How much better is GF than SSR?

[BensWife]

We are in the beginning stages of planning a WDW vacation in the summer of 2016. We went to WDW in 2013 and stayed at the SSR with a group of 7. This time it will just be DH, me, and our 2 boys (9 & 6 when we go). We really liked SSR. The boys loved the paddock pool and having the 2 bedroom was great because our family of 4 was in one room, my parents in the other, and my brother on the couch in the living room. Having 2 bathrooms was great too. The only drawback was the bus situation. It seemed like we always were waiting for buses and it took a long time to get places. We go back to the room for avternoon breaks, so proximity is an issue for us (prob spending more time at EP and MK). We would like to be on the monorail, but not sure it is worth that much more. Since it is just the 4 of us, we would be fine with a l bd since we just need some space from our kids and having a full kitchen and laundry is great too. However, for the price of a 1bd at GF, we could get a 2 bd at SSR, or save almost half if we end up with just a 1bd at SSR. That is a big price difference, but I think we can afford it. I love fancier hotels, so part of me wants to do GF for it's elegance and being on the monorail etc, but part of me thinks I am crazy for spending that much more. How much better is the GF than SSR? Thanks!

 

[BensWife]

Oh, and would be open to Bay Lake. It is about in the middle price wise.

 

[disneynutz]

GF/VGF is Disney's flagship resort, you need to give it a try at least once.

Bill

 

[beer dave]

As I was reading your post I wanted to suggest Bay Lake, and then you did. The difference between busing and not busing IMO is your real question... and my answer is night and day. I would do BLT. Plus their one bedroom has two full bathrooms.

 

[eliza61]

"Better" is always subjective when it comes to Disney resorts. My dh and I stayed at GF for our anniversary and it was absolutely the worst trip we had ever taken.

Some of it was Disney's fault, some of it was simply the vacation gremlins having a good time with us.

So as beautiful as it is, I've had no desire to go back, so I'll always take option B whenever GF is a choice.

That being said, GF is a beautiful resort. would I pay twice the points? probably not.

Another vote would for BLT

 

[CMOORE185]

GF is hands down the most elegant and magical resort at WDW, IMO of course. I love SSR but it cannot hold a candle to GF, and neither can BLT. Try the GF.

 

[Anal Annie]

Are you a DVC member? You mention "spending so much" so I was wondering if you're paying for a cash ressie or if you're just refering to the amount of points required? We have not stayed at VGF yet because it's still new and we just haven't had the chance. We have to be pretty frugal with our points and VGF is what I call a points hog so whenever we DO try it it will likely be in an off season when the points are lower. I am not sure that the decor of VGF is really our style but we have tried all the resorts over time. We will get around to VGF one day. We HAVE stayed at BLT and enjoyed our stay there. We stayed over spring break and having access to the monorail was reallllly helpful with the higher crowds as was being able to walk back & forth to the MK. Can't get any more convenient IMO. For the lower cost (whether it's points or cash) I would totally suggest BLT. We had a LV and requested a higher floor on the north side so we had a view of the lake AND of the MK. Our first night we arrived just in time to be able to grab a meal to go from the quick service place at the Contemporary and brought it up to eat on our balcony while watching the fireworks. It was awesome! SSR is our home resort and we like it just fine but like to resort hop from trip to trip. I like the Grandstand area at SSR for convenience of buses as it's the first stop. But BLT is definitely worth considering if you're trying to cut down on the buses.

 

[rseeb]

In my opinion if proximity is a key point then you will want to stay at GF/BLT. You cannot beat being on the monorail and having the option of boat transportation as well.

 

[WDWOswald]

The grand Floridian makes Saratoga Springs look like a joke. It's a completely different level of vacation- monorail access, a beach, fine dining, glorious surroundings, extreme convenience to just about anywhere you want to go.

 

[Minniesgal]

We really like SSR but we love the GF and loved it enough to buy points there. SSR would be great for a last minute stay but we would be upset if we got locked out of the GF.

