Would I recommend the GF again??

[minniesota]

Abso=Floridian-lutely!

My DD and I had a fabulous stay at the Grand (May 20-24)! Upon check-in, we were told that we were given a complimentay upgrade to a lagoon view, and that there was a room available right now (12:15) or if we wanted to wait 30-90 minutes, we could have a castle view. Guess what we did???

Off to the GF Cafe for lunch! Had a wonderful meal with great service and strolled around the grounds a bit. We called at 2:00 and our room in Boca Chica was ready. We had a great room - everything was perfect and "clean as a whistle". Our bellman delivered our luggage within minutes, gave us a quick overview and filled our ice bucket- wishing us a very magical and grand stay. We were thrilled with everything so far...

Housekeeping was wonderful (I requested that our room be done by 2 p.m. each day) and turndown service was great - always clean towels, soft lights, bedtime stories on the TV and delicious chocolates. We could watch the ELP and Wishes fom our balcony - and enjoyed hearing the train whistle and the sounds from Cinderellabration.

Monorail service to MK and Epcot were flawless and we loved the boat back home from the MK - such a peaceful ride.

We took the monorail to MK one night and caught a bus to AKL to check it out. It's a beautiful resort - a big contrast to the GF - and we enjoyed exploring it.

We liked staying in Boca Chica (our 2nd time) - especially since it was an upgrade. But I think I liked the Sago building better because it seemed quieter. I think the bonanza would be a lagoon view room in Sago -4th or 5th floor! Maybe next time - which might be in Oct, if all goes well!

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

 

[disneyworld!]

funny, just thinking tonite about a quick relaxing 4 or 5 night stay at the grand....would this be a good pl;ace for a solo trip? also is there a 24 hr food court? if so what type of food....also pool will be important for me this trip. how good and or quite is this? I am thinking the first week in sept!

glad you had a great time!!!!
thanks for help!

 

[minniesota]

Perfect place for a solo trip! Gasparilla's is the 24-hour food court and has a decent selection of food (Ceasar shrimp salad, deli sandwiches, fresh fruit and hot and cold breakfast items) though I would plan on taking my meal outside to the tables at the marina or carrying a tray back to the pool or room. There are several video arcade games and the place can get LOUD!

There are two pools and I love the "quiet pool" which used to be the main pool. I could hang there for hours in the loungers under a shade tree! I've been known to fall asleep there and dream away the woes of the world. There is pool service, too, if you need a little pick-me-up!

We had 3 meals at the GF Cafe (B, L and D) and all were fabulous! ANd we loved just hanging in the lobby enjoying the orchestra. We also tried the spa for the first time and I am now officially hooked on massages! Take me away...

 

[disneyworld!]

If I want to be close to pool and food, which is the best building to ask for? thanxs so much for answering all my questions...guess I need to knkow it all before booking. thou I have spent alot of time there, just did not stayed there!!
thanks again!

 

[minniesota]

disneyworld! -

I would recommend the Sago building - if you reserve a garden view, you can request marina view and might get a glimpse of the castle. Or, the other side of the building overlooks the monrail and was very quiet in Feb. Sago is closest to Gasparillas and about a 2-minute walk to the quiet pool. Actually., most of the buildings are only a 3-4 minute walk from the pool and main building.

If I were going solo, I'd request Sago, upper floor, marina view (if I reserved garden) or lagoon view (which is a dead-on castle view with no obstructions). Let me know if I can help with any other questions!

 

[disneyworld!]

thanxs!! just waiting for AP rates.....then I should be set!!!!

 

[triplefigs]

You just made my night!!!!!!!!!!!! We're going to the GF at Christmas for our first trip with the kids. Now I won't be able to sleep tonight 'cause I'll be thinking about our trip! Thanks for the great report!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, so glad that your girls only trip went so well. I just have to ask if you noticed whether "Izzy" was serving in the GF Cafe? He's a true Disney gem and we end up spending lots of time eating in the Cafe because of him. I have to admit, that it's one of my favorite dining spots. Did you enjoy the pool, hang out in a cabana, visit the spa? How different was this trip from your mom & son trip? There seems to be more options when it's just the girls.

