Anyone Else Think The Grand Floridian Isn't So..

[jsmla]

When we went to Mizners one night for a drink after dinner at Narcoosee's, because we had on "park attire" we were made to feel like second class citizens by the other clientele. Actually, the bartender was great, very friendly and personable, and seemed thrilled to have someone he could engage in conversation. We talked to him quite a bit and he was the only saving grace of that lounge. We haven't had the unwelcoming feeling from the staff, it was from the guests.

That's exactly how we felt and all we did was stick our heads in the place!

Jennifer

 

[Tiffany]

Grand? We stayed GF Concierge Main Building last year and wasn't all that crazy about. The room was beutiful and the bed was very comfortable. But the atmosphere was stuffy and non- disney feeling. I got the feeling that people stayed there only because they have to go to WDW because of the kids and they would rather be somewhere else.

I know WDW has different theme hotelS to meet everyone's taste.
But now I know I don't need to try GF again.
I feel more relaxed at the Poly, WL & Yacht. I haven't tried the other ones yet.

My husband and I like to visit the Grand but we have no disire to stay there at the prices they charge for their rooms. We would much rather stay in a savanna view room at the AKL then a standard view room at the Grand.

 

[kelscross]

We were supposed to stay there this Christmas and I was looking forward to it, but our plans had to change at the last minute so we started out staying at Pop. I'm really not that picky about hotels. I love the ASMo, but pop just wasn't my thing. It was a little too cheesy for me.

So when we went to 1900 Park Fair to eat bfast we spent some time strolling around and absolutely loved the place. We tried to switch our ressies back to GF right then and there but they didn't have any rooms for the rate we had originally gotten before the switch.

We did get the Poly and it felt like going home when we got there.

So I agree with just about everyone here...that's what is so great about Disney, they so many experiences to choose from. I would like to try a different resort because it does feel like a different vacation every time you go.

 

[minniesota]

I think you have to judge a resort by how it appeals to you and how it meets your vacation needs/style (and your budget!). We travel a lot and have stayed in a wide range of accommodations. What we love about the GF is its more serene atmosphere, its beautiful rooms, lobby and grounds, its proximity to MK and its dining options. We have stayed there a half dozen times and always had wonderful service. We agree with the word classy. And while we have stayed at 8 different Disney resorts, GF will always be our first choice.

I can understand how a bad service experience can sour you on a resort but I don't think other guests' behavior should prevent you from staying somewhere. For example, if I thought all Poly guests were like the loud-mouthed woman on the beach last October who screamed to her kids (non-stop), "Watch the fireworks! Watch the fireworks! Watch the fireworks!", I could assume the Poly was full of rude, inconsiderate and overbearing guests. And anyone who reads these boards knows that's not the case! So maybe she wasn't a Diser - and the snoots at GF probably weren't either. I can assure you if I'm in Mizner's and you pop in for a drink, you'll get a welcoming smile.

 

[tessqt]

Well I stayed there shortly after it opened, with my Mom and two teen-age nieces. My Mom thought it would be her last time at DW so she wanted to stay there, she has been to DW 3 more times!

Anyway I was not all that impressed with the size of the room, I was recalling past stays at the CR and the rooms there seemed larger. I don't know if that's true but it certainly felt that way.

 

[cthetulips]

We were staying at CR a couple years back and wanted to travel by monorail to look at the Christmas decorations at the Poly and GF. We wandered the grounds of GF and found it charming. We even decided on the spot to eat at their food court place (can't remember the name now). We then went into the GF lobby to see the decorations. Kids were 7 and 5 at the time and very well behaved. In no way were we making a scene. There were other families doing the same thing. We took a couple pictures of us by the Christmas tree and a CM came over and asked in a seemingly nice but menacing way if there was anything he could help us with, offered to take a picture of the four of us (probably so we would leave right after). But there was this undertone that we weren't welcome. He followed us around in that same seemingly nice but menacing way and we left (just what he wanted). We have never set foot in there since. Moved on to the Poly and were welcomed warmly!

