Help Any other Grand Floridian-GV posters excited about their stay?

[Cmbar]

I'm staying at the GF for my upcoming honeymoon in March. We're not staying in RPC. I booked a Theme Park View room. No, I'm not rich by any means. I just wanted our honeymoon to be extra special. I will never be able to do something like this ever again. I can't wait!

I hope it is extra special for you!! I think it is great you splurged a little on the Theme Park View!

 

[Disney Spaz]

We just got back fro GF GV in June and it was wonderful. It was the best resort we have ever stayed at and the view was beautiful. We could have sat on the balcony all day and it would have been an amazing trip. This is now my fav. resort and any chance I get I will go back. And unless I can afford the main building, Which right now is not realistic then I will stay with the GV because it was that beautiful.

 

[lisaj]

Fantastic thread, we are similar to other posters. Have saved for four years to return from UK to WDW, have booked a week at CSR, then a week at ST Pete's and finally a week at GF, have upgraded to a lagoon view because Mum has paid for the upgrade!! Don't think we get discount codes over here. Don't know where to ask for so will just take a chance that our location is good, fingers crossed. Hope everyone has a brilliant trip.

 

[Cmbar]

We will be in a GF GV room in 15 days! We are also the lucky recepients of the 40% code thus the upgrade from CR to GF.
This is our first trip back to the GF since our honeymoon 10 years ago next week.
It is a fabulous resort and you don't have to stay concierge to feel the magic!! We have never stayed concierge at any hotel and probably never will. But there is just something about that hotel that sweeps me off my feet every time I go near it!!
Have a great trip!

Congrats on 10 years! We are doing 15 yrs when we arrive in November! Did you make special plans? On the FAQ board one of the CM's told Heather that they always do something special for Anniversary guests at the GF. Of course, I assumed that was because she was staying concierge. But maybe us GV people will get a little surprise too. I know when I made reservations for the room, the CM was insistant that she mark down that we were celebrating our 15th. It is on the reservation papers as a special note. When we called for 1900 Park Fare ADR's the CM then kept me waiting because she wanted to check to see if they do anything special for your anniversary and wanted to, I guess, input in the ADR that we were celebrating an anniversary.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Congrats on 10 years! We are doing 15 yrs when we arrive in November! Did you make special plans? On the FAQ board one of the CM's told Heather that they always do something special for Anniversary guests at the GF. Of course, I assumed that was because she was staying concierge. But maybe us GV people will get a little surprise too. I know when I made reservations for the room, the CM was insistant that she mark down that we were celebrating our 15th. It is on the reservation papers as a special note. When we called for 1900 Park Fare ADR's the CM then kept me waiting because she wanted to check to see if they do anything special for your anniversary and wanted to, I guess, input in the ADR that we were celebrating an anniversary.

I saw that post regarding Heather's stay.....well, that CM was pretty incorrect. He was probably totally unaware of all that the GF did for her and why etc. I think that comment will lead lots of GF thread readers to disappointment, unfortunately.

They really do not do something for everybody's anniversary. I don't know why not, but sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't. If you are concierge there is more chance of magic but still doesn't always happen. I have stayed there many times and there is no rhyme or reason to whether pixie dust flows or does not. Just a warning.... No bad thoughts, but I just don't want you to go with expectations that lead to disappointments.

You can order champagne, strawberries, chocolate goodies from GF Private dining. You don't have to spend a fortune, either. You can get the pretty tuxedo strawberries or a chocolate GF truffle box for about $25. Just a little something extra special. OR, you could order a little gift basket from one of the DISers here that makes beautiful ones. That way, you'd be assured of a little something extra vs. the GF's iffy magic.

GF private dining....407-824-2474.

Make sure you get your "Anniversary" buttons from Guest relations/services at the parks. They are cute - I saw so many people wearing them when we were there in July & they make a cute souvie.

Happy planning & congrats on your anniversary!!! We will be 20 yrs next Sept and I hope to spend it at the Grand, too!

