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

[Sue M]

Shout out to Mickeynut and Blueskies for taking care of business around here.

It is so nice how many others fill in with needed info as well Thank you!

2 weeks and I will be poolside. Courtyard or beach pool

Haha!! We love the Beach pool, but when pool party starts retreat to Courtyard Pool
I'm really gonna have to suck it up at Poly with East Pool closed, no escaping the dreaded pool party. May have to order extra Lapu- Lapus

 

[BabyFu18]

For people who have been to the GF before, I've got a quick question. On another website I was reading about someone who said from some garden view rooms you can see the MK fireworks, that seemed odd since I'd think you'd have to book TPV to get that type of view, so my question has anyone actually gotten a garden view room that they could see fireworks from?

 

[followthatmouse]

Did someone say fireworks? This is 4th of July, 2011 from the Main Building, Courtyard side.

For people who have been to the GF before, I've got a quick question. On another website I was reading about someone who said from some garden view rooms you can see the MK fireworks, that seemed odd since I'd think you'd have to book TPV to get that type of view, so my question has anyone actually gotten a garden view room that they could see fireworks from?

While I haven't stayed in these rooms, there are probably a handful of Garden View rooms in Conch or Sago Key with at least a partial view of the MK fireworks. I can't guarantee it, though.

 

[BabyFu18]

Wow! Thanks for the info, I'm totally surprised you can see fireworks from some of the garden view rooms. Do you think you'd be able to see any from BPK? That was originally going to be my request because all rooms in that building looked like they had a nice view, but if I can see fireworks maybe that should be a request and leave the building part up to the room assigner.

 

[followthatmouse]

Wow! Thanks for the info, I'm totally surprised you can see fireworks from some of the garden view rooms. Do you think you'd be able to see any from BPK? That was originally going to be my request because all rooms in that building looked like they had a nice view, but if I can see fireworks maybe that should be a request and leave the building part up to the room assigner.

Good idea. Marina View and Lagoon View are more likely to give you a better fireworks view. You may be able to see high fireworks from those Big Pine Tree rooms looking across the Courtyard Pool. You would probably need to do some contortions to see the fireworks from those other buildings, though - neck cranes and the like!

 

[Sue M]

Good idea. Marina View and Lagoon View are more likely to give you a better fireworks view. You may be able to see high fireworks from those Big Pine Tree rooms looking across the Courtyard Pool. You would probably need to do some contortions to see the fireworks from those other buildings, though - neck cranes and the like!

BPK we had a lagoon view but faced Poly so no fireworks. In Boca we had garden view of Courtyard Pool. No fireworks. But if I took elevator down to lobby and walked out back door, great view!!

Our first stay at BC had GV and didn't find out untill our last night we had great view of Illuminations lol. Only because we were in the room packing!

 

[mum22girlz]

I would ask for a marina view in sago key or conch key. Those are water views but considered garden view. You can also see some of bay lake on the monorail side of sago key.

Thank you for your help!

 

[trishadono]

My first time staying at GF and I'm so excited! I'm a youth leader for my church and just found out about the conferrence being held 9/8 - 9/11. I asked church if they would cover the expenses and they said yes! So . . . I'm on my way along with my SIL. This leaves me less than 6 weeks to plan I tried to read through the whole tread, but there's a lot of reading! My main question is what building to stay in? This is a huge deal for me because we would never be able to stay at the GF on our own dime. I want to soak up as much of the luxury as I can! I don't mind walking and hope to walk the trail to the Poly. Our reservations has an Outer Building Garden View room listed. I would love a water view! Any suggestions for me?

Thanks!
Michelle in MI

What is nice about gf is that there are very few rooms with a poor view. There are some that are right behind the poolhouse so you don't have a true view. But the rest is all garden or marina.

I also liked sago for its garden view price I could see the side of the lagoon and the monorail. Very nice way to wake up each day watching the monorail in the morning.

The walk to poly is nice! FYI the little boat picks up at gf then goes to poly and then to MK in a continuous triangle. The monorail picks up at poly then gf then MK cr and TTC. So if you are too tired to walk do the short or long way as needed.

