When selecting a luxurious lodge close to Magic Kingdom on the monorail loop at Walt Disney World, trip planners debate between two Deluxe Resorts: Grand Floridian and Polynesian. This head-to-head comparability weighs the professionals & cons of every, choosing a “winner” in theme, eating, transportation, swimming pools, and different classes. (Up to date April 14, 2024.)
This continues our Walt Disney World Lodge Comparability Sequence, which incorporates a number of different troublesome dilemmas you may face when making an attempt to choose a lodge. Different versus posts embrace Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. Wilderness Lodge, BoardWalk vs. Seashore Membership, Port Orleans Riverside vs. French Quarter, and even Caribbean Seashore vs. the Poly.
This Grand Floridian vs. Polynesian comparability pits Walt Disney World’s flagship lodge in opposition to a enjoyable fan-favorite that some may argue ought to be WDW’s “crown jewel” lodge. Whereas each are related by way of location (actually a brief stroll from each other) and pricing, there are lots of variations by way of theme, ambiance, eating places, and facilities.
Whereas we’ll draw our personal conclusions as to which is healthier, alongside the way in which we’ll clarify our reasoning, so you possibly can kind your personal conclusions. Since a lot of it is a matter of subjective, private choice, we really feel that’s one of the simplest ways to method these comparisons. Plus, it could be a fairly brief weblog submit if we didn’t provide explanatory textual content together with the winner of every factor.
Earlier than we get going, one factor to notice is that each resorts are nonetheless within the midst of large reimagining and/or growth tasks. Within the case of the Poly, a huge tower is being constructed on the periphery of the resort. Within the case of the Grand Floridian, the principle constructing and foyer are nonetheless within the midst of a reimagining. The excellent news is that the room reimaginings at each at the moment are completed. At the least proper now, neither of those tasks have a lot influence on the visitor expertise, other than minor (principally exterior) visible blight. We count on each building tasks to wrap up by late 2024.
Okay, with that, it’s time to see whether or not the Grand Floridian delivers a sick Individuals’s Elbow to the Poly, or if the Poly can pull off a shock Stone Chilly Stunner… (Sorry, I’ll cease with the wrestlin’ discuss–these are the one phrases I do know, in any case.)
Theme: It Relies upon – Theme is such a tough topic since a lot of it’s predicated in private choice. Relatively than making a worth judgment about which theme is inherently “higher,” we method this from their respective execution of theme.
Grand Floridian is little question essentially the most elegant and refined lodge at Walt Disney World, befitting of its high-brow Victorian theme. The foyer oozes sophistication and sophistication, and makes a powerful first impression. From that alone, it’s straightforward to see why Grand Floridian is Walt Disney World’s most luxurious and flagship resort. It’s, because the identify suggests, grand.
If there’s an excellent “reverse” of opulence, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is it. The Poly captures the essence of vacationing at a tropical resort. From the plush grounds to the South Seas vibe all through the resort, it’s the confluence of twentieth century tiki tradition and genuine island paradise. It’s an awesome place to decompress and has an simple “trip mode” vibe.
Each detect executing their themes in some regards. There are areas the place the Grand Floridian feels dated, like a Nineteen Nineties interpretation of the elevated Victorian theme. Some say it reminds them of “grandma’s home.” Then there are spots the place modernization feels a bit bland and off-theme, the the Magnificence and the Beast bar. The lobbies of the outer buildings all have acquired the identical Mary Poppins-inspired overhaul because the visitor room, and that has been tastefully achieved, balancing trendy luxurious the the theme of the resort, for essentially the most half.
It’s the same story with the Polynesian. Its theme has been chipped away at in recent times with the elimination of its foyer waterfall and different tropical parts, however different enhancements make it really feel like an excellent mix of mid-century and trendy. To the extent that they’ve occurred, the Moana additions have been tasteful and comparatively restrained in widespread areas.
If this had been merely our private preferences, we’d give the win to the Poly. Nevertheless, that’s additionally as a result of the inside of the principle constructing on the Grand Floridian hasn’t but been redone. In the event that they handle to deal with that as delicately because the outer buildings, threading the needle on themed design and trendy luxurious, it might come out on prime. Objectively, the 2 resorts are troublesome to match since they’re making an attempt various things. Each succeed and stumble in the identical methods, so we’re calling this a push.
