Floridian Garden View vs Boardwalk Inn Water View

[SecondStarTilMorning]

We are staying 5 nights and have access to a wonderful rate. Never stayed Disney deluxe before but we have visited both resorts.

Where would you prefer to stay? It's just my wife and I on an anniversary trip. Our first two nights will be at the swan followed by 5 nights elsewhere.

I love the idea of having a boardwalk view but I also love the idea of staying at the "flagship" hotel.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[RedDad]

Personally I would go with the Boardwalk, mainly because we love Epcot and would want to stay in that resort area. We've never had much desire to stay at GF, but maybe one day.

 

[jmorri26]

Of the 2, if you're already at Swan, go Floridian. In my experience, your Garden View may be more of, like...a bush. Maybe the pool (all torn up) or just some walkways, but the grounds are pretty and the monorail is wonderful. So if you're already at an Epcot/HS area hotel, I'd change it up with GF.
Besides, the Boardwalk pool scares the bejesus out of me!

 

[SecondStarTilMorning]

Of the 2, if you're already at Swan, go Floridian. In my experience, your Garden View may be more of, like...a bush. Maybe the pool (all torn up) or just some walkways, but the grounds are pretty and the monorail is wonderful. So if you're already at an Epcot/HS area hotel, I'd change it up with GF.
Besides, the Boardwalk pool scares the bejesus out of me!

Haha, thanks. I would be pretty bummed if we had a view of a construction pit. The pools should all be open by April but I don't know if the beach will still be walled off (probably). We are really leaning toward boardwalk to be honest... but I just wanted to avoid that feeling of visiting the floridian for dinner and thinking "man, what were we thinking.. this place is amazing"

 

[jmorri26]

Haha, thanks. I would be pretty bummed if we had a view of a construction pit. The pools should all be open by April but I don't know if the beach will still be walled off (probably). We are really leaning toward boardwalk to be honest... but I just wanted to avoid that feeling of visiting the floridian for dinner and thinking "man, what were we thinking.. this place is amazing"

Ha if it helps, our trip before our last trip we were at Caribbean Beach and ate at the GF. Walked in and looked at everyone and went "we made a mistake!" so last trip, we stayed at the Grand Floridian. Then we went to eat at Ohana and walked in Poly, looked at everyone and went "we made a mistake!" It's all going to be magical and perfect wherever you stay. Just close your eyes and pick and enjoy it

 

[Disney Fan Dan]

I would do Grand Floridian. We had visited the resort several times, but didn't realize how nice it actually was until we got to stay there. It's so relaxing to sit on the balcony and be able to hear the train from the magic kingdom!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I would do the GF...yes, I like the MK area best, but since you'll be staying Epcot area with the Swan portion, why not change it up for the other half and stay MK area at the GF? Most of the view pics I've seen from the garden view rooms there also don't seem too bad.

 

[bethymouse]

Dream resort: GF!
Boardwalk is very nice too!
Bottom line: if you love MK- then GF is for you ( monorail). If you love EPCOT/DHS, then Boardwalk is for you!
ENJOY!

 

[jmargarone27]

This is a toughy. Being DVC I really like Boardwalk but I am a diehard Grand Floridian fan. It's just so luxurious and for such a special occasion such as an anniversary (congratulations!) I would pick the GF. The GF has that extra step above the other deluxe resorts...after all, it is the flagship!

 

[epcotisbest]

GF felt to uppity and stuffy to me...and yet of these two I would choose GF for an anniversary trip.
It is just more upscale and special feeling than BW, and that is what you want for an anniversary...at least
that is what we want, and you have the monorail to consider. BW is wonderful and you won't go wrong either way...Happy Anniversary.

 

[ParentsOf4]

Since you're already spending 2 nights at the Swan and will get a taste of the Epcot Resort area, normally I'd suggest spending time at the GF. However, since it's just you and your DW on an anniversary trip, the Epcot Resorts and the World Showcase are the most "grown up" area at WDW.

I like the Monorail Resorts and have done a bit of bar hopping there but, seriously, nothing sounds like more fun than spending the evening drinking and dining at Epcot, watching Illuminations, strolling past Crescent Lake towards the Boardwalk to spend some time, and then topping it off with a nightcap at the Belle Vue Lounge.

The nice thing about the area is that because there are so many bars and restaurants in the World Showcase and at the 5 Epcot Resorts, you can do something a bit different every night.

Bar & restaurant hopping on the Monorail Resorts is fun but, after doing the loop once, it starts to feel like a repeat after that. With 5 nights to spend, go with the Boardwalk!

Besides, you also can walk back from DHS. If you have the energy, it's a pleasant walk.