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

[Sue M]

Same here, I don't book early then wait for a discount because we normally stay on the military discount and every CMs I've spoke to will not add that discount to a room if we have rack rate, they will cancel our reservation then book us another one under the military discount. That's to much trouble and in no way garentuees us anything other than a room at rack rate, so we just hold ou and book once discounts are unveiled.

Exactly. Since I have no intention of paying rack rate, I just wait. And booking before discounts are released works against you. Disney is looking at bookings, and if enough rooms are booked at a resort they will either reduce % discounted on that resort or exclude it from discounts.
And even on regular reservations, having one doesn't guarantee a discount.

And Disney has so many believing you can't make 180 day adrs unless you stay onsite. But you can. You just don't get the +10 so you have to go on Disney dining daily to make adrs.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have a question for the GF experts, please. WE are staying at the Grand in August, and have two young Princesse in our party. My DH wants to do something special for them. I had thought of a mani/pedi at Senses, but to be honest, I not sure this is the best plan for these two. I saw that Ivy Trellis has a flower girl package, and am thinking of booking it on the day we have CRT planned for dinner. Does anyoen here have experience with this salon? I am not a fan of the styles that the little girls end up with at BBB, but I would love my girls to be pampered a bit as they prepare to meet "royalty". LOL! I know the cost is about $50 per child, and think that is reasonable.

 

[grannyminnie]

Pick me I never book without a discount!

Nor I! Would feel guilty if I did, even sharing the cost with my sister!!

 

[loveshak22]

I'm going to add to the discussion of booking a room early to say I am never going to even plan a Disney trip this early again - LOL! I was most excited about our stay in the king deluxe RPC (under the assumption that I would get some sort of discount for the Fall) and booking the Ultimate Day Food and Wine VIP Tour - which I have enough Disney Visa Rewards points to cover. I was planning to do the VIP tour on the first day after arrival (Sunday) based on the website saying the tour is Thursday and Sundays. I called in May about the tour and they said to call back at the end of May because information wasn't released. I called back at the end of May and they said to call in June. I called in June and they said there still was not any information released. I asked them if there was a way I could just tell online when it was available so I wouldn't have to keep calling back. So they said that it should be released when the F&W events are released. So I called back again when all the F&W events were released a few weeks back, but the tour is still not available. Then I received an email from Disney Visa that card holders could start booking F&W events today. So I called the VIP office yesterday and they said the tour was still not released. I asked if I should call the number for F&W today or not and they said I could try. I called this morning and still no tour released but I guess the CM could see it in her system but not book the tour. She said this year it is showing for Fridays and Saturdays.

We arrive on the last Saturday before F&W ends so we can't do the tour unless we change our schedule. We haven't booked flights yet so I guess it's still possible. I'll wait until the package is officially released though to make any changes just to make sure that is correct. I wish they'd change the website to say "Coming Soon" or "Available for booking XXXXX" and remove any dates of the tours until they are final so silly people like me don't plan an entire trip around an event that only takes place on certain days and then those days change! Sorry - F&W is a little off topic!!

Blue, Trishadono, and Dispro - Based on your advice, I'll still keep up the hope for discounts to change as the trip nears and maybe we'll still get that king deluxe!! But I'm getting pretty nervous about the F&W tour now...LOL!

 

[buzznina]

Nor I! Would feel guilty if I did, even sharing the cost with my sister!!

Add us to that list Only time we paid "ridiculous rack rate(RRR)" was with FD and we have gone 10 years now, and refuse to ever pay the RRR.

