Tell me all about the GF!!!

[kdibattista]

I want the good, the bad and the ugly!!!

DH and I are going to take advantage of the free dining and work in a long weekend. Since we have always wanted to stay there but could never really afford a week we figured this would be the perfect opportunity.

We are thinking of upgrading to Lagoon view but I'm not sure if it's worth it... any thoughts? Where are the good room locations (both lagoon and garden view)?

Thanks!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

In regards to the room views, they are all beautiful. In fact, you could end up with a nicer garden view than lagoon, so go with what you'd be comfortable with. A lagoon view doesn't guarantee that you'll see the castle either.

You can request a marina view with your garden view price. This would put you in Sago Cay. A nice quiet building, close to the main building and bus transportation. Another good choice is to ask for a corner room. They are slightly bigger, offer 2 balconies and usually come with a garden view from one balcony and a lagoon view from the other.

Pool cabanas are a great way to spend a few hours. They are available at the theme pool on a first come, first served basis. The poolside bar is a nice spot for an afternoon drink or light lunch. The spa/healthclub is inclusive for resort guests. You can skip the workout and head right for the individual lounges. There is one for men and one for women. Both have their own relaxation areas, changing areas, showers, steam room, sauna and whirlpool. Stop by the main building in the evening and have a drink at Mizners. The GF Orchestra plays here nightly. Afternoon tea is a refreshing break in the day. Take a boat out for a spin, or for something a little bit different, book a Wishes cruise.

Enjoy.

Edited to add that another DIS'er has posted that the GF will be shown on the Travel Channel tomorrow (Tuesday). Plus lots of nice pictures and 360 degree views over on the www.ourlaughingplace.com website.

 

[DeterminedOne]

You will love GF. It is in a word, GRAND! Definetly upgrade to lagoon view.
We were in Big Pine Key.

THE GOOD:
The view was absolutely amazing! We had an excellent look at CO, Poly, monorail and MK including the castle! Saw Wishes from the balcony and could hear the music. Had a perfect view of the Electrical Water Pagaent. The boat ride to MK was very quick - less than three minutes. Monorail service was convenient and the bus service right on time. Turndown service was a real plus. Decent restaurants - we dined at Narcoosee's and 1900 Park Fare. Room service was fast and friendly. The place looks absolutely amazing at night. The CM's were very professional,upbeat and not once snooty.

THE BAD:
I don't really want to call these things bad because they didn't ruin our trip or anything. Just a few things to note. There were lots of ducks on the property, sometimes even in the pool. Alcoholic drinks are pricey, but that's not too surprising. We had thin walls or really loud neighbors. Could hear
almost every word they were saying. I think they were just really loud people.

THE UGLY:
Simply never happened ... TG!

 

[kdibattista]

Thanks guys!!! I just set the recorder the Travel Channel special on the Grand Floridian... I can't wait to watch!!!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

We had thin walls or really loud neighbors. Could hear
almost every word they were saying. I think they were just really loud people.

THE UGLY:
Simply never happened ... TG!

Oh gosh, sorry to hear that. They must have been really loud people...wonder if this happens at every resort they stay at!
Luckily, we've never heard our neighbors at the GF, but we haven't at any other WDW resort, either..and I've heard others talk about thin walls at AKL and other locations I don't recall. I remember once off property at a Hilton having VERY LOUD neighbors, but I think it was because we had an adjoining room. Hope this doesn't happen again there! Glad you enjoyed it otherwise. It's our family's favorite resort.

 

[phyllis1966]

It's our favorite resort, too! Even DD6, who's visited other WDW resorts with us and enjoyed our stay at the CR, says the GF is her fave! We were put in Conch Key our first time there, and we liked the GV so much that we always request that building. We've had a Marina View (classified as a GV) the last 2 times we were there, and it's lovely!

 

[Meezers]

Note my countdown timer! I can't wait to try GF!

Wondering if I can work enough OT between now and then to upgrade to concierge?

Watched the travel channel show today...I want to go NOW!

 

[rcraw45425]

Have stayed in Big Pine Key and Boca Chica, booked garden view and been upgraded to lagoon view each time. It's a lovely resort. Take the time to sit in the lobby in th evening and listen to the band. It's like being completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks

 

[mirlow]

We had our first visit to the GF in April and yes it was grand!
My positive experiences were:
Incredible service
Stunning grounds
Great location
Awesome beach and very nice pools
Big rooms with a bunch of "extra" amenities
Delicious restaurants
Excellent children's activites
Nice walkway to the Polynesian

My not so positive experiences were:
Self parking (pay for valet)
Mouskeeter Club (doesn't sound like you will be using)
It's a convention hotel (stay in a LV room and you won't see them as much)

Have a great stay

 

[nasmith]

What was it about the Mouseketeer club that was a negative experience?? Thanks - Jill

 

[mirlow]

What was it about the Mouseketeer club that was a negative experience?? Thanks - Jill

There was only one woman working and there were about 12 kids. She didn't come across as a very warm person. My kids weren't to happy. The club isn't really inviting for kids JMO. Not worth my money.
We were booked for Simba's Club later on in the trip. My kids loved it so much that they wanted to go back two other times.
If we had never tried Simba's I would have nothing to compare it to, and I would have thought the Mouskeeter Club was an OK experience.