Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort are both fantastic options right next to Magic Kingdom. They both have firework views, monorail transportation and top tier amenities. It can be hard to choose between the two! Both are Disney Vacation Club Resorts as well with The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. Whether you're trying to decide which to stay at next time you visit Disney World or which of the Grand Floridian vs Polynesian would be your best home resort, we've got things to consider. We're comparing four top categories to help you choose between the two: rooms, holiday season offerings, pools and restaurants.

Where to Stay: Grand Floridian vs Polynesian

These are some differences between, and similarities within, the Grand Floridian and Polynesian at a glance.

Resort ComparisonsGrand FloridianPolynesianDoes it have Disney Vacation Club?Yes, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and SpaYes, Disney's Polynesian Villas and BungalowsResort ThemeTurn of the century, Victorian style, bright whitesPolynesian island style, tiki vibes, dark and natural texturesHoliday Season OfferingsStories tall Christmas tree, gingerbread house that sells treats, Chocolate Easter egg display and treat offeringsLobby Christmas treeDining-Gasparilla Island Grill quick service
-Citricos Lounge
-Enchanted Rose bar and lounge
-The Courtyard Pool Bar
-Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
-The Garden View Tea Room
-Grand Floridian Cafe
-1900 Park Fare character dining
-Citricos signature dining
-Narcoossee’s signature dining
-Victoria & Albert’s Michelin star-Capt. Cook’s Polynesian quick service
-Pineapple Lanai
-Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto themed tiki bar
-Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace outdoor lounge
-Tambu Lounge
-Barefoot Pool Bar
-Oasis Bar & Grill 
-Wailulu Bar and Grill
-Kona Cafe signature dining
-Ohana character breakfast, family style dinnerDisney Transportation OptionsMonorail, Boat, Bus, Walkway from Magic Kingdom goes here firstMonorail, Boat, Bus, Walkway from Magic Kingdom passes through Grand Floridan then goes to PolynesianResort LocationNext to Magic KingdomNear Magic Kingdom on the other side of the Grand FloridianSpaThe Grand Floridian SpaNone

Grand Floridian vs Polynesian Rooms

There are some differences in rooms at the Grand Floridian and Polynesian. The Polynesian greatly expanded it's room style selection with the addition of the Island Tower in late 2024.

Both the Grand Floridian and Polynesian have rooms with firework views that you can book.

For theming, the Grand Floridian rooms, including Grand Floridian DVC rooms, will have Mary Poppins in the main DVC building or a Mary Poppins Returns theme everywhere else.

Some Polynesian rooms have a tropical theme with art of characters like Stitch and the Neverland mermaids and others are Moana themed. This includes Polynesian DVC.

Both of these hotels are among the DVC resorts that sleep 5.

The Grand Floridian and Polynesian both offer Club Level accommodations.

You'll find pull down beds instead of pullout couches at both of these hotels. Disney has been upgrading from the pull out couch to the more comfortable and convenient pull down beds.

If, based on your party size or preferences, the rooms aren't helping you with your decision, you may want to consider the seasons.

Grand Floridian vs Polynesian During the Holiday Season

Christmas time is a big event at the Grand Floridian. The lobby has a massive Christmas tree adorned with a twelve days of Christmas theme. The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is also one of the biggest holiday displays at Disney World.

Meanwhile at the Polynesian, a themed tree decorates the lobby but it's much more demure. The Polynesian just doesn't do as much for the holidays. It plays into the island life theme year round. You'll still find specialty Christmas items in the gift shop when the season starts in November.

Grand Floridian vs Polynesian Pools

If you plan to visit when it's swim season, you may want to compare the pools at the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Both have more than one pool and some exciting water play options for little ones. The Grand Floridian and Polynesian both have quiet pools and more active pools with a slide, and trivia, that overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon. 

The Polynesian has great options for swimming and water play. A new pool opened with the introduction of the Island Tower Disney Vacation Club building expansion. It has a small Moana themed splash area with a life sized Moana on a boat. 

Next door at the Grand Floridian, there are also great options for pool days. There is a Mad Tea Party themed water play area with a Mad Hatter hat that fills up and splashes every few minutes.

Grand Floridian vs Polynesian Restaurants

Food is always something to consider. Both of these deluxe resort properties are worth visiting just for the dining options alone. However, being so close to each other, it's easy to eat at one if you're staying at the other. There isn't a clear winner in which of these resorts has better dining options. They are both among the best you'll find at Walt Disney World Resort. If you like to enjoy a drink and an appetizer at the end of the night or start early with breakfast, this may be something to help you decide where to stay or buy points though.

For the specifics, consider our Polynesian dining guide and Grand Floridian restaurants overview.

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Both the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts are Disney Vacation Club home resorts. That means you can enjoy stays at these deluxe resorts for a much better price through the Disney timeshare. You can also buy at one and use your points at the other when you buy resale at either of these. This isn't always possible with resale DVC and depends on where you purchase. These properties are two of the original 14 DVC resorts which gives them more flexibility with booking.