 

[Dispro1]

I'm going to add to the discussion of booking a room early to say I am never going to even plan a Disney trip this early again - LOL! I was most excited about our stay in the king deluxe RPC (under the assumption that I would get some sort of discount for the Fall) and booking the Ultimate Day Food and Wine VIP Tour - which I have enough Disney Visa Rewards points to cover. I was planning to do the VIP tour on the first day after arrival (Sunday) based on the website saying the tour is Thursday and Sundays. I called in May about the tour and they said to call back at the end of May because information wasn't released. I called back at the end of May and they said to call in June. I called in June and they said there still was not any information released. I asked them if there was a way I could just tell online when it was available so I wouldn't have to keep calling back. So they said that it should be released when the F&W events are released. So I called back again when all the F&W events were released a few weeks back, but the tour is still not available. Then I received an email from Disney Visa that card holders could start booking F&W events today. So I called the VIP office yesterday and they said the tour was still not released. I asked if I should call the number for F&W today or not and they said I could try. I called this morning and still no tour released but I guess the CM could see it in her system but not book the tour. She said this year it is showing for Fridays and Saturdays.

We arrive on the last Saturday before F&W ends so we can't do the tour unless we change our schedule. We haven't booked flights yet so I guess it's still possible. I'll wait until the package is officially released though to make any changes just to make sure that is correct. I wish they'd change the website to say "Coming Soon" or "Available for booking XXXXX" and remove any dates of the tours until they are final so silly people like me don't plan an entire trip around an event that only takes place on certain days and then those days change! Sorry - F&W is a little off topic!!

Blue, Trishadono, and Dispro - Based on your advice, I'll still keep up the hope for discounts to change as the trip nears and maybe we'll still get that king deluxe!! But I'm getting pretty nervous about the F&W tour now...LOL!

We've always gone with the kids in the fall, so we've never really done anything with F&W, but I was just reading about the Party for the Senses. It sounds like a lot of fun, but we can't do that with kids...maybe someday

 

[MinnieMeep]

I have a question for the GF experts, please. WE are staying at the Grand in August, and have two young Princesse in our party. My DH wants to do something special for them. I had thought of a mani/pedi at Senses, but to be honest, I not sure this is the best plan for these two. I saw that Ivy Trellis has a flower girl package, and am thinking of booking it on the day we have CRT planned for dinner. Does anyoen here have experience with this salon? I am not a fan of the styles that the little girls end up with at BBB, but I would love my girls to be pampered a bit as they prepare to meet "royalty". LOL! I know the cost is about $50 per child, and think that is reasonable.

I had two experiences with the Ivy Trellis salon last November, where they saved me twice, literally my fairy godmothers. First experience-our first day at the GF, they squeezed me in to fix a horrible hair dye job I had (we were getting married in Disney, had my hair done the day before we left). The stylist was amazing, and totally fixed my ORANGE hair (I asked for all over BROWN but the local hair dresser gave me orange highlights?!?! I even went back to have him fix it but it was still god awful) While speaking with her, I had told her I was nervous that I hadn't heard back from the wedding hair & makeup people I booked (Marigold Scott). She said they also did wedding hair and makeup there and to keep it in mind in case something were to happen. Fast forward 2 days later- the hair and makeup company (Marigold Scott) I had booked and paid for 3 months in advance, NEVER SHOWED UP FOR MY WEDDING!!! I ran down crying to Ivy Trellis and they squeezed me in and saved my wedding. I do not wear makeup when on vacation, and did not bring anything with me on the trip. I mean, why should I? I already booked and paid for it, had my confirmation, and everything! So, in summary, lol, Ivy Trellis is an amazing place, with amazing staff, who did wonderful hair color, hair styling, and makeup. I completely recommend them.

 

[anpeck]

Hi everyone! DH, DS1 and myself will be staying at the GF for the first time ever in October! I am so excited as I've wanted to stay there for years. We managed to snag an outer building garden view room with the Fall discount somehow. After searching for rooms nonstop it appeared yesterday afternoon for our dates and I jumped on it right away. Persistence paid off! So I am joining in on the fun and looking for tips. I've been to the resort a few times but only to eat so I don't know anything about the rooms or buildings. Any recommendations or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BlueSkies]

Exactly. Since I have no intention of paying rack rate, I just wait. And booking before discounts are released works against you. Disney is looking at bookings, and if enough rooms are booked at a resort they will either reduce % discounted on that resort or exclude it from discounts.
And even on regular reservations, having one doesn't guarantee a discount.