Lives4Disney

 

[ericamcl]

Congrats on the marriage and what a great way to spend your honeymoon! Is it really 944 miles from Baltimore to Mickey? Heres a little pixie dust for a code for January!!

Thanks for the pixie dust and wishes!
According to Mapquest, it's a little over 944 miles to the GF....
I just noticed you're from MD as well...what part of the state do you live in?

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

Our family has never stayed at the GF, but my MIL really wants to try it out and since she is paying for the whole thing, I sort of agreed. I've seen the GF from the outside and its very beautiful, but I'm afraid that there won't be any theming for my DD's (will be 2 and 4 years) enjoyment.....
I also have a question for you all..... What type of room should we stay in? My MIL suggested a two BR suite for just me, my DH and 2 DD's...but it seems like a LOT of money for our little family. For a Mom, DAd and two youngins...what size room would you suggest?thank you!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Our family has never stayed at the GF, but my MIL really wants to try it out and since she is paying for the whole thing, I sort of agreed. I've seen the GF from the outside and its very beautiful, but I'm afraid that there won't be any theming for my DD's (will be 2 and 4 years) enjoyment.....
I also have a question for you all..... What type of room should we stay in? My MIL suggested a two BR suite for just me, my DH and 2 DD's...but it seems like a LOT of money for our little family. For a Mom, DAd and two youngins...what size room would you suggest?thank you!

With 2 young childen, I think you would have ample room in a standard-sized room (with a garden view, lagoon view, or theme park view). The standard rooms at the GF are 440 sq. ft. (dormer rooms on the top floors of the outer lodges are a tad smaller with cathedral ceilings and solid-walled balconies). These rooms come with 2 queen beds and a daybed. Unless you're just a family that needs separate sleeping facilities, I would think that a 2 BR, particularly for the amount of $$ it's likely to cost, would be overkill.

If you wanted a little extra living space (extra sitting area, couch, and TV), you could book a Lodge Tower room - these have a little extra alcove off the normal sized room with the above-listed amenities.

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

I want to thank the OP for starting this thread and all the wonderful posters for sharing their GF experiences! The super-long official GF thread was depressing me because it was so focused on concierge experiences that I won't be having, and the lack of "I love the GF" posts from non-concierge guests was worrying me.

I wasn't too psyched about the GF because we originally planned AKL and were bumped, and the GF doesn't have the heavy theming. From what people on this thread have written, though, it sounds like it is very romantic and we will enjoy the grounds, the service, and our view very much!

Thanks for getting me excited about our upcoming trip

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I am getting the "GF Itch"..lol...am already beginning to plan next trip...I usually wait until I come back....I love the GF....the rooms are great for a family of 5!
And next year it will be our 5 yr Fairytale Wedding Anniv..and this is where we stayed And three yrs later DD was born on the same day!!! Now we have to go back! lol
Congrats and best wishes to all who will be there soon!!!

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks for the pixie dust and wishes!
According to Mapquest, it's a little over 944 miles to the GF....
I just noticed you're from MD as well...what part of the state do you live in?

We live out west of Columbia on your way to Frederick in Mount Airy!

I always say we have to go about 1000 miles to go "home" but I never knew I was that close to the right amount!

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

We live out west of Columbia on your way to Frederick in Mount Airy!

I always say we have to go about 1000 miles to go "home" but I never knew I was that close to the right amount!

I grew up in Frederick! Now I live in Alexandria.... BTW- people down here always mix up Frederick and Fredericksburg....!

 

[Maxie86]

I want to thank the OP for starting this thread and all the wonderful posters for sharing their GF experiences! The super-long official GF thread was depressing me because it was so focused on concierge experiences that I won't be having, and the lack of "I love the GF" posts from non-concierge guests was worrying me.

I wasn't too psyched about the GF because we originally planned AKL and were bumped, and the GF doesn't have the heavy theming. From what people on this thread have written, though, it sounds like it is very romantic and we will enjoy the grounds, the service, and our view very much!

