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

[FLORIDAFLOUNDER]

Nice! Does anyone know of anybody who would like to rent out some of their points?

View from the balcony.

And for Blue, it's a bit blurry but Master's Cupcake!

We managed everything today except the Dole Whip. Cobbler at Artist Point was Blueberry and Delicious! Buffelo is on the menu but it is 3 ways: strip steak, in Mac and Cheese and sausage all in one platter.

We ended the day with drinks on the balcony watching Wishes Fireworks!

A very tired and stuffed Liz

NICE!

 

[Lisann]

Wow! upgrade to a suite.. that would be sooo cool.

 

[Sue M]

Wow!! ahcupcake great photos! That is an upgrade to end all upgrades!! I can't help but notice they still have the benches at the end of the beds in the suite. I wish they kept them in the regular rooms!

Trish they had the Trifle in lounge last August. Yum

 

[ahcupcake]

Wow!! ahcupcake great photos! That is an upgrade to end all upgrades!! I can't help but notice they still have the benches at the end of the beds in the suite. I wish they kept them in the regular rooms!

Yes Kristie did post some fabu pics of her upgrade....She said she was so excited, I flashed back to my own mega upgrade a few years ago

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi cupcake! Thanks for sending along the pics from your friend. Great pixie dust!
It looks like a huge amount of room!!

 

[Chovy]

Wow, that is the upgrade of anyone's dreams!

I have a question for those of you who frequent GF.

I am deciding between the king deluxe in the main building and a standard in Sugar Loaf. The price difference is about $1,000. The guests will be me, my husband, and our 5 year old. The only complicating factor we may have is that my husband had a stroke last year and lost his sense of direction.

Which would you pick and why?

 

[Lisann]

Good morning, guys and gals! It's official, I have just booked an outer building deluxe garden view room!! I am so excited! December 5th we arrive, and it can't come soon enough!!

 

[Lisann]

Question...I believe that some (or all ?) of the outer bldg deluxe rooms have balconies/patios? They are off to the side of the sitting area, right? I believe I saw this somewhere, but I can't find the photo.

Can anyone confirm? A balcony or patio area is important to us.

 

[Dispro1]

Wow, that is the upgrade of anyone's dreams!

I have a question for those of you who frequent GF.

I am deciding between the king deluxe in the main building and a standard in Sugar Loaf. The price difference is about $1,000. The guests will be me, my husband, and our 5 year old. The only complicating factor we may have is that my husband had a stroke last year and lost his sense of direction.

Which would you pick and why?

We have stayed in both buildings multiple times, and both are nice. However, I will admit that we haven't stayed in SL in several years because we have been spoiled by the main building. We prefer the main building for a number of reasons. First, the SL lounge seems to be much noisier and more crowded than RPC. There are children in every lounge -it is Disney, after all - but RPC just seems more relaxed/peaceful. Second, there is no view from the SL lounge since it is in the center of the building (first floor). In contrast, RPC has gorgeous views of not only the beautiful GF grounds but also the seven seas lagoon. Some smaller tables even have a view of the castle And the RPC lounge looks out into the main atrium/ lobby of the hotel too. Because of this, you get "reserved seating" to listen to the pianist or the band when they are playing...meaning you don't have to fight for a seat in the main lobby (there are a lot of 1900 Park Fare guests waiting in the main lobby sometimes, so it can be difficult to get a seat). Also, to get to the monorail, you only have to take the elevator to the second floor, which is extremely helpful if it's raining outside. You can get to any of the resorts in the monorail loop without getting wet (for dinner, shopping). If the price difference isn't a deal-breaker for you, I think the main building would be less confusing for your husband. I would make sure to note your husband's problem and request to be on the fourth floor if you decide to stay in the main building. If you decide to stay in SL, the walk to the main building is not far at all, and it is very close to the courtyard pool. You will be happy with either building, but I was trying to tell you why WE enjoy RPC. It is personal preference. You might prefer to stay in SL and save the $1000. Good luck with your decision!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Wow, that is the upgrade of anyone's dreams!

I have a question for those of you who frequent GF.

I am deciding between the king deluxe in the main building and a standard in Sugar Loaf. The price difference is about $1,000. The guests will be me, my husband, and our 5 year old. The only complicating factor we may have is that my husband had a stroke last year and lost his sense of direction.

