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

[trishadono]

I don't know how I know this, bahahahahahaa, but apparently the bartenders (especially if you are a regular customer) have been known to put cocktails into to go cups. I have no personal knowledge of course, but I heard that from a reliable source!

Tom

 

[loveshak22]

That's probably it. Thanks for checking! mesaboy will have to continue his search for this last puzzle piece. I'm off to Florida on Saturday - I need to focus on packing! I appreciate you taking the time to research!!

No you don't need to pay in full. Check again today. It might not have been available until after 6am. Or try again tomorrow. Hope you got everything you wanted.

You are right once again Trish! I just logged in and was able to check in online. Although I'm disappointed the room request option was so limited and wouldn't let me choose options like "king bed."

@hiroMYhero - after I checked in I logged out and went back to my FP selections. It still only allowed me to choose FPs for my travel dates, same as last night. Have fun packing...Saturday will be here soon!

 

[galaxygirl76]

We just got back from our first trip as DVC members. We loved our stay at VGF so much that it's going to be tough to pick a different resort for our next trip. We were in room 1308, a one bedroom with lake view, and this was our view:

 

[Maxie86]

I don't know how I know this, bahahahahahaa, but apparently the bartenders (especially if you are a regular customer) have been known to put cocktails into to go cups. I have no personal knowledge of course, but I heard that from a reliable source!

Tom

I wouldn't know anything about that.

 

[hiroMYhero]

You are right once again Trish! I just logged in and was able to check in online. Although I'm disappointed the room request option was so limited and wouldn't let me choose options like "king bed."

@hiroMYhero - after I checked in I logged out and went back to my FP selections. It still only allowed me to choose FPs for my travel dates, same as last night. Have fun packing...Saturday will be here soon!

View attachment 124047

Thank you! I'll pass on the info to mesaboy - I know he also appreciates your assistance!

I'm excited for my trip - a small change in that CM friend is flying to NY on Friday for a Disney event and doesn't return until Sunday. So, I have a mini DISmeet set up for Sunday with the SWW thread guru!

Off to GF on Monday and it's our spa day. I'll report back with pics of the spa! Can't wait for our stay thanks to all the advice from everyone here!

 

[loveshak22]

Thank you! I'll pass on the info to mesaboy - I know he also appreciates your assistance!

I'm excited for my trip - a small change in that CM friend is flying to NY on Friday for a Disney event and doesn't return until Sunday. So, I have a mini DISmeet set up for Sunday with the SWW thread guru!

Off to GF on Monday and it's our spa day. I'll report back with pics of the spa! Can't wait for our stay thanks to all the advice from everyone here!

Glad to help! I'll check again in a few days and see if for some reason the calendar opens up for more days (just in case)!

A DISmeet sounds fun! Enjoy the GF and I for one would love pictures and a review of the spa and any services you receive! We have a day of pampering booked in November and I'd love to know what you think about the ambiance, quality of services, and amenities!

 

[FastPassPluto]

Hi there everyone! I just want to say thank you for the advice I was give a while back before our latest trip on room selections etc. We had a great time and got the building we wanted (Boca Chica) and our room was 8436. Here are some pictures for future reference...

Grand Floridian Resort by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Grand Floridian Resort by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Room View by Dan Smith, on Flickr

And here are some random ones I took..

Narcoosee's by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Grand Floridian Flowers by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Grand Floridian Pianist by Dan Smith, on Flickr

The Grand Floridian by Dan Smith, on Flickr

There are more on my Flickr page if anyone is interested at looking

Thanks again everyone!

 

[loveshak22]

Love the pictures @FastPassPluto!

 

[pas130]

I am going to the Grand!!!!!!!!!! I am I am I am!!!!!!!!! DH and I will be staying at SL 11/3 - 11/5! DMIL is babysitting!! DH actually booked the trip, he booked All Star Sports via Orbitz. He said I could change it as long as I keep it cheap. Then my TA called me back yesterday, and he rolled his eyes "keep it cheap, Jeanette". So when I got off the phone and did a "GF dance" (which somewhat resembles the cabbage patch and the Macarena together) he just smiled. Three trips this year!!! So now I can't comment on how much he spends on his car parts...DEAL! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[2golftoday]

Hi there everyone! I just want to say thank you for the advice I was give a while back before our latest trip on room selections etc. We had a great time and got the building we wanted (Boca Chica) and our room was 8436. Here are some pictures for future reference...

Grand Floridian Resort by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Grand Floridian Resort by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Room View by Dan Smith, on Flickr

And here are some random ones I took..

