Just back from (the WONDERFUL) GF...

[Nadine and Fred]

...and I have fallen in love. We stayed in Boca Chica and had a slightly obstructed view of the Castle. However, the Lagoon was clearly seen as well as the nightly Electric Water Parade and "Wishes" (both wonderful) . Major disappointment was Citricos and a suprise delight was Artists Point at Wilderness Lodge. The parks were moderately crowded but we did well with going very early and using Fastpass. My DH did not go with me (I had a conference at the Contemporary) but has decided to go with me January 2005. My AP was great; I have already used it enough days to justify its purchase. Valet parking?? Worth double the $6 fee (used it every morning to travel from GF to the Contemporary..) Any questions??

 

[NMAmy]

I've always wanted to stay at the GF. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

 

[d96j97]

I wouldn't doubt for a minute that you had a wonderful time at the GF. My DH and I stayed there 12 years ago for our honeymoon and there is just nothing like it. For me, I felt like true royalty. Our room was also lagoon view (Conch Key) and we had 2 balconies. We had a perfect view of the castle. We have unfortunately not been able to stay there since... due to the cost. We just went "all out" for our honeymoon and actually paid for it completely by ourselves.

We have since visited the WL and loved it but nothing compares to the GF. We have 2 DS's and they really like the WL too. We are due for our next visit in May at WL.

My DH and I hope to spend an anniversary at the GF one day because of the incredible memories we have there.

Glad you had such a wonderful time!!!

 

[Nadine and Fred]

..in January but I think we will split our stat between AKL and GF. By the way, we had a terrific dinner at Boma which is, far and away, the BEST buffet at WDW!! Also...had breakfast with Cinderella (Saturday ) with my husband's niece and nephew and breakfast on Sunday with the other princesses at the Norway venue.(with my daughter and her fiance') The princesses were not sure what to make of 3 adults having breakfast but we enjoyed the food(IMHO better at the Castle) and the reactions of all the girls as they greeted their favorites!!

 

[sotoalf]

Glad you had a great time. But why was Citricos a disappointment?? Tell us more.

 

[JDH]

Artist's Pointe also. Glad you had a great time.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

My DD and her fiance had an OK meal (and, I must admit a FABULOUS dessert...the warm chocolate banana tort) my dinner was less than stellar. We split the Gateau of crab and the Plat du jour among us with my DD having the rack of lamb and her fiance having the duck breast. I had the seared tuna as my main course. When tuna has been served in the past, it has always been sushi grade and I then prefer it rare. I questioned the waitress about this and she confirmed that the tuna was, indeed, sushi grade. The tuna came out incredibly tough and difficult to cut with even a steak knife. Of course they did not charge me but it put a damper on the meal. Would I go back? If Citricos is competing with California Grill (and Flying Fish??), I prefer the latter two. Mind you, in the scheme of things this was a SMALL disappointment!!!By the way, the food at Gasparilla's Grille was fine!!

 

[Harambe]

Just got off the phone from changing my ressies AGAIN! This time it is the GF! So glad to hear you had a great time. We will definately check our Gasparilla's for quick meals, and are planning on Narcoossee's one night. Thanks for the positive feedback.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

..Harambe. GF was wonderful (I have stayed at every deluxe and I love ALL of them but GF was even a "cut above" the others) Make sure you request turndown every night. Also, make sure you greet Mr. Grand Floridian: a dear gentleman dressed in wonderful Victorian garb saying "hello" to everyone as they enter. Also make sure you experience the tea at least once. (we did so with the orchestra located above us playing some wonderful music) LOVE IT!!!

 

[Harambe]

It all sounds so nice! Our family of four is getting too big for one room and we figure this is one of the last times we could try GF, since it will probably be two rooms at a value or mod. from here on in . . . unless of course we love the GF too much.

In all honesty, I have loved each resort we've tried so far! And I know the GF will not disappoint!

 

[Grumpy37]

Valet parking at GF is a necessity, the self parking lot must be in the next zip code! So nice to go from valet to valet, too. I thought it was more like $8 at the GF, though (and would *still* worth it even at that price!).