Which would you pick and why?

We have a similar situation. My husband is legally blind and lost more vision A few months ago. We are not staying CL at least not as of now and we have been reassured that the walk from the outer building is not far.

 

[aboveH20]

I think you'd enjoy (and have good shot at getting a seat) at Citricos and/or Narcoossee's solo sitting at the bar. Also at California Grill at the bar if you want to take the monorail over and give that a shot. We always get great service at the bar of the signatures, and you can be as interactive or not with your fellow bar dining guests.

I hope your trip is restorative and happy. Great idea for a reset.

Sorry for your loss.
GF is (at least in my opinion) a very good place for solo dining. It is more peaceful and reserved and frankly is a good place for inner reflection and simply drinking in your surroundings.
Hope you have a very pleasant trip.

Back in the fall of 2013 we had Dfil funeral on a Saturday then dh and I were at gf RPC that following Friday. After many months of hospital visits out of state my dh really needed the rest. We had a wonderful time too. Just spent time remembering all the good times.

Just going to add with the convenience of the monorail try cr or poly for a meal too.

Sorry for your loss.

I am piping in, too. Honestly, though, I can't think of a better, 'happier' place to reflect upon your loved one. Solo trips are tough, though, at least for me. I've only done one, and really wished for someone to share my time with.

I am glad you are taking time for yourself. Laugh, smile and cry at your happy place. Big hug.

You're welcome . Hopefully we'll see her back here soon.



I'm so sorry for your loss . I hope your trip gives you the rest and peace you need at this difficult time.

I'm sorry for your loss. GF will be a great place to find peace and reflection on the better times. I don't know how easy getting a table will be as a walk up. Perhaps lunches would be easier. We love lunch at GF Cafe, and Kona Cafe. They never seem busy for lunch. Brown Derby is another great place for lunch. Love their Cobb Salad.

I don't have any advice regarding solo dining (except to keep checking those ADRs... Something always pops up!), but just wanted to send you hugs. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope this trip helps you relax and reflect. Take good care!

ABOVEH20, I'm so sorry for your loss...I hope the GF is a good chance for you to rest and relax and reflect.

Thank you to all who took the time to offer their sympathies. Even though my mother was 90 and well deserving of going on to a better place, we still miss her.

And, thanks for the dining recommendations. I did reserve at Jiko for dinner and BOG for lunch. Citrico's is looking promising based on the recommendations. I've eaten at Grand Floridian Cafe, Brown Derby, Kona, etc., but will keep them on the list as well. Being mindful of the heat, part of me is thinking the less planned the more flexible I can be.

Here's my next question . . . Such a last minute trip didn't get me any discounts and I could have gotten Standard room CL (outer building, I think) or Outer Building TPV. I didn't know if I'd feel self-conscious in the lounge solo so went with theme park view. What would you have done? As I debated I tried to decide if I'd look like a sophisticated mystery writer alone on holiday or a frumpy matron who spent my lottery winnings on one night at the GF.

 

[BlueSkies]

Earlier today I made a reservation for next week at the GF. It's a last minute, once in a lifetime splurge. My mother died last week after a tough couple of years so I'm going for a restorative, reflective, meditative trip for myself. (When I emailed my son about the trip he wrote back and asked what kind of celebration pin they'd give me )

Last minute dinner reservations don't look too promising, but I'm wondering about opinions of dining solo at GF restaurants if I can get in. I've dined solo at many, many WDW (and DL) restaurants, so it's not that I mind dining solo, just wondering since GF seems classier if I would feel out of place

And, I have to add . . . I checked the forecast for next week. NOT looking forward to the heat, but I usually go in February and have had some miserable weather then, too.

So sorry for your loss ...have dined solo at the GF and other WDW resorts and never felt out of place...I am going to second Sue's recommendations! A window seat at the GF Cafe which has such a cheerful atmosphere to begin with...is perfect for people watching too...

I'm sorry for your loss. GF will be a great place to find peace and reflection on the better times. I don't know how easy getting a table will be as a walk up. Perhaps lunches would be easier. We love lunch at GF Cafe, and Kona Cafe. They never seem busy for lunch. Brown Derby is another great place for lunch. Love their Cobb Salad.

Great recommendations...Oh..now I am wishing that I was eating a cobb salad for lunch...You know its always about the food,...lol...

