Imagine spending $1200 a night on the hotel room and then you have to jump on a bus, if I’m spending that kind of money Dumbo better come and pick me up and fly me the animal kingdom
Stayed at GF last November as a treat to ourselves.....major once in a lifetime treat. This resort is phenomenal - especially at Christmas time. You cannot believe the decorations and don't get me started on the gingerbread house. But what was incredible was the view from our balcony. We were there several nights and NEVER turned the TV on once. I spent every spare minute on that balcony watching the boats go by, monorails cruise along, the water pageant and those magical fireworks. Every morning I would get up early with a cup of coffee and listen to the Magic Kingdom come alive. Every night I would stay out there until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more to watch the fireworks and the lights. It was pure Disney Magic....and worth every penny...
I'm going to be honest, kids under the age of 7 (heck, i'll even say under 10!) don't care what hotel they stay at, as long as it's a hotel! We've stayed at a Motel 6 and my kids are always so stoked to be staying at a hotel lol! The grandeur of a hotel is definitely more for us adults for sure. With that being said, my hubby never wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian due to the 'snob' factor...and then we became DVC members and I was able to snag a full week during the first week of January back in 2015 and now he wants all our trips to be here lol. It's a gorgeous hotel with the easiest access to Magic Kingdom, and pretty easy access to our top favorite park, Epcot. Having monorail access is pretty much everything!
Also, about the kids under 7 deal… …when I was 5, my family moved during Easter break. We stayed at a hotel for a few days. My mom looks back at that Easter believing it was the worse (well, before the 2020 lockdown). But we had TWO rooms! Connected to each other via a door! And the Easter Bunny somehow still found me! He hid tiny nestle crunch eggs all over my room, and left me one of those prepackaged Easter baskets that I would see at the grocery store and want, but never got! To me, it was pretty magical and clearly memorable.
@@UmmYeahOk how amazing you still remember that! When I was 6 or 7, we stayed at (what I thought at the time was like a Hilton or Hyatt, but found out later it was a Days Inn haha) and I thought it was the most amazing hotel ever! It had the best pool and and even a *pull out sofa bed* which I just thought was the coolest thing ever! Of course, not knowing it was cheaper for my parents to get a king size bed instead of a two queen bed. Even though it wasn't the most glamorous hotel, to me, because of the memories made with my parents and brother, it was truly one of the best trips and i'll always remember that. Even more so now, that my dad's 15 year anniversary just past 2 weeks ago, I so wish I could return the favor and take both my mom and dad on vacations to show my gratitude.
Stayed there with our 3 children some time ago (in the 1990s - back when there were dinosaurs roaming the planet). I remember it was fantastic, though much cheaper than now. And as it's Disney, bringing kids to everything was not an issue.
We stayed at the Grand Floridian in January; it was AMAZING! We had theme park view rooms and that just the cherry on top. We have little ones so it was perfect to come home after a park day or a rest day to fireworks and the electrical parade. The location, the dining, and the cast members were over the top! So excited to see the renovations but it definitely became our new favorite. 💕
My parents and I (only child here) have stayed twice, once in a 1-bedroom villa when I graduated high school, and once in a suite over Christmas. Both experiences were wonderful! We love eating at the Grand Floridian Cafe for brunch, and we get tea every single time bc we love it SO much. I agree with all of your points about price, but I am grateful I've gotten to stay a couple times!
Stayed there November 2021 and its as magical as ever. We are fortunate enough to stay here regularly as it is our favorite resort. The price does continually get higher and higher with each passing year which will eventually price is out of being able to stay which is a shame. I miss the evening band in the lobby, it just added. That extra something special to the hustle and bustle of the main building.
We got a package there. It wasn’t cheap, but it was actually cheaper than a mediocre hotel in Cape May during high summer, with a parking lot pool. Plenty of kids there too.
We stay at GF every summer, thanks to my husband having a work conference there. I really love it, but would never pay the price tag myself. Honestly, my favorite part is the main pool. The slide is fun and the best food of all of Disney World is the pool bar lobster roll. And you can see the fireworks from MK every night, so that’s cool.
My husband also finds work conferences at WDW, with significantly discounted room prices. This makes it worthwhile, since I would not pay the going rates. We’ve stayed at GF several times, as well as Yacht and Beach Club. We were just at Y&BC during Presidents’ Day time period with great weather. A conference can be a good way to afford a deluxe resort and add in a theme park.
I’m biased because my brother is a manager there, but it’s such a delight to stay there. I have such great memories of just hanging out in the lobby or getting a drink and kicking back in the lounge. But it’s not my favorite club level, I’m a fan of either AKL or Wilderness Lodge club levels more…
Just stayed there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed the spa, and the quick service food was excellent. The best part was the close proximity to Magic Kingdom...we spent the last hour there every night since MK was open late. Glad we got to experience it, but probably won't spend that much again.
Last year was the very first time I had ever stayed on property for a WDW trip and The Grand Floridian was our resort for the 10-day trip. I was so surprised to we were able to stay there because, yeah, it’s hella expensive. But it was absolutely magical. Pretty sure I actually cried seeing the lobby for the first time and I definitely cried when having to leave lol. This year, for the first time ever, we’re doing back-to-back WDW vacations. JUST booked our stay for this August last night and we’re doing GF once more. I’m actually dying of excitement and can’t wait. As far as discounts go, for sure watch DFB to know when specials are going on but military and retired military members, don’t forget GF has a military discount on rooms! It shaves about $1500 off our total stay. That plus the incredibly discounted park tickets makes the vacation price slightly easier to swallow lol
If you can swing it at least once in your lifetime it is worth it. The rooms are big and nice. The beds are soooooo comfy. Just sitting on your balcony or walking around the resort is so peaceful and calm it really helps unwind you after a day in the park. The fireworks view at night from outside Gasparilla grill is amazing! And, speaking of Gasparilla....I had the BEST burger there!
