Is GF worth twice as much?

[kytiam]

Yikes! I can't believe I just did what I did! I had a room-only reservation at All Star Movies with a AAA discount for Feb. 13 -18 (Presidents day weekend ) so the prices are majorly jacked up already (worse than Easter even!)
This will be my third trip with my first (and last) AP. First I went with a friend for a no kids/no husbands trip and stayed at POP. Then I took just my son and stayed at All Star Sports. I am taking my DD15 and her best friend in February.
My DD and I have both dreamed of a stay at GF for as long as we can remember. So I called today and they had a room with the AAA discount available. It's only about a $60/night savings from rack rate, but
So I went ahead and booked it.
The difference between the two resorts is roughly $2000 for the 5 nights. Yes, it will be on my credit card, and yes it will take me several months to pay it off. Not the best way to live, I just don't want to have regrets. What if DD outgrows WDW or wanting to travel with mom before we get the chance to go back?
I've stayed at the Poly and Contemporary and LOVE the monorail. I really want to try a different resort every trip, and I REALLY want to stay in the GF. It's unlikely that I will be going back for at least a year or two--next trip may be our 25th anniversary with DH but that has to be at AK.
So is GF worth an additional $2000? What would you do?

 

[ducklite]

Having stayed at every WDW deluxe, unless there's truly a compelling reasons to stay there, IMHO it is NOT worth an extra $2000. You can get a similar victorian feel at the BWI for a LOT less money.

 

[robinb]

The difference is $2,000 for 5 days? No, it would not be worth it to me. Especially if I had to go into debt to do it. Then again, I could never bring myself to pay nearly $500 per night for any hotel. Sorry .

 

[GovieMom]

Two grand is way too much money to spend, IMO, for something you won't have anything to show for later. Especially when you have to go into debt to do it. If you had received a $2,000 windfall and didn't need it for anything else (bills, car repairs, etc.), then that would be different. But to me that is too much money to waste. Sorry.

 

[Brizite76]

I don't know - I say go for it! You only live once and when you die you don't take your debt with you! I am in a similar situation, except I paid cash for my GF ressies (but DH still wasn't pleased ).
It's not the wisest advice I can give. But you did say you aren't going back for a year or two? So just pay of the CC by then and you'll be good to go.
I hope you enjoy the GF

 

[klofan]

If you can afford it, go for it. You only live once.

 

[happymommy]

I would save the GF for you and your hubby.
There are so many other less expensive options for this trip IMHO.
There are many other fun options for this trip - and the AKL is usually much less expensive an option. Also, the Boardwalk villas are fun. It may be too cold to swim, so I'd keep that in mind.
Either way, have a good time!

 

[Elmo888]

No, not if you have to pay for it with credit.

 

[Cmbar]

Ok what did you book? A garden view room in February is $400.00 more than the All Stars. That means you are paying at least around 500 a night. I wouldn't do it. We are staying GF next week, but we paid 255.00 a night so it made sense (and even that has DH rolling his eyes as excessive). I understand wanting to do it, but if you are going with your DD15, I would stay at a moderate or the Epcot area and spend more money on goodies to take home. Just my Opinion though! Maybe try the GF when it is not a holiday.

 

[CarolA]

IMHO the GF compared poorly to the All Stars.

The CMs at the All Stars were friendly and helpful. The CMs at the GF... well they "alllowed" me to stay there. (not rude, just sullen and unhelpful)

The parking at the GF was a JOKE. And the valet??? I think they parked in Epcot. Call, ask for car, go down, ask again for car, half an hour later it appears (This happend twice!) To get a valet to take the car, grab one and shove the keys in his hand. (But they had the hand out for tips!)

This was the ONLY Disney hotel I have ever felt RIPPED ME OFF! It was a rip off IMHO! Overpriced and overhyped!

