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

[Maddie's Nana]

Question for the Grand Floridian lovers -

We currently have two rooms reserved. When we made the reservations, one room was for my parents. The second was for me, DH and our two children who will be 5 and 20 months at the time of the trip.

My father is now no longer able to join us - so the second room will be housing my mom. Does it make sense to keep this second room to house 1 person? Am I crazy to be considering have three adults and two small children in one room?

Not having been at the Grand before, I am struggling to decide what's the best thing to do.

We had two connecting rooms - 1 for DH and me, 2nd for DD, DSIL, DGD and her friend. I think the couch converts to a single bed. For us it was nice to have 2 bathrooms. If cost isn't an issue I would stick with two rooms.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I have lots of exciting news to report and photos, too

We were booked 10 nights at Poly. I let DD16 pick any resort since it's her last summer vacation before she graduates. We arrived Friday and received the room location we requested, so no complaints there. On Sunday, DD and I walked over and had dinner at the GFC. We had a great server, Amanda. The band was playing and the atmosphere and the very cordial CMs were really making us wish we were staying instead at GF. You might know where this is heading...

I walked up to the front desk and told them how much we loved it here and how DD and I wished we were staying here instead and asked if it would be possible to stay here at some point during our remaining 8 nights. Within minutes, the most wonderful GSM, Jesse, had transferred our reservation! Not only that, this wonderful man had upgraded us from our Poly SV to a TPV Dormer and the room was available immediately! I was speechless, (that doesn't happen often). We walked back to Poly. DD has never packed so fast in her life. We walked back to GF with our luggage and straight to our Big Pine Key room where we found this amazing welcome:

View attachment 119417

Within minutes after we got in the room, another amazing CM, Sara, phoned to check on us and tell us she had another surprise. She had added 3 additional FPs to our MDX valid anywhere at anytime for the duration of our stay. This was something I had never even known was possible and I was again in disbelief at all the incredible magical moments we had experienced.

Everyone who assisted us was amazing and they truly went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel so welcome and appreciated as guests. There is a level of decorum and guest service here that truly does set GF apart from the other Deluxes. We are thrilled to be staying here and we will definitely return!

Absolutely amazing!!! Congrats and I can completely relate about the way they make you feel so welcome and appreciated!

As you may know, we too let our youngest DD choose the resort on this past trip as she will also be off to college next year and given all that happened, she has been begging for a "do-over" and has already requested we stay at the Grand next August before she leaves!!

Enjoy every moment Kook!!!

 

[pas130]

I'll post more photos later. I have to head to Epcot soon

View attachment 119433 View attachment 119434 View attachment 119432

Big Pine Key TPV:View attachment 119431

Holy cannoli!! I'm so happy for you and your DD! How fabulous! Have a Grand stay my friend I am passing NoVa as I type

 

[pas130]

Loving all this Grand pics, and a huge hello to everyone! Trish I'm sorry we missed meeting up! We had a glorious Beach Club CL stay, but feeling just GRAND right now

 

[pas130]

Absolutely amazing!!! Congrats and I can completely relate about the way they make you feel so welcome and appreciated!

As you may know, we too let our youngest DD choose the resort on this past trip as she will also be off to college next year and given all that happened, she has been begging for a "do-over" and has already requested we stay at the Grand next August before she leaves!!

Enjoy every moment Kook!!!

I'm so happy they were able to accommodate you at SL! We have had less then magical experiences at Poly as well but Sugarloaf was amazing!

 

[dansdad]

I have lots of exciting news to report and photos, too

We were booked 10 nights at Poly. I let DD16 pick any resort since it's her last summer vacation before she graduates. We arrived Friday and received the room location we requested, so no complaints there. On Sunday, DD and I walked over and had dinner at the GFC. We had a great server, Amanda. The band was playing and the atmosphere and the very cordial CMs were really making us wish we were staying instead at GF. You might know where this is heading...

I walked up to the front desk and told them how much we loved it here and how DD and I wished we were staying here instead and asked if it would be possible to stay here at some point during our remaining 8 nights. Within minutes, the most wonderful GSM, Jesse, had transferred our reservation! Not only that, this wonderful man had upgraded us from our Poly SV to a TPV Dormer and the room was available immediately! I was speechless, (that doesn't happen often). We walked back to Poly. DD has never packed so fast in her life. We walked back to GF with our luggage and straight to our Big Pine Key room where we found this amazing welcome:

View attachment 119417

Within minutes after we got in the room, another amazing CM, Sara, phoned to check on us and tell us she had another surprise. She had added 3 additional FPs to our MDX valid anywhere at anytime for the duration of our stay. This was something I had never even known was possible and I was again in disbelief at all the incredible magical moments we had experienced.

