Poly vs. GF

[Fluffy626]

In all the madness yesterday with the opening of discounts, I couldn't get through to be one of the lucky ones to score a %off discount on my pre-existing Poly reservation. However, while on hold for my 1hr+ wait I was able to score a discount on a room at GF for the exact same days. Now here is the hard part...deciding which to choose so I can cancel one and settle today.

If it helps the decision...
5 People, 2 adults, 3 kids (12, 9, 4).
Going the last week of Oct into Nov. for 9 nights/10days
The only deluxe we have stayed at is WL, and while the transportation was a bit better there than most moderates we've tried (bus wait times, boat option), I think we need a monorail in our lives LOL.
The only room I was able to get weeks ago at Poly was a standard. Not too much of a care there, except I hate pool views. The garden is fine.
At GF it is a lagoon view. Is there a big difference?
The difference in price between full at Poly and the discount at GF is only $200 cheaper in the direction of GF. Not a big enough deal to be a tie breaker for us. We like both. Poly a bit better.

So....Opinions? I need help!

 

[DisneyHardin]

I've never stayed at the GF, but have at the Poly a few times and really loved it. We have always stayed in Rarotonga - one time we were on the Monorail side of the building and had a patio that looked out to greenery. The other two times we were on the opposite side and our patio looked out to the walkway along the side of the east pool. Both were "standard view" rooms and were great.

 

[Nancyg56]

If I had the choice I would choose GF. If my DD and her family had the choice they would say Poly. Why don't you choose a resort that you have not stayed in and see for yourself. You are between two pretty fabulous resorts, so you wont go wrong no matter which you choose.

 

[Fluffy626]

I've never stayed at the GF, but have at the Poly a few times and really loved it. We have always stayed in Rarotonga - one time we were on the Monorail side of the building and had a patio that looked out to greenery. The other two times we were on the opposite side and our patio looked out to the walkway along the side of the east pool. Both were "standard view" rooms and were great.

Do you think the rooms are big enough for 5? This is a big concern for us as our kids are getting older.

If I had the choice I would choose GF. If my DD and her family had the choice they would say Poly. Why don't you choose a resort that you have not stayed in and see for yourself. You are between two pretty fabulous resorts, so you wont go wrong no matter which you choose.

We have not gotten a chance to stay at either. Probably why we (me) are having such a hard time deciding hahaha. I'm directly in between the 2. Hubby is for the Poly. The oldest kid likes GF better. Is there is difference in room size? Would one fit us better? Any ideas? Thanks =)

 

[TJA]

GF LV would be awesome -- over in that thread the experts can tell you all about it. I don't think it would be loud like a pool view, if that's what you're thinking. You'd probably even be able to see an obstructed view of Wishes. I would choose that in a heartbeat! We also love the Poly, but we wouldn't stay anywhere at full price (but that's just us). A nice feature at GF is if you take the monorail to MK, you are the first stop. Then if you take the boat back to GF, you are the first stop. So as long as the monorail is running (lol) and there are enough boats, you will have great MK transportation. I say that jokingly because over our Easter week at GF, we had a few blips with transportation, but it didn't take away from our awesome stay at GF .

 

[Kimberly9701]

If your kids love a pool with an awesome slide and an all around awesome theme- choose Poly.
If you want to be able to sit in your room, in your pjs, watching The EWP and wishes, then choose the lagoon view at GF.
We did tpv at Poly and watching from our room was my favorite part! From GF you should be able to see all of this as well. However- My son's fave part of the stay- the volcano slide.
You could show the kids pics of both and see which one holds more interest to them.

 

[Freiden8]

GF and Poly (along with YC/BC) were contenders for our trip this year. Our kids are 11, 9, and 2.

Ultimately, we chose Poly. We have stayed there before and the kids loved it.

A garden view would be easier to obtain than a pool view at Poly, so I wouldn't hesitate to request this on your reservation.

In our previous stay at Poly we had a lagoon/MK view and it was very peaceful, nothing like a pool view, so I imagine it would be similar at GF.

Another item to consider is the access to the TTC that the Poly has, you can walk there and take the Epcot monorail if you don't want to take the bus. The Poly is the second resort stop on the resort monorail line, the GF is the last.

Have you asked your kids their thoughts? I'd be inclined to go with what they want, if you think they'd be able to come to an agreement. My older kids would probably pick opposites to spite each other, so we could ask their opinion but wouldn't promise them anything.. lol.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I guess also for me is just the different theming of Poly. GF could be anywhere. Not saying that it isn't wonderful or beautiful!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Lots of Poly standard views don't look out on the pool, particularly those in Fiji, Rarotonga (S side), Niue, and Aotearoa. The Standards in Tuvalu are guaranteed not to look on a pool, either.

