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

[baler31]

Here is a review of our split stay at GF and BC club level. Out total stay was 9 nights with 5 GF RPC standard and 4 BC CL water view.

We arrived and were promptly checked in. Our room was ready early, around 1pm which was very nice. We had noted on our information that we were arriving around noon. We requested and received a room with no connecting door. We were on the 3rd floor, our only request was the no connecting door. We were checked in by Kayleigh a younger CM that we had never met. She was fabulous, chatted with everyone about Disney made sure we were happy with our room assignment. It was obvious that she loved Disney.

Our room was not as clean as I would have liked although I will admit to having very high standards. It was nothing I would complain about but there were hairs on the back of the vanity and in the white tray that is for the toiletries. Everything else was clean and in more or less good condition. I will say I was surprised at how much wear and tear there already was on the new furniture. Again, nothing most people would notice but being aware that the room was completely new as of August, I was somewhat surprised.

The food in the lounge was the same as it has been for quite some time. There were plastic water bottles stocked in the cooler, you did not have to ask. This is the way it was in Feb. and that was the first time they had had them in a LONG time. We were also told that there are plans to try to change the food and experience around a bit for CL. Will have to see how this goes. I know in Feb. we saw a large contingent of managers discussing the food and amenities in the lounge.

The management has experienced some changes since the new GM took over. Relative to CL I think it will be for the better. We had no problems with the food, it was frequently replenished. The fruit in the mornings did seem to be under ripe and/or out of season. No new options, rotation seemed the same. Despite the busy Easter week we never had problems finding a table.

The CM's were outstanding as usual. We were always greeted when arriving or departing. I also saw the CM's at GF dealing with a few guests with issues and their attitudes were a direct contrast to the BC CM's. Just a few CM's that deserve special mention. Denny has been a joy on arrival, and we used to enjoy him so much when he worked in IPO. Sherri and Vonnie are CM's that really embody the Disney spirit and care about guest experience. Despite the resort being full (we witnessed guests trying to extend there stay be turned away) everything was very well organized.

The Easter resort activities were wonderful and very well done by the CM's. There were morning and evening activities on Easter Sunday as well as the character greetings. I do want to point out that they were enforcing the hours of the courtyard pool. This was the first trip that I have seen them ask people to leave the courtyard pool at 11pm. During our last few trips despite the hours being listed they were not enforced.

We used room service a couple of times and it was great and hot once and luke warm and took a long time on the other order. We used the texting service to book 4th FP's although as the parks were very crowded there was not a lot of availability. We also used the texting to notify them when we left our room so housekeeping would service it. We requested and quickly received extra towels this way, much faster than calling housekeeping. They obtained day of dining reservations for us well via texting. And let us know the locations of the characters on Easter morning at the other monorail resorts. This is a fabulous service. My only fear is that like valet it will be outsourced and will then suffer such has valet has.

Weather was wonderful and we rented the water mice. All the recreation CM's seemed to be outstanding on this trip. Loved the Easter Egg display in the lobby. Went to Mizners a few times for drinks, same friendly CM's we have had in the past. Wish they would update some of the drinks and appetizers they have.

I will post a link to the BC review when I am able to do it. I can try to answer any specific questions, especially about the Easter activities. Will post more pictures when I have some more time.

 

[baler31]

Yikes!

Yes, you will see it in the review but we were texted our room number and when we walked in we had ONE BED in a very small room. We were a party of 4. The second thing we noticed is that it was not a water view room that we had reserved and paid for. No one wanted to assist us and acted as though we should be grateful we had a room. They told us we would get a roll away. Where was it going to fit ? We would have to crawl over the bed to get to it not to mention that the price difference in the room we paid or and received was over $500. I also will mention that we checked in around 6-7 pm and there were people very angry even later that their rooms were not ready.

Hands down worst experience we have ever had at Disney.

While yelling or verbally abusing a CM is not appropriate, I quickly observed that there were so many unhappy guests for valid reasons.

