Stayed at all 3 monorail resorts?
- Thread starter jmkst58
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Wish Upon A Star
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How about 2 out of 3?
We stayed at GF in 1999 and at Poly in 2000.
We are going back to GF in July of this year.
What we liked about the Grand Floridian:
The elegance of the resort, our beautiful room in Boca Chica, the HUGE swimming pool, walking around the resort at dusk taking in all the sites, sitting on the beach watching the EWP, renting water mice and driving around 7 Seas Lagoon, watching the castle change colors, eating at 1900 Park Fare, having great sandwiches at Grand Floridian Cafe, being a quick monorail stop to MK.
What we liked about the Poly:
The relaxing atmosphere, the nightly torch lighting ceremony, the smell of the resort (very tropical), sitting on the hammocks, eating at Kona Cafe and Ohana's, hearing the drums from the luau, seeing the luau, the CM's are extremely nice, everyone is your "cousin" going around saying "ALOHA" several hundred times per day, the pool, refillable mugs, great coffee, feeling like you are in paradise.
We stayed at GF in 1999 and at Poly in 2000.
We are going back to GF in July of this year.
What we liked about the Grand Floridian:
The elegance of the resort, our beautiful room in Boca Chica, the HUGE swimming pool, walking around the resort at dusk taking in all the sites, sitting on the beach watching the EWP, renting water mice and driving around 7 Seas Lagoon, watching the castle change colors, eating at 1900 Park Fare, having great sandwiches at Grand Floridian Cafe, being a quick monorail stop to MK.
What we liked about the Poly:
The relaxing atmosphere, the nightly torch lighting ceremony, the smell of the resort (very tropical), sitting on the hammocks, eating at Kona Cafe and Ohana's, hearing the drums from the luau, seeing the luau, the CM's are extremely nice, everyone is your "cousin" going around saying "ALOHA" several hundred times per day, the pool, refillable mugs, great coffee, feeling like you are in paradise.
Staying at GF was like a dream, so wonderful! And now there is the new pool too. If only I could afford it! The new pool is absolutely gorgeous, right on the beach looking out at the lagoon.
I stayed at the Poly with my family one time. The rooms are the largest of any standard rooms, I believe. Very spacious, even for two adults and two teens.
Also, I love the Kona Kafe. Wonderful food! Great decor!
The best feature of all is the monorail. Can't beat that for fun and transportation to MK.
I stayed at the Poly with my family one time. The rooms are the largest of any standard rooms, I believe. Very spacious, even for two adults and two teens.
Also, I love the Kona Kafe. Wonderful food! Great decor!
The best feature of all is the monorail. Can't beat that for fun and transportation to MK.
My family has stayed at both the Polynesian and the Cont. Resort.
tower room.
Polynesian:
The resort was ok. We has a first floor lagoon view room. I thought the decor was dated and the room needed rehab. But, it was spotless! The service on our first stay was lousy but on our second stay it was ok. THe pool was under construction both times we stayed there, but I hear that it is kind of cool. I do like the lobby and Ohana's is great!
Contemporary:
I love this resort! We have stayed here twice and both times in the Tower. Loved the spacious rooms, the stmosphere, the pools, the acrade, and the Fun and Food Center. The rooms were kept very clean and housekeeping meet all our needs. The first impression I recieve and the initial service was so memorable that I will always love this place.
However, I do beleive it depends on what you like. I prefer the hustle and bustle feel of the Cont. resort. I live in So. Florida so the Poly is more of the same. Both resorts are very nice. We haven't stayed at the Grand FLoridian because it is our style. To fancy maybe for very casual people like my family. (But, that is my impression)
jeannej
tower room.
Polynesian:
The resort was ok. We has a first floor lagoon view room. I thought the decor was dated and the room needed rehab. But, it was spotless! The service on our first stay was lousy but on our second stay it was ok. THe pool was under construction both times we stayed there, but I hear that it is kind of cool. I do like the lobby and Ohana's is great!
