First timer Grand Floridian questions?

[kdibattista]

DH and I are planning a trip in January. We normally stay at the AKL and LOVE it but he came to me yesterday saying that he maybe wants to try a monorail resort... maybe the Grand Floridian . I have been in the GF for meals and such but never actually walked around so I have a few questions:

How convenient is the monorail to all rooms (what is probably the longest walk time)?
How spread out is the hotel?
What exactly are the dormer rooms (do they cost more or less)?
Is it worth an extra $500?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[ahutton]

We stayed there for a couple nights after our wedding, and it was pretty there. The farthest room from the monorail area is probably less then 5 minutes away. They have a fast food counter service place, and then several table service places plus the buffet. The dormer rooms are in the main building, aren't they? That would be fun. I have to say though, even if not the most popular choice my favorite monorail place is far and away the Contemporary Tower. I just don't think it can be beat, especially if you have a MK view.

 

[sotoalf]

Kim:

You'll love the Grand Flordiain. It's the most elegant resort on property, but not oft-putting. Guests often wonder what distinguishes the GF from the other deluxes, and I'll tell you: the little things. NOt a speck of dust anywhere. A high proportion of staff to guests. Turndown service every night with chocolates, so housekeeping is always prompt in the mornings - unlike other hotels where you have to wait sometimes till 4 pm to get mousekeeping. Beautifully appointed rooms. Probably the best resort dining.

The rooms are about 400 ft, located in 5 lodge buildings. I stayed in a dormer room in Sago Cay about three weeks ago; they're a bit smaller than the standard rooms, but more than make up for it thanks to a vaulted ceiling - an effect which does wonders aesthetically - and a private balcony.

The farthest building from the monorail is no more than a couple minutes' walk to the main building. The resort isn't very spread out.

 

[mark smith]

We always stay at the Gf and love it. Monorail convience is great. We did split our last stay at AKL, and really enjoyed it too. GF is not as large as AKL and we feel very easy to get to all transportation, restraunts, etc. Gf is more expensive, but if you can travel value season and/or utilize Ap's or some other discount you can offset the costs. We really feel like we are at WDW, when we are so close to MK(particularly if you have younger children). Dormer rooms, are top floor rooms and are slightly smaller than regular rooms. We like overlooking from atop. We have stayed, both lagoon view and garden view(recently we have opted gor garden view (dormer request)-Conch building has great garden views. If you want to spend for lagoon, Conch and Boca Chica are great(request MK view, its great if you get lucky).Last trip, we actually got upgrade to lagoon, MK view in Boca Chica(first upgrade ever, it was great and appreciated) GF is the best, go for it!

 

[MagEpcDisAni Voyager]

Grand Floridian! Congrats!

If you want to see where the buildings are layed out and the whole hotel plan along with tips for what rooms to stay t I strongly suggest buying The Unooficial Guide To Walt Disney World 2004, which is avalible almost anywhere. It has great tips.

You will love Grand Floridian. I went there and it has great views pools and amazin landscaping. Just to walk from my room to eat breakfast around the hotel grounds was juust plain amazing.

The Main Building rooms are the closest to Monorail, but nothing is further than a short fun walk. I stayed furthest away at the Big Pine Key Building and still was close . The views of the 7 Seas Lagoon are great, btu try not to get a huge tree in front of your view like I did!

 

[kdibattista]

WOW!!! Thanks for all the great responses!!! I was really hesitant to try something other than AKL but now I think I'm looking forward to it!!!!

Thanks again!!!

 

[johnsonet]

Hi Kim!
I don't want to dissuade you from trying the GF - it's my favorite. However, I have been to both AKL and GF and I think GF is so much more wonderful in Spring and Summer. I visited once in January/February and it really wasn't the same. Obviously, you can't plan your trips around the weather but do you perhaps have a summertime trip planned for the not-too-distant future?
Or can anyone talk a little more about their visits to GF in Winter?
I just think it is so sunny and bright and the colors lend themselves to that... and it's very festive during the warmer/HOT months when you can enjoy all the gorgeous flowers and the bright blue sky against the gorgeous red roofs of the GF bldgs. and take the boat back to the resort from MK at night and the breeze feels better than AC! When it's cool, AKL is cozy with its firepits and warmth and smoky smells. Just a thought...want you to "see her at her best"