Everyone who assisted us was amazing and they truly went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel so welcome and appreciated as guests. There is a level of decorum and guest service here that truly does set GF apart from the other Deluxes. We are thrilled to be staying here and we will definitely return!

I love stories like this! That's awesome Kook!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I love Big Pine Key - congratulations on everything that's wonderful!

Tom

Thank you. I'm so pleased we were welcomed from Poly. It was our last Deluxe to try and I'm so happy to be experiencing it.

Absolutely amazing!!! Congrats and I can completely relate about the way they make you feel so welcome and appreciated!

As you may know, we too let our youngest DD choose the resort on this past trip as she will also be off to college next year and given all that happened, she has been begging for a "do-over" and has already requested we stay at the Grand next August before she leaves!!

Enjoy every moment Kook!!!

No, I didn't know that! DD has already declared that RPC would make a perfect graduation celebration location so maybe our paths will cross

Holy cannoli!! I'm so happy for you and your DD! How fabulous! Have a Grand stay my friend I am passing NoVa as I type

Aww, thank you. Safe and easy travels - you're almost home. After you were bumped from GF, I think you still need a do-over

 

[WDWKOOK]

I love stories like this! That's awesome Kook!

Thank you and I didn't expect to be telling this story at all, but Disney Magic came through again

 

[WDWKOOK]

There is only one Rapid Refill location now, at the Beach pool. However, if there's a storm and they close the pool, which can be for hours, they also close the refill station, leaving no refills on-property. Mizner's will allow coffee and tea refills and Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, but nothing else and the soda isn't self-service.

 

[WDWKOOK]

GFC breakfast:




Asparagus and Mushroom Frittata:





Citricos Charcuterie App:


The filet was not good, I'm sorry to report - both of them. I can't recommend it nor the broccoli rabe. However, they did comp one of them.

 

[rachdd]

I have lots of exciting news to report and photos, too

We were booked 10 nights at Poly. I let DD16 pick any resort since it's her last summer vacation before she graduates. We arrived Friday and received the room location we requested, so no complaints there. On Sunday, DD and I walked over and had dinner at the GFC. We had a great server, Amanda. The band was playing and the atmosphere and the very cordial CMs were really making us wish we were staying instead at GF. You might know where this is heading...

I walked up to the front desk and told them how much we loved it here and how DD and I wished we were staying here instead and asked if it would be possible to stay here at some point during our remaining 8 nights. Within minutes, the most wonderful GSM, Jesse, had transferred our reservation! Not only that, this wonderful man had upgraded us from our Poly SV to a TPV Dormer and the room was available immediately! I was speechless, (that doesn't happen often). We walked back to Poly. DD has never packed so fast in her life. We walked back to GF with our luggage and straight to our Big Pine Key room where we found this amazing welcome:

View attachment 119417

Within minutes after we got in the room, another amazing CM, Sara, phoned to check on us and tell us she had another surprise. She had added 3 additional FPs to our MDX valid anywhere at anytime for the duration of our stay. This was something I had never even known was possible and I was again in disbelief at all the incredible magical moments we had experienced.

Everyone who assisted us was amazing and they truly went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel so welcome and appreciated as guests. There is a level of decorum and guest service here that truly does set GF apart from the other Deluxes. We are thrilled to be staying here and we will definitely return!

Good things happen to good people!! I hope the rest of your trip is just as amazing as the start!

 

[trishadono]

I'll post more photos later. I have to head to Epcot soon

View attachment 119433 View attachment 119434 View attachment 119432

Big Pine Key TPV:View attachment 119431

Love your pix! I just missed you! We were in sl dormer 8/12-16. We loved it too! Funny, my pic from the boat with cr in the background made me think of you and johnsonet

But, are you wearing our "special polish" lol??

I had my first gel polish for the trip and they are still perfect

Dd is good at spending my money!!

Loving the pix! Waiting for more! Mom /daughter time is amazing, enjoy!

