TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I am staying on the WDW property. The day we checked in we had come from a Disney Cruise. We had time before the restaurant opened at our hotel, so I managed to talk my two grandsons in going to the Grand Floridian to see the gingerbread house (an annual tradition). Let me preface this by saying that I am a 74 yo veteran, a WDW passholder and a DVC member. Therefore, I am very much aware of how to get to the Grand Floridian without parking there - and free. However, I get tired and short winded, so I thought a quick trip would be the best. I was prepared to be sent away if parking was an issue. What I was not prepared for was the vitriol that came from the guard. He started by saying, "you people from Shades of Green think you can just come here to park. You have to pay for parking ..." He was truly nasty. I did not think that yelling at grandmothers was a part of his job description. Considering that the Grand Floridian is my DVC home, I was surprised by his attitude. Needless to say, we did not go to the Grand Floridian and will not see the gingerbread house this year (or buy anything!). I am truly disappointed by this interaction. A simple comment like, "Our parking is too crowded today to let anyone in not staying here and this is how you can get to the hotel " - would have have been better. It is not the veteran's fault that Disney decided to treat us as second class vacationers.

Visited the hotel during a morning of viewing Christmas events around Walt Disney World Resort. Arrived by monorail. Impressive Christmas decorations and homemade gingerbread house built to (relative) scale. Cool that you can just walk around the hotel inside and out to explore the various areas. It was very hot when we attended so didn’t spend too long outside however the manicured lawns, fountains and walkways were beautiful.

Visiting guests beware!!! Just had an rsvp to 1900 park fare for dinner. Be aware as a guest you will receive “guest service”. Joined 2 handicap friends for dinner and Upon arrival we were told we had to park across street or pay $40 valet. Fortunately there were shuttle buggies taking people to and from hotel at the time. We were told they ran until after 10pm. After dinner and shopping, we asked valet to assist with shuttle back to car & were told they come every few minutes. After waiting patiently for 15 minutes we asked again for shuttle and they told us there was no one available to assist because they were assisting on site guests and event guests only. Valet desk asked us if it was possible to make other arrangements for transportation back to the guest parking lot with my two disabled friends. There was not even assistance with directions to the crosswalk and we were turned away. Terrible experience with handicap guests and visitors. We will never return.

I would rate this stay a 2 out of 5, when compared to the cost. Hotel lobby is amazing and the seasons gingerbread house was up. I was left to remove my luggage from my car while the valet for parking stood watch waiting to take the car. Even though I did not require a bellman to take my luggage( 1 suitcase per each person) they never offered to assist with lifting or a luggage cart.

The hotel had beautiful theming and was conveniently close to Magic Kingdom. We dined at the quick-service restaurant multiple times and enjoyed every meal. We also ordered room service, which was delightful. Our room was comfortable and spacious, with a special view of the fireworks. While we enjoyed our stay, I do wonder if it is worth the high price tag. Personally I feel you are paying more for travel convenience to Magic Kingdom rather than additional resort offerings. As the flagship resort it should go above and beyond other Disney Deluxe resorts and have extra touches that are included in the room cost.