Ritz Carlton or Grand Floridian?

[Clare D]

I am planning our holiday for 06 at the minute but can't decide whether to stay at the RC or the GF. It will be for 3 nights before we have 4 days on the DCL and then 7 days down at the Sanibel Harbour resort. Both hotels look fantastic but just wondered what your thoughts were if you have stayed at either.
Clare

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Sorry I can'yt help, but I have a feeling UKDEB has stayed in both

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

we love the GF, Its a beautiful place, plus has our favourite restaraunt in it, V & A's

 

[KayleeUK]

Sorry I can'yt help, but I have a feeling UKDEB has stayed in both

Great minds Annie...I was just going to say that

 

[Frances999]

I've never stayed at the RC in Orlando - but I have in the Boston hotel and it was wonderful. Obviously, RC and the GF are both top hotels, perhaps the question should be on-site or off-site instead? Although the RC undoubtedly offers better value for money, would you miss being in the heart of the magic? That's what would make my mind up

 

[Clare D]

We are staying at the AKL this year and I do like the idea of being in the heart of Disney. DH isn't as big a fan as me so not sure whether it would be a bit much for him staying at the GF as well as the DCL. I like the idea of being close to the magic in case I can tempt him with a day or 2 at the parks.
DH is a massive golf fan so I'm sure I can tempt him with the courses at either.
I am more pushed towards Grand Floridian as this place looked fab coming out of MK on the mono rail.
Thanks to everybody for their feedback so far.
Kaylee looked out for you in Cardiff. Top marks for all bands but U2 were phenomonal

 

[UKDEB]

Fame at last!

The Ritz-Carlton is, without a shadow of a doubt, far superior to the Grand Floridian. I absolutely loved it there and I would go back in a heartbeat. The place is fabulous and the staff achieves just the right balance of friendliness, efficiency and professionalism. If you are into upscale eating, Norman's is one of the top restaurants in Orlando, but the 'regular' restaurant, The Vineyard Grill, is also more than just good. We also liked Fairways Pub (the golf clubhouse bar) and Primo at the JW Marriott next door.

Much as I love Disney, all their hotels have an indentikit, twee feel for me and the GF is no exception. However, it is a very nice hotel and it has the huge advantage of being onsite. Anyone who likes food should find a way to eat at V&As at least once in a lifetime! If you are planning on doing mainly the Disney parks during your 3 days, this is probably the better choice. I have experienced the same dilemma ever since we stayed at the RC - I'm desperate to go back there, but onsite (either Disney or Universal) always wins in the end. The same will be true next April when we plan on visiting Orlando for a few days following an Eastern Caribbean cruise on NCL's Norwegian Jewel.

 

[Clare D]

Thanks Deb for the update. What is the RC like for kids compared to GF? DS will be just short of 4 by the time we go (Nov 06).

 

[UKDEB]

The RC wasn't overrun with children when we were there - we mainly saw them in the Vineyard Grill - and I imagine that's pretty typical. However, the staff were very good with those children who were there. There is a separate kiddy pool and play area. At the JW Marriott there is a more child-friendly pool with a lazy river which you are able to use as a guest of the RC. You can either walk through the grounds, or through the connecting walkway - 5 minutes tops either way. There were more children at the JWM which is also a lovely hotel.

 

[homerdog]

DH is a massive golf fan so I'm sure I can tempt him with the courses at either.

The course at the RC was designed by Greg Norman and is very good, albeit expensive. I prefer Osprey Ridge at Disney (a Tom Fazio design), and it's in a beautiful setting.

However, the clubhouse at the RC is fantastic (as is the hotel), whereas the Bonnet Creek clubhouse at Disney isn't. Personally, I'd stay at the RC and play golf at Osprey Ridge or Orange County National

 

[Clare D]

Thanks Homerdog. DH was very impressed. Pity I can't get him as interested in the DIS boards