Is the Grand Floridian the deluxe of the deluxe?

[Jonathan Woolf]

Staying at the GF for the first ever time in summer 2014. Poured money and love into this holiday and we see it as once in a lifetime. We are staying in what Virgin calls an OUTTP room and we are a family of 3 with a son who will be 19 and just out of his first year at Uni. Anyone have any opinions on best food at this resort, best rooms, and those hidden extras that could make this so very very special? x

 

[zurgandfriend]

The GF is the "flagship" of Disney resorts. My DW loves it. Citrico's and Narcoosee's are good signature restraurants and 1900 Park Fare is a good buffet. The Grand Floridian cafe is a nice 1 credit restaurant we enjoy breakfast there. The pools are very good and there is always something to see around the resort as in a weding, or in the grand lobby or the maids parade. We stay in an outer building and always have a nice stay.

 

[Hakunamatata]

We have never stayed at the GF, but have spent enough time in it that I can say we would not stay there. I don't find the atmosphere relaxing at all. We have stayed at Wilderness Lodge and that by far is my favorite deluxe. It's tucked out of the way and is very laid back and relaxing. Guess its all about preferences.

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

Staying at the GF for the first ever time in summer 2014. Poured money and love into this holiday and we see it as once in a lifetime. We are staying in what Virgin calls an OUTTP room and we are a family of 3 with a son who will be 19 and just out of his first year at Uni. Anyone have any opinions on best food at this resort, best rooms, and those hidden extras that could make this so very very special? x

We love the GF it is so relaxing. We enjoy room service and meals by the pools. Friday and Monday at 8 am is the parasol parade - the housekeeping staff parade through the resort and it is just lovely. Fireworks from the dock are so enjoyable to watch and you don't have to fight crowds. Have lots of fun!!!!

 

[s&k'smom]

We love the GF heading there in 13 days! I will admit DH is not thrilled with the new construction but other than that we love it. We find it very relaxing and honestly we find it so quiet which is great for mid afternoon swims, sometimes we are the only ones there. We stayed in Boca Chica in October 2011 and I have to say it was by far my favorite building, right next to the pool and just a very short walk to the lobby.

 

[coachwnh]

The GF is by far my favorite resort!!! It was my favorite even before we stayed there. I love the music in the lobby, the relaxing feel as you walk throughout the resort, and the kids love the splash pool area!!!!!! Cant wait for our next stay there just 11 days away! You will love it!

 

[MaryJaneP]

Don't think I'd be comfortable in a room that was OUTTATP! lol

 

[real mad hatter]

Hmmm..I could never stay there for several reasons..Number one..I couldn't afford it....Two..I find it hard to lift my pinky finger up whilst drinking my coffee.....Three..It would remind me too much of a overnight stay at a 7 star hotel in Dubai....Mrs Hatter whispered to me in the Sheik Omar Kayan lounge.. " Everyone here looks like millionaires." ...Sorry..Way too upper class for a working man like me..

 

[wdwfan22]

We love the Grand Floridian and have stayed at every Disney deluxe resort at least once. It's now our home resort. We love the restaurants the shops the theme and pool area. I think you will be happy with your decision.

 

[bethymouse]

GF Cafe is nice. 1900 Park Fare character breakfast and dinner is great for little ones! Narcoossee's - beautiful! Victoria & Albert's for very special "dress up" occasions. Lobby- fabulous, especially the "orchestra". Citricos- wonderful! I have alwayss wanted to splurge on the GF, especially at Christmas time. The gingerbread house is just amazing! You will get top notch service everywhere you go @ the GF! Have fun! Make those memories last!

 

[luv]

It's as good as Disney has. There are much nicer hotels, with better service, off the Disney property.

Whether you consider it the best hotel on the Disney property is a personal preference thing. I'd say it's second, right after AKL. But many people would put it lower on their lists.

Some love the Contemporary. I'd be bummed f I had to stay there.

Different people like different hotels. No big whup.

 

[s&k'smom]

Hey Bethymouse we'll be there at the same time, as of this am we'll be there in 12 days!

