Re: Polynesian vs Grand Floridian

**Mo Noyz** · 08-09-2011, 04:50 PM

Wow! Are they talking about doing the same to The Contemporary?!

**HauntedGabe** · 08-10-2011, 12:09 AM

Not that I've heard. The Contemporary was built like a fort. Not so much the wings, now wing but the main building is rock solid.

The rumors do fit. They are bringing POR down to 4 guests per room upon the opening of Animation suites. They upgraded the Contemporary already and added DVC, now GF. As much as I love the Poly you can see she outlived her life span given what she was built with in that climate and the questionable building materials of that era. The original homes hotel in DTD were built similarly and they are long gone. The Disney Inn too was taken off the Guest choice and now just for the Shades of Green.

Just the fact that they have not done a major, major rehab of that resort lends itself to the rumors might be right on. If they rebuild her in her own image I can't imagine much of an uproar. Now the time table may be adjusted...look and Pop and how long it took to do phase two.

So if I was booking right now, I'd skip the GF because of the construction and grab a stay at the Poly while the getting is good.

**Mo Noyz** · 08-10-2011, 06:03 AM

But, why did they go through all those major renovations at the Poly just a few years ago? That part doesn't really make sense to me.

**WinstonChapman** · 08-14-2011, 11:50 PM

I've stayed at both many times over the years, and in fact I've never stayed off the monorail at WDW. Given the ages of your kids, I would go for the Poly. It has a great pool and beach, good casual restaurants, and a theme that even young children can appreciate. The character breakfast at 'Ohana is popular with families, and transportation to MK is usually excellent. The rooms are spacious, and the amenities and service are excellent. The GF is definitely a more adult resort, so maybe give it a try after the kids are a bit older.

**HauntedGabe** · 08-15-2011, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by Mo Noyz

But, why did they go through all those major renovations at the Poly just a few years ago? That part doesn't really make sense to me.

I don't think you are wrapping yourself around the difference between the resort updates and major infrastructure upgrades to a resort built in the late 60's early 70's. What were acceptable practices in schools and hotels back then, codes and materials vs of today vs yesteryear...the costs or upgrading infrastructure often out weigh the costs of just starting over. The costs of removing certain types of materials is astronomical. And even if you do payout those costs you are still left with a very old structure.

**disneyfire** · 08-16-2011, 12:11 AM

Havn't stayed at either but spent a ton of time at both......i personally would go with the Poly. It is an original. and that to me, makes it much more "Disney"ish.

**Mo Noyz** · 08-16-2011, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by HauntedGabe

I don't think you are wrapping yourself around the difference between the resort updates and major infrastructure upgrades to a resort built in the late 60's early 70's. What were acceptable practices in schools and hotels back then, codes and materials vs of today vs yesteryear...the costs or upgrading infrastructure often out weigh the costs of just starting over. The costs of removing certain types of materials is astronomical. And even if you do payout those costs you are still left with a very old structure.

I guess I'm not, because to me it sounds like re-upholstering your car just before you send it to the crusher. A huge waste of money.

What am I missing?

**julielizabet** · 09-14-2011, 05:09 PM

I must admit, I've never heard so much negativity about the Polynesian! It is our favorite resort, it is immensely popular, and anyone who knows Disney knows they don't let things get "dirty," "old," or "worn." That's one thing you can be sure of with any WDW resort. If you book at the Poly, you will NOT be disappointed. It's got the best beach of any resort on property (hands down), beautiful lush landscaping unlike any other resort on property, and, well, tonga toast! Torch lighting ceremony, ambience, great for the kids... Best of all for many is monorail and launch access, and you can walk right to the TTC. The resort's fairly small so nothing is too far away. And you've got quick access to restaurants at all 3 monorail resorts plus the WL by launch. Hard to beat it. Sadly, we won't be able to easily stay there in the future b/c I'm expecting #4. Oh, and we have stayed there over Christmastime (early Dec.) more than once. Did I mention the Neverland Club for the kids? Even CMs I've spoken to talk about it as a resort they are lucky to be based at.