Contemporary:
I love this resort! We have stayed here twice and both times in the Tower. Loved the spacious rooms, the stmosphere, the pools, the acrade, and the Fun and Food Center. The rooms were kept very clean and housekeeping meet all our needs. The first impression I recieve and the initial service was so memorable that I will always love this place.
However, I do beleive it depends on what you like. I prefer the hustle and bustle feel of the Cont. resort. I live in So. Florida so the Poly is more of the same. Both resorts are very nice. We haven't stayed at the Grand FLoridian because it is our style. To fancy maybe for very casual people like my family. (But, that is my impression)
jeannej
Wish Upon A Star
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Good Question . . .
Well we were scheduled to stay at the Contemporary Tower in December 2001, but because of ongoing construction to our home, we had to cancel.
We would of scheduled our July 4th trip at the Contemporary, but our DD and DS wanted to go back to GF because they wanted to try out the new pool and they really loved it there . . .
Our November 30th trip this year will be spent at the Wilderness Lodge because we wanted to try a non-monorail resort and we heard it has beautiful decorations at that time.
We won't go to WDW in 2003, but maybe in 2004 we'll stay at Contemporary . . .but I'll probably end up staying at the Poly!
Well we were scheduled to stay at the Contemporary Tower in December 2001, but because of ongoing construction to our home, we had to cancel.
We would of scheduled our July 4th trip at the Contemporary, but our DD and DS wanted to go back to GF because they wanted to try out the new pool and they really loved it there . . .
Our November 30th trip this year will be spent at the Wilderness Lodge because we wanted to try a non-monorail resort and we heard it has beautiful decorations at that time.
We won't go to WDW in 2003, but maybe in 2004 we'll stay at Contemporary . . .but I'll probably end up staying at the Poly!
zoey452.....what's your favorite deluxe? I do plan on investigating the other deluxes but I have got to think that the convenience of the monorail would be #1 for me (I am a stroller mom).
jeannej....The atmosphere of the Contemporary? I was thinking that this resort would be the least on theming and atmosphere and a reason I wanted to cut it out, but I have never visited, so I have no idea.
THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH!!!
Looking to book next trip VERY soon......YEAH!!!
jeannej....The atmosphere of the Contemporary? I was thinking that this resort would be the least on theming and atmosphere and a reason I wanted to cut it out, but I have never visited, so I have no idea.
THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH!!!
Looking to book next trip VERY soon......YEAH!!!
drusba
I went to Iowa once, and it was closed.
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GF: best luxury of the three, impressive rooms and huge lobby (with a piano man), quickest to MK by monorail (but not quickest coming back); good restaurants. Downside: most expensive of the three.
Poly: nice theme, good shops, best boat and activity area of the three, easiest of 3 to Epcot as you can walk over to monorail at TTC. Downside: always seemed to have an "old" feel to me; not impressed with Olivia's.
Cont: largest rooms, good elevated views if you get tower rooms, California Grill is one of the best restaruants on site and has ideal view of MK from the 13th floor, can walk to MK; downside: ugly design--big box with a monorail running through it; internal lobby, shop, restaurant area always feels like it is in the dark in a vast cavern.
Poly: nice theme, good shops, best boat and activity area of the three, easiest of 3 to Epcot as you can walk over to monorail at TTC. Downside: always seemed to have an "old" feel to me; not impressed with Olivia's.
Cont: largest rooms, good elevated views if you get tower rooms, California Grill is one of the best restaruants on site and has ideal view of MK from the 13th floor, can walk to MK; downside: ugly design--big box with a monorail running through it; internal lobby, shop, restaurant area always feels like it is in the dark in a vast cavern.
Wish Upon A Star.......hehehehe........LOL.......I can tell that you love Disney. So much to do....so little time.
Haven't stayed on-site yet. I am REALLY excited about it. I can imagine getting hooked.
drusba.....THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Very helpful info!!! I just can't decide which factors are most important to me. THANKS!
I think I'm going to have to go run some numbers........Maybe price will decide. THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!!
Haven't stayed on-site yet. I am REALLY excited about it. I can imagine getting hooked.
drusba.....THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Very helpful info!!! I just can't decide which factors are most important to me. THANKS!
