[galardia]

Our family of ten spent Jan. 11 – 15, 2008, at the Grand Floridian Resort, and all of us agreed it was absolutely fantastic! We are from Kansas, and one finds very few hotels that measure up to the Grand Floridian standards. When my husband and I contacted our travel agent, we had decided to stay in a resort close to Magic Kingdom, but the Contemporary only had concierge rooms left, so she asked about the GF. Of course, it was more expensive, but we have not regretted the change for one minute. One expects to pay for the grand service and amenities found at the GF. We have been planning this trip since the first grandchild was born. We had been to Disney World twice before with high school students, staying in the Swan Dolphin, but wanted a more relaxed atmosphere this time.

We booked three Garden View Rooms, so when we checked in and found we were in Boca Chica with a Lagoon and Magic Kingdom view, we could not believe our good fortune. We were in rooms 8417, 8415, and 8413, which could not have been better! Our family consists of my husband, me, our two sons and their wives, and four granddaughters – ages 9, 8, 6, and 5 – the perfect ages for their first visit to Disney World.

The rooms were quite large with two Queen-sized beds, a day bed, TV armoire, desk, chair and footstool. There was a very nice, large bathroom including double sinks and all the amenities. We had turndown service each night with wonderful chocolates, and an ice bucket full of ice. There were also two chairs and a small table on each balcony. The balcony was another wonderful plus as we could watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Seven Seas Lagoon Electric Water Pageant each night.

The only downside was the fact that the lobby was being renovated and was covered with huge plastic sheets from floor to ceiling. Luckily for us, the renovation was completed by our last day, so we were able to enjoy the grand atmosphere. The girls loved the elevator and the bird cage.

I had read where people staying at the GF felt out of place, but not one person made us feel that way. Everyone went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. I had also read that the GF was considered to be rather noisy and spread out, but we did not find that to be the case at all – it was very easy to get around and very quiet.
We were also lucky that the weather cooperated and we were able to swim in both the Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool. The waterslide in the Beach Pool was a definite highlight of our swimming experience. The girls even got me to go down the slide!! What fun.

Since we had small children, the monorail and the ferry were absolutely wonderful. We only had to use the bus to Animal Kingdom. Both the monorail and the ferry are run very efficiently.

The GF Café was absolutely fantastic. We all ate there two mornings for breakfast, and the service and food were wonderful. We also ate at the Gasparilla Grill two mornings. It was good also, for fast-food service. The ten of us also attended Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at the 1900 Park Fare Restaurant. This was the third Character dinner we attended and one the girls enjoyed immensely. Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Termain, and the evil step sisters, Anastasia and Drizella were there and did an amazing job, never once stepping out of character.
The Grand Floridian is not a resort one would choose if a yearly trip is planned to Disney, but for us, it could not have been better. Staying there helped make this a truly memorable, family vacation.

Pros: Monorail, ferry, two pools, GF Café, 1900 Park Fare, beautiful landscaping, large rooms with balconies, a marina, friendliness, and service.
There were no Cons.