Deciding on Honeymoon resort - help!

[beccaboo418]

Hello! I have used this site a TON in the past to gain information, but I have never posted before so please excuse if I do not do this correctly!

I am currently planning my honeymoon to Disney World! To give a bit of background, this will be my 20th trip to Disney. I want my honeymoon to feel "different" from all the other trips I've had, which for me, means that I want something to be new, and hoping for there to be a romantic element, too! I have narrowed my resort decision to 2 very differently priced resorts: either the Grand Floridian, or Port Orleans Riverside. I initially booked the trip planning for GF, because I've never gotten to stay there in any of my other trips and have always dreamed of it! However, my fiance and I have since had to strap down financially for a few personal reasons. Now, we probably could make the GF plans still happen if we really wanted to, but the idea of potentially saving around $2500 if we were to stay at POR seems tempting. Since I've never stayed at either, I was hoping that you all might be able to provide some help and opinions about what might be the better choice!! Thanks so much!

 

[Andrew C]

Hello! I have used this site a TON in the past to gain information, but I have never posted before so please excuse if I do not do this correctly!

I am currently planning my honeymoon to Disney World! To give a bit of background, this will be my 20th trip to Disney. I want my honeymoon to feel "different" from all the other trips I've had, which for me, means that I want something to be new, and hoping for there to be a romantic element, too! I have narrowed my resort decision to 2 very differently priced resorts: either the Grand Floridian, or Port Orleans Riverside. I initially booked the trip planning for GF, because I've never gotten to stay there in any of my other trips and have always dreamed of it! However, my fiance and I have since had to strap down financially for a few personal reasons. Now, we probably could make the GF plans still happen if we really wanted to, but the idea of potentially saving around $2500 if we were to stay at POR seems tempting. Since I've never stayed at either, I was hoping that you all might be able to provide some help and opinions about what might be the better choice!! Thanks so much!

Try to stick with GF if you can. For your honeymoon, it will be a great experience. But, if it just doesn't make sense financially, it doesn't make sense.

POR's is really nice too with some nice amenities. But I just feel that the GF may have the elegant experience you may want for your honeymoon. The location, the grounds, the rooms...

Just don't kill yourself financially.

 

[bethymouse]

POR has a nice romantic carriage ride (book at night... not sure of cost$$). Other than that, there is a nice table service restaurant Boatwright's. The boat ride to Disney Springs can be romantic as well. The ultimate experience is GF of course, but if you're saving $$$ POR is a good option. Congratulations and enjoy!

 

[slappy magoo]

Have you thought about trying to rent Disney Vacation Club points? That would make a stay at the Grand Floridian more affordable. I don't know when you're planning to honeymoon; you couldn't book further than 11 months in advance; it is a popular resort with not a lot of occupancy and you would have to pay a little more if you wanted your room made up every day. This will still probably be more than staying at Riverside, but not as much more. Just looking at a random week this December, the Villas at Grand Floridian is still between 4 and 5 hundred more than Riverside, but still over 1000 less than booking Grand Floridian direct from Disney.

 

[Tuvalu]

I have stayed at both resorts and both are romantic in different ways. Walking through the grounds of Port Orleans Riverside at night wins by a landslide...soft lighting, crickets chirping, the peacefulness of the Sassagoula River. Taking a carriage ride (as @bethymouse suggested) through both Riverside and French Quarter oozes romance. Due to the size of the resort, you can always find a quiet place to be alone...there are benches, a gazebo and five "quiet" pools (in addition to the feature pool) that you may just be able to have a pool to yourselves!

Rooms in the mansion section (Magnolia Bend) feel more upscale than rooms in Alligator Bayou, which are rustic but quaint. If you upgrade to a Royal room (located only in Magnolia Bend), you will find elegant touches that make it feel deluxe while only paying a moderate price. Plus, there are fireworks in the headboard of the bed (appropriate for a honeymoon! )

GF is pampered luxury and has incredibly comfy beds. Turn-down service, with chocolates on the pillow, is a nice perk. Being able to watch MK fireworks from the resort grounds is romantic. Strolling the path between GF and the Poly is romantic. GF boasts some romantic restaurants as well, but you don't have to be a resort guest to dine in any of them.

$2500 is a big price difference, especially when on a budget. Your honeymoon is going to be romantic wherever you stay, just by the fact that it's your honeymoon!! If you plan on spending most of your time in the parks, perhaps the extra cost of the GF is not worth it. You can always visit the GF to explore the resort or dine in one of the restaurants.

You won't be disappointed with either resort. Congrats on your upcoming nuptials .

 

[zurgandfriend]

If you can afford it I say go for a deluxe, if money is a real concern go with the moderate. We stayed at the Contemporary for our Disneymoon and came back with a 9 1/2 LB present we call Jake so be careful.

 

[Buzz2001]

Check out CSR and the business class rooms with access to Coconino Lounge. CSR has a spa with couples massage, salon, fitness center and a dance club. Very good option if GF is out of the budget and closest to deluxe options