Why is the Grand Floridian so unpopular?

[captainkidd]

On any Disney message board it seems? At least when compared to a few of the other resorts. In any poll, it always comes in behind Polynesian, Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge. However, in just about any guide book, it's listed as the best resort on property.

I'm curious as to why people don't like it. If you're one of the ones that don't like it, have you stayed there before? Did you have a bad experience?

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Truth? People vote for where they have stayed. GF is way out of price range for most "voters".

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Truth? People vote for where they have stayed. GF is way out of price range for most "voters".

I find this to be the usual issue with this resort. People like the resorts that they stay at, and of all the resorts most people don't get to stay at the Grand Floridian. It also seems that when people splurge for a room close to that price, they visit the Polynesian instead.

 

[captainkidd]

It also seems that when people splurge for a room close to that price, they visit the Polynesian instead.

I see that too. Heck, we're staying there for a 3rd time next summer, and I'm not even all that crazy about the place. I think there's something in the air the Polynesian that keeps people coming back.

 

[WDWmazprty]

I see that too. Heck, we're staying there for a 3rd time next summer, and I'm not even all that crazy about the place. I think there's something in the air the Polynesian that keeps people coming back.

Who wouldn't want to stay at a place that looks like a tropical paradise and reminds you of hawaii?

 

[bgraham34]

You I would never personally spend the money to stay there, plus I don't really fit in with some of the guests that are there..

 

[captainkidd]

Who wouldn't want to stay at a place that looks like a tropical paradise and reminds you of hawaii?

That's just it. Plus, it's super convenient.

I know in my heart, the GF is a far nicer resort. I just can't see my kids enjoying it as much.

 

[Master Yoda]

I can swing the price of the GF but the place simply does not appeal to me. From an architectural standpoint it looks like most of the larger homes I see every day in Florida and the decor is 180 degrees opposite of what I like. My preference for interior design leans towards minimalism and in some unique cases contemporary. AKL, the Poly, WL and the Contemporary and even CS appeal to my architectural and design tastes a million times more than GF. The one thing I do like about GF, the restaurants, can be enjoyed without staying there.

 

[Tinkerbell 8]

The reason I never think about staying there is because it does not seem very "disney" to me. I enjoy the elaborate themeing at the other resorts, the GF seems like any high scale hotel that you could find anywhere. Thats just my opinion though.

 

[ann0d]

I never stayed there, but my sister won a trip to Disney and she got to pick any resort, so she picked that one. She said it was nice, but if she was spending that kind of money, she wouldn't pick that one, has no desire to go back to there. :shrug:

 

[zurgandfriend]

For our upcoming trip I offered the Grand Floridian to my DW. She said no it's not her style and it seems to formal. She said she would not feel comfortable walking around in shorts or a bathing suit on the way to the pool unlike other resorts.

 

[ddbowdoin]

I have never stayed there, so my opinion doesn't really matter all that much but it just seems like a very expensive option for Disney. I'll be staying for my first time on property in March so I am a newbie when it comes to the resorts. I've always stayed off site, for price reasons.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I see that too. Heck, we're staying there for a 3rd time next summer, and I'm not even all that crazy about the place. I think there's something in the air the Polynesian that keeps people coming back.

I think that word of mouth with these resorts is a very powerful thing, especially as communities such as these boards continue to pop up as people plan for their trips. The Polynesian, Beach Club, Port Orleans Riverside, and Pop century are what I have noticed to be the most popular resorts. Some might debate, but in my time as a travel agent and from the reading I have done these usually are the ones people mention the most. I personally think that the emergence of the internet and a much larger collection of Disney planning guides have helped make some resorts stand out more than others. If you see 100 people recommend the Polynesian, you are going to probably want to stay there. I also think that it helps that the Polynesian has 17 extra years of publicity to it and a major feature in the Luau and one of the most popular family restaurants in 'Ohana.

Most people who stay at the Grand Floridian love it. The rest of my family (I couldn't join them due to work) has stayed at both and has said that the Grand wins out over the Polynesian for them by a close margin. They said that the added level of service puts it a step above the rest.

