Is it worth staying at Grand Floridian?

[alison228]

Hi everyone! We are leaving tomorrow for Disney for a little babymoon trip. We have been to Disney many many times, but this will be our first time staying at Grand Floridian. I could never justify the price, since we are always out and about and rarely at the resort, however we thought it would be nice to stay. We have a lagoon view booked. Now out of nowhere I am second guessing myself since the Epcot monorail still isn't running, tea room is closed, spas are closed and my husbands favorite about the GF is the band, that is no longer playing. The monorail is great for MK, but there aren't any fireworks still or parades so we likely won't be going at night just that morning. It would cost about half less to switch to Coronado tower, or PopCentury would be about $700 less. I know many don't like PopCentury but I like the convenience of the skyliner. I would switch to Riviera for the skyliner however there is no availability that's why I mentioned the two above resorts as there isn't much available. My question is, for those that have stayed is it worth splurging and staying at the GF right now? Thank you!!

 

[mrsap]

Absolutely! With all those extras being cut, it means you’ll be spending more time at your resort… and what a perfect place to spend all that extra time, IMO. I wrote something for someone yesterday asking about the great things about the Grand, which I’ll link. Also, while you’re on the GF thread, check out some of the posts and room views on Page 1, as well as look at videos on YouTube! I love it and I hope you will too! Enjoy!!

GRAND FLORIDIAN THREAD

 

[yaya74]

Hi everyone! We are leaving tomorrow for Disney for a little babymoon trip. We have been to Disney many many times, but this will be our first time staying at Grand Floridian. I could never justify the price, since we are always out and about and rarely at the resort, however we thought it would be nice to stay. We have a lagoon view booked. Now out of nowhere I am second guessing myself since the Epcot monorail still isn't running, tea room is closed, spas are closed and my husbands favorite about the GF is the band, that is no longer playing. The monorail is great for MK, but there aren't any fireworks still or parades so we likely won't be going at night just that morning. It would cost about half less to switch to Coronado tower, or PopCentury would be about $700 less. I know many don't like PopCentury but I like the convenience of the skyliner. I would switch to Riviera for the skyliner however there is no availability that's why I mentioned the two above resorts as there isn't much available. My question is, for those that have stayed is it worth splurging and staying at the GF right now? Thank you!!

My family stayed at GF in the Main building (club level) for 4 nights back in 2018. It was a one-and-done experience. I don't regret staying there but I won't go back. The location was convenient and the resort was beautiful. My family received a surprising upgrade to stay in the presidential suite. But the staff were very snooty (I received very cold comments from CM for asking direction to the self-laundry facility, as well as asking for a second serving for the Micky waffle).

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I actually have liked it being bus to Epcot from GF instead of monorail. While I love the monorail, the transferring required when staying at GF can sometimes be a pain.

Granted you can have bad bus experiences too, but we’ve stayed at GF twice since reopening and our bus trips to/from Epcot have been a breeze.

So I personally wouldn’t let that part worry you too much, in my opinion.

 

[igrsod]

My family stayed at GF in the Main building (club level) for 4 nights back in 2018. It was a one-and-done experience. I don't regret staying there but I won't go back. The location was convenient and the resort was beautiful. My family received a surprising upgrade to stay in the presidential suite. But the staff were very snooty (I received very cold comments from CM for asking direction to the self-laundry facility, as well as asking for a second serving for the Micky waffle).

That's part of it's ambience and charm. lol
My daughter always wants to stay at GF. My DH and I have no desire. I like the BC or AKV as my stays. My son weirdly enough loves the Value resorts.... says they feel more Disney to him. Probably because that's where we stayed when the kids were young and we were on a tighter budget. It's interesting that my kids, who experienced the same trips growing up, now have very opposite ideas of the ideal Disney resort.

 

[Selket]

My question is, for those that have stayed is it worth splurging and staying at the GF right now? Thank you!!

No one can really answer that but you! I stayed at the GF once and enjoyed it very much - no regrets. Can you get more mileage out of your money? absolutely! I'd personally like to stay at all the resorts at least once and had the opportunity and took it. Sounds like you are expecting your first so this might be the time to do something special as a couple. I found the GF staff to be very sweet and friendly. I really enjoyed the room. If this is affordable then do it if you can and save the value resorts for when you have little one(s) who will really love that theming (even those us adults love it too!). Congrats on your pregnancy and good health!

 

[westie55]

I love the GF, but for us it isn't worth staying there right now because of the reduced offerings. No fireworks, no monorail to Epcot, some restaurants still closed, etc. We will definitely go back to the GF but not until its full "lineup" of amenities returns. This year we are going to WL (Copper Creek Villas) instead.

