Poly vs. GF

[java]

I need opinions. We are a family of 6- thankfully one of the kids is only 1 so we can stay in a standard room at either of these 2 hotels- Last year we stayed at the GF and loved it. Through the years we have stayed at most of the deluxe resorts-but never the Poly(even as a child I have never been there!) My son (11) oldest- wants to stay here. I think my dd(8) wants to too. So my ? is which do you prefer and why? And are the rooms comparable in size? We were fine in the GF. I am assuming the price will be pretty similar. I thought I had it all planned and then this popped up.
oh and edit to add
We have been to Hawaii and Tahiti in the past- will we be disappointed in staying at the Poly?

 

[InstImpres]

FYI, GF usually prices a bit higher in part because the rooms are almost 50 square feet large.

 

[Tikiman]

FYI, GF usually prices a bit higher in part because the rooms are almost 50 square feet large.

Actually the average GF room is smaller than the standard Polynesian room. THe Polynesian and Contemporary standard rooms are the largest standard rooms on property and many of the Polynesian rooms have been redone in the last year with an all new look, added large flat panel TV and many other additions.

Also with the Polynesian being walking distance to the TTC your transportation options are much better than the GF.

I travel to Hawaii just about every year and I love the Polynesian but that is my opinon.

 

[BCV23]

Well, I love them both but they are different.

The rooms at the Polynesian are larger especially in the newer buildings. The bathroom is all in one room with no sinks on the outside if that matters to you one way or the other.

The GF has more restaurants but we find it fun to take the monorail or little launch to get between the two no matter which we're staying at. The walk between the two is pleasant too after a meal.

The grounds are absolutely beautiful at both but I find the landscaping at the Polynesian so very relaxing and it certainly reminds me of Hawaii.

I do think the beach situation at the Polynesian is better. There are actually three beaches so all the longhouses are convenient to one of them.

I haven't been to Tahiti but have been to Hawaii a number of times including before I ever stayed at the Polynesian. To me the Polynesian is very evocative of Hawaii minus the Pacific. At the very least it is a very relaxing resort which makes one feel completely removed from the bustle of the parks.

Transportation to Epcot is easier from the Polynesian than from the GF. You just walk over to the TTC and catch the monorail. Much faster than making the loop and switching.

Two great resorts in my book. Have you checked out Tikiman's site? Everything you've ever wanted to know about the Polynesian.

Have fun whichever you pick.

 

[java]

Oh Tikiman I was just playing on your site!! I guess what keeps me from being 100% on the poly is the construction- so I guess you are hit or miss on what room you will get as far as updated or not. correct? My kids are dying to try it because we ate at Kona there last trip(loved it new favorite restaurant!! great service too!) and they just loved the whole theme. decisions decisions. I am leaning toward a change I think.

 

[BCV23]

Whoops, you've already heard from the master!

I've seen books listing the GF rooms as larger as well but that just isn't the case. Our daughter is in a wheelchair and we can really notice the difference.

GF is more expensive and I think there is even more of a price differerence than there used to be.

Oh, I forgot. These days turndown is only in concierge at the Polynesian unless you request it. All rooms at the GF receive turndown as well as a couple of robes to use during your stay.

 

[java]

BCV you know that whole turndown thing threw me for a loop last trip. I was tipping out the you know what- day mousekeeper- night mousekeeper......But it was a nice little perk for the clean towels. hmmmm.....more to consider...... Is there a way to guarantee a newer room in the Poly-like a specific room category to reserve? I was on Tikiman's site and I am still not so sure.(not that it wasn't clear but I have 2 little ones and one older one home sick today so it went over my head..... )
DUH I forgot I bought the Passporter last year I can just check the room layouts in there!! but keep the opinions flowing...

 

[iloveeeyore]

We have never stayed at the GF, but we LOVE the Poly! It is by far the most conveniently located resort, with that easy access to the TTC. With the size of your family and all those little ones, ya gotta appreciate that! The theme is very fun and the volcano pool is awesome!

You didn't mention when you are going, but many of the rooms have already been updated with the new design and others are in-the-process. Even the "old" rooms have recently been renovated. Give it a try!

