Polynesian vs. Grand Floridian....YOU choose!

[kimberwing]

We just got back from the Polynesian and loved it. However, we like trying new things, and are thinking of staying at GF next time.

For those who have done both, would you list pros/cons of each?

 

[DisneyJen]

Welcome back Kimberwing!

We have stayed at the Poly and the GF and we like both of them for different reasons.

We love the south seas feel of the Poly. The rooms are a nice size.

The GF is my very favorite resort but that's my humble opinion. It is more formal, brighter and newer. We absolutely love the restaurants at the GF.

I love the Poly when we travel with our DD. She likes walking around the grounds at night with the tiki torches lit and the volcano pool.

DH and I save the GF for trips when it is just the two of us although we have seen plenty of kids at the GF. I'm sure she would love it but we just haven't taken her there.

I hope that helps!!! Your mileage may vary

 

[Janet2k]

Kimberwing, your decision is simple -- the GF (since you stated that you want to try something new on your next vacation).

Here is the Dreams Unlimited Travel's "GF Information" Webpage. Enjoy learning all about your new resort.

 

[Tinkbell]

I have not stayed at the Polynesian, so I can't compare it to GF. I LOVED the Grand Floridian. I was a bit worried before going there because I thought it might be a bit too "stuffy". It was far from it. Everyone was so polite and helpful. Our housekeeping was immaculate. The resort is so charming and relaxing. My only "complaint" was that the elevators in the buildings (I was in Big Pine Key) ran very slowly. It made no difference in our stay. It was just the only thing that I could think of that slightly annoyed me there. Have fun!

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

We've done both resorts and both are good choices.

They have two different feels to them.

We love the Poly because of its themeing and the nightly torch ceremony . . .the tropical feel that you are on an island, the smell of the GCH, the Kona Cafe and the awesome Tonga Toast, the very nice CM's, the beautiful views, going around saying "Aloha" all day long, everyone is your "cousin".

We love the Grand Floridian because of its grounds, the romance of it, the brightness, the feel that you are in a magical place, mousekeeping is excellent, nightly turndown service, 1900 Park Fare is an awesome place for b-fast, walking to Gasparilla's and getting a refill and sitting watching the fireworks by the Marina.

I really don't have any cons for these two resorts . . .I do like staying at both of them, a little more at the Poly though, my kids really found the Poly to be their favorite.

We are heading back to GF this July 4th and we are very excited about it!

I would switch back and forth . . .you did the Poly, now try the GF, otherwise you'll never know if you'll like something if you don't try it.

 

[Folkes4Fun]

We prefer the Polynesian as well, especially because our kids love it. We have nothing against GF - in fact we love visiting it and strolling through it. The pool at Poly is a little more kid oriented as well. As far as the GF goes, we love to visit, but wouldn't want to stay. Although, my wife says she would love to stay there sometime when the kids are grown and it's just the two of us.

 

[imbe@aol.com]

For me? No question .. GF!

I had almost 2 weeks at the Poly about 2 years ago .. and I really
am sorry in advance to all the Poly lovers here! LOL but I was pretty disappointed. I'd always wanted to stay there .. since I was a kid! But so many things went wrong, or just weren't "right" to begin with, and I was let down. So let down in fact, that I wouldn't stay there again. But .. there are many people who love it there, so .. just take my opinion as one of many.

 

[DebbieB]

We stayed at GF on our first visit in 1994 and Poly on our second visit in 1996, returned to GF in 1999. GF wins hands down. We really didn't like the Poly, it seemed too dark and dreary. I just love walking into that GF lobby, even when we're not staying there we usually visit once per trip to just walk around and visit the shops. The only advantage we saw to the Poly was the ability to walk to the TTC to catch the monorail or ferry.

 

[maepartner]

I have visited each,,,,havent stayed at either (yet) but I too feel that the GF, although beautiful....is a tad stuffy or "sterile" for a "magical" type of vacation, especially with children...I felt that the Poly was more conducive to a laid-back, comfy stay. I actually felt under-dressed when visiting GF for a libation in the lounge......but was very comfortable at Ohana;s lounge......so I assume that I would be better off with the laid back feel that I get from Poly. Just my opinion, but thats what makes these boards great,,,,,,diversity! Mae