Give me the dirt on the Grand Floridian

[Bird-Mom]

We are planning our next trip for February. We would usually just stay at the Polynesian, but we didn't have a good experience there this time. We loved the Beach Club; however, my husband wants to stay part of the time at a monorail resort. We're not big on the Contemporary, so that leaves the Grand Floridian. We are very casual being from the Northwest, and I worry that the GF will be too formal and elegant. On the couple of occasions that we ate there, I was worried that I was going to break something. What do you think?

We will probably do 5 nights GF and 5 nights Yacht or Beach Club.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, it really is a nice resort. However, I have noticed quite a lack in quality over the past year. We stayed there twice this year. The first stay the staff lacked in many areas, and our room was showing signs of wear. The second stay the staff were really nice, but our room was in very bad shape (looked like some guests really gave the room a workout). There were also little things that lacked, too.

But, I did try to book the resort for my trip next month and the place was sold out. It holds a special place in my heart, I'm trying to get that "perfect" stay. Anyways, we'll be staying at the Beach Club instead.

 

[scanne]

Hi.

I've stayed at the GF twice and before I ever stayed there I thought it was "Ritz Carlton" luxurious. It's definitely NOT. It's Disney's "flagship" resort, but it lacks a lot of the formalness (is that a word?) and stuffiness that I would associate with upscale hotels.

That being said, it is a BEAUTIFUL resort with lovely rooms and an unbeatable location. I recommend for it's location and victorian charm. But it's definitely not stuffy or snobby. We are VERY casual people, too, and felt very comfortable staying there. Also, the last time we were there my parents went with us and my dad is a very big outdoorsy type, but he loved the GF even more than the AKL. But I know when he stays at Wilderness Lodge someday, that will take the cake for him.

Don't worry about formality. You'll be fine! Enjoy!!!!

 

[aahmom1]

We've stayed there 4 times, we have 3 kids and are not the 'formal' type but we really love the GF. The kids even love it. I've never felt out of place there even for a minute. Stay there, you'll fall in love just like I did.

 

[Greg K.]

We are big GF fans ourselves ... we spent two weeks there in '96 for our 10 year wedding anniversary, and we were hooked

The place is majestic, no doubt about it. But it's also LIVELY and colorful and full of fun. The lobby sofas are GREAT for flopping onto, and there is never an absence of happy, squealing kids.

The staff is unpretentious and friendly -- despite the knickers and bloomers! -- and you really DO feel pampered. (But, happily, never condescended to.)

Go and enjoy. You'll have a blast. And you'll really feel like you have entered another world.

Tip: take the monorail TO the MK ... it's less than five minutes away ... but take the boat BACK. It's much faster.

 

[Familyof6]

You MUST try the GF! We were there last May and really enjoyed our stay there. We have 4 children who were ages 2-11 and I had the same concerns about the place as you do. I was afraid our kids would be out of place and we wouldn't feel comfortable there. I was wrong! We were very comfortable. That said, I did get a feeling that I was troubling the attendant in the concierge lounge when I asked for iced tea in the evening. (not offered) That's the only time I felt any snootiness. (is that a word? )
The GF is such a beautiful resort. If your dh wants to stay there, book it now! (before he changes his mind! ) You won't feel out of place, only pampered. We saw people dressed various ways at the GF...even overalls with no shirt underneath. We also saw people dressed up. It runs the gamut.


I must agree with Greg...we got the tip from our bellhop...take the monorail TO the MK and then the boat back! The boat stops at GF first so it's much faster. When we were there, practically had a private boatride to our hotel...only one other family and they were going to the Polynesian. We didn't wait at all and, ZOOM!, we were at the GF!

Ok, that's enough rambling here...I could go on all day...as many of you may know.

Book the room!!! You'll love it!

Lisa

 

[TammiMcMan]

Another thumbs up for the GF. We've stayed on a number of occasions with our children and we just love it there. It's a beautiful resort and definitely has something for everyone. They have great kids programs by the pool each afternoon, a video arcade in Gasparilla's and water mice for the young at heart. In the evenings, you can listen to the piano or orchestra in the lounge of the main building, visit one of their great restaurants, or book the Grand I for a breathtaking fireworks dinner cruise for 2. It's certainly not uncommon to see wedding guests dressed to the nines sitting on a couch alongside a family in shorts and sneakers. And no one looks out of place. The resort was designed for victorian grace and it certainly has that, but I've never found it to be stuffy. It's my childrens favorite so far.

Terrific advice about the transportation and don't forget the spa. It's heavenly.

Tammi

 

[Greg K.]

Keep your eyes peeled. The GF is the #1 wedding hotel at WDW ... the chapel is just footsteps away, and the GF does a brisk business in receptions. (An astonishing number of weddings held there are couples from Asia, for some reason.)

Anyway: it's not uncommon to see Mickey and Minnie arrive to chat with the bride and groom and pose for pictures. You never know when you'll bump into a mouse in the lobby!

 

[las3888]

I agree with the previous posters that it really only looks stuffy, but it's really a nice family resort with an unbeatable location and spectacular views.

I will add though, that I was somewhat disappointed when we finally stayed there. I think I may have expected too much. Everybody raves about it, plus it is the 'flagship' hotel and more expensive than the others. I guess I expected a little more and really, it doesn't offer any more than other deluxes, it's just a different theme.

I guess that's my opinion - I would stay there again in a heartbeat if the price were right - but wouldn't justify the extra cost of the other deluxes - would probably prefer boardwalk area deluxes and CR and Poly over GF.