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

[Ferrentinos]

Hi all! Just checked in for our second half of our stay here at the gf! We are in Conch Key and were booked garden view - but we have a view of the lagoon!!! That's an upgrade, right?? Love it here!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi all! Just checked in for our second half of our stay here at the gf! We are in Conch Key and were booked garden view - but we have a view of the lagoon!!! That's an upgrade, right?? Love it here!!!

That is where we were located last week! Gorgeous!!!!

 

[jerseygal]

Just wanted to pop in and say hi to my GF friends and share some exciting news. We were at the GF in late September and 2 weeks after we returned we discovered that Mouseketeer #4 is on its way! June 2015. Our stay at the GF and WDW truly was magical.

We got to see the little heartbeat today and boy was that such a beautiful sight.

This will definitely limit our resort options in the future as we will be a family of 6. Hoping to try a stay in the newly refurbished Wilderness Lodge studio villas while baby #4 is still in crib...and quite possibly before baby #3 turns 3 and is free. We shall see! I will have to start visiting the Disney for Large Families thread!

We are blessed.

GREAT NEWS! CONGRATS ON #4!

 

[maiapapaya]

We just returned on Sunday from our first GF visit and I'm just feeling better now and thought I would post (I woke up on our departure day with the beginnings of a nasty head cold )

We actually booked the GF as Poly refugees escaping the construction, but we are now converts! The resort is so pretty and open and we loved the ease of travel to & from the MK. We loved it so much we booked the RO BB and will be returning in March for our girls' spring break!

For this trip we had booked TPV and were given a huge corner room in Big Pine Key. While we could only see the castle from one end of the balcony (because of a big ole pine tree) the big room and second balcony made up for it! Unfortunately we could only get lagoon view for our BB, so aren't sure what our chances will be of getting a corner room again - we are now spoiled! Is there somewhere that shows the distribution of room categories in the outer buildings? We're just wondering which rooms are TPV vs LV so we can make a knowledgeable room request.

Super excited to be heading back to the GF in just a few months!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi Blue: We did dine at TTS back in our October 2012 trip as we were doing MNSSHP and wanted to be in the MK. So we did our MK day, took the boat back to GF and showered and changed into our costumes -- I was one of the 5,000 male pirates that night and my lovely Red Riding Hood was not among the 2,500 ****ty Red Riding Hoods and she wore a tshirt under the costume as she deemed the plunge much to exposing.

We were having dinner with one of my business associates and he and his wife were quite amused by us being in costume. Anyhow, getting back to point. TTS was NOISY, crowded, NOISY but the food was very good. It is defintely more kid friendly Italian than it was adult and not having a glass or two of wine with dinner was a let down. The Shrimp Scampi was fine, not a lot of garlic (but as I said, more youngster friendly), and the Spaghetti and Meatballs very good (yes, she's a big romantic at heart, have to have something from the movie she says). Out guests both had chicken parm and said it was fine. Again, not 4 star italian, but good italian and the portions were generous. Interesting to note, we did go to Tutto Italia a couple of nights later, and while the appetizers were much better and wider selection, and the entrees were more advanced Italian -- NONE of us thought it was that much better than TTS - and the prices were much higher. However, they did have wine, grappa and wonderful espresso.

Tom

Tom Thanks so much for the detailed info! (I liked the background story too!!..lol..) You have set my mind at ease about this ADR...maybe now..at less than two weeks out I will stop looking for other options for that MK nite...

Is there any Grand Floridian logo Apparel available for women and or men like Sweatshirts/Long/Short Sleeve T Shirts?

THANKS a bunch!

There is some apparel available in Sandy Cove...there used to be a good amount available in Summer Lace as well...but on a recent trip I noticed there was only some Disney apparel...a Mary Poppins and a Minnie tee....if my memory serves me right..

At Sand Cove there were a few different tops...only looked at the womens...A turquoise GF logo tee...this has been around for a while...and a new dark pink with a larger GF logo tee...there was also a white zip up lite weight jacket...with a turquoise GF logo...this was available last year also...HTH ...there is also a a phone number for Disney parks and resort merchandise where you should be able to purchase any of these items....I believe it is 877-560-6477...

I will eventually catch up with the thread. That's my goal for these next couple of days I can't believe how busy we've been since we got back home. Looking for some quiet time to post some thoughts soon.