And Disney has so many believing you can't make 180 day adrs unless you stay onsite. But you can. You just don't get the +10 so you have to go on Disney dining daily to make adrs.

I agree on all points! We tend to book BBs... always like the idea of having another trip booked .....but at times have had to book ADRs with out the convenience of have a ressie...but just have to book every morning that we want ressies...Not awful...All part of the "Disney" experience right..lol...

I have a question for the GF experts, please. WE are staying at the Grand in August, and have two young Princesse in our party. My DH wants to do something special for them. I had thought of a mani/pedi at Senses, but to be honest, I not sure this is the best plan for these two. I saw that Ivy Trellis has a flower girl package, and am thinking of booking it on the day we have CRT planned for dinner. Does anyoen here have experience with this salon? I am not a fan of the styles that the little girls end up with at BBB, but I would love my girls to be pampered a bit as they prepare to meet "royalty". LOL! I know the cost is about $50 per child, and think that is reasonable.

No personal with the Ivy Trellis...I did read about the flower girl package..here on the DIS I believe ..and it does sound like a very nice way to get your princesses in full princess mode......in a less hectic and much more Grand way! If you do decide to go..please let us know how your experience was...

I'm going to add to the discussion of booking a room early to say I am never going to even plan a Disney trip this early again - LOL! I was most excited about our stay in the king deluxe RPC (under the assumption that I would get some sort of discount for the Fall) and booking the Ultimate Day Food and Wine VIP Tour - which I have enough Disney Visa Rewards points to cover. I was planning to do the VIP tour on the first day after arrival (Sunday) based on the website saying the tour is Thursday and Sundays. I called in May about the tour and they said to call back at the end of May because information wasn't released. I called back at the end of May and they said to call in June. I called in June and they said there still was not any information released. I asked them if there was a way I could just tell online when it was available so I wouldn't have to keep calling back. So they said that it should be released when the F&W events are released. So I called back again when all the F&W events were released a few weeks back, but the tour is still not available. Then I received an email from Disney Visa that card holders could start booking F&W events today. So I called the VIP office yesterday and they said the tour was still not released. I asked if I should call the number for F&W today or not and they said I could try. I called this morning and still no tour released but I guess the CM could see it in her system but not book the tour. She said this year it is showing for Fridays and Saturdays.

We arrive on the last Saturday before F&W ends so we can't do the tour unless we change our schedule. We haven't booked flights yet so I guess it's still possible. I'll wait until the package is officially released though to make any changes just to make sure that is correct. I wish they'd change the website to say "Coming Soon" or "Available for booking XXXXX" and remove any dates of the tours until they are final so silly people like me don't plan an entire trip around an event that only takes place on certain days and then those days change! Sorry - F&W is a little off topic!!

Blue, Trishadono, and Dispro - Based on your advice, I'll still keep up the hope for discounts to change as the trip nears and maybe we'll still get that king deluxe!! But I'm getting pretty nervous about the F&W tour now...LOL!

loveshak I am so sorry that things have not fallen into place as you had hoped... Planning really is a big part of the fun and excitement...And I find it so perplexing that often the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing when you call Disney to get info...ie: your F&W package...again just keep calling...I am sure it will all fall into place...but it just shouldn't be so much work that it takes the joy out of the planning....

Add us to that list Only time we paid "ridiculous rack rate(RRR)" was with FD and we have gone 10 years now, and refuse to ever pay the RRR.

I think that you just coined a new phrase!!!! We have the Floridian frown for GF departure day...Grand Groupies..lol..thanks to our friend pas...and you know if you are hanging around here that you already know that are one!! lol.....and now thanks to you we have the RRR!!! Love it..Well not the RRR..cause it sure is...just the phrase!

