Am I terrible Mom for choosing GF over WL?

[Cmbar]

Thank you all. I know it is crazy to think about giving up the GF but to be honest, I never see lots about GF being a great resort for the kids. I guess I am just feeling a little guilty because this is my choice and because I stayed last year at WL without the family. But like most of you said, WL is more affordable for another trip in the future. And as one poster said, it ok for me to pick this one thing about the trip. In fact up until now, my kids have never cared, but I think it is because I went last year and their cousin's got to stay at WL and came back telling them how great it was. I am sure they will like the GF as well! Thanks all!

 

[grannyminnie]

Just remember the golden rule...she who has the gold makes the rules!

Besides, you should not make changes based on the whims of children. First they wanted to stay GF, then based on something they see on a DVD they want to stay WL. Who knows where they will pick next?! Then would you switch again?

I say stick with GF.

Amen to this!! Your kids said they wanted GF in the first place (never mind that it's a lovely place for a mommy to get to stay at 40% off!)...keep the deal you got!!

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Definately stick with the GF. As other posters said, if they watch another special on some other hotel they would want to stay there too. And you can't beat the 40% off code. Trust me once they get there they will forget all about wanting to go to the WL and they will have a great time at the GF. We stayed there last year, my kids being 10 and 12, and they loved it. Either way enjoy your time in Disney!!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Kids tend to go with the flow and are more able to change with the times. Keep the GF at that rate.

Mine have changed several times and finally I asked them what one thing they would like to have at the resort. Then as parents, we will decide. They said they would like a waterslide. We can accomodate that. So my husband and I picked the Poly, not at discount. This way they are happy with what they would like and not disappointed with our choice in any way.

You did the right thing. Go and enjoy your trip. Your kids certainly will.

 

[simonkodousek]

OH, I can't think straight anymore. On our last trip to Disney with my family, my Dkids kept saying while we were at Park Fare for dinner, "we want to stay at the GF". So when we got home we started a little bucket for change that said "Grand Floridian". Well like a miracle we got the 40% off code for a date in November we were planning on going so my DH and I grabbed it. I mean GF for 255.00 a night I figured was pretty good. Well then we had to start watching all those Disney Resorts on the Travel Channel and now my kids really want to stay at the WL. I went to WL last year on a trip with my sister and her family. (I went along as a guide) and we stayed in the WL so my kids have never stayed there, but I have.

I tried to get a split stay for VWL because my friend is a DVC owner and offered to rent us points, But we waited too long and now I can't get that. So now I can either stick with what we have and go to the GF or try and call and change my 40% off for WL. I really wanted to try the GF and be on a monorail resort at least once! But I feel terrible putting my wants in front of the kids. DH says he doesn't care, he just wants me to stop obsessing over it!

Am I making a mistake? I mean a kid would be lucky to stay at the GF, right I could just bring them to WL and go exploring right?
Help!

I vote for keeping the GF. I mean, there will most likely be future WDW trips, and just pick WL for one of those!

 

[klinlin]

Let's face it, most kids would be happy staying in a cardboard box if it meant going to Disney. You may never get a rate like that again! I read on another dining review post about being able to watch Wishes while eating outside of Gasparilla's. I am going to try that myself. Sounds pretty kid friendly to me!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Let's face it, most kids would be happy staying in a cardboard box if it meant going to Disney. You may never get a rate like that again! I read on another dining review post about being able to watch Wishes while eating outside of Gasparilla's. I am going to try that myself. Sounds pretty kid friendly to me!

could have been my review that is one of my favorite things to do. hardly anyone around, eating a snack/dinner, get to sit in a comfy chair. pretty good IMO!

 

[CindyT]

I agree with those who have said stick with GF. I have agonized over things like this too, but it seems that no matter where we stay, when we go to WDW, we always have a good time -- so quit stressing, go to GF and have a wonderful time. WL is not going anywhere, you can always go there on another vacation.

 

[kileybeth]

if Momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy!

GF all the way and rent yourself a cabana (I hear they are all the rage ) and your kids will be thinking they are the cat's meow!

PS. only did a walk through but I did not like the WL at all! If I want the forrest I'll go camp!