Thanks for getting me excited about our upcoming trip

Just remember that most of the guests staying at the GF are NOT conceirge guests. Enjoy your stay at the GF.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Congrats on 10 years! We are doing 15 yrs when we arrive in November! Did you make special plans? On the FAQ board one of the CM's told Heather that they always do something special for Anniversary guests at the GF. Of course, I assumed that was because she was staying concierge. But maybe us GV people will get a little surprise too. I know when I made reservations for the room, the CM was insistant that she mark down that we were celebrating our 15th. It is on the reservation papers as a special note. When we called for 1900 Park Fare ADR's the CM then kept me waiting because she wanted to check to see if they do anything special for your anniversary and wanted to, I guess, input in the ADR that we were celebrating an anniversary.

We have it noted, but I am really not expecting anything. I am going to have a cake sent to the room one evening. If they want to do anything special (like upgrade my view ) I am all for it, but I am just tickled pink to be back at the Grand after all these years!!

 

[lisaj]

Does anyone have details of what is provided by GF private dining, the tuxedo strawberries sound fantastic. can't find a menu on any site, otherwise I will just give them a ring.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Does anyone have details of what is provided by GF private dining, the tuxedo strawberries sound fantastic. can't find a menu on any site, otherwise I will just give them a ring.

They are fantastic, LOL!! Delicious!

I haven't seen a menu or list around, either, but if you call them (I posted the number at the bottom of the previous page) & give them a price range, they can make some suggestions. We've had the truffles in the choc GF box and also on a platter, and we've had a platter of strawberries set around a little pot of warm chocolate dipping sauce. Everything has been scrumptious and you don't have to spend a fortune & you can make a bit of extra magic for yourself instead of hoping GF does it.....as they just may not. You never know.

Have fun.....GF is the BEST!

Lives4Disney

 

[Dicecatt]

I've never stayed at GF. But...I've been there several times, and it is beautiful! And that rate is GREAT. If we didn't love the Poly so much, we would have given in to the temptation to change to GF when we had that 40% off code. Sometimes I regret it (but I love the Poly so much that I'm all good ).

The grounds are beautiful, but I've seen fun happening...my son took the pirate cruise from there. The restaurants are great and there are so many in that one hotel! Narcoossees, Citricos, GF Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, V&A...Princess Tea Party...GF Tea...YUM.

I wouldn't hesitate to stay at such a beautiful resort, especially at the great rate you have! Normally we do concierge at Poly, but at GF, if I had a chance to stay garden for $255, I would be on it! You made a great choice. I know you don't hear as much about GF as other resorts, I've noticed that too...but I'd stay there in a heartbeat, and I will someday. Codes and such have not presented an opportunity yet for me but soon!

 

[Lisann]

I honestly don't know why people equate this resort with stuffiness. I felt that it was a very casual beachside resort. We really loved it. There's no snootiness here at all. The kids have meltdowns here just like at all the other WDW resorts!

We had the poorman's GV rooms, and they were great. Very pretty, very comfy, nice views. And it was wonderful to hear the train whistle from our room. We loved it!

Your rate is great, don't give it up!

 

[disyady]

I honestly don't know why people equate this resort with stuffiness. I felt that it was a very casual beachside resort. We really loved it. There's no snootiness here at all. The kids have meltdowns here just like at all the other WDW resorts!

We had the poorman's GV rooms, and they were great. Very pretty, very comfy, nice views. And it was wonderful to hear the train whistle from our room. We loved it!

Your rate is great, don't give it up!

I couldn't agree more with this post! Also, it's so funny that you mentioned hearing the train whistle - I had forgotten all about that and it is always one of our favorite things when we're there! What a wonderful thread.

 

[Cmbar]

I grew up in Frederick! Now I live in Alexandria.... BTW- people down here always mix up Frederick and Fredericksburg....!

I know, I always say to someone who says fredericksburg: "wrong state". But in the DC/Md/Va we all are so merged together it is easy to confuse!

Have a magical trip! Are you flying from Dulles then? We are probably equal distance from Dulles or BWI, its just BWI we don't have travel around the beltway! But next time we go we are going to try Dulles so we can try JetBlue!