We've always gone with the kids in the fall, so we've never really done anything with F&W, but I was just reading about the Party for the Senses. It sounds like a lot of fun, but we can't do that with kids...maybe someday

A good reason to book another trip.....Disney logic! ...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal

 

[BlueSkies]

I had two experiences with the Ivy Trellis salon last November, where they saved me twice, literally my fairy godmothers. First experience-our first day at the GF, they squeezed me in to fix a horrible hair dye job I had (we were getting married in Disney, had my hair done the day before we left). The stylist was amazing, and totally fixed my ORANGE hair (I asked for all over BROWN but the local hair dresser gave me orange highlights?!?! I even went back to have him fix it but it was still god awful) While speaking with her, I had told her I was nervous that I hadn't heard back from the wedding hair & makeup people I booked (Marigold Scott). She said they also did wedding hair and makeup there and to keep it in mind in case something were to happen. Fast forward 2 days later- the hair and makeup company (Marigold Scott) I had booked and paid for 3 months in advance, NEVER SHOWED UP FOR MY WEDDING!!! I ran down crying to Ivy Trellis and they squeezed me in and saved my wedding. I do not wear makeup when on vacation, and did not bring anything with me on the trip. I mean, why should I? I already booked and paid for it, had my confirmation, and everything! So, in summary, lol, Ivy Trellis is an amazing place, with amazing staff, who did wonderful hair color, hair styling, and makeup. I completely recommend them.

Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot believe that happened ! But so happy that the folks at the Ivy Trellis worked it all out for you!

Hi everyone! DH, DS1 and myself will be staying at the GF for the first time ever in October! I am so excited as I've wanted to stay there for years. We managed to snag an outer building garden view room with the Fall discount somehow. After searching for rooms nonstop it appeared yesterday afternoon for our dates and I jumped on it right away. Persistence paid off! So I am joining in on the fun and looking for tips. I've been to the resort a few times but only to eat so I don't know anything about the rooms or buildings. Any recommendations or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome to the GF thread! Persistence does indeed pay off ...glad that you were able to get the room category that you wanted and with the discount! There are so many nice things about staying at the GF..just strolling the grounds with your 1yo in the stroller can be nice relaxing way to spend some time... as would sitting in the lobby particularly in the evenings with the live music...plenty of space for a little one to dance around too...For a building recommendation..with a little one..although I am a big Boca Chica fan..I think I would suggest Big Pine Key simply because of its proximity to both pools and especially the new children's themed splash pad...also its pretty close to the main building..a bit further from Gasparillas ( counter service) and the bus stop...but the grounds are pretty compact..and nothing is really that far of a walk...Hope that you enjoy your first stay..bet it won't be your last!

Trish Are you packed yet????????????????? its almost time!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot believe that happened ! But so happy that the folks at the Ivy Trellis worked it all out for you!



Welcome to the GF thread! Persistence does indeed pay off ...glad that you were able to get the room category that you wanted and with the discount! There are so many nice things about staying at the GF..just strolling the grounds with your 1yo in the stroller can be nice relaxing way to spend some time... as would sitting in the lobby particularly in the evenings with the live music...plenty of space for a little one to dance around too...For a building recommendation..with a little one..although I am a big Boca Chica fan..I think I would suggest Big Pine Key simply because of its proximity to both pools and especially the new children's themed splash pad...also its pretty close to the main building..a bit further from Gasparillas ( counter service) and the bus stop...but the grounds are pretty compact..and nothing is really that far of a walk...Hope that you enjoy your first stay..bet it won't be your last!

Trish Are you packed yet????????????????? its almost time!

Hi Blue: Yes, Trish is packed, and I'm not too uncomfortable jammed in her families luggage!

I agree with the BPK recommendation for a location with a little one. Although I'm actually a Sago fan for a GV room (I love looking over the Marina and thinking "this is really garden view?" But, I agree with you, the proximity to the splashpad pool makes perfect sense to me.

Tom

 

[Sue M]

Yes Trish!! You should be packing away!! I'm beginning to think I should start laying out stuff! We leave for Ft Lauderdale part of our trip in 2 weeks!!

Blue this is going to be a strange year for us! We won't be going on our usual January trip due to work, and not renewing AP that expires the day after end of this trip!! So no trip planning untill next August magical discounts are released, sigh. But may go to DL in March lol.

