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Is The Grand Too Grand.?

disney4life2008

disney4life2008

Well-Known Member
I actually enjoy walking the resort of the GF but no way would I "pay" to stay there. I understand the views of the MK and being on the monorail to EPCOT and MK but that is in no way a reason for me to stay there. I never really encoutered snobby people and the CMs have all been nice. However, I am perfectly fine staying at POP or Music when I can get a room for $68/n with my annual pass.
 
DebDeb

DebDeb

Well-Known Member
The GF is the in-laws hotel of choice, and since it's a family trip that is where we stay too. Having said that we do love it there! The first few trips I did feel more intimidated, but now it feels more like a home away from home. We have come to know the CM's and love them! They have watched our girls grow up! I would dare to say that it seems more stuffy due to the fact it probably has more grandparents with grandkids, and business men than the family with young kids. That is our experience anyway staying in the main building (again in-laws choice). When our kids were young we could’nt never afford to stay there nor would we really want too. We preferred the Wilderness Cabins! Way more us! But the GF is beautiful and lovely in its own way! Ask me after we go when the giant albatross GF V-club wing opens and see how I love it then! I can already tell you I'm not! Ruined a good view and beach!
 
71jason

71jason

Well-Known Member
If you think the GF is "stuffy" or the CMs as a whole are "snobby"--then I have to believe you've never even stayed at a Hampton Inn in downtown anywhere USA. Other than V&A, the guests dress the same (which is kind of a shame in the restaurants), the children run around screaming at the same decibel level drinking soda out of plastic mugs, the CMs were likely as not working at Pop Century last year. It's not a 5-star hotel, any more than the Poly is a tropical oasis--it's a 3-star hotel themed to be a turn-of-the-century 5-star hotel.

I think it comes down to the second or third post in the thread. The GF is a Rorshach test, your impressions of it say more about you than the hotel itself.
 
disneygirl76

disneygirl76

Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
real mad hatter said:
Ooh Good Morning Ladies & Gentlemen.. Excuse me if I'am sounding rather posh this morning but Ive just been reading today's food blog and review of The Grand Floridian afternoon tea party..Wow..Now even if I won the lottery there is no way I'd pick this resort to stay at,it's wayyyyyyyy too posh for silly old me..Id need a course on how to talk proper ( elocution ) and my suitcase would have fancy shirts and Versace pants.Now before all you GF fans start to fire your arrows at me.This is only my opinion.I'am from a working class environment and I'd feel so uncomfortable staying here. So to my question.Does anyone else have the same feeling ? Also has any of you stayed at the GF and wished you had picked another resort..Now remember,go easy on me,this is just my opinion and I'am curious ( as ever ) what your views on this Grand resort..P.S. I wouldn't mind having a wee nosey around ( before security nabs me ) just to people watch.;)
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No, I don't think it is too grand! I have stayed there 3 times and its our favorite resort. We love how you are immersed into a different time. I took my mom to tea when she and I stayed there. It is one of my most favorite memories! It is elegant and "posh" place but its comfy and sweet and takes you back to a time when things were slower paced. Give it a shot and try it out! You will like it! :)
 
Violet

Violet

Well-Known Member
Weather_Lady said:
It's like I suddenly stepped from my rural town in Upstate NY, where Carhartt overalls or a Walmart sundress are acceptable nearly everywhere, into a soap opera set, a world where the brand of my shoes and handbag suddenly matter, where I need to be careful not to laugh too loudly and can't let the kids sit on the furniture.
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Wow, I'm kind of shocked at this. I just don't think of anything at WDW like this. How do these beautiful creatures set foot in the parks? :)
 
bethymouse

bethymouse

Well-Known Member
The lobby is grand. The orchestra is grand. The restaurants are grand. What can I say? I do love the Grand Floridian. But, my hubby thinks it's just a bit too much! I agree. We simply can't afford it. Although I would like to stay there just once. I don't care for the room decor, but overall it's a beautiful resort!:) The Gingerbread House @ Christmas is absolutely GRAND!:D
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
I walk into Grand Floridian and I think...I'd rather be at Jekyll Island (which is what it was based off of)...and will pay 1/4 the cost to do so.

I walk into Wilderness Lodge and think...holy crud, I'm back in the Pacific Northwest...done by Hilton.

I walk into Animal Kingdom Lodge and I think...wow, it's Wilderness Lodge version 2.0

I walk through Boardwalk or Beach and Yacht and I think...well...seem like trumped up moderates to me...but at least they are near EPCOT!

The only two deluxe resorts that scream out to me as truly "deluxe" are Poly and Contemporary. Poly, because it's stayed rather low key, and kept it's theme well. Contemporary, because it has also kept it's theme well, looking futuristic and amazing.
 
HouCuseChickie

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
While I've never stayed at the GF, I've also never felt uncomfortable in there...nor did I feel like there was any kind of snooty vibe. In fact, some of the nicest CMs we've met have been at the GF and the guests don't really seem any different than anyone I've seen at any of the other resorts. I actually really love all the common areas at the GF, but my conflict is that I am so not a fan of the current room decor (putting it mildly). It's just a matter of personal opinion, but the decor bugs me to the point that I have no desire to stay there. I guess maybe one day they'll refurb the rooms to be more in line with my tastes for that period, but until then...it's too much $ to spend on a room that I dislike.
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Pooh Lover said:
As Disney has figured out, different strokes for different folks. There is a special resort for everyone and the GF isn't for everyone. That doesn't make it any less or more special...it either appeals to you or it doesn't. It doesn't happen to be my special resort but I find it beautiful just the same.
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This is what it's based on...

http://www.jekyllclub.com/

And, having worked there, I'd rather be there...my own opine though, of course.
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Pooh Lover said:
Very interesting....thanks for the link! Beautiful place and decent rates.
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Quite wonderful to stay at, and the Island is beautiful. There is Driftwood Beach (my personal favorite) which has petrified trees which floated all the way here from Spain that you can actually sit on and talk with your favorite person to while exploring, etc...

But, it's also where the early 20th century moguls met. The whole island is steeped in history.

I love it!
 
HouCuseChickie

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
englanddg said:
And....where did the "del" get it's inspiration? Oh...JKL...

You know, where the Goulds and other robber barons built their homes that are still there...
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I really want to take a west coast trip w/the kids so they can see it all. While I want to spend a few days in the Anaheim area, San Diego was going to be our main focus. I have a college friend who currently resides in the area and to say I'm green with envy when seeing her pictures would be a gross understatement. Beautiful area full of great history.
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
HouCuseChickie said:
I really want to take a west coast trip w/the kids so they can see it all. While I want to spend a few days in the Anaheim area, San Diego was going to be our main focus. I have a college friend who currently resides in the area and to say I'm green with envy when seeing her pictures would be a gross understatement. Beautiful area full of great history.
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San Diego is nice, but Monterey is better!
 

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