Looking for GF experts

[momto2]

We have found a good deal at GF. Never thought I would stay there. Now I am wondering about the place. If you stayed there, what did you like or dislike? How are the garden view rooms? Are they far from the 'main' area? How pricey was the food? Did your kids enjoy it?

Thanks so much.

 

[Joan S.]

momto2, We have stayed at the GF on several occasions and will be back this July. WE LOVE it there! There is myself, hubby,DD18,DS15 and DS9. They have two wonderful pools, one with a slide and poolside bar which is fantastic! Gardenview is fine, their gardens are BEAUTIFUL! We stayed in Sago Cay the last time we were there and that was right next to Gasparrilas(quick food area). I do not think anything is too far away from the Main Building. We will be staying in Sugar Loaf this trip and we are really looking forward to being guests at the GF again!! Joan

 

[HM]

We were there for the first time June 1-6. We had a garden view reservation and ended up in Sago Cay looking over a finger of the lagoon at the monorail. Nice room with Wind in the Willows theming; close to the 24hr Grill and an easy walk to the main lobby under the covered porch around the main building; a short-cut to the bus stops is between Sago Cay/Main building and the Convention center. A bit of a walk to the themed pool but not a bad to the "quiet" pool or the boat ramp.

We had great service from everyone while there. Housekeeping was top-notch. The only real negative we had, was that the rooms walls are quite thin and we could hear toilets everywhere flushing (they are the turbo type), and the next-door neighbor's wake up call. We couldn't hear people talking in the adjoining rooms luckily though.

Food at the Gasparilla Grill was same prices as found elsewhere in the park. We didn't eat at any of the restaurants this time around.

_HM

 

[Greg K.]

We were there in 96, 97 and 99, and loved it each time.

The atmosphere, rooms and service are all sublime. None of the buildings is more than a five minute walk from the monorail; most are much closer. (A previous poster mentioned staying in Sago. When we stayed there, I decided to clock it, and our walk from the room to the monorail, at a casual pace, was about three minutes. To the bus stop, for MGM or the AK, even less!)

Food in the GF Cafe can be pricey -- expect to spend at least $10-15 pp for breakfast! -- but the Gasparilla Grill (their cafeteria-style carryout place) is reasonable and on a par with other places like it in The World.

If you really want to splurge, order room service one morning. White glove service with fresh linens and gorgeous china! And really GREAT food!

Enjoy. You won't be disappointed!

 

[phyllis1966]

My DH, DD (3 1/2 at the time) and I loved the GF in October, and we're going back this November. I agree with other posters, no building is really too far from the main building, and the food choices and prices are on par with all other food options in WDW ($$$). We could not, however, hear any toilets flushing or any other noises from other rooms. I don't know how booked the other rooms were, but we didn't hear anything. We were in Conch Key and it was wonderful! Our standard view from the 5th floor overlooked the gardens and the quiet pool - a lovely view, especially at night with the pool area lit up! In fact, we're requesting that building again, we liked it so much. I know many others book lagoon views with a view of the castle, but we're not in our room that much and would rather spend that money on other things (like great food ).

 

[hookedup]

We went last summer and had a GV room in Sago Cay. It is not far from the main building - the monrail, Gasparilla's, the quiet pool, the boat ramp. Our ds (2) had a ball. They took great care of us. We were on a budget and had a great time. Refillable mugs were a bonus too.
We are going back this summer and I am so excited!

 

[momto2]

Thanks to everyone who posted. The info was great and a tremendous help. We are still pinching ourselves that we not only found a room at GF but at a lower rate that we paid 3 years ago at CR! We just didn't know much about GF, but thanks to all of you - our excitement level is even higher~if that is possible!

 

[princess angel]

The GF is beautiful! Your kids will love it too! The GF has more childrens activities thatn any other WDW Resort.

The restauratns are wonderful, and again, more restaurants than any other WDW resort!
The new pool is gorgeous, and it was a much needed addition!

The ferry to MK is so much fun, and be sure to catch the Electric water pageant on the lagoon at night, but being that you have stayed at the CR before, you probably already saw it!

have fun!!!

Laura

20 days til WDW!!!!! YIPPPEEE