Questions about Poly and Grand Floridian

[Ish&DrJones]

Hello, I'm new here so forgive me if these are silly questions, or already answered elsewhere - I'm still getting a feel for these boards!

My husband and I are going to Disney in Jan 08 for our belated Honeymoon (we'll be married one year). We wanted to stay in the Contemporary, but as it's been noted elsewhere, they're rather booked that month. So we're now looking into either the Poly or Grand Floridian. We had discussed the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but it's so far from everything it just seems like a waste. Taking the bus everywhere is never fun!

So my questions for all you experts: Does the Poly have king beds available in non-suite rooms? When looking at the WDW site, the description of the rooms just says "two queens" but we don't need (or want) that, since it's just the two of us. However, a suite is financially out of the question. Every other resort (even Value) have kings available on request (I know it's a luck thing) so it seems odd that a delux resort wouldn't. It's the only thing keeping us from immediately booking there (now that the CR is out).

Second question: Is the GF worth the price? We don't really care about a lot of romance, but the location is great and I'm guessing there are generally fewer kids there (no offense to families, but it is a honeymoon ) Again, we'd just want a MK view room (if possible), no suite or anything fancy. I know it's not much more than the Poly, but besides location and ambiance, it doesn't really have anything we want. The Poly at least has a good breakfast for vegans (so we've heard).

Thanks!

 

[kcminnie]

There are no king beds in the Poly rooms. All are 2 queens/day bed. I have stayed at both and I don't think there is that much of a difference with the amount of kids between the resorts. Are you sure you don't want AKL? You could do a AK Club room for less money than the GF or Poly GV rooms.

 

[LukenDC]

I have stayed at both the Poly and GF. I don't believe that the Poly has king beds in its regular rooms. You should still inquire about it. The queen beds that they do have are very comfortable.

Your question about whether or not the GF is worth the price is very subjective and you will receive a range of answers. I just stayed there last week and I do not think that it is worth the rack rate. The resort is beautiful and the rooms are comfortable, but it really is not so superior to the Poly, Boardwalk Inn, and other deluxes to warrant the much higher rates. You need not be a guest to enjoy the lobby, spa services, or restaurants, which I believe are the true draw of the GF. If I were you, I would plan on having a couple of meals at the GF and visiting Mizners, the lounge just off the lobby. That way you will be able to enjoy the resort and lobby (visit in the evening when the band is playing) without paying the very high room rates.

By the way, when I was at the GF I saw a lot of families with kids. After all, the resort is at Walt Disney World.

The Poly is my favorite resort at WDW. I just love it there. Even though the GF is one Monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom, I actually think that the Poly's location is better. It is directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom and the beach and several of the rooms have excellent views of the Castle. You can even sit in the volcano pool and look at the Castle. The Poly is also a short walk to the Ticket and Transporation Center which means easy access to the Epcot Monorail.

Have a great honeymoon!

 

[simonkodousek]

I cast my vote to the Polynesian! If you are choosing between the two, there is no question. However, if you are open to sugesstions, I recommend the Wilderness Lodge! It is a romantic resort in a nice location. Plus you can get a club level (concierge) room at about the same price as a garden view room at the GF.

 

[Ish&DrJones]

Hmm ... well, I was never set on the GF, and if it's not really worth it I'll probably research other places instead. I had read somewhere that it was more honeymoon friendly because there weren't as many kids. Maybe the writer of that info was just crazy I don't really mind kids, but at the same time I would prefer a quieter atmosphere for that price. We stayed at the POP a few years ago, and were constanly being woken up (in the morning and from naps) by screaming kids running past the room.

We sleep on a king at home, so downsizing on our honeymoon would be kinda blah. And like I said, two queens for two people just seems silly to me. Our lugage doesn't need it's own bed! Bummer that the Poly doesn't have them, I was getting psyched to book there. I just can't justify a suite (price) for two people who won't be in-room that often. Sigh.

Wilderness Lodge. That sounds so ... outdoorsy. We're vegans, so anything hunting related is a no-go, but I've never looked at that resort because it sounds ... well, like it would have animal heads everywhere. Eek. I'll look into it though, I might just be biasing on a silly stereotype! I hope I am

 

[kcminnie]

I think any of the deluxes will have less children than POP. There are less rooms at the GF or Poly so less people/kids. I have stayed at WL & can't remember ever see any and don't recall seeing any animal heads anywhere. Try looking at Deb's site allearsnet. She has pictures of all the resort and rooms.

 

[LukenDC]

Hmm ... well, I was never set on the GF, and if it's not really worth it I'll probably research other places instead. I had read somewhere that it was more honeymoon friendly because there weren't as many kids. Maybe the writer of that info was just crazy I don't really mind kids, but at the same time I would prefer a quieter atmosphere for that price. We stayed at the POP a few years ago, and were constanly being woken up (in the morning and from naps) by screaming kids running past the room.

While I did see a lot of kids at GF, they were not out of control and did not bother me. I am single and without kids, so I have a low tolerance for poorly behaved children. I would not let the presence of children deter you from the GF.

 

[simonkodousek]

Wilderness Lodge. That sounds so ... outdoorsy. We're vegans, so anything hunting related is a no-go, but I've never looked at that resort because it sounds ... well, like it would have animal heads everywhere. Eek.

The Wilderness Lodge is themed like a lodge in the northwest. It isn't hunting related, just a cozy and laid-back atmosphere.