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

[Sue M]

I need to remember to "pack" your cell number in my phone to send you pics!!!

Won't Lys be surprised!! Lol!!

Spent the day at the hospital with mil and found Blue's multi quote when I got home. Not sure how I misses these earlier posts, sorry!


However after a day with mil chemo treatment I lol'd when I read you responses. Thanks!!!

Kitchen Reno is 98% done, mil is now 75% done with chemo and my kids leave for school aka empty nest in 3weeks. I am SO DISTRACTED!!!

Summer is tricky to pack since you are wearing those items but! I am getting organized and am ready to go!

Yes!! I think I have your # in my Notes section of phone! You can text me GF photos & I can text you Ft Lauderdale beach pics lol!! 1 1/2 weeks!
I thought your kitchen Reno was 100% done?

It IS hard to pack for summer trips when you're wearing the clothes. Easier for January trips!! But I'm going to take a stab at it maybe on the weekend. I have to do it in spare room so dog doesn't see!!

Great that your MIL is almost done with chemo.

 

[dansdad]

It IS hard to pack for summer trips when you're wearing the clothes. Easier for January trips!! But I'm going to take a stab at it maybe on the weekend. I have to do it in spare room so dog doesn't see!!

Oh my! Here I thought we were the only family that had to "hide" our packing from our dogs!

 

[Nancyg56]

We're officially switched from WL to GF, for 11/15-22 and I absolutely get twitterpated thinking of it! Especially getting to watch the gingerbread house go up!

Was hoping for some guidance for this newbie on some random questions.

This will be our first time without a rental car. Our flight arrives around 10:30 am. If it's on time, am I correct in assuming at the latest we will be at GF at 12:30 via ME?

We wanted to keep our first night lowkey given our early wake-up to get to the airport, plus a toddler whose never flown before. But I figured since we have to eat dinner anyway, we might as well head to Epcot from around 5-7 pm for some F&W booths. Now, however, I'm reading what a nightmare the monorail has been. How long can I assume that trip will take there and back? And would it be faster to take the boat to Poly and walk to TTC versus taking the resort line? I'd take a cab, but without a carseat I'm not putting my 2 yo in one.

Similarly, is it really as impossible to get to RD for the non-MK parks as I've read?

We're not going to be able to partake of any of the Signatures while there (*sad face* if only they offered take out! ). Any must haves from the CS or GF Grill that's special to the GF? Do they have a signature drink the way Poly does?

Thanks so much. So excited!

I cannot speak for the monorail issues, and am a little concerned how that will impact our trip in August too. I will say that we take DME all of the time, and figure 90 minutes from touch down to resort. That usually giv us time to stop for a cold drink of cup of coffee at Starbucks in the airport. (In my family, if you do something one time, it is now a "family tradition" and not to be changed!)

I will say that if you enjoy the signature meals, I would reconsider your decision to forgo them.They are kid friendly. I have seen toddlers and babies in YSH, CG, and Narcoossees, and it is my opinion the atmosphere is more conducive for relaxing with youngsters than some of the regular restaurants. You have more space and the servers so not seem to have the same sense of urgency that can be so disturbing at an in park restaurant. Your choice of the GF is a good one in that the entire resort is child friendly, and is the reason I booked it for our August vacation. One of the sweetest respites the GF offers is the music that plays in the Grand BAllroom...okay Grand Lobby.... As an adult who was missing my granddaughters, watching the chien dancing to the lovely music while their parents relaxed int eh easy chairs scattered about, was a treat.

Lol we definitely will not try V&A but one restaurant I was going to dearly miss was the Yachtsman but I may have to reconsider. You and Tom are right. It's our vacation and we should be able to eat wherever we want regardless if we have a child with us. I'm sure 99% of the other guests wouldn't think anything of it but there always seems to be that one person that likes to give the stink eye.



That is so reassuring to hear! May I ask where all you ate? My husband LOVES Narcoossee's so I'm tempted to make an ADR if any are available for when we are there. I love the french toast at the GF Cafe and I'd be surprised if we didn't end up there for breakfast at least once.

Thanks everyone for your kind words of reassurance. I am definitely reconsidering my mainly counter service dining plans for the week. You guys and gals are fabulous!

