Torn between BWI and GF

[100acreHiker]

Would love to hear some outside-my-head thoughts. This really shouldn't be an issue for me because I should just save the cash and stick with BWI, which we really do love, but my heart has been missing GF. We haven't stayed there in 3 or so years. We have an early December trip planned (just 5 days) and I keep thinking about how much I love the GF during the holidays. In every other sense it makes good, practical sense for us to stick with our BWI reservation. We don't really go to MK much, for example--just one day. We plan to hop between EP and HS & AK quite a bit. I think the transportation at BWI is better between walking, boat, and direct bus service that usually doesn't share with other resorts. GF is so amazing and the monorail is nice, but it's a long ride to EP. And, finally, we'd save about $500 if we stick with BWI. But my heart! Misses! GF at Christmas! And I really want to make sure I see the new Happily Ever After show, which only happens twice during our stay due to parties, etc. Any and all thoughts appreciated!

 

[Babsy]

You make a lot of good points for staying at the BWI!! I would stay at the BWI, but book a meal at the GF and enjoy it's Christmas decorations then and/or during your MK day. You can easily go to see HEA from the BWI, as well. Essentially, with the plans you mentioned for this trip, the BWI just makes a lot of sense. It is a wonderful resort with lots of advantages to staying there. They have really nice decorations at the BWI for Christmas, too!

Meanwhile, I would start planning my next year's Christmas trip at the GF!!! maybe a bounce back while at BWI???

 

[Butterstick]

I feel you! I love, love the GF, and make sure to visit at least once even when we're not staying there. It's my happy place. $500 isn't *soooo* much in the grand scheme of things.... I don't care that much about MK access either, but you can't beat having Narcoosee's, Citricos, and all other monorail restaurants so close by.
Also, I hate to say it, but we always have better interactions with fellow guests at the GF. The children are better behaved. No bad elevator etiquette. No people flaunting the rules or invading your personal space at the pools...

 

[mickeynut1]

You make a lot of good points for staying at the BWI!! I would stay at the BWI, but book a meal at the GF and enjoy it's Christmas decorations then and/or during your MK day. You can easily go to see HEA from the BWI, as well. Essentially, with the plans you mentioned for this trip, the BWI just makes a lot of sense. It is a wonderful resort with lots of advantages to staying there. They have really nice decorations at the BWI for Christmas, too!

Meanwhile, I would start planning my next year's Christmas trip at the GF!!! maybe a bounce back while at BWI???

I agree with Babsy. What you have planned makes the most sense staying at BWI. Plus, staying BWI this year will be a good excuse to book a return trip next December at the GF .

 

[Shanti]

Would love to hear some outside-my-head thoughts. This really shouldn't be an issue for me because I should just save the cash and stick with BWI, which we really do love, but my heart has been missing GF. We haven't stayed there in 3 or so years. We have an early December trip planned (just 5 days) and I keep thinking about how much I love the GF during the holidays. In every other sense it makes good, practical sense for us to stick with our BWI reservation. We don't really go to MK much, for example--just one day. We plan to hop between EP and HS & AK quite a bit. I think the transportation at BWI is better between walking, boat, and direct bus service that usually doesn't share with other resorts. GF is so amazing and the monorail is nice, but it's a long ride to EP. And, finally, we'd save about $500 if we stick with BWI. But my heart! Misses! GF at Christmas! And I really want to make sure I see the new Happily Ever After show, which only happens twice during our stay due to parties, etc. Any and all thoughts appreciated!

I would stay at GF at Christmas.

 

[100acreHiker]

Thanks, everyone. All practical reason do point to BWI (and I almost reached a consensus here!), and I'll likely just leave our reservation be. Probably will go ahead with the idea of getting dinner at Citricos and listening to the jazz band (which my son loves) so we can at least take in the resort for an evening. Sigh. I think if GF had dedicated buses that would be the tipping point; for a short trip, transportation really makes a difference.

 

[NH-to-FL]

Another vote for the BWI! We made many trips to the BWI. Love the location and the theming. Since you said you aren't planning to spend much time at the MK then the BWI makes the most sense to me. You can plan a visit to the GF on your MK day.

Wishing you a magical trip!

 

[Greg K.]

Do they still have the bell ringers at the GF during the holidays? We were there during the Christmas season some years back, and they gave concerts a couple nights in the lobby. Magical and very Christmas-y!

 

[maryj11]

I have to say the GF is my choice . I love everything about that resort.