Grand Floridian trip!

[tnkrbell]

We just switched our ressies for next weekend to the grand, am I going to like this hotel as much as I love the Yacht club?? This is the only deluxe in Disney I have not stayed at. Anything I should know and tips???

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We just switched our ressies for next weekend to the grand, am I going to like this hotel as much as I love the Yacht club?? This is the only deluxe in Disney I have not stayed at. Anything I should know and tips???

Hi Sheri,

Like you, we love the YC.
I think you will love the GF. We have found the service is usually superb. The two pools provide different experiences. The dining choices are diverse and tasty. The transportation has been excellent. Perhaps we have been lucky, but our last 2 trips to the GF we have been able to check in around 10:00 a.m. and get our room.

Hope you have a great time!

Gordon

 

[TammiMcMan]

There are a few subtle differences between the two. The YC has more of a hotel setup, with everything being contained in one building. The GF has a main building and then outer lodges for guest rooms. Gives it a more spreadout, resort feel. Don't worry though, the distance between the 2 furthest points is probably no more than a 2-3 minute walk. At the YC, you can walk to Epcot and technically MGM. At the GF, you need to take the monorail, resort boat or a bus to any of the parks. At the YC, you have the BC, Swan, Dolphin and Boardwalk for a very wide variety of dining and entertainment choices. The GF is more secluded.

I've stayed in both and enjoy each for it's different range of benefits.

 

[Tinkbell]

One of the things I enjoyed about the GF was being able to resort hop to the Contemporary, Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge with ease. I also loved riding the monorail to the MK and taking the boat back to GF. It seemed to be the quickest route.

 

[dsmom]

You will love the GF!! We stayed at the Yacht Club at least 50 times before trying the GF and now it is our favorite!! I love everything about it! We have stayed in every building and love them all. There is not a bad view in the place.
Be sure to meet D.J.( one of the managers there) he is wonderful and one of the nicest people we have ever met!

 

[tom401]

Our kids actually like the pools at the GF as much as the YC. From the GF, it is easy to get to both the MK and Epcot. The only thing I don't like is the trip to AK and MGM. I like the GF restaurant choices because of the monorail access to all 3 resorts on the monorail line. You will love it.

 

[Stepht5]

Hi Sheri,

. Perhaps we have been lucky, but our last 5 trips to the GF we have been able to check in around 10:00 a.m. and get our room.

Hope you have a great time!

Gordon

I hope that ends up how it is for us! We will get to the Hotel around 10am from the airport and DH is counting on being able to take a short nap <gg>. I know that officially the check in is 3pm. I told him if all else fails he can relax in the SLC lounge while the kids and i go to the park!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

I hope that ends up how it is for us! We will get to the Hotel around 10am from the airport and DH is counting on being able to take a short nap <gg>. I know that officially the check in is 3pm. I told him if all else fails he can relax in the SLC lounge while the kids and i go to the park!

I hope you get your room early. If not, he can spread out on a couch in the Lobby. CM's LOVE that. Just tell him not to drool on the pillows!

 

[triplefigs]

Have fun and be sure to post a trip report when you get back!

 

[tnkrbell]

Im pretty excited about trying this one out!! My only concern is that it may be really busy!! When I look online all the rooms are BOOKED!! YIKES!!!!

What resteraunts are good??

 

[TammiMcMan]

I told him if all else fails he can relax in the SLC lounge while the kids and i go to the park!

Actually, he might like doing what my DH does. Me and the kids can't wait to hit the parks, but my DH likes a more leisurely pace. He heads right for the spa. I understand the mens lounge is very nice and relaxing. There is a whirlpool, steam room, sauna, plus the lounge area with showers and changing rooms.

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

Have fun, enjoy the GF, it's beautiful!

Eat in the restaurants, they rock, try the desserts, they're amazing and made fresh each day!

The pools are beautiful and so is the landscaping!

 

[Stepht5]

I hope you get your room early. If not, he can spread out on a couch in the Lobby. CM's LOVE that. Just tell him not to drool on the pillows!

Too funny! He is looking forward to relaxing and snacking.

 

[Stepht5]

Actually, he might like doing what my DH does. Me and the kids can't wait to hit the parks, but my DH likes a more leisurely pace. He heads right for the spa. I understand the mens lounge is very nice and relaxing. There is a whirlpool, steam room, sauna, plus the lounge area with showers and changing rooms.

I'll let him know! Conceirge just called a few minutes ago so not it seems REAL.
He is much more about relaxing on vacations then the kids & I. I told him that the cruise is for relaxing.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

When are you leaving and how long are you staying?
We had a nice dinner at Narcoossees two trips ago with all four of us, and my DW and I on our last trip had a great Rueben in the Cafe. We have had nice meals throughout the GF.

Good Luck and have a great trip!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

You will love the GF!! We stayed at the Yacht Club at least 50 times before trying the GF and now it is our favorite!! I love everything about it! We have stayed in every building and love them all. There is not a bad view in the place.
Be sure to meet D.J.( one of the managers there) he is wonderful and one of the nicest people we have ever met!

Didn't D.J. used to be a manager over at the Yacht Club, circa 2002? I remember asking a question at check-in, and someone walking by behind the front desk, and saying, "Yes, if anyone asks any questions, tell them D.J. said it was okay!"

Just wondering if there are two managers onsite (at the YC AND GF) that could possibly both be named D.J. and be very cool?

 

[dsmom]

That is the same D.J. We actually met him years ago at the Yacht Club. We never stayed anywhere but there- it was my mom's favorite hotel- but when D.J. went to the G.F. my husband said he would not stay anywhere else but the GF as long as D.J. was there- if that tells you a little about how nice he really is. We have a seven year old autistic child and D.J. is wonderful with him. He has the ability to make everyone he meets feel special and he is genuine.

 

[CharlieTuna]

Yes - I say to anyone going to the Grand to be sure to meet D.J. He ws voted best resort manager in Disney from what I heard. He really cares.