Is GF Plain Garden View worth it? Please help!

[Jsmply]

Dear Fellow Disney Addicts,

I would really appreciate some help here. My wife and I are big Disney fans. We live in Florida so we visit several times a year. We have AP's again for our third year in a row.

I'm trying to plan a trip in May for her to celebrate a big professional achievment. However, I am a little undecided in what to do. We drive to Disney for one day trips or so every couple months, so a normal trip would still be awesome but would not be out of the ordinary. I have been debating between going back to a Sandals resort in the Carribean (we did this for our honeymoon) or going to Disney and doing it extra special . . . a deluxe resort and some nice dining choices. We would only be going for a long weekend as we both have a tough time getting away for long periods due to work back home. I am thinking a 3 night 4 day stay. I have been considering Grand Floridian. The room alone with the new passholder rates would be about $1150 for three nights in a garden view. My question is, is the garden view alone worth the price? I always see people discussing concierege and the upgraded suites. Those would be a little more than I want to spend. I can go all-inclusive to the carribean for about $1500 so I'm trying to keep it in that price range with dining.

For those that have done it, are the standard rooms in GF still magical? We have stayed at the value resorts and two moderates before (POFQ and Cornado Springs). We have both always loved GF and always go visit when we are there, but never stayed there. When I try to book online, they offer me Boardwalk and a few others for 900 and change. I'm just curious which place is going to give us the most bang for our buck.

Also, is the general opinion that the dining is worth it? An upgrade to deluxe dining would be about $500 for the weekend. I doubt we would spend that much if we paid cash would we? I just thought it would be neat because we would definitely end up going to all the nice restrauntes and even a signature due to the fact the deluxe gives three meals a day. I think sometimes once you have already spent the money its easier to justify it, heh.

I'd appreciate any input!!!

 

[Tinkaroo]

I think it's worth it. (Others will likely argue otherwise, but I'm just giving you my opinion.)

I love the GF. It's my favorite on-site resort, and it's getting to the point where I've stayed at almost all of them (and the only deluxe I haven't stayed at yet is the CR). IMO, it's a beautiful resort, with spacious, clean, comfortable rooms, a great staff, wonderful amentities - just top-notch all the way around.

I've stayed both GV and RPC (concierge) at the GF. If I'm booking, for me, those are the only 2 categories worth considering. You can book the GV room, save a bit of $$, and still get a great room, access to all those great amentities and general GF staff, and still have a pretty view of the courtyards, pools, gardens, etc. If I'm looking to spend the extra $$, then I'll splurge on the service (not necessarily the view), and stay in the Royal Palm Club for the great food offerings and even more attentive staff. I'm not a huge view person, so spending a lot extra a night for a view of the lagoon, or the Magic Kingdom, just isn't worth it to me. The extra food and service is.

The GF is a special place. I used to dream of staying there as a kid, but never thought I would - admittedly, their rates would make me balk if it were situated elsewhere in the country. However, when I'm mere steps away from the MK, our favorite park, staying in a beautiful room, etc., it's worth the cost to me. And the GF is a great place to celebrate - I've celebrated a b-day there, as well as a special b-day/anniversary trip, and they've always gone above and beyond. In my experience, the staff just goes that extra mile at the GF, and that's worth something over the other resorts.

Good luck with your decision! I don't think you'd be disappointed!

 

[G8r4evr]

That's pretty pricey for 3 nights...garden view. I would have a hard time talking myself into that, but thats just me. Personally, I would lean towards Sandals =)

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I agree with Tink, I love the GF though. I dont think I would do the deluxe dining though. I would probably do the base dining plan if you want one of them. Its so much food. I would come over to the GF FAQ thread and see if we can help you with any other questions. There is also all the menus from the disboards and pics galore.

