Which Grand Floridian Building?

[Wellington2011]

Hi! We're staying at the Grand Floridian in early May. There's 6 of us including 3 kids under 5 and great-grandma. I anticipate a lot of hotel/pool breaks. We'll be going to the Magic Kingdom 3 days, Hollywood Studios for a day and to the Polynesian Resort a couple times for dining. A few people suggested the water taxi over the monorail, which sounds like a good tip. Which building is the best at the GF? Has one been renovated more recently? I hear there's one pool that's more kid friendly than the others? Thanks!

 

[Caryn220]

I'm not sure if any one building is better than another. They all have the same look, it just depends how close you want to be to the main building if that's something you care about. My dad has a bad hip so we stayed in big pine key, the closest to the main building. There are 2 pools, a large "quiet pool" and the beach pool which is as stated, right by the beach area. This pool has a water slide and is the pool where games are played for kids.

 

[PrincessRachelT]

We stayed in Conch Key, and loved it. But honestly, any of the buildings will be amazing and wonderful! It's such a great resort. Conch Key is the closest to the boat dock I believe, and seemed to be the smallest (or one of the smallest)

 

[Seanual757]

We prefer the DVC side nice and quiet from the rest of the resort, a short walk to the main building and monorail. I do not believe you can
request this building unless you are a DVC member or renting points.

 

[DaGoof00]

Stay at the Grand each time, usually stay in the Main Bldg now. As has been stated before, depends how close you want to be to the main building; however, no building is terribly far - Conch Key is closest to the boat launch, Sago Cay is great if you'll be using Gaspirilla Grill frequently and has a nice back walk way to get to the bus stop. Boca Chica is right in front of the Courtyard Pool and Big Pine Key is nice as it's right between both pools and an easy walk into the Main Lobby.

Boat Launch is a great ride I recommend it for trips over to the Polynesian or from the MK back to the Grand. It's faster to take the monorail to MK and Epcot however. The walk over to the Poly is nice.

Beach Pool is definitely more kid oriented with the Alice in Wonderland play area and the featured water slide being over there, but this pool is smaller than the other.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[Wellington2011]

Stay at the Grand each time, usually stay in the Main Bldg now. As has been stated before, depends how close you want to be to the main building; however, no building is terribly far - Conch Key is closest to the boat launch, Sago Cay is great if you'll be using Gaspirilla Grill frequently and has a nice back walk way to get to the bus stop. Boca Chica is right in front of the Courtyard Pool and Big Pine Key is nice as it's right between both pools and an easy walk into the Main Lobby.

Boat Launch is a great ride I recommend it for trips over to the Polynesian or from the MK back to the Grand. It's faster to take the monorail to MK and Epcot however. The walk over to the Poly is nice.

Beach Pool is definitely more kid oriented with the Alice in Wonderland play area and the featured water slide being over there, but this pool is smaller than the other.

Enjoy your stay!

Thank you so much! Very helpful.

 

[jlsHouston]

We got Sago Key when we stayed at GF summer of 2014. I liked the short walk to Gaspirilla's for quick meals and drinks, and the bus stop is like right around the corner. Doing the GF again in June and I requested Big Pine Key this time because I would really like to be closer to pools.

 

[Wellington2011]

We got Sago Key when we stayed at GF summer of 2014. I liked the short walk to Gaspirilla's for quick meals and drinks, and the bus stop is like right around the corner. Doing the GF again in June and I requested Big Pine Key this time because I would really like to be closer to pools.

Thank you! I requested the Boca. I'm hoping that's a happy medium between the pools and the water taxi/bus stop? Have you stayed in a dormer room?

 

[jlsHouston]

Thank you! I requested the Boca. I'm hoping that's a happy medium between the pools and the water taxi/bus stop? Have you stayed in a dormer room?

No because I heard they were smaller even though they have a private balcony...I always have a crowd and didn't want to give up the space...

 

[Caryn220]

Thank you! I requested the Boca. I'm hoping that's a happy medium between the pools and the water taxi/bus stop? Have you stayed in a dormer room?

My family of 4 including myself stayed in a dormer in big pine key. Really didn't notice much of a difference. Parents shared a queen bed, I had the other queen to myself and my 15 year old sister slept on the convertible couch bed. Not a single one of us had any complaints

 

[s&k'smom]

Big Pine Key has been my favorite so far.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

@Wellington2011 Have a wonderful trip! Not sure if you've been in early May before, but it's a beautiful time to visit. We went then in 2011 and 2012. Crowds were good and weather was beautiful. Enjoy!

 

[bethymouse]

We had a wonderful Theme Park View at Boca Chica. Close to the pool without the slide ( not quiet though... many people use this pool).

 

[21stamps]

We had a wonderful Theme Park View at Boca Chica. Close to the pool without the slide ( not quiet though... many people use this pool).

Do you have any photos of the view? I'm debating between requesting Boca Chica and conch key. The only photos I can find when googling are from conch key.

I read that the electrical water pageant doesn't pass Boca Chica, but I don't understand how that would be possible with a theme park view room