Is GF worth it w/ a 3 yr old??

[Suzanne74]

We are going on a last minute trip to Disney next week for 4 days. We have a 3, almost 4 yr old dd who loves EVERYTHING Disney. She hasn't stopped talking about our last Sept trip. She doens't know we are going - it will be a total surprise. We will be doing MK, MGM and AK while we are there. Our other day or so will be pool lounging days.

I think we decided to stay on the monorail (standard Wilderness rooms are booked, we already tried) Both DH and I have stayed at Contemporary and liked it. We have never stayed at GF or Poly. DD loves Chef Mickey's and we all love Ohana's!!! DH mentioned he wanted to stay at the "pretty white hotel I awe over" I told him it is so expensive but he said this is a partial business trip and his client it writing a lot of it off - so let's go for it. Okay great but I really want to know if the extra money is worth it for just us and a 3 yr old? I hate to think we overspent at GF - I am always stretching every dime at Disney!!! Then I think Savannah room at AKL - we have never been there either. I think since we are spending some relaxing time, AKL would be nice but that monorail..... Thank goodness we are leaving next week, forces me to make a decision very soon - HELP!!!!

 

[Minnie824]

I would say go for it also. Especially if part of it is paid for, then you can try one of the others next time. We're going for the first time w/our DDs this year they'll be 4 and 1.5 yrs. Staying at the Beach Club...but we're thinking of going next year as well, debating between GF and Poly. If you really want to stay there, I say you should. It is Disney, and they'll be tons of kids running around there also. Have a great trip!

 

[poohluvrs]

We're taking our 2 toddlers and staying GF, just is beautiful and convenient! Have fun!

 

[HeatherPage]

If you really have been in "awe" over it and the only way you could realistically stay there anytime in the near future is because of the write-off from the business trip then go for it and have a great time. As far as your DD, she will love it no matter where you stay but being that it is only one stop away from the MK on the monorail plus maybe you can get in to the Cinderella's Gala Feast for dinner or the tea party, etc., I'm sure she will have a wonderful time

 

[TammiMcMan]

Well, if your DD thinks of the castle and Cinderella as everything Disney, then I think your choice of the GF is a good one. My DD considers it the princess hotel. She's been going there since she was just 9 months old and absolutely loves it. The GF is more expensive, but I haven't regretted one single trip that we've stayed there. The pools are fun, the beach is great to relax and play in the sand, they have the kid's adventures available for a fee, but there's also a story hour and courtyard pool activities that are available. You could cut your cost a little bit by booking a garden view room. And when they say garden, they mean garden. No parking lots or roof tops. You could also book a garden view, but ask for marina in Sago Cay. The backside of this building overlooks the monorail, but the front side has water views even though it's considered garden. Most standard rooms have a full balocony with the exception of the dormer rooms found on the top floor. They have cathederal ceilings, but due to the roof pitch, the balconies are smaller and enclosed. Another secret is to book garden and request a corner room. These are slightly larger and come with 2 balconies. Sometimes affording both a garden and lagoon view.

AK has a very distinct theme and being a little more out of the mainstream, you almost feel like you could be in Africa instead of Disney. If your DD is an animal lover, this is the place to be though.

 

[kjustice]

Do it! You'll love it. The monorail makes it easier all the way around.

 

[hookedup]

We took our ds at age 2.5 and 3.5 to GF and he absolutely loved it. It is a wonderful place for children. Two nice pools (one is a zero entry) and we used both of them a lot. Our last trip at Christmas we stayed at CR (and had a great time) but we missed the GF - when we went over there to visit we all agreed that we wished we were there instead!

 

[Suzanne74]

Thanks everyone - I think we are doing all GF now or adding an extra night and doing GF 3 nights and a Savannah room the other 2 nights. Thanks all - I can't wait!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

My kids LOVE the Grand FLoridian. They started staying there when they were 2 1/2, 4 and 5. They can't imagine staying anywhere else. You will love being on the monorail, and yet GF is so relaxing and peaceful. It's a nice break from the parks.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Yes, yes, yes it is worth it to me with small children.

Lori