Should we switch to POFQ from GF for our honeymoon?

[CNMooner]

I'm considering switching from the GF to POFQ for our honeymoon( ). I had originally booked the GF because I thought there would be less children at that resort compared to others, and that I would enjoy being on the monorail. Also, I like having the options of eating at Narcoosee's and O'Hanas when we're so close, but we're renting a car, so it isn't a biggie to just drive over. It is going to cost more than $2k extra to stay at the GF, and POFQ looks really lovely.

This is FI first trip and I want to do everything I can to make sure he loves the magic of disney, and we're going the first week of November, so it should be pretty quiet. What would you do? GF for a once in a lifetime trip or FOFQ and pay off some wedding debt?

 

[jugglinfish]

POFQ and payoff wedding debt! Save GF for a special anniversary, with a car its really no big deal to drive over the resorts for dinner.

 

[diswedwish]

Well, DH and I honeymooned in POR, so you know which I'll pick You can always save GF for another trip... But, if your honeymoon is the only time you think you'll spend the $ to stay at the GF and you *really* want to, I'd stay there. And be forewarned that the "once in a lifetime" trip doesn't end up happening once - note our Jan. and Nov. '04 trips HTH and congrats

 

[ddlgwar]

I've never stayed at GF. I have stayed at POFQ at loved it.I found that it was a very quiet resort.The grounds were lovely and the theming was well carried out.It is even nicer than it looks. I've stayed at all the AS,PoP,CB,Dolphin,Swan,CS and AKL.POFQ is my favorite resort.I've recommended it to many and won't hesitate to stay there again.As far as your decision-its hard to say.Will you regret carrying the debt knowing you could have stayed somewhere for less? Will the debt interfere with future life choices-children or a home? Is it possible for you to split your stay-start or end your honeymoon with a few nights at GF and spend the rest at POFQ.

 

[*Fantasia*]

When we were at POFQ there was a couple, honemooner, they were wearing their wedding mickeyminnie hats. The looked like they were enjoying themselves. I say... do the moderate (my pick would be POFQ) and pay your wedding debt. And save GF for your anniversary!

 

[CNMooner]

Thanks everybody! I just talked to FI who really wants to stay at the GF! Who knew he even cared! But I'm going to keep working on him-- POFQ looks so nice!

 

[Alaska Catdog]

Last November we went on our delayed honeymoon to WDW and we stayed at AKL & Contemporary Concierge then BWV. Then in February we went to POFQ and I wish I'd known how lovely it was before our "once in a lifetime" trip last year. POFQ was fabulous and I don't even want to think about how much money we would have saved. I won't stay at CR again, it just wasn't my cup of tea and we preferred MGM and Epcot so we did not take advantage of being on a Monorail resort while we were there. It's a great time to be at WDW. Congratulations! Why not switch and then splurge on a meal, Cirque du Soleil, a fireworks cruise, parasailing or a couples massage. You could do several of those and still have money left from that $2000 savings. But a word of caution, if you do switch makes sure you get a King Bedroom, those double beds are small.

 

[MNSusan]

Could you split your stay? Stay a night or two at GF and then move over to POFQ.

 

[sanibelover]

We stayed at POFQ in Nov 2004. While it's a nice hotel, there's not much going on there, so if your dream vacation involves having a few cocktails with a little nighltlife happening, this may not be the best place for you.

I was not feeling well on our vacation a couple of nights and there was absolutely nothing for my husband to do. Nothing going on at the lounge - never even saw anyone in it - the hot tub was over run with kids. The pool bar closed very early. Also, you cannot keep your curtains open because the walkways to the rooms are directly outside the windows. I kind of felt like I was in a nicely decorated box. Never even knew if the sun was out or if it was raining because our curtains were always shut.

If I had had the children with me and we all went to bed early, POFQ would have been great, but for a couple of adults, not so much. I know a lot of folks think it's really romantic, I just found it pretty boring.

We went over to the POLY and the GF one night and those places were hopping!! It was fun grabbing a cocktail and people watching, riding the monorail, walking on the beach, plus many of those rooms have balconies which I think adds alot!! When we got back to POFQ, It looked like a ghost town..........

