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Goobster
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Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
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WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Which would you rec with a toddler and why?
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Posted 10/16/11 9:29 PM  |
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Tine73
Member since 3/06 22093 total posts
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*********
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
We stayed at the GF with a 1 year old and 3.5 year old in May and had a great time. They have a few different pools and the hotel was very nice and very convenient!
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| Posted 10/16/11 11:45 PM |
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Mill188
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Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
You can't go wrong with either! The GF is closer to the Magic Kingdom so that's a bonus - it's one stop on the monorail to but it's the last stop coming back.
The Poly is the second stop going and coming home.
I personally think kids would enjoy the Poly a little bit more - it's a little more Disney-themed that the GF. However, the GF is one of my favorite hotels ever!
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| Posted 10/17/11 9:29 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
I don't think you would make a mistake going with either hotel both are great but this is MY personal take.
I like the poly for trips with very young kids and the GF for a more adult trip. I like that unless we go to the AK or HS we never have to fold up our stroller (this goes for both hotels BTW) but I think you have more transportation options at the Poly.
These are the pros for the poly:
You get more access/quicker access to MK and EPCOT- by that I mean you can
1) get on the monorail and ride to MK
2) walk next door and hop on the ferry to the MK (esp at night when everyone runs for the monorail you can just push your stroller right onto the ferry and go
3) you can walk next door to the TTC and hop on the EPCOT monorail (if you go with the GF you would have to take the monorail to the TTC then change - it is easy but just another step)
I like the Polynesian theme for kids. There is a nice zero entry pool great for young kids with a small interactive fountain area next to it. You can see the castle from the beach or even from the volcano pool.
You can easily walk to the GF to get access to things like 1900 Park Fair etc.
If you have kids 4 + they do have the neverland club if parents want a night out.
I love the fact that you can watch the electric water parade from the beach, and that they pipe the narration to their fireworks onto the beach where you can sit and relax without the crowds and watch the fireworks. You can also do this at the GF if I am not mistaken but I'm not sure about the narration and you don't get as good a view b.c the poly is directly across from the MK and the GF is off to one side so the view isn't quite the same.
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| Posted 10/17/11 10:16 AM |
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Goobster
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Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by Lillykat
I don't think you would make a mistake going with either hotel both are great but this is MY personal take.
I like the poly for trips with very young kids and the GF for a more adult trip. I like that unless we go to the AK or HS we never have to fold up our stroller (this goes for both hotels BTW) but I think you have more transportation options at the Poly.
These are the pros for the poly:
You get more access/quicker access to MK and EPCOT- by that I mean you can
1) get on the monorail and ride to MK
2) walk next door and hop on the ferry to the MK (esp at night when everyone runs for the monorail you can just push your stroller right onto the ferry and go
3) you can walk next door to the TTC and hop on the EPCOT monorail (if you go with the GF you would have to take the monorail to the TTC then change - it is easy but just another step)
I like the Polynesian theme for kids. There is a nice zero entry pool great for young kids with a small interactive fountain area next to it. You can see the castle from the beach or even from the volcano pool.
You can easily walk to the GF to get access to things like 1900 Park Fair etc.
If you have kids 4 + they do have the neverland club if parents want a night out.
I love the fact that you can watch the electric water parade from the beach, and that they pipe the narration to their fireworks onto the beach where you can sit and relax without the crowds and watch the fireworks. You can also do this at the GF if I am not mistaken but I'm not sure about the narration and you don't get as good a view b.c the poly is directly across from the MK and the GF is off to one side so the view isn't quite the same.
Thank you all.
Did you stay at both? How did you find the rooms at both? I am just worried the Poly is so dark and dreary inside, esp the rooms. I like the brightness of the Contemp.
Also...you said, you can walk to the GF from the Poly? B/c we do plan to go to a Princess meal at GF.
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| Posted 10/17/11 3:59 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
FYI the Neverland Club is ages 3 and up now, as are all the kids clubs. My child LOVES the Neverland Club...so cute, and the staff is friendly
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| Posted 10/17/11 4:04 PM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Lillykat
I don't think you would make a mistake going with either hotel both are great but this is MY personal take.
