Which building should we request for the Grand Floridian?

[mariamouse]

My family is going to Disney World in February 2004 and is greatly considering staying at the GF (for the first time)!! I know it's kind of late to book a room, but we are planning to book any day now. Regardless, we would be staying in a Garden View room and are wondering which building we should request later on??? After checking out the GF Information Thread, it seems our options would be Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica, and Big Pine Key... we are leaning towards Boca Chica for its room decor and possible (obstructed) Seven Seas Lagoon view, but we really aren't sure which would be best? Any opinions or info. about your view/room in any of the buildings? Which is your favorite?Which should we ask for? Thanks for any help you can offer!!

mariamouse

 

[johnsonet]

Hi! I would request Boca Chica. It is around the corner from the boat dock and right on the "quiet" pool. Everything at GF is splendid but ever since being put into Boca Chica 4 years ago, I've requested it for all our trips. I love the room decor, too!
Unless you get upgraded to lagoon view, you will have a view of the quiet pool or the walkways on either side. I wouldn't worry. As I said, the whole place is gorgeous. However, if the view really matters to you, I would reserve a lagoon view room. I've had all different levels of rooms at GF in the past 6 trips and from now on, unless it's some super-special event, I'm saving my $$ for meals, souvenirs and going with garden view. (Of course, my next trip is to AKL!!)This is what we had in April and it was the most beautiful room and we got to see the GF Main Bldg. from our balcony at night all lit up with tiny white lights. It was GORGEOUS! Good luck.
P.S. I only just last week booked our November trip, so don't feel you're too late at all!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I like Conch Key and Sago Cay. But, Boca Chica is also a great choice. If you like the room theme in there best, that's what I'd request. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't even make a building request (we never do), and have been happy with all the buildings. Each of them have perks.

 

[mariamouse]

Thank you for both of your posts... view isn't such a big factor in our trip that we would fork over the extra $$$ for a lagoon view room, although I always like to attempt getting the best standard/garden room view if possible! However, I would be fully content with any view on the grounds because I know how beautiful it is there. Which of the buildings are smoking and non-smoking??? We are non-smokers and would hate to smell smoke the whole trip! Any more opinions or experiences??

mariamouse

P.S. We booked the Grand Floridian for Feb., so now it's official!! Now I just have to learn to replace my old used-up timer with a new countdown!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Last time I stayed there, all floors of all buildings had "designated non-smoking floor" or non-smoking signs on every room.

 

[johnsonet]

I was under the impression that Boca Chica is a non-smoking bldg. and that it is Big Pine Key that has designated smoking rooms. However, last summer I was assigned a room in BC that smelled of smoke to such a degree that I called the front desk to be moved (thank goodness I hadn't yet called for our luggage). The room assignor "wasn't available and would call me back" but I told the CM I would just walk back over to the lobby. I told them I didn't mind waiting for a different room but PLEASE to get me into another room. I felt nauseated after being in there for 5 minutes! It was as if four people had just smoked and shut the door. It was BAD. Unfortunately, some people have no regard for rules and so Disney's "non-smoking rooms" can be tainted. But REQUEST NON-SMOKING and ask for another room if it smells of smoke.

 

[Cris]

the top two floors of building nine are the smoking rooms. Every other room is non smoking unless of course someone disregards the rules. I personally like Conch Key. It is smaller and more private.

 

[phyllis1966]

I like Conch Key, too! We were put in a dormer room since there were only 3 of us (no daybed) - the Alice decor is very pretty. We were on the top floor (5th) and had a lovely view of the quiet pool, but were far enough away from it not to be disturbed by the people swimming till the wee hours on some nights. We've requested the same type room this year.

 

[mariamouse]

Thank you for all of your posts... it sounds like there isn't any "official" answer to the smoking/non-smoking question, so I will be sure to request non-smoking. Bump

mariamouse