Wilderness Lodge or Grand Floridian

[jldcherry]

We are planning our 5th trip to WDW with our kids. The past 4 trips we have stayed at Wilderness Lodge and we love it, but this time we have a little more wiggle room in the budget and are considering trying out the Grand Floridian. For people who have stayed at both recently, which would you chose and why? Is the ability to walk to Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail to Epcot really worth the extra cost? Is the atmosphere relaxing? What we love about Wilderness is how serene and natural it feels, but we're interested in trying something new this trip. Looking for anyone who loves (or hates) Grand Floridian and can give me reasons we should try it.

 

[bdrex28]

How old are your kids?

I would actually throw out there Beach Club or Boardwalk.

If your kids are older and would want to visit Hollywood and Epcot more than say Magic Kingdom, then the epcot resorts are really awesome because the boats are right there for Hollywood, you can walk in five minutes into Epcot and you have the skyliner to Hollywood too.

Over the past 11 years we've gone 5 times (going without kids as they are now grown, in September) and we've stayed in Grand Floridian Villas, Riviera, Beach Club, Kidani, and Contemporary. We are staying in Boardwalk come September, it came down originally for us to either do Beach Club or Grand Floridian this next trip. But at the last minute a really good Boardwalk Villa popped open so we snagged it and are going to try it out.

I will say Grand Floridian was the first place we stayed and it was really nice and the monorail was good. But as our kids aged we kind of weren't heading into magic kingdom as much as the other parks. And we did think Grand Floridian was relaxing and nice.

Just throwing some other stuff out there.

 

[Nabas]

We are planning our 5th trip to WDW with our kids. The past 4 trips we have stayed at Wilderness Lodge and we love it, but this time we have a little more wiggle room in the budget and are considering trying out the Grand Floridian. For people who have stayed at both recently, which would you chose and why? Is the ability to walk to Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail to Epcot really worth the extra cost? Is the atmosphere relaxing? What we love about Wilderness is how serene and natural it feels, but we're interested in trying something new this trip. Looking for anyone who loves (or hates) Grand Floridian and can give me reasons we should try it.

How old are your children? What parks will you spend the most time at? How important is the pool?

As DVC members, we have stayed at both the Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian within the past 6 months.

As far as atmosphere goes, they are both very different experiences. As you note, the WL feels "serene and natural". The GF feels more formal.

Both have 2 good pools, which is an important consideration for us.

I'm a big fan of trying new hotels. Since you've already stayed at WL 4 times, maybe it's time to try something new?

As @bdrex28 suggested, consider the Beach Club or Boardwalk if you plan to spend a lot of time at DHS and Epcot.

Alternatively, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a great deal in common with the WL. (They have the same architect.) Maybe consider AKL?

 

[jldcherry]

How old are your children? What parks will you spend the most time at? How important is the pool?

As DVC members, we have stayed at both the Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian within the past 6 months.

As far as atmosphere goes, they are both very different experiences. As you note, the WL feels "serene and natural". The GF feels more formal.

Both have 2 good pools, which is an important consideration for us.

I'm a big fan of trying new hotels. Since you've already stayed at WL 4 times, maybe it's time to try something new?

As @bdrex28 suggested, consider the Beach Club or Boardwalk if you plan to spend a lot of time at DHS and Epcot.

Alternatively, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a great deal in common with the WL. (They have the same architect.) Maybe consider AKL?

We will spend 2 days at Magic Kingdom and one day at the other parks. Planning at day at Typhoon Lagoon as well, so the pools aren't as important. We considered Animal Kingdom Lodge, but really prefer having separate beds for our kids, and Animal Kingdom doesn't provide this extra sleep surface. We're looking at either a Studio at Boulder Ridge (our normal) or a resort studio at the Grand Floridian. Our kids will be 10 and turing 8 on the trip.

We tried Yacht Club for a night a couple years ago just to experience Stormalong Bay and all had a terrible rash after the pool. Maybe it had something to do with the sand in the pool?

 

[Nabas]

We will spend 2 days at Magic Kingdom and one day at the other parks. Planning at day at Typhoon Lagoon as well, so the pools aren't as important. We considered Animal Kingdom Lodge, but really prefer having separate beds for our kids, and Animal Kingdom doesn't provide this extra sleep surface. We're looking at either a Studio at Boulder Ridge (our normal) or a resort studio at the Grand Floridian. Our kids will be 10 and turning 8 on the trip.

We tried Yacht Club for a night a couple years ago just to experience Stormalong Bay and all had a terrible rash after the pool. Maybe it had something to do with the sand in the pool?

The Studios at Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas have 3 sleeping surfaces.

