(2014-2020) Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA + VILLAS Information & Questions

[ptnia]

Thank you so much for the welcome BlueSkysGF.

 

[flafan]

44 days!!!! ...Because you are staying club level I would strongly recommend that you contact IPO and put in your requests...SL is such a nice buliding to stay in..so centrally located on the GF grounds...and you can't beat being steps away from the courtyard pool...and having drinks and snacks available too! I'm sure you stay will be just grand!!!

Thank you so much, I will contact them closer to the date because if I read correctly rooms are not assigned until closer to the check in date.
Have a great day and again thanks for your response

 

[loveshak22]

I just want to say that today is our 180 day mark for our November trip! The GF IPOs must have been up early and they did a great job getting my ADRs. I got my itinerary from the IPO at 8:04 a.m. with all of my confirmations! We couldn't get BoG but we will keep trying - the IPO said they'd check daily and I'll be checking as well. You never know when that elusive ADR is going to pop up!

I didn't have a lot of hard-to-get ADRs other than BoG and CRT breakfast. I was up this morning at 6:30 and thought I'd take a peek just to see what was available for those two and there were no BoGs and a couple of 9:00 or later times for CRT. I didn't book those myself since there were a couple to choose from so I figured the IPO could just book that with the rest of my reservations. But - then good news! When I got my itinerary this morning the IPO got me an 8:05 a.m. ADR (which is what I really wanted)! So I'm guessing they were up even earlier than me to get the 8:05 time slot!

The only other ADR they couldn't get was a lunch at Beaches and Cream. I thought that was odd 180 days out but I was on the fence with that one anyway and ended up asking them to book me a Fantasmic lunch package instead (thanks for that suggestion Blue!)...and they confirmed within an hour that the package was booked.

Besides BoG, I am waiting for confirmation at V&A's and Morimoto Asia. Since Morimoto Asia isn't even open yet I knew I'd have to wait on that. And apparently V&A's doesn't open up ADRs 180 days out. When I called to give the IPO my credit card number I asked to make sure I was right about the seating times for the Queen Victoria room being 6:30 and 8:30 because I wanted to make sure to put the right time on my form and he said they were talking about changing some things around at V&As but they were still waiting to see what the changes were going to be...so I'm not sure what that's going to mean but I knew in advance I wouldn't have that ADR confirmed today either.

I checked my MDE and everything popped up in my account, so that seems to be working nicely! I'm feeling good about all our vacation plans

 

[mrsclark]

The walk from GF to TTC would be a pretty long one! My husband and I run from GF to Poly (and around), and I would guess it would be about a mile from GF to TTC...that is a guess since we run for time and not distance, but hubby said probably a mile and he's usually pretty good at guessing distance since he's run SO many races (in the past-lol). I would take the monorail and save your feet! The monorail from GF to Epcot takes approximately 30 minutes (it's not a quick trip) but it's pleasant...the 30 min. Estimate includes stops and changing monorails at TTC. IMO, it's much easier than going from BC to MK! We like BC too, but Going to MK from there is a pain. I will say that leaving Epcot via monorail after Illuminations can take a really long time because so many people are leaving at once, so we drive to Epcot if we go back at night. Driving to Epcot from GF is fast and easy. There is no easy way to get to MK from BC...if you drive, you have still have to monorail from the TTC.

As for the bathroom comparison, GF bathrooms are bigger because the rooms are bigger(as Mickeynut said). I like that the GF vanity area is more separated from the bedroom area which creates more privacy. But I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful new tile work at BC! I also like the extra under sink storage they have at BC! I wish GF would add a shelf there. We enjoyed finally trying an Epcot resort after having only stayed in the monorail loop...it's completely different, and I think you would enjoy it! Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for the info! I am just considering all the options - last year I think I only gained 1 pound eating whatever I wanted at Disney for 10 days because we walked absolutely so much - our longest day we walked from YC to DHS then back to YC then to Epcot to eat at the Mexico CS then to the front of the park to take the monorail to MK for MNSSHP and then walked around MK the whole night. According to my Fitbit, we did 13 miles that day (although I know it is not 100% accurate).

Anyway, I was trying to figure out if it made sense to time-wise and exercise-wise to walk from GF to the TTC if we were to stay at GF, so I really appreciate the info!

 

[TeacherDL]

Hello again all.....I'm getting so close to my trip, and I'm so excited to try GF for the first time. I'm just enjoying reading and re-reading the posts here. Thank you all so much for such a great thread with all the help!! I just can't believe it's almost here!

