WWYD-AKL or Grand Floridian?

[Darcy03231]

I had pretty much decided on AKL, but got a quote for the Grand Floridian for $150 more. I've never stayed at either one. It's DH's first trip in 27 years and since I hope to get him to go back again I want to make sure we stay somwhere nice, that's not super crowded and noisy (he'd hate any of the value resorts). I've always wanted to stay at the Grand Floŕidian, but it's never worked out. We're there for 3 nights if that makes a difference.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

I am biased, but I'd go with the GF! I only had the opportunity to stay there once as a teenager, but it's my favorite Disney resort. I think for the low upgrade cost, the convenience of being on the monorail for a short trip, and the quiet, upscale atmosphere, it would be a good bet for you!

 

[megs1313]

Do you have a car? Which parks will you be visiting or visiting most? Will you plan to dine at one of the TS restaurants at your resort?

Neither seems very noisy to me, though there is lobby entertainment at both, so you might want to request a room not too close. For ease of transportation, I'd select the GF for that small of a price difference, but AKL is literally a whole other experience. IMO, it's the most beautiful resort and so, so chill. Plus, the food is TDF and so uinque.

 

[Nancyg56]

Personally, I would choose the Grand for $150. It is lovely, relaxing, convenient. Honestly I coudl spend there three days there and never stoop foot into a park. It is my favorite.

 

[Perelandra]

If price difference is small, and you are not just an animal, Africa, or zoo fanatic, then I think Grand Floridian would win out pretty easily. It's luxurious. It's on the monorail loop. You can see the castle and fireworks from the grounds. I'm staying there in September for an adults only trip.

 

[Darcy03231]

Do you have a car? Which parks will you be visiting or visiting most? Will you plan to dine at one of the TS restaurants at your resort?

Neither seems very noisy to me, though there is lobby entertainment at both, so you might want to request a room not too close. For ease of transportation, I'd select the GF for that small of a price difference, but AKL is literally a whole other experience. IMO, it's the most beautiful resort and so, so chill. Plus, the food is TDF and so uinque.

I'm not sure about a car. We're coming from Miami post-cruise and while well most likely rent a car and drive up I'm not sure if we'll keep it.

We plan to do AK and DHS. DH wants to see Pandora/Avatar and Star Wars. Well have park hoppers so we can see/do stuff in the other parks (or I can leave him at the resort pool while I go do my favorites).

We'll most likely do CS as DH will hate being tied to a dining schedule.

 

[megs1313]

I'm not sure about a car. We're coming from Miami post-cruise and while well most likely rent a car and drive up I'm not sure if we'll keep it.

We plan to do AK and DHS. DH wants to see Pandora/Avatar and Star Wars. Well have park hoppers so we can see/do stuff in the other parks (or I can leave him at the resort pool while I go do my favorites).

We'll most likely do CS as DH will hate being tied to a dining schedule.

Knowing this, I'm gonna lean toward GF, with the caveat that if you do keep the car, AKL would get my vote.

 

[DizDaD7]

I had pretty much decided on AKL, but got a quote for the Grand Floridian for $150 more. I've never stayed at either one. It's DH's first trip in 27 years and since I hope to get him to go back again I want to make sure we stay somwhere nice, that's not super crowded and noisy (he'd hate any of the value resorts). I've always wanted to stay at the Grand Floŕidian, but it's never worked out. We're there for 3 nights if that makes a difference.

1st off when I read this part, I said besides ANYTHING else, for $150 more....No brainer GF for sure...

I am biased, but I'd go with the GF! I only had the opportunity to stay there once as a teenager, but it's my favorite Disney resort. I think for the low upgrade cost, the convenience of being on the monorail for a short trip, and the quiet, upscale atmosphere, it would be a good bet for you!

^^^ This exactly.

Do you have a car? Which parks will you be visiting or visiting most? Will you plan to dine at one of the TS restaurants at your resort?

Neither seems very noisy to me, though there is lobby entertainment at both, so you might want to request a room not too close. For ease of transportation, I'd select the GF for that small of a price difference, but AKL is literally a whole other experience. IMO, it's the most beautiful resort and so, so chill. Plus, the food is TDF and so uinque.

These questions definitely needed to make a positive response.
Couldn't have said it better myself.

