Truly Confused: GF or Poly Concierge for Early December?

[DiznEeyore]

I am driving my poor husband and son crazy because I can't make up my mind. Dh has given me the go-ahead to book a really fantastic trip for this December (it will most likely be our last big family trip with our high-school-age son) and I honestly can't decide if we should stick with the tried-and-true Poly (which all 3 of us love) or pay the extra $$ and do the GF RPC.

We have stayed at the Poly 4x (concierge once) and the GF once in a standard view. We have lots of great family memories at the Poly and all 3 of us think of it as "our resort". We also love the grounds and atmosphere of the Poly but really enjoyed how "pampered" we felt at the Grand.

It seems like I'm reading that the lounge offerings are a little more plentiful at the GF than the Poly, and maybe the staff a little more helpful, too?

We've seen the GF at Christmastime before (just haven't stayed at that time of year) and I know they go over the top w/decorations vs. the Poly (we also haven't stayed there during the holidays).

Anyway, if anyone has an opinion they'd care to share, our family would really appreciate it.

 

[Tinkaroo]

At the holidays, GF RPC would be hands-down my choice!

DH and I had stayed at the Poly previously (never concierge, though), and DH felt that was truly his favorite resort. We stayed RPC at the GF this past year from late Nov./early Dec., and he was hooked! I booked it as a "one-time splurge", but DH is already talking about how he wants to do it again next year!

The GF is really great that time of year - all the beautiful holiday decorations, music, etc. - and you can escape the crowds and enjoy it all from the serene location of the GF RPC lounge. We also found the food and drink offerings wonderful, and plentiful. And the staff was warm and gracious!

Don't get me wrong, we like the Poly, but it is definitely a "warm weather" resort for us. For the holidays, it's hands-down the GF!!!!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Thanks, Tinkaroo. You make the GF sound very tempting!

 

[frdeb1999]

My pick would be the Poly. The CL service and offerings are wonderful. You can always go over to the GF and the other resorts to see the decorations and such. Sorry although the GF is a very pretty resort it just isn't IMO as relaxing as the Poly..

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I would pick the GF.

 

[lvloopingbag]

I have to say GF too......

 

[BCV23]

I think you should just decide what memory you want.

The GF is so beautiful during the holidays. But when we stay at the Polynesian any time of the year, we plan meals at the GF anyway since there are so many great choices there. It is easy and fun to visit the sister resort no matter which you choose.

We haven't found any differences in service at the two resorts. At both most CMs are great.

The club level offerings are similar at breakfast except the GF does offer cheese and meat slices. I like their pastries a bit better as well. The hors d'oeuvres at the GF are not as hardy and frankly a few things just don't taste good! Most are fine though but if your men are used to the more substantial offerings at the Polynesian, they might be disappointed. However, the GF serves champagne! And I love the scones at teatime.

The views from the lagoon concierge rooms at the Polynesian are the best in all of WDW IMO. Even the gardenview rooms beat the courtyard view we had in RPC. There are some rooms in RPC that face the castle but through the marina.

Transportation is better at the Polynesian of course.

I love both hotels and don't think you can go wrong. Happy planning and I hope you make cherished memories.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I think you should just decide what memory you want.

I love both hotels and don't think you can go wrong. Happy planning and I hope you make cherished memories.

Thank you so much -- that's so sweet!

I appreciate everyone else's opinions, too. Thank you for posting.

I was just looking through some photos here and in our scrapbooks, and as beautiful as the GF is, I really think our hearts are with the Poly. It's been *our* resort for so many years -- for example, I have photos of my now-not-so-little boy at age 5 (a decade ago!) waving goodbye to dh and me as he went through Wendy's window at the Neverland Club -- that I think for what may be our last significant family trip, we'll regret it if we don't go to the Poly.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[tecdavidt]

We stayed at GF concierge Sugar Loaf in Nov. '07 and we have stayed three times at Poly Hawaii Bldg. Concierge level. Two of the Poly stays were with Christmas decorations. GF did not have Christmas decorations up but we did get to see the gingerbread house being built. That was wonderful.

We liked both resorts. The GF had a Boardwalk feel to it. Formal, nice but not cozy. We ended up taking the boat over to the Poly to watch Wishes at the beach twice during our stay.

The Poly is more down to earth and just felt more friendly to us. It really is up to you to decide what you want to remember during your vacation.

One huge difference: the bathrooms. The GF has a better bathroom. The toilet/shower/tub room--then the seperate double sink is a huge plus over the Poly. The Poly has one bathroom door that closes off the entire bath space. One sink verses the GF double sinks. What makes the Poly work for us, the view-- the castle right outside our door!!! We watch Wishes on our own private patio.

Kathy