Whether these complaints of mine are worth $2000, I do not know, but you need to consider these things - it is your honeymoon. Hope you have a wonderful time whatever you decide to do.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Only you can decide if the money saved is worth it.

Let us pretend that we take the $ question out of it. I know...I know...talk about being in Fantasyland

POFQ is my favorite moderate, with that being said, I would choose the GF. The differences between the moderate and the deluxe are many.

The GF's location, views, atmosphere, services, restaurants, pools, spa, lobby, Mizners, etc...etc.
are all wonderful, especially for your once in a lifetime Honeymoon!

 

[BrianD]

I'm going to say go for the GF. It's your honeymoon! POFQ is my favorite moderate, but he wants to stay at the GF and it's your honeymoon! You can always come back and stay at POFQ. The GF is by far our favorite resort, for beauty, luxury, amenities, and convenience!

Either way you choose, have a great time!

 

[stingfancb]

I put my vote in for maybe staying one night at GF and then switching to POFQ. As for night life - you'll probably be very busy during the day and enjoy the peaceful evenings. I do know that the bar (don't know what it's called) at POR is very busy and lots of fun in the evenings. It's just off their lobby and it's a sing-a-long type place. Fun guy at the piano and lots of laughs.
Save your money - all you really need is each other, right?

 

[Davids-Coco]

We did the all out *definately* once in a lifetime trip to the GF for our honeymoon. That said, we also saved for a year to be able to do it. We bought a house and got married (big too) at the same time. Money is always an issue, but this is your honeymoon.

IMHO - do the GF. It is beautiful, and a great atmosphere for honeymooners. And, there was always something going on at night. I also wouldn't "keep working on him" because this is about both of you and if he wants to stay there and so do you (which is what it sounds like except for the $$ reasons), then why force compromise?

 

[wdwfan]

This is your honeymoon and I think you should not be overly concerned with the savings. You have your entire married life for that! Enjoy your honeymoon to the fullest. I think the GF could definetly make it even more magical.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Is this once in a life time trip to WDW? Or is it once in a life time stay at GF? If it's one time only trip to WDW then I would opt for GF! If it's once in a life time stay at GF... then I would say save the "once in a life time GF" for later.

 

[j's m]

We stayed at the GF several years ago and were disappointed with it. While it was a beautiful hotel and wonderful to walk through, once you leave the main building, it's not the same. Unless you are staying GF concierge in the main building, I don't think it's worth it.

Spend a night or two there and then switch. Save the extra money towards a house or paying down wedding debt.

 

[laura12581]

We were really disappointed with the GF on our Sept 04 HM. In my opinion, you should serioulsy consider POFQ. We did not have a good experience at GF at all!! I had been soooo excited to stay there and booked nearly 2 yrs in advance and all. Good luck and congratulations, you will have fun no matter what you decide.
Laura

 

[5kwallace]

Another vote for GF. We honeymooned at WDW almost 13 years ago. We were originally booked at the YC but changed to POR. POR was nice but it was not the YC. Almost 13 years later, I still regret that decision. A honeymoon is once in a lifetime trip. The location of the GF can't be beat. The monorail is great & makes it easy and quick to get to MK. The next trip you could stay at POFQ. JMO, have a great time no matter where you stay.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We honeymooned at POR back when it was called Dixie Landings so we could spend more $ on our wedding. And we did not regret it. We found POR and POFQ to be very romantinc. Lots of quiet corners and it was very enjoyable to walk around the grounds in the evening. We hardly remember crossing paths with anyone else. It was great. We took a carriage ride during our trip in May 05. It would have been romantic, except we had our kids with us . The carriage ride circled POR and POFQ, was only $30 for 30 minutes. You must reserve ahead though. Congrats on the wedding!

 

[weflyinhi]

I have stayed at POFQ, loved it. All trips after have been at a Deluxe or Villa (including BCV booked for 1/2006 - 13v of us). I would stay at the GF 1 for the fact that it is your honeymoon, that is the full fantasy. You will definately get more perks staying at a deluxe resort, which will add to the whole honeymoon experience. I cruised Northern Europe for 12 days for my honeymoon, yes it was costly, but I enjoyed myself more than doing a Caribbean cruise like everyone else suggested to save money. It is that trip that you will always remember and talk about. I wish you the best with whichever you choose. Enjoy your Honeymoon in Disney.