I'm going to the Grand Floridian!!! Now, what can you tell me?

[niks81]

Alright, the decision is made.....we're trying out the

We will be going in Feb of 04 and also taking a 4 night cruise....it will be just myself and my soon to be husband! We have never gone to Disney alone, so this should be a treat!! I stayed at the Poly when I was 10 but he has never had the privelege of being on the monorail...should be fun!

Quite honestly I am clueless about this resort...I know nothing (probably cause I thought I'd never get to stay there). I need details!! What can you tell me?? And yes, I did already check out the FAQs...I want to hear any general advice or comments for a newbie to this resort! We will be there for four nights, lagoon view....anybody?

 

[D&R love Disney]

I stayed there last October, didn't plan on staying there but thats another story. We totally loved it, it's very romantic. The new pool is very nice and the resort was pretty quiet when we were there. We had a dormer room in Sago Cay and the room was lovely with a nice balcony and view of the marina/lagoon. We could see the fireworks from our balcony.

 

[ead79]

I stayed at the GF in May of 2000 (split my stay here and the BWI), and fell in love with the GF. It is such a luxurious resort, but it's also relaxing and fun. I truly felt pampered while I was there. Plus, the convenience of the monorail is great. I think many (if not most) of the lagoon view rooms at the GF have a castle view--but you might want to request a castle view just to be sure. Have a "grand" trip!

 

[Greg K.]

Some random ideas ...

+ By all means, REQUEST a castle/MK view. Nothing can compare with being able to watch the fireworks from your very own balcony!

+ Take time one night to sit and enjoy the terrific band playing above the lobby.

+ Stroll the grounds until you feel at home, Mrs. Robinson . The park-like setting can really transport you to another time and place. If you're up early, look for the "Parade of the Floridian Ladies": around 8 am, the housekeeping staff (attired in peach costumes with peach parasols) heads to the different buildings, like little soldiers. It's charming. I think it's even mentioned in the resort newsletter.

+ Keep your eyes peeled for Big Mice. They have TONS of weddings at the GF, and Mice are frequent guests.

+ You can't go wrong at any of the restaurants. Really. The cafe is great for b'fast, and the Park Fare has THE BEST character dinner on property. Great food -- key lime pie and vanilla bread pudding that are SUPERB! -- and great characters (Cinderella!).

+ Soak it all up, every minute of it. It remains our favorite resort -- our first and the one with the fondest memories.

 

[niks81]

Thanks for your replies! I am clueless about this resort so any help is appreciated.

D&R: How did you like the dormer room?

ead79-how would you compare it with BWI? BW is my fave resort thus far

Greg K: WOW great tips!!! Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[jobodisney]

When coming back from the MK we always found it relaxing to take the boat instead of the monorail. The boat goes to GF first then Poly and the monorail stops at CR and Poly first so timewise its a wash. Going to MK take the monorail but don't count on getting a seat if it's a crowded time..... but it's a short ride.


Narcoosee's is a great place to be waiting for a table when the light show comes by.

Go to the ice cream place by the marina and sit and watch the colors of the castle change every few minutes while you eat....good spot for fireworks too.


Sit on the swings on the beach in the evening for awhile.... very romantic and relaxing.

 

[niks81]

Jobodisney, those are some awesome tips! I especially like the one about the spot to watch the castle changing colors...neat!! This is the type of info I was trying to find out...i've never even visited this resort so I am clueless!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey Nikki

Another tip... if you guys do get Conch Key you can take the stairs right down to the boat dock. We found it a quicker way to get to MK than the monorail... even though it stops at the Poly first. And on the way back to GF definitely take the boat. It's the first stop.

On the second floor of the main building there is an area right next to the men's clothing store where you'll see wedding Mickey and Minnie all the time. It's one of the spots for the intimate wedding package. It's really neat to see them dressed up like a bride and groom.

Find some time to sit in the lobby when the pianist or the band is playing.

Have dinner at Narcoosee's one night during the fireworks. They dim the lights and play the MK music during them. It's really neat.

Gasparilla Grill is a perfect spot to watch the fireworks or see the castle. They also have krispy kreme donuts!

Take the walking path from the GF over to the GF Spa and then over to the Wedding Pavilion. It's a nice walk, and if there isn't a wedding going on you can go inside the pavillion and see it! Also take a peek inside Frank's. It's cool.

They have a couples massage at the GF Spa I've heard it's AMAZING!

Lunch at the GF Cafe. A must! DH usually goes for the steak sandwich, I usually go with the chicken salad and soup combo. They have wonderful desserts also.

Check out the shops. There are at least 5-6 shops I can remember off hand inside the main building that you'll definitely want to check out. Especially the women's clothing shop on the main level... you'll find some very unique Disney clothing that you won't find anywhere else. Like pink Minnie sneakers and other cutesy expensive stuff.

1900 Park Fare is also good. If you're in the mood to hang with Pooh and friends.

We've never done Victoria and Albert's but of course that would be a great idea too.

Don't forget the Electrical Water Pageant! We watched it from our room in Conch, but you can also watch it from the beach... which would be romantic.

Mizner's lounge. A nice relaxing place to have a drink and listen to the band.

2 pools and 2 pool bars. Gotta love those Pina Coladas.

I could go on and on. LOL You guys will love it. I really think you made the right decision.

 

[niks81]

Erika you are awesome!!!

 

[gonga]

Anyone ever stayed in this room???

Main Building Deluxe Concierge Octogon Room..if you look at the picture of the GF(like the one in the beginning of this post) its the rooms with all the windows in the turret on the ends. There is no balcony but the rooms are 2/3 windows. The rooms have king beds and are very large - or so I am told. I have booked that room and was wondering if anyone has stayed in one that can tell me about it?? Wondering if its worth the extra $$$?

 

[deb305]

Regarding GF, I know this is strange but our family found that GF has the best beds of any other Disney Resorts, (and of any other resort we stayed). The mattresses are firm and comfortable. Tons of pillows, blankets etc. Our 4 year old literally couldn't wait to crawl in bed at night and watch a little TV (she usually lasted 5 minutes). Turn down service and mints are wonderful. Plan on some wonderful nights of sleep

 

[niks81]

Great beds...awesome!!! You guys have really given me some awesome info and tips!

 

[hmp2z]

gonga,
That sounds just like the room that we were in for our honeymoon! We had booked a lagoon view room, and got upgraded to this fabulous, beautiful turret room in the main building. It was truly beautiful; from our windows, we could see the wedding pavilion (very meaningful, since we got married there!) and Spaceship Earth. In the evenings, we could hear the orchestra playing from inside our room. Really, an experience like no other on earth! The concierge staff was amazing; the night before our wedding, they sent us free champagne and a rose.
The room itself was just HUGE! It had a big king bed, then in front of that, there was a sofa and table, with the TV in front of that, and a table & two chairs to the right of the TV if you were facing the TV. The bathroom was wonderful, with a big sink area, and a MASSIVE walk in closet that I used to climb into my wedding gown. It really was an amazing room, and has convinced us that we will be going concierge from now on!
Even the Mousekeepers were great, and would leave roses in the towels every single night.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[jobodisney]

Never stayed in the Octagon room but have stayed main building concierge 3 times. Awesome experience!!! Particularly our last trip at Christmas we had a lobby room overlooking the lagoon. We could see the sun rise and hear Christmas music wafting into our room!

 

[gonga]

Thanks for the info......we can't wait!!

 

[niks81]

I am so glad I started this thread!! Lots of great tips!