Would you do GF if it was just $100 more than Poly?

[WoodysRoundup]

SeaSpray........Those are, without a doubt, the BEST Polynesian pictures I have EVER seen. They made me SO homesick for the resort. The lounge pictures in the Hawaii bldg. actually got me choked up! Awesome job. Thanks so much for posting.

 

[ConcKahuna]

I would definitely do GF for only $97 more! We liked the Poly but we LOVE the GF. Also, our buiggest complaint about the Poly was how dark it seemed!

When were you there? The new rooms are much brighter since the rehab that ended in July (even though they have darker colors in the decor, they've added a LOT of lighting).

I just returned and visited the Poly and the YC. The Poly always feels crowded and loud to me - it makes me claustrophobic.

Do you mean the lobby, or the whole resort? The lobby can be crowded and noisy (especially in the afternoon when they do the kids' hula LOL). The rest of the resort is very quiet. The only loud spot I can think of is the volcano pool in the summer.

I'm a huge Poly fan myself. While it's pretty, I have no urge to stay at the "red-roof inn"

 

[sweetminnie]

Absolutely wonderful pictures SeaSpray! Thank you for sharing them.

 

[SeaSpray]

I just LOVE your pictures. They actually may be what sealed the deal for the Poly for me. DH already told me that's where he would rather stay!


Thanks everyone for all the tips and advice!!!

SeaSpray........Those are, without a doubt, the BEST Polynesian pictures I have EVER seen. They made me SO homesick for the resort. The lounge pictures in the Hawaii bldg. actually got me choked up! Awesome job. Thanks so much for posting.

I'm glad you liked them!!

 

[DVC Sadie]

I choose based on the theme. I've heard many people say that the GF seems snooty to them. To me, the Poly seems way to 1970's Brady Bunch in Hawaii. I have no idea why, that's what immediately pops into my head whenever I visit the resort. Everyone has an opinion, but I'd suggest taking a look through the pictures for both resorts and select whichever one appeals to you the most.

I agree!
I think a lot of the Brady Bunch feel at the Poly is because I haven't seen a resort in Hawaii that actually looks like the Poly in over 30 years.

I have never felt that the GF was stuffy or , but did find the service to be exemplary.

OP, if it is 97.00 more per visit to stay at the GF why not try it at this greatly reduced cost? I don't think you'll be disappointed but as the above poster suggested, look at the brochures and see what you like.

 

[nursemomdana]

Poly all the way! Why pay more? They are both great resorts. You can walk over to the GF anytime and enjoy that resort as well. We love the atmospherere at the Poly much more than at the GF.

 

[Dis Ohana]

I choose based on the theme. I've heard many people say that the GF seems snooty to them. To me, the Poly seems way to 1970's Brady Bunch in Hawaii. I have no idea why, that's what immediately pops into my head whenever I visit the resort. Everyone has an opinion, but I'd suggest taking a look through the pictures for both resorts and select whichever one appeals to you the most.

That's exactly what I thought! I've never been, but based on the pictures it looks so tacky-tourist Hawaii of the 70's. I'm assuming that's what they were aiming for.

MrsJ: I'm an obsessive planner like you. This is my first trip to WDW, and I'm really not sure if we'll be able to swing the time and money again anytime soon. So I've researched this thing to death (and had a lot of fun doing it!). I chose the GF for our first stay despite all the talk about it being "snooty". I use to read reviews of the Grand Californian saying the same things, and we love that hotel. It would seem to me that if you love the YC, then the GF would be the natural choice for you. Either way, you are having to choose between two outstanding resorts, you can't lose! Have a great time .

 

[ConcKahuna]

I agree!
I think a lot of the Brady Bunch feel at the Poly is because I haven't seen a resort in Hawaii that actually looks like the Poly in over 30 years.

http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/
http://www.napilikai.com/maui_beach_photo.html

That's 2 modern Hawaiin resorts with similar themes. It's a traditional Polynesian construction style.

 

[DVC Sadie]

http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/
http://www.napilikai.com/maui_beach_photo.html

That's 2 modern Hawaiin resorts with similar themes. It's a traditional Polynesian construction style.

The Poly to me does not even come close to The Four Seasons on the Big Island, but I will say that the construction is similiar. I wonder why the feel is so different?

