GF for $169/night

[Kanga1]

My DH has a conference that he could go to that is being held at the GF and the conference rate on the rooms is $169!! And I found awesome flights! The conference is in September. Oh what to do?!

We are currently booked at WL this Dec. for our first ever WDW Christmas (where I'm pulling DD11 AND myself out of school for 5 days.) There's no possible way we could do both trips. We've stayed at the GF before (although that was on the stay 4/get 3 free deal, so unlikely we'll stay there again anytime in the near future.) And we've already experienced September and the MNSSHP.

What would you do? Stick with our much anticipated Christmas trip or snag this awesome deal?

 

[DVCMikey]

Why not do both?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Food for thought - there will be a lot of construction at the GF during September. They are slated to start renovations to both the courtyard pool and Gasparilla's in late August. This may or may not deter you from staying, but wanted you to have the info to help in making your decision.

Here is the link to the proposed work schedule on allears.

HTH!

ETA: I would have a hard time passing up a Christmas visit to the World! On the other hand, awesome rate for the Grand.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

I would wait for the December trip at WL.

The WL resort should have its refurbishment completed and be in lovely condition. GF will have all sorts of construction going on during September, and that puts a damper on the resort experience for me.

September is the most humid month for Disney World, at least in my experience, even worse than August when we usually go. December weather was lovely when we were there in 2008. Shorts and t-shirts in the daytime and jeans and sweatshirts in the evening.

Also, December decorations are so lovely all over Disney World.

But most importantly, if you go in September, your DH will have work responsibilities. In December, the entire vacation will be pure pleasure!

 

[mariamouse]

I would wait for the December trip at WL.

The WL resort should have its refurbishment completed and be in lovely condition. GF will have all sorts of construction going on during September, and that puts a damper on the resort experience for me.

September is the most humid month for Disney World, at least in my experience, even worse than August when we usually go. December weather was lovely when we were there in 2008. Shorts and t-shirts in the daytime and jeans and sweatshirts in the evening.

Also, December decorations are so lovely all over Disney World.

But most importantly, if you go in September, your DH will have work responsibilities. In December, the entire vacation will be pure pleasure!

I completely agree with this!

 

[Pakey]

With the current construction (I stayed at the Grand 4th of July week) for the new DVC and the new splash play area plus the slated construction on the courtyard pool and Gasparailla's, I can understand why GF has dropped rates.

I would keep your December vacation.

 

[Mickeygolf]

If you've never experienced WDW during the holiday season then I would definitely keep the December trip. WL is a beautiful resort to begin with but when they add the Christmas decorations it is beyond stunning. Plus as PP have stated the weather in December is some of the best you'll experience. Keep the December trip and don't look back

Good luck!!!

 

[sharadoc]

If you can't do both then stick with Christmas for sure. It's a wonderful experience that everyone should do at least once.

 

[es45]

Will you and DD miss school if you take the trip in September?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Such a tough choice!! But since you have stayed GF before, because of everything that will be closed at the GF in September and because you have been planning/eagerly anticipating a Christmas trip, I wouldn't change anything.

(But can I borrow his rate? )

 

[Ali]

Is this an open convention so we could all share that wonderful rate? I'd stay at the GF in a heartbeat at that rate!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

There's nothing like Christmas in WDW!!! Keep the Dec. trip. You won't be disappointed.

 

[mickeynut1]

I would stick with the Christmas trip to the WL . As has been said, there is alot going on at the GF this fall with DVC construction and things being closed. We've stayed at both resorts and while the GF is nice, the WL is amazing and is our favorite during the holidays. The huge tree in the center of the lobby and the rocking chairs surrounding the fireplace makes for a cozy, Christmas atmosphere . Plus the WL is going through a refurb right now, which I think will be completed by the time you go. I know that is a great rate for the GF, but since you've already stayed there and have already experienced the Halloween party, I would go at Christmas time as planned and do the Christmas party .

 

[Karabee]

I'm going against what everyone else has said, but figure I'll throw my 2 cents in I've been to Disney at Christmas, and we're going again in late November this year, but only because that's the only time we can go. It's nice, but I still love the Fall decor more. If I could have my pick, I will always choose September over anything else. The low level of crowds, the longer days, the warmer nights where you don't have to dress in layers and can take an evening dip in the pool... I just hate to be in cold weather clothes at WDW - I don't know why but it really bothers me! I also cant imagine giving up that price for the top priced Deluxe....no matter what you pick you can't really go wrong though. Enjoy your trip

 

[TDC Nala]

That's an excellent rate, I think they charge that much for Pop Century sometimes, but remember if it is relevant that if you accept a conference rate, you can't get a dining plan.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I'm going against what everyone else has said, but figure I'll throw my 2 cents in I've been to Disney at Christmas, and we're going again in late November this year, but only because that's the only time we can go. It's nice, but I still love the Fall decor more. If I could have my pick, I will always choose September over anything else. The low level of crowds, the longer days, the warmer nights where you don't have to dress in layers and can take an evening dip in the pool... I just hate to be in cold weather clothes at WDW - I don't know why but it really bothers me! I also cant imagine giving up that price for the top priced Deluxe....no matter what you pick you can't really go wrong though. Enjoy your trip

Agreed

I prefer September hands down. It really is more of a personal preference... and I would not pass up such a great rate at Grand Floridian (which is why I changed my reservation from end of October to labor day as well)...

Construction or not.. GF is an amazing resort... and the monorail makes a HUGE difference...

 

[ocalla]

I'm going to say go with GF in September!!!

Of course being from the South, September heat doesn't really bother us.

Christmas is beautiful..............but a lot busier.

Either way, Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

BOTH of course! And buy annual passes for your tickets.

 

[cjsm&d]

My DH has a conference that he could go to that is being held at the GF and the conference rate on the rooms is $169!! And I found awesome flights! The conference is in September. Oh what to do?!

We are currently booked at WL this Dec. for our first ever WDW Christmas (where I'm pulling DD11 AND myself out of school for 5 days.) There's no possible way we could do both trips. We've stayed at the GF before (although that was on the stay 4/get 3 free deal, so unlikely we'll stay there again anytime in the near future.) And we've already experienced September and the MNSSHP.

What would you do? Stick with our much anticipated Christmas trip or snag this awesome deal?

I'm assuming you are not going to be at Disney on Christmas Day, because there is no school that week. You are going earlier in December?

If I could only do one, I'd do december.

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

I think it depends on when in December you're going. If you are going before the Christmas holiday when all the schools are out, then definitely keep your original reservation. We've been during the Christmas holiday twice. The first time was at the beginning of December. This has been our favorite trip so far. The crowds were low, the weather was beautiful and the Christmas decorations were beautiful. There are few things in this life as beautiful as the castle decked out in icicle lights being lit up in the evening. STUNNING!!

In September you're still going to have a lot of heat. Add to that is the fact that your husband will be there for work and his time will be dedicated to his company and their activities. My husband has an annual company conference held at WDW every January or February. We went with him the first time and it wasn't the same doing things without him. He felt left out knowing his family were having fun without him and his company frowned on his bringing us along. Now we just give him a wish list of trinkets to buy for us and plan our trips around our vacation schedules. I say keep your December trip.