Trying another deluxe resort instead of GF...

[JANIE G.]

We have stayed at the Grand Floridian two times and absolutely love this resort. We are about to book our February 2005 trip and we thought of trying another deluxe resort for something different. My problem is that I’m afraid we might regret it and spend all that money and be disappointed.

Has anyone else been in the same boat regarding loving their stay at the Grand Floridian and tried another resort? We’re considering Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, or Yacht Club. Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[karemore]

We stayed at the GF in april, and won't be going back to WDW until next April, and I have similar concerns.

To me, the Boardwalk looked like the "prettiest" alternative. I looked at photos of all the resorts rooms, and lobbies etc and thought that the Boardwalk would have the most familar feel after being at the GF.

I'm still on the fence. I know I don't want to spend the money for the GF again, when there are so many other resorts to explore......


I hope you will report back once you decide and let us know how it goes!

Karen

 

[patsvette]

We also stayed at the gf last year and it was the best but we decided to try other ones instead and compare,were trying the port orleans this year and next year maybe the boardwalk.Ive stayed in the poly,contemp.,gf,so far.I dont think anything will really compare to the gf after staying there but i want to try something different,i hope we wont be disappointed either.

 

[JANIE G.]

Glad to know I'm not the only one out there that's having trouble making this decision, Karen. As much as we love the Floridian, we would like to get out of a rut and be a little adventurous, but at the same time, we hate to be disappointed with our decision.

Maybe there are some folks out there that have made the switch from the GF to another resort and they'll let us know how things went for them.

 

[swilphil]

I think your best bet would be Yacht Club. I like the Boardwalk lobby, but I haven't seen the rooms. The Epcot location is wonderful

 

[asta]

I think this is just a matter of opinion and personal taste, but since you asked... I really like the GF and have finally decided after trying others that I am just happier when I'm there. A close second is the WL. We have stayed there twice and I loved the ambiance, but the rooms are just too small compared to the GF. I reall missed the bathroom setup. The vanity area at the GF is bigger and just a little more private. We have also tried the Yacht Club and didn't like it as well. Our room seemed darker and was very damp. This resort is nice, but everything felt more closed in. I would recommed that you might want to split your stay, but stay at the GF for the last part of the stay. We did the opposite and I think that hurt our enjoyment of the YC. That way if you don't like the second resort that you pick, you can always look forward to staying at the GF. This is a small thing but I think it makes a huge diference. (I've never stayed at the Boardwalk, but it looks very nice.)

 

[franw]

You would love the BWI and the access it gives to Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk itself. I wouldn't suggest the Poly since it is a tropical version of the GF. We love walking out onto the Boardwalk in the mornings and especially when it is lit up at night. I think it is one of the prettiest places to walk in all of WDW. We plan to stay there again in December for a short Christmas festivities visit. I don't think it will disappoint you in any way. Different in some aspects from the GF but more comfortable elegant. The Boardwalk Bakery has great breakfast sweets and the Flying Fish is one of our favorite places for a special dinner. We often take walks into Epcot just for dessert. Whatever you decide, you can choose to enjoy the new experience even if it only makes you more excited to go back to the GF again. We've had a few of those along the way.

 

[arewealmosthereyet?]

we just came back from a split vist from GF and WL. We had only stayed at the GF for the many times we went down and I decided for three days to try the WL. So many people love it and have great things to say. I tried so hard not to compare the two. I did not care for the WL. Now this is probably because we love love love the GF. There was nothing wrong with the WL, it just wasnt what I was expecting. Rooms were small and dark. Im very glad I tried but I think we will just stick with what we love. I also thought that moving resorts was a huge hassle. I know many people do it and do not mind but it was not for us...

 

[TammiMcMan]

After a number of consecutive trips to the GF resort, we're taking the plunge and trying something different. A few of the things that I love about GF is the proximity to the park and the large balconies. That helped to make my choice a little bit easier and I decided on the Yacht Club. It's within walking distance of MGM and Epcot, plus it has the added benefit of the Boardwalk. I know the kids are going to be happy with the pool.