I like the poly for trips with very young kids and the GF for a more adult trip. I like that unless we go to the AK or HS we never have to fold up our stroller (this goes for both hotels BTW) but I think you have more transportation options at the Poly.
These are the pros for the poly:
You get more access/quicker access to MK and EPCOT- by that I mean you can
1) get on the monorail and ride to MK
2) walk next door and hop on the ferry to the MK (esp at night when everyone runs for the monorail you can just push your stroller right onto the ferry and go
3) you can walk next door to the TTC and hop on the EPCOT monorail (if you go with the GF you would have to take the monorail to the TTC then change - it is easy but just another step)
I like the Polynesian theme for kids. There is a nice zero entry pool great for young kids with a small interactive fountain area next to it. You can see the castle from the beach or even from the volcano pool.
You can easily walk to the GF to get access to things like 1900 Park Fair etc.
If you have kids 4 + they do have the neverland club if parents want a night out.
I love the fact that you can watch the electric water parade from the beach, and that they pipe the narration to their fireworks onto the beach where you can sit and relax without the crowds and watch the fireworks. You can also do this at the GF if I am not mistaken but I'm not sure about the narration and you don't get as good a view b.c the poly is directly across from the MK and the GF is off to one side so the view isn't quite the same.
Thank you all.
Did you stay at both? How did you find the rooms at both? I am just worried the Poly is so dark and dreary inside, esp the rooms. I like the brightness of the Contemp.
Also...you said, you can walk to the GF from the Poly? B/c we do plan to go to a Princess meal at GF.
Yes, you can walk from the Poly to the GF but they are doing some construction. I would just hop on the monorail instead. I do like that you can walk from the Poly to the Transportation and Ticket Center for the monorail to Epcot.
I don't think that the rooms are so dark and dreary at the Poly. If you like the rooms at the Contemporary, why don't you stay there? Or look into a room at the new Bay Lake Tower (the DVC property attached to the Contemporary?)
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| Posted 10/17/11 4:12 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by Goobster
Thank you all.
Did you stay at both? How did you find the rooms at both? I am just worried the Poly is so dark and dreary inside, esp the rooms. I like the brightness of the Contemp.
Also...you said, you can walk to the GF from the Poly? B/c we do plan to go to a Princess meal at GF.
I have not stayed at the GF (honestly never really wanted to) but I do enjoy walking over there it is a nice walk from the Poly (easy 5-7 mins walk) you walk by the wedding pavillion and then over to the GF. I've stayed at the hotel that it is modeled after. I chose the poly the past 2 trips b.c with a 15 month old the 1st time and 12 month old and almost 3 year old it was VERY convenient. You can easily do that walk to go there for dinner with no issue.
As far as rooms being dark. I would suggest you go over to Tikiman's Site (http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/ ) I could see how someone could say that they are dark (the decor is darker colors) but I never had any issues. I think it is a subjective thing - my father likes to read in the room and never had any complaints. We also enjoy the AKL and I have heard people complain that it is dark there too. I would say go over to Tikiman's site and look it over and see if it appeals to you. With any of these things it is so subjective. That is why I love disney there is a resort for everyone. I like to stay at hotels that are different and not something that I could stay at anywhere which is probably why I like the poly (but I have memories of that place b.c I stayed there as a child with my parents) and the Animal kingdom b.c where else in the US can you stay and have animals such as giraffe right off of your balcony.
I have friends who have stayed at the GF, Poly and the Contemporary. They really enjoy the GF but what I hear frequently is that it is more of an adult theme, whereas the poly has a more family theme. Although honestly anything in disney is pretty much family friendly. They usually choose the Poly.
I think you cannot go wrong with either place but for me the thing that makes the poly more of a choice has nothing to do with theme, decor, etc it is that you have the access to the TTC and it is easy to walk next door and hop that monorail rather than change, hop the ferry while everyone is running for the monorail at night. That is one reason a lot of people like the contemporary is that they can walk to the hotel at night rather than fight the crowds to get on the monorail.
