What makes the Poly and the GF so much better?

[luna99]

It seems like the Poly and the GF are the highest of the high as far as the resorts go.. am I right? Aren't they the most expensive? And I notice that they aren't included in the Disney Vacation Club resorts.... so what makes them so special?

 

[BrianD]

I would say location on the monorail, the size of the rooms. The GF is considered the Flagship of WDW resorts, and everything is kicked up a notch there it seems, so that explains their high price. So, if you compare the Poly to say, the YC, then the rooms at the Poly are larger, and that could be considered a "slightly" better location, although I consider the YC to be in a pretty killer location, itself.

 

[luna99]

I would say location on the monorail, the size of the rooms.

ooh, that's probably true... because CR is on the monorail and that's not included in the DVC either... and WL isn't on the monorail system? correct?

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Easy. One word - monorail! Plus, they are fabulous resorts. The rooms are larger. The view is great...just think Cinderella's castle. Both have delicious food options. Your just a hop, skip, and jump away from the parks!

 

[MinnieSummer]

I haven't stayed at Poly yet but I have stayed at GF and IMHO it's not worth the money. I wasn't impressed, in fact I was seriously let down and will not stay there again. Nothing bad happened it was just the general feeling that I had been taken. The only reason I can see for the ridiculous sum of money they charge is the location. Hopefully when I stay at Poly later this year I will not feel the same way. I have stayed at CR and loved it, both in a wing room and a tower room.

 

[minnie61650]

I would say location on the monorail, the size of the rooms. ........

Just an FYI

Room size Comparison:

Pop Century/All Stars-260 Square Feet
CS, POR/POFQ-314 SF
Caribbean Beach-340 SF
Wilderness Lodge-344 SF
AKL-344 SF
Yacht/Beach-381 SF
Boardwalk-385 SF
Polynesian-409 SF
Contemporary-436 SF
Grand Floridian-about 400-440SF
Ft Wilderness Cabins-504 SF
Family suites at All Star Music -520 SF

 

[Plannergirl]

While I have not stayed at the Poly or GF we did do visits on our last trip and spent a great deal of time at both trying to see what the fuss was about. Honestly we found the Poly to be a big let down (thats the resort I wanted to stay at when I was a kid). The GF was nice and I have many friends who love it but it did not fit our style...we found that at AKL where we want to feel "away from it all"

Each person/family has their own set of wants/needs and expectations and there are many styles of resorts to try to fit that mix. Its all on what suits YOU

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

and WL isn't on the monorail system? correct?

No, it isn't. Much to my irritation, I might add.

I mean, it's right there... just a little loop and it could be.

 

[DiznEeyore]

No, it isn't. Much to my irritation, I might add.

I mean, it's right there... just a little loop and it could be.

Except it's totally cost-prohibitive. When my dh took the steam train tour, the guide told them quite a bit about the monorail system, too. According to the guide, each segment of monorail track (between two pylons) would cost $1M if it were put in today.

 

[lovmy2girls]

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION !!! Monorail.
You never feel like you have left the parks when staying there. You can view the MK from the beach, watch the fireworks.

The size of the room too !

 

[spiceycat]

if it was just the monrail then CR would be popular too.

although lately it has become more popular.

the Polyn makes you feel like you are in Hawaii almost. the views are pretty wonderful - the castle in the distance - wishes at night. EWP also at night.
the landscaping. the volanco pool. the Polyn also has direct connection to Epcot - by monrail you can walk over to T&TC.

the GF was Disney try at a 5 star hotel - it failed - not enough privacy because of the monrail.

I don't happen to like the GF - not my taste.

Do love the Polyn.

hopping that the new building going up is the CRV and not the Com Suites...

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I dont think it is
I think the 3 monorail resorts are all great

 

[SnowWhite33]

I can't speak for the GF, never have stayed there. IMHO it seems a little stuffy, it kinda reminds me of visiting that Aunt that never had kids and you can't touch anything in her museum like house It's just not my cup of tea.

The Poly is completely different. We have stayed there every year since 2002 and without a doubt it is our favorite. Room size and the monorail are just the beginning. The TTC is just a walk away. Buses are rarely crowded. The food court is awesome for a quick bite and even better since the rehab, dole whips, mmmm. There is Kona and Ohanas, my favorites. The service to me has never been less than wonderful. I love hearing Aloha everywhere I go, and not just from CMs but from other guests too, it seems to put you in that sort of mood. The beach is one of the best places to watch the fireworks from or to just watch that castle and it's kiss good night. There are hammocks to nap in. I could just go on and on.

It really is all a matter of opinion and experience. Even with all of the stuff I listed, if my first experience there had been bad, I'm sure I would think differently. We've just made wonderful memories at the Poly and it's special to us

 

[cara loves the poly]

Location, room size and views of the castle from your balcony or patio!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Except it's totally cost-prohibitive. When my dh took the steam train tour, the guide told them quite a bit about the monorail system, too. According to the guide, each segment of monorail track (between two pylons) would cost $1M if it were put in today.

 

[nicoleakr]

Honestly I don't know why people find GF stuffy. We stayed their and I found it beautiful , friendly and relaxing. I really find that disney has done an excently job in hotel. I mean if you want less expensive they have the value. If you want a little more but not the whole deal their is the moderates and so forth. I think resort is total a personal choice. The GF takes a lot of hits because of the price and so call stuffiness but I couldn't find that farther from the truth!

 

[CarolA]

IMHO. Nothing makes them worth the price that Disney charges.

 

[ModestMouse]

Love the Poly, we've stayed there twice and just are back from a nine-day stay last week. It's enormously convenient, the rooms are big and comfortable, the restaurants are great, the shopping's nice, the bus service is superb. The pool's too crowded (as I have recently complained about to them) but overall it's a really great resort. It's absolutely worth it to us.

My parents stayed at the GF and loved it as well. I really don't think it's more stuffy; it just looks that way. We might give the GF a try next year, after it goes through room rehab.

 

[chasgoose]

The GF, Poly, and Contemporary all have the great location with access to the monorail and the largest standard rooms on property.

The Poly has the beach and (overly) kitschy tropical theme which appeals to many people.

The GF has slightly upgraded amenities and services and probably the best concierge level with the RPC.

The Contemporary has the nicest rooms on property.

I still think that they are overpriced, but they (along with the Yacht Club) are probably the best places to stay at Disney.

 

[minnie61650]

IMHO. Nothing makes them worth the price that Disney charges.

I agree.

JMHO