Good Luck

 

[SamanthaH]

We stayed in a garden view room at the GF this past Dec 2007 for 5 nights. My parents also were at the resort, but had a theme park view room. I have to say that I actually preferred our lovely view of the gardens and pool area. The rooms were identical except for the view. I'm glad we did not pay the extra price to upgrade room categories at this particular resort. We stayed on the 2nd floor of the Boca Chica (#8) building. Hope this helps a little.

 

[praline3001]

We stayed in a GV at the GF the first of this month and loved it!!!!

It was soooo pretty!!!!
I think its worth it .... but thats just me. You can walk to the Marina and see the fireworks from there ... not many people at all and very romantic

NOW as to the Deluxe plan... there is another way to go about thinking on it.

We did delxue dining and loved it at the GF. It includes room service and their room service breakfast in bed is REALLY good... and if my kids would NOT have been there... VERY romantic
Room serivce is 2TS and includes tips. You could do a private dining experience for dinner... in the room..just the 2 of you.... OKAY NOW I AM GETTING HOT UNDER THE COLLAR

If you want to use your food budget elsewhere... you could pay cash for your meals and hit V&A for a super romantic dinner. AS V&A is not on the dining plan...that I know of I could be wrong... this would be ULTRA COOL way to blow your cash too...

 

[tlmom]

We have splurged on the GF twice, once for our honeymoon (garden view) and once for our 10th anniversary (concierge). Both times were outstanding and their really is no other hotel like it. I don't feel you need to pay extra for a view (especially at DW because you spend so much time out of the room). I do, however, feel that the service is outstanding, which I would say is worth the extra $.

 

[Jsmply]

I'm sooo undecided. What I've been debating is either the Grand Floridian and either the basic dining plan, or no dinining plan and just cash pay meals (but probably eat a lot less fancy) . . . . or stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge and the deluxe dining plan included is about $1000-1200 depending which one I choose. If we did the deluxe dining plan, we would try to do California Grill, maybe Cindy's Castle, Artist Point, etc. So basically, I'm trying to decide if we want the nicer hotel and moderate meals, or still a great hotel (still a deluxe, but not one of the monorails) and average meals around the world.

The idea of eating all top-notch meals while we are there does sound appealing because we get a different experiance everynight. On the otherhand, the Grand Floridian is . . .well . . . the Grand Floridian!

Is it worlds better than the other deluxe resorts is what I'm trying to decide. AKL or WL are much cheaper, and even POLY is a few hundred cheaper.

Thanks so much thus far everyone!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

the WL and AKL are both very nice club levels as is the poly but the polys is more $$ than the AKL and WL

 

[wilda]

You mentioned that you visit WDW every couple of months...I would opt for something altogether different to celebrate this milestone professional achievement. Consider "Atlantis" in the Bahamas or "El Conquistador" in Puerto Rico", both wonderful destination resorts. And I recommend that you pass on an all inclusive, just eat and drink when you feel like it (it's probably less expensive that way)!

 

[Native NYer]

Sure! I think it's worth it for a once in a lifetime treat.

 

[Nicole721]

Last year, we stayed in a GV room at the GF and it was purely magical.

GV does not mean parking lot view (contrary to popular belief!)...this was our view to the left:

to the right:

and straight out:

And, as this was not the main pool, it was silent every night!

One night, I was upset because it was raining on our only night at Epcot and we decided to leave right before Illuminations (we thought it might get cancelled). Of course, by the time we got to the GF, the heavy rain had dissipated. An hour later, I heard popping outside our balcony and there was a fireworks display (with music) right outside our balcony! We had no idea where it was coming from (too late for MK fireworks and we didn't even have a MK view), but it was certainly a magical surprise

We're headed back to the GF (with deluxe dining) in August and I just absolutely cannot wait! I can't think of many other places I'd rather be

 

[tinklvr64]

anywhere at GF is worth it!! I love the GV 'cause I am a people watcher I love watching the strolling and happenings in the courtyard

 

[dlz]

