Grand Floridian or Poly?

[Havoc315]

Currently booked around President's Weekend at the Poly. If we act quickly, we can change to GF for the same price.
We are a family with son-7 and daughter-5. We have a garden view at Poly, and would consider an outer building at GF.
There are 2 main reasons my wife has suggesting considering changing -- the gym and hot tub at GF.

So any opinions as to whether it is worth switching for these 2 things?
What other pros and cons differentiate the 2 resorts?

Thanks in advance.

[George]

The gym is much nicer and more extensive at GF. I don't know if Poly even has a gym. Note, however, that the spa portion of the GF facility will be closed, but that doesn't seem to be a concern of yours.

GF has nice whirlpools by its pools as well.

If those are your two main concerns, it sounds like GF would be a better fit for you.

[clanmcculloch]

I'm a HUGE Poly fan. I love everything about Poly other than the lack of hot tub. That being said, if I could stay at GF for the same price, I'd be definitely considering it. We've always wanted to stay at GF. It would have to be an equivalent room for the same price (we stay CL at Poly partly for the location so at GF it would have to be RPC) but if that opporunity came up I wouldn't hesitate.

I thought that Poly guests could use the GF gym. Gym is a forbidden word in my house so I've never confirmed.

[Havoc315]

Gym and hot tub aren't 'primary' concerns, just possible reasons to switch.
I understand poly guests can use the GF gym, but anybody know how long the walk is?

[bnoble]

I work out 4-6 days a week at home---cardio and free weights. I'm lucky if I get 2-3 short sessions on the treadmill in in a typical week at WDW. I think I'd pick based on which one sounds like it "speaks to you" more. Do you want the more refined vibe of the GF, or the more laid back "island time" action at the Poly?

It's tempting to switch just because you can without having to pay more. But, if it's not a place you'd rather stay, it doesn't matter that you are "saving money." On the other hand, if you'd really rather go to the GF, but cost held you back, this is a good reason to consider a switch.

[clanmcculloch]

It's tempting to switch just because you can without having to pay more. But, if it's not a place you'd rather stay, it doesn't matter that you are "saving money." On the other hand, if you'd really rather go to the GF, but cost held you back, this is a good reason to consider a switch.

This is an excellent point. I should add to my original post that we do love the theming at GF and we do feel very comfortable there whenever we're in the resort for dining and we would love the opportunity to stay there. We do love the theming and feel of Poly as well. Cost is what has held us back from staying there. We get great deals for our stays at Poly but have never found an exuivalent deal at GF.

[Havoc315]

With the current winter discount -- 35% off GF versus 30% off Poly, it seems to basically equalize the cost. At least, as to the cheapest rooms in each.

But is the "cheap" room at the Poly nicer than a cheap room at the GF?

I've heard that even garden view rooms have good views at Poly, can same be said about GF?

Other than gym, hot tub, are there other concrete advantages of 1 or the other?

I was leaning to staying at Poly due to transportation advantages, and the beach. How does the Poly beach compare to the GF beach?

Will my kids be equally happy and entertained at the 2 resorts?

[Lissa]

It really is up to you. We love the Poly and it's relaxed atmosphere. :) Sometimes with things Disney, our family votes....this is done from scheduling, hotels to places we eat. It's fun to do and everyone gets to voice their opinion. Good luck. A Disney vacation is ALWAYS a good time no matter where you stay on the property. :)

[blyday]

The walk between Poly and GF is less then 10 minutes. We did it a couple of times and took our time both times. In fact.....last trip we were using our DVC perk and pool hopping so walked from the pool with the Water slide to the Volcano pool at Poly in about 10 minutes.

ETA: As for differences.....Poly had larger rooms but other then that.....themeing really is the only difference between the 2 resorts.

[butchie30d]

Gym and hot tub aren't 'primary' concerns, just possible reasons to switch.
I understand poly guests can use the GF gym, but anybody know how long the walk is?

About 5-10 minutes depending on what longhouse you are staying in or how fast you travel. It's actually a nice little jog to warm up before a workout. You also get to walk around lots of Poly, the "other" beach area (not near the pool) which is a "quieter" alternative for wishes viewing, see the Luau and the outside of the wedding chapel on your way to the gym.
We've stayed at both places. I was not a fan of the "feel" of GF. It seemed "stuffy" to me. I tried to engage a few folks in friendly idle chatter (hey, I'm on vacation and I want to be nice) people just seemed stand-off-ish. Of course that is just one man's opinion.
Reason to choose GF:
Gym is closer, rooms are brighter and newer than Poly and I think the bedding is nicer (both have queen beds) Also if you go with an outer building ( I believe they are concierge level, ours was) you get all those nice snacks that come with that.
Poly:
Beautiful grounds (choose this place if you love the Hawaiian theme)
Beach to watch Wishes/EWP from (very nice perk)
Poly has better storage closets and a bigger in-room safe.
If you stay at Tokelau you will get the biggest "regular" rooms on property.
Up for grabs:
Ohana/ Kona/Captain Cooks(Poly) Spirit of Aloha Luau vs. Grand Floridian cafe/1900 PF/Narcoosees/Citricos/Victoria and Alberts/Gasparilla grill and games.
GF has much better on site food choices imo.

[George]

Keep in mind that there's no swimming allowed at any WDW beach.

[WDW Vet]

Disney is putting up 147DVC units next to the GF between the resort and the wedding pavilion. They have already put up construction walls along the beach area between the two and rerouted some of the walkways. Not sure when you are traveling but you need to find out when the major rehab is going on which may be an issue for you.