Is the lobby at GF very crowded in the afternoon in August?

VAfamily1998

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 8, 2008

• Apr 26, 2017

• #1

I'm trying to decide if it is worth the (HUGE) price difference to get a RP CL room
m for a one night stay at GF. I can get a outer building (non CL) room for about $400, or a RP CL room for $650.

We will not be doing any parks, but will be doing dining with an Imagineer, which is at Citricos at 5:30. I've read that while it says the dinner is 2 hours, it often goes over--as long as 4 hours! So it's unlikely that we would take advantage of any of the evening food offerings in the lounge.

What I would REALLY like to be able to do is to sit in the lobby and enjoy the musicians (orchestra, piano) I've looked up the schedule and it seems they start around 3 pm in the lobby. I imagine it's much more peaceful and calm to be able to do that from the RP lounge, enjoying a drink and/snack? Does the main public lobby get really crowded at noisy around that time--to the point where it might be hard to find a relaxing place to sit?

 

Nancyg56

DIS Veteran

Joined

Aug 17, 2005

• Apr 26, 2017

• #2

I have never stayed in the main building but have enjoyed the lobby in the afternoon. I like to relax in the afternoon and enjoy the entertainment, as well as watch the people who move through the lobby. I do not remember it being that crowded, but it can be "busy".

TO be honest, I like the stroll to the outer buildings. I know that you are not going intot he parks, so that may make a difference, but I find the walk to be a bit transitional.

 

Branflakes

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 15, 2014

• Apr 26, 2017

• #3

I love to sit for a while in th GF lobby. While we typically stay at YC, if we have a dinner reservation at the GF, we will always go early, grab a cocktail from Mizners or the Citricos bar and relax in the lobby. The musicians are so good! And I feel like, you can see sort of a delineation quite easily the areas where people are just relaxing and listening with a little small talk.
The seating closest to the front desk imo tends to be a little busier with kids and families, where toward the middle and back of the lobby tends to have people just quietly sitting. Usually. And maybe a few dozed off on a sofa or in a chair listening to the piano or musicians upstairs.
Personally I'd rather be in the lobby than the lounge if it's not a madhouse in the lobby. And I can't say we have ever experienced too much chaos in the lobby.

 

Nancyg56

DIS Veteran

Joined

Aug 17, 2005

• Apr 26, 2017

• #4

Branflakes said:

I love to sit for a while in th GF lobby. While we typically stay at YC, if we have a dinner reservation at the GF, we will always go early, grab a cocktail from Mizners or the Citricos bar and relax in the lobby. The musicians are so good! And I feel like, you can see sort of a delineation quite easily the areas where people are just relaxing and listening with a little small talk.
The seating closest to the front desk imo tends to be a little busier with kids and families, where toward the middle and back of the lobby tends to have people just quietly sitting. Usually. And maybe a few dozed off on a sofa or in a chair listening to the piano or musicians upstairs.
Personally I'd rather be in the lobby than the lounge if it's not a madhouse in the lobby. And I can't say we have ever experienced too much chaos in the lobby.

Click to expand...

I have gotten a cocktail at a pool bar and then I sat with my book in the lobby. It is pretty sweet, and my favorite memories are of the Little Princesses dancing in the "ballroom" to the music of the Grand Pianist

 

GADisneyDad14

Disney Resorts Board

Moderator

Joined

Jul 3, 2014

• Apr 26, 2017

• #5

For what you're describing, I would opt for RPC. That gives you the most choices... you can watch/listen/relax from the lounge, or go down to the lobby, etc. There's a reason RPC costs more - the experience is just 'better' overall, which includes everything from the size of the lounge, the atmosphere, the room views, etc. In my humble opinion.

SL is not a bad choice either to save a few bucks, but for one night in particular, I would do RPC.

 

mickeynut1

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 16, 2007

• Apr 26, 2017

• #6

I agree with GADisneyDad. RPC has a nice relaxing atmosphere with great views. Sitting in the lobby is nice, but it's a little more relaxing being up in the lounge listening to the orchestra, having a drink/snack, etc. If the extra cost is doable, I'd go with RPC.

 

M

Marthasor

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 8, 2005

• Apr 26, 2017

• #7

I have been to and have stayed at GF countless times (both RPC and outer buildings) and I've never had trouble finding a seat in the lobby. If you aren't going to utilize the amenities of the lounge other than sitting in a chair, I, personally think booking RPC is a huge waste of money.

 

D

DLgal

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2013

• Apr 26, 2017

• #8

We stayed at the GF last August for 5 days and never once saw the lobby "crowded." I'd save the money.

 

beansmom

Grumpy Grandma Extraordinaire

Joined

Feb 3, 2000

• Apr 26, 2017

• #9

the only time i've ever seen the GF lobby crowded is around xmas and people coming to see the gingerbread house. I love the lobby...it's a beautiful place to sit a spell.

 

helenm29

FIGMENTED

Joined

Jul 1, 2003

• Apr 26, 2017

• #10

I have never seen it crowded. It can get a little busy around dinner time but it's a HUGE lobby and I don't think you will have a problem that time of year...no major holidays. Just a fun tip about Citricos...if you are having dinner in one of their "private" rooms, they will be asking you what kind of foods you like...don't be afraid to tell them anything! also, I found that the Chef's and servers are very easy to talk to so chat away! it's really a fun 2 to 4 hours! ENJOY!

 

Mousemommy1

DIS Veteran

Joined

Dec 6, 2010

• Apr 26, 2017

• #11

For one night, I'd probably splurge and choose RPC.