When I take my kids we like to go full boar at the parks, so the room is just to sleep and get ready in the morning. Hotel looks amazing and how close it is to the park is cool. Just cant justify spending that much on a room. Next trip will be at Shade of Green (retired military) or RV park at Camp Wilderness. Not sure yet. Wont be till Tron opens up though.
I booked a trip 2 weeks in advanced for February 2022 and we got a theme park view fifth floor standard room for $520 a night! The staff is incredible. They even surprised my boyfriend and I and have us a free park hopper ticket for our last day! It isn’t a proper trip to Disney without staying here in my opinion! Instead of going every year I go every 2 or 3 years just so I can afford and save up to stay here 🥰. To each their own but this way it evens out for me price wise!
Stayed 20 nights in feb 2019 - loved it. Cast members were so friendly, good transportation and a lovely atmosphere: the orchestra, the piano, 24 hour night self service resto, nice swimmingpool. The price was ok with the UK package ( room, park entrance, free dining plan).
It is worth it to my family. I have two toddlers and we don’t spend entire days in the park. We spend most afternoons at the pool or on the beach playing in the sand. We love the amenities GF offers. We love the convenience of the monorail and being able to hop back over to Magic Kingdom in the evening. We love all the restaurants, the kids love Narcoossee’s as much as I do. I love that we can have a nice, early dinner then hop over to MK for fireworks or the extra park hours that deluxe hotels get on certain nights of the week. We have stayed at other Disney deluxe resorts and always go back to GF, it’s our favorite resort.
Stayed twice for two weeks at a time at the GF, fantastic hotel. We have a disabled son so the monorail on the doorstep for wheelchair was fantastic!! Of the three hotels on the loop it’s way above the contemporary and Polynesian in my opinion.
With all the British themes (Mary Poppins/Alice pool/Victoria and alberts/architecture/afternoon tea) you think they *would just consider renaming it the Grand Victorian.
I stayed at Grand Floridian in December 2019 and it was a dream come true. The resort was everything I wished it would be and extra magical for the holidays. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the cast members there and all the amenities.
Yes they’re luxurious, but the transportation to the parks is still so inconvenient from the 4S and Ritz that I will never justify that price tag. If I want to enjoy the mix of those two, I’m not going to be in Orlando.
I love the grand. So much so we bought DVC there. I hate taking the busses and I can get to 2 parks by staying here with no busses required. And now that I can walk to magic Kingdom (and more importantly, walk away from the MK at the end of the day, bypassing the going home line ups), staying at the grand is a no brainer for me.
Just got back from Grand Floridian. Honestly, if we hadn’t had the monorail to M K and Epcot , we would have missed a lot. It was not a peak time for Disney World, and yet the parks were packed. We ended up having to use ride share early mornings to get to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Loved our lagoon view and balcony. I’d say it was worth it.
I'm a huge fan of Victoria & Alberts. Chef's Table experience is the single best meal I've ever consumed. Richard Gerth was also an icon here and we'd stop just to say "hello" before he passed. Citricos and Narcoossees are nice but nothing other-worldly. The Enchanted Rose is interesting but very expensive for simple drinks. What I cannot get my head around is the pricing for THIS resort vs other Deluxe accommodations which offer the same amenities. I also find the snobbery at GF from too many guests quite overpowering. If you've got the money; REAL money; shack up at the Four Seasons in Golden Oak. The service levels are superior, amenities second to none and dining exemplary. We enjoyed Ravello in January as both the service and food were top shelf!
If I had to stay at a top tier hotel, I'd rather stay at a true luxury brand, like the Waldorf, and take a car 🚗 to visit the Grand Floridian. The GF is so not worth it imo.
Love GF, we have stayed there 5 times. It was my mother's favorite. I just love the Victoria area, just one if the best. Rooms are well designed and are kids love this hotel.
Idk I like the fun and bubbly Disney decor in the other hotels Disney characters are what we go to Disney to see . But if I ever came across some extra money to just toss around I would stay here well just cause it’s a big deal.
Our mortgage payment would probably only get us one night at the GF! Good thing we are DVC and could stay on points- but even so we would choose a different hotel!
We stayed in 1995 and 2008 with kids. We had a great experience. We liked being close to Magic Kingdom and having the monorail option. We ate at Victoria & Albert’s on the 2008 trip. Very expensive, good food. Definitely a one in a life time type culinary experience. Being retired now the GF is outside of our budget so we would stay somewhere else if we go back.
Has there been a reopen date yet for Victoria & Albert's? Hubby and I are doing an adult only trip in April and this has been on our Disney Bucket List for years!💓
I stayed there when they first opened because I just had to. The thing I like the most were free ( lobby and restaurants) I say restaurants because you don’t have to stay there to eat there. I never stayed there again because we now just go to the parks.
Lol GF charges that much to keep the bad cattle out (my broke behind can't afford it). They don't want penny scraping Keith and Debbie with their 6 kids. GF wants someone who can throw that charge on their AMEX without an eye twitch. Or the family with a nanny that can take the kids to MK while mom and dad unwind at the beach, sipping their adult pops. If you got bank for that experience, rock on! I wish I had the bank.