Narcoossees is my new favorite! If at all possible, I would suggest this as a meal. I also think that parents tend to be more critical of their little ones behaviors, so if you have one "neighbor" who is snippy, figure that the person is just born that way. I think mainly CS meals work if you really cannot plan how your child will be during the trip, but there really are challenges to CS and children. They tend to be more chaotic than a TS restaurant, and can be disruptive for children. Make plans you enjoy and your little one should be fine!

 

[trishadono]

I haven't done Yachtsman but I say go for it!!



Sounds like you've had a long day! Hopefully the last 25% of chemo for your MIL goes smooth for her and the last 2% of your kitchen gets done quick! Any hidden Mickey's in that kitchen LOL!!

Sleep well tonight and dream of a glass of wine at the Grand!

I have some Mickey coffee cups, wine glasses, pancake shaper and tea cozy!

Yachtsman is awesome! The waiters really know their stuff!

Wine at CL, here I come! I like the champagne mixed with Juice too!

 

[trishadono]

Sounds like you have alot going on, you will be ready for your trip! I hope your MIL is doing ok .

She is doing fine. She will be tired and a little queasy for this week but after they adjusted her meds she is handling things well.

She is going to make care packages aka Italian food frozen and ready for dd to take away to college this fall. That will keep her busy.

I forgot to go to the dollar store for my ponchos! August afternoon rain ya know!

 

[trishadono]

Yes!! I think I have your # in my Notes section of phone! You can text me GF photos & I can text you Ft Lauderdale beach pics lol!! 1 1/2 weeks!
I thought your kitchen Reno was 100% done?

It IS hard to pack for summer trips when you're wearing the clothes. Easier for January trips!! But I'm going to take a stab at it maybe on the weekend. I have to do it in spare room so dog doesn't see!!

Great that your MIL is almost done with chemo.

Microwave drawer, an outlet and columns added yesterday ,just the tile backsplash that dh needs to order!!! Then we done!!!

 

[anpeck]

Thanks everyone for your input and reassurance! I'm definitely going to revise our dining plans to fit in some more restaurants that we were originally not going to eat at. I do love the Boma, mainly for that yummy super duper delicious French toast bread pudding And Narcoossee's and the Yachtsman are top favorites. My goodness, by the time I get done planning all of my favorites we might not be doing anything BUT eating

 

[wdwbride2005]

That is so reassuring to hear! May I ask where all you ate? My husband LOVES Narcoossee's so I'm tempted to make an ADR if any are available for when we are there. I love the french toast at the GF Cafe and I'd be surprised if we didn't end up there for breakfast at least once.

Thanks everyone for your kind words of reassurance. I am definitely reconsidering my mainly counter service dining plans for the week. You guys and gals are fabulous!

The most important thing we found was to be consistent with naps and give her enough time to run around, and we were fine with eating out. We take her out a lot at home, so she's used to it maybe. We also always told the servers that we were working on toddler time and they made sure everything came out quickly. I say go for all the signatures you love! My daughter's favorite meal of the trip was California Grill's goat cheese ravioli-we had to order her her own because she liked it so much!

Here are all the places we ate:
Citricos
Narcoossee's
GF Cafe (breakfast and dinner)
California Grill
Chef Mickey's (breakfast)
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Be Our Guest (dinner)
Cinderella's Royal Table (lunch)
Crystal Palace

 

[anpeck]

The most important thing we found was to be consistent with naps and give her enough time to run around, and we were fine with eating out. We take her out a lot at home, so she's used to it maybe. We also always told the servers that we were working on toddler time and they made sure everything came out quickly. I say go for all the signatures you love! My daughter's favorite meal of the trip was California Grill's goat cheese ravioli-we had to order her her own because she liked it so much!