 

[Dispro1]

Thanks for the info! I am just considering all the options - last year I think I only gained 1 pound eating whatever I wanted at Disney for 10 days because we walked absolutely so much - our longest day we walked from YC to DHS then back to YC then to Epcot to eat at the Mexico CS then to the front of the park to take the monorail to MK for MNSSHP and then walked around MK the whole night. According to my Fitbit, we did 13 miles that day (although I know it is not 100% accurate).

Anyway, I was trying to figure out if it made sense to time-wise and exercise-wise to walk from GF to the TTC if we were to stay at GF, so I really appreciate the info!

If I had known you wanted to walk to TTC so that you can eat what you want, I would have said walk away! I do the same thing...although I NEVER walk a half marathon distance (like you did)! I'm not going that far without getting a finisher's medal and a t-shirt...lol!

 

[bethclayton]

Thanks for the info! I am just considering all the options - last year I think I only gained 1 pound eating whatever I wanted at Disney for 10 days because we walked absolutely so much - our longest day we walked from YC to DHS then back to YC then to Epcot to eat at the Mexico CS then to the front of the park to take the monorail to MK for MNSSHP and then walked around MK the whole night. According to my Fitbit, we did 13 miles that day (although I know it is not 100% accurate).

Anyway, I was trying to figure out if it made sense to time-wise and exercise-wise to walk from GF to the TTC if we were to stay at GF, so I really appreciate the info!

fun fact: when my friend and i recently visited YC for 5 days, we planned the trip as a "take it easy" trip. we definitely weren't commando. i also got horrible blisters the first night and because of that, we had to really restrict our walking to the minimum amount possible the whole trip. with all that said, we still walked 11-12 miles every single day! so for anyone wondering, i think that is about average for a day!

 

[trishadono]

Please, Please keep posting pics!! I'll be at the GF in less than 3 weeks and I am SO excited. My Disney BFF is coming in from Chicago and we're not going to any of the 4 parks while we're at the GF; we're just going to relax, shop, do the Pirates cruise, a day at Typhoon Lagoon with rented chaise lounges, dinner at Narcoossee's, Artist Point and 1900 Park Fare and a breakfast at my favorite Boma. Because it IS all about the food.

We were concerned that we would run out of things to do but now I'm wondering if we'll have time to do everything!

When DD and I were at WL in Jauary I took these from the 2nd floor main building balcony when we stopped for a visit

 

[followthatmouse]

Trishdadono, we had a similar view during our December trip! Another gorgeous day at the GF!

Congrats to all who have a trip planned. It is cold and wet in my neck-of-the-woods today. So, I did the best thing. I finished booking our trip for May next year. We already had our RPC booking. Today we booked the NYC part of the trip and our international flights. I am now sitting here with a huge grin while the rain splatters and slides down the window.

 

[Circusgirl]

When DD and I were at WL in Jauary I took these from the 2nd floor main building balcony when we stopped for a visit
View attachment 97500 View attachment 97501 View attachment 97502

Thank you for the beautiful GF photo moment! I am still debating changing from WL to Sugar Loaf for my late August trip. The construction plans have me a little spooked and at least at the Grand I won't have to worry about losing beach access during my trip. I'm guessing the work at WL is likely to start after I'm gone (I leave on 9/8) and if I could be certain of that I would love to have one more stay before the big project starts.

Your pictures remind me that staying at the Grand would have many beautiful moments too!

 

[quakechicago]

Checking in! DH, DD4, & I are headed back to the GF November 15-22 for my bday again! After last trip DH pretty much threw down and insisted we only stay there. This is from a guy who when I met him always stayed in the cheapest place possible because "a room is just a room" and "you just sleep there"

I've totally converted him.

This morning is our 180+ so wish me luck! Cannot wait to go back!

 

[goofy4prez]

Today I am now at the 30 day mark for our first time stay at the VGF as DVC members. So close but yet so far away. I made a few last minute changes; I purchased tickets a few days ago to go see Cirque du Soleil for the first time and because of this made a last minute ADR at Raglan Road (never been there); then yesterday I called the Boathouse direct and made a reservation there. Now I have to decide between Raglan Road or Boathouse.

 

[BlueSkies]

Just a random GF shot...the 2nd floor king deluxes located right there above Gasparillas. ..

 

[BlueSkies]

Morning fellow GF fans!!
Not sure what happened to my big old multi quote! !?? ??? Lol...

ptnia & flafan You are both very welcome!

loveshak Thats great! I always say GF IPO is top notch...and its such a nice perk to have them make all of your ADRs...Glad the Fantasmic package worked out too... Its nice to share ideas..and nicer when they help someone in planning their trip!! We have gotten those elusive BOG ADRs via IPOs daily checking...I bet you will too!

Dispro You are hilarious!!! I wouldn't mind some bling after all of those miles either!! Lol...But then the GF does have some very nice shops to do that in too!