 

[sleepybear]

I suspect a lot of it also has to do with expectations. When you're paying that much money for a hotel room, you expect something amazing. In reality, you merely get a nice hotel room. You're bound to feel let down.

We stayed at Grand Floridian once. It was nice, but we won't be staying there again. It was fine, but definitely not worth that kind of cash.

 

[wendysue]

For our upcoming trip I offered the Grand Floridian to my DW. She said no it's not her style and it seems to formal. She said she would not feel comfortable walking around in shorts or a bathing suit on the way to the pool unlike other resorts.

I agree. It's way too formal. We visited the resort, and walked around for awhile, but would not feel comfortable there.

 

[Master Gracey 5]

I can swing the price of the GF but the place simply does not appeal to me. From an architectural standpoint it looks like most of the larger homes I see every day in Florida and the decor is 180 degrees opposite of what I like. My preference for interior design leans towards minimalism and in some unique cases contemporary. AKL, the Poly, WL and the Contemporary and even CS appeal to my architectural and design tastes a million times more than GF. The one thing I do like about GF, the restaurants, can be enjoyed without staying there.

Not pickign on you here Yoda, but I'm the opposite, I love the Grand Floridian because of its decor and style. I enjoy the old Victorian styles and opulence (something I picked up from my mother) and everything about the resort appeals to me. I can see it really is a personal preference though with most people.

Unfortunately it is outside of my price range, but I try to at least visit and walk around the lobby every time I'm in WDW.

As for it being "not Disney enough", its funny how people in the same breath complain that the parks are being overcome with movie tie ins, but a resort that moves outside of the realm of the movies and goes with a more classic elegance theme isn't "Disney" enough.

 

[mickeysshoes]

We have never been able to bring ourselfs to pay what it cost to stay there. DH says it looks to stuck up. Now me....if i ever get to take a solo trip this is where i would stay. No i really dont fit in with most that do stay here but I am on vaction who care!!!!

 

[Master Yoda]

Not pickign on you here Yoda, but I'm the opposite, I love the Grand Floridian because of its decor and style. I enjoy the old Victorian styles and opulence (something I picked up from my mother) and everything about the resort appeals to me. I can see it really is a personal preference though with most people.

Unfortunately it is outside of my price range, but I try to at least visit and walk around the lobby every time I'm in WDW.

As for it being "not Disney enough", its funny how people in the same breath complain that the parks are being overcome with movie tie ins, but a resort that moves outside of the realm of the movies and goes with a more classic elegance theme isn't "Disney" enough.

No worries. Tastes are funny like that. I love the almost hospital like minimalism that is done at BLT but I know quite a few people that are put off by it. There is nothing wrong with either opinion.

 

[Scooter]

I'm sure Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is a great Resort, but if we stay at a monorail resort it's either The Contemporary or Disney's Polynesian resort.

Why? Because if you stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort, you can WALK back from a Day at The Magic Kingdom and avoid Disney transportation which is usually really busy when the park closes.

Disney's Polynesian Resort is within walking distance to both the Ticket and Transportation Center and the EPCOT monorial and The Ferry that goes to The Magic Kingdom.

I feel trapped at The GF resort.

I've heard people say that if you stay at The GF, and you take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, it's the first stop.
That's true enough, but more often that not, the monorail is packed with people all going to The Magic Kingdom when it gets to the GF.

 

[captainkidd]

I'm sure Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is a great Resort, but if we stay at a monorail resort it's either The Contemporary or Disney's Polynesian resort.

Why? Because if you stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort, you can WALK back from a Day at The Magic Kingdom and avoid Disney transportation which is usually really busy when the park closes.

Disney's Polynesian Resort is within walking distance to both the Ticket and Transportation Center and the EPCOT monorial and The Ferry that goes to The Magic Kingdom.

I feel trapped at The GF resort.

I've heard people say that if you stay at The GF, and you take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, it's the first stop.
That's true enough, but more often that not, the monorail is packed with people all going to The Magic Kingdom when it gets to the GF.

LOL - I hardly felt "trapped" there, but I know what you mean. And yes, the monorail is always packed at that station.