The **NEW** Grand Floridian FAQ!(MAY 2011)

[padawans]

Umm, yeah, the prices are definitely inflated to make the "discount" look better than it actually is. Not unusual at any hotel. But what is unusual is that Disney expects ANYONE to actually pay their rack rate. (For the most part, pretty much no one ever does at 95% of the world's hotels.)

I think I keep coming back to the cost (and I'm talking price I paid, not the rack rate now) because, while the Grand is the second or third most expensive hotel I've ever stayed in (behind hotels in Paris and London; with the one in Paris directly ON the Champs Elysses with a clear, close-up view of the Arc de Triumphe from my balcony), I'd venture to say it ranks about 50th in terms of the quality of rooms and service, even factoring in the location and view, I've been lucky enough to experience. And while those few that were more pricey than the Grand might not be my #1 and #2 in terms of luxury, they both do rank in the top 10, and if you factor in locale and comparable prices (to other hotels in their vicinity), still feel pretty close to an even quality-price ratio, whereas the Grand does not even come close on any of those factors (quality, price OR comparable accommodation value). That, to me as a consumer, is what leaves me feeling a little--sometimes more than a little--ripped off by Disney.

If it was just one of those things--e.g. high price but great service and amazing accommodations; or more equal price to other nearby hotels, but smaller room or lesser service in exchange for superior proximity--I don't think I'd feel quite so put out.

Something much talked about in the wine world is "quality price ratio" or QPR. The goal is to get the highest quality for the lowest price and to try and balance those two things (e.g. a wine that's wonderful for $20 might feel like a rip off if priced at $80). To me, at least in my limited (two stay) experience, Disney hotels do NOT provide good QPR.

Yes disneys prices are inflated. In the future you might want to consider skipping CL and getting a standard room in one of the deluxe resorts. It doesn't seem that Cl is worth the price they are asking. For us disneys its about the kids. We spend most of our time at the parks or pool. We always stay deluxe, but I have never shelled out the money for a view or Club level. It really does not seem worth it at disney. With a good discount I usually pay under 300 a night for a gv room at an epcot or mk resort. I feel like I am getting my moneys worth for the location and the nice pool. The rooms are just so-so. Thats why I can't bring myself to upgrade and pay the ridiculous cl level prices.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I think everyone has different expectations when it comes to hotels and Disney vacations. My children grew ip coming to the GF. The first time we stayed here was the year after it opened and have stayed at least 25 times since then. I wander the grounds, look around the rooms and wonderful memories come flooding back. For us staying here is truly like coming home! Shelly a waitress in the Grand Floridian Cafe has been helping us for over 15 years, she was so happy to see us last week. Christian the piano player knows us from all our trips, we love to listen to him play, etc. I guess we don't see that the rooms may be a bit worn or that CM's are as helpful as some perceive them.

Perhaps if this was our first trip to the GF instead of almost our 30th I might feel different. I know the grounds will be beautiful, the band will be playing in the lobby, there will be a Mickey's head lamp in the room and so on. I just love the familiarity and the memories of the GF!

 

[latinqt]

I agree with the previous poster, but, the CL is really not worth it unless your stuck in the room for perhaps medical reasons etc. I'm still not sure what to do. I'll ask the children.

 

[Mouseturtle]

I too have had some "less than grand" experiences at the GF...but it is still my favorite place to stay. I am currently in Orlando for a work conference, staying at the Hilton. I did 3 days at Disney, relying on Mears transportation. It gave me a different perspective...AND a greater appreciation for the GF! I miss feeling in the "middle of it all" and the convenience of the transportation, not to mention the ability to come back to the room and just chill in the middle of a long day before heading out again.

And don't even get me started on missing the dining plan! I was upset to have to pay OOP for my snacks haha. (spoiled much? I'm afraid so!)

I found myself gazing longingly at the Grand Floridian across the lagoon when I was at the MK...I just really, really missed the beauty of it all, and the "oooh ahhh" feeling I got when standing in the courtyard gazing at the pool, palm trees and buildings which give me a feeling I cannot duplicate.

This is my "splurge" in life and I am realizing it's more than worth it! I'll be back in less than 2 months and will really appreciate it even more. Nothing is perfect, and too often the pressure is on to MAKE it be perfect, especially when we factor in the hard-earned money we have to spend. It still needs to meet my basic needs but I know that it's where I want to be, and I am so blessed to even be there in the first place!

Thanks to my bounceback offer, I'm going for the 2nd time this year (and my 1st Christmas trip!!)

Life is good!

 

[mariamouse]

I too have had some "less than grand" experiences at the GF...but it is still my favorite place to stay. I am currently in Orlando for a work conference, staying at the Hilton. I did 3 days at Disney, relying on Mears transportation. It gave me a different perspective...AND a greater appreciation for the GF! I miss feeling in the "middle of it all" and the convenience of the transportation, not to mention the ability to come back to the room and just chill in the middle of a long day before heading out again.

And don't even get me started on missing the dining plan! I was upset to have to pay OOP for my snacks haha. (spoiled much? I'm afraid so!)

I found myself gazing longingly at the Grand Floridian across the lagoon when I was at the MK...I just really, really missed the beauty of it all, and the "oooh ahhh" feeling I got when standing in the courtyard gazing at the pool, palm trees and buildings which give me a feeling I cannot duplicate.

This is my "splurge" in life and I am realizing it's more than worth it! I'll be back in less than 2 months and will really appreciate it even more. Nothing is perfect, and too often the pressure is on to MAKE it be perfect, especially when we factor in the hard-earned money we have to spend. It still needs to meet my basic needs but I know that it's where I want to be, and I am so blessed to even be there in the first place!

Thanks to my bounceback offer, I'm going for the 2nd time this year (and my 1st Christmas trip!!)

