GF for first anniversary, what do you think?

[Merandab4]

We now have reservations for our first anniversary in September. I got the GF with the AP rate for $379 a night. Eventhough it is with the AP rate, I am cringing at spending this much, but I really wanted to stay at the GF for our first anniversary and I thought I could justify spending that much $ just this one time. To help counter act the cost I also booked us a room at Pop for the first nights when we arrive. Can't beat $59 !

The room we booked at the GF is suppose to be a lagoon room with a MK veiw and we should be able to see Wishes! At the time I booked there was no garden veiw available. Do you think it is worth the extra $ for the lagoon veiw?

Just a side note: We plan to do most of the parks while we are staying at POP, and then relax and get the most out of the resort while we are at the GF.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just so you know, you booked a Lagoon View room, but there is no guarantee that it will be a Magic Kingdom view room. It could view out to the Polynesian, Wedding Pavillion, or the Contemporary. It's a good idea to make sure to have a notation on your reservation that you would really like a MK view to celebrate your first anniversary. For special occasions, it will increase your chances (but still not guarantee) of getting that MK view.

Make sure to reiterate upon check in that you would like a MK view room.

 

[tkldisney]

Did you also tell them you were celebrating your 1st anniversary! Congratulations by the way!

If not when you call to confirm make sure you tell them. We stayed in the Boca Chica bldg. w/lagoon view room and it was great. We had dormer/corner room (had 2 balconys) and watched wishes and the water pagent from the room a couple of times. It was great in the morning to get up so sit out on the balcony and watch MK before it opened. Very quite time. I would even request dormer room, they say they are smaller, but with the vaulted ceiling it felt huge.

 

[Merandab4]

I did not know that the Lagoon view ment that there would be so many other veiws other than the MK. Actually it would not upset me to have a veiw of the wedding pavilion! The CM that took our reservation did note that we were an anniversary couple!

With a MK veiw, can you really see into the MK, or at least see people entering? That would be cool. I just though a MK veiw ment that you could see a bit of the castle and the fireworks at night. Can you see the fireworks with all Lagoon veiw rooms?

I am not crazy about the dormer rooms. I stayed in one the night before my wedding. It was not a logoon veiw. It overlooked the marina though, and I feel that the balcony was so high that it really took away from the veiw. The balcony came about to my shoulders, ( I know thats not saying much because I am only 5 "1"...lol) But anyway, are all dormer balconies like that?

 

[BunnieGene]

We stayed at the GF for our first anniversary, too. Our first stay at the GF ever. We arrived late at night, and had a dormer room with a lagoon view of the MK! I completely fell in love with the resort at that point, and I hope that your first anniversary is as wonderful as ours. (and yes, I think all dormer balconies are that high, but I like how it feels so private )

 

[johnsonet]

Merandab4
First of all - your photos are beautiful
Stick with the GF. It's your dream and you only live once. Maybe keep calling back to see if you can get a garden view room for less $$
Lagoon view would be gorgeous, of course
You will love the resort; Don't worry

 

[TammiMcMan]

From one September bride to another (9/24/83), I would go with the GF if that's what you have your heart set on. Of course, I'm more of a "live for the moment" type person though.

I'm kind of surprised that you wouldn't be able to book a garden view room in September. They may have some blocked for a convention. Really, any view at the GF is lovely and I wouldn't hesitate to book a garden view. You can always request SagoCay marina as part of that view and you'd still get to see the water. You can either keep checking back yourself, or you might be interested in contacting Dreams Unlimited. You can transfer your reservation to them and they'll do all the leg work for you. They are all major Disney enthusiasts and I've received nothing but first rate service from their agents. Not only will they continue to check on a garden view room, but they'll also keep an eye out for any other discounts and take care of your priority seating arrangements. Just one less thing for you to worry about and who knows, maybe they can shave off a few more dollars for you. Their service is free of charge to their customers and some of their agents are frequent posters on these boards. Something you might want to consider.

Tammi

 

[Jasminetigger]

I would keep the ressie you have. I don't think it is too much money to spend on a special occasion. I have always thought about staying at the GF. My girls (7 and 12) have been to some of the programs there. I'm always afraid they're going to break something. I don't know if I would feel comfortable staying there with kids. There is just something about the atmosphere there. I don't think it is uptight and snooty as I have read some people describe it. I would describe it as refined and elegant. That being said, I am trying to talk my DH into a trip for our 15th anniversary this September and I would love to stay at the GF. We have never had a trip without the kids since they were born. I hope you have a wonderful trip and anniversary. What day in September is your anniversary? Ours is the 22nd.

 

[Merandab4]

Thanks everyone,
I think I will keep my ressie with the Lagoon veiw. Whatever veiw I get out of it will be just grand! (hmm, now I am even hoping for a wedding pavilion veiw) I am even thinking about switching our Pop ressies to a moderate like POR. I think it will only be $100 difference for the three nights.

Hmm, if I keep adding , only $100 here, and just another $100 there, I'm going to be broke soon! I need to draw the line somewhere. I kee telling DH, that you really CAN do Disney on a budget, but I haven't been able to prove that yet...lol. But one of these days when it is not a special occassion I will. Heck, what am I talking about, every trip to WDW is a special ocassion, right Ladies!

Jasminetigger,
Our anniversary is September 18. Congrats on your upcoming 22nd!

 

[tkldisney]

With our corner/dormer room we had one balcony that was high, and the other was like the rest. I am not quite 5'3", so know where your coming from. We could see people entering the park from our room.
Have a great time!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Keeo your ressie at GF. You only have one 1st anniversary! Enjoy it!