Www.allears.net also has great info. They have videos and pictures of the resorts and all the restaurants menus. I keep the link in my phone at all times. I like to have an idea what my resort has so I know what to be hungry for lol!

Happy planing and congrats!

 

[Ismo]

View attachment 112773
Did someone say fireworks? This is 4th of July, 2011 from the Main Building, Courtyard side.



While I haven't stayed in these rooms, there are probably a handful of Garden View rooms in Conch or Sago Key with at least a partial view of the MK fireworks. I can't guarantee it, though.

Wow! Great picture! We're getting a standard view in the villas building, are you able to see fireworks from any of those garden views?

 

[trishadono]

Wow! Great picture! We're getting a standard view in the villas building, are you able to see fireworks from any of those garden views?

There was more discussion of this on the dvc board. We had a lake view and it faced poly. However some of the rooms on the other side did have some fireworks view. The upper floors 5/6 but I can't remember which end. On page one here I put the link of rooms and views of VGF. Thats probably where that info is.

 

[Ismo]

There was more discussion of this on the dvc board. We had a lake view and it faced poly. However some of the rooms on the other side did have some fireworks view. The upper floors 5/6 but I can't remember which end. On page one here I put the link of rooms and views of VGF. Thats probably where that info is.

Thanks! Can you tell it's my first stay at GF? So many questions! I hope to be able to answer some questions myself after this stay.

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks! Can you tell it's my first stay at GF? So many questions! I hope to be able to answer some questions myself after this stay.

You've come to the right place to have them answered! There are folks on here with many stays "under their belt"! And we all love talking about the Grand! And yes, after your first stay, you will have answers for some other "newbie"!

 

[hiroMYhero]

What is nice about gf is that there are very few rooms with a poor view. There are some that are right behind the poolhouse so you don't have a true view. But the rest is all garden or marina.

I also liked sago for its garden view price I could see the side of the lagoon and the monorail. Very nice way to wake up each day watching the monorail in the morning.

The walk to poly is nice! FYI the little boat picks up at gf then goes to poly and then to MK in a continuous triangle. The monorail picks up at poly then gf then MK cr and TTC. So if you are too tired to walk do the short or long way as needed.

Www.allears.net also has great info. They have videos and pictures of the resorts and all the restaurants menus. I keep the link in my phone at all times. I like to have an idea what my resort has so I know what to be hungry for lol!

Thanks for all this info! We tend to not be too specific in requesting areas in a resort because CM friend is always a true CM and it's about the "Guest's" experiences and she doesn't want to possibly supersede or override a Guest's request - although I try to explain that "we" are Guests when staying on property.

I'm not sure if room assignors look at her CM info and then assign a room accordingly. But by your room descriptions, I believe we'll be happy with whichever room we are assigned! Thank you!

 

[BlueSkies]

Ugh! Love auto correct. FACING Poly!! How did raving come up

Auto correct!! ..lol..has given a new meaning to many of my texts and given my DH and kids lots to laugh about!

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

Hi Tom! Glad that ou are not too uncomfortable in the luggage...What a ncie surprise for Trish and her DD when they unpack!!

I have come to have a new appreciation for Sago..generally my least fave of all of the outer buildings from your experiences staying there...

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!!

Two week!!! Doing the happy dance for you! Well planning for next August will be fun..and you never know..you just might need that Disney fix and end up planning another trip...more Disney logic..lol...

DL in March sounds wonderful...Trish is planning a spring trip too..and also trying to get some of her easily persuaded Disney pals who also enjoy mother daughter trips to join in...So who knows there might be a GF meet at DL...lol...

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!!

Not whiny at all... and yes this is a great place to share your thoughts.. We all understand! FWIW I think that you are perfectly normal...Disney logic my friend!

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!

Sounds like you have a terrific trip planned Nancy...love the special gift idea ...it will let the girls know that their dad is thinking of you all..even if he can't be there....

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?

There is no greater magic than seeing WDW through the eyes of your child... ...What a special trip for you all... Hope that your son enjoys seeing his fave characters up close and personal..but if not..there are always the parades..a nice opportunity to see everything at a good distance..As other have said the marina or the boat dock are both lovely spots to watch Wishes...the marina area in front of Gaspies might be nicer with a little one..there is plenty of seating (in the way of tables and chairs) and the music is piped in...