Nice to see you Devale

Summer Lace had some pretty apparel for women. I got a black zip up hoodie with a pink logo. I love it!

With my new job as a middle school language arts teacher, I've been trying to keep up with the boards! I am going to need some advice from you lovely ladies and gentlemen- what is it like there near the end of August? DBF said once my student loans are paid off we can go back to WDW. I'm debt free come Dec 31st so I want to start planning! With my teacher schedule however, I'm limited to the summer. I've only ever been during Jan and Nov. so what should I expect in August?

Thanks for giving me something to enjoy after a long day of 8th graders

Congrats on paying off your student loans...and celebrating in a Grand way! All I have to say about August is it is hot hot hot... but as others have pointed out...late August has much lower crowd levels...It does requires a different type of park touring than in the cooler months IMO...early morning and late evening being the best times to go...and pool or indoor resort time in the afternoon...

Liz and Blue, I miss the GF and Disney too (all the time! ) and spend WAY too much time thinking about how to get back!! I'm still miffed that a CM told me there were no more bouncebacks when I couldn't find the brochure in the room! I knew to call that extension but just forgot it!

On a much happier note, I'm headed to California in 10 days and will get to visit DL! Might even spend a little time in CA (DH does not share my love of Disney so I have to spend SOME time doing what he wants to do!).

grannyminnie I had flyer in my resort packet that only offered FD...so I didn't even think about calling for any BB info...FD does not appeal to us..we much prefer a RO too...But..there will be other offers that come out...

Less than 2 weeks to your California trip!!! Keep your DH happy...so that you can book some more WDW trips...lol... and enjoy DL....

Hello everyone,
After a two year wait our trip is almost here,needless to say we are all so excited !!!!! Our first stay in the villas. I checked in the other day and read there are changes in the menu at citrocos and was wondering if we might be able to change this reservation with only a few days left to narcoossees. I keep checking online no availability of course . Anyone have any hints maybe once we get there if we could get it switched?

I have two suggestions..there is a terrifc thread over on the restaurant boards where people post ADR cancellations..and you can co ordinate with them also...We have had success with this from time to time...

Also...the lobby concierge might be able to help you with an ADR..they do have some pull at their own resorts...or so I have been told... Best of luck...I hope that you are able to get a ressie at Narcoosees...

Late August is a great time to go. The summer crowds have usually thinned out significantly by then. The only drawback (for me, anyway) is the heat. It is absolutely sweltering around that time of the year.

I agree.... lol...and for me.. its not great hair weather either...lol...

we are staying at the Villas at Grand Floridian this weekend. Is the check in area at the villas lobby and are they there after 9pm? Or do we have to go to the regular building for check in?

We arrive about 9:30pm

Thanks

never stayed at the villas...but Ima sure that other who have will pop in and be able to give you a definitive answer on this...I think Trish and Candy have both been recently....I do know that the VGF does have CM staffing the lobbly there ...so maybe check in is right over at the villas...

Just wanted to pop in and say hi to my GF friends and share some exciting news. We were at the GF in late September and 2 weeks after we returned we discovered that Mouseketeer #4 is on its way! June 2015. Our stay at the GF and WDW truly was magical.

We got to see the little heartbeat today and boy was that such a beautiful sight.

This will definitely limit our resort options in the future as we will be a family of 6. Hoping to try a stay in the newly refurbished Wilderness Lodge studio villas while baby #4 is still in crib...and quite possibly before baby #3 turns 3 and is free. We shall see! I will have to start visiting the Disney for Large Families thread!

We are blessed.

Many congratulations to you and your family twoolle Thats just wonderful news....

Hi all! Just checked in for our second half of our stay here at the gf! We are in Conch Key and were booked garden view - but we have a view of the lagoon!!! That's an upgrade, right?? Love it here!!!

How very nice... Enjoy that lovely view!!!

We just returned on Sunday from our first GF visit and I'm just feeling better now and thought I would post (I woke up on our departure day with the beginnings of a nasty head cold )

We actually booked the GF as Poly refugees escaping the construction, but we are now converts! The resort is so pretty and open and we loved the ease of travel to & from the MK. We loved it so much we booked the RO BB and will be returning in March for our girls' spring break!

For this trip we had booked TPV and were given a huge corner room in Big Pine Key. While we could only see the castle from one end of the balcony (because of a big ole pine tree) the big room and second balcony made up for it! Unfortunately we could only get lagoon view for our BB, so aren't sure what our chances will be of getting a corner room again - we are now spoiled! Is there somewhere that shows the distribution of room categories in the outer buildings? We're just wondering which rooms are TPV vs LV so we can make a knowledgeable room request.