 

[trishadono]

Hi everyone! We are leaving tomorrow for Disney for a little babymoon trip. We have been to Disney many many times, but this will be our first time staying at Grand Floridian. I could never justify the price, since we are always out and about and rarely at the resort, however we thought it would be nice to stay. We have a lagoon view booked. Now out of nowhere I am second guessing myself since the Epcot monorail still isn't running, tea room is closed, spas are closed and my husbands favorite about the GF is the band, that is no longer playing. The monorail is great for MK, but there aren't any fireworks still or parades so we likely won't be going at night just that morning. It would cost about half less to switch to Coronado tower, or PopCentury would be about $700 less. I know many don't like PopCentury but I like the convenience of the skyliner. I would switch to Riviera for the skyliner however there is no availability that's why I mentioned the two above resorts as there isn't much available. My question is, for those that have stayed is it worth splurging and staying at the GF right now? Thank you!!

I think for those me and dd26 trips what we like about GF is the ability to enjoy all the mono resorts. We do love to walk to poly to shop or grab an adult beverage. You can get inside at Tambu lounge or the volcano pool has an "non poly guest access " side. Even the non alcohol drinks are fun for you. Or perhaps a dolewhip?

We also like to shop at CR and explore the 4th floor concourse.

The walking path at gf to mk is really a lovely walk along the water.

However we have also stayed at csr in the tower and it is super convenient to be so close to transportation, food options like mobile ordering from your room and popping down for a snack. The new rooms are really nice too! The lobby has lots of nooks and crannies and we enjoyed it.

SO its your call lol. I am thinking from what you wrote CSR is a better match at this time. You have several pools to walk to, fun bridges to cross at csr and lots of dining options right there.

 

[alison228]

Thanks all, lots of helpful info! Boardwalk just opened so now I'm considering there as well since theres lots of things to do on the boardwalk.

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks all, lots of helpful info! Boardwalk just opened so now I'm considering there as well since theres lots of things to do on the boardwalk.

I would switch to Boardwalk. I agree that a lot of the "perks" of GF just aren't there right now. If you will be spending a lot of time at EP and DHS, Boardwalk is the way to go, IMHO.

 

[Shellyred8]

Thanks all, lots of helpful info! Boardwalk just opened so now I'm considering there as well since theres lots of things to do on the boardwalk.

I would switch to Boardwalk in a heartbeat!
Note: The Boardwalk Ice Cream shop recently opened up, so if you are craving ice cream during this particular season of your life, you will have easy access to some!

 

[kylenne]

My family stayed at GF in the Main building (club level) for 4 nights back in 2018. It was a one-and-done experience. I don't regret staying there but I won't go back. The location was convenient and the resort was beautiful. My family received a surprising upgrade to stay in the presidential suite. But the staff were very snooty (I received very cold comments from CM for asking direction to the self-laundry facility, as well as asking for a second serving for the Micky waffle).

I just stayed there for the first time, 3 nights in the main building before switching over to YC for the rest of my split stay. I was booked Outer Building TPV and was pixie dusted. I am sorry to hear about your poor experience with the CMs. It was not my experience at all there, they were all extremely warm and friendly last week, from the gentleman who checked me in, to the people in the shops, to my server at GF Cafe, to the recreation staff and pool attendants. I felt very welcome there. It was especially nice given that I was a solo traveler and it was my birthday, they honestly made me feel like a princess.

OP, obviously no one can make the math determination for you in terms of your budget, but imo it is absolutely still worth it to stay there. Maybe I didn't know what I was missing since this was my first stay, and previously I had only ever been there to go to Senses, but I absolutely fell in love with the resort. They still have the piano player too, not at all hours but more than once I was pleasantly surprised to walk out of my room and hear music while passing through the (sadly empty) lounge. That walking path is SO convenient and is beautiful, as is the resort launch. I took the monorail maybe 1 time.

It was absolutely magical and I definitely want to come stay again, it's my 2nd favorite resort (Poly still edges it out for me, but it's close!).

 

[TaraWasHere]

Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I actually have liked it being bus to Epcot from GF instead of monorail. While I love the monorail, the transferring required when staying at GF can sometimes be a pain.

Granted you can have bad bus experiences too, but we’ve stayed at GF twice since reopening and our bus trips to/from Epcot have been a breeze.

So I personally wouldn’t let that part worry you too much, in my opinion.

Yes! We have stayed at the GF a few times, and will be staying there on our next trip. I do not like the Epcot monorail at all. It's ok in the mornings when there aren't many people riding but in the afternoons/evenings it's aweful. Having to switch to the resort monorail in the evenings while cutting through all the MK traffic just makes it worse.

As far as the "Is it worth it" question, from my prospective, yes...If the MK is your primary focus. The resort is beautiful, the rooms are nice (not amazing, but nice) and there are some amazing restaurants on site. If You plan on focusing on Epcot, or HS, then no. Stay at one of the Epcot resorts. The Yacht and Beach Club resorts would be my personal recomendations.

