Poly or Grand Floridian?

EOD K9

Well-Known Member
Can you be a bit more specific? What amenities are you looking for? I've stayed at both using my DVC points. Poly is an original and gives me the classic Disney feel. GF is also very nice. Both are on the monorail line. If you have questions, we have answers.
 

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
I've stayed at both and i think your daughter would enjoy Poly more - more kid focused resort...and better pools. Other than Park Fair, the restaurants at GF are more adult, to me.

And you have the added bonus of being able to walk to the Transportation and Ticketing Center to catch the Epcot monorail, rather than taking the resort loop around to the TTC.
 

Spike-in-Berlin

Well-Known Member
Before they gutted the GCH and made the Poly the Honolulu Hilton I would have always recommended the Polynesian, some people say the (old) Poly was better than the real thing. Today it is difficult, the Poly still has several qualities the GF doesn't have ( Tonga Toast for example) but it is an old resort and sometimes it shows ( noise level of AC e.g.) . The South Seas theming is of course still strong compared to the Victorian of the GF and if you prefer atmosphere to comfort I would take still the Poly, especially with a child.
 
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zurgandfriend

Well-Known Member
My DW and I prefer the Grand Floridian. We enjoy the feel of the resort, the cast members that work there and we love the restaurants, Citrico’s, Narcoosee’s, 1900 Park Fare and The Grand Floridian Café. We also prefer the pools and the shops. That however is just our preference also, that said we always stop at the Polynesian to look around and to have breakfast one morning at the Kona café.
 

durangojim

Well-Known Member
Having stayed at both the Poly and GF in the past 9 months I would recommend the GF. I was really disappointed by the Poly when we stayed there in March and as Spike has mentioned, it feels old. It has redeeming qualities but just not enough for me anymore.
 

correcaminos

Well-Known Member
Before they gutted the GCH and made the Poly the Honolulu Hilton I would have always recommended the Polynesian, some people say the (old) Poly was better than the real thing. Today it is difficult, the Poly still has several qualities the GF doesn't have ( Tonga Toast for example) but it is an old resort and sometimes it shows ( noise level of AC e.g.) . The South Seas theming is of course still strong compared to the Victorian of the GF and if you prefer atmosphere to comfort I would take still the Poly, especially with a child.
Your dislike over a lobby keeps you from recommending it automatically? I actually love the new lobby even though I have so many fond memories of the old.

The theming with the two is apples and oranges. We like the Poly pools better. Both are easy to get back and forth between for food options.

Transportation wise hands down Polynesian wins. The resort monorail isn't always reliable. From Polynesian you can easily walk to the TTC and hop the monorail or ferry to MK or monorail to Epcot. From the boat launch you are the first stop where from GF you have to go to the Polynesian and then MK.

Really to the OP pick the one that appeals in theming and I doubt you'll be unhappy.
 
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DisneyPrincess5

Well-Known Member
As @EOD K9 noted, more info would be helpful to know what you're looking for in your stay/vacation.
Both are beautiful and charming in their own ways and of course the locations of both are ideal depending on what type of trip you want to have.

I can only speak to the Poly as we've stayed at there twice and absolutely loved it. Great location in proximity to MK and other resorts to dine at or explore. The monorail makes it fun and easy to get around the area and to Epcot. The lobby while changed is really welcoming and warm and immerses you in that island vibe. Captain Cooks, th is Polys quick service food spot, offers a variety choices and Kona and Ohana are good spots too.
 

DarthVader

Sith Lord
I've stayed at neither, but if I were to choose, I'd say the Polynesian. I think the theming is really great, the idea that you can walk to the TTC for a monorail ride to Epcot, or take the monorail to MK. those types of accommodations are a huge plus imo.

I'm putting my money where my mouth is, and I reserved for our next trip a week at the Poly :D
 

JusticeDisney

Well-Known Member
I would say definitely go with the Beach Club. Oh, wait, that wasn't an option! Lol!

All kidding aside, if you have it narrowed down to GF or Poly, I would go with Poly. IMO, GF has the least kid-friendly feel of any resort anywhere on property.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have the best trip!
 

Dianak28

New Member
Hi there! I have stayed at poly 8 times and always highly recommend it. GF is beautiful, but there is just a feeling at poly that you don't get at other resorts. I suggest the studio villa rooms, as they are pretty new and beautifully decorated. The tropical feel and friendly atmosphere is great for kids and adults alike. Overall, I think the food options are better at Poly- 'Ohana, Kona Cafe, Captain Cooks, and more are favorites with amazing options. Plus it is the only resort with dole whip :) You can walk or take monorail to GF to see the magnificent lobby and cute shops.
 

JIMINYCR

Well-Known Member
Is this your first trip to WDW? Both resorts have their advantages and distinctive feel to them. If this was an adult only trip I might advise to go with GF. But with a 12yo child along I'd probably recommend Poly as being a bit more kid friendly. Go visit GF while you are there and if it interests you then try it out another time.
 

mrs moon

Active Member
Original Poster
I would say definitely go with the Beach Club. Oh, wait, that wasn't an option! Lol!

All kidding aside, if you have it narrowed down to GF or Poly, I would go with Poly. IMO, GF has the least kid-friendly feel of any resort anywhere on property.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have the best trip!
Thanks so much..
 

eliza61nyc

Well-Known Member
can i have your thoughts please between these two resorts,we are a family of nanny,mummy and 12 yr old girl....Many thanks

Like others I'm going to go with the GF. I do not like the Poly since they remodeled it. Yes folks to me ambiance is important especially at the prices both resort charge. I love the Grand floridian and especially with a girl, the grand Floridian was "all" princess-ey. lol. It was just "pretty". Mummy, you will love it also.
 

jpinkc

Well-Known Member
I have to agree about GF, Poly seems to me have lost something after the renovation. A girl will love the GF, that and if they still do the Princess Promenade in the afternoons shes probably still in the age range to eat that up. Good thing to plan a break around if you think you would like one in the afternoon.
 

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