What is so Great about GF?

[my3disneygirls]

I have stayed there twice with my mom and two daughters years ago and loved it. Mom did pay, she got a really good deal. At this point I can't justify spending that kind of money. Maybe someday, but when I can stay at POR for a few grand less the chioce seems like a no brainer.

 

[Sammie]

Most guests that do stay at the Grand Floridian do valet, or fly, therefore there was really no need to have the self park any closer. And actually most of that parking is for Cast Members and therefore needed to be removed further from the resort.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Yes, the resort itself is beautiful, I found the rooms to be immaculate, I actually do like the "girly" decor , and your transportation, dining, and recreation options can't be beat. But for me, it's the cast members.

My mom and I stayed there on a b-day trip for the 2 of us in Aug. 05. I remember our experience started with Jerry, the bell hop, who took time escorting us around the GF, then getting us settled in our room, showing how everything worked, setting our thermostat, etc. And then we he learned what a Disney nut I was, he stayed and chatted for a while telling stories - he'd been with the GF since it opened.

Being that it was our b-day trip, we received goodies almost every day from the GF staff - cards from Mickey, balloon bouquets, a full-size cake, etc. We had towel animals from our mousekeeper, and our room was always made up and immaculate.

But one of the things that really stood out was the care we got when an ankle injury my mother had flared up, and caused her to have to resort to using a wheelchair and ECV for the rest of the trip. We were renting an ECV in the parks, but we were trying to make do with walking very carefully and slowly when at the resort, traveling to/from, etc. Well, one of the CM's at 1900 Park Faire was talking to us, learned of the injury my mom was dealing with, and went and got us a GF wheelchair that we were able to use for free for the rest of our trip. When we went to the parks, they would just check the wheelchair for us while my mom used the ECV. That one act alone dramatically improved the rest of our trip, and I just have no idea if that would have happened at another resort.

I have never felt as purely cared for as I did at the GF that trip, and that is worth so much more than the monetary value you're paying, IMO. I can't wait to share the GF with my husband this December!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I don't think there is anything "so great" about GF. It's a hotel, just like all the others.

Looking at them from the outside, I don't think there is a prettier one, that's for sure. I like the inside and the rooms, too. But, it's about theme. You like it or you don't. I happen to like the theme at the GF, but I like the Poly, too.

It does have a spa, so if you want to have spa treatments, it saves travel time.

And it is on the monorail. You just can't beat that for getting to the Magic Kingdom. More and more, the monorail resorts (well, not Contemporary) suck me in. "Beanie, Beanie," they call, "stay here! It's so much easier!"

eta: I don't self-park or ride the bus, so I don't know anything about parking lots and transportation issues.

 

[jtlover]

What is a dormer room?

It is the top floor rooms - like being in a roof room which are slightly smaller. We like it - I think we like it here because it is old fashioned english look - and that is where we are from.

 

[kelscross]

The resort grounds are beautiful and the lobby is stunning. The rooms were clean and big enough. However...the restrooms in the lobby were very, very dirty and the pool was very, very dirty. We stayed at the quiet pool the whole time due to the lack of cleanliness of the theme pool area. The service was nonexistant in my opinion. I guess my expectations were very high of the "flagship" resort.

I'm going to chalk it up to it was a very busy time of year...but still that isn't an excuse. Disney knows approximately when it's busy and when it's not. McDonalds can figure out how to staff appropriately during rush times, surely Disney could.

Would we stay there again...maybe on an incredible discount. I wouldn't justify paying rack rate there.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Most guests that do stay at the Grand Floridian do valet, or fly, therefore there was really no need to have the self park any closer. And actually most of that parking is for Cast Members and therefore needed to be removed further from the resort.

Is there a sign in their self parking lot that says which area is for the guests and which area is for the Cast Members?

 

[G8r4evr]

Most guests that do stay at the Grand Floridian do valet, or fly, therefore there was really no need to have the self park any closer. And actually most of that parking is for Cast Members and therefore needed to be removed further from the resort.

I guess that makes us self parking Florida Residents the minority.

The "curb" appeal of the GF has always made me want to stay there, but not enough to shell out that kind of money...especially when CBR is so nice and 1/3 of the price =)

But should an incredible Fl Ressie Deal come around for the GF, I might just have to splurge. Especially if the renovated rooms are toned down a tad.

 

[huey578]

We finally stayed at GF last month and we were not impressed especially with the rooms. The need to be renovated very badly. I can't believe our room and a 20 inch tv. Even the moderated hotels have a 27 tv. Luckly we didn't have to pay for our room it was part of a free trip and that's the only reason we picked GF cause I can't see paying to stay there.

 

[terri01p]

The first time I seen the GF was 15 yrs ago and I said to my dh one day we will stay there and he agreed and 15 yrs later we are still just looking at it from afar, I wish we could have gotten one of those 40% off deals, I would have booked it in a heartbeat...I would love, love, love to stay there at least once, but my budget screams value but my head is for deluxe I would love to stay at the poly too, don't see how people do it but I do wish it was us for once in our lifes .