 

[Dariansue]

Here is a review of our split stay at GF and BC club level. Out total stay was 9 nights with 5 GF RPC standard and 4 BC CL water view.

We arrived and were promptly checked in. Our room was ready early, around 1pm which was very nice. We had noted on our information that we were arriving around noon. We requested and received a room with no connecting door. We were on the 3rd floor, our only request was the no connecting door. We were checked in by Kayleigh a younger CM that we had never met. She was fabulous, chatted with everyone about Disney made sure we were happy with our room assignment. It was obvious that she loved Disney.

Our room was not as clean as I would have liked although I will admit to having very high standards. It was nothing I would complain about but there were hairs on the back of the vanity and in the white tray that is for the toiletries. Everything else was clean and in more or less good condition. I will say I was surprised at how much wear and tear there already was on the new furniture. Again, nothing most people would notice but being aware that the room was completely new as of August, I was somewhat surprised.

The food in the lounge was the same as it has been for quite some time. There were plastic water bottles stocked in the cooler, you did not have to ask. This is the way it was in Feb. and that was the first time they had had them in a LONG time. We were also told that there are plans to try to change the food and experience around a bit for CL. Will have to see how this goes. I know in Feb. we saw a large contingent of managers discussing the food and amenities in the lounge.

The management has experienced some changes since the new GM took over. Relative to CL I think it will be for the better. We had no problems with the food, it was frequently replenished. The fruit in the mornings did seem to be under ripe and/or out of season. No new options, rotation seemed the same. Despite the busy Easter week we never had problems finding a table.

The CM's were outstanding as usual. We were always greeted when arriving or departing. I also saw the CM's at GF dealing with a few guests with issues and their attitudes were a direct contrast to the BC CM's. Just a few CM's that deserve special mention. Denny has been a joy on arrival, and we used to enjoy him so much when he worked in IPO. Sherri and Vonnie are CM's that really embody the Disney spirit and care about guest experience. Despite the resort being full (we witnessed guests trying to extend there stay be turned away) everything was very well organized.

The Easter resort activities were wonderful and very well done by the CM's. There were morning and evening activities on Easter Sunday as well as the character greetings. I do want to point out that they were enforcing the hours of the courtyard pool. This was the first trip that I have seen them ask people to leave the courtyard pool at 11pm. During our last few trips despite the hours being listed they were not enforced.

We used room service a couple of times and it was great and hot once and luke warm and took a long time on the other order. We used the texting service to book 4th FP's although as the parks were very crowded there was not a lot of availability. We also used the texting to notify them when we left our room so housekeeping would service it. We requested and quickly received extra towels this way, much faster than calling housekeeping. They obtained day of dining reservations for us well via texting. And let us know the locations of the characters on Easter morning at the other monorail resorts. This is a fabulous service. My only fear is that like valet it will be outsourced and will then suffer such has valet has.

Weather was wonderful and we rented the water mice. All the recreation CM's seemed to be outstanding on this trip. Loved the Easter Egg display in the lobby. Went to Mizners a few times for drinks, same friendly CM's we have had in the past. Wish they would update some of the drinks and appetizers they have.

I will post a link to the BC review when I am able to do it. I can try to answer any specific questions, especially about the Easter activities. Will post more pictures when I have some more time.

I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the info!

 

[Dispro1]

Because the manager's did not want to speak with anyone. I actually heard a comment during a phone call about another guest that the CM just needed deal with it.

This is very concerning! As I'm sure you know, the managers at RPC are often walking around making sure their guests are happy! That should be the case at all CL resorts! Isn't it their job to deal with problems that arise? I hope there aren't any issues when we are there. I hope you will send a note to Mim Flynn who is the GM at BC/YC (according to the BC/YC thread) about all the negatives you experienced! BTW, we love Denny and Vonnie too

 

[trishadono]

Yes, you will see it in the review but we were texted our room number and when we walked in we had ONE BED in a very small room. We were a party of 4. The second thing we noticed is that it was not a water view room that we had reserved and paid for. No one wanted to assist us and acted as though we should be grateful we had a room. They told us we would get a roll away. Where was it going to fit ? We would have to crawl over the bed to get to it not to mention that the price difference in the room we paid or and received was over $500.