Plus, then I'll be far enough away from the GF that I won't keep looking at it across the lake and wishing that I was there

Tammi

 

[tigmickey]

I have stayed at the Floridian, Poly, Contemp, Boardwalk Villas and Old Key West. I will also be staying at Beach Club Villas in 24 days.

My advice is this, all of the resorts have great qualities. If you try a different one try and stay on the same level. (i.e. deluxe not value.) And when you go try and be in the frame of mind to look for the things that you like, not the things that are different than GF.

The best thing about WDW is all of the choices. I try not to eat at the same restraunt 2 trips in a row or stay at the same resort. Variety is the spice of life.

 

[CarolA]

I actually much perfer the YC/BC over the GF. I had better service there and the location was wonderful for me. (I am not a MK person!)

 

[JANIE G.]

You make a good point Tammi. It would be awful to try the WL and find it wasn't what I expected and have to long for the GF across the lake. I guess when it comes down to it, I dislike change, but I read from so many other people how much they love the other resorts and think I should give them a try.

I know I'm probably making too much of a fuss about this, but oh how I'm agonizing over which resort to pick. Maybe Karen is right when she said that the Boardwalk Inn is similar in it's feel to the GF and I should try them first.

Hopefully, a few more people will respond before I make my decision by this week-end.

Thanks to everyone that has replied so far.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

As you can tell by my signature, we have been to most of the WDW resorts multiple times, usually 3-5 trips annually. We stay in the Deluxe resorts for the bulk of our trips and the values or moderates for the first day we arrive.

There are four of us and we rotate our choices.

All of the resorts have different attributes. We love the variety and different themes. As much as you like the GF, who knows...perhaps there is another resort you will like equally well...or dare I say it...Even more!

Or...split your stay. Stay at another resort first and then a few nights at GF. That way you can explore a new resort and still have the GF to end your stay.


Go ahead...live dangerously!

 

[JANIE G.]

WDW Lifelong Fan - A lot of what you say is true. You sure look like you're the resort expert I need to talk to. What is your favorite deluxe resort and what is your favorite moderate (for the first day), since you've tried most of them?

Thanks,
Janie

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We thought we wanted to try a new resort this year. Everybody raved about POR and the price was great with AP discount so we booked that instead. We lasted less than two hours. There wasn't anything wrong with POR but when we got off the bus at MK and looked over at GF both my DH and I got a pit in our stomach. DH went over and was able to get us moved back to GF right away. I always thought I wanted to try all the disney resorts but now we know we would miss GF too much. We're booked there for next July already!

 

[Maryjane1]

I have had many stays at the GF but once I tried the BC & YC I was hooked it was so great I love the easy walk to Epcot and the boat ride to MGM the rooms are great and the pool is just the best on the property so much fun I really think if you try it you will not be sorry.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

I don't know if I am an expert...I do know that we are crazy enough to go so frequently!

We usually drive down from Atlanta and spend the first night at one of the moderates or value resorts, and spend the evening shopping/dining at DTD. We then check in early at our primary resort and have had good luck with getting our requests fulfilled.

POR is probably our favorite moderate resort. However, all have wonderful themes and attributes.

As for my favorite.... Me, DW, DD (17) and DD (16) rotate our choices. My favorite resort is the POLY (My first and still my favorite) My DW's is the YC, My DD (17) is the GF, and my DD (16) is the AKL. I know..."I'm a big help"

Honestly, we always enjoy the resort experience at WDW. We visit frequently and are able to try different resorts. There are days that we never go to a park and love to swim, sit on the balcony/patio and soak up the resort's atmosphere, eat, watch movies, sit in the lobby, shop, etc..

I don't blame you for being scared about missing the GF...it is a wonderful resort that we love to stay at!

 

[patsvette]

After reading all these post,now im wondering if i should go back to gf.

 

[dsmom]

I would give the Yacht Club a try! I've stayed at every resort and love it the best. Everyone that works there seems truely happy to be there and to help you and the manager is outstanding! I love the GF too but I just fell in love with the Yacht club. The pool is great , dining options are incredible, the walk to Epcot and MGM are great, the boats are fun- try an Illuninations cruise-the Boardwalk is right there- can you tell I'm sold on the place?

 

[JANIE G.]

Many thanks to everyone who responded. You were a great help.

Janie