Super excited to be heading back to the GF in just a few months!

maia Hope that you are feeling better....

I know that you have been a dedicated Poly fan..so I was very curious as to what you would think after your first GF stay....Happy to hear that it was so Grand!!!!

Even though I have many many Disney trips under my belt....this upcoming stay at the Poly will be first for me...at my DD's request...lol..the things that we do for our kids......lol.. No sacrifice really..it is a trip to WDW after all....but I am so curious as to how the two resorts will compare for this tried and true GF gal....

~ Heads up on the new MDE app update.... Just did the most recent update on my phone....and ever since..I cannot view my dining or any of our FPPs.... I have uninstalled...reinstalled...and..nothing.... so a word of caution to anyone thinking about updating...you might want to wait until they fix this glitch.....Our trip is less that 2 weeks away...and I use the app often to update FPPs...and just to view our itinerary in general....so I am hoping that this will be ironed out before then ...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday ... preppy GF Gal...who is having pre trip MDE stress...

 

[maiapapaya]

maia Hope that you are feeling better....

I know that you have been a dedicated Poly fan..so I was very curious as to what you would think after your first GF stay....Happy to hear that it was so Grand!!!!

Even though I have many many Disney trips under my belt....this upcoming stay at the Poly will be first for me...at my DD's request...lol..the things that we do for our kids......lol.. No sacrifice really..it is a trip to WDW after all....but I am so curious as to how the two resorts will compare for this tried and true GF gal....

Thanks BlueSkies, I'm improving, still not 100% though. At least it waited until we were leaving to hit me!

It was strange staying at the GF at first, it felt a bit like we didn't belong, or we were at the wrong resort since we've stayed 5 times previously at the Poly. By the third day we were completely settled in and loving it (felt a bit guilty for cheating on our beloved Poly!) Mid-week we did head over to the Poly to check on the construction and have dinner at CC's. It actually made us really sad, DD9 even cried The resort felt somewhat deserted and with all of the construction walls up everywhere it just seemed to have no life or spirit. After we ate we did go down and hang out on the beach for a while and some of our old Poly feelings came back ... until we returned to the GF (apparently we are very fickle!)

Fortunately by the time you have your trip the majority of the current work should be done, the walls in the GCH should be down and the main pool will be reopened. I'm sure it will be lovely.

I would say the big differences we felt were that the Grand is much brighter, bigger and luxurious, while the Poly is very laid back and comfortable. I think after the work is all done we will have to stay away from the Poly to avoid feeling conflicted. Or else we could come twice as often and alternate between resorts!

 

[ah edwards]

Hi!
My hubby, 18 month old and I are headed to the GF for a conference / vacation next week. We have never stayed at the GF and are looking forward to it!
Does anyone know which building conference rate rooms are usually in? Would it be worth requesting a view, or we pretty limited with the conference rate?
Thanks!

 

[amybethchristiansen]

Hi all--

I'm new to the GF! Family will be staying at the new Villas in June. I am on peritoneal dialysis, and will be having a load of boxes delivered. I know some Disney resorts charge a fee for boxes delivered. It is my understanding that it is a $10 per box fee. And only at the conference centers. Is this true for GF too? I'm sort of scared how much that will run me!

Thanks, Amy

 

[jerseygal]

Interesting...I called both Summer Lace and Sandy Cove. Summer Lace told me that they had a black womans sweatshirt with a pink GF logo so I called the Phone Number where I could place an order. Summer Lace was kind enough to give me the SKU number to give. The phone number for placing orders shipped home said that when they checked the SKU the black sweatshirt was being discontinued. I asked if perhaps a newer GF logo type of zip up will be replacing it and he didn't know.

I will check back maybe in a week or so....

If not, when we are there in December, maybe there will be something NICE in stock at Summer Lace or Sandy Cove! Would imagine with the "colder" months of Jan and Feb coming up, maybe they are RESTOCKING!

THANKS ALL for your help!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hi!
My hubby, 18 month old and I are headed to the GF for a conference / vacation next week. We have never stayed at the GF and are looking forward to it!
Does anyone know which building conference rate rooms are usually in? Would it be worth requesting a view, or we pretty limited with the conference rate?
Thanks!

