Grand Floridian room selection assistance please!

[vtwep]

Hi All,

We're thinking of doing the Grand Floridian on our next trip (not sure of exact dates yet). I've only read a little bit about it so far, but it seems like a good choice (we did Yacht Club our last trip and loved it...just looking for something different).

I think I would like an upper floor room with a view of the Magic Kingdom. I think it would be great to sit on the balcony and see the castle and watch the fireworks on nights we're in the hotel at that time. I do NOT want a concierge level room or suite (too much money for our trip!). My assumption is that the type of room I'm looking for looks out over the water and right over to the MK (perhaps also giving us an in-room view of the water pageant?). The reservations site actually has a room type called "theme park view", but I wanted to make sure that is what I was looking for and see if anyone has any specific recommendations I could make with my reservation.

And better yet, does anyone have any photos from balconies at the GF that overlook the water and MK?

If anyone can let me know what "section" of the Grand Floridian and/or what floors, etc, to look for, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[micmacmissy]

Think twice before paying for a theme park view...while you can see the castle, it is still quite far away. People may post zoomed in photos from their balconies that are deceptive! We were surprised how far away the castle looked (but still enjoyed the view).

According to the unofficial guide, rooms that overlook the lagoon (and therefore the park) at the GF are the following: in the Conch Key building, ask for rooms 7228 to 7231, 7328 to 7331, and 7425 to 7431. Other less expensive rooms in the same building that offer good views are 7211, 7311, 7411, 7413, 7415, 7417, 7419, and 7421, 7212, 7312, 7412, and 7414.

Of course, be sure when you ask for a specific room number to ask about the view...and keep in mind, better views, more expensive!

Good luck and enjoy! Hope that helps!

 

[TammiMcMan]

The category of "theme park view" covers a wide variety. You may see the castle, or you could be positioned looking at Space Mountain. Unfortunately, you cannot guarantee a castle view. If that's whats really important, I strongly suggest that you look at the CR. Not only will you be in the tower, but you can pay to guarantee the castle veiw.

As Micmacmissy pointed out, the view of the castle from the GF is not spectacular. Because of the tree line, you see only the top 2/3rd's or 1/2 of the castle. It's definitely a pretty view though, especially at night if you're able to sit on your balcony to watch the fireworks or if you can see the castle changing colors from your bed. Whether or not the chance of getting that view and the actual view itself is worth the extra money per night, is really a personal decision.

 

[vtwep]

Thanks for the replies! It's a tough call after reading that information. Seems to be an extra $40 per night over the "lagoon view" rooms to get the "theme park view". That can add up if the view isn't what we were really hoping for.

Again - thanks for the replies!

 

[heatherlynn444]

there are many other viewing areas of the castle from the GF if you dont have to do it from your room. we love sitting outside of gasparillas and watching wishes or out on the beach watching the electrical water pageant. you can save yourself a lot of $$$ this way and still enjoy those things!

 

[cara loves the poly]

Here is our unzoomed view from the Polynesian (if you haven't considered).....
(3rd floor from balcony)

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