Portofino vs. Grand Floridian

[mark smith]

We are big WDW people and usually stay at the GF. We are planning a trip in Oct. to include Universal for the first time and would like opinions on staying at Portifino.
Particularly how does it compare to GF? Thanks

 

[WDW Princess]

I know there are legions of WDW fans who would disagree with this, but I personally believe that Portofino is much nicer than Grand Floridian (and I loooooove Disney). We’ve stayed at GF a couple of times and felt it was overrated (company was paying for it, so we didn’t feel it was a waste of our money). Service was excellent in both places, as well as attention to details. However, Portofino seemed just a little classier, a little more luxurious and relaxing and more grown-up. I guess it depends on what experience you are looking for. I also like Portofino’s theme better, however, it’s a very personal, and thus subjective, opinion.

 

[damo]

I think it is nicer as well. The bathrooms at the PBH are much nicer and larger. The outside of the building is completely different but very nice. The courtyards and hallways are fascinating and the landscaping is gorgeous. The style is different but it is very nice.

 

[dvcbnd]

We are DVC members for 10 yrs now and have stayed at many beautiful Disney resorts, except for the Grand Floridian. So I can't speak from experience on a comparison of the two resorts.
We have stayed at the Portofino and would stay there again in a heartbeat. The Portofino is full of class and style and is absolutely beautiful. We were pleased with every aspect our entire stay. I highly recommend it and don't think that you'll be disappointed. Good luck with your plans and have a wonderful trip!!

 

[apparition]

I prefer Portofino. The Grand Floridian is fancy but it's over rated. Portofino is much nicer in every aspect.

 

[goofy!]

I think it is nicer as well. The bathrooms at the PBH are much nicer and larger. The outside of the building is completely different but very nice. The courtyards and hallways are fascinating and the landscaping is gorgeous. The style is different but it is very nice.

I prefer Portofino. The Grand Floridian is fancy but it's over rated. Portofino is much nicer in every aspect.

I can't add anything more. Portofino is lovely with great service. It is our favorite hotel in the Orlando area.

We were in Orlando last week and due to a cheerleading requirement, had to have a booking at the Buena Vista Palace (team hotel). But we still booked Portofino simultaneously as we prefer it that much. DD and I hightailed it out of the BVP over to Portofino with the rest of the family as soon as we were released from cheer time.

We are probably a bit crazy to have two 4* hotels booked at the same time, but that is how much we prefer Portofino over any of the other deluxe hotels in Orlando, including the GF.

 

[apparition]

We were in Orlando last week and due to a cheerleading requirement, had to have a booking at the Buena Vista Palace (team hotel). But we still booked Portofino simultaneously as we prefer it that much. DD and I hightailed it out of the BVP over to Portofino with the rest of the family as soon as we were released from cheer time.

We are probably a bit crazy to have two 4* hotels booked at the same time, but that is how much we prefer Portofino over any of the other deluxe hotels in Orlando, including the GF.

I'd probably do the same thing

 

[Candice30]

i really like grand floridian but i much prefer PBH over it. PBH feels much more upscale to me and the rooms and bathrooms are bigger and more luxurious. i love the pool areas better at PBH as well and i am a huge disney fan as well.

 

[goofie4goofy]

We are big fans of WDW and of the GF - we are actually VIP's when we stay at the GF, so we are very spoiled. However the PBH is my favorite of the two - hands down. The PBH is elegant but much more relaxed than the GF. One thing that I love about the PBH (and all the USO resorts) is they leave the theme park in the theme park. When you are at the hotel, there are no "hidden mickey's" or alice in wonderland wallpaper, so you feel a million miles away from a theme park. I find also that is is much quieter as the large lobby and outdoor piazza are so large and the GF atrium more compact and loud. The resort is a vacation in itself, we love the Bar American in the lobby, the Piazza at night, the assortment of restaurants and shops (and also that they will drive you to any of the other resorts restaurants)
I love the layout and decor of the large rooms and bathrooms, much bigger than most of the rooms at the GF...and much more affordable.

 

[FireandIce]

I have stayed at both also, and I prefer the PBH.

 

[marksmith]

Leaving Sunday for a last second trip to WDW- 2 nights at Dolphin and 1 at contemporary(something ner for us). Looks like an October trip splitting GF at WDW and Portofino for a couple of nights for our first ever Universal visit.

Thanks for the comments

 

[Joey7295]

I have not stayed at GF but have stayed at PBH and loved it. Among some of the other reasons I have read, PBH is much cheaper than GF. I have not been able to afford GF, but stayed at PBH with the annual pass discount. It is also worth staying onsite at UO just to skip the lines at the parks.

 

[MissionMouse]

We found the Portofino to be nicer than the GF. The rooms are larger, in better condition, offering a higher level of luxury at lower rates. Very attentive staff that in many ways surpasses Disney.

We also found it easy to get into the resorts restaurants without reservations. The only odd item for us was the location of the club next to the lobby (minor item). Kids loved the pools and the grounds are rather large too.

You had the option to walk, rickshall, or take the boat to the parks.

 

[MRS AR]

I'm getting so excited now. We have stayed at the GF before and loved it. We stayed at RPR during our last stay to US/IOA and are staying at PBH for the first time in a little over a month.