I've been at the GF for several conferences -- I've been in Sago, Conch and Big Pine Key -- two rooms were garden view (one of which was the back of the poolhouse bar, the other a beautiful view of the marina), the other room was a lagoon view -- all for the same price.

You could be anywhere they deem to put you.

Tom

 

[smellyia]

I've been looking and could be missing this post somewhere but does anyone know what the current GF SL club appetizer menu is? Or if it's a revolving menu like at YC? I'm trying to decide when and which ADRs to make depending on if we like what's on the menu for our Jan trip. TIA!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I'm interested in the GF apparel as well. I'm glad there is resort specific stuff rather than the generic DVC wear. Does the gift shop have a web address/ online store?

 

[mickeynut1]

this is a warm and welcoming site to visit and share our excitement and joy when we plan our trips! And receive a warm welcome when we return home, too!

Hi Blue and all my Grand friends. I love this thread, I read it a few times a day on my iPhone. All of you made me feel welcomed even before I bought VGF. This thread helps to make the villas my home. Thank you all for your warm friendship.

The Grand really is Grand just like all of you!!!

We will be checking into GF for our very first time at WDW exactly two weeks from today!!!!

Of course, the washing machine decided to break this morning when I planned to max out laundry to start packing, but that's why all of us über planners start packing early, right? ... well played washing machine, well played! But we will prevail!

Sorry about the washing machine, but yay for your trip being here very soon .

I just have to stop here to in order to rave about the wonderful experience my friend and I had last week at the GF. We were given Cinderella Castle View and got bumped up to Club Level. Now even without this wonderful upgrade, the stay was one of my very favorites, and to be honest, a once in a lifetime experience. From the moment I went to the online checkin, I was treated with the best service imaginable. From Terry the Greeter, Jeff at Checkin, an Scott in Bell SErvices, (who not only gave us a ride to our room,gave us a tour of the resort, the first hour indicated how our entire stay would be.

I booked a bounce back but because i am not sure when school begins, this may nt happen. I must add that the bounce back is at POFQ, my DGD favorite resort, but if I am able to take my two Princesses who live down the street, I plan on changing our stay to the GF. I cannot imagine any resort more suited to petite royalty than this lovely home away from home Wish me luck on both counts!

Glad you had a great trip and congrats on the awesome upgrade . I hope it works out that you are able to take the BB trip. Keep in mind that if your original dates don't work, you can change dates as long as the dates you want to change to are offered in the original BB offer and there is availability during those dates.

Just got back... Had a lovely stay at GF sugarloaf. Will have to put together a detailed post for you all soon! I know I loved hearing about everyone's experiences while I was planning.

Glad you had a nice trip .

MickeyNutthanks for your well wishes. Recovery is slow! Going to Physio 2x a week. I just hope I didn't bite off more then I can chew booking a January trip (POR).

Sorry recovering is slow, but I hope it's coming along ok. Good luck with your physio, I hope you are back to feeling yourself for your January trip .

Out trip is almost here......suitcases are out..and packing and repacking is in progress.....lol...as usual....

It's almost time for you to go back again ......hope the packing is going well.

I will eventually catch up with the thread. That's my goal for these next couple of days. I can't believe how busy we've been since we got back home. Looking for some quiet time to post some thoughts soon.

Hope you had a great trip .

With my new job as a middle school language arts teacher, I've been trying to keep up with the boards! I am going to need some advice from you lovely ladies and gentlemen- what is it like there near the end of August? DBF said once my student loans are paid off we can go back to WDW. I'm debt free come Dec 31st so I want to start planning! With my teacher schedule however, I'm limited to the summer. I've only ever been during Jan and Nov. so what should I expect in August?

Thanks for giving me something to enjoy after a long day of 8th graders

Congrats on having your student loans paid off, I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to plan a Disney trip . Like others have said, August is very hot, but if you take it easy, you should be fine.

I'm still miffed that a CM told me there were no more bouncebacks when I couldn't find the brochure in the room! I knew to call that extension but just forgot it!

On a much happier note, I'm headed to California in 10 days and will get to visit DL! Might even spend a little time in CA (DH does not share my love of Disney so I have to spend SOME time doing what he wants to do!).

I'm sorry you didn't remember to call the extension for a BB, but like BlueSkies posted, I'm sure there will be more GP discounts to come.