We are not fans of Stormalong Bay - it's hard to get chairs and the pool deck is confusing to navigate. The Luna pool at the Boardwalk is easier and has the best waterslide at any Disney hotel. The Boardwalk also puts you within walking distance of 2 theme parks. And the Boardwalk itself tends to come alive at night - it can feel like a mini version of Disney Springs. It's incredibly convenient to just walk back to your room after an evening on the Boardwalk. If the weather is nice, get an outdoor seat at Big River Grille and enjoy a burger & beer. Or go to the pizza window and find a table outside. We also enjoy getting a sandwich at the Boardwalk Bakery and eating a quiet meal at the Bell Vue Lounge.

Depending on when you go, a one-bedroom at Kidani Village will cost the same as a room at the Grand Floridian and give you 3 sleeping surfaces and 2 bathrooms.

Returning to your earlier questions:

For people who have stayed at both recently, which would you chose and why?​

We generally prefer the Grand Floridian over the Wilderness Lodge. The rooms are larger, the Monorail is convenient, and you really feel like you're in the middle of it all. We always enjoy the pools there.

Last month, we stayed at Boulder Ridge (Wilderness Lodge) and greatly enjoyed the DVC pool (where it was surprisingly easy to get chairs at the pool all day), had a pleasant dinner outdoors at Geyser Point, and an enjoyable breakfast at Whispering Canyon. We also enjoyed the boat to the Magic Kingdom (although the bus is faster) and relaxed one evening at the Territory Lounge.

Is the ability to walk to Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail to Epcot really worth the extra cost?​

If you plan to arrive for park opening or stay for the fireworks, the Monorail really is convenience. But nothing's more convenient than being at the Boardwalk and walking to 2 theme parks.

Do I think the Grand Floridian is worth the extra cost? Not particularly.

Is the atmosphere relaxing?​

The Grand Floridian is certainly relaxing for us. But some find it stuffy.

 

[bdrex28]

We will spend 2 days at Magic Kingdom and one day at the other parks. Planning at day at Typhoon Lagoon as well, so the pools aren't as important. We considered Animal Kingdom Lodge, but really prefer having separate beds for our kids, and Animal Kingdom doesn't provide this extra sleep surface. We're looking at either a Studio at Boulder Ridge (our normal) or a resort studio at the Grand Floridian. Our kids will be 10 and turing 8 on the trip.

We tried Yacht Club for a night a couple years ago just to experience Stormalong Bay and all had a terrible rash after the pool. Maybe it had something to do with the sand in the pool?

Based on your children's ages and the room needed then Grand Floridian is great. You'd get peaceful, monorail and walk to MK (not overly short FYI) and the beds you're wanting.

You could also get those same 3 sleeping beds at many others; Riviera, BC, Boardwalk, etc. But not close to MK.

Good luck!

What you wont get is fun Whispering Canyon

 

[PolyRob]

We will spend 2 days at Magic Kingdom and one day at the other parks. Planning at day at Typhoon Lagoon as well, so the pools aren't as important. We considered Animal Kingdom Lodge, but really prefer having separate beds for our kids, and Animal Kingdom doesn't provide this extra sleep surface. We're looking at either a Studio at Boulder Ridge (our normal) or a resort studio at the Grand Floridian. Our kids will be 10 and turing 8 on the trip.

We tried Yacht Club for a night a couple years ago just to experience Stormalong Bay and all had a terrible rash after the pool. Maybe it had something to do with the sand in the pool?

I may be biased as a VGF owner, but I think the chance to stay in a brand new resort studio with 2 dedicated beds and a pull down sleeper will be a nice change of pace.

GF is undergoing a lot of refurbishments and Boca Chica is being worked on right now. It took Big Pine Key about 3 months to be completed so if your trip is after October 2022 I imagine all the construction will be on the opposite side of the resort and completely away from all the villa accommodations.

Walking is hands down my favorite form of transportation at WDW and with 2 MK days it will be nice to have as an option. If it were me, I would jump on the monorail going to MK (1 stop) and leave via walking path to avoid 3 stops on the resort line. You also have the boat as a backup if you miss that from WL. The Epcot line can be hit or miss. When monorails are running normal it will feel faster than a bus from WL to Epcot with less "wait time," but if something goes down and you end up being bussed it will be a moot point. You can technically walk from GF through Poly to TTC and jump right on the Epcot line, but I am not sure if that walking path will stay open with the Poly DVC tower construction.