Hands down worst experience we have ever had at Disney.

You know most complaints I see I roll my eyes over thinking people expect too much, but THIS!

Most family of 4 would expect 2 beds.
Most people paying extra for a view would expect that view.

I did not ask for anything when my TPV room required leaving the room, taking an elevator and going outside for said, paid for view. I simply notified them that maybe they should change this room to std(opinion only recommendation).

The GF manager called me about it and was really tough. I had to remain calm when she flat out lied to me several times. In the end I convinced her that they were in the wrong and we got some compensation(1-day park ticket to MK).

It would be easier if they didn't try to take advantage of most peoples ignorance over Disney hotels.

+++I love it when I get Denny for check in! He makes it a special experience!+++

 

[baler31]

Link to long BC CL review on CL thread.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/we...-information-and-help-thread.3233310/page-230

 

[HairyChest]

Anyone know if there is a charge for shipping things to the resort? I want to order a pack of water from staples and have it ready for our stay there.

 

[baler31]

Anyone know if there is a charge for shipping things to the resort? I want to order a pack of water from staples and have it ready for our stay there.

Have not done this personally but have heard there is a few for any resort with a convention center. Have no idea what difference this makes and also noticed there is no mention on Disney's own site about a charge. However, I know the information there is notoriously inaccurate.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/mail-services/

 

[mexi]

Link to long BC CL review on CL thread.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/we...-information-and-help-thread.3233310/page-230

Thanks for the reviews. Sorry to hear about some of the troubles you had to deal with. I totally agree that a room with one bed is NOT acceptable for a party of 4. Oh and putting water bottles up against the water spout that everyone uses...gross!

I also enjoyed meeting Denny last year when we stayed in SL. He's great!!

I think I know who Kayleigh is. She was at BWI CL 2 yrs ago and she really is an asset to Disney. Glad to hear she's at the Grand.

 

[bethclayton]

baler, thank you for the reviews. i recently had my second stay at BC and while this stay was not CL (the first stay was), i once again did not have a good experience. the front desk staff were horrendous and wasted so many hours of our time for their mistakes both on the day we checked in and the day we checked out. they over-charged me $1400 and never apologized. honestly they were a disgrace. i emailed guest relations after my trip and was a bit offended that while the gentleman apologized profusely for the way it was handled, he did not so much as even offer us a fast pass for our upcoming trip. i'm sorry but my entire last day was a disaster, i wasted hours, had to rush to finish packing, subsequently left items behind that were supposedly never turned in to lost and found, lost that last little bit of time at MK that we had so looked forward to, and i was stressed out for a week after my trip waiting for my cc to be refunded. bad taste in my mouth all around.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here is a review of our split stay at GF and BC club level. Out total stay was 9 nights with 5 GF RPC standard and 4 BC CL water view.

We arrived and were promptly checked in. Our room was ready early, around 1pm which was very nice. We had noted on our information that we were arriving around noon. We requested and received a room with no connecting door. We were on the 3rd floor, our only request was the no connecting door. We were checked in by Kayleigh a younger CM that we had never met. She was fabulous, chatted with everyone about Disney made sure we were happy with our room assignment. It was obvious that she loved Disney.

Our room was not as clean as I would have liked although I will admit to having very high standards. It was nothing I would complain about but there were hairs on the back of the vanity and in the white tray that is for the toiletries. Everything else was clean and in more or less good condition. I will say I was surprised at how much wear and tear there already was on the new furniture. Again, nothing most people would notice but being aware that the room was completely new as of August, I was somewhat surprised.