Here are all the places we ate:
Citricos
Narcoossee's
GF Cafe (breakfast and dinner)
California Grill
Chef Mickey's (breakfast)
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Be Our Guest (dinner)
Cinderella's Royal Table (lunch)
Crystal Palace

We eat out a good bit at home as well, and as long as he is eating or entertained he is usually really good. He's quite the charmer with the waitresses lol I do believe Narcoossee's and Yachtsman will get added to the itinerary. It was hard planning a trip to WDW and thinking we wouldn't be eating at those restaurants. I'm even more excited for our trip now, and I didn't think that was possible!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks mmmears and Mickeynut! It is really shocking to me how much misinformation I've gotten and the difficulty I've had trying to book this tour. I've always had great CM's when I call the main reservation line but the VIP line and the event line do not seem as together!

Wish me luck tomorrow!

Sleep tight everyone!

Good luck today......I hope you are able to book the tour without any problems .

It IS hard to pack for summer trips when you're wearing the clothes. Easier for January trips!!

I agree! Much easier to pack for winter trips .

Your choice of the GF is a good one in that the entire resort is child friendly

She is doing fine. She will be tired and a little queasy for this week but after they adjusted her meds she is handling things well.

She is going to make care packages aka Italian food frozen and ready for dd to take away to college this fall. That will keep her busy.

I forgot to go to the dollar store for my ponchos! August afternoon rain ya know!

Glad she is doing well! How nice of her to cook for your DD. I'm sure that will not only keep her busy, but will also make her very happy to be able to do that for her granddaughter .

Thanks everyone for your input and reassurance! I'm definitely going to revise our dining plans to fit in some more restaurants that we were originally not going to eat at. I do love the Boma, mainly for that yummy super duper delicious French toast bread pudding And Narcoossee's and the Yachtsman are top favorites. My goodness, by the time I get done planning all of my favorites we might not be doing anything BUT eating

Eating is always an important part of a trip .

We also always told the servers that we were working on toddler time and they made sure everything came out quickly.

This a good idea .

 

[followthatmouse]

Thanks everyone for your input and reassurance! I'm definitely going to revise our dining plans to fit in some more restaurants that we were originally not going to eat at. I do love the Boma, mainly for that yummy super duper delicious French toast bread pudding And Narcoossee's and the Yachtsman are top favorites. My goodness, by the time I get done planning all of my favorites we might not be doing anything BUT eating

Oh, I have the same reaction when I look at our ADR lists each trip. But, I always seem to walk it all off! Honest, I always lose weight at WDW!

 

[loveshak22]

Good luck today......I hope you are able to book the tour without any problems .

This morning's update - I called the event line but got transferred to dining (?) who then gave me another number to call. When I called it was a recording asking me to leave my name and number saying someone would return the messages starting Saturday, August 1st. The recording said that everyone who leaves a message is guaranteed to get a call before the package is open for booking to the general public, no later than next Wednesday. The message also said to leave the date you want the tour for either a Friday or Sunday during the festival. So I'm happy that I'm back to my original plan with having the tour on Sunday! Hopefully I get a call tomorrow!!

 

[Dispro1]

Lol we definitely will not try V&A but one restaurant I was going to dearly miss was the Yachtsman but I may have to reconsider. You and Tom are right. It's our vacation and we should be able to eat wherever we want regardless if we have a child with us. I'm sure 99% of the other guests wouldn't think anything of it but there always seems to be that one person that likes to give the stink eye.



Thank you! I totally get what you're saying. Been there and done that Our little guy likes to drop his food on the floor and follow it up with an uh oh lol. I've yet to eat at BOG but have heard a lot of good things. I hope you have a great dinner!



That is so reassuring to hear! May I ask where all you ate? My husband LOVES Narcoossee's so I'm tempted to make an ADR if any are available for when we are there. I love the french toast at the GF Cafe and I'd be surprised if we didn't end up there for breakfast at least once.

Thanks everyone for your kind words of reassurance. I am definitely reconsidering my mainly counter service dining plans for the week. You guys and gals are fabulous!