 

[Mome Rath]

We just stayed at GF for the first time last month, and really enjoyed it more then what I was expecting. So calm and relaxing, good food, walking to the MK, quiet, etc... We have stayed at every level, and I enjoy "collecting" Disney hotels. We have also loved every level of hotel, from value to deluxe, and each has a different vibe. So, go off of whatever trip you are wanting to take... Pop is vibrant and busy, loud and bright, BW is EPCOT focused and nice for a change of pace with more people around outside, GF is, as I talked about, a lot more calm and relaxed.

If you want the extra money for something else, there's nothing wrong with changing and pocketing the difference, but there's also nothing wrong with a splurge to see how you like it.

 

[Little E]

I LOVE the GF! It is my favorite resort, hands down! I've only stayed there once, but it was a no kids trip with my DH for a long weekend, and we loved everything about the resort. The resort has a very romantic feel, and we really enjoyed our kid-free pool time. I still dream about the smell of lobby...it smells like tiny angels dance there!

You will be at WDW, so you will have a marvelous time wherever you stay. Enjoy your babymoon!

 

[goofy4prez]

I never use the word "Justify" when it comes to any hotel or vacation cost. Justify means to show or prove to be right or reasonable. That is different for every individual based on their income or amount willing to spend. But with that said, I love the GF. It's not my favorite resort, but I still love the place ( I have a sentimental favorite with the WL). I never found it to be snooty at all nor have I ever encountered any rude or unfriendly staff in my visits there. In fact, quite the opposite. Two of my favorite restaurants are there with Narcoossee's and Citricos and is very convenient. For me, it really comes down to my mood. For my upcoming trip in February prior to our Disney cruise (hoping it's not canceled), we will be staying at the Poly for the first time. But with all that said, with everything that is not being offered because of Covid and all I'd have to think twice before booking the GF. I should add, I feel the same way with the Poly and hope that life is somewhat normal when we go in February.

 

[deserrai]

It is definitely a personal choice. We stayed once because my daughter's had always wanted to try it. We had a MK view which was awesome, but I would not stay there again. Not my vibe and neither of my girls were impressed either. We prefer Yacht and Beach or the Contemporary.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Hi everyone! We are leaving tomorrow for Disney for a little babymoon trip. We have been to Disney many many times, but this will be our first time staying at Grand Floridian. I could never justify the price, since we are always out and about and rarely at the resort, however we thought it would be nice to stay. We have a lagoon view booked. Now out of nowhere I am second guessing myself since the Epcot monorail still isn't running, tea room is closed, spas are closed and my husbands favorite about the GF is the band, that is no longer playing. The monorail is great for MK, but there aren't any fireworks still or parades so we likely won't be going at night just that morning. It would cost about half less to switch to Coronado tower, or PopCentury would be about $700 less. I know many don't like PopCentury but I like the convenience of the skyliner. I would switch to Riviera for the skyliner however there is no availability that's why I mentioned the two above resorts as there isn't much available. My question is, for those that have stayed is it worth splurging and staying at the GF right now? Thank you!!

I think when dollars are involved and we don't normally spend copious amounts and I always second guess myself too. Only you know if it's truly "worth" it since you know what you want out of your vacation dollars but in all honesty, one could also argue is it even "worth" it to stay on WDW property right now since there are little to no benefits. I know that doesn't help your situation much but in all reality, asking if something is worth the money is very subjective. I do this all the time too, so I totally understand but you'll get a zillion different opinions on this all day long, which still doesn't really help and may complicate the situation even more.

So here's my personal opinion, I like the GF, I also like Coronado and we really love BW. POP, it's nice but do I ever need to stay there again, no. And, if I am visiting on a babymoon and those are my choices, I am either picking BW, GF or CSR Gran Destino Tower (in that order) and def not picking POP.

My considerations in my decision, POP is nice but it's just not the same as the other resorts. While the skyliner is a nice perk, it does go down and with summer weather upon us, it will close at times. Food choices at POP is just your food court. While you could hop to Rivieria, it's not a big enough benefit to me, especially since you can source another mode of transport to Riviera if you really wanted to eat there. The food choices at GF, BW and CSR are a bit nicer and you could hop around the boardwalk area and around the monorail resorts.

IMO walking to either DHS and Epcot is a bigger perk than a monorail to only MK. I'd choose my resort based on room requirements and park plans. Good luck and have fun!

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

No, I don't think it is for the price they charge.

 

[georgina]

I enjoy the atmosphere at the GF very much, but have never been able to bring myself to pay for it. Had it booked for 2 nights once, and cancelled. We can well afford it, but it doesn't seem worth it to my inherently frugal self. I content myself with going for the afternoon tea and hanging in the lobby for a while, or eating at GF Cafe or visiting the bar in the evening, used to be the band playing. We have stayed at BWV a couple of times on DVC rental which was worth it to us.

I still occasionally have the fantasy of taking my kids (& currently non-existent grandkids!) for a stay in the main bldg sometime down the road, but I am certain my 2 younger kids would not appreciate it as they are not really Disney fans. Maybe I'll drag DH there for our 40th anniv, but the previous one I cancelled was for our 30th, so probably not.