When selecting a luxurious resort 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, selecting a “winner” in theme, eating, transportation, swimming pools, and different classes. (Up to date April 5, 2025.)
This continues our Walt Disney World Resort Comparability Collection, which incorporates a number of different troublesome dilemmas you may face when making an attempt to select a resort. Different versus posts embody 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 resort in opposition to a enjoyable fan-favorite that some may argue ought to be WDW’s “crown jewel” resort. Whereas each are related when it comes to location (actually a brief stroll from each other) and pricing, there are lots of variations when it comes to theme, ambiance, eating places, and facilities.
Whereas we are going to draw our personal conclusions as to which is best, alongside the best way we are going to clarify our reasoning, so you may kind your individual conclusions. Since a lot of this can be a matter of subjective, private desire, we really feel that’s the easiest way to method these comparisons. Plus, it could be a fairly brief weblog put up 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 the Polynesian lately wrapped up an enormous building mission. The big Island Tower DVC wing constructed adjoining to the legacy longhouses is now open. That’s excellent news when it comes to the one amenity it provides and the shortage of building noise and blight; it’s dangerous information for the elevated crowds and pressure it places on the Poly’s infrastructure, which was already stretched fairly skinny.
Then there’s the Grand Floridian, which is resuming its multi-month foyer reimagining mission quickly (in all probability after Easter). This can influence the principle constructing and (presumably) a few of its facilities for the rest of 2025. The excellent news is that the room reimaginings are already completed.
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’ speak–these are the one phrases I do know, anyhow.)
Theme: It Relies upon – Theme is such a tough topic since a lot of it’s predicated in private desire. Fairly than making a worth judgment about which theme is inherently “higher,” we method this from their respective execution of theme.
Grand Floridian is little doubt probably the most elegant and refined resort at Walt Disney World, befitting of its high-brow Victorian theme. The foyer oozes sophistication and sophistication, and makes a robust 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 “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 a fantastic place to decompress and has an simple “trip mode” vibe.
Each hit upon 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 finished, balancing trendy luxurious the the theme of the resort, for probably the most half.
It’s an identical story with the Polynesian. Its theme has been chipped away at in recent times with the removing of its foyer waterfall and different tropical components, however different enhancements make it really feel like 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. Then there’s the Island Tower subsequent door, which is derisively known as the “Polyday Inn” amongst followers. It isn’t themed to something.
If this had been merely our private preferences, we’d ignore the Polyday Inn and provides the win to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Nonetheless, 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 may 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 lately debuted new rooms impressed to various levels by totally different characters. In each circumstances, these are actually extra film motifs than they’re fully-fledged character themes. In our view, this can be a good factor.
The Poly’s new Moana rooms are daring, with distinctly “Disney” type and use of characters. They’ve quite a bit occurring when it comes to colours, patterns, and textures that gained’t attraction to everybody. We expect they strike the suitable 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 Evaluation, Images & 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 mixture of that worth level and the fact 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 opulent.
The reimagined rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are simply the most important earlier than/after enchancment of any resort room at Walt Disney World within the final decade. This reimagining introduced with it higher 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 perform 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 virtually fully come down to private desire–each of the resorts as an entire and whether or not you or your loved ones prefers Moana or Mary Poppins. Each are tastefully finished 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 complicated with a touch 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 Up to date!
Eating: Grand Floridian – The culinary scene on the Grand Floridian is befitting of its flagship standing. Narcoossee’s and Citricos are two of probably 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 following 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 encompasses a grabbag of characters that don’t actually make a lot sense collectively. The entire thing is thematic nonsense, however it’s enjoyable!
On the inexpensive finish of the spectrum, Grand Floridian Cafe is an underrated gem and has grow to be certainly one of our favourite spots for an off-the-cuff meal or final minute Advance Eating Reservation round Magic Kingdom. Gasparilla Island Grill is likewise a robust 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 Prepare dinner’s is certainly one of Walt Disney World’s greatest counter service eating places. After all, ‘Ohana is a fan favourite…though we expect 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 decide 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 the most effective lounges at Walt Disney World.
Lastly, there’s the brand new Wailulu Bar & Grill on the Island Tower. That is the one good factor the Polyday Inn brings to the desk, as this family-friendly lounge has nice meals at comparatively affordable costs, and implausible ambiance due to its open-air waterfront seating with large views. As an added bonus, the one place on the Poly with no view of the tower is the tower itself!
We in the end give the sting to Grand Floridian as a result of Poly’s lack of nice eating choices–a giant misstep for a Deluxe Resort–however that is one other class that comes down to private desire. It must also 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 provided 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 Images & Video: Meandering the Magnificent Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian Walkway. In case you missed that, it’s potential to stroll all the best way from the Transportation and Ticket Heart to Magic Kingdom (when there’s no building).
Grand Floridian is nearer to Magic Kingdom, giving it the sting there. Nonetheless, the Poly is nearer to the Ticket & Transportation Heart, 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 should 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 listing 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 in the end, extra enjoyable for youths.
Each of those resorts have a pair strong swimming pools past their essential 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 type (and shade buildings!) at Polynesian’s Oasis Pool present an grownup foil to the extra family-friendly essential pool. Against this, each of the “essential” swimming pools on the Grand Floridian skew in the direction of adults.
Price: Polynesian – Whereas these are the 2 most costly resorts in all of Walt Disney World when evaluating customary rooms, the Grand Floridian is considerably costlier. Whereas charges fluctuate by season and room class, you may count on to pay about 10% to fifteen% extra for a comparable room on the Grand Floridian.
Nonetheless, the sensible actuality is that many friends aren’t paying rack charge on the Grand Floridian whereas many are on the Poly. As a result of variations in recognition, the Grand Floridian routinely gives distinctive financial savings–of 25% to 35% off. Against this, the Polynesian’s reductions are normally decrease–from 10% to 25% off. Worse but, the Poly is sometimes excluded fully and sometimes has no availability even when it’s not excluded.
The top 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 once an extremely straightforward one for us, however Grand Floridian has actually narrowed the hole with its new Mary Poppins-inspired rooms. We additionally view the Island Tower as a web adverse for normal resort friends of the Polynesian, even whether it is an asset for DVC members (like us).
Nonetheless, there may be nonetheless a niche. Disney hasn’t improved the Grand Floridian sufficient, nor have the inflicted ample injury on the Poly to get rid of that fully. 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 resort. In reality, all the pieces 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 night time” 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 need to keep whereas on trip, with ambiance, facilities, rooms, and different options we’d use commonly over the course of a visit.
When evaluating any two resorts, different elements 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 examine 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 put up was to supply a head-to-head comparability of probably the most essential components of every Walt Disney World resort expertise, however we advise supplementing this with our full evaluation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and our Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Evaluation for additional rationalization of execs & cons, room pictures & video, and rather more.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study accommodations on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular have 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, the very best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces it is advisable 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 may consider to make Grand Floridian the higher decide? Do you favor the Moana rooms on the Poly or Grand Floridian’s extra refined type laced with Mary Poppins? Are we lacking a key variable that might, doubtlessly tilt the scales within the Grand’s favor? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!