Upgrade to Grand Floridian for $800?

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I would upgrade for that price, especially with five in a room. But I would try to get CR or Poly instead for the same price - just personal preference on the theming.

 

[missycj96]

The Grand Floridian is definately worth $110 per night more than the Port Orleans. And, its a better vacation experience - on the monorail, great facilities, fireworks views, electric water parade, music in the lobby every night. So its not a question of value - the only question is do you want to spend the extra money and can you afford it. Only you know that. If you want save the money, you'll still have a great vacation at POR. But the Grand Floridian is really special.

 

[lucas]

Ummmmm, no - I would not spend an extra $800.00 to stay at the GF. But, that is just me.

 

[praline3001]

Is this a serious question?1

Your foolin aren't ya

Of course upgrade! You will LOVE GF!
You get to see the castle fireworks from the pool
You have the monorail

You get QUEEN SIZE BEDS WITH REAL BOX SPRINGS!!!!!

You get a full counter with 2 sinks to put all your tolitries on

They have h2o products in every room

The room is bigger and you get a sofa sleeper to sit or lay your suitcases on!

They have a full service private dining

The bathtubs are bigger and deeper at the GF

If your able to swing it~ there should be no questions ~
stop reading and call Disney NOW

 

[eandesmom]

in a heartbeat.

 

[praline3001]

POR bathroom sinks

GF bathroom sinks

POR double beds

GF queen beds:

another POR:

GF room

table and chairs por:

GF:

POR bathtub

GF bathtub

ok ok ok I'll stop

 

[praline3001]

oh you also get your own balcony at the GF
with views like this:

 

[iakot]

With your little kids, you are likely to spend most of your time at the Magic Kingdom. Being on the Monorail would be an added benefit.

However, I don't think they would appreciate the GF. The CR has the added benefit of being in walking distance of MK. But, my suggestion would be Poly. I think the kids could appreciate Poly. Just my 2 cents.

 

[frdeb1999]

If the money isn't a problem...I'd deffinately upgrade just to have the larger room and monorail access.

 

[rotlex]

I would do this in a heart beat, but, I'm trying to figure out how it is only $800 more? I'm probably just bad at math, but we thought about doing something like this as well, and it came out to over $1000 for the upgrade?

Were staying at CSR, average $150 per night. I thought the cheapest GF rooms were like $400 per night, hence, $250 per night difference x 4 nights, with the 4/3 deal, is still $1000. Of course, maybe you are getting a room for less than $400 at GF, which is something I have not figured in!

Either way, I'd say go for it. It is a dream of ours to stay there one year, but can never justify the additional cost!

 

[George69]

First, ROTLEX...I am in Lehigh Valley PA too (Bethlehem Twp.).......I am pretty sure that since I already have the 4/3 deal, they will let me upgrade (a previous poster verified this). WHen I figured my orig. cost for the deal and then the upgrade it came to $800 due to the 4/3 and getting a GV room at the GF. I LOVED the pictures of the POR vs the GF.....LOL those were great and actually makes me want to try to swing it. I would have definitely given a big yes, if not for last night.....my sister's car needs repair and she is saving $ for it, but is using my mother's car.....now my mother's car just died, so they have no vehicle and are borrowing mine and my brothers.....long story short: when I got my Master's degree, my school district repaid the cost as long as I stayed with them, however, my mother forwarded the $ for the classes. AT the end of the classes I owed her 1000. and she sayd to keep it.....which I did.....and I held onto it for her...last night I gave it to her for her car to get fixed.....anyway, if I can swing it I will do it and surprise my sister without telling her. I hope I can swing it, but if not, I am thankful for the trip with my family since so many ppl are in hard tiimes. I hold my breath everyday, thankful DH has a job (layed off before Christmas and Disney was SUPPOSE to be children's gift and we cancelled that but then DH got a job so I am going with our children now but no DH so we are really blessed and lucky)

 

[magical4us4]

I wouldn't...but that is me (we don't like the GF). However, if it will be easier for you with the kids and the money isn't an object, then go for it. As for the POR being sprawling, you can be on the far end of a deluxe as well and have a hike to the main entrance or the pool, etc.

I agree with KatMark, if money is no object. But also at the GF you can take a short boat ride to the MK from any of the buildings that are close to the boat dock and also the GF buildings are not too far from bus transportation as it is with other moderate and value buildings. The grounds are close to the pools and the main building.

ETA: How can I forget the monorail s iright outside the door of the main building!