Have a great time in California and I hope you are able to pop into DL .

Hello everyone,
After a two year wait our trip is almost here,needless to say we are all so excited !!!!! Our first stay in the villas.

Have a great trip .

we are staying at the Villas at Grand Floridian this weekend.

Hope you have a great stay .

Just wanted to pop in and say hi to my GF friends and share some exciting news. We were at the GF in late September and 2 weeks after we returned we discovered that Mouseketeer #4 is on its way! June 2015. Our stay at the GF and WDW truly was magical.

We got to see the little heartbeat today and boy was that such a beautiful sight.

This will definitely limit our resort options in the future as we will be a family of 6. Hoping to try a stay in the newly refurbished Wilderness Lodge studio villas while baby #4 is still in crib...and quite possibly before baby #3 turns 3 and is free. We shall see! I will have to start visiting the Disney for Large Families thread!

We are blessed.

Glad you had a great time at the Grand. Congrats on baby #4 .

Hi all! Just checked in for our second half of our stay here at the gf! We are in Conch Key and were booked garden view - but we have a view of the lagoon!!! That's an upgrade, right?? Love it here!!!

Have a great time at the Grand .

We just returned on Sunday from our first GF visit and I'm just feeling better now and thought I would post (I woke up on our departure day with the beginnings of a nasty head cold)

We actually booked the GF as Poly refugees escaping the construction, but we are now converts! The resort is so pretty and open and we loved the ease of travel to & from the MK. We loved it so much we booked the RO BB and will be returning in March for our girls' spring break!

For this trip we had booked TPV and were given a huge corner room in Big Pine Key. While we could only see the castle from one end of the balcony (because of a big ole pine tree) the big room and second balcony made up for it! Unfortunately we could only get lagoon view for our BB, so aren't sure what our chances will be of getting a corner room again - we are now spoiled! Is there somewhere that shows the distribution of room categories in the outer buildings? We're just wondering which rooms are TPV vs LV so we can make a knowledgeable room request.

Super excited to be heading back to the GF in just a few months!

Glad you enjoyed your first GF stay and congrats on another trip in just a few months . We, too, are Poly lovers and while I do love the GF, the Poly will always be my favorite. With that said, the GF does run a very close second.

Even though I have many many Disney trips under my belt....this upcoming stay at the Poly will be first for me...at my DD's request...lol..the things that we do for our kids......lol.. No sacrifice really..it is a trip to WDW after all....but I am so curious as to how the two resorts will compare for this tried and true GF gal....

I think you are going to love the Poly. I'm not saying you will like it more than the GF as the Grand would be tough to beat for you....LOL.....but the Poly really is a great resort . One good thing is you are aware of the construction and have visited recently, so that won't be a surprise. Can't wait to hear what you think when you return.

I would say the big differences we felt were that the Grand is much brighter, bigger and luxurious, while the Poly is very laid back and comfortable. I think after the work is all done we will have to stay away from the Poly to avoid feeling conflicted. Or else we could come twice as often and alternate between resorts!

I agree, both are beautiful resorts, with the Grand being a little more on the luxurious side and the Poly having a more laid back feel. I think going twice as often and alternating resorts is a great way to not feel conflicted .

Hi!
My hubby, 18 month old and I are headed to the GF for a conference / vacation next week. We have never stayed at the GF and are looking forward to it!
Does anyone know which building conference rate rooms are usually in? Would it be worth requesting a view, or we pretty limited with the conference rate?
Thanks!

You are in for a treat as the GF is amazing. Sago Cay is the closest to the convention center, but like KonaKaiTom posted, you could probably be put anywhere. With that said, I don't think there are any bad rooms/views as there are no parking lot/maintenance views from any of the buildings .

Hi all--

I'm new to the GF! Family will be staying at the new Villas in June. I am on peritoneal dialysis, and will be having a load of boxes delivered. I know some Disney resorts charge a fee for boxes delivered. It is my understanding that it is a $10 per box fee. And only at the conference centers. Is this true for GF too? I'm sort of scared how much that will run me!

Thanks, Amy

Have a great trip and enjoy the villas. We've never stayed in them, but the pics are just gorgeous. I can't answer about the cost of having boxes delivered, but hopefully others will be able to help .