I think I'm going to have to go run some numbers........Maybe price will decide. THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!!
DisneyKidds
<font color=green>The TF thanks DisneyKidds for mo
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As Meatloaf sang.... 2 out of 3 ain't bad...
We have stayed at GF and CR.
We loved the GF and hope to go back some day. We went on our honeymoon and the resort is gorgeous and elegant, while being comfortable at the same time. We checked out the new pool last time we were at WDW and it is very nice. The pool had been the one knock on the GF IMO. The original pool is big and nice, but nothing exciting. We love sitting and relaxing in the lobby of the GF. 1900 Park Fare is our favorite character breakfast. GF is the flagship hotel of WDW.
We enjoyed our stay at the CR but probably won't go back. One, because we didn't care for the hotel itself, and two, we now own DVC. The best thing about the CR, IMO, is being able to walk to the MK. It is much quicker than the monorail and it is a short and easy walk. The rooms are large. Other than that the CR didn't do much for us. We were in a garden wing. The room showed it's age, as the CR is the oldest hotel on property. The rooms in the garden wing, other than the funky decor, could be a room at any hotel. The CR also lacks quiet corners, nooks, crannies, and comfortable places to just sit and relax. The overall decor of the hotel seems cold rather than comfortable. Perhaps the Tower provides more of a magical experience, but we didn't feel it when we stayed at the CR. I know there are lots of people who love the CR, but it's not for us.
We have stayed at GF and CR.
We loved the GF and hope to go back some day. We went on our honeymoon and the resort is gorgeous and elegant, while being comfortable at the same time. We checked out the new pool last time we were at WDW and it is very nice. The pool had been the one knock on the GF IMO. The original pool is big and nice, but nothing exciting. We love sitting and relaxing in the lobby of the GF. 1900 Park Fare is our favorite character breakfast. GF is the flagship hotel of WDW.
We enjoyed our stay at the CR but probably won't go back. One, because we didn't care for the hotel itself, and two, we now own DVC. The best thing about the CR, IMO, is being able to walk to the MK. It is much quicker than the monorail and it is a short and easy walk. The rooms are large. Other than that the CR didn't do much for us. We were in a garden wing. The room showed it's age, as the CR is the oldest hotel on property. The rooms in the garden wing, other than the funky decor, could be a room at any hotel. The CR also lacks quiet corners, nooks, crannies, and comfortable places to just sit and relax. The overall decor of the hotel seems cold rather than comfortable. Perhaps the Tower provides more of a magical experience, but we didn't feel it when we stayed at the CR. I know there are lots of people who love the CR, but it's not for us.
Wish Upon A Star
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jmkst58:
Ok, you pegged me . . .LOL
Actually, we thought that going in 1999 would be our only family vacation there . . .my DD was 9 and my DS was 5 1/2 at the time. It was their first time. DH and I went a couple times before by ourselves and never stayed onsite.
WARNING!! Staying onsite is addicting! Let me tell you, we had the most magical, enjoyable family vacation ever! Our DD and DS were perfect angels, they enjoyed themselves so much and were constantly on their bestest behavior. It was such a nice break from reality . . .Our stay at the GF that year was truly amazing. We felt so "elite" everything was spotless, turndown service at night with those chocolate mints, the huge, oversized robes that were hanging in the closet . . .we were so pampered! We only stay 7 nights and at the end of that stay, I cried! It was so depressing to think that we couldn't come back . . .my DH also got all teary . . .and then I asked the BIG question . . .can we come back next year?? It's the Millennium Celebration!! And he said "YES"
DH and I are now certified Disney Addicts, it's almost as bad as having a gambling addiction! (Thank god we don't have one) The only reason we are traveling 2 times this year is because we had to use last December's unused flight tickets and we happened to purchase annual passes . . .We won't return again until April 2004, I need to save up!!
Ok, you pegged me . . .LOL
Actually, we thought that going in 1999 would be our only family vacation there . . .my DD was 9 and my DS was 5 1/2 at the time. It was their first time. DH and I went a couple times before by ourselves and never stayed onsite.
