Just back from a glorious trip to WDW, including a stay in the GF, which has always been my favorite. I came home with the GF being second in my heart after the YC, but loving both resorts a lot.
We stayed in Conch Key 7201 and 7203--adjoining rooms--2 couples. The rooms were in very good condition, no major issues. Noticed some wear and tear especially on the comforters and pillows. Both rooms were very clean. Maid service was very efficient and punctual. Had lots of soaps and towels. The view was garden view but actually a pretty decent one. We overlooked the back of Conch Key (no fireworks in sight or castle) but it overlooked Bay Lake, the monorail, and the marina where the Grand is kept. We enjoyed the view a lot, but had the urge to run outside whenever we heard the fireworks going off. It was frustrating to not be able to see them!
The GF still has the most gorgeous lobby! And the Christmas decorations were amazing. No other hotel comes even slightly close to the holiday spirit. I could sit in that lobby for hours. I especially love it at night when the orchestra is playing overhead. That is still one of my favorite parts of the GF. I also love the restaurants there. I love the MK view, the fireworks, and being able to sit on the beach and watch the electrical water pagent.
As for staff, we had the help of two excellent guest service cast members--Chantilly Lace (obviously a stage name) and Bill. I can't say enough good things about Chantilly. Chantilly could not do enough for us. She wrote out by hand the entire brochure of the MVMCP activities and had it sent to our room since they ran out of pamphlets. And my favorite, of all favorites, is Larry one of the greeters who stands outside in front of the hotel. He is the nicest, most wonderful cast member ever and if you are staying at the GF I encourage you to visit him. He is the best!
GF fell second to YC mainly because of location and convenience. We had some very bad weather and realized the Lodge buildings are a very long walk from the main building and quite inconvenient. Also, we like being within walking distance to Epcot and other things as well. To hear more, read my YC comments.
One last thing to note. I do not find the GF cast members snotty. If anything, I would say that the maids and the guys that drive the golf carts are less friendly than they could be. But the reception people, store employees, guest services and wait staff were very, very nice. And as for the GF guests, I didn't see anyone who looked snobby. Everyone during my stay was completely down to Earth and looked like they just came back from spending 10 hours in the rain in one of the parks--which they probably did!!!
If you have a question, I'd love to answer it!
We stayed in Conch Key 7201 and 7203--adjoining rooms--2 couples. The rooms were in very good condition, no major issues. Noticed some wear and tear especially on the comforters and pillows. Both rooms were very clean. Maid service was very efficient and punctual. Had lots of soaps and towels. The view was garden view but actually a pretty decent one. We overlooked the back of Conch Key (no fireworks in sight or castle) but it overlooked Bay Lake, the monorail, and the marina where the Grand is kept. We enjoyed the view a lot, but had the urge to run outside whenever we heard the fireworks going off. It was frustrating to not be able to see them!
The GF still has the most gorgeous lobby! And the Christmas decorations were amazing. No other hotel comes even slightly close to the holiday spirit. I could sit in that lobby for hours. I especially love it at night when the orchestra is playing overhead. That is still one of my favorite parts of the GF. I also love the restaurants there. I love the MK view, the fireworks, and being able to sit on the beach and watch the electrical water pagent.
As for staff, we had the help of two excellent guest service cast members--Chantilly Lace (obviously a stage name) and Bill. I can't say enough good things about Chantilly. Chantilly could not do enough for us. She wrote out by hand the entire brochure of the MVMCP activities and had it sent to our room since they ran out of pamphlets. And my favorite, of all favorites, is Larry one of the greeters who stands outside in front of the hotel. He is the nicest, most wonderful cast member ever and if you are staying at the GF I encourage you to visit him. He is the best!
GF fell second to YC mainly because of location and convenience. We had some very bad weather and realized the Lodge buildings are a very long walk from the main building and quite inconvenient. Also, we like being within walking distance to Epcot and other things as well. To hear more, read my YC comments.
One last thing to note. I do not find the GF cast members snotty. If anything, I would say that the maids and the guys that drive the golf carts are less friendly than they could be. But the reception people, store employees, guest services and wait staff were very, very nice. And as for the GF guests, I didn't see anyone who looked snobby. Everyone during my stay was completely down to Earth and looked like they just came back from spending 10 hours in the rain in one of the parks--which they probably did!!!
If you have a question, I'd love to answer it!
I thought the GF was beautiful during the regular months but I was blown away with the holiday decorations!