 

[magical4us4]

I would not because I don't think the GF is that much fun for kids. It looks nice, and it has great restaurants, but I think you'd have more fun for less money if you stay where you are.

They have added a great deal of activities for children now! I hear it's a blast for them. They have the Wii, movies on the beach, a fire pit for smores and marshmallows...I heard it is amazing. I was there not too long ago and they have CM's that play with your kids on the sand...Frisbee, soccer, etc.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I would do it in a heartbeat. If money is not an object, go for it. The GF is a great place. We have stayed there many times and loved it. Some people like it, some people don't but I feel that for an additional $800, it's worth it especially with three small children. Just look at praline3001's post. After those pictures it would be kind of hard not too. Praline3001 would make a really good attorney.

 

[CarolA]

IMHO, NO WAY!

I stayed there once. RIP OFF! It's a lovely hotel, but it's not that nice otherwise. Basic Disney service, (acutally WORSE then basic), pretty bad transportation and overall not worth the cost.

 

[BCV23]

I agree with KatMark, if money is no object. But also at the GF you can take a short boat ride to the MK from any of the buildings that are close to the boat dock and also the GF buildings are not too far from bus transportation as it is with other moderate and value buildings. The grounds are close to the pools and the main building.

Not the best route to take regardless of which building you're in as the launch heads to the Polynesian after leaving the GF before going to the MK. It is a great way to travel to the MK from the Polynesian however.

Returning to the GF, the launch is very quick and a lovely way to travel regardless of your building.

To the OP, I think the GF is a bargain for $800 more/7 nights as long as it's a comfortable expense for you. Your kids will love the pool and beach and everyone will enjoy the convenience.

 

[rotlex]

First, ROTLEX...I am in Lehigh Valley PA too (Bethlehem Twp.).......I am pretty sure that since I already have the 4/3 deal, they will let me upgrade (a previous poster verified this). WHen I figured my orig. cost for the deal and then the upgrade it came to $800 due to the 4/3 and getting a GV room at the GF. I LOVED the pictures of the POR vs the GF.....LOL those were great and actually makes me want to try to swing it. I would have definitely given a big yes, if not for last night.....my sister's car needs repair and she is saving $ for it, but is using my mother's car.....now my mother's car just died, so they have no vehicle and are borrowing mine and my brothers.....long story short: when I got my Master's degree, my school district repaid the cost as long as I stayed with them, however, my mother forwarded the $ for the classes. AT the end of the classes I owed her 1000. and she sayd to keep it.....which I did.....and I held onto it for her...last night I gave it to her for her car to get fixed.....anyway, if I can swing it I will do it and surprise my sister without telling her. I hope I can swing it, but if not, I am thankful for the trip with my family since so many ppl are in hard tiimes. I hold my breath everyday, thankful DH has a job (layed off before Christmas and Disney was SUPPOSE to be children's gift and we cancelled that but then DH got a job so I am going with our children now but no DH so we are really blessed and lucky)

Doh, I hear you regarding the being lucky to be able to go at all, and trust me, we feel the same way! (There are a lot of folks out there I'm sure would kill to just be able to vacation anywhere right now).

I may actually look into this, as our trip is still two months away, June 16th through the 24th, although my pocket book is still telling me to be happy with CSR, LOL. BTW, we stayed at POFQ last year, and walked down to Riverside. BOTH resorts were absolutely beautiful! We enjoyed breakfast a few times at the Riverside food court, and it was very, very nice!

Oh, lastly, hello there from the Lehigh Valley!!!!!!! We are in Whitehall, just a few minutes from the mall!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

IMHO, NO WAY!

I stayed there once. RIP OFF! It's a lovely hotel, but it's not that nice otherwise. Basic Disney service, (acutally WORSE then basic), pretty bad transportation and overall not worth the cost.

WOW, I am sorry to hear that your stay was so bad. We have stayed there since our DS13 was 1 1/2 and have never experienced what you have described but one incident with the bus. Our service has always been pretty good but everyone's experiences are different.

It's good that the op is getting different opinions.

 

[praline3001]

Just look at praline3001's post. After those pictures it would be kind of hard not too. Praline3001 would make a really good attorney.

Honestly I can see the debate between different Deluxes but between a mod and the GF? I just don't see it as a debate.

 

[Misti]

Honestly I can see the debate between different Deluxes but between a mod and the GF? I just don't see it as a debate.

Brook!! Just wanted to thank you for the lovely pictures. Less than a month for us and your pictures are making me happy that we chose to return to the GF!