Life is good!

I can so relate to your description of longingly looking at the GF across Seven Seas Lagoon! Customer service issues aside, it truly is such a magical place and you are right that we are so blessed to be able to stay there and just be in WDW!

ETA: We will also be there this December for our first holiday trip! Can't wait!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser and Mouseturtle, you have both explained very well the reason we keep coming back to WDW and the GF. We've been visiting WDW since my kids were little, and though we didn't begin staying at the GF until mid-way through our family trips, it has become our favorite resort. As others have said, we love the ambiance, the piano playing in the evening, the beautiful landscaping, the relaxing feel.

Are there more luxurious hotels in the world? Sure. But the GF is ingrained in our hearts due to our family memories, and the beauty of the resort.

With the increased rack rates, we definitely need a decent discount to make the trip, but we plan on many future visits.

Oh, Mouseturtle, I meant to say - I understand what you mean about staying offsite! We have booked one or two nights at resorts like the Gaylord Palms, and the feel is entirely different than being onsite, for us.

padawans - you make a very good point. We often book garden view at the GF, and other resorts, to maximize our value. It can seem that club level is the only way to go, with so many posters enjoying SL or RPC (and we love it, too!), but the garden view rooms at the GF have such pretty views. You can save that extra cash for room service, nice dinners or special tours.

 

[disneydreamin247]

My suitcase still smells like the Grand.

 

[ldymcbth]

If anyone has an upcoming stay @ GF and has children who would enjoy the games @ Gasparilla's, please send me your address and I will email you our leftover arcade card. I think it has about 500 points on it - enough for 5 or 6 games. I hate for it to go to waste!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Looking at the food setup head on.

Cold appetizers that change daily.

Hot appetizers which also change daily.

Fresh bread in the corner as well as cheese and fruit.

Beer and wine on the side.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Fresh Fruit.

Pastries (there is also a tray of cupcakes for kids...and adults too!)

Cordials

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

This picture is where the old path to the Polynesian started which now has a fence in front and to the right the new path which goes under the monorail.

The start of the walkway to the Polynesian.

Similar to above but you can see the lights on the fence, illuminating the walkway at night.

Taken from the front of the Health Club looking towards the walkway.

 

[galenkelch]

l

 

[msmith1026]

If anyone has an upcoming stay @ GF and has children who would enjoy the games @ Gasparilla's, please send me your address and I will email you our leftover arcade card. I think it has about 500 points on it - enough for 5 or 6 games. I hate for it to go to waste!

Ldymcbth, I just sent you a PM.

 

[pas130]

junglecruiser How the kids and I miss those cupcakes Thanks for the pics. Enjoy the rest of the week. I have a friend down there who said the weather is great!

 

[disneydreamin247]

I just washed the remainder of our vacation clothes. The GF smell is now officially gone.

 

[nklooz]

Hi all,

Trying to decide btwn CR and GF. A few things to know about us: 2 1/2 yo (thus the monorail is a must) and a 13 yo (ages at the time we'll travel) who has been many times before and is most focused on wanting to watch her little sis have a blast. Here's where I am. Money, not a deciding factor. Pool, important, theme park view, important.

GF plusses: prefer the theme, zero entry pool, princess feel
CR plusses: seems much better theme park view, Chef Mickey's, first monorail stop on the way home when the 2 1/2 yo is BEAT.

Here's what I need to know - Will I be able to get a great theme park view for watching the fireworks from our room at night when the 2 1/2 yo is too beat to be at the park?

THANKS!

 

[nklooz]

Oh, one other thing I'd like to know. Does the Victorian theme translate into a princessy feel for my little 2 1/2 yo princess?

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I just washed the remainder of our vacation clothes. The GF smell is now officially gone.

That's so sad, you'll just have to come back again! Hope everyone is feeling better!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ldymcbth - What a kind offer, I hope someone is able to take you up on it. I know what you mean, we had a couple vouchers left over from a package a few years ago - hated that they went unused.

Jungle Cruiser - Love the photos! Thanks for making such an effort to post them, I know everyone will enjoy seeing the SL food offerings, as well as the construction photos.

disneydreamin247 - aww, so sorry that you've washed the GF smell out of everything. Time to plan another trip!

galenkelch - Welcome! It seems your post went wrong somewhere, give it another try.

nklooz - Welcome! I've never stayed at the CR, so it's hard for me to compare and contrast the two resorts. We love the GF, and think the Victorian theme does feel more girly, but the guys we've brought here have loved it, too, so not sure about that point.

We've had a nice TPV in Big Pine Key. The photos of TPV rooms in Conch Key and Sago Cay look beautiful, but they are views of the castle - not an overview of the park, the way the rooms at the CR Tower seem to be. We've had dinner at Cali Grill many times, and the view from the observation deck is incredible.

Hopefully, someone who has stayed in both resorts - with young children - can be more helpful.

 

[midge3426]

K&a&c'smom and junglecruiser thanks for the kind words. We did not dislike GF at all--we just thought it fell a bit short in the customer service department. I also hated the resort being a convention hotel. A group of business people, dressed for and talking business, staying in the same SMALL CL building as you takes a whole lot of magic out of your vacation. I think they should have placed them elsewhere. Another thing that bothered me was that the GF has minimal drawer space. There was me, my DH, and two fifteen year old girls and four half drawers. ARGH!!!!! Where do you put all your stuff?
I have some pictures that I will post soon. I am still processing and I was lazy and did not set my white balance inside and I am trying to get the color right. You may see them in BW. LOL. Plus my daughter is not doing well in Honors Biology and I am upset about that. I am also on the search committee for my 40th high school reunion committee and they are needing names and locations. So----I have been a bit delayed, but I hope to have some posted soon.