I agree, Big Pine is a great location, and that kids splash pad is super cute!!

 

[loveshak22]

loveshak I am so sorry that things have not fallen into place as you had hoped... Planning really is a big part of the fun and excitement...And I find it so perplexing that often the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing when you call Disney to get info...ie: your F&W package...again just keep calling...I am sure it will all fall into place...but it just shouldn't be so much work that it takes the joy out of the planning....

Thanks Blue! My posts are much whinier than they really need to be

It will all work out Although, I do appreciate the forum to vent!!

If I was just a normal person I wouldn't even have started planning until like August or September and then I wouldn't have had to worry about what would happen 6 months out because I would just be planning around what was actually available! But, Disney can bring out the obsessive planning in all of us, especially those of us (pointing at myself here) with predispositions towards being planning fanatics!!

 

[Lisann]

I had two experiences with the Ivy Trellis salon last November, where they saved me twice, literally my fairy godmothers. First experience-our first day at the GF, they squeezed me in to fix a horrible hair dye job I had (we were getting married in Disney, had my hair done the day before we left). The stylist was amazing, and totally fixed my ORANGE hair (I asked for all over BROWN but the local hair dresser gave me orange highlights?!?! I even went back to have him fix it but it was still god awful) While speaking with her, I had told her I was nervous that I hadn't heard back from the wedding hair & makeup people I booked (Marigold Scott). She said they also did wedding hair and makeup there and to keep it in mind in case something were to happen. Fast forward 2 days later- the hair and makeup company (Marigold Scott) I had booked and paid for 3 months in advance, NEVER SHOWED UP FOR MY WEDDING!!! I ran down crying to Ivy Trellis and they squeezed me in and saved my wedding. I do not wear makeup when on vacation, and did not bring anything with me on the trip. I mean, why should I? I already booked and paid for it, had my confirmation, and everything! So, in summary, lol, Ivy Trellis is an amazing place, with amazing staff, who did wonderful hair color, hair styling, and makeup. I completely recommend them.

Oh, how terrible!! Who would not show up for someone's wedding??? That's so awful! I am so glad that Ivy Trellis saved the day!!

 

[Nancyg56]

I had two experiences with the Ivy Trellis salon last November, where they saved me twice, literally my fairy godmothers. First experience-our first day at the GF, they squeezed me in to fix a horrible hair dye job I had (we were getting married in Disney, had my hair done the day before we left). The stylist was amazing, and totally fixed my ORANGE hair (I asked for all over BROWN but the local hair dresser gave me orange highlights?!?! I even went back to have him fix it but it was still god awful) While speaking with her, I had told her I was nervous that I hadn't heard back from the wedding hair & makeup people I booked (Marigold Scott). She said they also did wedding hair and makeup there and to keep it in mind in case something were to happen. Fast forward 2 days later- the hair and makeup company (Marigold Scott) I had booked and paid for 3 months in advance, NEVER SHOWED UP FOR MY WEDDING!!! I ran down crying to Ivy Trellis and they squeezed me in and saved my wedding. I do not wear makeup when on vacation, and did not bring anything with me on the trip. I mean, why should I? I already booked and paid for it, had my confirmation, and everything! So, in summary, lol, Ivy Trellis is an amazing place, with amazing staff, who did wonderful hair color, hair styling, and makeup. I completely recommend them.

Well that is good enough for me!

No personal with the Ivy Trellis...I did read about the flower girl package..here on the DIS I believe ..and it does sound like a very nice way to get your princesses in full princess mode......in a less hectic and much more Grand way! If you do decide to go..please let us know how your experience was...

I spoke to a CM this morning and am hooked! I just need to check our itinerary for the Friday we are taking the girls for their CRT dinner. They have a Princess package that includes a hair style, a tiara and pixie dust. It is $50 plus a $10 tip. I think that price is beyond reasonable and will book for sure. My Nola has a little Pixie cut, but the CM said they will style it so she knows she is special, just as they with with the little one with her long dark hair. They will also put makeup (nope) and do their nails if the girls want. My DH cannot accompany us this trip, but he wants to still do the "special just from Pa" gift, so this will be their special treat from Pa. We just have to teach the guy to use an iphone so we can face time him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you all!