 

[MOMOFMNM]

Java

from a family of five...three young girls...I can only speak of my experience at the Poly and it was FABULOUS!!! Of course it has all the cool things like the GF...beach, boat to MK, monorail...etc but the pool is very very nice for young ones!!! VERY FUN!! Also they have coloring and games in the foyer at the Poly, my girls made their own leis, saving us 30 bucks on a Poly souvie!!

we were in a newly renovated room and let me tell you...how wonderful!!!!

TV was flat and huge!! The pillows were huge and fluffy...the bed was great!!!

the room has a modern, tahitian feel...no more 70's...It was quiet and gorgeous for adults AND for kids and the size was good for our large family, plenty of room for a crib in there!! The bathroom was nice and clean too...

I know my aunt LOVES the GF...and I have never been there but the theming is great at the POLY!!

Now as far as it vs REAL Hawaii...sorry. can't help ya there!!

the CM's always gave us a big ALOHA shout out if that helps any


it can be a predicament for lg families like ours...but we LOVE the Poly...

 

[UBSHANG]

...the room has a modern, tahitian feel...

What does a modern Tahitian feel like?

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Personally, I prefer the GF, but I have nice things to say about the Poly as well.

I've been to Hawaii many times and it actually enhanced my experience at the Poly, I believe, because I was pleasantly reminded of the islands. I agree that the beach situation is great at the Poly, and the lovely (and vast) grounds. The pools we didn't get to try because it was too cold (seriously--highs were in the 40s and there's no jacuzzi to warm up in afterward at the Poly). That comes to probably the biggest Poly drawback for me....no jacuzzi!

But, the restaurants were really great--in fact, Ohana's was the highlight of our stay. I haven't tried many of GFs restaurants (just 1900 Park Fare and Gasparilla's) but I don't think they seem as engaging (though plenty rave about V and As). I simply love the theming at GF a bit more than at the Poly--but I love the Victorian era in general (heck, my PhD literature emphasis was British Victorian!) so I have a rather sizeable bias. I love the Alice in Wonderland decor in the rooms, and have found pure heaven watching the castle change colors at night from my lagoon view balcony.

I think if you haven't tried the Poly yet, give it a chance this time. They are both great resorts with a lot to offer, and very different theming--which makes them fun to alternate.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I
We have been to Hawaii and Tahiti in the past- will we be disappointed in staying at the Poly?

Just curious--how did Tahiti compare to Hawaii? I haven't been to Tahiti yet, but have always been interested in visiting Bora Bora and some of the other islands. Do you recommend it? We love Hawaii so much, I'd hate to miss a vacation there and be disappointed elsewhere--but I'm sure Tahiti has a lot to offer. I'd love to hear your take on it.

 

[java]

Wow thanks everyone!
Lady..Tahiti is beautiful. Something unlike anything else we have ever done. These are tiny islands in the middle of the Ocean! We stayed at Hotel Bora Bora(gorgeous-this was a honeymoon trip)in a deep over water bungalo which means that you walk down a looooong dock to your hut and then out the back deck there is a flight of stairs. If you go down those stairs you end up in the middle of the ocean. We would snorkle right off the deck and see HUGE things- Giant Mantas that wanted to swim with us- very curious creatures- a sea turtle not so curious but amazing to see right off your deck... and unbelievable fish. We rode around the entire island one day on motorbikes in about an hour- small small small but just perfect. So undeveloped is the way I would describe it. Go and take me please!!!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've been to Poly 3 times with my 3 children and we travel with a friend so that makes us a party of 6 and we've always had plenty of room at Poly.

We really love that you can walk to TTC for the direct Epcot monorail-some of my DS's favorite rides (Soarin, TT) are there. And its just a short walk over to the GF. I think your kids would really love the Poly pool too.

We've always stayed concierge-found it convenient with 3 small children and we've enjoyed relaxing in the lounge rather than just the room. Now that my youngest turned 3 last week I'm searching for a new resort. My DH isn't crazy about Disney so I like to have an extra adult with me.

 

[MOMOFMNM]

What does a modern Tahitian feel like?

try the Poly and find out...

your right...excuse me...I should have said modern Polynesian feel....my error.

Can you leave me alone now? This is the second time you have hunted me down only to bash or degrade me...

I appologize for my CHILL, comment earlier if that is what upset you.

I am ready to move on now. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer