Grand Floridian VS Polynesian Village

[DisneyJunkie]

I've stayed at the Polynesian 3 times now and have visited the GF.....and to me, there's no contest that the Poly is the better looking and more fun of the two. In having walked throughout the GF, I can't help but notice that it feels like nothing more than one of those scrims that they use in the park when a certain building is being worked on and they still want to show its facade. The GF to me, on the outside, looks very nice, but just strikes me as cheap and fake on the inside. Since I discovered WDW, I've always felt that there was this perception that somehow the GF is the "best of the best" in WDW resorts, but I don't think it lives up to that. It's definitely not my style or taste in a resort, whereas the tropical, relaxing feel of the Poly really is. I think I give the edge to the Poly too because you can walk to the TTC from it, and you really can't from GF (basically just have to take the monorail around until it gets there on the 3rd stop).

 

[Sage of Time]

One has Trader Sam's. One does not.

Choose... wisely.

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

One has Trader Sam's. One does not.

Choose... wisely.

Do tell

 

[Sage of Time]

Do tell

Best bar on prop. Being in proximity to it would be nice.

 

[yaksplat]

Our vacations that last couple years were to the GF. This year we're trying out the poly since the pool is finished and there's a new kids area as well. We're all looking forward to trying out something new. The GF is very nice and the only complaint about it is the food. You can spend a ton on food there and get something good, but if you're buying meals for a family, Gasparilla's is just ok. Our favorite so far is Pepper market in Coronado springs. That place has the most choices for meals and the food is excellent. I'm hoping that the Polynesian is somewhere between the two.

 

[MrsSomers]

I've stayed at the Polynesian 3 times now and have visited the GF.....and to me, there's no contest that the Poly is the better looking and more fun of the two. In having walked throughout the GF, I can't help but notice that it feels like nothing more than one of those scrims that they use in the park when a certain building is being worked on and they still want to show its facade. The GF to me, on the outside, looks very nice, but just strikes me as cheap and fake on the inside. Since I discovered WDW, I've always felt that there was this perception that somehow the GF is the "best of the best" in WDW resorts, but I don't think it lives up to that. It's definitely not my style or taste in a resort, whereas the tropical, relaxing feel of the Poly really is. I think I give the edge to the Poly too because you can walk to the TTC from it, and you really can't from GF (basically just have to take the monorail around until it gets there on the 3rd stop).

Feels like a funeral home to me . . . lol! I'm only halfway joking. It is magnificent on the outside, and the restaurants are top notch, but the decor on the inside is just a little too stuffy for my taste.

The Poly just has a more relaxed atmosphere that just seems to suit our family a bit better.

 

[polynesiangirl]

I've never stayed at the Grand, but it just doesn't do it for us. I'd like to do a night there eventually someday, but the rates are such that we often find a cheaper room at the Poly or elsewhere, so it's hard to justify. My husband thinks it looks too fussy. The decor is pretty, but it's just not as much my style. I looooooove tropical-themed anything, so the Poly is special to me.

 

[Professor_Jason]

My Sister is going to start having children next year and she and I have decided we want the Polynesian to be our Family's hotel when we start going out as a big Family group when the kids are older

 

[DisneyJunkie]

GF hands down - have stopped at both and in no way is the GF cheap! Rooms are gorgeous and grounds and buildings in and out are immaculate - nothing like a facade as mentioned above?! You could stay around the resort all day and never have to leave - restaurants are far superior to Poly - The Grand Floridian Cafe for Breakfast is amazing and quiet! As for Trader Sams...imagineering at it best - people at it worst in there - an overcrowded spring break nightmare!

Poly's restaurants are - without question - MUCH better than anything offered at GF. GF is just a facade of an old, stuffy Victorian style hotel....but on closer inspection, made with cheaper materials in the guest rooms. GF's location is a perk, kind of, but otherwise GF isn't worth writing home about.

 

[acishere]

I like to think of the three monorail hotels as equals suited for different tastes. It all depends upon which style tour family prefers. I personally would rather stay in an island or modern theme, so I'd lean you more towards Poly.

There are lots to see and do at all 3 and no matter which one you stay in, it is pretty easy to go next door if there is something there you really want to see.