Need some Grand Floridian help please

[captainkidd]

With all the negative Poly reviews I've read as of late, I think I"m gonna switch over to the Grand Floridian for our vacation next summer. It may be the last time we stay onsite for a while, and I'd like to have a great experience.

I've been reading many poor reviews on other boards lately, and they seem to mirror comments in several guidebooks. These issues have been around for several years, so it seems clear Disney is ignoring them.

I was hoping some GF experts could answer a few concerns I have, as I've only stayed there once for 2 nights.

1.I love the Poly's atmosphere. Sadly, the rooms, longhouses and service don't measure up. How do these issues at the GF compare?

2.With the GF being the last resort picked up on the monorail, do you often find yourself standing or waiting for the next monorail?

 

[NYwdwfan]

The buildings are beautiful and no service issues...but I've never had service issues at Poly either.

We went week before Thanksgiving week and the crowds were really light, however, we did on 2 occasions need to wait for another monorail since they were too crowded. They came along within minutes, and it was not a big deal at all, but if you're going during a more crowded time you may experience it more often. We actually opted for a boat a few times...it's a beautiful ride.

 

[bamillerpa]

I've never stayed at the Grand Floridian but we did just stay at the Poly the last week of September and it was perfect. No problems with maintenance or rooms or anything. It was beautiul. I love the theming there and prefer it over the Grand Floridian but that's just my taste. I just didn't want you to think that the place was falling apart or anything. The only thing I would think about is the transportation. We save a ton of time by walking to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail instead of riding the MK one in almost a complete circle to transfer. This was wonderful for us, especially when a special event was going on in the MK and the main monorail was packed.

 

[Boomdog15]

We have stayed at the Poly twice in the last 3 years and loved it both times. No issues at all.

 

[captainkidd]

I've never stayed at the Grand Floridian but we did just stay at the Poly the last week of September and it was perfect. No problems with maintenance or rooms or anything. It was beautiul. I love the theming there and prefer it over the Grand Floridian but that's just my taste. I just didn't want you to think that the place was falling apart or anything. The only thing I would think about is the transportation. We save a ton of time by walking to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail instead of riding the MK one in almost a complete circle to transfer. This was wonderful for us, especially when a special event was going on in the MK and the main monorail was packed.

I don't think the Poly is falling apart. We just stayed there this past August and it was OK. The problem is, for over $400 a night, I want better than OK. While the room was huge, it was in pretty poor condition, and housekeeping - Let's just say for that kind of money, Disney ought to be ashamed of themselves.

The issue is, I like the theme and atmosphere of the Poly better, but from the very little time I spent at the GF, the service, housekeeping and rooms were all in a whole other league.

 

[DisGal]

I stayed at the GF in the Sugarloaf building about a month ago for 6 nights. We had a wonderful time and had no issues. The resort/grounds are beautiful and we found the CM's very friendly and helpful. I do prefer the atmosphere at the Poly better, but also loved the feeling of the GF. I don't understand why people feel it's too stuffy - never felt that. We usually stay at the Poly, but chose to stay at the GF for 2 reasons - the pools and rooms. The volcano pool is too small and crowded and we don't find it relaxing and we prefer the bright airy rooms at the GF better, especially the bathroom area - very spacious. We were always able to get on a monorail, always took the boat back from the MK, and didn't mind the ride to the TTC for Epcot. All in all we really like the GF and will stay there again along with the Poly as well.

 

[NYwdwfan]

I stayed at the GF in the Sugarloaf building about a month ago for 6 nights. We had a wonderful time and had no issues. The resort/grounds are beautiful and we found the CM's very friendly and helpful. I do prefer the atmosphere at the Poly better, but also loved the feeling of the GF. I don't understand why people feel it's too stuffy - never felt that. We usually stay at the Poly, but chose to stay at the GF for 2 reasons - the pools and rooms. The volcano pool is too small and crowded and we don't find it relaxing and we prefer the bright airy rooms at the GF better, especially the bathroom area - very spacious. We were always able to get on a monorail, always took the boat back from the MK, and didn't mind the ride to the TTC for Epcot. All in all we really like the GF and will stay there again along with the Poly as well.

Last time we were there my husband overheard a young girl ask her mom about the Princess Tea - and the woman responded, "it's like we have at our house in the Hamptons". He then decided the GF was not really for "people like us" :lol:

 

[durangojim]

I've stayed at the GF about seven times in the past twenty years (holy cow that's a long time ago). First time was in 1991 and the resort really was the jewel in Disney's crown. Service was top notch, so were the ammenities, and it definately felt like you belonged to a very exclusive club when staying there.
Next time was in 1996. Stayed there with my girlfriend who later would become my wife. Had a lagoon (MK) view room and again everything was impeccable. Rooms were always made up before we returned from the parks and then turned down again at night. The decor was well kept and things were clean and fresh still.
Next time September 2001. Stayed there for 11 nights and proposed to above mentioned girlfriend. Things were starting to slip, just a little. Service was still good, but mousekeeping wasn't doing such a great job. The mousekeeper threw away my wife's rose that was given to her at Victoria and Albert's the night I proposed (my wife had it hanging to dry so she could keep it indefinately). We noticed a cracked bedpost (still had a MK view room), and the wallpaper in the bathroom looked like it needed to be repaired.
2005 MK view room just for one night -- was originally assigned a room that was directly behind a tree. Promptly called the front desk and was given a diffrerent room with a view of the castle -- after 3 hours.
2006 MK view room. There with my wife and 9 month old son. Room needed to be refurbished. Mousekeeping didn't have our room cleaned by 12 each day despite me calling on day 1 asking for that due to our son needing to take a nap each day. Turn downs not completed by 8 pm some times.
2007 Feb MK view room -- no real complaints
2007 May MK view room mousekeeping not very responsive, room still needed to be refurbished. Looked old and tired. At this point we had stayed at the BC a time and found that we actually preferred this to the GF. This was our last time at the GF, although we plan to stay there again in a couple of years when our daughter is old enough to enjoy the ambience and tea.

