Both deluxe resorts - both on the monorail line - both offer exceptional dining
The Contemporary was the first and may still be considered the most impressive structure on property with it's mid century modern design, but the Grand Floridian is what Disney calls it's "Flagship Resort" and it's meant to represent the pinnacle of the Disney vacation experience
Which of these classic Disney Resorts do you prefer and why?
We can tell you our choice in 36 days! Woo Hoo!
Not sure. Haven't stayed at either. I really want to stay in one of the atrium rooms at the Contemporary with a theme park view. I think it would be great to see Wishes every night without dealing with the crowd levels.
Have not stayed at either resort, but the contemporary is too contemporary for me. It's a lot of concrete and it feels cold. GF is classy and warm. It just feels majestic inside. If I could afford to stay at GF, I would stay there each visit. Somehow I have a hard time convincing my DH that it is worth the $500+ per night. He has not bought into that yet....lol
I've never stayed at the GF but that's because every time I have visited, it felt a little stuffy/uppity to me. I prefer a more casual relaxed atmosphere. I love the Contemporary when we stayed there for our 40th birthday trip. You can't beat being able to walk to the MK or watch the fireworks from your room's balcony!
Contemporary for me, too. I agree with Kris, GF seems a little too much for me. I love the modern designs and elements in the Contemporary (which is funny since it's the oldest resort) plus I'm dying to try California Grill and The Wave!
January 2020 Trip Report - Riviera Resort
June 2019 Trip Report - Caribbean Beach & Saratoga Springs
October 2018 Trip Report - Contemporary Resort
July 2018 - All Star Movies
April 2018 Trip Report - Art of Animation
Jan 2018 Trip Report - Port Orleans Riverside and Animal Kingdom Lodge
Nov 2017 Trip Report - Boardwalk Villas
Feb 2017 Trip Report - Port Orleans French Quarter
Apr 2016 Trip Report - Pop Century
Dec 2015 Trip Report - All Star Sports & Saratoga Springs
Sept 2014 Trip Report - Coronado Springs
Oct 2012 Trip Report - Caribbean Beach Resort
I have to say that I was never a fan of either of these resorts. And for all the reasons already listed. The Contemporary seemed to cold and non Disney to me and the Grand Floridian always seemed a bit uppity. However...a few trips ago we stayed one night in the Contemporary and I discovered that I did not mind it as much as I thought I would. On our last trip we spent 4 night there. I still have not fallen in love with the resort but I do not mind it. We have now decided to give the Grand Floridian a try. Again, just for one night. I will say that although I did not and still do not care much for the decor thoughout the Contemporary, I have always thought the Grand Flordian beautiful.
I have yet to stay at either but I like the look of the contemporary, and it's proximity to the magic kingdom has got to be a plus. I also like that it has easy access to both character dining and the monorail.
Can't beat walking to MK....Contemporary wins.
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We always stayed in the Contemporary when I was a kid. My brother and I just couldn't get over the monorail going throught the middle of the resort. I even took DH on a monorail ride so he could see that and all these years later, I still get that same feeling of awe & wonder at seeing it.
Haven't stayed at GF yet and will be staying as DVC when I go, so it might be a bit different but I'm excited for that. I hope it's not too uppity for us! DH and I are definitely NOT that way. We don't usually have trouble making friends, but one of my pet peeves is snotty, rude people. It's one of the few times in life I have trouble restraining my tongue.
Contemporary definitely gets my vote after staying at the GF this past trip!