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

[Cmbar]

OP thanks for starting this thread and thanks to everyone for their advice and opinions!!

We are staying at GF for the 1st time in Nov. My dad has a convention there and we got a great rate but only for GV. We went there for the frist time last year to eat at GF Cafe for b'fast and weren't sure if we would want to stay there. When my dad found out about his conf., we jumped at the chnace to go - who knows if we will ever get such a great rate again.

I am now looking forward to our time there.

Thats how we felt... A great rate, we can't pass it up. Of course it didn't help when I called with my PIN number and the CM said, "Wow, great rate at GF, You might want to hold onto that one until you are sure you DON"t want to go."

Enjoy your trip!! When will you be there? Is there a convention at the GF? We are there mid November starting the 11th. Hoping for some Christmas decorations!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

We are staying at the GF in a GV room in November and to be honest I am not enjoying my "build up" before the stay. Usually with each new resort we stay at, I spend hours reading others thoughts and opinions. I usually read the "official xyz Resort thread" to learn all I can learn. But with the Grand Floridian I am feeling less than excited about the resort. The "New GF resort thread" has lots of helpful people on there but the thread mainly deals with people who stay conceirge and get wonderful surprises and upgrades. I feel like I am destitute only having a GV room booked for our stay.

To any of those great ladies on that thread (Heather, Alicewonderln, Lives4Disney and others) You all are wonderful and very helpful to us GF newbies. No disrespect intended, but I just can't relate to all the RPC Deluxe (I don't even know what that means ), SL (I think that is Sugar Loaf) , Private Dining , Private Planners and all those yummy looking cakes and stuff you all get and order. I feel like we are totally out our league staying at this resort. Tonight when everyone was comparing room rates at 500- 1000 PER night, I thought.... I shouldn't be staying at a place like this. We got a code for 255.00 a night (only GV,) and I am questioning paying that a night!

SO are there any GF GV people out there who want to help me get excited about the resort. I have read so many posts that say the GF is stuffy, but I just don't want to believe it! I am afraid that when I check in for GV I envision the CM at the desk rolling her eyes.. and saying "oh, only a Garden View guest".

Help me get over my fear that the Grand Floridian is for the rich and famous (which my family very much is not!) Help me understand how to enjoy this resort. For instance , I know the pianist plays and I have heard him playing while waiting for Park Fare, but I would never think to just sit and listen. I don't think we have ever really taken the time to explore and enjoy a resort. Is that what we are doing wrong?

Help! My DH will divorce me if I say I don't want to stay here! We have already done the Resort dance. And of course now if I want to change anything, I will lose the 40% off! He will be a little bit mad, so help me get revved up about the Grand Floridian! Thanks

You will love the GF. It isnt about staying concierge. Its about the GF. The lobby, the rooms are fab, the grounds are so nice, the transportation options. The music in the lobby. The shops, the beach, the walk to the poly. You can watch the fireworks from the front of Gasparillas. Gaspies is open 24 hours as well.
The pools are wonderful and the cabanas are a nice treat. I love the atmosphere there and its so relaxing.
THe garden views are very nice. Have you selected a building ? I think you will be fine and love it !

 

[Lives4Disney]

We are staying at the GF in a GV room in November and to be honest I am not enjoying my "build up" before the stay. Usually with each new resort we stay at, I spend hours reading others thoughts and opinions. I usually read the "official xyz Resort thread" to learn all I can learn. But with the Grand Floridian I am feeling less than excited about the resort. The "New GF resort thread" has lots of helpful people on there but the thread mainly deals with people who stay conceirge and get wonderful surprises and upgrades. I feel like I am destitute only having a GV room booked for our stay.

To any of those great ladies on that thread (Heather, Alicewonderln, Lives4Disney and others) You all are wonderful and very helpful to us GF newbies. No disrespect intended, but I just can't relate to all the RPC Deluxe (I don't even know what that means ), SL (I think that is Sugar Loaf) , Private Dining , Private Planners and all those yummy looking cakes and stuff you all get and order. I feel like we are totally out our league staying at this resort. Tonight when everyone was comparing room rates at 500- 1000 PER night, I thought.... I shouldn't be staying at a place like this. We got a code for 255.00 a night (only GV,) and I am questioning paying that a night!