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

Welcome to the GF thread! sorry no help on the spa info from me...I always refer people to the info on page one and JoBird's review..didn't even realize that its from 2013... Sounds like you have a wonderful itinerary for you celebrations! The Christmas party is such fun...and I have heard the the chef's table at V&A is an incredible experience...Enjoy! One question...what is the Holiday D-Light Tour..?? I am not familiar with that ..Have a Grand trip...staying at the GF during the holidays is extra special...

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

Thanks for sharing that info for those that elect to drive.... There is also a great thread over on the transportation thread...I know that it is for "2000+ mile drivers"..but I am sure there are lots of good driving tips on there..and is moderated by another GF afficianado and frequent poster here BC1836..

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.

Sounds like you have it worded perfectly! 6 weeks!!! The time is going to fly!!!

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.

Thanks for sharing your daughter's recent experiences!

@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!

Sorry hiro sometimes when the thread has a lot of posts things get overlooked....I would actually have suggested the info from page one...which I guess is a bit older..but seems that others have now shared some of their spa experiences... Sounds like you and your friend will have a nice relaxing day! Would enjoy hearing a review after your spa time!

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

Yes..as late as 1pm in our experience....but that depends on if the room is booked for that same day as Dispro has pointed out...

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.

That sounds perfect.... Those views are lovely and the higher floor gives you an even better view of the vistas...CR Poly and even the MK....

Wow! Thanks for the info, I'm totally surprised you can see fireworks from some of the garden view rooms. Do you think you'd be able to see any from BPK? That was originally going to be my request because all rooms in that building looked like they had a nice view, but if I can see fireworks maybe that should be a request and leave the building part up to the room assigner.

I don't think that you can see any fireworks from a GV room in BPK...and most of the rooms do have a nice view...with the exception of a small section that is behind the pool house...I think that perhaps the rooms in Conch marina side and Sago might allow a view of some of the high fireworks...

What is nice about gf is that there are very few rooms with a poor view. There are some that are right behind the poolhouse so you don't have a true view. But the rest is all garden or marina.

I also liked sago for its garden view price I could see the side of the lagoon and the monorail. Very nice way to wake up each day watching the monorail in the morning.

The walk to poly is nice! FYI the little boat picks up at gf then goes to poly and then to MK in a continuous triangle. The monorail picks up at poly then gf then MK cr and TTC. So if you are too tired to walk do the short or long way as needed.

Www.allears.net also has great info. They have videos and pictures of the resorts and all the restaurants menus. I keep the link in my phone at all times. I like to have an idea what my resort has so I know what to be hungry for lol!

Happy planing and congrats!

Lots of good advice and info!! I agree..really most rooms have a great view at the GF..no parking lots..with the exception of a few of that have the back of the pool house......lol..actually k&a&c'smom has shared a pic or two of an upper floor room that was a "back of the pool house" view and it wasn't bad at all...not ideal..but not awful ..Not sure how I would feel if I was on the first floor though...

As for keeping a handy link for restaurants and menus... What a great idea..cause you know it ALWAYS about the food!!! lol...

Follow Yet another great pic...thanks for sharing!

This is a super duper multi quoted thread...my biggest EVAH I think.....might make MickeyNut jealous...lol...

Some info that I wanted to share....

~ I was reading on touring plans... ok occasionally I get my info from "other" places beside the DIS...lol...Those F&W packages that loveshak was talking about have been released ( and I sure hope that you have been able to book what you wanted loveshak) and available to the disney Visa holders and apparently pass holders as well...