Personally, I would choose the Grand for $150. It is lovely, relaxing, convenient. Honestly I coudl spend there three days there and never stoop foot into a park. It is my favorite.

Uh..HuH!!!

If price difference is small, and you are not just an animal, Africa, or zoo fanatic, then I think Grand Floridian would win out pretty easily. It's luxurious. It's on the monorail loop. You can see the castle and fireworks from the grounds. I'm staying there in September for an adults only trip.

This isn't necessarily the case....The clientele that stay at AKL/V aren't necessarily animal fans, or like the countries in AFRICA or ASIA, and AK is sooo much more than a Zoo.
AGREED..

Knowing this, I'm gonna lean toward GF, with the caveat that if you do keep the car, AKL would get my vote.

She's planning on going to AK, which is the shortest distance (to any park)bus wise, and HS which is the 2nd shortest park from AKL/V, so wouldn't that make it easier for her? Having a car doesn't necessarily help her in this case....

 

[DizDaD7]

I'm not sure about a car. We're coming from Miami post-cruise and while well most likely rent a car and drive up I'm not sure if we'll keep it.

We plan to do AK and DHS. DH wants to see Pandora/Avatar and Star Wars. Well have park hoppers so we can see/do stuff in the other parks (or I can leave him at the resort pool while I go do my favorites).

We'll most likely do CS as DH will hate being tied to a dining schedule.

As I stated in my previous post...Before reading down through all the threads, Immediately for $150 it would seem a no brainer...GF for sure.
Even though we love AKL... But knowing this now, changes the dynamics for sure..With these 2 parks that you're visiting, they are the 2 closest to AKL. Not that the others are so far but, AK is maybe 5 minutes away, and EPCOT a mere 8 or so. (if that) Have fun choosing.
For this is a very good Dilemma to have..LoL

 

[HopperFan]

I'm not sure about a car. We're coming from Miami post-cruise and while well most likely rent a car and drive up I'm not sure if we'll keep it.

We plan to do AK and DHS. DH wants to see Pandora/Avatar and Star Wars. Well have park hoppers so we can see/do stuff in the other parks (or I can leave him at the resort pool while I go do my favorites).

We'll most likely do CS as DH will hate being tied to a dining schedule.

$150 total difference or $150 per night. If total then go with GF as that is a good savings. If per night, no.

That said I might likely book AKL anyway since its a beautiful and unique resort. Closer to the parks you are heading to. I would much rather hang out at AKL than GF if that is part of his plan.

When are you going? Star Wars is many years away from completion if you mean Star Wars Land.

 

[BayouQueen]

We've stayed at both. GF would always be my first choice and I would pay the extra to stay there, but my DH likes AKL much better. If I was really trying to please the DH, I'd go AKL. Just my two cents....

 

[Darcy03231]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I've decided to book AKL. While I'd love to stay at the GF (and its a great price!), I think DH will be happier at AKL. When I really started looking at the pictures of the resorts, AKL was definitely more to his taste. Also, I was first looking at it because it is off the beaten path a bit and not so much in the WDW "hustle & bustle," and he'll really like the pool area. He tends to be more of an outdoors kind of guy who loves fishing, camping, etc., while I'm more of the luxury girl. I'm hoping that if he sees he can get away from being super immersed in WDW and have a nice place to go hang out he might be more amenable to future trips. I also checked out the menus for the restaurants there and I think he'll prefer the food there. We both love different types of foods. Since I'm not planning to do the parks the day we arrive I think I will schedule dinner at either Jiko or Boma and then stick with counter service for the rest of the trip. Since we're just getting off a cruise ship I'm sure we'll be "fooded" out!

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I've decided to book AKL. While I'd love to stay at the GF (and its a great price!), I think DH will be happier at AKL. When I really started looking at the pictures of the resorts, AKL was definitely more to his taste. Also, I was first looking at it because it is off the beaten path a bit and not so much in the WDW "hustle & bustle," and he'll really like the pool area. He tends to be more of an outdoors kind of guy who loves fishing, camping, etc., while I'm more of the luxury girl. I'm hoping that if he sees he can get away from being super immersed in WDW and have a nice place to go hang out he might be more amenable to future trips. I also checked out the menus for the restaurants there and I think he'll prefer the food there. We both love different types of foods. Since I'm not planning to do the parks the day we arrive I think I will schedule dinner at either Jiko or Boma and then stick with counter service for the rest of the trip. Since we're just getting off a cruise ship I'm sure we'll be "fooded" out!