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Theres no denying that the GF is gorgeous, but as many have said, it's if the theming appeals to you. I honestly prefer to feel more immersed in a "theme" when I'm at Disney, and I suppose that the GF, to me, felt like it could have been a resort that existed anywhere. I noticed others state that they prefer resorts with theming that they can't find near their home, (like the individuals who mentioned they don't prefer the WL because they have wildnerness getaways in Oregon, etc. And some have just felt the resort was stuffy. I stayed there with my parents when I was a young teenager and hated it. Partly because the actual CM's treated us like 2nd class citizens when we came down to report that our room had been robbed. No jewlery or large amounts of cash were taken, but watches, my (kids) wallet with $10 in it, a stuffed animal, some clothes, etc. The CM's we spoke to all said those were trivial things to lose and insisted that we let it go. And I'm sorry, but when your room is locked and the only one's who could have gained access were the housekeepers I think that's something that Disney should have looked into. They flat out refused, my family never received any form of compensation, and needless to say we never stayed there again. For the rest of the trip we did not tip housekeeping either, and it showed. Our garbage was never emptied (not that there was a lot but still they are supposed to do that), our beds were never made, and to be honest, I don't think they ever once came in there again. Plus, it's a less casual resort I think. I know my parents felt that way, because when they go on vacation they are looking for a differnt atmosphere than the one their privately owned businesses provide. They don't want to feel obligated to dress up every second of the day, and I've sorta gained that from them. It was even a challenge to get good service when we ate there as well. I just remember feeling "not at home" as a kid there, and that wasn't a very friendly Disney atmosphere. My husband and I visited it on our last trip because I wanted to see if he personally would like it, since he had never visited it before, and while just looking around us the actual hotel guests kept shooting us funny looks when we were just walking around the grounds quietly. As my husband put it "Heaven forbid we wear jeans and T-shirts when on vacation!" Either way it's not a place we will be visiting again, let alone wasting the money on to stay there when we could stay at a very friendly place like the Polynesian. (Just wanted to add that since were discussing this). I do think that its nice that Disney offers a variety of places for people to stay, but in my opinion I'd rather stay off-site than at the GF.

 

[Sammie]

I think that the Grand Floridian is a absolutely GORGEOUS resort with awesome amenities and many activities to entertain kids.

That being said, would we be comfortable staying there? Probably not! Everytime we visit, we are made to feel as if we are underdressed. We have seen families heading out to the parks on the monorails getting on from the GF station in their button down shirts and Khakis, sundresses with heels and the kids looking like they are going to church instead of a theme park.

When we went to Mizners one night for a drink after dinner at Narcoosee's, because we had on "park attire" we were made to feel like second class citizens by the other clientele. Actually, the bartender was great, very friendly and personable, and seemed thrilled to have someone he could engage in conversation. We talked to him quite a bit and he was the only saving grace of that lounge. We haven't had the unwelcoming feeling from the staff, it was from the guests.

I wish I wasn't made to feel that way, because I have always wanted to stay there (it would HAVE to be without DH, he doesn't even like to visit). But that's OK, because I still have the friendliness and relaxing atmophere of the Polynesian, the family feel of the Beach Club, and of course PO-FQ and PO-R, which are beautiful and welcoming!

I am sorry, but I have to disagree with this idea unless someone actually said something to you, to make you feel this way.

If no one said anything, then you made yourself feel that way. As long as I am comfortable somewhere, there is no way someone else can make me feel uncomfortable.

 

[Janet2k]

My family loves staying at the Grand Floridian Resort. My daughter especially enjoys the varied children’s programs that are offered there:
My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party
Pirates Cruise
Grand Adventures In Cooking Class
Wonderland Tea Party

One of the highlights of any stay at the Grand Floridian is to sit in the lobby and listen to the pianist and the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra entertain the guests.

Before I transferred over to the resort during my last Walt Disney World vacation, I spent a little bit of time at the resort strictly as a visitor. On one particular evening, I walked into the lobby at 9 PM. The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra was preparing to play. I found a seat and sat down.

The band began their set with a few love songs, and I watched a couple dance to them. As the band continued to play, two little girls began to dance. They were having a ball, and their grandfather lovingly watched over them. With all those folks dancing, I suddenly missed my husband and my children (they were on the West Coast since I was spending the first week of my vacation alone).

As I sat in the lobby feeling a little wistful, Disney ~magic~ snuck up on me. The band began playing “Just a Gigolo:”
<center>
Just A Gigolo
Words & Music by Julius Brammer, Irving Caesar & Leonello Casucci

Just a gigolo, everywhere I go,
People know the part I’m playing.
Paid for every dance, selling each romance,
Every night some heart betraying.

