Grand Floridian....great or not?

[bridget8822]

I've stayed at CBR, POLY, and ASM, but this time I am staying where I've always dreamed of staying....The Grand Floridian!! My boyfriend has never been to Disney and bought this trip for my birthday. (Great guy huh?)

Anyhow, I've been reading all the reviews and it seems people either love it or hate it. It made me wonder is maybe I should change the reservation to the Poly and go with what I know. What do you all think? This is a very special romantic vacation and I want it to all go smooth.

Thanks!

 

[chimera]

If you've always dreamed of staying there, try it. If you don't, you'll always wonder what you're missing.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I had my parents stay at the Grand Floridian a few years back. They had a wonderful time, and now it's the only place my father wants to stay.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

I agree that if you've always dreamed of staying there, you should stay there. It's nice. It's on the monorail. It's pretty. You'll have a great time. I don't hate it it's just not my favorite. Different themes for different folks!

 

[stonecreekboys]

Why not just try it? It is beautiful and so romantic. I'd love to with my husband, however, the atmosphere there is overwhelming for me and my family of two boys with folks dressed in black tie mingling with those returning sweaty from the parks. It made me want to hurry up and shower and it didn't seem as relaxing as the Poly. GF definitely has a huge share of guests who model conspicuous consumption habits or enjoy acting "snotty". You'll make the best of any hotel, I'm sure. I love the Grand piano playing in the lobby at GF.

 

[Wishing on a star]

DH and I left DS one evening to have supper at the GF.

It may be just the wonderful thing for you and your guy! And, it is gorgeous.

But, don't let anyone tell you that this resort is not 'stuffy'.... It is.

When we arrived, the first thing we noticed is all the beautiful lights, outlining the rooftop gables, etc.. LOTS of them were burned out!!!! VERY disappointing for the GF. The fountain in the courtyard, not running and not lit. The newest pool, towards the beach, with the Pool Bar... Closed. The music in the lobby in the evenings...Music to sleep by. Mizners bar in the lobby, dark, quiet, dead... only serves liqueurs, martini's, etc...

Yes the GF is GORGEOUS!!! And, could possibly be very romantic! I just want to convey the reality and the 'feel' of this resort.

PS: if you do decide to stay at the GF, and you want to be very special and romantic, You might want to make some special requests as to what type of room, and what location for your room.

Happy Planning!

 

[Ariel2005]

We almost always stay at the GF. FOr the life of me I can't understand why no one likes it. It's a wonderful resort. I say go for it!!!

 

[tlbwriter]

Well, I've never stayed at a different resort, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I can't imagine why it would be considered stuffy. I thought it was beautiful and friendly.

 

[Davids-Coco]

We love GF! It isn't snooty. We stayed in the main building concierge (it was our honeymoon) and didn't feel out of place at all. I think that the snotty-ness that people seem to see is those people who think that they are better than everyone else. We stayed right up there with the people in the suites, and the people we met were wonderful, good, down-to-earth people. I think some people may think it is a status symbol type thing to stay there.

Really, it is a great resort that we absolutely love to stay at. We enjoy spending time hanging out and meeting people... and in the middle of September (low season), there were people dancing outside Mizners and children running and playing in the lobby and concierge lounge.

Go for it, you never know until you try it.

 

[Wendy*Darling]

My husband can't wait to stay at the GF! We've yet to do it and I keep saying "maybe for an adults only trip." It has a nice romantic feel to it, IMHO. You know what, if you go and don't like it you can always ask if it's possible to move to the Poly or Beach Club or somewhere. I'm sure if it was possible they'd be happy to accomodate you.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Well we stay there every year and love it. I definitely disagree when people say the GF is stuffy. The first year we went we had three kids 5 and under, and if we could feel comfortable anyone could. We've always had friendly, topnotch service and felt very relaxed therel. Plus its gorgeous. Have a great time.

 

[Leota]

I love the GF. I thought it would be too stuffy for me until I stayed there. If this cut-offs & t-shirt kind of gal can be comfortable at the GF, I figure anyone can. I spent alot of time in the lobby talking with friends, hanging out by the Pool etc.... & never ever felt remotely out of place or looked down on. I had many nice conversations with CMs & guest alike. Everyone that I encountered seemed genuinly warm, open & friendly.

If you've always wanted to stay there, I think you should go for it. I was that way about the Beach Club & I am so glad I did.

 

[TammiMcMan]

First of all, it's nice to hear opinions about different resorts, but don't let that be the deciding factor or have you going in there with pre-conceived notions about how the resort is going to make you "feel". If the theme appeals to you and you've always wanted to give it a try, then I say go for it. Secondly, life is life and no matter which resort you choose, there is no guarantee that every aspect of your vacation will run smooth. You can certainly enlist some preventative measures, like following up on all your requests, keeping a list of confirmation numbers and most importantly, just try to relax and not obsess too much (this coming from a self-described Disney OCD planner who's really trying to be more spontaneous ).

As others have mentioned, you can add to the specialness by requesting a certain type of room or location. It's not guaranteed, but it doesn't hurt to ask. If it's just the two of you, I think I would request a corner dormer room in Sago Cay. That's a nice quiet building and convenient to everything on property. The corner room is slightly bigger and gives you 2 balconies. The dormer room itself is slightly smaller than a regular room, but it has cathederal ceilings. The balcony is very private, but again smaller than a standard rooms balcony. While on site you can make arrangements for private dining to deliver a fruit platter and some sparkling cider to your canopied 2-person lounger on the beach. There's romance to be found in lots of places. And by the way, your boyfriend is a keeper .

Tammi

 

[dznyntnh]

Another GF-lover. I've never found it 'stuffy' just the opposite very arm and friendly. Just like every other hotel at wdw you are going to find people who love the theme and those who are turned off by it.

I would much prefer GF over Poly.

 

[jarestel]

You'll find differing opinions here on all of the WDW resorts. I prefer to make up my own mind on these things, and it's always fun staying at a new resort. Go with an open mind and I think you'll have a great time.

Have a super trip!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I love the Grand Floridian. I have stayed at all the other deluxes except BWI, and it is my absolute favorite. We have only stayed concierge at the GF, and I and I definitely do not even think that was "stuffy" at all. Every CM we encountered smiled and said "hello". We are a family of 5 and all felt very comfortable there. I would even like to bring my dog. She would love it.

Yes, there are people in wedding atire, but that adds to the fun. My girls got a kick out of seeing that daily. Just makes the place more princessy and adds something special.

I think the GF is charming and cannot wait to stay there again.

Have a great time with your nice boyfriend!!

Lives4Disney

 

[bridget8822]

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice! (I'm so glad I found these boards!!). I think I'll call and see about getting a special room. We just have a regular garden view, but maybe I'll call and see about getting upgraded. I doubt I can have a bad time in Disney anyhow. I lived through Hurricane Floyd there so it can't get any worse right?

Now.....how do we get my boyfriend to propose in front of the castle?? Or is that a totally different message board???