Rooms: It Relies upon – This up to date comparability catches each resorts as they’ve just lately debuted new rooms impressed to various levels by totally different characters. In each instances, these are actually extra film motifs than they’re fully-fledged character themes. In our view, it is a good factor.
The Poly’s new Moana rooms are daring, with distinctly “Disney” fashion and use of characters. They’ve so much occurring by way of colours, patterns, and textures that gained’t enchantment to everybody. We expect they strike the best steadiness, however some will undoubtedly disagree, discovering them too “loud.” No matter that, the standard of finishings, options, and performance is all excessive. (See our Evaluate, Pictures & Video: New Moana Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.)
For the longest time, Grand Floridian ranked final on our lists like this as a result of a mix of that value level and the truth that its rooms we’re on par with a mid-tier Marriott. Though costs haven’t budged, Grand Floridian is taking large leaps ahead with new rooms that remodel them into one thing each distinctly Disney and splendid.
The reimagined rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are simply the most important earlier than/after enchancment of any lodge room at Walt Disney World within the final decade. This reimagining introduced with it larger usability, consideration to particulars, luxurious finishings, thematic thrives impressed by Mary Poppins, and a spread of different particulars. Whether or not you’re assessing from a operate or kind perspective, these are a marked enchancment. We additionally love these new rooms–see Grand New Rooms at Walt Disney World’s Flagship Resort for a glance inside.
Which resort’s new character-inspired rooms are higher will nearly totally come down to non-public choice–each of the resorts as an entire and whether or not you or your loved ones prefers Moana or Mary Poppins. Each are tastefully achieved and befitting of their respective resorts. We’d give a slight edge to Grand Floridian for a very flawless execution, whereas Moana does have some imperfections–however others may argue the other.
It’s actually going to come back down as to whether you need elegant and complex with a splash of Mary Poppins whimsy or top-notch tropical enjoyable with Moana. One factor is for certain–the brand new rooms at each the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian are higher than the Incredibles lodging on the Modern!
Eating: Grand Floridian – The culinary scene on the Grand Floridian is befitting of its flagship standing. Narcoossee’s and Citricos are two of essentially the most extremely regarded eating places at Walt Disney World, and the latter simply acquired a Mary Poppins-inspired overhaul that took it to the subsequent stage. Then there’s Victoria & Albert’s, which is in a league of its personal.
Relating to character eating, Grand Floridian as soon as once more gives 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner. This returns after a multi-year hiatus with a brand new “theme” (air quotes) of needs. It additionally incorporates a grabbag of characters that don’t actually make a lot sense collectively. The entire thing is thematic nonsense, nevertheless it’s enjoyable!
On the inexpensive finish of the spectrum, Grand Floridian Cafe is an underrated gem and has turn into one in all our favourite spots for an informal meal or final minute Advance Eating Reservation round Magic Kingdom. Gasparilla Island Grill is likewise a powerful counter service restaurant. There’s additionally the recently-reimagined Enchanted Rose Magnificence and the Beast Bar, we aren’t followers, however others appear to love it.
The informal finish of the spectrum is the place Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort excels. Captain Cook dinner’s is one in all Walt Disney World’s finest counter service eating places. After all, ‘Ohana is a fan favourite…though we predict it’s overrated and has gone downhill within the final a number of years, it’s nonetheless a fan-favorite and deserves to be in your shortlist for novelty and (potential future) nostalgia issue.
Two different choices choose up the slack. Kona Cafe is one other underrated gem, a stand-out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With Dealer Sam’s Grog Grotto, the Poly has probably the greatest lounges at Walt Disney World.
We finally give the sting to Grand Floridian as a result of Poly’s lack of advantageous eating choices–a giant misstep for a Deluxe Resort–however that is one other class that comes down to non-public choice. It also needs to be stored in thoughts that resort-hopping for meals is extremely straightforward among the many monorail loop resorts.
Transportation: Push – This could come as no shock on condition that the Polynesian and Grand Floridian are proper subsequent to at least one one other. Each are on the Magic Kingdom Monorail loop. Each provide boat transportation. Each have comparable (shared) bus service to different parks.
