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

[mickeynut1]

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!

Congrats on getting a discount, you will love the GF . As far as a building request, I agree with the others about Big Pine Key or Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and while BPK is slightly closer to the main building and beach pool, BC isn't that much farther. Have a great trip! .

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!

I agree, I think that's a good price for what you get .

Too cute about the "special treat from pa" .

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

I can't help with the spa questions, but wanted to say I hope you have a great time. Sounds like you have a great trip planned as a stay at the GF is a great way to celebrate a birthday and anniversary .

 

[drwadadli]

I can't help with the spa questions, but wanted to say I hope you have a great time. Sounds like you have a great trip planned as a stay at the GF is a great way to celebrate a birthday and anniversary .

Thank you and we are so excited about the trip.

 

[anpeck]

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

Thank you! And don't be so sure about me not getting lost. We're talking about someone that got on the PA turnpike to go see the Phillies play at home and wasn't sure if we wanted to go towards Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Definitely not one of my finest moments lol

 

[loveshak22]

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

I haven't seen a lot of recent reviews of Senses either, but currently have some services booked for mid-November. I'll be happy to take pictures and provide a review when I return!

I don't know how early you should book your spa services, but we're going in November and I've booked our packages already - for what that's worth. I've read other people say there were no issues booking appointments the day before or day of their planned visit to the spa. I did not have to pay anything in advance. I would imagine you can pay by credit card or charge the expense to your room on the day of service, but I can't be certain about charging to your room. You can call the spa directly and probably ask them the payment options. Here's a video from 2013, it's somewhat awkward but it gives you a good feel for the spa:

 

[loveshak22]

Interesting how I posted the link to the Youtube video but instead of the link showing up it shows the screenshot of the video to play within the post! That's kind of cool - I haven't seen that on a post yet since the new redesign of the Disboards!

 

[meggers628]

I'm getting so excited for our trip, we'll be checking into the Grand in 6 weeks!

I have a question about room requests. We will be traveling with 2 kids under three, so a quiet room is my number one preference. I am planning to request "away from the elevator" but would also like to request a non-connecting room. What terminology should I use? Is non-connecting sufficient?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[asta]

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

I can't give a detailed review of the spa but I treated my daughters to a relaxed massage a week ago Monday. It was their first massage so they didn't have anything to compare it to but they really enjoyed it. I think the masseuses were very good. The masseuses matched my daughters personalities. My talkative daughter said she had a good discussion with her masseuse, my more introverted daughter didn't know what her sister was talking about. Not much conversation there. Both mentioned that the facility was very nice and that they wished they had set aside more time to enjoy it.

I called exactly one week prior and had no trouble getting appointments at the time wanted.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree, I think that's a good price for what you get .

Too cute about the "special treat from pa" .
.

Ever since my DGD Kady was little, Buddy has always bought her a gift just from him fo holidays, and now he sends her flowers for holidays. Now we have the little girls down the street, who are like our granddaighters, so he does the same for them (no flowers yet). He tucks "ice cream" money in their little hands for every road trip, so he is trying to make this trip special for the three of them. he is quite devastated that Kady, at 14 is too big for all the little girl things, so she will be getting additional "ice cream" money in her Disney Gift cards. It is funny, the adults ont his trip arepretty invested in making this first trip fo the girls as special as possible. That's why Bud asked me to cancel POFQ and book two rooms at the Grand....the only resort for young Princesses! LOL!

I booked the appointments today!

 

[drwadadli]

I haven't seen a lot of recent reviews of Senses either, but currently have some services booked for mid-November. I'll be happy to take pictures and provide a review when I return!

I don't know how early you should book your spa services, but we're going in November and I've booked our packages already - for what that's worth. I've read other people say there were no issues booking appointments the day before or day of their planned visit to the spa. I did not have to pay anything in advance. I would imagine you can pay by credit card or charge the expense to your room on the day of service, but I can't be certain about charging to your room. You can call the spa directly and probably ask them the payment options. Here's a video from 2013, it's somewhat awkward but it gives you a good feel for the spa:

Thank you so much and have fun on your trip. I will have my wife start to look at services so we can book our treatment in the near future. I would appreciate it if you would let me know how things go when you get back.

 

[drwadadli]

I can't give a detailed review of the spa but I treated my daughters to a relaxed massage a week ago Monday. It was their first massage so they didn't have anything to compare it to but they really enjoyed it. I think the masseuses were very good. The masseuses matched my daughters personalities. My talkative daughter said she had a good discussion with her masseuse, my more introverted daughter didn't know what her sister was talking about. Not much conversation there. Both mentioned that the facility was very nice and that they wished they had set aside more time to enjoy it.

I called exactly one week prior and had no trouble getting appointments at the time wanted.

Thank you for the feedback!!

 

[loveshak22]

Thank you so much and have fun on your trip. I will have my wife start to look at services so we can book our treatment in the near future. I would appreciate it if you would let me know how things go when you get back.

Definitely!! Now November just needs to hurry up and get here!!

 

[hiroMYhero]

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

@drwadadli ~ We'll be booking massages for our September trip so I'll report back to you upon our return. I didn't receive any responses to my spa question, either, so I hope everything turns out wonderfully for us! CM friend and I receive massages on a regular basis so I know we'll be able to assess and give an honest review.

Enjoy planning!

 

[cdnjason]

Will GF allow a late check out? If so, what time will they extend it to?