Interesting...I called both Summer Lace and Sandy Cove. Summer Lace told me that they had a black womans sweatshirt with a pink GF logo so I called the Phone Number where I could place an order. Summer Lace was kind enough to give me the SKU number to give. The phone number for placing orders shipped home said that when they checked the SKU the black sweatshirt was being discontinued. I asked if perhaps a newer GF logo type of zip up will be replacing it and he didn't know.

I will check back maybe in a week or so....

If not, when we are there in December, maybe there will be something NICE in stock at Summer Lace or Sandy Cove! Would imagine with the "colder" months of Jan and Feb coming up, maybe they are RESTOCKING!

THANKS ALL for your help!

Sorry the sweatshirt is discontinued, but I hope you are able to find something in place of it when you are there in December .

I've been looking and could be missing this post somewhere but does anyone know what the current GF SL club appetizer menu is? Or if it's a revolving menu like at YC? I'm trying to decide when and which ADRs to make depending on if we like what's on the menu for our Jan trip. TIA!

I can't help as I haven't been recently, but hopefully some of the others who have just returned or who are going soon will be able to help .

I'm interested in the GF apparel as well. I'm glad there is resort specific stuff rather than the generic DVC wear. Does the gift shop have a web address/ online store?

Unfortunately there isn't an online store for the resort shops .

 

[marlaine8]

Thanks BlueSkies, I'm improving, still not 100% though. At least it waited until we were leaving to hit me!

It was strange staying at the GF at first, it felt a bit like we didn't belong, or we were at the wrong resort since we've stayed 5 times previously at the Poly. By the third day we were completely settled in and loving it (felt a bit guilty for cheating on our beloved Poly!) Mid-week we did head over to the Poly to check on the construction and have dinner at CC's. It actually made us really sad, DD9 even cried The resort felt somewhat deserted and with all of the construction walls up everywhere it just seemed to have no life or spirit. After we ate we did go down and hang out on the beach for a while and some of our old Poly feelings came back ... until we returned to the GF (apparently we are very fickle!)

Fortunately by the time you have your trip the majority of the current work should be done, the walls in the GCH should be down and the main pool will be reopened. I'm sure it will be lovely.

I would say the big differences we felt were that the Grand is much brighter, bigger and luxurious, while the Poly is very laid back and comfortable. I think after the work is all done we will have to stay away from the Poly to avoid feeling conflicted. Or else we could come twice as often and alternate between resorts!

We kind of felt the same way about The Poly. We've stayed there for 8 trips and I was very nervous about switching over to the GF due to construction at The Poly. I have my backyard decorated with Tiki's and even one bathroom done like The Enchanted Tiki Room because we've loved the Poly so much! But after staying at the GF this past Sept, we were so in love with it, we've booked at the GF for our next trip! I was surprised that my 11 year old son loved it so much, and my husband too. I was in love from the very moment we were met at ME! There's something really special about the Grand Floridian!

 

[cattywampus]

We are in SINGLE DIGITS..... 9 Days til check-in for our very first stay!

 

[ppiew]

Well I know I am in the minority but here goes anyway. We have stayed at the GF at least 8+ times. We have stayed in the main building (concierge) and stayed in suites. Yes all were pricey but we LOVED the place. Now my current beefs----. The last time we were there (about a year or so ago) i disliked the redo of the furnishings etc. The lobby used to be so soft and relaxing and now is very harsh and 'dark'. Reminds me of a 1930 funeral parlor! I especially disliked the carpet and the marble tiles. I missed the large floral arrangement on the table when entering. It seemed to set the tone of elegance for the resort and now it is gone. All the rooms have very substandard linens in both the bathroom and bedroom. The sheets are 'sheeting' (think Motel 6) a polyester/cotton blend with brown thread on the hems. The GS people and V&A wait staff ALL need new uniforms!!! The present ones are ill fitting and 'old' on every person. A hotel of the level of GF should be spiffy and up to date!! The Disney cruise ships (at least the 2 new ones) have Frette linens, large size bath amenities, etc. I expected the deluxe hotels at WDW to have the same. At the prices ($600 to $900 per room) it should be mandatory!!! Sorry my view. I feel the cost warrants high end furnishings and amenities. I was just at the Four Seasons and it was VERY up to date and I expected the same from the GF.

 

[grannyminnie]

ppiew, I agree with you that for the insane prices faint Disney charges at their deluxes, we should be seeing both high end decor and furnishings as well as service!!

