GRAND FLORIDIAN VS FOUR SEASONS - NEED ADVICE!

[threelilbears]

I understand this is a truly luxury problem - but I would really like some advice...
We've been Grand Floridian junkies for years (we usually go for a short trip every April and a longer trip in October), loved it, wouldn't think of staying anywhere else...

However, the last couple trips - we haven't been as happy there as in the past. The service seems to have slipped considerably. We had a number of issues with hot water, lack of responsiveness to problems, etc. My boyfriend bought me a very elaborate Fantasmic Themed Birthday cake (Maleficent & Mickey, fire, water, fondant, battery operated color changing lights - it was awesome) and Mousekeeping put a big hole in it with the back of vacuum handle - no note, no anything - just came home to a busted cake (desk said they asked and she was aware she did it but "didn't know what to do" since the cake had taken days to assemble.) Also, since the DVC opened, the pool was completely overcrowded - no lounge chairs available, loud music & kids games poolside (not relaxing), long lines to use the slide and feeling like kids are always on top of us or running into us in the pool. In short, we both work really hard to afford these trips and the feeling of relaxation and luxury just isn't what it used to be...

So, we've heard amazing things about the Four Seasons and we decided to consider it. It seems to be a more luxurious, service-oriented property (as the GF used to be) and we think we'd probably enjoy the relaxation & extensive pools, etc - we usually take a mid-day break every day and really enjoy the hotel. We decided we could live without the EMH, the monorail & boat transportation - but what I'm really worried about is the it won't feel like Disney. We loved the romantic GF lobby with the piano & the band - and we loved sitting of the balcony at night overlooking the castle and listening to the Halloween music. And the EMH & proximity are awesome. So, we're pretty torn...

Would love some feedback from people who have done both and their thoughts/feelings about how the two compare... We seem to waffle back and forth every day...

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

 

[DVC Mike]

The Four Seasons is a true luxury hotel, unlike the Grand Floridian, so if it's a luxury experience you're after, it's an easy decision.

I've never stayed at the Four Seasons at WDW but have visited it. If I weren't a DVC member, I'd love to stay there.

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[TeamSy]

Honestly, if you're not worried about the monorail, for sure do the FS. The ONLY pull for us for the MK hotels is the monorail/ease of getting to the parks. That's it. They are NOT luxury hotels and do not offer anything close to the service/amenities the FS offers. Based on everything you've described I would 1000000% give the FS a try, but I'm warning you, it will be SO HARD to go back to Disney hotels after!!

P.S. The Fours Seasons has an ADULTS ONLY pool!!!

 

[saintrob]

We've stayed at the GF in RPC and love it but have visited friends at the Four Seasons and ate at Capa Steak House. The Four Seasons is the height of luxury and the GF doesn't compare. Our friends have stayed at both and can't say enough good things about the FS. We've stayed in several of the hotels in Dubai and the FS is very similar to the five star luxury of what we've experienced over there. Try it - I don't think you'll be disappointed.