 

[Aurora0427]

Hi Guys! 60 days until we arrive at the GF for our 7 night stay! Just made our FP reservations and I was able to get 7DMT for each day we are at MK and Anna & Elsa for one of our days. Cannot wait to be at the beautiful Grand. Loving all the pictures being posted!

 

[trishadono]

A few notes from our recent stay:

We loved SL!!! The lounge only got full around 5:30 but we still always found a spot! The food was the same as we remembered, yum!!! Such a treat to ask for champagne upon request

The pools: finally got to enjoy them after many trips!!!! Dd liked the beach pool because we sat on the beach.(facing Poly) There are lots of chairs and ottomans over near kid splash area if needed. I just carried one over if we couldn't find a lounger. But most times we could find one. Courtyard pool is apparently the party pool So, why not? I got wine from the lounge and joined in. Many adults plop themselves in shallow water with an adult beverage and relax in the nice water. Have to say I really, really loved that hour each day

Check-in: we were escorted in and up to our room directly at 11am. When she hit the '4' button on the elevator I knew we didn't get my non dormer request but I decided to wait to see room first. 6411 was the first room left off the elevator, next to the 2br suite. The dormer was lovely for 2people. The view was amazing(more shortly). Unfortunately our mbs didn't work for our door. They fixed mine but after 30 mins I lost patience and said we leaving for park and will be back. Then tried another 30 mins later and still no! Finally dd band was fixed by a 5th person trying. This is a continual problem for us.

The room: the dormer was close to the size of a regular room. The only problem was finding a spot for the luggage rack so we left in closet. What was nice was that there wasn't a connecting door/ no neighbor noise. The balcony is smaller and enclosed. For sitting I didn't care for it. However the rail is wide and perfect for a cup of coffee or adult beverage. (My wine/firework picture). It felt like I had my own personal bar to hang out at. The view was awesome! I could see the main building, sago, marina and monorail very easily! The last night I discovered the fireworks view and could here the music that was piped in at gaspies.

Overall it was such a great trip! Dd loved it and we really enjoyed the resort.

 

[mickeynut1]

After a cold and windy Winter, the first signs of Spring are upon us - daffodils in gardens, blossom on trees in the 'burbs and the breezes (not yet warm) carry the glorious perfume of those blossoms. On this rare day off, I am pondering these lovely Spring things and my mind naturally goes straight to the GF and our trip next May (your spring!). The thought of wandering the gardens, splashing away on a pool day and getting gussied up for dinner at V & A makes me all giggly inside.

So, in honor of this giggly mood, I give you...
View attachment 119253

... and
View attachment 119254

... and
View attachment 119255

Love the pics, thanks for sharing . May seems like a long way off, but it will be here before you know it .

I have lots of exciting news to report and photos, too

We were booked 10 nights at Poly. I let DD16 pick any resort since it's her last summer vacation before she graduates. We arrived Friday and received the room location we requested, so no complaints there. On Sunday, DD and I walked over and had dinner at the GFC. We had a great server, Amanda. The band was playing and the atmosphere and the very cordial CMs were really making us wish we were staying instead at GF. You might know where this is heading...

I walked up to the front desk and told them how much we loved it here and how DD and I wished we were staying here instead and asked if it would be possible to stay here at some point during our remaining 8 nights. Within minutes, the most wonderful GSM, Jesse, had transferred our reservation! Not only that, this wonderful man had upgraded us from our Poly SV to a TPV Dormer and the room was available immediately! I was speechless, (that doesn't happen often). We walked back to Poly. DD has never packed so fast in her life. We walked back to GF with our luggage and straight to our Big Pine Key room where we found this amazing welcome:

View attachment 119417

Within minutes after we got in the room, another amazing CM, Sara, phoned to check on us and tell us she had another surprise. She had added 3 additional FPs to our MDX valid anywhere at anytime for the duration of our stay. This was something I had never even known was possible and I was again in disbelief at all the incredible magical moments we had experienced.

Everyone who assisted us was amazing and they truly went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel so welcome and appreciated as guests. There is a level of decorum and guest service here that truly does set GF apart from the other Deluxes. We are thrilled to be staying here and we will definitely return!

Hi KOOK .....good to "see" you here! How exciting about your resort change .....Big Pine Key is one of my favorite outer buildings! The GF is amazing, I'm glad you and DD are having a great time and enjoying all the pixie dust........the CMs at the GF are some of the best! Enjoy the rest of your trip.

