is definitely well worth the stay.
the Portofino bay beds are absolute heaven! The beach pool especially is gorgeous with its waterfall and slide. 1 night and 2 days is enough at universal but because of the Portofino bay, I always end up staying 2 nights to enjoy it, it is wonderful! I stayed at the royal pacific because I love the poly theming and its supposedly in the same vein- well no sir. the rooms were pretty small and the theming wasn't close to the level of the poly (or to the level of Portofino bay even).

 

[mickeynut1]

Me I love them both and still slightly prefer poly .

This is me as well. I never thought I'd like the GF but once I stayed there, I loved it! With that said, however, there's just something about the Poly that gives it a slight edge over the GF for me .

I also feel the love for both Poly and GF and would stay at both in a heartbeat.

Me too! While the Poly is my #1 choice, the GF runs a very close second and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again .

Interesting- would everyone prefer the grand with younger kids? I just booked our third consecutive Poly stay for the summer because my kids (will be 9 and 6) LOVE the pool. Every year I get quotes for both and choose Poly. (Mostly because I am torn and since Poly is cheaper and the kids like it, I go with Poly) now you all have me considering a switch.

I think both are great resorts for kids of all ages. The Poly (to me) has a more laid back feel, but the GF also has a great atmosphere. If you want something different, I think the GF is worth a try. Good luck .

 

[Allison]

I'm heading to the Grand Floridian on my next visit. I originally booked the Beach Club but was asked to move to the Polynesian or the Grand Floridian. Since I had been to the Polynesian before and loved it, it was a hard decision for me. I chose the Grand Floridian since I have not stayed there before. I'm looking forward to seeing which resort I like more.

 

[DG-12]

Interesting- would everyone prefer the grand with younger kids? I just booked our third consecutive Poly stay for the summer because my kids (will be 9 and 6) LOVE the pool. Every year I get quotes for both and choose Poly. (Mostly because I am torn and since Poly is cheaper and the kids like it, I go with Poly) now you all have me considering a switch.

I haven't read through every response. But we have an 8 and 4 yr old. We did a split stay this summer at the Poly/Grand. Here is why we prefer the Grand.
-Cinderella and Charming make their grand entrance and dance with the kids
-Rainy says the Grand kids/Rec people take activities inside and still do fun stuff with the kids
-Mad Hatter pool area is easy to eat at/tables open/with wait staff. Not possible at the Poly (in the Liki tiki play area)
Golf cart rides at the resort
Pirate Adventure/Wonderland TeaParty are great kids activities
1900 Park Fare
The Salon will do a princess makeover and will do what you want vs. fixed BBB styles.
The staff simply could not do enough to make our stay magical at the Grand- including a last minute repair to a Halloween costume.
There are probably more. Those are off the top of my head.