Blue, I don't think there was anything regarding free dining (or any other discount) in our room packet. I guess perhaps the last "tenant" in the room had taken it home. My concern is that even tho discounts will come, they are never as good as the BB (unless we book the exclusive TA deals offered). I am strongly considering one of those deals for our next trip but am undecided as to which one.

 

[mickeynut1]

We kind of felt the same way about The Poly. We've stayed there for 8 trips and I was very nervous about switching over to the GF due to construction at The Poly. I have my backyard decorated with Tiki's and even one bathroom done like The Enchanted Tiki Room because we've loved the Poly so much! But after staying at the GF this past Sept, we were so in love with it, we've booked at the GF for our next trip! I was surprised that my 11 year old son loved it so much, and my husband too. I was in love from the very moment we were met at ME! There's something really special about the Grand Floridian!

The GF is amazing and does have a way of converting people .

We are in SINGLE DIGITS..... 9 Days til check-in for our very first stay!

Well I know I am in the minority but here goes anyway. We have stayed at the GF at least 8+ times. We have stayed in the main building (concierge) and stayed in suites. Yes all were pricey but we LOVED the place. Now my current beefs----. The last time we were there (about a year or so ago) i disliked the redo of the furnishings etc. The lobby used to be so soft and relaxing and now is very harsh and 'dark'. Reminds me of a 1930 funeral parlor! I especially disliked the carpet and the marble tiles. I missed the large floral arrangement on the table when entering. It seemed to set the tone of elegance for the resort and now it is gone. All the rooms have very substandard linens in both the bathroom and bedroom. The sheets are 'sheeting' (think Motel 6) a polyester/cotton blend with brown thread on the hems. The GS people and V&A wait staff ALL need new uniforms!!! The present ones are ill fitting and 'old' on every person. A hotel of the level of GF should be spiffy and up to date!! The Disney cruise ships (at least the 2 new ones) have Frette linens, large size bath amenities, etc. I expected the deluxe hotels at WDW to have the same. At the prices ($600 to $900 per room) it should be mandatory!!! Sorry my view. I feel the cost warrants high end furnishings and amenities. I was just at the Four Seasons and it was VERY up to date and I expected the same from the GF.

I agree about the rates, they are getting a little crazy . And the furnishings could use a redo, IMO.

My concern is that even tho discounts will come, they are never as good as the BB (unless we book the exclusive TA deals offered). I am strongly considering one of those deals for our next trip but am undecided as to which one.

The Labor Day deal is very enticing . Rumor has it that some of your GF pals booked it and will be at the Poly during that time .

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Well I know I am in the minority but here goes anyway. We have stayed at the GF at least 8+ times. We have stayed in the main building (concierge) and stayed in suites. Yes all were pricey but we LOVED the place. Now my current beefs----. The last time we were there (about a year or so ago) i disliked the redo of the furnishings etc. The lobby used to be so soft and relaxing and now is very harsh and 'dark'. Reminds me of a 1930 funeral parlor! I especially disliked the carpet and the marble tiles. I missed the large floral arrangement on the table when entering. It seemed to set the tone of elegance for the resort and now it is gone. All the rooms have very substandard linens in both the bathroom and bedroom. The sheets are 'sheeting' (think Motel 6) a polyester/cotton blend with brown thread on the hems. The GS people and V&A wait staff ALL need new uniforms!!! The present ones are ill fitting and 'old' on every person. A hotel of the level of GF should be spiffy and up to date!! The Disney cruise ships (at least the 2 new ones) have Frette linens, large size bath amenities, etc. I expected the deluxe hotels at WDW to have the same. At the prices ($600 to $900 per room) it should be mandatory!!! Sorry my view. I feel the cost warrants high end furnishings and amenities. I was just at the Four Seasons and it was VERY up to date and I expected the same from the GF.

During our stay last month, every common area table did have fresh flowers in the main building, at least upstairs. However, substandard is exactly how I would describe our room. I totally agree for price it should be better maintained.

The only saving grace, in my opinion, is the staff. The service they provide is top notch!

I came back to have my dad's kitchen remodel dumped on me I have notes about dining, villains soiree etc I want to post after this is done!

Hope everyone has a Grand Weekend with

Liz

 

[grannyminnie]

Happy weekend, GF pals..!

Mickeynut, I am looking closely at that Labor Day deal! On the edge of booking....

Re: my Cali visit next week, I bought a 3 day pass so hope to pop in more than once!! We'll be close enough to justify it...