 

[anpeck]

Thanks everyone! Big Pine Key, got it! We are driving from MCO to GF, any tips on the best route to take? It's my first time driving instead of taking the DME so I'm a bit nervous, especially with seeing posts about toll roads and getting hit with fines if you go through the wrong lane. I hope it's not as bad as it seems! I am so excited to see my son's face when he sees the castle and his buddy Mickey Mouse. He LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, especially the Hot Dog Dance I just hope he loves his friend as much in person as he does on the TV lol. Another question, can you see Wishes from the GF? And if so where is the best spot to watch them from?

 

[MinnieMeep]

Oh, how terrible!! Who would not show up for someone's wedding??? That's so awful! I am so glad that Ivy Trellis saved the day!!

Thanks everyone! If someone else was telling me stories of all the crap that happened leading up to my wedding, I wouldn't believe them and would think they were making everything up! Lol! Marigold Scott finally responded to my repeated emails and calls right before my wedding time, and put the blame on me saying I didn't pay until the night before my wedding! Um okay, everything was booked, paid, and confirmed nearly 3 months in advance. Funny how they had no response or apology when I sent them screen shots of all my communications with them, payment confirmations and emails, and everything else later that night! I should add, this was an elopmement and our only guests were my parents, so my mother had makeup but we're not the same tone. Anyways, it was an absolute nightmare and I spent the morning of my wedding calling and emailing this "company" every 20 minutes instead of relaxing and enjoying the day. Nothing like the thought of getting married and taking pictures with no makeup or hair done!

We were supposed to be married at the Poly, but we got rained out and there were tornado warnings (lol!!). So we were moved over to the GF at the last minute which was such a blessing.

Anyways, it all turned out great in the end! Maybe we'll do the Memories package again for a vow renewal for our 5th anniversary and try it all again!
I never did get around to writing a review on Marigold Scott's "services", I really need to do this soon!

 

[drwadadli]

Hi there all,

My wife and I travelling to WDW and staying at GF for her 40th birthday and our 12th anniversary. She wants to use Senses Spa. I have read through most of your thread and found/used a lot of useful information within the thread. But, I haven't found any reviews or advise about Senses Spa except a review link at the beginning of this thread but that review is from 2013. I was opening for something more recently.

We will be at GF the second week in December. I was wondering how early/in advance should/do we need to call to make spa reservations? Do we have to pay for the spa when we make our reservations or use a gift card when we are down there? Has anyone been to Senses Spa at GF recently and care to give a review? If someone has been, is there a therapist you would recommend? Can you request a therapist when calling for reservations?

Any information anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. The Sense Spa is the last reservation we (I) have to book. We have are dinner reservations including Chef's Table at V&A, MVMCP tickets and Holiday D-Light Tour tickets.

Thank you

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks everyone! Big Pine Key, got it! We are driving from MCO to GF, any tips on the best route to take? It's my first time driving instead of taking the DME so I'm a bit nervous, especially with seeing posts about toll roads and getting hit with fines if you go through the wrong lane. I hope it's not as bad as it seems! I am so excited to see my son's face when he sees the castle and his buddy Mickey Mouse. He LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, especially the Hot Dog Dance I just hope he loves his friend as much in person as he does on the TV lol. Another question, can you see Wishes from the GF? And if so where is the best spot to watch them from?

I'm drawing a blank regarding which road - I've done them all, but don't worry, if you don't have a Sunpass just be sure to stay to the RIGHT and go through the tolls (stopping to pay along the way!)

Regarding Wishes, yes, you can see them from the GF -- we enjoy going down to the boat dock/Narcossees area as the music is piped in there. Also, be sure to watch the Electrical Water Pagent there as well!

Tom

 

[GF Girl]

HYou can take 417 or 528/I-4 into Disney. Very hard to lose your direction with all the signage along the way. Don't be nervous....you u won't get lost @anpeck