Contemporary vs Grand Floridian

[kcrc]

We currently have reservations for next year at the Poly, but with the pace of construction picking up, we will most likely be changing the location. We really love the MK area, so now must choose between the Contemporary and the GF. They are all so very different. I feel like the GF is too formal for our tastes. While the Contemporary seems like some of the hotel chains we have stayed at in NY and also has that business like feel. Your thoughts?

[spoiledraf]

Just got back from the GF and it NOT too formal. I haven't stayed at CR in 15 years so it's hard to compare but GF is very much the same as BC,YC and BW in my opinion. It has a grand look to it with the beautiful lobby and exterior but the rooms are similar as is the service. It's nice to be one stop away from the MK on the monorail and the boat back from the MK is a plus because its quick. They have a nice 24 hour counter service as well. Two nice pools are great. And as with all monorail resorts, the dining options at each resort as well as the MK are easy access. It's a very welcoming and relaxing atmosphere compared to CR more modern, noisy, sharp edged appearance.

[MizMissy]

We loved our stay at the Contemporary, but we love more contemporary furnishings over Victorian.
Additionally, the biggest plus was the ability to WALK to the MK and not have to wait on the monorail during very busy times.
We chose a Garden Wing room instead of a tower room. You do not have the MK view, but it was more quiet. And, with a first floor room, there was a small patio and a nice open lawn so we did not feel so closed in.

[RedSoxFan]

We stayed at GF in November and I didn't find it formal at all. Just a beautiful resort. Saw a few wedding parties. Everyone was so wonderful. We were given an awful view (staircase of another bldg) when checking in and was able to get moved overlooking the water.

[MNNHFLTX]

It all depends on your tastes. The decor at the Grand Floridian is not my cup of tea, but I love the modern theming of the Contemporary. I also like that you can walk to and from the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary, if you want (although the boat service from the Grand Californian to the Magic Kingdom is a nice perk too).

[AgentC]

I always thought the Grand Floridian was too formal but we stayed there in September and I loved it. We did not stay in the main building. I thought once you left the main building , it felt much more relaxed. The grounds were beautiful. It is like a enclosed garden world once you enter the grounds and the views are beautiful. We really like the quick service. The pools to me were a little ordinary but we often stay at Beach or Yacht so it might not be a fair comparison. We took the boat to MK and it was very nice.

At Comtemporary, we stayed in the Tower with a lake view. We were on a higher floor so the views were beautiful. I really liked the contemporary styling withe the exception of the large square sink. I normally like to put toiletries on the counter and the sink itself is a bit like the counter. For me though I love the rooms, I find the lobby/public spaces to be a little too modern, just not a comfortable place to sit and hang out. As Beth mentioned a huge bonus is being able to walk to MK.

Feel wise I don't think either have the more casual comfortable feel of the Polynesian. If you are willing to move off the monorail, you might want to consider Wilderness Lodge.

[VWL Mom]

(although the boat service from the Grand Californian to the Magic Kingdom is a nice perk too).

That would be one heck of a boat ride

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

I had some friends that stayed at the Contemporary in August, they hated it! If it were me, I'd choose the Grand Floridian. It is formal, but I don't find it stuffy, it takes me to a different time I just love that feeling. I really want to stay here one day!

[MNNHFLTX]

That would be one heck of a boat ride

Whoops! Lol!! Obviously (I hope) I meant the Grand Floridian.

[VWL Mom]

Feel wise I don't think either have the more casual comfortable feel of the Polynesian. If you are willing to move off the monorail, you might want to consider Wilderness Lodge.

I think this is a great suggestion, especially if you're traveling prior to April while the monorail will have limited hours. An added bonus is with the lesser price you may be able to do Concierge level.

[Keneva]

We did the Tower with MK view and it was an awesome view at night. Still remember the castle changing colors and all of the activity on the lake and around the Monorail track. We did spend a lot of time in the parks and not that much at the resort so I guess we really appreciated the 10 minute walk to MK at night and the Epcot Monorail. We have done the GF as well and are returning for another stay. If you are going to ever return to WDW, you can always stay at the hotel you passed on this time.

[PETE FROM NYC]

Never stayed at either. We are DVC at Bay Lake.
But I have been to both. At GF, I felt like a bum just walking into the lobby. CR has a bit of a more businessier feel to it.

[Goes4FastPass]

You might want to consider the Wilderness Lodge. Beautiful and informal and the boat ride over to the MK is part of the fun.

You may find the cost difference for an entire stay at WL vs one of the monorail resorts to be a real temptation also.

[javamama]

We really loved staying at the CR, the walk over to the MK is a huge perk! We've stayed at the Poly twice, we do love it there, and WL twice. The CR is good choice, pools are good, marina, choice of dining options, and monorail. It's a well balanced resort, and an original.