I have spent the better part of today wondering something similar. We are considering the king deluxe in the main building but would prefer the daybed to the pullout sofa but I can't seem to find a definitive answer anywhere! I'm assuming based on the above posts that in the refurb, daybeds were put in those rooms but would love it if someone could confirm.

We are currently booked at WL but have read about plans for construction so I'm exploring other options.

Thanks to anyone who can help!

The turret kings rooms..as well as the queens deluxe rooms now all have pull outs as opposed to the day bed....

I have 2 questions. I was reading the first page of this thread and saw that there is a make up mirror in the rooms. What type of make up mirror are they? I need one that has magnification because I can't see without my glasses .
I also wanted to know what options are available to choose from when we do online check in? Thanks for any help! We are getting so excited for our first stay at GF

Not only is there a very nice sized make up mirror in the dressing /outer area of the bathroom...its two sided for a regular and magnified views..and...It lights up!

You really need to check it out once! The scones and desserts are very fun!! If not hungry just take some back to your room for later.

Have a great Disney Day

Yum!!! those scone...oh and the triffle...in the fall there was pumpkin....SAvign for later is such a goood idea too!

Good morning my GF friends -- greetings from El Dorado Arkansas -- I've been here for two weeks and have 1 more to go. As a northeasterner I have a general comment to make about being in the South -- It is really hot! But, the kindness and pleasantness of everyone down here far exceeds the unpleasant temps and humidity.

And, keeping this focused on the GF - does anyone have any suggestions for a good lagoon room location? I've been in both Big Pine Key and Boca Chica -- and while the view of the Poly huts on the water is pleasant - I'd really prefer the Contemporary!

TIA,

Tom

Boca Chica does have views of the CR from some of the rooms...so that would be my suggestion..! Glad you are having a nice stay in Arkansas Tom...

Hi guys....been off on another vacation the last little while. DH and I went to Tampa for a few days. Alas, NO WDW... And let me tell you, it was very hard driving by those WDW exits (we flew into MCO and rented a car), and not getting off!! We did enjoy another part of Fla we had never visited before tho.

Blue, only 3 more days?! Wow, your time has flown! I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing trip! Wish I was going with ya~

Wishes, good to see you back posting! Congrats to DD on her graduation. Has she picked a school yet?

ABOVEH20, I'm so sorry for your loss...I hope the GF is a good chance for you to rest and relax and reflect.

Hey you! I was wondering where you were! Glad that you have been spreading your vacation wings...lol...I feel your pain tho...passing the WDW exits on the road could not have been easy! Btw...I wish you were coming along too!!! Some day my friend!!

I have a 2 bedroom standard at Grand Floridian in December, is there a place that I can go to find out the location of the standard view rooms.

There is a thread overont he DVC boards with rooms and views at the VGF..but there are a few resident experts around ( Im looking at you Candy and Trisha) that hopefully will pop in with some more info...A 2 bedroom....have toured those and they sure are nice! Enjoy!

Wow!! ahcupcake great photos! That is an upgrade to end all upgrades!! I can't help but notice they still have the benches at the end of the beds in the suite. I wish they kept them in the regular rooms!

Trish they had the Trifle in lounge last August. Yum

I miss the benches too....Wish that they would make a come back....but I doubt that they will....JNow I am thinking of cobb salad and trifle!

Wow, that is the upgrade of anyone's dreams!

I have a question for those of you who frequent GF.

I am deciding between the king deluxe in the main building and a standard in Sugar Loaf. The price difference is about $1,000. The guests will be me, my husband, and our 5 year old. The only complicating factor we may have is that my husband had a stroke last year and lost his sense of direction.

Which would you pick and why?

We are fans of both CLs...and as others have said...the buildings at the GF are all in close proximity to each other and to the main building...vacationing with a 5 years old..I would absolutely recommend SL as the best CL for your family...its steps from the courtyard pool..and equal distance from the boat dock..a great way to travel back from the MK..and the main building and the monorail station...and the lounge being right in the lobby of the building make grabbing a snack or drink while coming or going very easy....and being as centrally located as it is on the property ( there is a map on page 1) should make it relatively easy for your DH to keep his bearings...Have a great trip!

Question...I believe that some (or all ?) of the outer bldg deluxe rooms have balconies/patios? They are off to the side of the sitting area, right? I believe I saw this somewhere, but I can't find the photo.

