Poly or GF - Help me please!!

[Lucky St. Louis]

I've stayed at both...with little kids it's nice to access to a monorail resort. Poly was great and I love eating at Ohana's but I LOVE the GF. IMHO it's not at all stuffy. I like like the boat launch to MK and I love the grounds. Maybe it's the time of year we traveled but it never feels crowded (the pool, the lobby, the restaurants) when we've been there. The decor is more formal but it feels like magic to me. Maybe it's because I never went to WDW as a kid but I feel like a princess when I'm there (and I'm almost 40 yrs. old). In summary, you can't go wrong with either!

 

[constanze]

We've only stayed at the Poly (we have no desire to stay at the GF--my DH won't even step foot into the resort). We love the Poly for the landscaping, the themeing and the overall friendly staff, food, pool, etc.

That is so funny...my husband is completely the opposite! I couldn't get him to stay at the POLY
OP, Needless to say, we'll be staying at the GF this May. I'm sure whichever you choose you will have a magical time!

 

[TinkTatoo]

It's a tough decision for you, we've stayed at the Poly and thought the theming was great and it did have a nice relaxed feel. We thought the volcano pool was a bit too crowded but we just went to the quiet pool and actually preferred it there. We're trying the GF this summer and there are some great photo's here on the Dis so we're looking forward to staying there.

I'd say you'll be happy in either and if you go for one this trip you can try the other one on your next trip

 

[Pinky166]

Wow!!! Thank you all for your replies & photos. I am probably more confused now than I was when I went to bed last night.

I think what is making it worse is that I am doing this as a surprise for my DH, he thinks after our cruise we will be returning to Old Key West (we are there 13 nights before our cruise) so not having his input on the decision is making it harder.

 

[Mr.FOLs]

Ive had stays at both and im enjoying this thread since i have to choose one for our summer trip.
I love the volcano pool, even when its crowded it can be so much fun...especially with the bar steps away

 

[Mr.FOLs]

We've stayed at both and would not hessitate to stay at either again. One thing I recall from our visits is there were more strollers at GF then we saw at Poly. If you are traveling without children and prefer a slightly more quiet setting I would say GF. Have a magical time!

I dont understand why you would tell people without kids who want a quiet setting to go the GF if you say so many more strollers there. Wouldnt that mean there are more kids there?

I think you just clinched it for me..im going to book Poly this summer...im not in the mood for a million strollers...

 

[Mr.FOLs]

Im changing my mind...or im going back to undecided...it would be silly not to stay at the GF just because of so many strollers...they are both super lovely....

Look at it this way no matter which we choose its not like we are staying at a moderate ....its Disney Deluxe for all of us on this post.

 

[Leota]

I agree, you really can't go wrong with either resort. You just have to pick which theme you like better. The Poly is a little more high energy than the GF, but still very relaxing. I just love to visit the Poly, I try & stop by for a drink or a meal every trip. I like the main grounds better than the rooms tho.

I stayed at the GF once too. I had never planned to because I always thought it'd be too stuffy for me. But, when I went down for the Happy Haunts Ball, that's where the package had us staying. Now, I'm a cut offs & tank top kind of gal & I was perfectly comfortable staying there. Our room was beautiful & the service was very good.

All that said, I'd stay at the Poly again in a heartbeat. I love the theme. I love the proximity to the TTC to Epcot (our favorite park). I probably would not spend the extra to stay at GF again unless I got a killer deal.

 

[Missus Toad]

I've stayed at both more than once, and enjoyed them tremendously, but I find that I gravitate back to the Poly. I'm sure it's the theming thing-- I'm just a tiki gal at heart. I love to visit the GF though, so I usually schedule a meal there each trip and get my fix. I'm sure I'll stay there again sometime though.

 

[Pinky166]

Im changing my mind...or im going back to undecided...it would be silly not to stay at the GF just because of so many strollers...they are both super lovely....

Look at it this way no matter which we choose its not like we are staying at a moderate ....its Disney Deluxe for all of us on this post.

That is very true....I am very thankful that I am able to stay at either resort. I am sure that we will have a fab time where ever we stay.

I probably would not spend the extra to stay at GF again unless I got a killer deal.

I have found £245 (which is around $350 by todays rate) per night which is the cheapest I have ever seen. In the UK we aren't eligible for the codes you guys get.

I am still swaying more towards the Poly....although we will be eating at a few of the GF restaurants for sure.

 

[mmmears]

We've loved our stays at the GF. We're trying the Poly in April (for a change of pace). I think you just have to go with your gut instinct on this one -- if you've looked at the Photo Threads for both resorts. I think going by the theming is the way to go here! They are both beautiful, well-located, have great restaurants, have nice pools, etc. It's just a matter of which "look" you think will make this trip more special for you and your DH.

I had the same dilemma this past summer -- it took us months to decide between the two, so I understand that it's hard...

 

[Pinky166]

-- if you've looked at the Photo Threads for both resorts. I think going by the theming is the way to go here!

I have looked at so many photos!!! Here, tripadvisor, lots of guide books etc.

I do agree that it does come down to what theming we prefer but I really like both.....I guess I'll just have to book the other resort next time.

 

[TinkTatoo]

..... In the UK we aren't eligible for the codes you guys get. .....

