Poly or GF What to do What to do????

[dtripli]

Ok we are leaving in just 16 more days!!! Here is my dilemma. We booked our package at the Poly (have never been there before) , but now a room at GF is open and I have always wanted to stay there. It is a bit more money though (which is why we haven't stayed there yet), but maybe it is worth it? We have three kids (all elementary school age). What is your preference and why. I appreciate all the info I can get. Im sure I'll need to make a decision fast!!

 

[rcraw45425]

We have stayed at both and love both, and have two elementary girls. I prefer the airy-ness of the GF, but since they are redoing some of the Poly rooms that may be a better choice. If you get a chance to call back and request a building at the Poly, I recommend Samoa, the volcano pool side. We did this on TIkiman's recommendation and had a slightly off center view of the lagoon as a bonus.

 

[LukenDC]

I have stayed at the Poly and visited the GF. I loved the Poly. It is so beautiful and relaxing. The grounds are lush and visually interesting. The GF is attractive, but I was a bit disappointed with the landscaping. The grounds are pretty, but nothing special.

 

[Sammie]

Both are great resorts, so it's a really hard call.

I personally prefer the Grand Floridian, due to the theme, the decor of the rooms, the look of the buildings, the main lobby, the shops, the places to eat, the grounds all appeal to our group more than the Polynesian.

 

[MrsTink04]

GF is my favorite. I love everything about it! I stayed at poly about 16 years ago, and though I am sure it is much nicer now, it just doesn't appeal to me. Actually, when we were staying at the Poly, they were almost finished building the GF and I remember thinking that I wanted to stay there one day. 89 days from today, we will be back at the GF and I can't wait!!!

So, I guess you know my answer!!!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

My preference is the Grand Floridian based on the decor. In addition to WDW, we travel to the Hawaiian islands annually so I prefer something "Floridian" to something Polynesian, since we're already getting the hawaiian theme during our other vacation during the year. I also emphasized in Victorian literature in graduate school....so call me a nerd, but I love all things Victorian The afternoon tea is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon there, and I absolutely love the waterfall pool and the easy access to MK by motor launch.

I just went through this same decision because my son wanted to stay at the Poly because he finds the volcano slide more exciting and loves to see all the kids playing on Poly's beach when we've visited the restaurants and shops over there while staying at GF. This trip we're actually staying at the Poly for a few nights at the end of our stay since it's been we haven't been to hawaii since April (and I'm missing it...) and I thought the laid-back ambience sounded really nice. I am hoping to get a chance to try out those hammocks!

We're not requesting any building, but because we are no longer AP holders and won't get the discounts, we're going for the garden view and hoping for something tropical and pretty

 

[eclectics]

Follow your heart and go where you really want to go. I hemmed and hawed about the AKL when I really wanted the Poly. I picked the Poly and never looked back! So glad I did!

 

[lark]

With younger kids? Poly.

That said, my analysis on this is pretty simple. For garden view, GF. For lagoon view, Poly.

Sugar loaf concierge v. Hawaii concierge? Haven't stayed at Hawaii, but still, based on what I've heard and read, my vote is Hawaii.

 

[mickeymedic]

My husband and I stayed at the Grand for our 2 year anniversary in 2003. We absolutely loved it. Like you, we always wanted to stay at the Grand...but we did not because of the cost. We booked way ahead of time and got a pretty good deal. I'm glad we stayed there. It is a gorgeous resort. Everytime we got off of the monorail and walked through the lobby, I thought "I can't believe we're actually staying here."

 

[dtripli]

Well thank you for all of the helpful feedback. It seems this is a topic really for personal preference since it was a 50/50 consensus. It looks like we'll be leaving things as originally planned and staying at the Poly. There is always next year!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that we are not disappointed.

 

[Sammie]

Well thank you for all of the helpful feedback. It seems this is a topic really for personal preference since it was a 50/50 consensus. It looks like we'll be leaving things as originally planned and staying at the Poly. There is always next year!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that we are not disappointed.

I don't think you will be disappointed at all. As you said it's a personal preference much like picking out cars, furniture, etc. Both resorts are very different, and both have much to offer and regardless you will have a good time.

 

[deide71]

Boy, I wish I had this dilemma. Mine is: Stay at Pop, or sleep in the Minivan .