SO are there any GF GV people out there who want to help me get excited about the resort. I have read so many posts that say the GF is stuffy, but I just don't want to believe it! I am afraid that when I check in for GV I envision the CM at the desk rolling her eyes.. and saying "oh, only a Garden View guest".

Help me get over my fear that the Grand Floridian is for the rich and famous (which my family very much is not!) Help me understand how to enjoy this resort. For instance , I know the pianist plays and I have heard him playing while waiting for Park Fare, but I would never think to just sit and listen. I don't think we have ever really taken the time to explore and enjoy a resort. Is that what we are doing wrong?

Help! My DH will divorce me if I say I don't want to stay here! We have already done the Resort dance. And of course now if I want to change anything, I will lose the 40% off! He will be a little bit mad, so help me get revved up about the Grand Floridian! Thanks

Hi!! Lives4Disney here....Hey, I will 'fess up. I got the 40% off discount for November, too!!! Maybe we'll see you there because I booked the GF GV, too! When I called on the code, the CM told me my hotel choices and several included concierge at various resorts, but no concierge available at the Grand. I asked DH what he preferred and despite us being concierge lovers we both agreed we'd take the Grand GV over concierge at any other hotel any day. We have only done RPC many times and SL once, but I have no problem doing just a regular GV room. I just love the hotel so room category is secondary.

You should be excited!!! Go to the WDW website and click on the Grand's virtual tour. I get happy just listening to that music, lol. Kelly has it right. It's about being at the Grand - doesn't matter what room category. I am very excited to be going in November for Thanksgiving. (and even more excited about that unheard of rate )The Grand is beautiful, the music in the lobby, turndown, NEW rooms, gorgeous uncrowded pools, pretty white sand beach, the location!! The garden views are so pretty, too. I had said before if it wasn't in the budget to stay RPC, I would book GV because the courtyard and pool and flowers are so lovely. We are not rich and famous and we have never felt out of place there. You see all kinds of people dressed in everything from wedding/evening attire to Mickey tees and jeans. Not a problem. I love that - everybody is welcome. The Grand feels like home to me.....even though my home is more like WL, the atmosphere is so cheery and bright & the CMs are so nice at the Grand.

Come back over to the GF thread. We'll get you psyched. I have stayed at almost all the WDW resorts several times and the Grand is the best.

Lives4Disney

 

[Cmbar]

You will love the GF. It isnt about staying concierge. Its about the GF. The lobby, the rooms are fab, the grounds are so nice, the transportation options. The music in the lobby. The shops, the beach, the walk to the poly. You can watch the fireworks from the front of Gasparillas. Gaspies is open 24 hours as well.
The pools are wonderful and the cabanas are a nice treat. I love the atmosphere there and its so relaxing.
THe garden views are very nice. Have you selected a building ? I think you will be fine and love it !

Thanks Kelly! I know the resort is lovely and that is just what I wanted to see about all that stuff you said above! I am getting excited! I think is was Heather that had an anniversary trip that she just posted on and I was like - oh my, this place is over the top with rose petals and mini mickey and minnie chocolates! Here we are spending our 15th Anniversary here, but we can only afford GV and I just thought maybe the thrill of the GF is in the extra stuff like spas, and conceirge and stuff like that, and that we would feel like we were staying at the RITZ and not be able to touch anything! Lots of folks on this thread have me excited about all the little things! We really are grateful to be able to get a good rate (as I know everyone doesn't get a PIN) so I am just wanting to be excited about it!

No direspect at all to the GF FAQ thread, lots of great stuff on that thread, I just felt a little silly being on the thread. (oh and of course, a little envious of the wonderful trips described!)

