Grand Floridian...Anything GOOD about the place???

[ead79]

I agree with what another poster said. Don't let hearing some negative comments dissuade you from trying something you're looking forward to. Everyone has different opinions and likes/dislikes, so I'm a firm believer in trying things for yourself. Right before I stayed Poly concierge in 2001, there were a bunch of negative comments on the DIS. It made me nervous about my choice, but I was thrilled with the Poly concierge and returned the next year. I will be trying both the GF RPC and the BWI concierge for the 1st time on my next trip. I really want to try these 2 concierges, so I'm just gonna go ahead and do it.

Also, I have stayed at the GF before (not in concierge though), and I LOVED it.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Bad things can and will happen at all of the WDW resorts. They aren't perfect and never will be. So remember that!

I love the GF and even though I have had some problems there in the past it still doesn't stop me from staying there. The views of MK are awesome, the pools are wonderful, the restaurants are some of the best on property, you've got the monorail right there, Gasparilla Grill is the BEST quick food place out of all the resorts, the lobby is breathtaking, etc, etc, etc. Don't worry for one minute, OK???, you are going to have a wonderful time!

 

[phyllis1966]

I completely agree with TigrLvsPooh and most of the others in this thread - my DH, DD (3 1/2) and I stayed at the GF in October and LOVED it! Not one problem. I really couldn't say one bad thing about it and we're returning in November with my parents and my in-laws, who have never been to WDW. We didn't stay concierge, but we'd like to on a future trip and I have to admit, all the negative posts about GF's concierge were swaying me against doing concierge there, but I just might give it a try, since I love that resort so darn much!

It seems the bad reviews stick with you more than the good ones, but don't let those reviews scare you. Although we'd like to try other resorts, I can't imagine liking another as much as the GF.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[phyllis1966]

I forgot a question I wanted to ask - some of the posters on this thread have mentioned being pleasantly surprised with an upgraded room. I'm curious, what were the circumstancxes that led to these upgrades, if I may ask? I know that some people are upgraded if there's a problem with their room, but what are some other reasons that a family would check in and be "surprised" with an upgraded room?

Thanks for any info.!

 

[Kard]

I faxed a request a few days before we got there stating it was our 10th wedding anniversary, and requested an upgrade from gv if any were available. When we were checking in I asked the cm if there were any upgrades available and she said "Oh you've already been upgraded to a lagoon view room." We had a great room in Big Pine Key, facing the Poly and wedding pavilion. Also on the day of our anniversary, when we came back to our room there was a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us, a nice touch!

 

[s&k'smom]

We stayed at GF for the first time last year and it was wonderful. We had a corner room and outside our back door you could see the monorail and the very edge of Bay Lake. My kids thought that was the most amazing thing. The extra room with two kids was really nice and though we made no special requests we found the service good. The pool area could have been a tad tidier but that was the only thing I had a problem with. The lifeguards were really top notch and kept an eagle eye on all the kids. We will definately stay there again.

 

[hmp2z]

Hi! We LOVE the GF! We stayed in RPC, turret honeymoon room for our Disney wedding in August 2002, and it was amazing and beautiful. We always love the GF; I think I'd rather be there than some of the parks. Some of our happiest memories are of sitting at a table for two in the concierge lounge, sipping wine and snacking on sushi and cheese, watching the castle and listening to the orchestra. Heavenly and decadent! We were very impressed with RPC, and will always stay RPC from now on, when we're at the GF.
The mousekeeping staff put beautiful roses inside our towels every morning, and the night before our wedding, we got a complimentary bottle of champagne and a rose. Everyone went out of their way to make our stay memorable and special. We are HUGE GF fans!
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[deb305]

I've posted both ways on GF-Concierge. Bottom line, it is a wonderful hotel, the rooms are beautiful with incredibly comfortable beds. The grounds are a lot of fun, and the extra events and restaraunts (sp) can't be beat. Where the discussions usually become divided is the value of GF-Concierge. If you are not staying there don't sweat it. We loved our stay in the hotel, had small issues with concierge. We won't be back to GF for a long time because there are so many other deluxes we want to try. Hopefully we'll be at the Poly for MNSSHP in Oct'04.

 

[mark smith]

I have never posted to any forum/chat, but felt iclined recently to register in responce to the negative GF threads. I was happy to see your post today and wish to comment on the GF. My wife, daughter and I have stayed twice; 1)2001, took 3 year old,2nd week of February(5 nights,last of value season,entire stay at that price w/DC discount). Requested MK view, received-excellent! Entire stay was great,but what did I know as a rookie? 2)2003,took now 5 year old(say time period w/DC value season discount,even though 6 0f 7 night stay was in peak season), Paid for garden view , requested upgrade to lagoon(not normally provided), received 3rd fl. dormer garden view w/ full "peak" view of lagoon, electric pageant, etc for FREE. No GF complaints here. Again our experiece was great-wonderful friendly staff, Spa very accomodating w/ scheduling error for my wife(ie. free treatment), great convient character dining for daughter(all food at GF marginal, including Narcoosee(this trip) and excluding V&A(last trip-valentines treat-great). We tend to travel at he high end and felt with a little planning(seasonal rates and DC discounts) the approx. $385.00/night avg was very fair for the GF quality and convience. I would personally not pay concierge prices as I enjoy the planning and would probably not value the GF as a $600+/night resort. Oh, almost forgot, the new pool is great and when we got snowed in th GF extended my stay same low price Presidents Day weekend for another 2 great days and a night at he GF and disney. I would stay again for sure, but am thinking of Yacht club or Ak in 2005. Any thoughts on these resorts vs. GF?