We always used to stay at the contemporary(my husband preferred hotel) is outrageous in price. $1300 a night and that’s a standard room with a two night minimum. Even with all star resorts pricing is $600 a night with a minimum of two nights. This is my opinion that’s crazy money. I would like to stay at the Grand Floridian, but maybe it’s because everybody wants to go on vacation and everybody’s flocking to Disney to enjoy themselves at the amusement parks. I won’t pay these prices because somebody’s smoking some wacky weed! You all enjoy. I’ll find somewhere else to stay if I have to get my Disney on. Thank you AJ
Uncle Jessie and Aunt Becky only got to stay there because of his work. They (and their two children) were already stuck living in his brother in laws attic! The family from The Middle also stayed there, even though they couldn’t even afford a car to go to work (most of the US had no public transportation). It seems as if the people least likely to stay there are staying there. But so guess that’s part of the magic. They made you think such things were possible. I mean, a trip to WDW was originally a once in a lifetime trip that few people got to go on. And that was back when it was much more affordable!
With the devastating outlook for our economy (including record-breaking gas prices) and the instability of international relations, I don't foresee our family being able to go ANYWHERE anytime soon. And I'm saying this as a teacher and my husband is a successful business owner. Unfortunately, this is a time when we have to start planning for worst-case scenario and save our money while we still have it. It's unfortunate because a family like ours (that normally has the extra spending money for travel and leisure) normally would be making plans to go to Disney and Universal. Families like ours are the target market for Disney/Universal. We actually WERE planning to go to Universal for the first time soon, but we're afraid to spend that money now. Families that are still trying to plan trips at this point probably aren't going to be spending a lot of extra money to stay at the nicest hotel on property. If you are used to having money because of a family business or a good job, I hope you are also starting to be more careful with your spending because this economy is going to get much worse before it gets any better unless this administration starts making some good decisions. Yes, the park has had a couple of really busy months due to revenge travel. Everyone was hesitant to travel for a long time. Hopefully, you got your revenge travel out of your system already and you're ready to buckle back down because "it's going to be a bumpy ride!" Sorry for the depressing post but I'm just trying to help anyone who may still have their head buried in the sand. On the brighter side, hopefully going through this economic downturn will spur the good Disney discount promos to come back!
I'm with you except for blaming it on the administration. Inflation is worldwide and the current war with Russia attacking the Ukraine will affect everyone.
It is a depressing post and maybe it doesn’t really belong here, sorry AJ, but I do agree with you. It’s something that has also been on my mind. (We got to go to Disney last February and in April we have a cruise. I won’t even believe it until I actually set foot on the ship.) I’m wondering if we need to start stocking up on food, etc. I’m a little worried it’s going to get very ugly out there.
This is where I want to stay! It’s so beautiful! And it has everything! I just don’t understand why they don’t have carriage rides. I’d have to go to French Quarter for that.
This is my mom and dad's dream vacation. If I ever come into lots of money (and i mean lots!! 😂) it'll be a 1 bedroom suite with club access and MK view. I'm sweating at the thought of the dream cost that could be 😂😂 I remember seeing the GF on the monorail when I was a kid (90s baby here!) and thinking it looked like something straight out of a movie. It looked magical 🏰
I agree with AJ. I've stayed as DVC at Grand and its very nice..like a scaled up Hilton but not amazing...lobbies need refurbishing, new carpet and furniture and some of the remote buildings look pretty worn out once you get in them... but if I were paying rack rate, Definitely Four Seasons! or Waldorf...Wealthy people will NOT think this is up to standard. The other 99 percenters will think its "sort of" fancy. The price you pay is for proximity to the magic kingdom really. The pool areas are just meh.
My two favorite stays in the park have been at the Grand Floridian and the Poly. Definitely worth saving for... there is no way to convey the difference between staying here and at Caribbean Beach.
I am surprised you did not talk about tea time with the Princesses. All the little girls dressed up as their favorite princesses with such awe in their eyes as they share tea time is an amazing experience for those of us who may be a bit jaded. Wonderment restored through their eyes.
Has the worse Disney bus service. Also in the morning the monorail is always packed by the time it gets to the Grand last stop before the Magic Kingdom. Love the club level everytime we have stayed club level.
Went there with my friend last month had a view of fireworks from balcony in our room in bungalow 7 . Had room service dinner enjoyed the jacuzzi I was real disappointed Victoria and Albert's isn't opened they won't set a date or email when they do it open. I'm a foodie and want to go . Citricos is wonderful. It's a 1 time stay though for me . Always wanted to do it . Stayed at St Regis for my 60 this month in nyc and next month stay at Beverly hills hotel and those r my dream stays .
"Now, some people think this looks like their grandma's house..." Whoever has a grandma that owns something as big and as nice as this house, you and your family surely are billionaires.
I'm not gonna lie. Disney hotels are SO overpriced that if my wife's grandparents weren't DVC members I don't think I'd ever care to stay in any of them. The Boardwalk is their home resort so we tend to stay there, but the Grand is fun to hang out at. You can still book spa treatments there, smoke a cigar on their nice balcony smoking area, even rent a cabana at their pool.