To answer you question We haven't requested a building yet because I was kinda waiting to see if some more of the outer lodges might be renovated. Of course, we have never been, so I don't know if a renovated room is that necessary, but one reason we had steared away was due to the decor. I also have a boy and a girl so we would prefer a room with a Daybed so they can sleep apart, but those dormer rooms looks like they feel very roomy, so I kinda am just thinking about not requesting anything so I don't have to make a decision and the GF people can just decide for me. The only thing I think I really want is to be up high! What do you think?

 

[Cmbar]

Hi!! Lives4Disney here....Hey, I will 'fess up. I got the 40% off discount for November, too!!! Maybe we'll see you there because I booked the GF GV, too! When I called on the code, the CM told me my hotel choices and several included concierge at various resorts, but no concierge available at the Grand. I asked DH what he preferred and despite us being concierge lovers we both agreed we'd take the Grand GV over concierge at any other hotel any day.

You should be excited!!! Go to the WDW website and click on the Grand's virtual tour. I get happy just listening to that music, lol. Kelly has it right. It's about being at the Grand - doesn't matter what room category. I am very excited to be going in November for Thanksgiving. (and even more excited about that unheard of rate )The Grand is beautiful, the music in the lobby, turndown, NEW rooms, gorgeous uncrowded pools, pretty white sand beach, the location!! The garden views are so pretty, too. I had said before if it wasn't in the budget to stay RPC, I would book GV because the courtyard and pool and flowers are so lovely. We are not rich and famous and we have never felt out of place there. You see all kinds of people dressed in everything from wedding/evening attire to Mickey tees and jeans. Not a problem. I love that - everybody is welcome. The Grand feels like home to me.....even though my home is more like WL, the atmosphere is so cheery and bright & the CMs are so nice at the Grand.

Come back over to the GF thread. We'll get you psyched. I have stayed at almost all the WDW resorts several times and the Grand is the best.

Lives4Disney

Thanks for posting all of this Lives4Disney! I know I keep hearing that the GF is well.. Grand, so I am starting to get excited! Just going through a little "oh my, I am spending more for a resort than ever before, and what if I hate it??? " kind of moment.

I haven't been to the WDW site to do the tour so I am going to hop over there! And I will definitely be back on the GF Thread! After all I gotta keep my eye on any renovations updates!!

Thanks again! And as I said to Alicnwondrln, no disrespect was intended by starting this thread!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Thanks Kelly! I know the resort is lovely and that is just what I wanted to see about all that stuff you said above! I am getting excited! I think is was Heather that had an anniversary trip that she just posted on and I was like - oh my, this place is over the top with rose petals and mini mickey and minnie chocolates! Here we are spending our 15th Anniversary here, but we can only afford GV and I just thought maybe the thrill of the GF is in the extra stuff like spas, and conceirge and stuff like that, and that we would feel like we were staying at the RITZ and not be able to touch anything! Lots of folks on this thread have me excited about all the little things! We really are grateful to be able to get a good rate (as I know everyone doesn't get a PIN) so I am just wanting to be excited about it!

No direspect at all to the GF FAQ thread, lots of great stuff on that thread, I just felt a little silly being on the thread. (oh and of course, a little envious of the wonderful trips described!)

To answer you question We haven't requested a building yet because I was kinda waiting to see if some more of the outer lodges might be renovated. Of course, we have never been, so I don't know if a renovated room is that necessary, but one reason we had steared away was due to the decor. I also have a boy and a girl so we would prefer a room with a Daybed so they can sleep apart, but those dormer rooms looks like they feel very roomy, so I kinda am just thinking about not requesting anything so I don't have to make a decision and the GF people can just decide for me. The only thing I think I really want is to be up high! What do you think?

I would reuqest a building. I would also request a day bed room. There are dormer rooms with NO day beds in them on the top floors of the outer lodges. If your kids dont wanna sleep together I put in those requests.

 

[Tinkaroo]

You should be extremely excited to be staying at the GF in a GV room! I will join you as being excited, as I'm likely to confirm a reservation I'm holding for a GV room in Dec. '08!