Each at the moment are walkable to Magic Kingdom, or will probably be as soon as the Poly tower is completed and that pathway reopens. We’ve already breathlessly coated this in Pictures & Video: Meandering the Magnificent Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian Walkway. In case you missed that, it’s potential to stroll all the way in which from the Transportation and Ticket Middle to Magic Kingdom (when there’s no building).
Grand Floridian is nearer to Magic Kingdom, giving it the sting there. Nevertheless, the Poly is nearer to the Ticket & Transportation Middle, which implies it’s extra handy for strolling to the monorail to Epcot. All of that makes this a tie.
That is one other subject that’ll have to be revisited as soon as the brand new Polynesian tower opens, because it’ll add an enormous variety of rooms to the resort and will trigger the transportation infrastructure to buckle. Sadly, if that does occur, it’ll in all probability influence each resorts–not simply the Poly.
Swimming pools: Polynesian – Our favourite swimming pools at these resorts at Seashore Pool on the Grand Floridian, which we ranked #4 on our record of the Prime 10 Swimming pools at Walt Disney World, and Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (#2). We give the sting to the Lava Pool as a result of it’s extra imaginative, immersive, and finally, extra enjoyable for teenagers.
Each of those resorts have a pair strong swimming pools past their important function swimming pools, however not one of the quiet or secondary swimming pools at Grand Floridian transfer the needle again in the direction of it. If something, the retro fashion (and shade constructions!) at Polynesian’s Oasis Pool present an grownup foil to the extra family-friendly important pool. Against this, each of the “important” swimming pools on the Grand Floridian skew in the direction of adults.
Value: Polynesian – Whereas these are the 2 costliest resorts in all of Walt Disney World when evaluating commonplace rooms, the Grand Floridian is considerably dearer. Whereas charges range by season and room class, you possibly can count on to pay about 20% extra for a comparable room on the Grand Floridian.
Nevertheless, the sensible actuality is that many friends aren’t paying rack price on the Grand Floridian whereas many are on the Poly. Because of variations in reputation, the Grand Floridian routinely gives distinctive financial savings–of 25% to 35% off. Against this, the Polynesian’s reductions are often decrease–from 10% to 25% off. Worse but, the Poly is sometimes excluded totally and sometimes has no availability even when it’s not excluded.
The tip result’s that even whereas sticker costs on the Poly are decrease, friends can find yourself paying extra on common as a result of disparities in discounting and availability. That makes this comparability actually tough.
Verdict: Polynesian – This was an extremely straightforward one for us, however Grand Floridian has actually narrowed the hole with its new Mary Poppins-inspired rooms. Nevertheless, there may be nonetheless a spot. Even within the classes that the flagship gained, I’ve a troublesome time seeing the Grand Floridian with a bonus that issues to me as a visitor staying on the lodge. The truth is, every thing we love most in regards to the Grand Floridian–eating and foyer ambiance–can simply as simply be loved whereas staying on the Poly and doing a “date evening” on the Grand.
The Grand Floridian has grown on us and improved in the previous couple of years, however the Polynesian is a masterpiece of Imagineering that’s transportive in theme and feels just like the quintessential Walt Disney World resort. It’s the place we truly wish to keep whereas on trip, with ambiance, facilities, rooms, and different options we’d use frequently over the course of a visit.
When evaluating any two resorts, different components will clearly come into play. Essential facilities, location, recreation, and different variables are going to matter and weigh in another way for various events. If you wish to evaluate for your self or see how different resorts stack up, take a look at our Rankings of ALL Resort Accommodations at Walt Disney World from Worst to Greatest.
Our purpose is for this submit was to supply a head-to-head comparability of essentially the most essential parts of every Walt Disney World resort expertise, however we propose supplementing this with our full overview of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and our Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Evaluate for additional rationalization of professionals & cons, room pictures & video, and rather more.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study motels on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing you’ll want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Which of those two Deluxe Resorts is the higher one, in your opinion? Is cash the deciding issue for you or is one thing else? Is there something you possibly can consider to make Grand Floridian the higher choose? Do you favor the Moana rooms on the Poly or Grand Floridian’s extra subtle fashion laced with Mary Poppins? Are we lacking a key variable that would, doubtlessly tilt the scales within the Grand’s favor? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