I'll post more photos later. I have to head to Epcot soon

View attachment 119433 View attachment 119434 View attachment 119432

Big Pine Key TPV:View attachment 119431

Hope you had a great time at Epcot yesterday. Love all of the pics, thanks for sharing .

Question for the Grand Floridian lovers -

We currently have two rooms reserved. When we made the reservations, one room was for my parents. The second was for me, DH and our two children who will be 5 and 20 months at the time of the trip.

My father is now no longer able to join us - so the second room will be housing my mom. Does it make sense to keep this second room to house 1 person? Am I crazy to be considering have three adults and two small children in one room?

Not having been at the Grand before, I am struggling to decide what's the best thing to do.

The rooms at the GF are large and spacious with all rooms having a daybed, so I don't think it would be a problem to have 3 adults and 2 kids. With that said, if the extra cost is doable and you'd like a little extra space, I agree with Maddie's Nana to keep the 2nd room as it would give everyone a little more room to spread out, along with 2 bathrooms .

We just left Big Pine Key last week ! I have some photos but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to post with flickr.

Hope you had a great trip .

Loving all this Grand pics, and a huge hello to everyone! We had a glorious Beach Club CL stay, but feeling just GRAND right now

Hi pas ....hope you had a great trip!

DD has already declared that RPC would make a perfect graduation celebration

I think your DD has the right idea . The GF is great no matter what room/building you're in, but RPC is amazing! I think it would make a great graduation celebration!

Good things happen to good people!! I hope the rest of your trip is just as amazing as the start!

Hi Guys! 60 days until we arrive at the GF for our 7 night stay! Just made our FP reservations and I was able to get 7DMT for each day we are at MK and Anna & Elsa for one of our days. Cannot wait to be at the beautiful Grand. Loving all the pictures being posted!

Congrats on getting your FP ressies .

 

[Aurora0427]

A few notes from our recent stay:

We loved SL!!! The lounge only got full around 5:30 but we still always found a spot! The food was the same as we remembered, yum!!! Such a treat to ask for champagne upon request

The pools: finally got to enjoy them after many trips!!!! Dd liked the beach pool because we sat on the beach.(facing Poly) There are lots of chairs and ottomans over near kid splash area if needed. I just carried one over if we couldn't find a lounger. But most times we could find one. Courtyard pool is apparently the party pool So, why not? I got wine from the lounge and joined in. Many adults plop themselves in shallow water with an adult beverage and relax in the nice water. Have to say I really, really loved that hour each day

Check-in: we were escorted in and up to our room directly at 11am. When she hit the '4' button on the elevator I knew we didn't get my non dormer request but I decided to wait to see room first. 6411 was the first room left off the elevator, next to the 2br suite. The dormer was lovely for 2people. The view was amazing(more shortly). Unfortunately our mbs didn't work for our door. They fixed mine but after 30 mins I lost patience and said we leaving for park and will be back. Then tried another 30 mins later and still no! Finally dd band was fixed by a 5th person trying. This is a continual problem for us.

The room: the dormer was close to the size of a regular room. The only problem was finding a spot for the luggage rack so we left in closet. What was nice was that there wasn't a connecting door/ no neighbor noise. The balcony is smaller and enclosed. For sitting I didn't care for it. However the rail is wide and perfect for a cup of coffee or adult beverage. (My wine/firework picture). It felt like I had my own personal bar to hang out at. The view was awesome! I could see the main building, sago, marina and monorail very easily! The last night I discovered the fireworks view and could here the music that was piped in at gaspies.

Overall it was such a great trip! Dd loved it and we really enjoyed the resort.

Sounds like a great trip! I'm not a fan of the dormer rooms either. I really enjoy the full balcony, especially for our daughter so she can see out!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

There is only one Rapid Refill location now, at the Beach pool. However, if there's a storm and they close the pool, which can be for hours, they also close the refill station, leaving no refills on-property. Mizner's will allow coffee and tea refills and Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, but nothing else and the soda isn't self-service.

Isn't Gaspy's still a rapid refill location or did that change? They change so often!

Tom

 

[trishadono]

Under refurbishment, much to many dismay. It just started but i don't know when over. I think just a few weeks.

 

[trishadono]

Just wanted to add this is a nice secondary get ready area.

Sometimes the other spot gets hot with showering!

 

[trishadono]

Welcome CL gift