Which Resort?

[BellaBeast787]

Hi there- our family hasn’t been to Disney in 7 years. I want to plan a magical trip for my family but I am having difficulty picking the right resort. There’s five of us- with two kids 7 &10. That narrows down the options for us.

I am between Beach/Yacht Club and Grand Floridian. We normally really love the strongly themed resorts (only available to parties up to 4) I feel like the grand would be the most magical but the theming seems really stuffy. Beach/Yacht doesn’t seem like it would be as magical but has a better pool. Thoughts?
I realize Poly is also an option and a fan favorite but I am worried it would be way too crowded and not as relaxing.

 

[tinkerbella16]

Beach Club is one of my favorite deluxe resorts. The pool alone is worth staying there for. You cannot beat the location and being walking distance from 2 parks - Epcot and DHS. It is a beautiful resort. My pick would be Beach Club. I have not stayed at the Grand Floridian, just visited for dining or shopping.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Floridian is on the monorail so that is a great big plus. It also strikes me as a bit too fru fru not fun so this is why we never took the plunge for the price.

The Beach/Yacht Club is at the top of our next resorts to visit because it is lovely, upscale but sort of chill. What struck us mostly was the effortless view of the fireworks at EPCOT & the quick boat ride over to EPCOT and Boardwalk. We don't have little kids anymore but the pool did look spectacular. Everything had a nice vibe.

 

[Mr_Woodchuck]

When will you be going and does your family prefer MK or Epcot?

 

[val1234]

I have stayed with my kids and grandkids at all three many times each over the years and the Yacht club is our running favorite by a mile. If you value pool time ( best pool at Disney ) and being a short walk to Epcot's World showcase then choose Yacht or Beach. We prefer YC due to nicer rooms, guaranteed full balcony, first bus stop pickup, and being close to the sand part of the pool and HS boat dock. Some prefer BC due to it being 3 minutes closer walk to Epcot and beachy rather than yachty decorations but it is really just one large hotel with 2 sides lol. The GF is very nice and the rooms are extremely gorgeous with a Mary Poppins theme. The pools are just ok..... The Beach pool is kinda small but it's not usually people soup like the Poly and the courtyard pool is larger but no slide. GF does have a much much better QS situation than YCBC. Poly is crowded and busy and that's being nice. It is a very lovely, themed hotel with very good food options but everyone else knows this too and unfortunately it brings pool hoppers and lots of guests coming for dinner reservations or just to look around and watch fireworks. The main pool at Poly is absolutely nuts, with barely room to swim but kids love it and they do have the kids splash area also. But for my money and considering Disney vacations are for adults also Yacht clubs amenities win me over most of the time. Also if you value location and transportation options to the parks, GF is only good for the MK obviously. If you go to Epcot you have to transfer monorails and it is not fun to say the least, and to HS and AK you will share busses with Poly and you are the last pickup with often means it may be standing room only. At the Poly you can walk to TTC and take the Epcot monorail. Good luck choosing there is really no wrong answer between those 3 they are all great in their own way..... it just depends on your preferences!

 

[Marthasor]

Both fabulous resorts. I would choose based on which parks you are visiting the most. If you plan more MK days, go with GF. If more EP/DHS days, go BC/YC.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would say
1) Beach Club
2) Yacht Club
2) Grand Floridian

I think the BC theming is more kid friendly than YC (or GF), but both are lovely and in a great location. The last several times we’ve been to WDW we’ve been caught up in the monorail being down; twice one trip, so we had to take a boat, with dozens of other people waiting in line out in the rain. I’m just not sure how much you can rely on the monorail being a convenience these days, it’s down so often (and always at the worst time, lol). And I agree with how insanely crowded Polynesian has become.

Another option you could consider would be a family suite (which have two bathrooms)
1) Art of Animation - on Skyliner
2) All Star Music

Or renting points for a 1BR DVC unit or Studio that sleeps 5, if available.

Edit: Not sure I’m supposed to post that link but it’s easily Google’able which ones sleep 5.