 

[Sue M]

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 assume since you are driving from MCO you'll have a car rental? Check your rental company's policy on tolls. They vary. Most have a transponder for tolls so you can go thru sun pass lane. You will be charged an admin fee for the day (not per toll). I find some of the cheaper rental companies have the highest admin fees!!
Alamo is one of the better ones. You only pay admin fee for the day you use tolls. Others like Budget for example charge you a fee for your entire rental even if you just use transponder 1 or 2 days.

Alamo has 2 rental desks in WDW. One near Poly, and another in Dolphin. So if you wanted to have a rental in wdw, another option: you could use DME then pick up rental car once you've arrived. Then return it before you leave. The Alamo near Poly has shuttle service and will pick you up from resort. And when ready to return car, they'll bring you back to resort. Very handy when staying at GF.
Several advantages are it may be cheaper renting outside of the airport, you don't have to deal with luggage, and resort airport check in going home, Is my fav part, I love not having to drag my luggage thru airport, and have to deal with the lines at airport to check luggage.

The patio in front of Gasperillas is a nice spot to watch Wishes. You can also see it around Narcossees and boat dock.

If you are driving you can map out the route on your phone. I'm directionally challenged and travel with a GPS . We fly into Ft Lauderdale first and pick up rental there. Visit with family a few days then drive up to Orlando. After resort check in we return rental to Alamo at the Car Care Center near Poly. Very handy.

 

[Sue M]

Will GF allow a late check out? If so, what time will they extend it to?

The latest check out I've gotten is 1:00 at any wdw resort. Depends how booked they are.

 

[buzznina]

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!

Our reservation is Outer Bldg Lagoon View and we were thinking of requesting Boca Chica and high floor. Is this a good request? And any other suggestions would be great.

 

[drwadadli]

@drwadadli ~ We'll be booking massages for our September trip so I'll report back to you upon our return. I didn't receive any responses to my spa question, either, so I hope everything turns out wonderfully for us! CM friend and I receive massages on a regular basis so I know we'll be able to assess and give an honest review.

Enjoy planning!

I would greatly appreciate your feedback when you get back from your trip. Have a safe trip and hope you have a wonderful time. Thank you for the reply.

 

[anpeck]

I assume since you are driving from MCO you'll have a car rental? Check your rental company's policy on tolls. They vary. Most have a transponder for tolls so you can go thru sun pass lane. You will be charged an admin fee for the day (not per toll). I find some of the cheaper rental companies have the highest admin fees!!
Alamo is one of the better ones. You only pay admin fee for the day you use tolls. Others like Budget for example charge you a fee for your entire rental even if you just use transponder 1 or 2 days.

Alamo has 2 rental desks in WDW. One near Poly, and another in Dolphin. So if you wanted to have a rental in wdw, another option: you could use DME then pick up rental car once you've arrived. Then return it before you leave. The Alamo near Poly has shuttle service and will pick you up from resort. And when ready to return car, they'll bring you back to resort. Very handy when staying at GF.
Several advantages are it may be cheaper renting outside of the airport, you don't have to deal with luggage, and resort airport check in going home, Is my fav part, I love not having to drag my luggage thru airport, and have to deal with the lines at airport to check luggage.

The patio in front of Gasperillas is a nice spot to watch Wishes. You can also see it around Narcossees and boat dock.

If you are driving you can map out the route on your phone. I'm directionally challenged and travel with a GPS . We fly into Ft Lauderdale first and pick up rental there. Visit with family a few days then drive up to Orlando. After resort check in we return rental to Alamo at the Car Care Center near Poly. Very handy.

Thank you for your suggestions! Yes we were planning to rent a car for the entire week and it was a lot cheaper from MCO than the car center. But that's when we were originally booked at CSR and were going to drive to the parks. Since we switched to GF and will have the monorail and boat I am rethinking it. We really only need a car for one day to visit my Gram in Tampa and a one day rental from the Disney car center is much cheaper than a week from MCO. And I agree with not having to deal with the luggage, that was one perk I was really gonna miss. I think we might need to rethink the car rental plan. Thanks again!

 

[Dispro1]

Ever since my DGD Kady was little, Buddy has always bought her a gift just from him fo holidays, and now he sends her flowers for holidays. Now we have the little girls down the street, who are like our granddaighters, so he does the same for them (no flowers yet). He tucks "ice cream" money in their little hands for every road trip, so he is trying to make this trip special for the three of them. he is quite devastated that Kady, at 14 is too big for all the little girl things, so she will be getting additional "ice cream" money in her Disney Gift cards. It is funny, the adults ont his trip arepretty invested in making this first trip fo the girls as special as possible. That's why Bud asked me to cancel POFQ and book two rooms at the Grand....the only resort for young Princesses! LOL!

I booked the appointments today!

That's really sweet When we got older, my grandparents "adopted" some new grandchildren too. I've always been close to my grandparents, but at some point, I guess you're just too "busy" to go camping with your grandparents (when you're a teen). But if my grandparents had offered to take me to GF, I would have cleared my calendar for sure! What a great trip! I hope you have a fabulous time!

 

[Dispro1]

Will GF allow a late check out? If so, what time will they extend it to?

It depends on whether or not there is someone checking into your room the day you check out. We have been able to get late check out a couple of times but not usually. If late check out isn't available, they may not have a problem giving you a little extra time to get your things together (like until 11:30) - we have done this before too.