We're home again. (Short trip, I know -- we live fairly close by so we go for several two-night visits throughout the year.)
This is probably going to be a head-scratcher because we have almost nothing negative to say about the GF, but we didn't love it.
I think Disney resorts (more so than the typical hotel) have vibe/mood/atmosphere that you either respond to or don't, and this one we just didn't. However, I will say we were all sort of "off" this trip -- it was cold, we were all allergied up, we just weren't in a very "Disney" frame of mind.
Now for specifics. We were in SL room 6202, which was on the end of the 2nd floor right by the staircase. Very convenient for dashing back-and-forth to the main building. Our room overlooked the pool, which always seemed to have people swimming in it even when though it was FREEZING out. Crazy Northerners.
The room itself was very large & light, but I wasn't keen on the decor. Could use some updating IMO, though the bathroom was great (and I loved the toiletries). Mostly it's just personal preference, but I also did think the bedspreads & upholstery on the daybed and ottoman were showing their age. Also, was there supposed to be an easy chair & ottoman in the corner? There wasn't; there was just a floor lamp looking lost & lonely in a big empty space. Oh! Our room had a connecting door and at first I panicked because I've heard complaints about how noisy that makes things. Well...I never heard a peep. And there were people in the room next to us -- the whole building was quite full -- but our room was dead quiet.
I had also read that the mattresses were lumpy & uncomfortable. The mattresses
were lumpy -- so much so that we when arrived I looked at one bed & said, "What the heck is under the covers?"
BUT the beds were very comfortable nonetheless.
The food in the lounge was outstanding. Easily the best CL food we've had on property. I've already reported what we had the first night; last night it was shrimp shepherd's pie, spanakopita, sushi (two kinds), beef bruschetta, and the usual veggies & crackers & such. The scones at tea time were delish, and I loved that they had veggies & dips out during the day along with the usual chips & cookies. Breakfast every day included yogurt (three flavors) with toppings, oatmeal with toppings, sliced meats & cheeses, fruit, and a wide variety of baked goods. I do wish they had hard-boiled eggs, too, but no biggie. The downside is, yes, that lounge is SMALL. Totally insufficient to accommodate the number of guests there. Not a big deal for us as we do usually prefer to take the food back to our room, but here we rarely had an option.
The resort itself is, of course, gorgeous. It is staffed to the nines & everyone we met was friendly & helpful. We didn't find the atmosphere to be "stuffy" at all. We browsed all of the shops & ate in two of the restaurants (Citricos (A+) and GF Cafe (B-)), our son went to the Mouseketeers Club while we ate at Citricos and he LOVED it, and we used the buses, monorail & boats to get around with no delays or gripes about any of them.
I wish I had my act together better & had thought to take some photos of the construction. Sorry about that. As I said, it was not at all an issue for us, but I definitely wouldn't want a room that looked toward that area. Not pretty.
Overall I'd say it's a fabulous resort with a lot to offer, I understand why so many love it & I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I just don't think it was "the one" for us.
Thanks to everyone on this thread for all the helpful info & insight!
I hope you are having a great year so far. I know what you mean about missing the Grand, and WDW in general, I feel that way, too.
the GF and you know I would stay there any chance I get.
Unfortunately, the beach pool IS the closest to the construction, no telling how it will be impacted come August. Keep reading here, I'm sure we'll get periodic updates throughout the spring and summer from visitors.
(I know it's a long way off), and I'm trying to figure out our dining reservations. On the days when we like the appetizers, we can have a quick service dinner; on the days when we don't, I can make reservations at a table/signature service restaurant. I know that the menu can change, but any information would be very much appreciated. Bowbat, thank you for posting what food they had at the lounge on Saturday!
I meant I'm glad for you, I know how tough making the decision can be. When I'm in resort choosing mode, I can't think of anything else!
. We all wish you the best and want you well