A kid will be a little bit surprised if they go to GF, an adult will gladly suck up the price assuming they want a romantic vibe and can do it. Love these guides! Thank you DFB
For a family, this would be impossible. For a single person getting 30% off rooms, it's the only way acceptably affordable to stay if you're wanting a once in a lifetime stay
I think it's just me, but I've never been overly impressed with the Grand Flo or the idea of staying there, mainly because I'm a native San Diegan and we have the Hotel Del Coronado in our proverbial backyard. The architecture of the Grand Flo has always reminded me of the Hotel Del, and even the interior is pretty similar with its Victorian Era decor (something the Hotel Del advertises on their website as one of the perks). It's priced about the same too! You'd hope that the original Disney was inspired by would be more affordable than Disney's exorbitant pricing, but considering all the history that comes with the Hotel Del, its prime real estate on the waterfront and closeness to other San Diego tourist spots like the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway, and the fact that everything associated with it is all 5-star luxury, you're lucky if you can snag one of the "cheaper" rooms for $650 for *one* night! (But even then, they tack on a bunch of add-ons so it quickly inflates to over $800.) If I _had_ to pick, I think I would go with the Hotel Del, because it's closer and with _it_ all I have to worry about is the fee for staying there. With the Grand Flo, I'm already going to be shelling out a lot for park tickets, plane tickets, money for transportation, food, souvenirs, on top of paying for my room for however long my stay is going to be, so for me it's a pass.
Honestly I understand people’s comments when it comes to other hotels offering more luxury. But Disney magic is kind of real so like it’s worth it.🤷🏻♀️😭
Worth it is so subjective. To me Disneyworld is worth every penny, i like hotels with close proximity to parks, nice resturants, spacious accomadations, a luxurious pool, and keeps me in the disney bubble. I am willing to forgo buying new outfits and meals out for a year to stay in those type of accomadations. If people dont like those things and are unwilling to make those sacrifices then they will never find it worth it. Is it is a good value, not the best value that disney has to offer no, but there are accomadations it has that no other resorts offer.
I've been several times. I prefer to stay at an off-site resort. As a kid we stayed at onsite. Same magic. Lol only money I'd save is a rental car but then again I'd spend tripple on the on-site room. Lol no thanks
I stayed there recently and it’s BEAUTIFUL! It’s also more fancy than the grand and less than half the price! That hotel is my favorite on property! I highly recommend!
Imagine spending $1200 a night on the hotel room and then you have to jump on a bus, if I’m spending that kind of money Dumbo better come and pick me up and fly me the animal kingdom
Stayed at GF last November as a treat to ourselves.....major once in a lifetime treat. This resort is phenomenal - especially at Christmas time. You cannot believe the decorations and don't get me started on the gingerbread house. But what was incredible was the view from our balcony. We were there several nights and NEVER turned the TV on once. I spent every spare minute on that balcony watching the boats go by, monorails cruise along, the water pageant and those magical fireworks. Every morning I would get up early with a cup of coffee and listen to the Magic Kingdom come alive. Every night I would stay out there until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more to watch the fireworks and the lights. It was pure Disney Magic....and worth every penny...
I love hanging out at GF, there is so much to do and eat and listen to… the only thing I never do is actually stay the night. 😉🥂🎩🖤😍
I'm going to be honest, kids under the age of 7 (heck, i'll even say under 10!) don't care what hotel they stay at, as long as it's a hotel! We've stayed at a Motel 6 and my kids are always so stoked to be staying at a hotel lol! The grandeur of a hotel is definitely more for us adults for sure. With that being said, my hubby never wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian due to the 'snob' factor...and then we became DVC members and I was able to snag a full week during the first week of January back in 2015 and now he wants all our trips to be here lol. It's a gorgeous hotel with the easiest access to Magic Kingdom, and pretty easy access to our top favorite park, Epcot. Having monorail access is pretty much everything!
Exactly!!
To be honest, I’ve stayed at All Star Music before the refurb, and it was WORSE than my stay at a Motel 6!
Also, about the kids under 7 deal… …when I was 5, my family moved during Easter break. We stayed at a hotel for a few days. My mom looks back at that Easter believing it was the worse (well, before the 2020 lockdown). But we had TWO rooms! Connected to each other via a door! And the Easter Bunny somehow still found me! He hid tiny nestle crunch eggs all over my room, and left me one of those prepackaged Easter baskets that I would see at the grocery store and want, but never got! To me, it was pretty magical and clearly memorable.
We stayed at the dvc hotel (now old key west 😂) loved it, saw a resort tour recently and looks just like I remember it
@@UmmYeahOk how amazing you still remember that! When I was 6 or 7, we stayed at (what I thought at the time was like a Hilton or Hyatt, but found out later it was a Days Inn haha) and I thought it was the most amazing hotel ever! It had the best pool and and even a *pull out sofa bed* which I just thought was the coolest thing ever! Of course, not knowing it was cheaper for my parents to get a king size bed instead of a two queen bed. Even though it wasn't the most glamorous hotel, to me, because of the memories made with my parents and brother, it was truly one of the best trips and i'll always remember that. Even more so now, that my dad's 15 year anniversary just past 2 weeks ago, I so wish I could return the favor and take both my mom and dad on vacations to show my gratitude.
Stayed there with our 3 children some time ago (in the 1990s - back when there were dinosaurs roaming the planet). I remember it was fantastic, though much cheaper than now. And as it's Disney, bringing kids to everything was not an issue.