 

[Cinderella]

I love the Poly. But, I've always said I would stay at the GF one day. And for only $97 more for four nights I would definitely try it.

The Grand Floridian isn't snooty. We go there a lot for the restaurants spa etc. It's more of a relaxed feeling, but maybe the theming puts some people off.

But, if you've not stayed at either, you'll have a lovely time no matter which one you choose. Plus they're both on the monorail which is very convenient.

 

[uva185]

http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/
http://www.napilikai.com/maui_beach_photo.html

That's 2 modern Hawaiin resorts with similar themes. It's a traditional Polynesian construction style.

Sure the Four Seasons may be similar to the Polynesian. However in my opinion the Four Seasons looks MUCH nicer than the Polynesian. The rooms look much more modern and nicer. I agree with the previous posters who say the Polynesians rooms are dark and 70's Hawaii style.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

Sure the Four Seasons may be similar to the Polynesian. However in my opinion the Four Seasons looks MUCH nicer than the Polynesian. The rooms look much more modern and nicer. I agree with the previous posters who say the Polynesians rooms are dark and 70's Hawaii style.

Different strokes for different folks, but have you ever stayed at the Poly? I "grew up" at the CR and have had years of visits to the GF. We've stayed at the Ritz in Kapalua and a few other wonderful hotels in Hawaii. I felt the same way as you about the Poly until we stayed there. WE LOVE IT! I wouldn't WANT the Poly to duplicate a modern luxury Hawaii hotel. It IS modern with a very Polynesian and "original Disney" feel. You never know until you try! And let's face it, the GF IS beautiful and I love it too. However, it also doesn't come close to the rooms and ammenities at a Four Seasons....even with the recent rehab pics.

 

[uva185]

Different strokes for different folks, but have you ever stayed at the Poly? I "grew up" at the CR and have had years of visits to the GF. We've stayed at the Ritz in Kapalua and a few other wonderful hotels in Hawaii. I felt the same way as you about the Poly until we stayed there. WE LOVE IT! I wouldn't WANT the Poly to duplicate a modern luxury Hawaii hotel. It IS modern with a very Polynesian and "original Disney" feel. You never know until you try! And let's face it, the GF IS beautiful and I love it too. However, it also doesn't come close to the rooms and ammenities at a Four Seasons....even with the recent rehab pics.

I have never stayed at the Poly but I have gone over for drinks and to use the pool. I have friends that LOVE the Poly and swear by it but it just doesn't do anything for me. You're absolutely right about the GF though, it is a beautiful resort but I am sometimes surprised it is ranked by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 100 resorts in the world because I think so many resorts have much better amenities and rooms.

I love the GF for the architecture and the grounds. (I'm also a sucker for hot tubs) I like the way the rooms are decorated but lets face it, I have had nicer rooms in a random Hilton or Westin.

 

[fizz13]

Poly, poly poly It was a little piece of paradise, so relaxing, so homely, so pretty, can see MK from the pool. GF just doesn't do it for me as i like to relax on vacation and Poly says vacation so much more. Of course you can see MK from GF but i choose green lushness over formal white

 

[huey578]

We stayed at GF this June and we were not impressed. I wish we would have booked stay at Poly

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Hey...anyone suggest a split stay?? How long is your stay???

 

[DOOM1001]

I prefer the Polynesian,but if you've already stayed there $97 is worth trying out the Grand Floridian.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

We are only staying 4 nights. We have never stayed at either resort.
We have decided on the Poly. DH is really set on staying there and I think it is probably a little more our style.
Maybe we will do GF in our future and maybe my relative will be able to get us another great deal then!

 

[alldiz]

Have a great trip.....

If it were me....I wouldn't go to GF for 100 dollars LESS.
Happy Planning
Kerri

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

We have a good deal through a relative who works at WDW. She is getting us 4 nights at the Poly for $1,079 (tax included)
She just told us that she could get us the GF for $97 more.(Both garden views) We are pretty set on the Poly but thought we would ask here what others would do. We have never stayed at either resort before.

Hi!

I am in the same boat as you. My brother works for Disney and we are going over Christmas this year.

For us, since it was Christmas, it was only a $200 difference between the two.

We chose to stay at the Polynesian. For us, it's just the resort we feel more comfortable at. I have 2 kids and feel more at ease at the Poly than I would at the GF. The Poly has a more relaxing atmosphere than the GF, to me.