 

[Jen66]

Definitely the GF! You are one monorail stop from the MK and a boat ride back! The kids will love it

 

[eliza61]

OH, I can't think straight anymore. On our last trip to Disney with my family, my Dkids kept saying while we were at Park Fare for dinner, "we want to stay at the GF". So when we got home we started a little bucket for change that said "Grand Floridian". Well like a miracle we got the 40% off code for a date in November we were planning on going so my DH and I grabbed it. I mean GF for 255.00 a night I figured was pretty good. Well then we had to start watching all those Disney Resorts on the Travel Channel and now my kids really want to stay at the WL. I went to WL last year on a trip with my sister and her family. (I went along as a guide) and we stayed in the WL so my kids have never stayed there, but I have.

I tried to get a split stay for VWL because my friend is a DVC owner and offered to rent us points, But we waited too long and now I can't get that. So now I can either stick with what we have and go to the GF or try and call and change my 40% off for WL. I really wanted to try the GF and be on a monorail resort at least once! But I feel terrible putting my wants in front of the kids. DH says he doesn't care, he just wants me to stop obsessing over it!

Am I making a mistake? I mean a kid would be lucky to stay at the GF, right I could just bring them to WL and go exploring right?
Help!

This is a joke? Right. You feel terrible for taking your kids to the most magical place in the country and then forcing them to stay at a first rate hotel?
Ok, I'm with your husband, you've lost it. Pleeze, I wish my kids would complain about where the heck they stayed at WDW.

My mom had a great saying "Eliza can complain about what's for dinner when she starts picking up the tab!"

 

[MissionMouse]

Am I making a mistake? I mean a kid would be lucky to stay at the GF, right ...

You are making a mistake if you:
Pass up the 40% discount you have for GF lodging
Allow kids to make vacation-budget decisions
Feel bad about your lodging even when you select a Deluxe resort

 

[ChefBilly]

Yes. Yes you are.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

STAY AT GF!!!!!!!!!

When we arrived for our stay, my DS was 9...said "no offense Mom, its too fancy".....He is now 13..wants to go back!!

You will regret it if you dont...use that 40% code!!

 

[mika911]

I know this is off-topic, but while the GF is nice, it is not one of the 100 best hotels in the world. It isn't even the best hotel in the Orlando area (Ritz Carlton and Portofino Bay at Universal have it beat).

It has been named to one of 100 best hotels a couple times by a couple magazines. It wasn't my opinion.

 

[Poly Pal]

You may be a terrible mother (or father) if you:

A. Obsess over the whims of your children (they tend to grow up self centered and spoiled if you do)

B. Allow your children to drive financial decisions for your family

C. Annoy your spouse with your fretting to the point that he/she tells you to stop

To the OP, I say stick with the deal at the GF (and if the kids don't want to stay there, leave 'em home with grandma, grandpa, mean Aunt Methusala, etc.)

Have a fun vacation!

 

[bennythepug]

I would choose WL over GF any day, even with the great rate

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks All for the opinions.

I have to say My kids are not complaining in any way, they just said they thought the WL looks more interesting with the Geyser and the woods and all. And I know that WL is not really my cup of tea. It was a nice resort and I loved being in the one building, but I also am not a Camp kinda girl, so my kids never get to see a place like this. So I guess the truth is I was having second thoughts about the GF and was kinda obsessing over what they said about how the WL looks more interesting. Believe me they will be fine with the GF.

And honestly I didn't think I would get this many responses to go to GF. I thought for sure the WL would have at least ONE vote. I see SO Many posts about how wonderful WL is and hardly any about the GF I just thought I was making a mistake. You all make me feel LOTS better about it now. I love the idea of Gasparillas and the fireworks, that will be built into the plan.

Oh and I guess one thing I didn't mention was that if we stay at the WL we get to stay for an extra day and save 200.00. So that was kinda playing into it too!

Thanks again!

 

[winterman]

Cmbar -- Your kids will be at DISNEYWORLD !!! Do you really think that they will compain about staying in a resort within sight of the MK and on the monorail? I very much doubt it. If they do then you have some seriously spoiled kids. Just stop worrying.

 

[septbaby]

I wish my mother was as mean as you.

How dare you take me to Disney World AND make me stay at the Grand Floridian. You're probably gonna make me eat at places with lovable Disney characters too? Gosh just who do you think you are lady my Fairy Godmother?