The food in the lounge was the same as it has been for quite some time. There were plastic water bottles stocked in the cooler, you did not have to ask. This is the way it was in Feb. and that was the first time they had had them in a LONG time. We were also told that there are plans to try to change the food and experience around a bit for CL. Will have to see how this goes. I know in Feb. we saw a large contingent of managers discussing the food and amenities in the lounge.

The management has experienced some changes since the new GM took over. Relative to CL I think it will be for the better. We had no problems with the food, it was frequently replenished. The fruit in the mornings did seem to be under ripe and/or out of season. No new options, rotation seemed the same. Despite the busy Easter week we never had problems finding a table.

The CM's were outstanding as usual. We were always greeted when arriving or departing. I also saw the CM's at GF dealing with a few guests with issues and their attitudes were a direct contrast to the BC CM's. Just a few CM's that deserve special mention. Denny has been a joy on arrival, and we used to enjoy him so much when he worked in IPO. Sherri and Vonnie are CM's that really embody the Disney spirit and care about guest experience. Despite the resort being full (we witnessed guests trying to extend there stay be turned away) everything was very well organized.

The Easter resort activities were wonderful and very well done by the CM's. There were morning and evening activities on Easter Sunday as well as the character greetings. I do want to point out that they were enforcing the hours of the courtyard pool. This was the first trip that I have seen them ask people to leave the courtyard pool at 11pm. During our last few trips despite the hours being listed they were not enforced.

We used room service a couple of times and it was great and hot once and luke warm and took a long time on the other order. We used the texting service to book 4th FP's although as the parks were very crowded there was not a lot of availability. We also used the texting to notify them when we left our room so housekeeping would service it. We requested and quickly received extra towels this way, much faster than calling housekeeping. They obtained day of dining reservations for us well via texting. And let us know the locations of the characters on Easter morning at the other monorail resorts. This is a fabulous service. My only fear is that like valet it will be outsourced and will then suffer such has valet has.

Weather was wonderful and we rented the water mice. All the recreation CM's seemed to be outstanding on this trip. Loved the Easter Egg display in the lobby. Went to Mizners a few times for drinks, same friendly CM's we have had in the past. Wish they would update some of the drinks and appetizers they have.

I will post a link to the BC review when I am able to do it. I can try to answer any specific questions, especially about the Easter activities. Will post more pictures when I have some more time.

Do they offer kid friendly snacks and appetizers? PB&J? Cookies in the afternoon? Thanks!

 

[baler31]

Do they offer kid friendly snacks and appetizers? PB&J? Cookies in the afternoon? Thanks!

They always offer one evening appetizer that is the children's option. The QS chicken breast nuggets, corn dogs, smucker's uncrustable's, ham and swiss roll ups, can't think of anything else right now. In RPC they are usually over near the side closest to where the CM's station themselves. The afternoon snacks are not as sugar oriented although they do have some cookies. The evening desserts are almost pitiful when compared with what we had at BC but hey the alcohol free flows at GF and I see many guests taking a bottle of wine to their room, so I guess they have to meet budget somehow.

Like other CL's the food is greatly diminished over what it once was. It was really a shame about the staff at BC, the lounge was wonderful and we really felt the food offerings were well thought out and plentiful.

 

[Dispro1]

Do they offer kid friendly snacks and appetizers? PB&J? Cookies in the afternoon? Thanks!

My DD11 loves the cookies! And they do have the kid friendly options on the side closest to the lobby (as baler said). The "kid friendly" options like chicken nuggets and Mac n cheese balls are "adult friendly" too-lol As for the desserts, you will figure out which ones are worth the calories. We love the tiny cheesecakes with the raspberries on top! The chocolate cups filled with chocolate mousse are really good too! Or skip the desserts and stick to the "Grand Splash" (champagne and tropical juice) that we all talked about earlier

 

[goofy friend]

I have a 6 night reservation in a 2 bed room villa at Grand Floridian for December, it will be my first stay at this location, what room location should I request?