You should be - I've often booked using an AP rate or general code and have also got quite a few pin codes, even if there are none of these discounts you should still be able to get a AAA discount as long as you are a member of the AA in the UK.

You'd need to call the central reservation office on 001 407-934-7639 and ask them to give you prices. Also ask if there are any discounts available for the dates you want as they won't volunteer that information.

 

[Pinky166]

You should be - I've often booked using an AP rate or general code and have also got quite a few pin codes, even if there are none of these discounts you should still be able to get a AAA discount as long as you are a member of the AA in the UK.

You'd need to call the central reservation office on 001 407-934-7639 and ask them to give you prices. Also ask if there are any discounts available for the dates you want as they won't volunteer that information.

Thanks for that, I think I will give them a call & see what they say.

 

[Mr.FOLs]

You should be - I've often booked using an AP rate or general code and have also got quite a few pin codes, even if there are none of these discounts you should still be able to get a AAA discount as long as you are a member of the AA in the UK.

You'd need to call the central reservation office on 001 407-934-7639 and ask them to give you prices. Also ask if there are any discounts available for the dates you want as they won't volunteer that information.

I never knew this! My brother and his family live in the UK and usually I pay for all our rooms then he pays me back... No wi can let him know he can check on his own.

Thanks ever so much for letting us know this

 

[iluvhawaii]

Not sure if you've made your decision already. Here's my 2 cents, having stayed at both resorts. Stayed at Poly. It was our first WDW experience, and it was good. In the summer, volcano pool was quite crowded and the quiet pool was small, but otherwise, our experience was a good one. Perhaps because we visit Hawaii once a year, the theming felt a little "kitschy," but if you like tropical/tiki decor and feel, it's great.

Hadn't originally considered GF--thought it was a little frilly and dainty for our style. However, with a great deal one year, we decided to try it out. And now it is our favorite. Love the lobby and the band playing music. Just feels "cool" to hang out there. Love the large, quiet (non-themed) pool and hot tub. When we were there, it was open 24 hrs/day, and the girls loved night swimming late after a park visit. I loved hanging out in the hot tub. Near the pool there was also a ping-pong table (table tennis) that the girls loved playing.

Service was great at both resorts. I'd say food/restaurants are equivalent (plus it's no big deal to travel on the monorail to the other one to eat). I'd stay at either, but the GF has the edge over the Poly for us...

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

We've stayed at both several times and prefer the Poly over GF. Both are gorgeous and you really can't go wrong with either one in the end, but it does come down to a theme preference IMO.

We are in Southern NJ and the area is rampant with formal victorian decor, so while we appreciate GF's look, we don't feel like we're on vacation when we are there. It feels like home. I don't want to feel like I'm at home when I'm supposed to be vacationing.

At the Poly, it truly feels like an escape for us. We like the tropical theme and its just so pretty whether you have a water or garden view. We like the relaxed feel to the resort and the proximity to the TTC so we can hop the monorail to MK or Epcot.

 

[Pinky166]

Thank you all for your opinions. I do love the look & feel of both resorts which is why my decision was so hard but I have booked the POLY!!!!

I decided to go with the GF last night mainly because of the good price but as I went to book it it occured to me that we will not be back to WDW for a few years & I was sad that it would be so long before we got to stay at the Poly, therefore my decision became clear. Poly now & I know one day in the future we will stay at the GF.

Thank you all once again.

 

[toodycat]

We've stayed at both twice and while the new rooms are larger at the Poly and you can walk to the transportation center, I would still say go for the GF. The lobby is majestic and beautiful. The spacious design never feels crowded, no matter how many people are there.There's a pianist playing Disney music throughout the day. The flower arrangements are gorgeous. All the restaurants are excellent and there is a real range in terms of their atmospheres. If you are feeling more casual, the Grand Floridian Cafe and 1900 Park Fare are both excellent. Narcoosee's and Citricos are a little more sophisticated and Victoria and Albert's is the over-the-top, gourmet, romantic option. The restaurants at the Poly are OK, but not in the same league. Likewise, the service we had at the Poly was good, not great. But, at the GF, cast members have always gone out of their way for us, whether it was filling up our water bottles before we left for the park, upgrading our room or---once when we were not even guests at the GF---driving us back to the Wilderness Lodge from Citrico's free of charge after we missed our transfer. The pools at the GF are large and lovely. The Poly's are a little smaller and not as fastidiously cleaned. Both properties are great for viewing the fireworks and the electric water parade, but I think the GF is a little more special. And don't listen to those who tell you the GF is stuffy! If you look in the lobby, you will see the same thing you see in every other Disney property---a line of folks checking in, wearing cargo shorts, T-shirts and Tevas while their kids decompress by watching Disney cartoons on the small TVs discreetly placed near the check-in area. Believe me, the GF, although beautiful, is not fancy-schmancy. Also, it has a gym and spa. Poly guests have to walk to the GF to use these facilities as the Poly lacks them onsite.

 

[MoSoccerMom]

We have stayed at both one time each, and are going back to the Poly in June. I guess from that you could say we like the Poly better, but only by a little! They are both beautiful and we had great stays at both. The beds at the GF were the most comfortable hotel beds I have ever slept on, and the restaurants are great, but we like the Poly grounds, the volcano slide, and Ohana and Kona are two of our favorite restaurants. You really can't go wrong with either one!