For us it started becoming an issue of what we get for our money, and despite the GF being very pretty and on the monorail loop. We preferred the pool at BC along with the ability to walk to Epcot and find the service at BC just as good if not better. The restaurants at GF are very good, but for the price of the room now days I just can't justify staying there. I'm sure you'll enjoy your time though.

As an aside. I did not feel intimidated by any guests or CMs at the GF. I don't find the snobby attitude that some have complained about, but then again I feel pretty confident in myself and am not sure I'd allow someone to act that way towards me anyway. At the pool we saw lots of kids playing (including ours) and maybe higher priced swimsuits and sunglasses than what we've seen a Pop, but I don't think it really matters.

Also, as to your 2nd question. Take the boat back to the GF. If you don't have a stroller to lug around, it's a nice ride and you'll be first back to the resort unlike the monorail.

 

[SHAUN39]

Having stayed at the Poly twice in the last three years and planning on staying there again in 2012,I think its worth every cent,the atmosphere I find just washes away any stress you may be feeling.I never had any problems with mousekeeping,I can't praise this resort enough.:wave:

 

[DisGal]

I've stayed at the GF about seven times in the past twenty years (holy cow that's a long time ago). First time was in 1991 and the resort really was the jewel in Disney's crown. Service was top notch, so were the ammenities, and it definately felt like you belonged to a very exclusive club when staying there.
Next time was in 1996. Stayed there with my girlfriend who later would become my wife. Had a lagoon (MK) view room and again everything was impeccable. Rooms were always made up before we returned from the parks and then turned down again at night. The decor was well kept and things were clean and fresh still.
Next time September 2001. Stayed there for 11 nights and proposed to above mentioned girlfriend. Things were starting to slip, just a little. Service was still good, but mousekeeping wasn't doing such a great job. The mousekeeper threw away my wife's rose that was given to her at Victoria and Albert's the night I proposed (my wife had it hanging to dry so she could keep it indefinately). We noticed a cracked bedpost (still had a MK view room), and the wallpaper in the bathroom looked like it needed to be repaired.
2005 MK view room just for one night -- was originally assigned a room that was directly behind a tree. Promptly called the front desk and was given a diffrerent room with a view of the castle -- after 3 hours.
2006 MK view room. There with my wife and 9 month old son. Room needed to be refurbished. Mousekeeping didn't have our room cleaned by 12 each day despite me calling on day 1 asking for that due to our son needing to take a nap each day. Turn downs not completed by 8 pm some times.
2007 Feb MK view room -- no real complaints
2007 May MK view room mousekeeping not very responsive, room still needed to be refurbished. Looked old and tired. At this point we had stayed at the BC a time and found that we actually preferred this to the GF. This was our last time at the GF, although we plan to stay there again in a couple of years when our daughter is old enough to enjoy the ambience and tea.

For us it started becoming an issue of what we get for our money, and despite the GF being very pretty and on the monorail loop. We preferred the pool at BC along with the ability to walk to Epcot and find the service at BC just as good if not better. The restaurants at GF are very good, but for the price of the room now days I just can't justify staying there. I'm sure you'll enjoy your time though.

As an aside. I did not feel intimidated by any guests or CMs at the GF. I don't find the snobby attitude that some have complained about, but then again I feel pretty confident in myself and am not sure I'd allow someone to act that way towards me anyway. At the pool we saw lots of kids playing (including ours) and maybe higher priced swimsuits and sunglasses than what we've seen a Pop, but I don't think it really matters.

Also, as to your 2nd question. Take the boat back to the GF. If you don't have a stroller to lug around, it's a nice ride and you'll be first back to the resort unlike the monorail.

I totally agree.

 

[stefan74]

1.I love the Poly's atmosphere. Sadly, the rooms, longhouses and service don't measure up. How do these issues at the GF compare?

2.With the GF being the last resort picked up on the monorail, do you often find yourself standing or waiting for the next monorail?

1. I have stayed here twice and never had a problem. If you want a fantastic view of Cinderella's Castle, ask for Rooms in the Conch Key building.

2. We never had to wait for a second monorail. Plus, since we stayed in the Conch Key building, we usually took the ferry from MK to GF since it was the first stop.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

Enjoy the Grand Flo. We are staying at the Poly this year for the first time (assuming the discounts are there to do so). Reading these reaffirming Poly reviews makes me feel more confident.

 

[Frau Farbissina]

I was in WDW two weeks ago on a trip with several of my girlfriends. One of them isn't a huge Disney fan (she was there for the Wine and Dine marathon) and didn't want to stay in a hotel that was too "Disney" so she picked the CR. Her room had a great view, but it wasn't very clean. At one point we were looking out at the Mk and Seven Seas Lagoon and she pointed to the GF and said "What is that" and I told her if was the GF. When she was choosing a resort and saw pictures of it, she said "This place would give me a migraine" but now she was staring at it and wishing she'd stayed there instead. We ended up getting on the monorail and going and checking it out and she absolutely loved it. She now wants to come back to WDW and stay there--my Disney reluctant, hotel snob friend.