Teacher Almost trip time!!!! !!!! Looking forward to hearing all about your stay...

Beth Thats alot of walking. .. ...but it would not surprise me if that was the average! As for the blisters...ouch...That might be a good reason for a re do of your BFF trip! Disney logic at work!

Trish More fab pics!!! Thanks!!

Follow Congrats on finalizing your travel plans...NYC and WDW...you are gonna need a vacation from your vacation!!! Lol... Enjoy!!

Quake Once the GF bug bites there is no turning back!! ....lol...A fall trip will be lovely. ..and you will get to see the holiday decorations too..even the Gingerbread house! Best of luck with your ADRs!

Goofy4prez The time will fly by!!! 30 days!! Woohoo...Enjoy Circque..and which ever dining you choose. ..Please come back and tell us all about it!

Circurgirl I say jump ship!! SL is perfect in August.......or any other time for that matter...Well ..look at what thread you are on...lol.. I'm sure it will be a great trip where ever you decide to stay!

Have a terrific Tuesday all... preppy GF gal who cannot type type another word after typing this post twice!!....lol...

 

[mexi]

Just a random GF shot...the 2nd floor king deluxes located right there above Gasparillas. ..View attachment 97533

I love photos like this one. Thanks for sharing.

 

[trishadono]

Hey Circusgirl! If memory serves me correctly, you also stopped over at GF and took some awesome pics in January!

I wouldn't mind seeing again

 

[skibum25]

Thanks for the info! I am just considering all the options - last year I think I only gained 1 pound eating whatever I wanted at Disney for 10 days because we walked absolutely so much - our longest day we walked from YC to DHS then back to YC then to Epcot to eat at the Mexico CS then to the front of the park to take the monorail to MK for MNSSHP and then walked around MK the whole night. According to my Fitbit, we did 13 miles that day (although I know it is not 100% accurate).

Anyway, I was trying to figure out if it made sense to time-wise and exercise-wise to walk from GF to the TTC if we were to stay at GF, so I really appreciate the info!

Walk from the GF to the TTC is a little over a mile depending on where you start at the GF. You can map the walk using google pedometer. At a brisk pace you can walk a mile in under 20 minutes at an easy pace it's 25-30 minutes. It's pretty much a wash with taking the monorail vs. walking to TTC. I'm a runner so I have no issues doing the walk but I still love riding the monorail as do my kids so we take the monorail. I have done the walk though and it's a very nice walk. I'd say you should give it a try to see which you like better. I won't lose any significant time doing it and you may enjoy it better than the monorail.

Have a great trip!

 

[mickeynut1]

Please, Please keep posting pics!! I'll be at the GF in less than 3 weeks and I am SO excited. My Disney BFF is coming in from Chicago and we're not going to any of the 4 parks while we're at the GF; we're just going to relax, shop, do the Pirates cruise, a day at Typhoon Lagoon with rented chaise lounges, dinner at Narcoossee's, Artist Point and 1900 Park Fare and a breakfast at my favorite Boma. Because it IS all about the food.

We were concerned that we would run out of things to do but now I'm wondering if we'll have time to do everything!

Sounds like you have a great trip planned . We are (tentatively) booked at the GF in August for a short 4 or 5 day trip and we are also going to make it a resort only trip. We do enjoy going to the parks, but we tend to spend more time at the resort than the parks anyway, so just spending every day at the Grand relaxing, swimming, etc., without worrying about running into a park sounds so relaxing to me .

Hi Everyone,

I am 44 days away and in full planning/freaking out mode. If i call today and make certain requests, do I also have to call in or write in the 4-3 days before just curious. I switched to Club Level/Outer Building today and now I am second guessing my decision. The difference in price was too good to pass up. Anywho, any and all comments are welcomed. THANKS EVERYONE

I would call CRO and have your request added, but I also agree with BlueSkies that I would call IPO and tell them as well .

My hubby and I just returned a few days ago from a trip to Jackson, Wy.

I hope you had a great trip .

I have often wondered why they do not pipe in the music like they do in the CL lounges at the CR ....especially onto that 3rd floor balcony..?? It used to be piped into the marina area in front of Gasparilla's..but not sure if it still is.....

I've wondered this myself .

I just want to say that today is our 180 day mark for our November trip! The GF IPOs must have been up early and they did a great job getting my ADRs. I got my itinerary from the IPO at 8:04 a.m. with all of my confirmations! We couldn't get BoG but we will keep trying - the IPO said they'd check daily and I'll be checking as well. You never know when that elusive ADR is going to pop up!