I just wanted to add my two cents here... V&A is the only restaurant I am aware of that has a minimum age requirement of 10. So any other restaurant would be an option for you. We love Narcoossee's, and it's actually a bit loud anyway, so a baby who lets out a squeal of happiness is not a problem. A fussy, screaming baby is another story, but as long as the parent takes the baby out or tries to resolve the situation, as you said, I don't see this as a problem either. I would make reservations for whatever restaurant you want and not worry about your baby being a nuisance to others. The fact that you are asking about it tells me you are a considerate person who would take care of the situation if things got out of hand anyway. Actually, most of the meltdowns I have seen at Disney have resulted from the parents' lack of planning anyway, IMO. A parent shouldn't expect a small child to be in a hot park all day (taking cat naps in a stroller out of pure exhaustion) and then expect them to continue being a perfect angel into the night! I feel sorry for kids that are like that If the parents would simply take a break from the parks so their child could rest, everyone would have a better time....even those of us who won't have to see them yelling at their kid or even spanking them when it is obvious that the poor kid is simply exhausted!

 

[anpeck]

I just wanted to add my two cents here... V&A is the only restaurant I am aware of that has a minimum age requirement of 10. So any other restaurant would be an option for you. We love Narcoossee's, and it's actually a bit loud anyway, so a baby who lets out a squeal of happiness is not a problem. A fussy, screaming baby is another story, but as long as the parent takes the baby out or tries to resolve the situation, as you said, I don't see this as a problem either. I would make reservations for whatever restaurant you want and not worry about your baby being a nuisance to others. The fact that you are asking about it tells me you are a considerate person who would take care of the situation if things got out of hand anyway. Actually, most of the meltdowns I have seen at Disney have resulted from the parents' lack of planning anyway, IMO. A parent shouldn't expect a small child to be in a hot park all day (taking cat naps in a stroller out of pure exhaustion) and then expect them to continue being a perfect angel into the night! I feel sorry for kids that are like that If the parents would simply take a break from the parks so their child could rest, everyone would have a better time....even those of us who won't have to see them yelling at their kid or even spanking them when it is obvious that the poor kid is simply exhausted!

Thank you very much for your input! I agree on the exhausted kids. I've seen too many crying children on my vacations and I feel so badly for them. I'm sure some have been tantrums but I think the parents try to cram so much happiness into the trip that the kids get exhausted but the parents paid $$$ so they don't want to let up or slow down. If we spend an hour in line only to have to leave because he's tired or scared of something then so be it. But there's no sense trying to force him to like something or to do something if he's not into it. That'll just make us and those around us miserable.

 

[trishadono]

Just found this video of the Everglades Suite. We all will be dreaming of becoming the "Family of the Day" now!!!

 

[elaw]

Here's a good summary: http://www.disboards.com/threads/deluxe-room-grand-floridian.1839423/

If you use the search feature on the top right of the page and search 'deluxe king' in this thread only, you'll also find a lot of great information!

Thanks

 

[loveshak22]

Just found this video of the Everglades Suite. We all will be dreaming of becoming the "Family of the Day" now!!!

Wow!!

 

[Sue M]

Oh, I have the same reaction when I look at our ADR lists each trip. But, I always seem to walk it all off! Honest, I always lose weight at WDW!

I'd like your secret. Actually I only gain when I'm on the DDP!! Too much food. And desserts!

Just found this video of the Everglades Suite. We all will be dreaming of becoming the "Family of the Day" now!!!

I know I'll be dreaming of it!! Maybe family of the day at Poly gets the King Kam suite!!

 

[BabyFu18]

Anyone who has been to Disney world recently, do you know if the printed/themed magic bands (with the characters, cinderella's castle, American mickey, etc.) are available for purchase in GF gift shops? If not, are they available at any of the DTD shops? We won't be in the parks straight away and I really want to purchase one of these printed magic bands, just not sure where to go to look for them or if they are even available outside of the parks.

 

[Circusgirl]

Microwave drawer, an outlet and columns added yesterday ,just the tile backsplash that dh needs to order!!! Then we done!!!

Glad to hear you're so close on the kitchen. Your vacation is really well timed! You've been balancing a huge number of things, and some emotional moments I'm sure! So excited to see you and Alyssa will be going to DL next March. Five nights is a fantastic amount of time to spend there. Hooray! Hope MIL continues to improve steadily. I love that she is making happy food care packages for Alyssa.

Still so sad to miss you this trip, but I know we will intersect again some day.

My mom has had some ups and downs, but we're back up again and I am looking forward to a break both at D23 and then a few weeks later for my girl's trip to WDW. So excited to share the GF with my friends. Delightfulness here we come!