WARNING!! Staying onsite is addicting! Let me tell you, we had the most magical, enjoyable family vacation ever! Our DD and DS were perfect angels, they enjoyed themselves so much and were constantly on their bestest behavior. It was such a nice break from reality . . .Our stay at the GF that year was truly amazing. We felt so "elite" everything was spotless, turndown service at night with those chocolate mints, the huge, oversized robes that were hanging in the closet . . .we were so pampered! We only stay 7 nights and at the end of that stay, I cried! It was so depressing to think that we couldn't come back . . .my DH also got all teary . . .and then I asked the BIG question . . .can we come back next year?? It's the Millennium Celebration!! And he said "YES"
DH and I are now certified Disney Addicts, it's almost as bad as having a gambling addiction! (Thank god we don't have one) The only reason we are traveling 2 times this year is because we had to use last December's unused flight tickets and we happened to purchase annual passes . . .We won't return again until April 2004, I need to save up!!
Interesting.....I'm now considering the GF which originally was my last choice. Usually the one you least expect....I guess.
Wish Upon A Star....I feel the bug creeping over me already. Maybe I shouldn't stay on-site and fuel it. Kinda scary.
Wish Upon A Star....I feel the bug creeping over me already. Maybe I shouldn't stay on-site and fuel it. Kinda scary.
Interesting question.........
Definitely my husband and I (20-somethings).......
I have a 22 mo. old daughter that I would love to bring. I just took her there 2 weeks ago. I have considered leaving her at home this trip though. Don't get me wrong!!!! She was my BEST travel companion on the last trip (So many precious moments too). But I did learn on the last trip that this next one would still really be for me and not so much for her.
I hate EVER being away from her, though, so if I did bring her, it would definitely be in the cooler months and I would probably bring my mom. 2 queen sized would probably be the plan.
Definitely my husband and I (20-somethings).......
I have a 22 mo. old daughter that I would love to bring. I just took her there 2 weeks ago. I have considered leaving her at home this trip though. Don't get me wrong!!!! She was my BEST travel companion on the last trip (So many precious moments too). But I did learn on the last trip that this next one would still really be for me and not so much for her.
I hate EVER being away from her, though, so if I did bring her, it would definitely be in the cooler months and I would probably bring my mom. 2 queen sized would probably be the plan.
I've stayed in the Contemporary and the Polynesian. They both have great locations and views (esp. in the Tower at the Contemporary and certain buildings at the Poly). The Poly has more theming, but I'm not looking for theming when I go to the Contemp. The monorail going right through the building is so cool, the kids love it. I'll admit, I'm not a big fan of the Poly (moldy smell, dark decor, and we didn't have nice CM's during our trip there), but obviously, many people just love it. I love the Contemporary - it just feels like you're right in the thick of things. I'd like to stay at the Grand Floridian some day, but it's not in my budget for now, and I don't think my kids would get that much of a kick out of it. Good luck with your decision.
How does this reasoning sound?
Stay at the Contemp if you have a child old enough to appreciate the novelties (having monorail through building).
Stay at the Poly if everyone in party will appreciate the theming.
Stay at the GF to most impress the adults (this actually is my main purpose {on top of convenience}). I want a good introduction to resorts to impress my husband enough so that he will never want to stay anywhere but Disney.
Stay at the Contemp if you have a child old enough to appreciate the novelties (having monorail through building).
Stay at the Poly if everyone in party will appreciate the theming.
Stay at the GF to most impress the adults (this actually is my main purpose {on top of convenience}). I want a good introduction to resorts to impress my husband enough so that he will never want to stay anywhere but Disney.
I've stayed at all three resorts. What is important to your husband (since you are trying to win him over)? Which parks? Ease of transportation? Amenities? Which hotel theme interests him? Will you use a car or WDW transport?
DOes he like fancy restaurants?
Sorry to be nosy, but I might be able to point out some things for you if I knew a little more.
DOes he like fancy restaurants?
Sorry to be nosy, but I might be able to point out some things for you if I knew a little more.
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