 

[Pakey]

I have stayed at GF and many of the other WDW deluxes. Is GF worth the money? No. Are the rooms any nicer? No. Is the service any better? No. Are the amenities any better? No. So why would you stay there--because the building is pretty????? I have stayed at many nice hotels in other places that cost what GF does and you are not getting your money's worth at GF. I can easily afford to stay where I want but I want some bang for my buck and I didn't get it there. Also, if you have to pay your credit card interest for "several" months, it's costing you more than $2000 extra to stay there.

 

[tenbelow]

Yes, it will be on my credit card, and yes it will take me several months to pay it off. Not the best way to live, I just don't want to have regrets. What would you do?

First, don't worry that your daughter will "outgrow" Disney - all of us grown ups on this board sure haven't.

I believe you would most likely regret having to spend months paying off the expense of a 5 day vacation upgrade. If money were no object, I'd say go for it, but I think you'll have a better time during your vacation without having to think, did I make the right "financial" decision...

I agree with the other posters who believe you would be better served by saving up for and spending your "25th" at the GF.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[lizanne]

My DH and I stayed at the GF for the first time last year. It was a bust. I never really cared about staying there but my DH always wanted to. He was so disappointed. I'm not sure what he really expected but I know we won't stay there again.

The only reason I can think of staying there is if you're going to take advantage of what the resort offers. Do you plan on doing the tea, or enjoying the lobby, or getting a massage? Think about why you want to stay there. Is it only because it's the "Grand Floridian".

If I were going to spend more money than originally planned I'd prefer one of the EPOCT resorts.

Maybe one of the moderates would do.

 

[ccigliano]

I wouldn't do it. Either stay at the All Stars or choose a more reasonably priced deluxe. Both the WL and the AKL are the least expensive of the deluxes and for the two of you - plenty spacious. At least you'll save some money and still be in a deluxe resort with all the ammenities of a deluxe. Good Luck.

 

[bellebuzzntink]

I'd save the money. Go to the GF for dinner, walk around the property, or take your daughter to the spa with some of the $$$ you've saved by staying elsewhere. That way you can save your pocketbook while still enjoying the atmosphere. And your daughter won't outgrow Disney.....I think if you love it growing up you will love it forever!

 

[micmacmissy]

If your daughter is 15, that means college is in her near future.

Think twice before you put that amount on a credit card. Is that the best way to spend that money?

Couldn't that $2,000 pay for the next trip to WDW?

Or gain interest in a college savings account?

As my dad would say, if you have to ask, then it's too expensive!

The trip is what you make of it...not where you stay! The quality time with your daughter is the most important thing.

 

[Dis Ohana]

If you have to put it on a cc and worry about paying it back, maybe you should consider a more affordable hotel. I like the suggestion from a previous poster to possibly spend a day at the GF and do something special. Maybe tea and a spa treatment? The other thing to consider is, if she's taking a friend along it might not be the mother / daughter trip you're hoping for. She might possibly just want to spend a lot of time in the parks or just hanging out with her friend.
Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful time with your daughter. I am also cherishing the moments with my teenagers, they grow up too quickly!

 

[Frankiesmom]

JMHO- if you and your DD have always wanted to stay there;then go for it and have a wonderful trip! If it will make it more magical for both of you then by all means do it;but if you're going to have a hard time paying it off and are worrying about that then I'd stay somewhere else. Wherever you decide,have a great time!

 

[ElizabethB]

My best friend had always wanted to stay at GF. We bit the bullet and did so in August with her two boys. It was great fun and we absolutely loved it. Having said that, we've also loved Coronado Springs, which is a lovely resort and much more moderately priced.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

We always stay at the GF. You either love it or you hate it. We happen to love it and every trip seems to get better. But if I had to put myself in debt to stay there, than no, I would not go. There are other resorts on property that you can stay at for a lot less and won't have to worry about paying it back later. Like someone else stated, go for dinner and the walk around. A whopping $2000 is not worth it to me. That's another trip right there. Me personally, I would rather have two trips to WDW than one. Whatever your decision will be, I hope you have a wonderful time.