Can anyone confirm? A balcony or patio area is important to us.

Have only stayed deluxe in SL...and I do know that the top floor deluxe room in that building does not have a balcony due to the roof line configuration and there being a suite right next to it... Since that is important to your family you might want to put room with a balcony as one of your requests

ahcupcake Thanks for sharing those fab pictures! what a wonderful upgrade! What a beautiful suite..But I would say that your pixie dust a while back to the Grand Suite really trumps em all!!! that was absolutely magnificent!

dispro I always enjoy reading your thorough and detailed reviews on CL at the GF! Good to see you back here...I thought that you had abandoned your GF pals for the BC!!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fabulous Friday... traveling GF gal who is almost all packed!!!

 

[tony609]

I am soaking up all this info!!! You people are full of helpful things. I can't wait until September and my trip. We're staying in an outer bldg CL and today put a request in for 3rd floor. Hoping for an awesome view. I also just reworked my schedule so we have more resort time and can take advantage of the lounge.

 

[grannyminnie]

My idea of an "upgrade to end all upgrades" (a la major pixie dust) would be the Walt suite ...just for sentimental reasons. I just wish they would NOT change it as far as personal items are concerned!

 

[VS85]

Just booked a cabana for two days of our trip! Thanks everyone for all the advice about the cabanas. I'll take pics to post when I come back. A little luxury by the pool is the icing on the cake for this vacation 35 more days!

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon from hot humid steamy sticky PA

Thank you to all who took the time to offer their sympathies. Even though my mother was 90 and well deserving of going on to a better place, we still miss her.

And, thanks for the dining recommendations. I did reserve at Jiko for dinner and BOG for lunch. Citrico's is looking promising based on the recommendations. I've eaten at Grand Floridian Cafe, Brown Derby, Kona, etc., but will keep them on the list as well. Being mindful of the heat, part of me is thinking the less planned the more flexible I can be.

Here's my next question . . . Such a last minute trip didn't get me any discounts and I could have gotten Standard room CL (outer building, I think) or Outer Building TPV. I didn't know if I'd feel self-conscious in the lounge solo so went with theme park view. What would you have done? As I debated I tried to decide if I'd look like a sophisticated mystery writer alone on holiday or a frumpy matron who spent my lottery winnings on one night at the GF.

I must have missed your earlier post.....Sending my condolences & hugs to you

ahcupcake Thanks for sharing those fab pictures! what a wonderful upgrade! What a beautiful suite..But I would say that your pixie dust a while back to the Grand Suite really trumps em all!!! that was absolutely magnificent!

You're Welcome......It's a beautiful suite but then I think all of the themed suites are beautiful........Awww thank you! Glad you and Maxie were both there to see our pixie dust

My idea of an "upgrade end all upgrades" (a la major pixie dust) would be the Walt suite ...just for sentimental reasons. I just wish they would NOT change it as far as personal items are concerned!

Hi grannyminnie

Our second major Pixie Dusting was to the Walt Suite (it's room #4411 in case anyone wanted to know it's number)....I'll try and post some pics later

 

[loveshak22]

Just booked a cabana for two days of our trip! Thanks everyone for all the advice about the cabanas. I'll take pics to post when I come back. A little luxury by the pool is the icing on the cake for this vacation 35 more days!

Can't wait to see your pics and hear your thoughts on the cabana! Based on the conversations on here I'm sold on getting a cabana on our November trip!!

Only 35 days left to go for you - woo hoo!!

 

[followthatmouse]

We love a cabana day. I took quite a few pics. I think one or two of our posters were wondering about food options. I looked through my photos and found a couple of relevant pics ... I hope. They include food and beverage menus (I hope they are legible), the fruit selection in the cabana and my boxed sandwich (delicious) from the lunch menu.

 

[loveshak22]

We love a cabana day. I took quite a few pics. I think one or two of our posters were wondering about food options. I looked through my photos and found a couple of relevant pics ... I hope. They include food and beverage menus (I hope they are legible), the fruit selection in the cabana and my boxed sandwich (delicious) from the lunch menu.


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Love the pics - thanks!!

 

[loveshak22]

I'm a little confused about the piano/band in the lobby. Do they play throughout the day? Or just 4-10?

From what I can tell, Mizner's is open until midnight but the band stops at 10:00. Is that correct?