We stayed at the Grand Floridian in January; it was AMAZING! We had theme park view rooms and that just the cherry on top. We have little ones so it was perfect to come home after a park day or a rest day to fireworks and the electrical parade. The location, the dining, and the cast members were over the top! So excited to see the renovations but it definitely became our new favorite. 💕
Grand Floridian is worth the hype it just magical
My parents and I (only child here) have stayed twice, once in a 1-bedroom villa when I graduated high school, and once in a suite over Christmas. Both experiences were wonderful! We love eating at the Grand Floridian Cafe for brunch, and we get tea every single time bc we love it SO much. I agree with all of your points about price, but I am grateful I've gotten to stay a couple times!
AJ doing a voice over IN THE GRAND?
I always imagined her at a desk somewhere.
That’s amazing
Stayed there November 2021 and its as magical as ever. We are fortunate enough to stay here regularly as it is our favorite resort. The price does continually get higher and higher with each passing year which will eventually price is out of being able to stay which is a shame. I miss the evening band in the lobby, it just added. That extra something special to the hustle and bustle of the main building.
We got a package there. It wasn’t cheap, but it was actually cheaper than a mediocre hotel
in Cape May during high summer, with a parking lot pool. Plenty of kids there too.
We stay at GF every summer, thanks to my husband having a work conference there. I really love it, but would never pay the price tag myself. Honestly, my favorite part is the main pool. The slide is fun and the best food of all of Disney World is the pool bar lobster roll. And you can see the fireworks from MK every night, so that’s cool.
My husband also finds work conferences at WDW, with significantly discounted room prices. This makes it worthwhile, since I would not pay the going rates. We’ve stayed at GF several times, as well as Yacht and Beach Club. We were just at Y&BC during Presidents’ Day time period with great weather. A conference can be a good way to afford a deluxe resort and add in a theme park.
I’m biased because my brother is a manager there, but it’s such a delight to stay there. I have such great memories of just hanging out in the lobby or getting a drink and kicking back in the lounge. But it’s not my favorite club level, I’m a fan of either AKL or Wilderness Lodge club levels more…
We LOVED Club level at AKL. Made our Disneymoon Magical
Just stayed there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed the spa, and the quick service food was excellent. The best part was the close proximity to Magic Kingdom...we spent the last hour there every night since MK was open late. Glad we got to experience it, but probably won't spend that much again.
Last year was the very first time I had ever stayed on property for a WDW trip and The Grand Floridian was our resort for the 10-day trip. I was so surprised to we were able to stay there because, yeah, it’s hella expensive. But it was absolutely magical. Pretty sure I actually cried seeing the lobby for the first time and I definitely cried when having to leave lol. This year, for the first time ever, we’re doing back-to-back WDW vacations. JUST booked our stay for this August last night and we’re doing GF once more. I’m actually dying of excitement and can’t wait. As far as discounts go, for sure watch DFB to know when specials are going on but military and retired military members, don’t forget GF has a military discount on rooms! It shaves about $1500 off our total stay. That plus the incredibly discounted park tickets makes the vacation price slightly easier to swallow lol
10 days in the Grand Floridian 😮, you must be loaded 💰 💰 💰
If you can swing it at least once in your lifetime it is worth it. The rooms are big and nice. The beds are soooooo comfy. Just sitting on your balcony or walking around the resort is so peaceful and calm it really helps unwind you after a day in the park. The fireworks view at night from outside Gasparilla grill is amazing! And, speaking of Gasparilla....I had the BEST burger there!
We may stay there when my Son is a Little older. He is 5 and seems to like Bright stuff.
When I take my kids we like to go full boar at the parks, so the room is just to sleep and get ready in the morning. Hotel looks amazing and how close it is to the park is cool. Just cant justify spending that much on a room. Next trip will be at Shade of Green (retired military) or RV park at Camp Wilderness. Not sure yet. Wont be till Tron opens up though.
Absolutely love Fort Wilderness ❤️
Omg the full house remark just got me 😂 so true!
Looks beautiful with large rooms but we love the characters at the value resorts, makes it seem more Disney for us.
The value resorts look fun but I’ve never checked them out. How are the food and drinks?
@@veronicajude nothing fancy, pretty simple but not bad
@@veronicajude I enjoyed Food court at All stars. Desserts r Amazing!! Same at Pop Century. Never been to AOA but heard Great things
@@veronicajude Pool drinks r Awesome at POP and All Stars. POP/AOA has Skyliner access for DHS/Epcot
I booked a trip 2 weeks in advanced for February 2022 and we got a theme park view fifth floor standard room for $520 a night! The staff is incredible. They even surprised my boyfriend and I and have us a free park hopper ticket for our last day! It isn’t a proper trip to Disney without staying here in my opinion! Instead of going every year I go every 2 or 3 years just so I can afford and save up to stay here 🥰. To each their own but this way it evens out for me price wise!
520? How cheap!
Stayed 20 nights in feb 2019 - loved it. Cast members were so friendly, good transportation and a lovely atmosphere: the orchestra, the piano, 24 hour night self service resto, nice swimmingpool. The price was ok with the UK package ( room, park entrance, free dining plan).
Typ fault - stayed 10!!! Nights
@@gjesvaer I was gonna say, 20 nights would be awesome and expensive!
We see who got di big bucks 😂😂😂😂
The way Disney is ripping you off and y'all accept it willingly is mindblowing...
I TOTALLY agree!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A sucker is born every minute!
Its a business exchange I give them money and they entertain me.
