What makes the Grand Floridian so "wonderful"?

[stacyleigh1978]

After reading some pretty unfavorable critiques of CBR, DH and I decided to change our resort (one week before leaving

This is a very special trip for our family and we decided to upgrade to a deluxe resort. We read so many posts on the disboards saying that the GF was "wonderful." Can anyone share with me what makes this resort so "wonderful?" I know it is a beautiful resort, having visited it a couple times before, and we're lucky to be there to see the Gingerbread House and other Christmas decorations. I was just wondering what other positives this resort has for us.

On a side note- I heard that GF has a photopass photographer onsite to take pictures in front of a Christmas tree. Are they there all day?

Thank you!

 

[mickeynut1]

For me, the GF is "wonderful" because the grounds are beautiful and it's nice walking around the resort taking everything in (however, with that said, I'm not sure how the DVC construction is effecting the resort as we haven't been there since the construction started). The lobby is very hectic during the holidays with everyone coming in to see the gingerbread house, but it also has a very festive feel to it. There is a photographer around taking pictures in front of the tree, but I'm not sure of the schedule. Have a great trip and enjoy the GF.

 

[Pakey]

I've only stayed RPC CL; I did one night at Sugarloaf and disliked being in an outer building.

Things that make it special: the evening band, watching the electrical water pageant from the dock, walking from my room to monorail without going outdoors, watching a lot of wedding parties, being able to walk back to my room after those huge meals at V&A, renting a cabana at the pool, watching Wishes from my balcony, going downstairs for afternoon tea.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

What makes the GF magical?

I love the ambiance - the jazz band - the Garden View tea room - looking across the lagoon. The grounds are relaxing and quiet - it is nice to take the boat to and from the MK if you want a change from the monorail.

Be aware - the DVC construction is going on - but IMO doesn't make the Grand Floridian any less magical - just know that it will be there.

Have great stay!

 

[disneydreamfan14]

We've never personally stayed at the GF, but after eating there plenty of times, the one thing that immediately comes to my mind is its BREATHTAKING. The effort put into the lobby and grounds are what makes it wonderful.

And you'll love the Gingerbread House. In 2006 we were there and it was up, I still remember how much my family loved it. This year we were a little early and they were building it, we wish we could've the finished product!

The DVC construction doesn't look too bad. The DVC building is right near the monorail track, looked pretty separate from the other resort buildings so sound shouldn't be a problem.

 

[bcrook]

I have never stayed there, and I don't have enough DVC points to try that in the future. But, I love the grand Floridian cafe. Breakfast is awesome, and I love that key lime pie.

 

[xipotec]

Very pretty this time of year to be sure, we do not stay there because it also feels a bit "stuffy" and "uptight" at times to us.
I am sure to be crucified for saying that..,,
Lol

 

[Disney/Universal Fan]

Very pretty this time of year to be sure, we do not stay there because it also feels a bit "stuffy" and "uptight" at times to us.
I am sure to be crucified for saying that..,,
Lol

Which is exactly why you made the post. I have stated quite a few times that one of the main reasons you post is just to get some sort of reaction. Hopefully, no one takes the bait this time (like I did!) and responds. We have stayed at The Grand Floridian and also stayed at the All-Stars and have always found the staff AND the guests to be very accomodating, no matter the resort.

 

[Sammie]

Absolutely everything.


The decor of the building, the grounds, the staff, the smells, the music, the shops, the restaurants, the view, the comfortable beds, the spa toiletries, and that is during the non holiday season.

During the holidays it is even more magical.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Absolutely everything.


The decor of the building, the grounds, the staff, the smells, the music, the shops, the restaurants, the view, the comfortable beds, the spa toiletries, and that is during the non holiday season.

During the holidays it is even more magical.

I couldn't have said it better myself! It just feels right to me.

 

[bcrook]

Very pretty this time of year to be sure, we do not stay there because it also feels a bit "stuffy" and "uptight" at times to us.
I am sure to be crucified for saying that..,,
Lol

I agree grand Floridian is the most formal of all locations, other than for the cafe, I am not sure i would like staying there. I don't use the spa, and I think theming is more exciting at the other locations. Other places are more laid back.