 

[Padraig]

It's as good as Disney has. There are much nicer hotels, with better service, off the Disney property.

Not to mention much cheaper. Honestly, for what they charge, the GF should be far, far better. But people do love the bubble.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Enjoy.

 

[Dog Ate Mouse]

The GF is a Wonderful Hotel and to me is the Flagship of places to stay on WDW property. This hotel we have visited many times and loved the style theme and elegance. It's reminds me of the old days when they truly went all out in themeing and spared no expense. Has the Mary Poppins feel to it as well. The resteruants are really nice and your in for a treat. This is one of the hotels on are list of places to try and stay at one day. I told my wife we will make it a special occuassion and just go. Some people say it is a little stuffy at times and I can understand that because al ot of wealthy do go to this resort. I also have seen a lot of middle class there too. Alot of young couples have gone there for there honey moon. To me go to stay there will be a once or twice event in my Disney vacations to come. I find the resort beautiful, close to the MK great transportation by Monorail to other resorts and the Ticketing & Transportation Center to get to EPCOT. Make sure to bring your camrea because I feel there will be alot of picture taking going on. Relax, enjoy and spoil your self a little. Time is short and memories will last a life time plus.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

After years and years saying I wouldn't stay at the GF because it was too fancy-pants for my comfort, I recently had the opportunity to spend a night there. Boy, have I been wrong all these years. Even tho florally type finer decor isn't normally my thing, it was extremely comfortable. The room, everything about it, was pleasant. The colors and decor were toned so that it created a very relaxing atmosphere. It was nice without being overly ornate or distracting. There was enough whimsy in the details to make the heart smile without feeling in your face or forced. I was only there 1 night but I'd absolutely stay there again for the right price. That's the kicker. I only paid 1/4 of a room that was priced at 60% of rack rate in a less expensive season. I was with 4 ladies who split it after the military discount was applied. The full rack rate is more than I'd ever consider acceptable per night for any hotel. But that's just me.

 

[Jonathan Woolf]

We are not rich in any way other than being a family but we just want one lifetime opportunity to enjoy time together in what to me is the most delicious of surroundings. And our son getting into Cambridge Uni deserves such a place where he can let the intellect go and be a child once more - thanks for all the comments everyone

 

[acishere]

I know GF is supposed to be the flagship, but I think it should really share that designation with the other monorail resorts. They are the 3 classic resorts and really the distinction between which is better depends on your preferences. Do you want an upscale Victorian style getaway, an island vacation, or stay at a modern hotel?

If you are looking for a signature restaurant on property I would definitely recommend Citricos.

 

[luv]

After years and years saying I wouldn't stay at the GF because it was too fancy-pants for my comfort, I recently had the opportunity to spend a night there. Boy, have I been wrong all these years. Even tho florally type finer decor isn't normally my thing, it was extremely comfortable. The room, everything about it, was pleasant. The colors and decor were toned so that it created a very relaxing atmosphere. It was nice without being overly ornate or distracting. There was enough whimsy in the details to make the heart smile without feeling in your face or forced. I was only there 1 night but I'd absolutely stay there again for the right price. That's the kicker. I only paid 1/4 of a room that was priced at 60% of rack rate in a less expensive season. I was with 4 ladies who split it after the military discount was applied. The full rack rate is more than I'd ever consider acceptable per night for any hotel. But that's just me.

Yeah, it's not too fancy-pants for anyone who hasn't made up their mind to not like it.

It isn't a fantastic place and the service is well below par for a true "luxury" kind of hotel. You could do much better outside the bubble!

But if someone is a bubble person and wants to go to the GF, they should not worry that it's somehow stuffy or too nice.

 

[jlsHouston]

The Grand Floridian...there is a reason it has Grand in it's name. One of the first things I do when we arrive at WDW no matter where we are staying is hit the bath bomb store. Nothing like sitting in the lobby of this resort and enjoying the music every evening. Some of the best restaurants at WDW are located at this property. The pool area is pretty awesome too. Now the bad news is I have yet to book us here....I am not sure if it's the cost or knowing once I stay here it will really be difficult to stay anywhere else.