It is worth it to my family. I have two toddlers and we don’t spend entire days in the park. We spend most afternoons at the pool or on the beach playing in the sand. We love the amenities GF offers. We love the convenience of the monorail and being able to hop back over to Magic Kingdom in the evening. We love all the restaurants, the kids love Narcoossee’s as much as I do. I love that we can have a nice, early dinner then hop over to MK for fireworks or the extra park hours that deluxe hotels get on certain nights of the week. We have stayed at other Disney deluxe resorts and always go back to GF, it’s our favorite resort.
The Grand is by far our favourite. Love the pools and the relaxed vibe. Plenty of room for our family of 5.
Stayed twice for two weeks at a time at the GF, fantastic hotel. We have a disabled son so the monorail on the doorstep for wheelchair was fantastic!! Of the three hotels on the loop it’s way above the contemporary and Polynesian in my opinion.
With all the British themes (Mary Poppins/Alice pool/Victoria and alberts/architecture/afternoon tea) you think they *would just consider renaming it the Grand Victorian.
It’s out of my price range and I’ve also thought it looked a little old fashioned, but we have eaten at Narcoossee’s, which was really good!
I’d love you guys so much if you did a video like this for the Poly and the yacht/beach club.
I stayed at Grand Floridian in December 2019 and it was a dream come true. The resort was everything I wished it would be and extra magical for the holidays. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the cast members there and all the amenities.
The Four Seasons is true luxury. GF needs a lot of updating to warrant the price.
This!
Yes they’re luxurious, but the transportation to the parks is still so inconvenient from the 4S and Ritz that I will never justify that price tag. If I want to enjoy the mix of those two, I’m not going to be in Orlando.
Very lovely. Bucket list trip for me. After I hit the lottery. But still nice to see the resort! Thanks for sharing, AJ! 😊
LOVED this video…hope it’s going to be a series..with every hotel getting a dedicated video like this one. It was really great. Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love the grand. So much so we bought DVC there. I hate taking the busses and I can get to 2 parks by staying here with no busses required. And now that I can walk to magic Kingdom (and more importantly, walk away from the MK at the end of the day, bypassing the going home line ups), staying at the grand is a no brainer for me.
My favorite part of this hotel is the fact that they named it after the amount of money you need to drop to stay a night!
i’ll see myself out
Just got back from Grand Floridian. Honestly, if we hadn’t had the monorail to M K and Epcot , we would have missed a lot. It was not a peak time for Disney World, and yet the parks were packed. We ended up having to use ride share early mornings to get to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Loved our lagoon view and balcony.
I’d say it was worth it.
I'm a huge fan of Victoria & Alberts. Chef's Table experience is the single best meal I've ever consumed. Richard Gerth was also an icon here and we'd stop just to say "hello" before he passed. Citricos and Narcoossees are nice but nothing other-worldly. The Enchanted Rose is interesting but very expensive for simple drinks. What I cannot get my head around is the pricing for THIS resort vs other Deluxe accommodations which offer the same amenities. I also find the snobbery at GF from too many guests quite overpowering. If you've got the money; REAL money; shack up at the Four Seasons in Golden Oak. The service levels are superior, amenities second to none and dining exemplary. We enjoyed Ravello in January as both the service and food were top shelf!
No amenity on this Earth could make me pay for the Grand Floridian. Ever.
Agreed, its just over priced. I mean if I became a billionaire sure.
Hotel is not for the poors
If I had to stay at a top tier hotel, I'd rather stay at a true luxury brand, like the Waldorf, and take a car 🚗 to visit the Grand Floridian. The GF is so not worth it imo.
All I’m gonna say is that I wanna see AJ’s grandma’s house!😅 I’ve never seen a grandma’s house as swank as the GF 🤣 but ok🤷♀️
I’m so confused by the thumbnail 😂
Lol she changed it
Love GF, we have stayed there 5 times. It was my mother's favorite. I just love the Victoria area, just one if the best. Rooms are well designed and are kids love this hotel.
Idk I like the fun and bubbly Disney decor in the other hotels Disney characters are what we go to Disney to see . But if I ever came across some extra money to just toss around I would stay here well just cause it’s a big deal.
It looks lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Our mortgage payment would probably only get us one night at the GF! Good thing we are DVC and could stay on points- but even so we would choose a different hotel!
Same here about Mortgage. Wish we could do DVC. We probably would b Members if my Dad were still here
I just came back from a 4 day stay at PLANET HOLLWOOD in las Vagas. The room was as nice as the WDW CONTEMPORARY ant it was $80.00 a night !!!
Nice
Stayed there March 2021. It was everything I wanted it to be even with covid restrictions.
Stayed there 2x and will again in May. I love it and my children love it as well.
Thank you A.J. for these wonderful videos!
DFG will ALWAYS look out for picky eaters and I love it!
I loved this video! Please keep doing videos like this for all the resorts
💕 the Uncle Jesse reference 💕
We stayed in 1995 and 2008 with kids. We had a great experience. We liked being close to Magic Kingdom and having the monorail option. We ate at Victoria & Albert’s on the 2008 trip. Very expensive, good food. Definitely a one in a life time type culinary experience. Being retired now the GF is outside of our budget so we would stay somewhere else if we go back.
Wealthy Family friends came to Disney and stayed at the GF, and to form an opinion without having to pay the price tag…..it was pretty damn nice hahah
Has there been a reopen date yet for Victoria & Albert's? Hubby and I are doing an adult only trip in April and this has been on our Disney Bucket List for years!💓
Sounds nice and i hear it very expensive smh..all best and i am praying for a hubby soon smh. So far no luck lol smh.
