If you've stayed at Deluxe Resorts...and then stayed at Gran Destino Tower

[Disneyhanna]

We did not stay in GDT but we just stayed at CSR and the resort is very beautiful. I think the tower is not as much of a "destination" to visit like the GF is for example, but I hear the rooms are even nicer in the tower compared to the rest of the resort and our regular non-tower room was just as nice as our refurbished room at AKL.

In terms of location, CSR is one of the most centrally located resorts. I think MK is the furthest, but I timed it and the trip took 12-13 minutes from leaving the resort to dropping off at MK. (The loop the bus does around the resort to all the stops takes 10 minutes but the tower is the last stop before the parks. However it is the last stop when returning from the parks.) I believe HS was the closet, it felt like only a few minutes because it was so close.

I do not think you would be disappointed in the rooms at GDT compared to Yacht but you might miss the location since you cannot walk to anything from CSR and the cuisines at the resort are somewhat limited. But honestly you can Uber anywhere on property for under $10 so not a big deal in my opinion. I would pocket the savings since the tower really is a steal compared to the prices of the Deluxes right now. I foresee rates going up but since it is new I suppose they want people to try it out and get hooked before they raise the rates. Tower rooms are pretty hard to get so act fast, for my last trip and upcoming trip there were no standard rooms available even 6+ months out.

 

[Babsy]

WE have GDT booked for our late Jan early Feb trip. This is my third attempt to stay here, so I hope that it works out this time. We have stayed in Cabanas, Ranchos and Casitas pre GDT and loved staying at CSR. WE even managed a business class stay in 9B before it was demolished to make room for the tower. I think that CSR is a beautiful resort and I am really looking forward to a stay in the GD tower!

Oh, and yes, we often stay in deluxe resorts. WE like to mix up where we stay and have enjoyed all of them, even values. Just adjust your expectations a little - if you don't expect the amenities that you get at a deluxe, you won't be disappointed in a moderate resort.

 

[snappy]

The CM’s that work at GDT are wonderful and great assets for this resort. Very enthusiastic and attentive. Rooms well designed and functional. Enjoying club level.

 

[ginny65]

DH and I (adults only) have GDT water view booked for 2 nights as a pre-cruise stay. We can stay in a standard view room at AKL for around $100 more. Should be move to AKL? We've never stayed there. We usually stay at BC or YC. GDT looks beautiful. I'm just afraid I will miss having a balcony. That being said, we have a water view. If we move to AKL in a standard view, we could possibly be looking at the parking lot, correct? Also, have all the rooms at AKL been renovated?

 

[buckeyeguy1]

I have stayed at a few deluxe resorts multiple times now and have experienced CL at YC twice (one stay with an amazing pixie dust upgrade and another I paid for). I have stayed at all moderates aside from AoA multiple times each including 4 GD tower stays.

I don't think that it is unrealistic to compare YC to GDT. The pool is without question a definite downgrade from one to the other, but in reality you would be comparing a mini water park to a community pool. I'm not a slide person (the joints in the slide hurt my fat rolls ), but the slide at YC is quite a bit taller and longer; however, that does come with some negatives. To access the slide at YC, you have to leave the pool area, walk across a walkway and go up the stairs to the slide. The slide then lets out on the far end of the pool area, so if you want to go back to the lazy river right after, you have to maneuver around what sometimes feels like a small maze to get there. CSR's slide is shorter, but still has a few turns and lets out in the pool where everyone else is at. It's really easy to get off the slide and get in line again.

Dining can be argued one way or another. CSR has a ton of dining options from the grab and go, food court, lounges, to a signature restaurant. You would have to determine if the cuisine is something you like or not. Same could be argued with YC as they have some dining options, but also has great access to the Boardwalk and Epcot world showcase.

As far as the rooms themselves, I want to say the GDT rooms may be a few square feet smaller than YC, but you don't have a couch. My family never uses the couch at YC and would rather it not be there, but your family may be different. I do like the bathrooms more in the GDT as they are a little brighter and feel more spacious. The only thing that could be an issue for you is you mentioned you have a teen. In the GDT bathrooms, the shower is in the same "room" as the sinks. Only the toilet is partitioned off into a room of its own. I know with a teen (vs my 8 year old) there is most likely more need for privacy so when the kiddo is getting a shower, someone wouldn't be able to stand there and brush their teeth or fix their hair as its a glass shower door. Just something to think about.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Thank you all for the opinions and input - I should've looked at videos of GDT first before posting. Its a beautiful resort, no doubt, but its just not my "style" and we decided against it. I personally don't even like staying at the Contemporary for very similar reasons, but DH is CR obsessed and being he's given us our pick of resorts for the last 2 years, we're giving in and letting him have his pick. I have a feeling I'm going to regret that decision. lol.