Also read...right from Disney Parks Blog...Garden Grill Restaurant will once again be open for breakfast and lunch ...when Epcot first opened this was a must do for our family...not a character meal in those days...but I remember everyone including my parents enjoyed the turning restaurant..it was actuually called the Good Turn Restaurant..lol...These days its a character meal just like dinner with Chip and Dale..Chip n Dale's breakfast Harvest Feast .... its available for booking now for dining starting November 8th..AND...cause its always about the food..among other traditional breakfast offerings...eggs ,bacon, mickey waffles..there is a sticky bun bake.....Oh my mouth is watering thinking about those... Anyone remember the incredible sticky buns that they served in Concourse Steak House at the CR....Well I could go on..but I won't...lol

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday... preppy GF gal who is looking forward to a Garden Grill breakfast!

 

[Mclane]

Watercraft Rental

Other water related recreational activities include rentals at the marina of Sea Raycers, sail boats, pontoon boats, pedal boats or water skiing.

Grand 1 Sea Ray Yacht - A new level of luxury awaits you for cruises around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Available for rental, it is routinely used for anniversary parties, birthdays, fireworks cruises and special events.

The yacht has a top speed of 36 miles per hour. It features a small kitchen and dining area as well as three, fully furnished staterooms. A microwave oven, four televisions, a heating / air conditioning unit and a state-of-the-art Bose stereo system round off the amenities.

The cost to rent this fantastic vessel starts at $520 per hour, and it can accommodate as many as 13 guests. Call 407-824-2682 for reservations.

FYI - Have been quoted $744 / hour for the Grand 1 for our September visit and $850 / hour for our March visit. - Mac

 

[hiroMYhero]

Sorry hiro sometimes when the thread has a lot of posts things get overlooked....I would actually have suggested the info from page one...which I guess is a bit older..but seems that others have now shared some of their spa experiences... Sounds like you and your friend will have a nice relaxing day! Would enjoy hearing a review after your spa time!

No apology necessary. I just figured no one had recent info on the spa and that my specific massage questions were, indeed, too specific.

I still have to let my friend know of the size of the spa - she may assume it's as spacious as the Fantasy's so I hope that doesn't deter our plans. Our main plan is to fully enjoy GF and all the amenities ~ it is such a beautiful resort!!

 

[drwadadli]

Welcome to the GF thread! sorry no help on the spa info from me...I always refer people to the info on page one and JoBird's review..didn't even realize that its from 2013... Sounds like you have a wonderful itinerary for you celebrations! The Christmas party is such fun...and I have heard the the chef's table at V&A is an incredible experience...Enjoy! One question...what is the Holiday D-Light Tour..?? I am not familiar with that ..Have a Grand trip...staying at the GF during the holidays is extra special...

The Holiday D-Light Tour is a 5-hour tour starting in EPCOT and seeing the CP then going to HS to see the Osborne Family Lights and then to MK to talk to CM and see/hear how they transform Cinderella Castle in the ice palace. It also includes dinner at Whispering Canyon. (the link to WDW official website about the tour is below). When we went for my 40th birthday, we did several tours then and loved it. I found this tour and the Disney's Yuletide Fantasy tour and (since it is her birthday and she picks what we do and where we eat) she picked Disney's Holiday D-Light Tour. I had been calling once a week since June to see when the tickets for the tour go on sale and no one could tell me when. They went on sale this week!!!!! The reviews of the tour make it sound like a great backstage holiday tour but I will let you know after we get back.

Here is that link....

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/holiday-d-lights/

Hope this helps...

 

[drwadadli]

FYI - Have been quoted $744 / hour for the Grand 1 for our September visit and $850 / hour for our March visit. - Mac

Have you done the Grand 1 before or will your September trip be the first time? Is it worth it????? I have thought about it when my wife and I go down for celebrations but didn't do it for my 40th and don't plan on doing it for her 40th but always think about it.

What is it like???

 

[mum22girlz]

What is nice about gf is that there are very few rooms with a poor view. There are some that are right behind the poolhouse so you don't have a true view. But the rest is all garden or marina.

I also liked sago for its garden view price I could see the side of the lagoon and the monorail. Very nice way to wake up each day watching the monorail in the morning.

The walk to poly is nice! FYI the little boat picks up at gf then goes to poly and then to MK in a continuous triangle. The monorail picks up at poly then gf then MK cr and TTC. So if you are too tired to walk do the short or long way as needed.