 

[Sony92]

TA just emailed me that space at SL with Free Dining for my booking in the fall opened up and she applied the discount!

 

[trishadono]

I have a 6 night reservation in a 2 bed room villa at Grand Floridian for December, it will be my first stay at this location, what room location should I request?

http://www.disboards.com/threads/vgf-villas-views-updated-03-20-2015.3192814/#post-49955749
http://www.disboards.com/threads/vgf-villas-views-updated-03-20-2015.3192814/#post-49955758

We had a lovely time!!! 1/2/14-1/5/14

 

[PixieFairies]

Does anyone have pics views from a "paid" Theme Park View room in the Boca Chica outer buildings?

 

[Jenn9]

I am so excited!! We will be staying at GF main building theme park view club level for the first time this summer. Does anyone know which floors these rooms can be located on, and also if any are dormer rooms? I can't seem to get a definitive answer from a Disney CM. If there are any specific requests anyone suggest I make I would be happy to hear.

Thanks in advance!

 

[BlueSkies]

Here is a review of our split stay at GF and BC club level. Out total stay was 9 nights with 5 GF RPC standard and 4 BC CL water view.

We arrived and were promptly checked in. Our room was ready early, around 1pm which was very nice. We had noted on our information that we were arriving around noon. We requested and received a room with no connecting door. We were on the 3rd floor, our only request was the no connecting door. We were checked in by Kayleigh a younger CM that we had never met. She was fabulous, chatted with everyone about Disney made sure we were happy with our room assignment. It was obvious that she loved Disney.

Our room was not as clean as I would have liked although I will admit to having very high standards. It was nothing I would complain about but there were hairs on the back of the vanity and in the white tray that is for the toiletries. Everything else was clean and in more or less good condition. I will say I was surprised at how much wear and tear there already was on the new furniture. Again, nothing most people would notice but being aware that the room was completely new as of August, I was somewhat surprised.

The food in the lounge was the same as it has been for quite some time. There were plastic water bottles stocked in the cooler, you did not have to ask. This is the way it was in Feb. and that was the first time they had had them in a LONG time. We were also told that there are plans to try to change the food and experience around a bit for CL. Will have to see how this goes. I know in Feb. we saw a large contingent of managers discussing the food and amenities in the lounge.

The management has experienced some changes since the new GM took over. Relative to CL I think it will be for the better. We had no problems with the food, it was frequently replenished. The fruit in the mornings did seem to be under ripe and/or out of season. No new options, rotation seemed the same. Despite the busy Easter week we never had problems finding a table.

The CM's were outstanding as usual. We were always greeted when arriving or departing. I also saw the CM's at GF dealing with a few guests with issues and their attitudes were a direct contrast to the BC CM's. Just a few CM's that deserve special mention. Denny has been a joy on arrival, and we used to enjoy him so much when he worked in IPO. Sherri and Vonnie are CM's that really embody the Disney spirit and care about guest experience. Despite the resort being full (we witnessed guests trying to extend there stay be turned away) everything was very well organized.

The Easter resort activities were wonderful and very well done by the CM's. There were morning and evening activities on Easter Sunday as well as the character greetings. I do want to point out that they were enforcing the hours of the courtyard pool. This was the first trip that I have seen them ask people to leave the courtyard pool at 11pm. During our last few trips despite the hours being listed they were not enforced.

We used room service a couple of times and it was great and hot once and luke warm and took a long time on the other order. We used the texting service to book 4th FP's although as the parks were very crowded there was not a lot of availability. We also used the texting to notify them when we left our room so housekeeping would service it. We requested and quickly received extra towels this way, much faster than calling housekeeping. They obtained day of dining reservations for us well via texting. And let us know the locations of the characters on Easter morning at the other monorail resorts. This is a fabulous service. My only fear is that like valet it will be outsourced and will then suffer such has valet has.