The GF is a magical place - I've only stayed once thus far, with my mom on a b-day trip for both of us (our b-days are 6 days apart) in August '05. We had a truly magical stay, and felt like princesses in our GF GV dormer room in Conch Key. At that time, GF was a dream to both of us, as I could never see justifying those rates. Well, when I got a good AP rate for value season, and could split the rate down the middle with Mom, we decided to go for it - and were ever glad we did!

There is a lot that is special about the GF to us - the CM's we ran into were outstanding, and we never felt "lowly" by merely staying GV. In fact, they went out of their way to give us a perfect room, took care of every little need, mousekeeping was amazing, etc. The CM's went above and beyond in helping us when an ankle injury of my mom's flared up, and she had to resort to a wheelchair. I could go on and on. That trip made a believer out of us, and while it's not a resort that I will be able to justify every year, and for days and days at a time, I see it as a wonderful spot, that for me, has had that extra little bit of "Disney magic."

I turn 30 in mere days, and DH and I are doing a belated b-day trip on DCL/to the World in Dec. After much discussion, we decided to splurge and booked a RPC Honeymoon room. I've very much enjoyed anticipating this trip, and look forward to seeing all the things I've heard about in RPC, but know that it might be one of the only times I stay there, particularly with the room rates charged - I just can't justify it. But, that's ultimately not what makes the GF special to me - I can have that by staying in a beautiful GV room and location, and still have a GRAND time.

Much for you on your first trip to the GF! There's truly nothing like it!

 

[tidblgrrer]

OP -- Thank you for starting this thread! I was beginning to think I was the only one staying in the GV..... and like we didn't belong at all. We too were blessed with the 40% code! Now I'm starting to get excited as well
We're celebrating our Princess turning 4 so I want it to be magical (but how could it not be magical turning 4 at WDW at the GF!)

Anyway, I think all of the room have refrigerators..... but did I read somewhere that you could request a microwave????
TIA

 

[Glorydaz]

Hi CmBAR - I must confess, we will be staying at the Grand Floridian for the very first time this December - exactly 4 months from today- on our honeymoon!!! and I am excited beyond belief. yes, we did book concierge but let me point out that we did this with our DVC points - a HUGE splurge for us!! if we had to pay cash, we wouldn't be staying there. and even on points, it was a huge splurge BUT it is our honeymoon and I have always wanted to stay at the Grand ....that being said, it seems to be one of the most elegant, romantic and lush resorts in Disney. would I stay GV on cash? in a heartbeat - especially for the rate you got -that's awesome!!!!

and while we are not doing some of those ultra luxurious things, we will be renting the Sea Racyers (looks like loads of fun) and we are dining at Narcoossee's and Citricos - yum!

I don't even think you have to spend extra money - just taking the water boat to the Poly or the WL and walking around is a treat! you will have a fantastic time, of that I'm sure. have a great, great vacation and I'm hoping for you that the decorations will be up - I've heard that life size Gingerbread house in the lobby is a sight to behold!

Michelle

 

[ericamcl]

DH and I are going in January for a late honeymoon...we booked GF GV as well (hoping for a code or discount) and we requested a dormer room....

thanks for starting this thread, btw....

 

[DLo]

When will you be there? Is there a convention at the GF? We are there mid November starting the 11th. Hoping for some Christmas decorations!

CMBAR - We will be there Nov. 13 (late evening) through the 18th. I am not sure the exact days of my dad's convention but it is during this week at the GF. I am not sure how many people attend this. It is usually at the S/D. But, I am NOT complaining. The rate he got was a little less than our AAA rate at the Swan. (not sure the exact $ amount - he is paying for the rooms - lucky me) We couldn't get the DDP with our rate though.

Can't wait. I hope we all have a great time. It sounds very relaxing. From what I understand, the decorations go up the week we are there. I hope so. I plan on taking my family Christmas card picture there.