Well, everything sounds like it was beautiful. Ug, I'm still at least a year away from another GF trip. I don't know how I'm going to last.

Tammi

 

[minniesota]

triplefigs - How exciting to be going at Christmas! DH and I were there last December and it was beautiful - the sights, smells and sounds just wowed us. Enjoy every minute!

tammi - Hi! You know, where is Izzy from? We had a fantastic server for our dinner at the GF Cafe but I can't remember his name. Our meal was wonderful and he was such a delight. He was from someplace in Mexico - and I would say a more seasoned CM.

The girls only trip was very different indeed! We never made it over to the theme pool - we just love the quiet of the quiet pool. ANd yes, we hit the spa on our last full day. DD had a facial and I went for the 50 minute swedish massage (heaven!) Our experience was wonderful and the staff very friendly and service-oriented. We agreed we would be back there next time!

The biggest difference I noticed in my two trips with the kids was that DD13 seemed so mature. SHe tried lots of new foods, seemed to really enjoy the lobby and listening to the orchestra (and people watching), and even thought meeting a fellow Disboard poster (steveanddonna ) was "fun"! She really loves the GF and feels right at home. DS11 acted more like a youngest child while we were there - I guess knowing he had my full attention, he used it to his advantage. Let's just say my trip with DD was a bit more relaxing!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

My cousin and her 2 little ones (5 yo and 2 yo) just returned from 10 days at GF. Although she had stayed at GF without children several times before, she at first was hesitant about returning with them. However, the oldest had specifically requested a stay there; so she decided to give it a try....and LOVED the experience.

Dh and I just returned from a family trip to AKL. Our youngest dd (2.5 yo) made her visit to 1900 Park Faire to have dinner with Cinderella. This was a HUGE hit. Dh and I were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food.

 

[pbharris4]

I didn't know they had 2 pools. Did they just add the other one? I read there was a quiet pool, is there a themed pool as well with a slide or something? Thanks.

 

[3lilprincesses]

I didn't know they had 2 pools. Did they just add the other one? I read there was a quiet pool, is there a themed pool as well with a slide or something? Thanks.

there is a themed pool as well as a quiet pool. it has a slide that our oldest DD really liked. also, it had a zero entry end which was great with our younger DD's. it was very pretty, and right off of the beach, so DH and i could sit on lounge chairs right in the sand. very enjoyable!!

 

[BCV23]

Glad you had such a great stay at the GF, minniesota. It really sounds perfect.

Our younger son was just indicating the desire to stay there again so I'll have to plan it again sometime soon. It is hard for us to pull ourselves away from the Polynesian though for our hotel part of the stay.

Thanks for your report.

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks for the report! It has me even more excited for my upcoming trip with friends to The Grand I am going with 5 other girls/women and we are spending 3 nights. I have requested my favorite building as always - Boca Chica. The two room we have booked are both garden view. I once had a 4th floor GV in Boca Chica and the view was awesome! Especially at night
We are all mothers of young children and cannot believe we'll have 3 days of sitting by the pool, fantastic dinners and some time at the Spa

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i love the GF cafe had great lunches there and the tea at the GF is really great
i cant wait to stay there and hopefully in an alice room

 

[minniesota]

BCV23 - I understand we missed each other this trip! Donna said she really enjoyed seeing you again. I think you should listen to your son and find some time at the GF - it is my DS's favorite!

johnsonet = Oh, a trip with girlfriends! How wonderful! My only sister and I are talking about the Food and Wine Festival and a stay at GF. I am really so spoiled!

Alicinwondrin - I love the Alice theme! Here's sending you lots of PD so that your dream will come true...

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Minnesota- when I first read your thread title I was concerned that you didn't enjoy the GF! I'm glad you had such a nice time with your daughter. I took my daughter and mother last May and it was wonderful.

johnsonet- please let us know about your stay at the Ritz. I'm strongly considering staying there in the future. I can't imagine 3 days without children.

Lori