 

[Nancyg56]

Do you think the rooms are big enough for 5? This is a big concern for us as our kids are getting older.



We have not gotten a chance to stay at either. Probably why we (me) are having such a hard time deciding hahaha. I'm directly in between the 2. Hubby is for the Poly. The oldest kid likes GF better. Is there is difference in room size? Would one fit us better? Any ideas? Thanks =)

As it stands now, my choice would be the Grand, but I bet your kids would prefer the Poly. The pool alone is worth it to my DGD, who is 14. The atmosphere at both are way different, although the opinion that the Grans is snooty is far from my experience there.

I don't remember if I thought that there was difference in room size, but I will say that the room amenities are different at the Grand. You do not need to search for outlets to charge all your devices We always brought a power strip but did not need it at the Grand. The rooms all have automatic turn down service, and with the kids, this is a nice treat. You never run our of toiletries or linens because they replenish them twice a day.

There is a hamper for your used linens at the Grand, and honestly, I think the level of service is a bit higher, although to be fair, I have never felt that I was not provided proper service anywhere on WDW property. The kids might like the parasol parade the Mousekeepers have in the morning. It is pretty darn sweet, I think.

The Grand Lobby is amazing if you look for a little R&R during the day. In the afternoon the Grand Pianist entertains. I know I loved sitting on an easy chair and watching the little girls , all dressed in their "royal" attire dancing to the music. Around 5PM I think the Grand Orchestra begins and then later in the evening they are followed by the Grand Pianist. Upstairs there is a lovely lounging area and an outdoor veranda that many never use. It is so nice to just sit with a beverage and read, or people watch.

Oh yes! Do not forget the balcony. At the Poly, many room do not have a standard balcony.and the grounds are busier at that Poly, IMO. While folks tend to visit the Grand to eat and see the lobby, it seems to be less crowded overall than the Poly, IMO.

I think the Grand.

 

[Fluffy626]

GF LV would be awesome -- over in that thread the experts can tell you all about it. I don't think it would be loud like a pool view, if that's what you're thinking. You'd probably even be able to see an obstructed view of Wishes. I would choose that in a heartbeat! We also love the Poly, but we wouldn't stay anywhere at full price (but that's just us). A nice feature at GF is if you take the monorail to MK, you are the first stop. Then if you take the boat back to GF, you are the first stop. So as long as the monorail is running (lol) and there are enough boats, you will have great MK transportation. I say that jokingly because over our Easter week at GF, we had a few blips with transportation, but it didn't take away from our awesome stay at GF .

Speaking of transportation issues..I just saw this: Does this mean what I think it means? Or does anyone know if it affects that far into the future? I'm basing staying at either of these 2 on use of the monorail and this makes it look like I wouldn't have it for a good part of the day for almost half our trip?

Monorail -The monorail is under refurbishment and may have modified service or routes. You should check on the day of travel the best option to use. Alternative transportation options may be available.

• Express Beam Overnight Closures- 11:30 PM Sundays - 9:30 AM Mondays, 11:30 PM Mondays - 9:30 AM Tuesdays
• Monorail Shutdown- 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Starting 4/12/2016 on Thursdays
  
  Resort Beam Overnight Closures - 12:00 AM - 8:30 AM Mondays, 12:00 AM - 8:30 AM Tuesdays
  

 

[got15]

We have done both LV, TPV, and Garden/Pool View @ GF. The rooms are the largest on property and LV is pretty fantastic! Our kids loved watching the boats, the EWP from the room, and also just hanging out and watching the water. The two pools are fun, we hung out at the Beach Pool the most (w/ the waterslide and splash pad). With all the extra amenities in the GF (turn down service, upgraded toiletries, larger room)- I would go that way. We are trying the Poly out in 2 weeks- are can't wait.. But, we love the GF and I think your family will as well!

 

[Freiden8]

You will absolutely be comfortable in either the Poly or GF rooms with a family of 5.

GF rooms are slightly larger but only because the entry/bathroom area is larger. I believe the actual bedroom space is larger at Poly.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Speaking of transportation issues..I just saw this: Does this mean what I think it means? Or does anyone know if it affects that far into the future? I'm basing staying at either of these 2 on use of the monorail and this makes it look like I wouldn't have it for a good part of the day for almost half our trip?