 

[tinklvr64]

I am totally jumping on this bandwagon for GF GV rooms! that is all we have ever stayed in and chose for our upcoming trip--we are sooo excited we love Boca Chica because its close to the pool and my boys can go right down and I can keep an eye on them if I am up in the room (they are 15-13)
I will not stay anywhere else...we stayed at BC in Nov it was just okay and the funny thing is we would longingly look over at GF and wish we were there, so thats when we decided its GF for us always. I never feel uncomfortable and dont even care about concierge level (would it be nice, sure, but I really dont want to spend the money)
You will have a grand time, at a grand place, making it a grand day!

 

[phyllis1966]

Our family loves, loves, loves the GF!!! We have never stayed concierge and probably never will, although I'd love to try it just once - aside from the through-the-roof rates, we have our DU agent make all our plans and ADR's, and with a young child, we spend lots of time at the parks and wouldn't be able to take advantage of the daily food offerings. So, that would mean that, for us, those crazy rates would be for the ambience, and we just don't feel like scraping together that amount of money just for ambience, when our GV rooms are always so lovely! We've stayed LV the last 2 times we went, first because I wanted to try it, and the 2nd time was because that's all that was available for the time we were going. Both times we were in Big Pine Key, looking at the Poly - nice view, but not worth the extra money, as far as we were concerned.

So, what I'm trying to say in my long-winded post is that a GV room is definitely something to be excited about at the GF! No other resort makes us feel as happy as the GF does. We are regular folks and are always made to feel welcome. Sitting in the lobby and watching our daughter dance to the orchestra makes us happy. Walking through the beautiful grounds every morning, smelling those lovely roses, makes us happy. Riding on that monorail every day makes us happy. Sitting on the patio outside Gasparilla's watching Wishes makes us happy.

I'm sure you will be happy there, too!

 

[Kulnet]

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!

 

[Sammie]

We love the Grand Floridian. Discounts here are very, very rare, so be very excited you got one, I am soo jealous.

We have stayed concierge, it was nice but truly we are just as happy in a Garden View room. The rooms, unless you get a suite, are all similar, only the location is different and access to the lounge and planning service.

The food in the lounge was not great and I can make my own dining reservations for a lot less money. Then you can take that money and book some very nice meals.

Some of the prettiest views in my opinion are garden view rooms. Sure you won't get all the "special" things that some concierge guests get, but then neither do all concierge guests get them either and they pay lots to stay concierge.

You will not be treated any different at the desk. Believe me most everyone that works there makes less than most anyone staying as a guest and they know how expensive it is.

As to it being stuffy, only if you stick your nose up real high in the air.

Enjoy your stay, in my opinion it is the most beautiful resort on property. At check ask if you can get a newly rehabbed room, they are beautiful. Or as someone else suggested Sago Cay, great location for Garden Rooms.

Many lovely places to sit and watch the fireworks and water parade and the beach area with the striped cabanas are so much fun.

 

[magical4us4]

Love this thread.......I have always wanted to try GV at the GF and I feel that this thread is really pushing me to it. We have a room booked in the main building and I am serious about changing it!!! Just being at the GF and walking around on the beautiful grounds and just taking all the magic in is amazing.

Everyone is right on here, it doesn't matter what room type you book, the GF is beautiful and very warm and welcoming....the CM's are all so nice.

 

[latinqt]

Gee, you are making me think of changing my mind and go GV.

 

[Florimel]

We're going GV at the GF for our next holiday and can't wait. We stayed there for our first trip which was just fabulous. It was a real haven of peace in between park days (we seriously overplanned our activities the first year!)The hotel is beautiful, restaurants are lovely and it is very child friendly - my daughter was so pleased to be going back as is her favourite resort. Being on the monorail is really, really good - especially late at night after the crowds ooze out of MK. Can't wait to see the Christmas decorations this year.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

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!

 

[Cmbar]

DH and I are going in January for a late honeymoon...we booked GF GV as well (hoping for a code or discount) and we requested a dormer room....

thanks for starting this thread, btw....

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!!