Poly, Grand Floridian or WL advice please.

[john storey]

I'm in the process of putting together a 3 week vacation for next April/May, I've got the first 2weeks 3 days sorted, (Saratoga Springs, Animal KL, Cruise + Vero Beach) we are then heading back to Orlando for the last 4 days. I've never stayed in any of the MK resorts & I don't fancy Contempory, are there any major differences between the Poly, GF or WL. They all look really nice But is one really that much better than the other. I realise GF is probably the most expensive but it looks a bit formal & spread out,(probably just me getting the wrong idea here) Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[QJ411]

DH and I are HUGE fans of the WL! The decor there is just breath-taking! The transportation is great, we love the boat to MK or CR for the monorail.

We LOVE the WL! Good luck and ENJOY!!!

 

[steveanddonna]

I would opt for GF or Poly, depending on the atmosphere you prefer. WL is beautiful as QJ411 said, and Artist Point restaurant there is phenomenal, but I would do a monorail resort for the last leg of the trip. I'm not discounting the other poster's positive experience with transportation at WL, but most of our family & friends have complained about long waits for buses and boats at WL. Both Poly and GF are spread out, but getting around is not difficult at all. If you like your lodgings all in one building, though, these resorts aren't for you. GF is not as stuffy as it appears, and the CMs that I've encountered there have all been wonderful. The Poly is our second home, and we adore the relaxed, tropical atmosphere, and have made many friends among the CMs there. The Poly also has what I think is the best transportation of all the resorts - monorail and buses out front, motor launch to MK on the lagoon, and a quick walk to the TTC for other buses and Epcot monorail.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Wow, I'm envious of the 3 week vacation. Good for you. There are subtle differences at all the resorts you mentioned. Probably the one that stands out the most is the theme. WL is very rustic looking. The lobby is probably one of the most beautiful that I've seen at Disney. It has a nice big fireplace with rocking chairs around it. It's set in the woods, so it appears to be all by itself. It's also very convenient to Fort Wilderness. Transportation to the MK is via boat or bus and to other parks and locations, it's the bus.

The Poly is a tropical paradise. Very lush vegatation and incredible views of the Magic Kingdom. The pool has a water slide and you also have water sports available to you, such as the water mice and sailboats. Being a monorail resort, the convenience to the MK is wonderful. I would guess that the grounds are about the same size as the GF.

The GF's theme is victorian elegance. So many people equate that to being formal, but you need to remember, it's Disney. They are the masters of making you feel like you're in a different time and place. Rooms are located in different buildings on the property, similar to the Poly, but you can probably walk between the two furthest points in about 2 minutes. Again, you have the monorail convenience and views of the MK. Just as a side note, they have a lovely afternoon tea here. Even if you don't stay at the resort, you might want to check it out.

I don't think you'll be disappointed in which ever one you choose.

Tammi

 

[PamNC]

We have stayed at all three and by far would choose the Poly. Although the WL is gorgeous, let me first say that if I were making the decision between these three, it would be the first to go! It's so nice being on the monorail line...and the transporation at WL, in our experience, left a lot to be desired. Plus, the rooms are small and a bit dark.

The Grand is fantastic - but we like the atmosphere of the Poly. Love the laid back tropical feel. The CMs at both were wonderful. The Poly, for us, truly has the Disney magic. And, the views from the beach area at the Seven Seas lagoon are breathtaking. The pool is much nicer at the Poly. Both offer great restaurants but it doesn't matter which you choose because you can easily walk or ride the monorail to the other resort.

My advice...steer clear of WL and pick from the other two.

PamNC

 

[john storey]

Well, thanks so far, it seems the Poly is the clear leader,it's funny I never liked the Poly when we visited once about 10 years ago, we eat at O'hanas. But looking at the many picture downloads available I have got a lot more curious about it.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Personally, the Poly is not typically one of my choices. The theme always reminds me of the Brady Bunch in Hawaii

Here's a great site though by a fellow Dis'er if you want to check out more http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/index.html

I also found this one for the GF http://www.the-grahams.net/gf/photos.shtml

 

[swilphil]

I would probably choose the Grand Floridian if I could afford it! It doesn't sound like you were impressed with the look of the Poly when you visited, but that would be my second choice. I think GF will be a nice place to end a vacation and be pampered. Maybe visit the Poly on this trip to see if you would like to stay there in the future.

 

[patsvette]

The wife and i stayed at the gf last year and it was really worth it,the atmosphere and the people were just great.Will do it again in a few more years.$$$$Will be staying in the port orlean riverside in october this time.