IMO GF is the most relaxing monorail resort. Polynesian is always hopping and the lobby is pretty small. Contemporary has so much going on between the 4th and 5th floors between shopping, dining, and the indoor monorail station that it's always loud. GF will be calm outside of the holiday season when the gingerbread house and tree go up. WL will also be slammed this time of year so that season would be a moot point. The main difference is how bright, light, and airy GF is compared to WLs dark, rustic, warmth.

 

[Marthasor]

WL is lovely, but I prefer GF for the size of the rooms and closer proximity to MK. That being said, I would check the refurb schedule to see if the work being done at GF coincides with your trip. I've stayed at resorts during refurbs/construction and it's not fun.

 

[jldcherry]

Based on your children's ages and the room needed then Grand Floridian is great. You'd get peaceful, monorail and walk to MK (not overly short FYI) and the beds you're wanting.

You could also get those same 3 sleeping beds at many others; Riviera, BC, Boardwalk, etc. But not close to MK.

Good luck!

What you wont get is fun Whispering Canyon

Thank you! We've actually only eaten at Whispering Canyon once. Our daughter, 5 at the time, cried because the ketchup kept moving around tables. We have eaten at Grand Floridian the last 2 trips and love the light airy feeling. We loved Crystal Palace for breakfast when Pooh used to be there (hoping this comes back!!) Grand Floridian dining reminds us of Crystal Palace.
Thank you all for the tip about checking for construction! And I didn't realize we could possibly walk to the Polynesian, that's another plus for more dining choices.

 

[PalmettoPath]

Personally we prefer GF no contest over WL. Full disclosure, WL and AK are our two least favorite of all Deluxe Resorts. In this comparison (aside from the theming, which is very personal in appeal either way), we prefer the Grand for the more open grounds and lawn areas, less crowded feel, enhanced amenities (shopping and dining etc.), proximity to MK and walkability to the Polynesian as well. We find WL pools to be undersized for the resort and therefore often overcrowded. Again, we do not like staying at WL, but we do like to visit for dining and the general ambiance.

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

We pick Wilderness Lodge every time. After a long day in the parks, we prefer the feeling of being “secluded” from the hustle and bustle.

Whispering Canyon Cafe, Roaring Fork, and Geyser Point are all fantastic dining options, too.

 

[jldcherry]

I may be biased as a VGF owner, but I think the chance to stay in a brand new resort studio with 2 dedicated beds and a pull down sleeper will be a nice change of pace.

GF is undergoing a lot of refurbishments and Boca Chica is being worked on right now. It took Big Pine Key about 3 months to be completed so if your trip is after October 2022 I imagine all the construction will be on the opposite side of the resort and completely away from all the villa accommodations.

Walking is hands down my favorite form of transportation at WDW and with 2 MK days it will be nice to have as an option. If it were me, I would jump on the monorail going to MK (1 stop) and leave via walking path to avoid 3 stops on the resort line. You also have the boat as a backup if you miss that from WL. The Epcot line can be hit or miss. When monorails are running normal it will feel faster than a bus from WL to Epcot with less "wait time," but if something goes down and you end up being bussed it will be a moot point. You can technically walk from GF through Poly to TTC and jump right on the Epcot line, but I am not sure if that walking path will stay open with the Poly DVC tower construction.

IMO GF is the most relaxing monorail resort. Polynesian is always hopping and the lobby is pretty small. Contemporary has so much going on between the 4th and 5th floors between shopping, dining, and the indoor monorail station that it's always loud. GF will be calm outside of the holiday season when the gingerbread house and tree go up. WL will also be slammed this time of year so that season would be a moot point. The main difference is how bright, light, and airy GF is compared to WLs dark, rustic, warmth.

I may be biased as a VGF owner, but I think the chance to stay in a brand new resort studio with 2 dedicated beds and a pull down sleeper will be a nice change of pace.

GF is undergoing a lot of refurbishments and Boca Chica is being worked on right now. It took Big Pine Key about 3 months to be completed so if your trip is after October 2022 I imagine all the construction will be on the opposite side of the resort and completely away from all the villa accommodations.

Walking is hands down my favorite form of transportation at WDW and with 2 MK days it will be nice to have as an option. If it were me, I would jump on the monorail going to MK (1 stop) and leave via walking path to avoid 3 stops on the resort line. You also have the boat as a backup if you miss that from WL. The Epcot line can be hit or miss. When monorails are running normal it will feel faster than a bus from WL to Epcot with less "wait time," but if something goes down and you end up being bussed it will be a moot point. You can technically walk from GF through Poly to TTC and jump right on the Epcot line, but I am not sure if that walking path will stay open with the Poly DVC tower construction.