There will come a day, youth will pass away,
Then what will they say about me?
When the end comes I know they'll say,
"Just a gigolo," as life goes on without me.
</center>
(Here is a link to a website that has a MIDI-file version of David Lee Roth’s rendition of that song: click here.)

As I sat in the beautiful lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort, I laughed so hard that I almost pee’d my pants. It was all I could do to keep myself from going upstairs to the balcony to hit on the boys in the band. I found their choice of song positively delightful. The visualization of a bunch of gigolos running amok inside the stately Grand Floridian Resort was just too cute for words.

And that is just one of the many reasons why I love the Grand Floridian Resort. Besides feeling a sense of serenity whenever I am there, I can always find something that makes me laugh at life.

 

[MinnieM21]

I don't know what people are talking about when they say they felt like second class citizens because they weren't dressed up? I wore sweat pants almost the whole time I stayed at the GF and no one looked down on me. When you're at the GF, no one expects you to dress up. All of the families I saw were wearing regular clothes and weren't dressed up. Honestly, people don't look at you funny and whisper if you're wearing just regular clothes. It's WDW afterall!

 

[lmhall2000]

Our trip was scheduled for 2 weeks from now but we had to cancel...we've had our home for sale for over 8 months! And just knew we would have sold it by now...but we can't do Disney until we've got that monkey off our back...so as soon as we sell we're headed there for our last Hurrah!

That said, the times I have been to the GF...I've run into guests and most of them were there with their children while their spouses were in a conference. I think many corporations choose GF as an option to hold smaller meetings...so you may not see the gung ho family in their stretch cotton...but we will definitely be that gung ho family...my children will only have one pair of walking shoes...and we go for comfort more than matching outfits...although we do have some matching dresses/shirts only because it's a safety issue...much easier to spot 3 children all wearing neon orange.

I am just sooo ready for the comfy beds and spacious rooms...aaaah!

Tara

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

I don't know what people are talking about when they say they felt like second class citizens because they weren't dressed up? I wore sweat pants almost the whole time I stayed at the GF and no one looked down on me. When you're at the GF, no one expects you to dress up. All of the families I saw were wearing regular clothes and weren't dressed up. Honestly, people don't look at you funny and whisper if you're wearing just regular clothes. It's WDW afterall!

I think it really depends upon when your there. I've seen all over these boards different opinions on different resorts. Thats great that you had a great time there and were able to be yourself, however I vividly remember while I was there that one family actually called me a "stupid kid" because I said hello to them while waiting in line with my family to check into the resort. The whole reason I felt like we were treated like "second class citizens" is b/c of the horrible, HORRIBLE service we got, the frowns during dinner that we got, and the odd looks we got. I still can't fathom why though considering we dressed normally for a vacation in my opinion, (Jeans and T-shirts or tank tops, and skirts and blouses for dinners), and didn't exactly go out of our way to bother anyone. I suppose I am just used to other resorts, where people just come up to you when your sitting in the lobby or by the pool and strike up friendly banter and conversations, and that was really absent from the GF for us. I did notice a lot of that being done b/w other strangers however, and most of the talk was about what buisness they owned or what they did for a living. I just remember feeling that that was a bit of an odd conversation toipid for vacation if that helps clarify some things. I do agree that no one can make you feel like a second class citizen unless you allow them to. That being said I suppose it's not that we allowed ourselves to be made to feel like this, but the lack of friendliness and the horrible service we got there, while noticing that other families did not have that problem, made us feel like that.

 

[eeyore0062]

I am sorry, but I have to disagree with this idea unless someone actually said something to you, to make you feel this way.

If no one said anything, then you made yourself feel that way. As long as I am comfortable somewhere, there is no way someone else can make me feel uncomfortable.

I know when I am made to feel uncomfortable, and not much makes me uncomfortable. I'm sorry, but when others look at you and scrunch up their noses and whisper to the person they are with, it kind of gives you the indication that you aren't welcome. We had on jeans, tee shirts and both my husband and I had our hair in ponytails. We stayed, mostly because the bartender was nice, and because the longer we stayed the more those people whispered and stared. So perhaps THEY were more uncomfortable with us, than we were with them. Who knows, I just know that it isn't a place I want to frequent, when there are so many more friendly places on property.