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| Posted 10/17/11 6:05 PM |
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twobabies
Praying
Member since 7/05 9662 total posts
Name:
Mrs. Honeybee
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Totally agree with Lillycat. I like the poly for kids and the gf for adults. the poly offers everything you would ever want. The gf is gorgeous that's a given. I just felt out of place with my kids running in the lobby and always felt under dressed there. The poly is so laid back and relaxing. It's perfect.
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| Posted 10/17/11 7:33 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by Mill188
I don't think that the rooms are so dark and dreary at the Poly. If you like the rooms at the Contemporary, why don't you stay there? Or look into a room at the new Bay Lake Tower (the DVC property attached to the Contemporary?)
Sorry meant to say GF not Contemp!
I stayed at the Contemporary 3 times (before my child). I love that hotel and it's modern decor. But I find it sort of cold feeling, and also the pools are nothing special. I am looking for a zero entry pool, which GF and Poly have. They def have nicer pools/areas than the Contemp,which is sort of dated outdoors IMO.
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| Posted 10/17/11 10:15 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by twobabies
Totally agree with Lillycat. I like the poly for kids and the gf for adults. the poly offers everything you would ever want. The gf is gorgeous that's a given. I just felt out of place with my kids running in the lobby and always felt under dressed there. The poly is so laid back and relaxing. It's perfect.
Ok...so I lean more towards Poly. Thanks for your input,everyone!
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| Posted 10/17/11 10:17 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by twobabies
Totally agree with Lillycat. I like the poly for kids and the gf for adults. the poly offers everything you would ever want. The gf is gorgeous that's a given. I just felt out of place with my kids running in the lobby and always felt under dressed there. The poly is so laid back and relaxing. It's perfect.
I agree. The GF is nice to visit and have meals at but I find it more of an adult hotel. I know it's not one of your choice but we stayed at AKL last time and loved it. The animals are wonderful for the kids!
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| Posted 10/17/11 10:18 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by OneOfEach
Posted by twobabies
Totally agree with Lillycat. I like the poly for kids and the gf for adults. the poly offers everything you would ever want. The gf is gorgeous that's a given. I just felt out of place with my kids running in the lobby and always felt under dressed there. The poly is so laid back and relaxing. It's perfect.
I agree. The GF is nice to visit and have meals at but I find it more of an adult hotel. I know it's not one of your choice but we stayed at AKL last time and loved it. The animals are wonderful for the kids!
I have visited there and loved it. But I want to stay on a monorail line this time, since my DD is 3 and I will likely bring a stroller.
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| Posted 10/17/11 10:23 PM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Mill188
I don't think that the rooms are so dark and dreary at the Poly. If you like the rooms at the Contemporary, why don't you stay there? Or look into a room at the new Bay Lake Tower (the DVC property attached to the Contemporary?)
Sorry meant to say GF not Contemp!
I stayed at the Contemporary 3 times (before my child). I love that hotel and it's modern decor. But I find it sort of cold feeling, and also the pools are nothing special. I am looking for a zero entry pool, which GF and Poly have. They def have nicer pools/areas than the Contemp,which is sort of dated outdoors IMO.
I agree with you about the contemp - but the new bay lake towers is AMAZING and the pool is zero entry.
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| Posted 10/18/11 9:49 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
Posted by Mill188
I agree with you about the contemp - but the new bay lake towers is AMAZING and the pool is zero entry.
Bay Lake tower? I have to look at it. It is part of the Contemp? Are there any sprinkler areas for kids or anything else new?
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| Posted 10/18/11 10:56 AM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Re: WDW hotels- Polynesian or Grand Floridian with a toddler?
I absolutely LOVE Bay Lake Tower. It's right next to the Contemporary. There is a bridge connecting the two and they connect at the monorail level of the Contemporary.
The pool is zero entry and there is a chiildren's water fountain area.
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| Posted 10/18/11 11:21 AM |
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