Great Choice....
You will not be disappointed.....But beforewarned, this place has a way of making you want to return for more visits....There's so much to do & see just at the resort mind you.

For just the 2 of you on that 1st night dinner. Might I suggest Jiko...Trust Me...Boma's is excellent, but you'll appreciate Jiko, You'll see.
BTW, which are you considering? Kidani or Jambo? For they are the same but very different. (if that makes any sense)

 

[izzylovesmickey]

I'll second Jiko! We stayed at AKL for one night a few years ago and ate at Jiko. We had a great experience. Took our kids the next year to eat there. It's one of our favorite places to eat. Staying at AKL for 3 nights this year (FINALLY getting back to AKL and can't wait to have more time at the resort) and we did our ADR for August yesterday.

 

[Donna3271]

I have to LOL! We are staying at GF after our cruise in September. The price was $150 more than AKL (for 3 nights)! We got the same quote! We just stayed at AKL so it was an easy decision for us.

BTW... I've never ever seen GF for such a great rate.

 

[HopperFan]

Friend ate at Jiko last weekend while we were there and said the food and service was beyond amazing, and he's in the restaurant business. Boma has good food but it's a buffet and chaotic.

 

[DizDaD7]

J I K O = Top Notch

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

The bad thing about GF is that you can rarely use/enjoy your lobby because it is packed with people not actually staying at the grand Floridian. We have always found the feeling of GF to be a bit frenetic. If you want relaxing I would stay at akl. If monorail access is most important to you, GF.
Edit: just saw that you already chose. Good choice.

 

[Darcy03231]

$150 total difference or $150 per night. If total then go with GF as that is a good savings. If per night, no.

That said I might likely book AKL anyway since its a beautiful and unique resort. Closer to the parks you are heading to. I would much rather hang out at AKL than GF if that is part of his plan.

When are you going? Star Wars is many years away from completion if you mean Star Wars Land.[/QUOTE]

I know there's not much there yet, but DH is a big Star Wars fan so since we're there anyway he wants to see what there is,

Great Choice....
You will not be disappointed.....But beforewarned, this place has a way of making you want to return for more visits....There's so much to do & see just at the resort mind you.

For just the 2 of you on that 1st night dinner. Might I suggest Jiko...Trust Me...Boma's is excellent, but you'll appreciate Jiko, You'll see.
BTW, which are you considering? Kidani or Jambo? For they are the same but very different. (if that makes any sense)

We're in Jambo. After looking at the menus again I'm pretty sure I'm going to book Jiko, but someone else suggested Sanaa. Any thoughts?

I have to LOL! We are staying at GF after our cruise in September. The price was $150 more than AKL (for 3 nights)! We got the same quote! We just stayed at AKL so it was an easy decision for us.

BTW... I've never ever seen GF for such a great rate.

It killed me to not go with the GF, but since this trip is all about DH I decided if I ever want a chance of getting him to go back again, I'd better go with AKL! Maybe next year I'll get to try the GF.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I've decided to book AKL. While I'd love to stay at the GF (and its a great price!), I think DH will be happier at AKL. When I really started looking at the pictures of the resorts, AKL was definitely more to his taste. Also, I was first looking at it because it is off the beaten path a bit and not so much in the WDW "hustle & bustle," and he'll really like the pool area. He tends to be more of an outdoors kind of guy who loves fishing, camping, etc., while I'm more of the luxury girl. I'm hoping that if he sees he can get away from being super immersed in WDW and have a nice place to go hang out he might be more amenable to future trips. I also checked out the menus for the restaurants there and I think he'll prefer the food there. We both love different types of foods. Since I'm not planning to do the parks the day we arrive I think I will schedule dinner at either Jiko or Boma and then stick with counter service for the rest of the trip. Since we're just getting off a cruise ship I'm sure we'll be "fooded" out!

I don't think you or your DH will be disappointed. We've stayed at both and both are great resorts. AKL is out away from everything, but that's one of the things I love about it as it's quiet and peaceful. We've never eaten at Jiko, but we love Boma. I think you will have a great time .