We have visited WDW twice in the last year. Each time staying 8 days and trying different resorts to find a favorite. We stayed at the BeachClub-Pretty and Convenient, Boardwalk Preferred View-Pretty and Convenient, Contemporary Castle View-Completely Amazing Room Ever, best beds, best view, best everything, Animal Kingdom 3 BR grand villa w/ savannaha view, By far and away the best "experience" of any resort, not even comparable to the other since it was 2600 sq feet w/ three huge decks looking at giraffes! Lastly, the Grand Floridian, was impressed upon check in. Loved the atmosphere in the lobby, very disappointed by how far away my room was and I had a "Castle View", not even close to as nice as the Contemporary. Thought the room was very small, seemed smaller than the Contemporary's, but probably wasn't. Seemed dated to me, but that was probably the idea. I would definately stay there again, but would be about 5th on my list. Would definately try Poly. first. Loved the afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian too, you should do that w/ your wife, she would love it! I think Grand Floridian is a great idea if you want a beautiful resort, top notch service, and don't care how big your room is at all or the view you have. It's all nice, just not my favorite compared to what else I know is there. The pool is pretty awesome though and the beach is beautiful. Can't go wrong w/ any of the resorts they all have something the other doesn't have. If I had my choice I would have Animal Kingdom next to the Magic Kingdom and that's the only place I would ever stay. As far as the dining plan goes, I am a numbers person and have added it up everyway possible, you can't beat the dining plan if you like to eat nice. If you really want to do it up, do the deluxe, but you better eat like a champ or you will waste your money.

 

[Jsmply]

We have visited WDW twice in the last year. Each time staying 8 days and trying different resorts to find a favorite. We stayed at the BeachClub-Pretty and Convenient, Boardwalk Preferred View-Pretty and Convenient, Contemporary Castle View-Completely Amazing Room Ever, best beds, best view, best everything, Animal Kingdom 3 BR grand villa w/ savannaha view, By far and away the best "experience" of any resort, not even comparable to the other since it was 2600 sq feet w/ three huge decks looking at giraffes! Lastly, the Grand Floridian, was impressed upon check in. Loved the atmosphere in the lobby, very disappointed by how far away my room was and I had a "Castle View", not even close to as nice as the Contemporary. Thought the room was very small, seemed smaller than the Contemporary's, but probably wasn't. Seemed dated to me, but that was probably the idea. I would definately stay there again, but would be about 5th on my list. Would definately try Poly. first. Loved the afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian too, you should do that w/ your wife, she would love it! I think Grand Floridian is a great idea if you want a beautiful resort, top notch service, and don't care how big your room is at all or the view you have. It's all nice, just not my favorite compared to what else I know is there. The pool is pretty awesome though and the beach is beautiful. Can't go wrong w/ any of the resorts they all have something the other doesn't have. If I had my choice I would have Animal Kingdom next to the Magic Kingdom and that's the only place I would ever stay. As far as the dining plan goes, I am a numbers person and have added it up everyway possible, you can't beat the dining plan if you like to eat nice. If you really want to do it up, do the deluxe, but you better eat like a champ or you will waste your money.

Thank you so much for the reply. Thank you everyone for the replies. I am going to try to decide soon as its only a few months away (May).

I guess my new and current question, are any of the Deluxe's significantly better than another? The AKL and WL seem much cheaper than the monorail resorts. Is it only because of the location? AKL I can understand, it is way out there. WL on the other hand is right by the Magic Kingdom on the lagoon. I'm wondering if that is a good choice? For Deluxe Dining for 3 nights the AKL is $1000, WL is $1275, Poly is $1500, and GF is $1750-ish. So there is definitely a BIG differance in price, even though they are all Deluxe.

 

[Jsmply]

Just noticed that that price for WL is for a courtyard view, which seems to be two tiers higher than their standard room. The rest of the resorts are standard view. For what it matters .. .