I didn't have a lot of hard-to-get ADRs other than BoG and CRT breakfast. I was up this morning at 6:30 and thought I'd take a peek just to see what was available for those two and there were no BoGs and a couple of 9:00 or later times for CRT. I didn't book those myself since there were a couple to choose from so I figured the IPO could just book that with the rest of my reservations. But - then good news! When I got my itinerary this morning the IPO got me an 8:05 a.m. ADR (which is what I really wanted)! So I'm guessing they were up even earlier than me to get the 8:05 time slot!

The only other ADR they couldn't get was a lunch at Beaches and Cream. I thought that was odd 180 days out but I was on the fence with that one anyway and ended up asking them to book me a Fantasmic lunch package instead (thanks for that suggestion Blue!)...and they confirmed within an hour that the package was booked.

Besides BoG, I am waiting for confirmation at V&A's and Morimoto Asia. Since Morimoto Asia isn't even open yet I knew I'd have to wait on that. And apparently V&A's doesn't open up ADRs 180 days out. When I called to give the IPO my credit card number I asked to make sure I was right about the seating times for the Queen Victoria room being 6:30 and 8:30 because I wanted to make sure to put the right time on my form and he said they were talking about changing some things around at V&As but they were still waiting to see what the changes were going to be...so I'm not sure what that's going to mean but I knew in advance I wouldn't have that ADR confirmed today either.

I checked my MDE and everything popped up in my account, so that seems to be working nicely! I'm feeling good about all our vacation plans

Glad you got (almost) everything you wanted . Good luck with getting BoG, just keep watching and I'm sure something will become available .

Hello again all.....I'm getting so close to my trip, and I'm so excited to try GF for the first time. I'm just enjoying reading and re-reading the posts here. Thank you all so much for such a great thread with all the help!! I just can't believe it's almost here!

Glad everyone here has been of help with answering any questions/concerns you may have had about the GF . Have a great time and enjoy the GF .

When DD and I were at WL in Jauary I took these from the 2nd floor main building balcony when we stopped for a visit

Great pics, Trish....thanks for sharing .

Congrats to all who have a trip planned. It is cold and wet in my neck-of-the-woods today. So, I did the best thing. I finished booking our trip for May next year. We already had our RPC booking. Today we booked the NYC part of the trip and our international flights. I am now sitting here with a huge grin while the rain splatters and slides down the window.

No rain here (yet), but it is cold.....woke up to temps in the 40s, with a high of only 55 . Went from 80s yesterday to 50s today....where is summer????

Congrats on getting the rest of your trip booked, sounds like an awesome trip .

I am still debating changing from WL to Sugar Loaf for my late August trip. The construction plans have me a little spooked and at least at the Grand I won't have to worry about losing beach access during my trip. I'm guessing the work at WL is likely to start after I'm gone (I leave on 9/8) and if I could be certain of that I would love to have one more stay before the big project starts.

It seems like construction is just a revolving door lately at Disney......one major project hasn't even finished and they are starting another one . I understand updates need to be done, but there has been so much new construction lately that there doesn't seem to be a good time to go without construction going on somewhere .

Checking in! DH, DD4, & I are headed back to the GF November 15-22 for my bday again! After last trip DH pretty much threw down and insisted we only stay there. This is from a guy who when I met him always stayed in the cheapest place possible because "a room is just a room" and "you just sleep there"

I've totally converted him.

This morning is our 180+ so wish me luck! Cannot wait to go back!

Yay for another trip back to the GF .

Good luck with your ADRs .

Today I am now at the 30 day mark for our first time stay at the VGF as DVC members. So close but yet so far away. I made a few last minute changes; I purchased tickets a few days ago to go see Cirque du Soleil for the first time and because of this made a last minute ADR at Raglan Road (never been there); then yesterday I called the Boathouse direct and made a reservation there. Now I have to decide between Raglan Road or Boathouse.

It's getting close, you're going to have a great time .

 

[skibum25]

Does the GF still do movies at night on the beach? If so, anybody know what they are showing now? Or even better, what they will be showing in three weeks? If anybody knows that I will be super impressed! I'm guessing GF doesn't share that weeks in advance. TIA!

 

[Dispro1]

Dispro You are hilarious!!! I wouldn't mind some bling after all of those miles either!! Lol...But then the GF does have some very nice shops to do that in too!

GF has great shops...but I will try to avoid GF when we are staying at BC so I don't get sad! We are actually coming in a day earlier than my ticker says so that we can shop at the Vineland outlet mall. They have some really great deals on nice stuff...but I think hubby is seriously underestimating how much we will be spending there...we have a middle school girl and a high school girl as of this fall - no more elementary school I also plan on getting some Disney pandora beads...and the Starbucks park specific mugs My poor husband is about to have some serious "sticker shock!"