Monorail -The monorail is under refurbishment and may have modified service or routes. You should check on the day of travel the best option to use. Alternative transportation options may be available.

• Express Beam Overnight Closures- 11:30 PM Sundays - 9:30 AM Mondays, 11:30 PM Mondays - 9:30 AM Tuesdays
• Monorail Shutdown- 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Starting 4/12/2016 on Thursdays
  
  Resort Beam Overnight Closures - 12:00 AM - 8:30 AM Mondays, 12:00 AM - 8:30 AM Tuesdays

Honestly we used the monorail maybe twice during 10 days. The boat to MK was so much more convenient (we were in Tuvalu), and it is such a beautiful ride when returning back for the night. Although my son was usually sleeping at that point.

 

[Fluffy626]

If your kids love a pool with an awesome slide and an all around awesome theme- choose Poly.
If you want to be able to sit in your room, in your pjs, watching The EWP and wishes, then choose the lagoon view at GF.
We did tpv at Poly and watching from our room was my favorite part! From GF you should be able to see all of this as well. However- My son's fave part of the stay- the volcano slide.
You could show the kids pics of both and see which one holds more interest to them.

I've only asked the oldest. The 2 youngest don't even know they are going. She likes GF.

GF and Poly (along with YC/BC) were contenders for our trip this year. Our kids are 11, 9, and 2.

Ultimately, we chose Poly. We have stayed there before and the kids loved it.

A garden view would be easier to obtain than a pool view at Poly, so I wouldn't hesitate to request this on your reservation.

In our previous stay at Poly we had a lagoon/MK view and it was very peaceful, nothing like a pool view, so I imagine it would be similar at GF.

Another item to consider is the access to the TTC that the Poly has, you can walk there and take the Epcot monorail if you don't want to take the bus. The Poly is the second resort stop on the resort monorail line, the GF is the last.

Have you asked your kids their thoughts? I'd be inclined to go with what they want, if you think they'd be able to come to an agreement. My older kids would probably pick opposites to spite each other, so we could ask their opinion but wouldn't promise them anything.. lol.

LOL Thats mine. The two younger ones are being surprised though. Only my oldest knows.

 

[Sue M]

We love both! But maybe the GF a bit more. I was hesitant my first stay at GF, not being sure I'd like it I booked a split stay so wasn't committed for entire vacay. Turned out I didn't want to leave! Loved it. This Aug will be our 3rd GF stay.
I think your kids will love the beach pool and the splash pad at GF. And IMO the interior of the buildings at GF are much nicer. Although I love Poly, the building interiors are more like a $100/night hotel. We loved our room our last Poly stay, we were in Samoa, volcano pool view. Could see GH & part of lagoon. Couldn't hear any noise with door closed.

 

[Fluffy626]

Honestly we used the monorail maybe twice during 10 days. The boat to MK was so much more convenient (we were in Tuvalu), and it is such a beautiful ride when returning back for the night. Although my son was usually sleeping at that point.

I'm more worried about getting to the other monorail hotels I think. We do a lot of our dinners at GF, Contemporary, or Poly. Then in Epcot. Does this really mean it will be shut down still in October? Any idea?

 

[Kimberly9701]

I'm more worried about getting to the other monorail hotels I think. We do a lot of our dinners at GF, Contemporary, or Poly. Then in Epcot. Does this really mean it will be shut down still in October? Any idea?

We walked to GF..it was relatively short walk and a beautiful path.and you can take the boat there
I definitely see the concern though! We are going in early December and I def don't want monorail shut downs! We'll do breakfast at 1900 park fare and at Ohana..can't walk to either from CR.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I'm more worried about getting to the other monorail hotels I think. We do a lot of our dinners at GF, Contemporary, or Poly. Then in Epcot. Does this really mean it will be shut down still in October? Any idea?

Pretty impossible to say. Monorail maintenance is a fact of life. If the main value you see in the monorail resorts is the monorail, you have to ask yourself how you'll feel if there are shutdowns, either scheduled or unscheduled. It's not a guaranteed amenity and they won't refund you for downtime.

 

[buzznina]

We like GF much better, BUT for the monorail, then I would select POLY, since you can walk to the TTC to catch monorail there to EPCOT. The monorail is great(when running and no long lines) to and from MK, but to and from EPCOT from the GF has been the worth transportation that we had on a regular basis (based on 2 stays), the last time we went to EPCOT, we took the bus and it was faster.