If you had a choice.... About This Page:

[SMG]

...which would you pick....GF or WL? They are both so different.... I hadn't even thought of staying a GF, but my mom saw it from the monorail last trip and thought it was really nice. I just assumed we'd try out WL, since we had said if we ever went again, that's where we'd stay. Hummmm...just more to think about lol!
Pro's and con's of each anyone? It would be me 36, DM 55, DS 14 and DS 12. Any input would be appriciated.

[Colexis Mom]

Gosh, if money's not an issue, I'd say go for the GF. The theming at the WL is great, but you can't beat staying right on the monorail!

[MickeyMAC]

We're doing both in December. We're starting at WL then moving to GF. Why not try both?

[ilovelilo]

I've stayed at WL and really liked it, but I would also love to stay at GF someday! Maybe you could do a split stay like Linda suggested? Good luck with your choice!

[Loster]

[ QUOTE ]
Gosh, if money's not an issue, I'd say go for the GF.

[/ QUOTE ] I'd agree. We walked around the grounds on our last day in May and it looks great. I have never seen WL before. I've heard you can take a boat to the MK and to the CR and I would assume to the Poly and GF too. Good luck on making you descision.

Sue

[Lynne O.]

I stayed at GF, and I can tell you that it is very rich and luxurious.. both inside and out..not to mention that it is on the monorail. This resort is Disney's flagship resort (A-1 all the way). To me, nothing else at WDW could compare to it. You would not be disappointed. I've never stayed at WL (but will be in Nov.) and I've heard nothing but wonderful things about it. Yes, they are totally different, and I would probably choose do a split stay. Either way, you cannot go wrong.

[D&G Miller]

We'd highly recommend the GF. We were fortunate enough to be able to spend our honeymoon there in '98 and absolutely loved it .

In addition to the monorail, this resort has stellar CM service and views. We had a room with a lagoon view in Sago Cay. We could see the MK at all hours of the day, plus in the morning we could go to our balcony and hear the dog at the HM and the WDW RR in the distance. At night we could even watch the Electrical Water Pageant including watching the area where they park the floats used for the pageant.

We have heard positive feedback on WL as well and we have walked around the resort and it seems very nice, but if the cost is not an issue, IMHO I would recommend the GF.

[my2girls]

I haven't styed at either of them, so I would choose either one.

Kristine

[HiddenMickey]

I've stayed at both and loved them each in their own way. If money were not a concern here, I'd definitely stay at the GF if I were you. I love the cheery decor of the rooms, the nightly turndown service, the free refrigerator, the larger space, and more.

The one thing that WL has over it is the single building...no having to brave raindrops to get to the main building from your room.

Have fun deciding. I'd be happy to go to either resort again! -HiddenMickey

[LisaJ]

I would LOVE to stay at the GF. I am staying at the WL this August, so, in a sense I cannot offer first-hand advice.

I did notice that you have a 14- and 12-year old son coming with you. The WL seems to be a little more rugged and might appeal to them, although, to be honest, I don't think boys pay attention to too much of that stuff either way.

If you have time, try both resorts!

[ncgal]

I visited both GF and WL during our last trip. They are both really nice!! I think you will be happy no matter which one you choose . The WL seemed more cozy with the fireplaces, etc. The GF seemed more luxurious and airy (and the beach was really nice). So, for me it would depend on the time of year. In the spring and summer I would go for the GF and in the fall and winter I would opt for the WL.

[LindaLu627]

We debated this same thing in April. I lost a Dlx room at WL and got a great rate at GF. Since we are traveling with a 2yr old, I thought WL might still be better for us. We finally got our dlx rm back, so we decided the GF would have to wait until she is older. WL is our home away from home.

The WL is greatne building, nice sized pool, boat transportaion to MK and CR, great atmousesphere, and outstanding CM's. Here the draw backs- bus transportation to every place outside MK and CR, one 'fast food', one pool side food, one 'nice', and one family restaurant(s). GF does offer a few more places to eat so at least your resort selection would be greater.

What I would consider is how much freedom the teens will be allowed to have. If they would be allowed to go to the MK w/o supervision- GF would be closer.

My vote would be for a split stay. WL first, GF second. Then you both get what you think would make for a great trip.

Let us know what you decide!
Linda

[SMG]

Well, I'd love to do the split stay thing, but this trip won't be a long one...only 3 nights (I have a new job and no vacation time). That's why my mom said "why not go for the GF and I'll pay the difference." (I was paying for the resort and her the airfare)
Wow, I guess this is something to really think about....

[Diz]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'd love to do the split stay thing, but this trip won't be a long one...only 3 nights (I have a new job and no vacation time). That's why my mom said "why not go for the GF and I'll pay the difference." (I was paying for the resort and her the airfare)
Wow, I guess this is something to really think about....

[/ QUOTE ]

Wish my mom would pay the difference!

When we first started going to WDW, I saw a sign that children under 7 had to be supervised by an adult. I was floored. What do you mean 8 years old can go on their own?! I told my DD who was 8 at the time, forget it not until your 18.

Well over the years my tune has changed, basically because my kids are very responsible, they have cell phones and they know Disney as well as they know their own house.

My boys started venturing on their own around age 12. The main reason was those two ugly words, Pin Trading. They wanted to be first at the parks to try and get the pins they wanted.

Having said all of this, my point would be if you think your kids will venture on their own, I would choose GF since money is not an issue.

My sons were able to travel Dtransportation from WL, but it was much longer. When we stay at POLY it is quick and I felt more secure in knowing they are on the monorail.

[buckysmom]

I'd go for GF if Mom is willing to pay the rather large difference! It looks gorgeous, and who knows when the opportunity will present itself again? Besides, being on the monorail will definitely make travel more efficient for 2 of the parks and if you're only going to be there a short time, that will be a factor.
Glad to hear you're planning another trip