Www.allears.net also has great info. They have videos and pictures of the resorts and all the restaurants menus. I keep the link in my phone at all times. I like to have an idea what my resort has so I know what to be hungry for lol!

Happy planing and congrats!

Thank you for your advice. Sago it is

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you! We are looking forward to our stay!! My younger daughter had her wedding reception at the GFC and all the CMs involved were amazing and so helpful. We can't wait to be pampered during our stay!

You're welcome . I'm glad you had a great experience with the CMs at GFC for your DD's wedding reception. I'm sure you will have a magical stay as the GF is a great place to pamper yourself!

DH and I try to schedule at least one day at the resort each trip. We typically do a cabana at the pool in the 10am-2pm time slot, and then a couples massage or I'll get a mani/pedi or facial around 3 or so. We finish the night with a dinner at Narcoossees and Wishes. The perfect day!

This sounds like a heavenly way to spend the day .

Shout out to Mickeynut and Blueskies for taking care of business around here.

It is so nice how many others fill in with needed info as well Thank you!

2 weeks and I will be poolside. Courtyard or beach pool

Aww, what a nice thing to say ....thank you!! But I don't do near as much here as what you and several others do .

Your trip is getting close....you will be relaxing pool side before you know it .

My first time staying at GF and I'm so excited! I'm a youth leader for my church and just found out about the conferrence being held 9/8 - 9/11. I asked church if they would cover the expenses and they said yes! So . . . I'm on my way along with my SIL. This leaves me less than 6 weeks to plan I tried to read through the whole tread, but there's a lot of reading! My main question is what building to stay in? This is a huge deal for me because we would never be able to stay at the GF on our own dime. I want to soak up as much of the luxury as I can! I don't mind walking and hope to walk the trail to the Poly. Our reservations has an Outer Building Garden View room listed. I would love a water view! Any suggestions for me?

Thanks!
Michelle in MI

How exciting!! You will love the GF. I don't think there are any bad buildings at the GF, but I agree with others that Sago or Conch would be a good choice as both have great views of the marina .

View attachment 112773
Did someone say fireworks? This is 4th of July, 2011 from the Main Building, Courtyard side.

What a beautiful pic .

Wow! Thanks for the info, I'm totally surprised you can see fireworks from some of the garden view rooms. Do you think you'd be able to see any from BPK? That was originally going to be my request because all rooms in that building looked like they had a nice view, but if I can see fireworks maybe that should be a request and leave the building part up to the room assigner.

Like followthatmouse, I think that's a good idea. That way the room assigner knows what you are looking for and can try to accommodate you .

Can you tell it's my first stay at GF? So many questions! I hope to be able to answer some questions myself after this stay.

You are going to have a great time and will love the GF!!

I'm not sure if room assignors look at her CM info and then assign a room accordingly. But by your room descriptions, I believe we'll be happy with whichever room we are assigned!

I agree, I think you will be very happy wherever you are assigned as there really aren't any bad rooms/views at the GF .

The Holiday D-Light Tour is a 5-hour tour starting in EPCOT and seeing the CP then going to HS to see the Osborne Family Lights and then to MK to talk to CM and see/hear how they transform Cinderella Castle in the ice palace. It also includes dinner at Whispering Canyon. (the link to WDW official website about the tour is below). When we went for my 40th birthday, we did several tours then and loved it. I found this tour and the Disney's Yuletide Fantasy tour and (since it is her birthday and she picks what we do and where we eat) she picked Disney's Holiday D-Light Tour. I had been calling once a week since June to see when the tickets for the tour go on sale and no one could tell me when. They went on sale this week!!!!! The reviews of the tour make it sound like a great backstage holiday tour but I will let you know after we get back.

Here is that link....

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/holiday-d-lights/

Hope this helps...

This sounds awesome! Thanks for posting about it and adding the link .

Have you done the Grand 1 before or will your September trip be the first time? Is it worth it????? I have thought about it when my wife and I go down for celebrations but didn't do it for my 40th and don't plan on doing it for her 40th but always think about it.

What is it like???

I'm not the one you asked, but the Grand 1 is amazing! Yes, it is pricey, but it is a lot of fun and such a great experience. I would definitely recommend it .