Please help! GF or BWI...can't decide

[lianakcc]

I can't decide if we should stay at BWI or GF for our 4 nights before our cruise.....we reservations at GF, but the more I think about it, I think our teenage (13,17) boys might have more fun at BW....what do you think?

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

I think at their age they would enjoy the BW. It also has the ESPN place and some activities in case they get bored in the room. They will have some place close by to go to if you don't mind letting them loose a little.

The lobby at the GF might be a little boring for them.

 

[Kae]

I think they might enjoy BW area also. What parks are you going to spend the most time? MGM/Epcot then pick BW. MK they pick GF.

Kae

 

[40-Something Kid]

The Boardwalk, especially at night, is far livelier for teenagers. GF brings to my mind words like "exquisite," "pristine," and "genteel." (In other words, I love the GF!) But, as the mother of a preteen and teenaged boy, I agree with the previous poster's insight that the BW, with ESPN, live entertainment, on the BW, and just more going on, is your better choice!

 

[lianakcc]

We have MK here in California, so proably would not spend a lot of time there....I'm mainly concerned about the quality of the rooms/hotel areas...are the comparable? Or would i be disappointed with the BWI?

 

[Sammie]

You will get many different opinions on each resort as each has it followers. Both are great hotels. It depends on what you are looking for.
My opinion between the two:
If you are comparing lobbies, Grand Floridian definitely has the edge, larger more open, spacious, more seating.

Pools, the pool at the Villas side of the Boardwalk is great fun with a slide, but so is the new slide pool at the Grand Floridian.

Recreation activities, boats etc. Definitely Grand Floridian wins this one.

Nightlife etc, Boardwalk wins.

Easy places to eat quickly, Grand Floridiain. The Boardwalk does not have a 24 hour Fast food area like the Grand Floridian does. I prefer the food offer at Park Fare, Grand Floridian Cafe and Narcoosee's over the BW restaurants.

In fact this one area of the Boardwalk we do not like. I know that the Boardwalk area has lots to offer, but we prefer the restaurants at the Grand Floridian and the easy access to them.

Beds: Grand Floridian has new pillow top mattresses. Room size: Grand Floridian rooms are larger.

Both are great resorts but very different. If I was not going to stay at the Grand Floridian my second choice would be the Yacht Club. If you are not going to spend much time at the Magic Kingdom, then I would suggest an Epcot resort.

Again I am sure you will get plenty of different opinions.

 

[swilphil]

The Yacht Club is a nice compromise between the two. Your boys will like both BW or YC, but you might like the YC better or if you could get a suite or deluxe concierage at BW that might make your stay a little nicer. I love the Epcot area resorts. It's so fun to walk to the two nearby parks.

 

[johnsonet]

I've stayed at both and both are beautiful - and also very similar in terms of luxury. I thought Concierge Level at BWI was VERY impressive! However, I have never stayed Concierge at GF. We've stayed at GF 6 or 7 times however and it is gorgeous! The lobby is more GRAND and there is the monorail which your boys would probably get a big kick out of. Also, they can rent water mice at the Marina and buzz around Seven Seas Lagoon
BWI is VERY nice and they could walk all over - b/c of their ages I would say BWI - it's very, very nice!

 

[lmhall2000]

based on their ages..I would say BWI...I just chose GF over BWI only because I have a fear of clowns and just can't bring myself to stare at that huge face watching my little ones go down...and the monorail makes a quick jaunt to our favorite park MK....so if your kids are older and can handle a big clown slide...then go with that one...they can ride surrey bikes on the boardwalk...walk to Epcot and hang out at Beaches & Cream...

Enjoy!
Tara

 

[susy]

I vote for the Yacht Club- I know it's not a choice, but......

the rooms were recently renovated, the lobby and common areas are formal and very nautical (very "manly"). The rooms are just beautiful (I would suggest a water view)

Walk to Epcot, a quick boat ride (like a minute) across to the Boardwalk (they could go on their own) or a five minute walk.

Great restaurants at both the YC and the BC

and, the best....

STORMALONG BAY!!!!! I think they might feel silly at the BWI pool with the big clown face (you know how teenagers are).

check out the photos
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_yc.htm

 

[susy]

Just wanted to add that all the rooms have all been made over in the decor under the heading CONCIERGE ROOMS INTERIOR.

 

[lmhall2000]

I would choose Yacht Club over BWI...mainly for the pool area...but be aware the great slide is closed all of January and parts of February..just double check.
Tara

 

[momxx5]

At first I thought GF or BWI, the GF would win hands down.

Then I read your children's ages and I agree that the Epcot resort area would be more fun. They could hang out on the Boardwalk, walk over the Epcot in the evenings, etc. Much more things to do.

I do vote for the Yacht club though. But since that's not a choice I would go with the BWI.

 

[ducklite]

I've stayed at all three resorts mentioned on this thread, GF, BWI, YC, and the BWI would win hands down. The pool area at teh YC is more exciting, but service at the BWI is MUCH better than at the YC and GF.

Anne

 

[MUFFYCAT]

With kids your age, I'd definetly go for the BWI.

 

[lianakcc]

Wow! Thanks for the great responses....Sounds like it will be BWI or Yacht Club. Between the two, which would you say would be the best for us parents who would like a little peach and quiet and like to stay at 4 or 5 star hotels?

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by lianakcc
Wow! Thanks for the great responses....Sounds like it will be BWI or Yacht Club. Between the two, which would you say would be the best for us parents who would like a little peach and quiet and like to stay at 4 or 5 star hotels?

DEFINITELY BWI! Try and get on the Concierge level if you can~

 

[lark]

Agree with what everyone else has said; particularly with the chidren's ages being a deciding factor for the boarwalk area.

One other thing to note that I didn't see above. The BWI, for all its advantages, can have some stinky views in its standard view category. So, all other things being equal, if view is important to you, on average you have a much better chance of getting a good view with a standard/garden view at the GF than you do with getting a standard view at the BWI. If view is not important or if you are considering water view at BWI, then this would be irrelevant.

 

[Sammie]

Between Yacht Club and BW Inn, my vote goes to Yacht Club. Unless you are staying Concierge, then my vote goes to the BW Inn.

If concierge is out I would go with Yacht Club. Best pool on property, closer to Epcot and MGM, and the Boardwalk is right across the lake to enjoy all it has to offer. I definitely prefer the views from a lake view at Yacht Club and we found Yacht Club to be much quieter than BW Inn. I also prefer the dining choices at YC/BC over the BW.