 

[Nadine and Fred]

..and used the valet parking each day for that. My conference which was at the Contemporary also had me utilizing valet parking. In this way, I was able to leave my conference each day at noon, drive over to whatever park we were visiting that day and leave my sizable conference syllabus in the car. I would also like to mention boat service from MK to GF that was particularly convenient at the end of the day when returning from MK (GF was the first stop before the Poly) While it would be convenient for anyone, it was especially convenient for those staying in the buildings on the lagoon.

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi! I've got a few questions, if you don't mind my picking your brain. You mentioned to request turn down service each night. When DH and I stayed at the Grand in 2000, we got turn down service automatically each night. Has this changed?

Do you know if they have refillable mugs and how early the monorail runs? We have an 8:10 am ps for Crystal Palace one morning on a non early entry day and I want to make sure we'll get there in time.

Did you try out the pool? Do you know if there is a jogging track and/or did you try out the exercise room?

I'm so sorry for all the questions but you don't see too many threads on the GF and since you're just back, I'm hoping you can answer these questions for me.

Thanks a million!

 

[TammiMcMan]

We were at the GF in January and according to their guest flyer, they automatically offer turndown service between the hours of 5:15 and 9:45pm. You could schedule a more convenient time by calling them.

As for the monorail, you are literally one stop away from the MK. It's so convenient. I believe they start running as early as 6:30 or 7am. When you come back from the Magic Kingdom, take the boat. It's a beautiful way to see the whole resort and a very relaxing ride. The boat launch is located to the left of the resort monorail entrance at the MK.

The refillable mugs are located inside Gasparilla's. They are open 24 hours and for fast food, I thought it was surprisingly good.

The pools are wonderful. They have one very large one, with lots of chairs and tables around. The hot tub is located here and it's basically open all the time. The theme pool was open from 10am-6pm when we were there, but alittle later in the summer time. It's smaller, but it has a zero entrance from the beach and a few cabana's available on a first come, first served basis. Both pools have a poolside bar.

There is a pathway that leads from the Grand Floridian, around through the Polynesian and over to the Contemporary. I've seen people jogging this in the morning. For $30 individual or $45 family, you can purchase a length of stay pass for the spa & health club. According to my husband, this is the best thing to do. The health club is open from 6am-9pm and you also get use of the locker room facilities which include separate men's and women's whirlpool, steam room, sauna and relaxation lounge.

We're stopping back at the GF after our Disney cruise in May. This is our favorite resort and even our kids love it here. I can double check those monorail times when we're there.

Tammi

 

[karemore]

I am glad you had a great stay!

DH and I are going to be at the GF next month for my birthday and a belated honeymoon.

I keep checking this forum for any tidbit someone drops about the GF.

Thanks for sharing, and please feel free to write as much as you can .......I'm sure I'm not the only one who is interested in hearing all about it!

Karen

 

[leighe]

I am soooo excited to hear nice things about the GF. I am taking my sister to WDW for Christmas and GF is her dream resort. I've booked concierge there but I've convinced her that we're going to have to make do with one of the values. I can't wait to see the look on her face!

 

[jaguar9748]

I can't wait for my GF stay. 2 weeks and 2 days!!!!

Walk from the Poly to the Contemporary? What about the water that divides the 2? And there are no sidewalks on the road into the Contemporary under the water.

 

[lillygator]

we will be going back in Oct and Dec and are seriously considering staying at the GF one of those times.....probably December as it will be value season. I love reading about the GF!! Keep it coming!

 

[Cris]

Originally posted by leighe
I am soooo excited to hear nice things about the GF. I am taking my sister to WDW for Christmas and GF is her dream resort. I've booked concierge there but I've convinced her that we're going to have to make do with one of the values. I can't wait to see the look on her face!

that is so awesome, you are an great sis!! are you staying lodge or main building concierge??

 

[TammiMcMan]

Walk from the Poly to the Contemporary? What about the water that divides the 2?

Oops! I have no idea why I said the Contemporary, I meant the Ticket & Transportation Center.