I stayed there when they first opened because I just had to. The thing I like the most were free ( lobby and restaurants) I say restaurants because you don’t have to stay there to eat there. I never stayed there again because we now just go to the parks.
Stayed there 10 years ago. It was amazing but perhaps a one-and-done for the price
Lol GF charges that much to keep the bad cattle out (my broke behind can't afford it). They don't want penny scraping Keith and Debbie with their 6 kids. GF wants someone who can throw that charge on their AMEX without an eye twitch. Or the family with a nanny that can take the kids to MK while mom and dad unwind at the beach, sipping their adult pops.
If you got bank for that experience, rock on! I wish I had the bank.
Exactly what you said about uncle Jessie. Full house is the show that really made me want to go to disney world lol
We always used to stay at the contemporary(my husband preferred hotel) is outrageous in price. $1300 a night and that’s a standard room with a two night minimum. Even with all star resorts pricing is $600 a night with a minimum of two nights. This is my opinion that’s crazy money. I would like to stay at the Grand Floridian, but maybe it’s because everybody wants to go on vacation and everybody’s flocking to Disney to enjoy themselves at the amusement parks. I won’t pay these prices because somebody’s smoking some wacky weed! You all enjoy. I’ll find somewhere else to stay if I have to get my Disney on. Thank you AJ
This is my lottery hotel! If I ever win the lottery, that’s where I want to stay!
Good thing I own my home. Looking forward to the refurbished rooms. Love spending an afternoon after a RunDisney race in a cabana.
Those Easter eggs reminded me of the ones I had as a child where they had a little scene in them
Uncle Jessie and Aunt Becky only got to stay there because of his work. They (and their two children) were already stuck living in his brother in laws attic!
The family from The Middle also stayed there, even though they couldn’t even afford a car to go to work (most of the US had no public transportation).
It seems as if the people least likely to stay there are staying there. But so guess that’s part of the magic. They made you think such things were possible. I mean, a trip to WDW was originally a once in a lifetime trip that few people got to go on. And that was back when it was much more affordable!
2 bedroom booked for May! Just set ADR this week!
With the devastating outlook for our economy (including record-breaking gas prices) and the instability of international relations, I don't foresee our family being able to go ANYWHERE anytime soon. And I'm saying this as a teacher and my husband is a successful business owner. Unfortunately, this is a time when we have to start planning for worst-case scenario and save our money while we still have it. It's unfortunate because a family like ours (that normally has the extra spending money for travel and leisure) normally would be making plans to go to Disney and Universal. Families like ours are the target market for Disney/Universal. We actually WERE planning to go to Universal for the first time soon, but we're afraid to spend that money now. Families that are still trying to plan trips at this point probably aren't going to be spending a lot of extra money to stay at the nicest hotel on property. If you are used to having money because of a family business or a good job, I hope you are also starting to be more careful with your spending because this economy is going to get much worse before it gets any better unless this administration starts making some good decisions. Yes, the park has had a couple of really busy months due to revenge travel. Everyone was hesitant to travel for a long time. Hopefully, you got your revenge travel out of your system already and you're ready to buckle back down because "it's going to be a bumpy ride!" Sorry for the depressing post but I'm just trying to help anyone who may still have their head buried in the sand. On the brighter side, hopefully going through this economic downturn will spur the good Disney discount promos to come back!
I'm with you except for blaming it on the administration. Inflation is worldwide and the current war with Russia attacking the Ukraine will affect everyone.
"record breaking gas prices"
It is a depressing post and maybe it doesn’t really belong here, sorry AJ, but I do agree with you. It’s something that has also been on my mind. (We got to go to Disney last February and in April we have a cruise. I won’t even believe it until I actually set foot on the ship.) I’m wondering if we need to start stocking up on food, etc. I’m a little worried it’s going to get very ugly out there.
@@craiglevy8144 Yes, the price of gas is now officially record-breaking. I'm not saying it for dramatic affect, it's actually fact.
@@craiglevy8144 Her Spiel was spot on champ.
Good thing I own my home. We love spending an afternoon after a RunDisney race at a cabana there.
Knowing I'll never have the chance to experience this (or any disney hotel) is kinda depressing 😅
This is where I want to stay! It’s so beautiful! And it has everything!
I just don’t understand why they don’t have carriage rides. I’d have to go to French Quarter for that.
This is my mom and dad's dream vacation. If I ever come into lots of money (and i mean lots!! 😂) it'll be a 1 bedroom suite with club access and MK view.
I'm sweating at the thought of the dream cost that could be 😂😂
I remember seeing the GF on the monorail when I was a kid (90s baby here!) and thinking it looked like something straight out of a movie. It looked magical 🏰
My solution: stay at Polynesian (classy with a little c) and if/when necessary, walk to Grand Floridian.
My Family Loves Restaurants at GF. Kinda sad that 1900 Park Fare hasn't reopened. It was my son's favorite Character meal on his 1st trip in 2017
Any insider info on when Victoria and Alberts restaurant will reopen? Not staying at GF but hoping to go there in May.
You're totally right. Who wouldn't want to stay at the hotel where the Tanner family stayed?
I agree with AJ. I've stayed as DVC at Grand and its very nice..like a scaled up Hilton but not amazing...lobbies need refurbishing, new carpet and furniture and some of the remote buildings look pretty worn out once you get in them... but if I were paying rack rate, Definitely Four Seasons! or Waldorf...Wealthy people will NOT think this is up to standard. The other 99 percenters will think its "sort of" fancy. The price you pay is for proximity to the magic kingdom really. The pool areas are just meh.
