GF vs. Contemporary - Worth The Extra $$ ??

[costpenn]

Hello All,
It's been over a year since my last post. Big thanks agaiin to all you dis-e people who help make our Dec 2000 trip something the kids still talk about. In fact, they've talked us ( though they did'nt have to try very hard) into going again. We're going to drive out from Dallas on Saturday March 8, 2003 and do a 4 Day Land/3 day Sea pkg. My question is we ( DD, DM, DD-8, DS-12) can get a package for about 3750.00 (Cat 6 on ship) and stay at the Contemporary or get the GF for about 4300.00. Since we've never stayed at either, we need any input.Is it worth the extra bucks for the GF? I think our kids would prefer the Contemporary, but my wife and I prefer the GF. Please help !!

 

[Greg K.]

I'd vote for the GF, for these reasons.

* It's a stunning hotel. Period. The place is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the service is second-to-none.

* Great pool. I think your kids would enjoy it more than the one at the Contemporary.

* Location, location, location. You can roll out of bed and 10 minutes later be walking up Main Street. If you want to take a break, just hop on a ferry boat and 10 minutes later, you're back at your room.

* Fun restaurants. The Park Faire character meals and GF Cafe are just plain swell. And adults can't go wrong with Citrico's or Victoria & Albert's.

I've never stayed at the Contemporary, but I've dined and shopped there. It just never did much for me ... it's a very big, very colorful Ramada, imho. But that's me. I know a lot of others disagree.

But the GF? Love it. Go and pamper yourselves and enjoy!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, I've stayed at both, and prefer the Grand Floridian. It is a wonderful hotel, and is my favorite.

 

[MJames41]

Is the money an object? For myself, if the money isn't an issue at all, the Grand Floridian is a wonderful hotel, and would be my choice. But to my son (15) he has said he will never stay at the Grand Floridian "too stuffy". Besides, he absolutely loves the Contemporary. If it was him, he would stay at the Contemporary each and every trip, the entire trip, although he does enjoy the park hopping we do.

You didn't say whether you would be in the Tower or the Wings with the Contemporary, but keep in mind my son has never been in the Tower (yet) and still loves the Contemporary. He even prefers it over Wilderness Lodge (even though we haven't stayed there yet, we did visit).

 

[reveric]

I would also vote for the Grand Floridian. The atmosphere is spectacular and it is so relaxing and beautiful. We went to the Contemporary to have dinner at the California Grill (which we loved) and it seemed like a nice place but I loved the ambiance at the GF.

 

[princess angel]

If $$ is not an issue, then by all means, the GF! The theming and service is spectacular!
There is something very special about the GF, dont under estimate it's potential to WOW your children! they'll love it, there is a new pool with a fun slide and lots of great things for kids!

Besides, if you prefer the GF, then go for it... the adults probably need the vacation much more than the children do!!! LOL!!

Laura

 

[costpenn]

Well, majority rules - we just booked at GF - thanks for the replies!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Congratulations! I know that you'll love it!

 

[princess angel]

ditto! on the congratulations! you will not be disappointed!

Laura

 

[Krissalee]

Good for you! While I have never stayed at either resort, I have visted both. I was just about to reply that I would prefer the GF over the Contemorary. For some reason, the theming of the Contemporary just does not agree with me. I do feel that the GF is splendid, and only appears stuffy - that is not the reality. It is Disney, of course, where fun is the major attraction!