Help! Having second thoughts about GF!

[leighe]

I'm planning a pre-Christmas (17th-23rd) for my sister (21) and me. The GF was always her dream resort when she was little and we used to stay at the Poly with our parents. Didn't want to stay there because I happened to know that her BF was planning on proposing there this summer - and yes, I've kept my mouth shut about it! Well, now she's spending her summer term in Mexico so those plans have changed so I booked the GF for our Christmas trip.

Here's the problem - she's also an animal lover - currently applying to vet schools - and I absolutely LOVED AKL. I keep having these little lingering thoughts about changing our ressies. I would just ask her, but I'm trying to surprise her. She thinks we're staying at a value.

This may be my only chance to stay at GF because DH didn't care for the atmostphere when we there for some meals.

What to do, what to do? Although isn't this a nice problem to have?

 

[Beachangel]

AKL is my favorite resort, but I say go for GF. Its her dream to stay there. If she's interested in animals, perhaps you could surprise her with a backstage tour of AK.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Since this is her dream resort (as is mine ) I would stick with the Grand Floridian. It's a great location and absolutely beautiful resort. You can always head over to AKL for meals and a stroll around the grounds. I'm an animal lover to quite an extreme and would still choose GF if I had a chance.

GOOD LUCK with your decision...you really can't lose with either resort.

 

[kitkatsnindylou]

I agree with beachangel stay at the GF and do the backstage tour at AK it was awesome and great for an animal lover. If she is thinking about being a Vetshe would love it they even took us into their hospital area and showed us where and how they can do test and surgery on the animals.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Well, AKL will get you more for your money (ie the rooms are less pricy) but since GF is DSis' dream, I'd recommend sticking to that for a great surprise. You can take her to AKL (my personal fav') another time.

 

[disneyandme]

We couldn't get GF for our entire stay last time and ended up splitting between AKL and GF ( 2 nights and then 4 nights). We loved the AKL , but it was a bit far out of the way for us. GF is always our favorite. Why don't you split your stay. We had no trouble moving-- 2 rooms of people no less-- and enjoyed trying the AKL.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Stay at the GF. It is such a nice resort for a girls trip!

Lori

 

[leighe]

Thanks for all the advice! I guess we'll stick with the GF. I'm definitely going to book the AK tour - my sister will LOVE that.

 

[Taratink]

Can I be your adopted sister? I'll be happy with a value resort. That sounds like so much fun. Have a great time!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I vote for the Grand Floridian. I have stayed there many times and just love it. Something about the Victorian era done in old Florida is just beautiful and being able to see and hear the Magic Kingdom is truly magical. It is on the monorail and just so convenient.

Go and visit the Animal Kingdom, maybe eat at Jiko's but stay at the Grand Floridian, you will not be sorry.

 

[CHIPSTER]

I would stay at GF - however, given that you sister is an animal lover would you consider staying splitting your stay at the 2 hotels?

 

[ddhoeg]

My vote is for the GF! It is such an amazing resort all times of the year, but especially during the holidays. Most times that we have gone, we were actually met by a wonderful older man handing out "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" upon entering the resort. Yes, really! It was such a wonderful touch. No one in my family really liked the chestnuts but that was beside the point. Anyway, the huge tree in the main lobby, the wonderful gingerbread house that sells smalls gifts, and the toy monorail display are breathtaking. We usually take our kids before Christmas and roll out the film. We've ended up using the pics for Christmas cards to send out when we get back. The GF is near and dear to my heart to say the least. Take a break by Gasparillos and watch Wishes from there. It is amazing! Request a lagoon view room from a building facing the MK and watch the whole thing from a balcony - you can even hear the music. Don't forget the electric water parade too. You can always take a bus to the AKL and check all the animals out at your leisure. That may be the best of both worlds. Go GF!

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by leighe
I'm planning a pre-Christmas (17th-23rd) for my sister (21) and me. The GF was always her dream resort when she was little and we used to stay at the Poly with our parents. Didn't want to stay there because I happened to know that her BF was planning on proposing there this summer - and yes, I've kept my mouth shut about it! Well, now she's spending her summer term in Mexico so those plans have changed so I booked the GF for our Christmas trip.

Here's the problem - she's also an animal lover - currently applying to vet schools - and I absolutely LOVED AKL. I keep having these little lingering thoughts about changing our ressies. I would just ask her, but I'm trying to surprise her. She thinks we're staying at a value.

This may be my only chance to stay at GF because DH didn't care for the atmostphere when we there for some meals.

What to do, what to do? Although isn't this a nice problem to have?

I would agree that this is a nice problem to have. But, I would choose the AKL over the GF. I would think that sister would love the AKL if she is an animal lover. We always found the GF to be to stuffy for us and we do not like the fact that you have to walk outside to get from the main building to your room. We like how you can get to everything inside at the AKL. We would choose the AKL over the GF everytime.

 

[mariamouse]

GF

But I suggest you travel to the AKL for dinner at Boma/Jiko and the tour you mentioned sounds good... you could always stay there next trip and your husband might approve.

mariamouse

 

[BCV23]

What a wonderful surprise for your sister!!

I agree....stay at the GF and visit AKL for a meal allowing time to watch the animals from one of the viewing areas.

 

[Andrew015]

I really enjoy visiting the AKL, but I don't think I'd ever want to stay there. I'm a MK guy, and love being a short monorail stop / boat ride to the park. I also love resort hoping via the monorail. With this being said, AKL just doesn't fit the bill. Not really keen on the location.

Don't get me wrong, the AKL is a fantastic place. The family is sure to make it there for a meal or two every trip. But we'll take the WL, Poly, Contemp, GF as home base anyday.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi,

Noticed several who have posted here have stayed at the GF several times..today changed my res to the GF - had to cut short the trip from this Monday arrival to Wed, still leaving Sat, but I was also able to switch to the GF for the 3 nights..

Any advice for which Lodge? Booked a Garden View, requested marina view, but have not yet requested a Loage.
All advise much appreciated!

Thanks much!
Christine

 

[ddhoeg]

My favorite room at the GF is the concierge main building requesting a room above Gasparillas. However, those usually fill up way in advance. I have used the concierge Sugar Loaf building but for us, it wasn't worth the extra expense and didn't have exceptional views. My favoite buildings for lagoon view are either Sago Kay or Conch Key. I usually request a top floor dormer room with a castle view. It is truly magical!! You can also view the water parade from your balcony as well. Since you're going at holiday time you can hear MVMCP fireworks and music too. If you request a garden/pool view you can only hope to see the fireworks from your room but it will most likely be at an angle with possible landscaping in your way. Just my opinion FWIW.