 

[SueM in MN]

But one of the things that really stood out was the care we got when an ankle injury my mother had flared up, and caused her to have to resort to using a wheelchair and ECV for the rest of the trip. We were renting an ECV in the parks, but we were trying to make do with walking very carefully and slowly when at the resort, traveling to/from, etc. Well, one of the CM's at 1900 Park Faire was talking to us, learned of the injury my mom was dealing with, and went and got us a GF wheelchair that we were able to use for free for the rest of our trip.
When we went to the parks, they would just check the wheelchair for us while my mom used the ECV. That one act alone dramatically improved the rest of our trip, and I just have no idea if that would have happened at another resort.

Glad to hear you had a good trip despite needing a wheelchair and ECV.

All of the WDW resorts do have wheelchairs that can be lent on request. There is no guarantee that one will be available when you need it, but it's a great option when it does work out.

 

[Katesdad]

We watched the GF being built. Every trip since we've walked through the resort saying we were going to stay there one day. This year we celebrate 30 grand and glorious years of wedded bliss and we are going to splurge on a four night stay at the GF in October. Some people may like the place, some may not. I'm waiting to form my own opinion. But it's been our dream for years and our dream is coming true this year (at rack rates!). That is reason enough for us to stay there.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

It is my dream to stay there one day.

We are doing Poly for the first time with our children for 9 nights.

I asked dh if we could do the GF for our 25th with just the two of us. Wait, that is another 8 years. Too long for me.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I think we'll wait till our kids are older. I have to admit we are a loud bunch! LOL We ate dinner one night at the Grand Floridian Cafe and it just didn't suit us. Until they are older, the WL and whispering canyon is our best bet! In 8 years they head off to college...so GF will see me within the decade..!

 

[DebbieB]

My mom and I stayed there on our first WDW visit in 1994 and then again when we took my niece in 1999. I've always loved it. I feel like you are stepping into "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous", it feels so elegant. Both times I got a pretty good discount, I can't believe the rack rates.

 

[Lives4Disney]

What is so great about the GF?

EVERYTHING!!!

We have been going to WDW for many many years and stayed in all the diff deluxes, but for us, nothing compares to the GF. The location, beautiful & clean grounds, atmosphere, services, gorgeous & uncrowded pools, nice restaurants & shops, etc...and mostly the fabulous friendly CMs that make our stays there so magical......LOVE that place. We have had our best Disney vacations there. Several CMs remember us from previous stays and treat us like welcome guests in their own homes. The mousekeepers are wonderful & do a great job consistently. For the past several stays we have had the same sweet lady that really takes great care of us. The Grand is a special place and we have met so many wonderful people there. (Disers included! )

It's expensive, but we have never had buyers' remorse....I've had it a few times after stays at other WDW resorts. We have always felt like the GF is worth the cost.

Can't wait to go back! For us, the Grand is where the magic lives.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[Cmbar]

It is my dream to stay there one day.

We are doing Poly for the first time with our children for 9 nights.

I asked dh if we could do the GF for our 25th with just the two of us. Wait, that is another 8 years. Too long for me.

Wow how much more is the GF than the Poly? I thought it wasn't too much more. Why don't you split your stay. Maybe just hop over to the GF for three nights. I would definitely split up a 9 night stay! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[jenwimett]

What is so great about the GF?

EVERYTHING!!!

We have been going to WDW for many many years and stayed in all the diff deluxes, but for us, nothing compares to the GF. The location, beautiful & clean grounds, atmosphere, services, gorgeous & uncrowded pools, nice restaurants & shops, etc...and mostly the fabulous friendly CMs that make our stays there so magical......LOVE that place. We have had our best Disney vacations there. Several CMs remember us from previous stays and treat us like welcome guests in their own homes. The mousekeepers are wonderful & do a great job consistently. For the past several stays we have had the same sweet lady that really takes great care of us. The Grand is a special place and we have met so many wonderful people there. (Disers included! )

It's expensive, but we have never had buyers' remorse....I've had it a few times after stays at other WDW resorts. We have always felt like the GF is worth the cost.

Can't wait to go back! For us, the Grand is where the magic lives.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

WOW! This is what I have been waiting to read! I think just reading all the posts have made me yearn to stay there even more. I just have to try it once. I guess I will wait until the off season for next year to book. Who knows if I get booted from AKL I will certainly request GF.

I just have to get it out of my system!

 

[wdhinn89]

We watched the GF being built. Every trip since we've walked through the resort saying we were going to stay there one day. This year we celebrate 30 grand and glorious years of wedded bliss and we are going to splurge on a four night stay at the GF in October. Some people may like the place, some may not. I'm waiting to form my own opinion. But it's been our dream for years and our dream is coming true this year (at rack rates!). That is reason enough for us to stay there.

I totally agree. We have always wanted to stay there.

Personally, to me, having the convenience of the monorail means everything.

 

[disneyallway]

We are staying at the GF for the first time. As some of you have said you have always wanted to stay there, that is the way I felt. Well we I was helping my cousin book her first DW vacation I came across the free DP and booked her vacation at the GF with everything for $3800 and I was shocked. So I then decided to book our vacation too! Two years ago we stayed at CSR and spent $5800 for the exact same thing (except for free dining) our GF vacation is only costing $4300 with lagoon view for 5 people. So I thought what a perfect chance to try this GF that is so talked about. I will let all know when I get back if it's worth the bucks or not.