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thank you so much for the reply. Thank you everyone for the replies. I am going to try to decide soon as its only a few months away (May).

I guess my new and current question, are any of the Deluxe's significantly better than another? The AKL and WL seem much cheaper than the monorail resorts. Is it only because of the location? AKL I can understand, it is way out there. WL on the other hand is right by the Magic Kingdom on the lagoon. I'm wondering if that is a good choice? For Deluxe Dining for 3 nights the AKL is $1000, WL is $1275, Poly is $1500, and GF is $1750-ish. So there is definitely a BIG differance in price, even though they are all Deluxe.

The AKL and WL are what a lot of people call "deluxe lite". The theming and amenities of both are still great, but the rooms are comparable in size to the moderate resorts (about the same size as CBR, bit bigger than the other moderates). Of course, at the AKL and WL everything is contained in one building and you don't have the exterior corridors like the mods. They're true hotels vs. the motel-ish feeling that some people complain about with the mods and values.

Both are great resorts. Is the AKL rate you quote above a std. view, or a savannah view? To make the trip extra-special for your wife, I would get the savannah view. I love the AKL as well (next to the GF, it's likely my 2nd favorite deluxe - very unique), but the WL doesn't do a lot for me, but many like it. I know you're looking at making this special for your wife - I think you just need to decide what "theme" you guys would like best, and then go from there.

 

[tlmom]

Although my heart belong to the GF, the Swan or Dolphin are other good choices. We have stayed here on occasion because I get a teacher's rate, but even without it the rates are usually quite a bit below deluxes. They are definitely "deluxe category" hotels being a Westin and Sheraton. They are themed just not like the disney hotels. The beds are better than any of the deluxes I have stayed at. Also, the restaurants and service are excellent. We celebrated our 10th anniversary at Bluezoo in the Dolphin and our dinners were outstanding. I'm sure anyplace you pick will be special just because you're with the one you love!

 

[traci]

The first time we stayed at GF we booked a lagoon and had a view of the MK. The second time we splurged and did concierge (and was blessed with a view of the castle)....you know what...for our next trip we are saving $$ and booking a standard garden view room! I am just as excited and after spending 2 vacations there we can't wait to enjoy our garden view location!

Lots of GF'ers love concierge. While we appreciated the experience the value wasn't there for our family (no complaints - just not worth the extra cost for us). And while the lagoon view is nice to we just didn't sit out on our balcony and enjoy it like I thought we would. I am finally going to book a garden view room and love it just as much!!

Enjoy your vacation what ever you decide

 

[Jsmply]

The AKL and WL are what a lot of people call "deluxe lite". The theming and amenities of both are still great, but the rooms are comparable in size to the moderate resorts (about the same size as CBR, bit bigger than the other moderates). Of course, at the AKL and WL everything is contained in one building and you don't have the exterior corridors like the mods. They're true hotels vs. the motel-ish feeling that some people complain about with the mods and values.

Both are great resorts. Is the AKL rate you quote above a std. view, or a savannah view? To make the trip extra-special for your wife, I would get the savannah view. I love the AKL as well (next to the GF, it's likely my 2nd favorite deluxe - very unique), but the WL doesn't do a lot for me, but many like it. I know you're looking at making this special for your wife - I think you just need to decide what "theme" you guys would like best, and then go from there.

If AKL and WL are "Deluxe Lite" how about Boardwalk, Beach Club, etc? Are they 'Lite' as well? Judging by the pricing I assume the true deluxe resorts are the Monorail resorts?

That AKL price was for a pool view. I'd read some Savannah threads that said they had a less than perfect view. I was leaning towards pool view as most of the reviews were positive for that.

WL for a courtyard view is about $200 more than AKL would be, but being a Magic Kingdom resort I'm thinking it might be worth it.

I'm hoping to do either California Grill or Cindy's Castle for lunch/dinner one night if possible (or both) but I don't know if 2.5 months is enough time to get a ressie.