No need to pile on for this comment.

 

[olive]

The most wonderful aspect in my mind is the food offerings at GF. I have stayed in all of the monorail resorts, and GF wins for food! Walking back to the room from V&A is nice! If I hadn't read it on these boards, it would never have occurred to me that the GF was somehow stuffy. We felt perfectly comfortable there. Would definitely return. Enjoy your stay!

 

[xipotec]

Absolutely everything.

The decor of the building, the grounds, the staff, the smells, the music, the shops, the restaurants, the view, the comfortable beds, the spa toiletries, and that is during the non holiday season.

During the holidays it is even more magical.

Just being honest?
I enjoy the Poly much more, sorry i will temper my post as to not offend anyone ever....

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

While I do enjoy the Grand Floridian, it is not a favorite of mine. I much prefer to stay at The Contemporary. I like being in the same building as the restaurants and have the option of waiting for the Monorail inside. Getting a room inside the main building at the Floridian is so much more expensive than a Tower Theme Park room.

In addition, I adore the walkway from The Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom. When the lines for the Monorail are brutally long, or the whole system is down, I have easy access.

Add in the construction work at GF right now, and it really seals the deal for me.
I enjoy the ambiance at the GF, but can boat or monorail there and enjoy the restaurants or entertainment.

On a Day with torrential sideways rain it is so nice to step out of my tower room and go eat breakfast or purchase a tylenol without having to brave the elements.

 

[Melodious]

The way it looks really is the biggest plus for us. We choose our resort based on theme and the GF is the beautiful theme that appeals to us, especially at Christmas. Getting off the monorail and hearing the band is wonderful. We always stay in an outer building and I love that they take the time to decorate the outer buildings and love walking across the grounds that are filled with poinsettias. Afternoon tea is a special ritual for us so that also is a plus for us. I love the ladies's shop. Often I prefer to buy souvenir shirts there as it is easier to get into a dressing room there than at a park. The electrical water parade is a plus for us as well as simply grabbing a seat at the bar at Narcossees or Citricos

We have never felt it was stuffy and have never felt out of place, no matter what we're wearing, even when a very formal wedding is meeting. There are many others dressed for the park.

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

I love the deluxe resorts. We've stayed at the Poly, GF, Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge. We've visited all of the deluxe resorts during the Christmas season.

The GF and WL are IMO the best themed during this time of the year. Although I love love love the Poly, if I had a choice I'd stay at the GF during Christmas. It's so bright and airy and the decorations on top of the live music in the lobby really brings it home for me. We did a split stay with the Poly and GF during the holiday season a few years ago and it was the best trip ever!!

 

[luvthemouse71]

Very pretty this time of year to be sure, we do not stay there because it also feels a bit "stuffy" and "uptight" at times to us.
I am sure to be crucified for saying that..,,
Lol

I think it feels a little uptight too. That feeling wasn't helped by a snooty CM that was rude to my sister.

I'm still willing to give it a chance eventually though. The grounds are beautiful.

 

[DaisyD]

My youngest had always wanted to stay at the GF so we did two years ago. While it's pretty, it just didn't do it for us. To me, it seemed like any other pretty hotel that my husband and I have stayed at. I didn't really feel like I was at WDW. Hard to explain but we won't stay there again. I will say the cabana boys there are awesome and I wish they had them at the Poly! LOL That being said, our favorite is the Poly. It just has that over the top theming that makes me feel like we are at Disney.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

The subtle theming, gorgeous grounds..

The scent is amazing... The whole atmosphere is just amazing....

The CMs are amazing.. I have stayed at almost every Disney hotel on property and here they really went out of their way with my son who has autism to make our vacation special...

I actually found this to be the most laid back and least judge mental resort with my son with autism.

When we had dinner and he had an episode two CM came up to me and bought him a light up car and kept him busy so mommy could enjoy her meal... (In Gasparillas). One of the girls mentioned she has a Brother with autism and was amazing with my son..

The music in the lobby helps the ambience and loved seeing the castle and monorail from our room..

Oh... And the toiletries are the BEST!!!

 

[ols386]

I think the GF has a very romantic feel to it, for some reason.