IMO GF is the most relaxing monorail resort. Polynesian is always hopping and the lobby is pretty small. Contemporary has so much going on between the 4th and 5th floors between shopping, dining, and the indoor monorail station that it's always loud. GF will be calm outside of the holiday season when the gingerbread house and tree go up. WL will also be slammed this time of year so that season would be a moot point. The main difference is how bright, light, and airy GF is compared to WLs dark, rustic, warmth.

All great tips! Our trip will be last week of April, so hopefully no construction.

 

[jldcherry]

We pick Wilderness Lodge every time. After a long day in the parks, we prefer the feeling of being “secluded” from the hustle and bustle.

Whispering Canyon Cafe, Roaring Fork, and Geyser Point are all fantastic dining options, too.

We LOVE Wilderness Lodge for this reason, but after 4 stays in 5 years the rest of the family is getting bored. Some members want new food choices. We also had a couple frustrating bus experiences at Wilderness this year and walking to Magic Kingdom would be amazing

 

[Gingerfun1]

We LOVE Wilderness Lodge for this reason, but after 4 stays in 5 years the rest of the family is getting bored. Some members want new food choices. We also had a couple frustrating bus experiences at Wilderness this year and walking to Magic Kingdom would be amazing

We had bus issues this past May at WL as well. It was so frustrating and disappointing.

 

[Maria_Ohana]

Copper Creek (WL) is one of our home resorts. Yes it feels so serene and relaxing. MK is only a boat ride away. On that note, I have been eyeing up in adding to VGF. Rooms are definitely larger, yet a different feeling. You can walk to MK or Monorail.

 

[Anthony1971]

So I am going to throw something else in.... Try the POLY. From what you say about WL would be similar. WL and POLY by far have the best theming of all Disney resorts. I will warn that the POLY does get busy around the time of the fireworks and the main building can be packed with people (some of which are rude from almost getting knocked down on the steps from groups running up them) around prime breakfast and Dinner times. Otherwise it is a very relaxing resort. Most people who like POLY like WL and vice versa it is just the theming and vibe of both. AKL is very similar to WL in design also relaxing but has a lot going on all the time. AKL is more of a destination resort however as you can easily pass days without leaving and not be bored.

 

[2vets]

Another vote for GF over WL. Walkable to MK (walking is always my choice of transportation, especially when travelling with my niece to attend MK events, and we prefer GF to CR), and larger, newly remodeled rooms.

Will also comment about Poly - and I do love the Poly and think it could potentially be a hit with kids your age - the negative is that you can’t walk to MK (well, you could, but it is probably too far with kids), but the monorail has been running pretty smoothly in the last year, I believe, and you CAN walk to the TTC. Also, large, recently remodeled rooms.

 

[RoseGold]

If you're going to spend this much, I would probably go Contemporary. It's such a distinctive building, with a recent facelift I mean, monorail through the building! And that is truly walking distance. Downside is the pool, but you don't care about that.

I just stayed at the DVC flipped out building at GF, and I was disappointed in the noise level. They are old buildings, like Poly also. I would be disappointed paying that much for such an old, loud building. I mean Poly's room service still isn't back.

I'd also consider Boardwalk. Location is excellent to two parks. If you have hoppers, close out the night at Epcot fireworks and walk home.

 

[SharonZ]

I've stayed at Poly, it just didn't win me over - the lobby was always crowded, the theming was nice, but I felt it was overhyped. I prefer the atmosphere and proximity of Grand Floridian, in addition to the food options. Poly was my least favorite of the monorail options.

 

[ktlm]

We've stayed at both multiple times. There are pros and cons to both. The monorail and ability to walk to MK is a huge plus for GF (although we like the WL boats too - in the mornings at GF the monorail can be packed so we often took the boat from GF to MK and it was relaxing and a great way to start the day). The monorail is nice to EPCOT; however, it does take a while because of the stops and transfer-- we preferred the Poly where we could walk to the TTC and take the express monorail to EPCOT from there. You can get to EPCOT pretty quickly from the Poly if you walk to the TTC.

The rooms are bigger at GF. WL the rooms are around 344 square feet, and the GF rooms are around 440 square feet.

I don't know how it is currently as it has been quite a while since we stayed at those two resorts, but we always found the bus service from the WL much better than the GF. The bus service at GF was the worst of any of the resorts we have stayed at, but if you are spending 2 of your 3 days, at MK that doesn't really matter. Someone who has been there recently can tell you how the bus service is now.

The biggest problem I have is that one of my absolute favorite things about staying that GF was the Grand Floridian Orchestra playing the lobby. That absolutely made the atmosphere of the hotel. Without them there anymore, I don't know if the extra price of the GF is worth it for us.