I find Bay Lake magical at night, we love being on the monorail, and love the Gf restaurants and room service. SSR lacks in the Hotel services for me feels so much more like a Condo resort.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

I bought where I wanted to stay -- and that was, and is, SSR. We have used GF amenities through the years but not stayed there. However, I have to say I have no interest in VGF. As my DD said, we feel like we would have to dress to cross the lobby. While VGF may be glorious, SSR is no joke. I personally would recommend SSR for a family with young children over VGF.

 

[Newsies]

GF is hands down the most elegant and magical resort at WDW, IMO of course. I love SSR but it cannot hold a candle to GF, and neither can BLT. Try the GF.

This. 100%. The Grand Floridian is the definition of beautiful.

 

[graueMaus]

I would not compare SSR to VGF. They are two separate experiences. We own at SSR for our own reasons (mostly to do with what my wife and I want to do when the kids move out, DTD,golf and spa, and not deep in WDW properties) and at the time SSR THV having the same points as 2 BR SSR (as we are a family of 5).

That being said we booked a week at a VGF studio and enjoyed our stay immensely and would go back again. We did a studio to save on points and to eat out every day (which we never do on our WDW vacations) since the location afforded an opportunity to do so. Only complaint was that Counter service was too far away. Best service ever and the kids loved it. Amenities and the room were fantastic and I would have expected nothing less. The concierge also recommended a room (since it was ready immediately) that was different from the one I requested that turned out to be one of the best in the resort IMO (1318).

If you have the points and want a near luxury experience at one of the best locations on property I say go for it. You will not be disappointed (and if you are let concierge know and they will do their best to solve any problems)

 

[graueMaus]

That was room 1314 not 1318

 

[abner1776]

I would suggest you try out the GF..but be prepared...you may never go back to SSR !!! We are DVC members but we have stayed at the GF about 5 times now but always as part of a business convention so we have never had to "foot the bill" so to speak. The GF is truly a wonderful resort and it's easy access to MK will spoil you. We enjoyed the resort every time we stayed there, but not sure if I would enjoy it as much if I was "pay the bill."

The rooms were very nice but I would not necessarily say they are that much better than rooms at SSR or OKW for that matter. What you are paying for are the beautiful common areas, restaurants and easy access to MK and the other resorts at MK. I loved being able to jump into a sea racer and scoot around the lake in front of MK and head over to WL and BLT.

 

[jdkdorn]

We loved the Grand Floridian and would stay there any day over SSR, that is saying a lot since we are SSR owners. We did a split trip due to it being marathon weekend and we stayed at GFV first and then went to SSR. the difference in service, cleanliness and quality were so far apart it actually hurt our trip. We will avoid split trips going forward and never split one with FV unlss we are going to BLT after

 

[Yahweh]

I would do a split stay at both resorts. Do Animal kingdom and Hollywood studios and downtown disney while at
SSR and MK and Epcot while at the GF.

 

[clayfolks]

We stayed in a 2 bed at VGF in September. I went kicking and screaming. I did not want to waste the points and I KNEW that it was not MY type of resort. Boy was I wrong!! The villa was gorgeous, the staff was exceptional, and the other guests were friendly. We had a great time and I would go back in a heartbeat.

 

[ToddyLu]

LOL...I have no desire to stay at VGF. DH and I did spend Halloween Night 2013 at BLT. We both did an audible sigh when we pulled up to it...just too sterile. But that is us. DH is a AKV purist and BLT was so disappointing that I will never be able to get him to stay anywhere else. Can you rent a car and then stay at SSR in a 2bedroom and just drive? I can assure you that catching a bus that visits BLT, then Poly and then VGF is just as aggravating. By that time Disney Springs will be kinda up and running...SSR will be a prime location for that.

 

[bnk1120]

Just returned home from my first stay at VGF. The room was very beautiful and relaxing. I hope to stay there again!

To the OP....Even with monorail access you will spend time getting places. If you are going to Epcot you have to transfer to another monorail. If you are going to DHS, AK, or DTD you will have to take a bus. SSR is one of my favorite resorts. I love the pools, grounds and proximity to DTD. Every resort has pros and cons.