Which resort.. BC or GF

[Nascia]

We'll be traveling to Disney for our anniversary Dec 11 and staying through the 17. Right now we are not sure whether to stay at the Beach Club or the Grand Floridian. Our party consists of me, my husband, ds 8, ds 4 and will be ds 3 months. We've been to disney several times before, but have never stayed on site. We are worried that the GF may be a little to uptight for the boys, but like the monorail access, especially w/ baby. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[AJKMOM]

With the BC, you can walk or take a boat to EPCOT and MGM. If you are looking for monorail access, you could check on the Poly, people here love it. Especially if you think GF would be to uptight for your family. You could look at the website for pictures.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I highly recommend the Grand Floridian, especially for your December dates, because the Christmas decorations will be up, including the gingerbread house in the middle of the lobby. People from all over WDW are visiting the GF lobby to see the decorations and it's so neat when it's your own hotel that is the prettiest (IMHO) I have gone w/ my son several times and he is nearly six now...so we went starting when he was about two onward. He met lots of friends on the trips on the motor launch and in the kiddie pool and Gasparilla's. I've never experienced the GF as stuffy but when other people describe me they will include adjectives like "refined" LOL I like luxury resorts in general (the hotel is the centerpiece of the vacation for me) so stuffiness would not be the first reason I'd cross a hotel off my list by any means, but that said, I honestly don't feel the GF is, either

GF is lovely when the MK is your foremost destination. You are just one stop away on the monorail and the monorail feels very "Disney" I love both pool areas, the rooms and just walking around the grounds. There is so much to offer even beyond the location and decor--there are the children's activities, great character breakfasts and dinners, easy access to MK character appointments, easy access to other monorail resorts which offer more great dining options, the electric water parade and firework shows from the dock, grounds or (if you're lucky and have a lagoon view) balcony I think GF represents the best resort that WDW has to offer

 

[CaipiraBob]

ds 8, ds 4 and will be ds 3 months. .

Well, here's your key: If you want to spend as much time as possible at the MK, then do GF. If you want to do lots of pool time, do BC for the incredible pool.

Also, all Disney hotels are made with children in mind. Too uptight? Nah, it'll be perfect. If you're really worried, stay at the Polynesian or Contemporary.

The Polynesian is a BIG favorite for the "laid back" crowd. It has it's own major fan club and following.

Here's the Tikiman site If your interested in the Polynesian.

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com

 

[jjohnson]

I had asked about this about a month ago. If your interested in reading the responses, here's the thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=763181&highlight=stuffy

 

[DawnCt1]

Having stayed at both, and considering that our last trip to WDW was over a Thanksgiving Day holiday, with the cool weather not really conducive to a lot of swimming, and considering how gorgeous the GF is at Christmas time and how good it smells anytime, It would be the GRAND FLORIDIAN hands down.

 

[TJA]

Excellent choices -- GF or BC. Make your decision based on which park(s) you will be frequenting the most often. If it is MK, then I'd stick with GF. If Epcot and MGM, then choose BC. If you choose BC, if you have hopper passes, keep in mind that you can plan Epcot rides/attractions in the morning and then hop on the monorail over to MK for the afternoon. Good luck!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I was also going to mention that in December, a pool shouldn't make or break your decision. We were at the YC this past December and my kids made it into the pool only one day. They swam for about an hour and we're from New England.

Based on staying 7 nights, would you consider doing a split stay? I know that can be disruptive to some people, but it really does give you the best of both worlds. I loved being just a 4 minute walk to the back entrance of Epcot and having MGM as a 10 minute boat ride. Then again, after many stays at the GF, that is still my favorite. With the GF, you feel like you're at a more secluded resort. The YC/BC has more of a hotel setup and with the Boardwalk right there, feels much more lively.

The themes of the resort, definitely give them character, but I can tell you that I've never once felt stuffy or held my nose up higher just because we were staying at the GF . The theme is a victorian, but trust me, there are just as many of us in shorts and sneakers as anywhere else on property. It's not uncommon to see park patrons walking alongside wedding guests though. Just something that never really bothered us I guess.

Both resorts offer basically the same amenities, with the boat rentals, beach, theme pool (YC/BC wins this contest hands down), quiet pool, arcade, healthclub (the GF wins in this comparison though). A few minor differences are that nearly all the rooms at the GF have a full size balcony, with some having a standing room only and only a very few rooms without. Also the views. When the GF says garden, they mean garden. You won't even glimpse the parking lot or road.

After all my rambling, I'd still have to suggest splitting, but beyond that, based on the age of your family, I think a monorail resort would be your best choice for now.

Tammi

 

[Janet2k]

Nascia, welcome to the Dis.

My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a stay at the Grand Floridian last October. Our very first WDW vacation many years ago was spent at the Grand Floridian, so for us, it was the perfect place to celebrate our long marriage (and our long-standing tradition of WDW vacations). I want to warn you, though, that if you are anything like us, you will become addicted to staying on-site (and staying at the Grand Floridian). So think carefully before you make your WDW resort reservation. You have been warned...

By the way, happy (early) anniversary. I wish you many (many) more years of happiness.

 

[Janet2k]

To help you make up your mind, please check out the video clips on the official WDW website:
Click here for Grand Floridian video clip
Click here for Beach Club video clip

 

[Nascia]

First off, I really appreciate all the advice. I think we are going to stay at the GF, or possibly do the split stay, not sure with baby though. I completely forgot about the Christmas decorations. I think the boys will love it, that and the Pirates Cruise. Again, thanks for all the advice and info, it was really helpful.

Kelly