Gayord Palms, will we be disappointed?

[alexcturner]

We just made plans for a 2 night getaway for just my husband and myself.(no children). Disney has limited availability on those nights and high rates. We have reservations at the Gaylord Palms. My question for those who have stayed there, will we be disappointed? we normally stay on WDW property. THanks in advance for your opinion. Lisa

 

[Muffy]

I have heard that Gaylord palms is very nice.

 

[Puffy2]

It's a brand new, very deluxe hotel. I can't imagine that you would be disappointed.

 

[Gillian]

It sounds like a great hotel for a no kids trip! Lots to explore

Here are some reviews

http://pub109.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddingfrm78.showMessage?topicID=204.topic

 

[montessori]

The Gaylord Palms is a gorgeous hotel.
We got a rate we couldn't refuse for Father's Day weekend 2002.

It included the buffet breakfast which is quite good.
We stayed in an atrium room, but I can't remember what they called the area we were in. It was in the main part overlooking the restaurant. It wasn't the Everglades or Key West, maybe St. Augustine.
Anyway, you can leave the French doors to the balcony open all the time if you so choose. It's always just the right temperature out there! We are pretty light sleepers and there was quite a bit of noise at night. One night there was a maintenance worker riding around on a big scrubbing machine washing the tiles floors. It was around 11:00 I think. Sound does travel through that atrium area.

The Key West restaurant and bar are fun and I hear the steak house is good too. There is a dueling piano type bar that people seem to like too, but we didn't go there.
It was on our weekend at the Gaylord Palms that I realized I really do not like staying off property. I just kept feeling like we had to "get going". I felt like we weren't THERE yet until we were actually on Disney property. When I am staying at a Disney Resort I am happy to just sit on the balcony for a while, or wander around the resort but I couldn't relax being off property.
That's just me, of course!
My husband didn't have this problem and thoroughly enjoyed the hotel, he would gladly stay there again.
The location is great, the drive to DW is easy, there's hardly any traffic on that road. You go past Pop Century though, so BEWARE! That is one big eye sore.

I think you will enjoy your stay at the Gaylord Palms.

Have fun!

 

[alexcturner]

Dear Montessori, Thanks for the detailed info. My main concern is exactly what you said about not feeling that we are there, until we are "there" (WDW). They have upgraded us to the Emerald Bay (hotel within a hotel) so that is a plus. However, I keep wondering should I just go ahead and pay $$$$ to stay at YC or AKL. THanks for the input. Lisa

 

[Misti]

Moving to Orlando Area Resorts Board

 

[Rodrigo]

I read in other post that the problem with this hotel is the transportation to WDW, even if you have your own car (valet parking very expensive, and very few spots to park yourself), and if you are not driving, that the bus systems only runs every hour or so.
Any comments about this?

 

[montessori]

We did use our own car.
Sometimes my husband would drop me off at the entrance but I don't think he ever had to park too far away.