Weather was wonderful and we rented the water mice. All the recreation CM's seemed to be outstanding on this trip. Loved the Easter Egg display in the lobby. Went to Mizners a few times for drinks, same friendly CM's we have had in the past. Wish they would update some of the drinks and appetizers they have.

I will post a link to the BC review when I am able to do it. I can try to answer any specific questions, especially about the Easter activities. Will post more pictures when I have some more time.

Baler Thanks for posting your reviews! Glad that you GF stay was grand! I have to agree with you on the outstanding CMs that you mentioned! Top notch!

You know most complaints I see I roll my eyes over thinking people expect too much, but THIS!

Most family of 4 would expect 2 beds.
Most people paying extra for a view would expect that view.

I did not ask for anything when my TPV room required leaving the room, taking an elevator and going outside for said, paid for view. I simply notified them that maybe they should change this room to std(opinion only recommendation).

The GF manager called me about it and was really tough. I had to remain calm when she flat out lied to me several times. In the end I convinced her that they were in the wrong and we got some compensation(1-day park ticket to MK).

It would be easier if they didn't try to take advantage of most peoples ignorance over Disney hotels.

+++I love it when I get Denny for check in! He makes it a special experience!+++

I remember when you got that tree view! ...Its always nice to hear when an issue is addressed and handled so well....

Anyone know if there is a charge for shipping things to the resort? I want to order a pack of water from staples and have it ready for our stay there.

Page one of this thread has info on charges when shipping items to the resort....I believe that it is handled through the convention center....

baler, thank you for the reviews. i recently had my second stay at BC and while this stay was not CL (the first stay was), i once again did not have a good experience. the front desk staff were horrendous and wasted so many hours of our time for their mistakes both on the day we checked in and the day we checked out. they over-charged me $1400 and never apologized. honestly they were a disgrace. i emailed guest relations after my trip and was a bit offended that while the gentleman apologized profusely for the way it was handled, he did not so much as even offer us a fast pass for our upcoming trip. i'm sorry but my entire last day was a disaster, i wasted hours, had to rush to finish packing, subsequently left items behind that were supposedly never turned in to lost and found, lost that last little bit of time at MK that we had so looked forward to, and i was stressed out for a week after my trip waiting for my cc to be refunded. bad taste in my mouth all around.

Beth Thanks for sharing your experiences too...That would have left a bad taste in my mouth too....

I have a 6 night reservation in a 2 bed room villa at Grand Floridian for December, it will be my first stay at this location, what room location should I request?

Not sure about the the room request for the VGF..I am sure that someone ..Candy and Trish I'm thinking that you....lol...will be able to give you an answer...Congrats on booking your first stay...December is such a nice time to be staying at the Grand while it is all decked out in its Christmas finery!

TA just emailed me that space at SL with Free Dining for my booking in the fall opened up and she applied the discount!

Woohoo!!! Congratualtions!!!

Does anyone have pics views from a "paid" Theme Park View room in the Boca Chica outer buildings?

Hi PixieFairies..What a very nice view that is ...Our friends stayed in one a few months back....they had a dormer room..I will poke around through my pics and see if I can find them..and get them posted...lol...

Dispro Hope that your DD is feeling better...Your trip is just around the bend!!

~Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Tuesday! preppy GF gal..who thanks to Mother's Day..and a discreet list to my DH and the kids..has a few new pandora charms on my bracelet!!

ETA..Great pic Trish... such a pretty view..and I really enjoy the walk over to the Poly along that path....

 

[Dispro1]

Dispro Hope that your DD is feeling better...Your trip is just around the bend!!

She just went back to school today! On Mother's Day, I had to take her back to the doctor, and they wanted to test her for mono! She freaked out because she is afraid of needles, so we decided to give it a few more days... Good thing because she's ok now Yay! NO MONO! We would've had to cancel our BC trip! I'm SO ready for that trip...even if it isn't the Grand