 

[gepetto]

I liked it...my kids thought it was too "pink".

 

[Sammie]

I know when I am made to feel uncomfortable, and not much makes me uncomfortable. I'm sorry, but when others look at you and scrunch up their noses and whisper to the person they are with, it kind of gives you the indication that you aren't welcome. We had on jeans, tee shirts and both my husband and I had our hair in ponytails. We stayed, mostly because the bartender was nice, and because the longer we stayed the more those people whispered and stared. So perhaps THEY were more uncomfortable with us, than we were with them. Who knows, I just know that it isn't a place I want to frequent, when there are so many more friendly places on property.

I understand what you are saying, but your first line is what I am referring to. You stated I know when I am made to feel uncomfortable. What happened to you would never make me feel uncomfortable. Unless there is a specfic dress code which I would abide by such as Victoria and Alberts; I wear what I choose. I could care less if someone next to me is in a $5,000 Italian suit. For all they know mine is in the closest in the room.

My point is no one can do this do you, unless you allow them to. Smile and enjoy yourself.

If someone had treated me the way you described, I would have gone right over and said, "Hello I am Sammie, do we know each other as I noticed you have been acting like you do".

I would never judge the atmosphere of a resort by the actions of a couple of jerks, they were probably not even staying there.

 

[magicmouse2]

I love the GF. I think it is the most beautiful hotel, however it does lack the resort atmosphere. I loved the room decor and the colors.

 

[Harambe]

Nice resort - pretty building, beautiful rooms, fun watching the castle change colors right from our balcony. Not our cup of tea, I'm afraid. We didn't feel the Disney magic here. Can't quite put a finger on it, really.

Glad we gave it a try, though, and we will definitely be back to eat at Narcoossee's. We had an awesome meal here.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I can't believe the things I'm reading. We always stay at GF (with three small kids) and have never been made to feel out of place. The CMs have always been exceptionally nice to the kids. I think people have an idea in their heads that since GF is the most expensive resort it must be stuffy. We don't feel that at all. The kids love it there and so many of the kids activities (Pirate Cruise, Wonderland Tea Party, Grand Adventures in Cooking) take place at GF. If you go to the pool you would see that all the kids are laughing and playing just like the kids at any value or moderate hotel. Gasparilla's is the same way. They offer a character breakfast and dinner so I think they are used to children. No one has ever looked down their noses at us and during the day we are ALWAYS in shorts. My DH goes to Mizner's every afternoon and he has on shorts and sandals so I don't think he every felt like he needed to dress up. Everyone has their favorite resorts, and rightly so. As for Disney magic, how much more magical can you get than to be able to watch the castle change colors at night, the fireworks, and the monorail from one hotel. Can't wait to go back.

 

[tinker-kyle]

I think being "too stuffy" is a common compliant about the GF and do you know over the years ... disney has tried to "un-stuffy" it

that's why they've added the kid-friendly programs like the cooking class, wonderland tea party, and pirate cruise. Also they've played up the peter pan/alice in wonderland connection and built a much more fun pool than the original "quiet" pool.

we were there on our honeymoon in '93 and felt a bit intimindated (but we were young) return trips have been much more fun ... our last visit to GF was 12/01 with our DD4 and we had a great time ... thought everything and everyone was much more family-friendly than it had been on our original stay.

we've been to WDW 1-2 a year since 1997 and stayed a good # ofthe resorts (value, moderate, deluxe) - my only "bad" expereince was Pop in the dead of summer ...

i'll take stuffy to hot, crowded, loud, and spread out ...anyday.

thought the staff at Pop was harried and overwhelmed ... was wishing for a GF CM to follow us around and take our pix.... or drop off some towels (we had to make 3 requests)

after pop ... we came home and bought DVC
no more values for us ...unless we need a quick trip when our points run out

but again ...one of the most wonderful things about WDW is that there is something for everyone

 

[bytheblood]

I have never stayed there. I do think the place is beautiful, but certainly not worth what they charge per night. Of course, I do not think that any hotel/motel/resort would be worth that if I am spending so very little time in it.

If it was offered to me for free visit or the same price as a moderate, I am sure I would think it to be very Grand indeed.