$400 more for two nights!!!!

[Disney Dreams]

Tell me WHY you think that!!
Convince me!

Okay, but remember... you asked for it.

1. It's beautiful.
2. It's Disney.
3. It's not down the street and across the way, it's right there.
4. MouseKeeping
5. Charge everything in the Park to your room bill
6. Did I mention, it's gorgeous?
7. You want to.
8. You will not find yourself wondering, "What if...?"

- Dreams (who just got back from her first Disney cruise on the Wonder. You will LOVE it!)

 

[disneylovingfamily:4]

IMO it's not worth it. We can afford it too, but I just can't bring myself to do it. We don't spend enough time in the room for it to be worth it.

This is my thought too. I would love to stay there, I could afford to stay there, but when I look at the big picture I just can't justify that big of a price difference. I booked it once last year and ended up canceling the reservation and getting a different hotel for the trip. Looking back I don't regret that decision..

 

[obe]

I will do it, once in my life. The most important point ENJOY your time as much as you can

 

[taaren]

I'd vote against it for a short trip. For a long trip you'll spend more time in your room, at the pool, on the pool slide, etc. For a short trip you'll spend all your time in the park and won't notice where you're staying anyways. Take that $400 and put it towards an upgrade when you're at WDW again.
The idea of staying at DLH or PPH like one of the above posters mentioned is good though. They both have that 'Disney magic' and are closer than HoJo and more affordable than GCH. Compromising might be your best solution.

 

[nunzia]

Do not want to hijack, but have a most excellent trip Bumber.

Jack

Ditto..looks like you are THERE!? We expect a glorious bumberful trip report when you return

Back to the subject..yes, of course other hotels are just fine and the Grand is a splurge. BUT..if this is a one shot deal, I say GO FOR IT without hesitation. I rarely regret things I do, but often things I don't. My first stay at the Grand was so wonderful that we became instantly spoiled (and we are super frugal people who normally stay in the cheapest places) and bought DVC so we and our family and friends could always stay there. For many of us here it is just the perfect place to be..for others, not so much, but you should at least try it to see what you think

(PS..I do not think the rooms are small at all )

 

[BelleBway]

This is my thought too. I would love to stay there, I could afford to stay there, but when I look at the big picture I just can't justify that big of a price difference. I booked it once last year and ended up canceling the reservation and getting a different hotel for the trip. Looking back I don't regret that decision..

To show just how different people can be... for my upcoming trip, I really wanted to stay offsite because it makes the most practical sense by far. But I just couldn't do it. I haven't been to DL in 10 years and I've had my heart set on GCH for years. I'm going over Christmas... and in addition to thoughts of how nice it will be every time I see the tree in the lobby, I think that every little thing I can do to beat the crowds (such as MM or going on Soarin at 9:30) will be very worthwhile. I'm also going on a short trip... but I have a thing for staying at interesting hotels even if I don't spend tons of time in them.

I've always stayed offsite before (or taken day trips from LA/SD) but precisely because this is a short trip, I want to take this opportunity to splurge and stay onsite. (the longer the trip, the bigger the price differential)

So I guess that what I'm saying is that where to stay is personal decision and no choice will be right for everyone. In addition to budget, everyone has different values and dreams.

 

[son3disfan]

I'd vote against it for a short trip. For a long trip you'll spend more time in your room, at the pool, on the pool slide, etc. For a short trip you'll spend all your time in the park and won't notice where you're staying anyways. Take that $400 and put it towards an upgrade when you're at WDW again.
The idea of staying at DLH or PPH like one of the above posters mentioned is good though. They both have that 'Disney magic' and are closer than HoJo and more affordable than GCH. Compromising might be your best solution.

Honestly, the price is not a huge savings. I really love the location and ambiance of the GC.

Winter Savings Offer:
GC $289 a night .....$338.13 including tax
DL $262.50 a night (plus tax)
PP $218.00 a night (plus tax)

I think we are going to splurge this one time, and not think about it too much anymore.
I appreciate all the comments. And really do agree with so many of them. I love the "you usually regret what you didn't do, not what you've done." Haha! sooo true! I have never regreted the thousands of dollars Disney has taken from me over the years!!!!! It has all been worth it.