My two favorite stays in the park have been at the Grand Floridian and the Poly. Definitely worth saving for... there is no way to convey the difference between staying here and at Caribbean Beach.
I am surprised you did not talk about tea time with the Princesses. All the little girls dressed up as their favorite princesses with such awe in their eyes as they share tea time is an amazing experience for those of us who may be a bit jaded. Wonderment restored through their eyes.
Has the worse Disney bus service. Also in the morning the monorail is always packed by the time it gets to the Grand last stop before the Magic Kingdom. Love the club level everytime we have stayed club level.
Stayed recently Coronado Springs tower. Wow! Just great. Beats many more $$ Disney Hotels.
I love this video! You should do one for each hotel category.
Honestly with gas prices and inflation we had to choose between mortgage and PopCentury. (Mortgage won.)
Went there with my friend last month had a view of fireworks from balcony in our room in bungalow 7 . Had room service dinner enjoyed the jacuzzi I was real disappointed Victoria and Albert's isn't opened they won't set a date or email when they do it open. I'm a foodie and want to go . Citricos is wonderful. It's a 1 time stay though for me . Always wanted to do it . Stayed at St Regis for my 60 this month in nyc and next month stay at Beverly hills hotel and those r my dream stays .
Maybe a hot take, but grand floridian needs a serious update in the rooms department. It doesn't give me Classy it gives me Crusty with capital Cs
"Now, some people think this looks like their grandma's house..."
Whoever has a grandma that owns something as big and as nice as this house, you and your family surely are billionaires.
If you think billionaires would stay at the Grand Floridian then you must be super poor. Grand Floridian looks like a Motel 6.
Love your videos! But honestly I’m not going back til Chapek is out and the parks get better. That and until they stop supporting homophobic bills
I would prefer to b at Disney!!! Just waiting on Dining plan to come back!! Hopefully its soon, so we can pay for our September trip
I'm not gonna lie. Disney hotels are SO overpriced that if my wife's grandparents weren't DVC members I don't think I'd ever care to stay in any of them. The Boardwalk is their home resort so we tend to stay there, but the Grand is fun to hang out at. You can still book spa treatments there, smoke a cigar on their nice balcony smoking area, even rent a cabana at their pool.
they are renovating rooms next year so i guess will be better then NOT NOW
A kid will be a little bit surprised if they go to GF, an adult will gladly suck up the price assuming they want a romantic vibe and can do it. Love these guides! Thank you DFB
I'm going in April I live in tx but with gas prices I'm scared. I've already booked and paid for tickets.
Blunch at the Gland Flolidian Cafe sounds like my speed.
For a family, this would be impossible. For a single person getting 30% off rooms, it's the only way acceptably affordable to stay if you're wanting a once in a lifetime stay
We rented a dvc studio this may for $390 a night through a dvc agency 🙌🙌🙌
Nope im not paying prices like that especially when I'm at the parks
I think it's just me, but I've never been overly impressed with the Grand Flo or the idea of staying there, mainly because I'm a native San Diegan and we have the Hotel Del Coronado in our proverbial backyard. The architecture of the Grand Flo has always reminded me of the Hotel Del, and even the interior is pretty similar with its Victorian Era decor (something the Hotel Del advertises on their website as one of the perks). It's priced about the same too! You'd hope that the original Disney was inspired by would be more affordable than Disney's exorbitant pricing, but considering all the history that comes with the Hotel Del, its prime real estate on the waterfront and closeness to other San Diego tourist spots like the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway, and the fact that everything associated with it is all 5-star luxury, you're lucky if you can snag one of the "cheaper" rooms for $650 for *one* night! (But even then, they tack on a bunch of add-ons so it quickly inflates to over $800.) If I _had_ to pick, I think I would go with the Hotel Del, because it's closer and with _it_ all I have to worry about is the fee for staying there. With the Grand Flo, I'm already going to be shelling out a lot for park tickets, plane tickets, money for transportation, food, souvenirs, on top of paying for my room for however long my stay is going to be, so for me it's a pass.
Staying tuned for the Polynesian!!!
I wanted to try Tonga toast at the Polynesian and I was wondering if I can order food to go instead of doing a whole sit down thing?
Honestly I understand people’s comments when it comes to other hotels offering more luxury. But Disney magic is kind of real so like it’s worth it.🤷🏻♀️😭
Worth it is so subjective. To me Disneyworld is worth every penny, i like hotels with close proximity to parks, nice resturants, spacious accomadations, a luxurious pool, and keeps me in the disney bubble. I am willing to forgo buying new outfits and meals out for a year to stay in those type of accomadations. If people dont like those things and are unwilling to make those sacrifices then they will never find it worth it. Is it is a good value, not the best value that disney has to offer no, but there are accomadations it has that no other resorts offer.
Citricos serves a version of Ratatouille!
I've been several times. I prefer to stay at an off-site resort. As a kid we stayed at onsite. Same magic. Lol only money I'd save is a rental car but then again I'd spend tripple on the on-site room. Lol no thanks
I heard port Orleans reps tiana and i hear its a room about her. That would be a dream come true to stay there.
I stayed there recently and it’s BEAUTIFUL! It’s also more fancy than the grand and less than half the price! That hotel is my favorite on property! I highly recommend!