Grand Floridian - to be or not to be, that is the question!

[wishes]

Hello everyone! :wave:

This is a post to all Grand Floridian lodgers, past, present, (and future.)
I have visited the GF on a few occasions, but never stayed there.

Do u guys believe it worthwhile to spend the extra $$$ for this resort, or from past experiences you would save the money for meals, etc. instead and stay somewhere cheaper?

Also what are your opinions on 'views' from the rooms at the GF? Is it worth to splash out for a lagoon room in your opinions?
Anyone have any particularly memorable experiences?!

Look forward to hearing your comments!

 

[OliveMcFly]

We stayed at the GF in Jan of '04 and we loved it. We stayed on the second floor facing the Magic Kingdom. In my opinion it's worth it. I fell asleep every night looking at Cinderella's Castle. I don't think the castle's light went off at all during the night. We could see the monorail station and also Space Mountain. You can also hear the train and the howling from the Haunted Mansion. The rooms are wonderfully spacious and beautiful. The links below take you to my photo gallery where you can see our room and our view. Have Fun!

View From Room

GF Room (only 1/2 the room...Sorry)

 

[bgraham34]

I did not care for the GF. Its a bit to stuffy for me. And some of the kids are a little more wild. Or maybe just less respectfull on occasion. But that is Just my opinion.

 

[Erik]

My fiance and I stayed there two years back in a standard view room.

First, let me say that we really did enjoy it - the location was great. It was also a nice place to stay during the holidays and had some good food options.

That being said, we probably won't be heading back. When it comes to Disney, we enjoy the theming and prefer that of the WL and BW a lot more. I would compare GF to the Ritz-Carltons we've stayed in as far as service and clenaliness, but when we go to Disney, we don't need that as much! We go more for the atmosphere and special Disney touches (most of which we found equal or better at the other Deluxe resorts).

We kind of agreed that we'd prefer to save some money next time, stay at a place like WL and use that extra cash on some special dinners.

Of course, it's all personal preference, it sounds kind of funny, but it was almost "too formal" for us on a Disney trip.

We are trying the Polynesian this time around so we will see how it compares.

Good luck - you can't really go wrong - it is beautiful and a great experience. I think it's a question of your budget, and what the extra money will bring you if you stay somewhere else.

 

[TravisMT81]

We stayed at the GF in Jan of '04 and we loved it. We stayed on the second floor facing the Magic Kingdom. In my opinion it's worth it. I fell asleep every night looking at Cinderella's Castle. I don't think the castle's light went off at all during the night. We could see the monorail station and also Space Mountain. You can also hear the train and the howling from the Haunted Mansion. The rooms are wonderfully spacious and beautiful. The links below take you to my photo gallery where you can see our room and our view. Have Fun!

View From Room

GF Room (only 1/2 the room...Sorry)

I see you had a beautiful room in Conch Key, my favorite building!!

 

[Youvegotafriend]

Hope this helps!

The Grand Floridian is a wonderful property, but what you really need to think about is what your personal preferences are. The Grand Floridian is beautiful, but not to my tastes. We came back from the Polynesian in April, and the
polynesian theme is just amazing! We did walk over to the GF as my daughter
was taking the pirate cruise, and the grounds are beautiful, but again we were
more than pleased with the Poly! We have also stayed at the AKL, WL and
Port Orleans French Quarter, and Poly and AKL are my family's favorites! You can't go wrong with any of the deluxe properties, just tailor it to the theme
that you will enjoy the most.......

Have fun!

 

[mrsswat]

:animwink: put the money out for the Poly concierge - you won't be disappointed. You will actually save money on meals there! And the view is the same as GF if you wish, lagoon. Concierge is better at Poly than GF - more variety, more substance. You can always walk or monorail over to GF if you think you're missing something. I doubt you'll feel that way after you're there!!

 

[maxime29]

You only live once...

Great hotel overall. It's worth at least one stay at Disney.

 

[MOMI2KIDS]

Loved, loved, loved GF this June.
Our service was great, room was awesome. We watched MK Wishes in our pjs from our balcony every nite. Highlight of our trip.
We did not think it was too stuffy. And I thought the pools were great. Restaurants were great, especially 1900 parke faire breakfast.


We would like to go back. But we also want to try out some other deluxe resorts. We stayd at Caribean beach and it was ok, nothing special.

JMO
Lisa

 

[FatBoy976]

The Grand Floridian is a wonderful property, but what you really need to think about is what your personal preferences are. QUOTE]

I agree. If you appreciate a regal, more sophisticated hotel then you will not be disappointed. The last time I stayed there I was pretty young and it had just opened, but I have been back there to eat many times since. If you would rather have a 'themed' hotel, then stay somewhere else.

 

[Goin2dizney]

It just depends..............

We absolutely "LOVE" the GF. We find the convenience to the MK (our favorite park), the "Elegance" and "Comfort" of the resort very relaxing. I can understand where some people might say that it is "Stuffy", but it's just due to the fact that you will see business men/women in suits and a few very dressed up people while at the resort. After all, Victoria and Alberts is there and people come from other resorts to go there. We found that most people wear shorts, t-shirts and yell at their kids just as much as the moderates and value.

We love the fact that there are soooooo many good restaurants on property, so if you are tired at night you don't have to go far to find "GOOD" food.

Some people might say that the GF is "not" kid friendly. Well, I have to disagree. With the Pirate Cruise, Grand Adventures in Cooking, Princess Tea Party and the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party; there is plenty to do. I can't say enough good stuff about this resort. To "OUR" family, it is worth every penny.

Location, Location, Location...................

Goin2dizney
Wendi :wave:

 

[justynsaunt]

We stayed at the GF )lodge concierge) last Christmas and it was the vacation of a lifetime. It's elegant and regal but by no means stuffy. There were kids all over the place and their behaviour was no worse or better than any others we saw on the trip. My nephews (7 & 9 at the time) loved it. Especially the fireworks from the balcony each night. I say get the best rate you can and go for it. You won't be sorry.

 

[sarajo]

We've stayed at the GF for the past 9 Christmas'- it's really nice. But like somebody else said... it's all based on your personal preference. I, personally, prefer the Polynesian, but since the rest of the family makes the decision.. we stay at the GF

It is kid-friendly- more so now, than in the past with the addition of some of the kid's activities, and the fun pool. There are people dressed up on occasion, but that's usually at evening when people are dressing up for dinner- those people can probably be seen earlier in the day in much more casual clothing.

We've stayed in a variety of rooms- my favorite being the Boca Chica- look right out over the lagoon and can see the MK and all the monorail resorts- plus, can see the Electric Water Pageant and fireworks. But, the main building is nice too because of it's location to the monorail, but the views aren't as good- most of the rooms in the main building overlook the courtyard, which is pretty... but one friend of mine stayed in the main building and had a really nice view of the dumpster! Oh well...