Narcoosee's by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Grand Floridian Flowers by Dan Smith, on Flickr

Grand Floridian Pianist by Dan Smith, on Flickr

The Grand Floridian by Dan Smith, on Flickr

There are more on my Flickr page if anyone is interested at looking

Thanks again everyone!

Wow! Gorgeous pics!

 

[Music City Mama]

That week is a very busy week. I would do a res. Lots of locals drive in with family. The mono will be very busy with extra traffic too.

Do you know how many people come to GF just to see the gingerbread house???? MANY! I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to eat there while they were there.

Thanks for the info, I went ahead and made an ADR. There was just so much availability (and it's only a little over 2 months away) that I was thinking it might not be necessary. But you're right -- a lot of people come to see the gingerbread house, so better safe than sorry.

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for the info, I went ahead and made an ADR. There was just so much availability (and it's only a little over 2 months away) that I was thinking it might not be necessary. But you're right -- a lot of people come to see the gingerbread house, so better safe than sorry.

You can always cancel the night before if you change your mind too

Sounds like a nice way to start your day!

 

[SAT887]

Hi!

Just booked a standard room with a passholder discount for club level in the outer buildings. We head out in 17 days and I am beyond excited. We've stayed club level at AKL and loved it.

This is our first stay at GF - (we have visited many times for dining and Christmas decor) I put requests in for a dormer room or upper floor. Is there any suggestions for staying at the resort? Any tips? Things I should check out? Thanks!

Also- I'm skimming through the thread and so many gorgeous pictures!

Sarah

 

[Sue M]

I am going to the Grand!!!!!!!!!! I am I am I am!!!!!!!!! DH and I will be staying at SL 11/3 - 11/5! DMIL is babysitting!! DH actually booked the trip, he booked All Star Sports via Orbitz. He said I could change it as long as I keep it cheap. Then my TA called me back yesterday, and he rolled his eyes "keep it cheap, Jeanette". So when I got off the phone and did a "GF dance" (which somewhat resembles the cabbage patch and the Macarena together) he just smiled. Three trips this year!!! So now I can't comment on how much he spends on his car parts...DEAL! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats! We love GF! Was it just 1.5 weeks ago I was at Poly?? Sheesh. And another loooong year till I can return, sob. Due to move to different department at work can't get January off anymore. So will be missing my 2 trips a year. What's a girl to do? Start planning for next August of course! Hard to decide, YC? Poly? gF? I think it's back to GF for us!! Lol. But love them all.

 

[bamberc]

Posted a few transportation questions a few pages back, but I don't see any replies. I have tried to keep up with all of the conversations, but maybe I missed some advice for me. If so, I apologize in advance for asking again.

Can anyone help me with the best way to get to Epcot for rope drop? What about Magic Kingdom? We like to be there by 8:30 or so.

Also, are there buses to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, or no? I keep reading conflicting things.

We arrive this Saturday for our first stay at GFR, and we are all very excited!

 

[sbeets]

Posted a few transportation questions a few pages back, but I don't see any replies. I have tried to keep up with all of the conversations, but maybe I missed some advice for me. If so, I apologize in advance for asking again.

Can anyone help me with the best way to get to Epcot for rope drop? What about Magic Kingdom? We like to be there by 8:30 or so.

Also, are there buses to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, or no? I keep reading conflicting things.

We arrive this Saturday for our first stay at GFR, and we are all very excited!

There's a transportation board with lots of great info on how to get where. That's all I know. Have a wonderful trip and please post a review with all your newly acquired tips and tricks when you get back.

 

[pas130]

Congrats! We love GF! Was it just 1.5 weeks ago I was at Poly?? Sheesh. And another loooong year till I can return, sob. Due to move to different department at work can't get January off anymore. So will be missing my 2 trips a year. What's a girl to do? Start planning for next August of course! Hard to decide, YC? Poly? gF? I think it's back to GF for us!! Lol. But love them all.

I have no idea where we will be next summer, but they are all contenders. Maybe DH will like GF more after our trip

 

[trishadono]

Posted a few transportation questions a few pages back, but I don't see any replies. I have tried to keep up with all of the conversations, but maybe I missed some advice for me. If so, I apologize in advance for asking again.

Can anyone help me with the best way to get to Epcot for rope drop? What about Magic Kingdom? We like to be there by 8:30 or so.

Also, are there buses to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, or no? I keep reading conflicting things.

We arrive this Saturday for our first stay at GFR, and we are all very excited!

We took advantage of the "one stop away" and headed for the monorail at 8:40 to arrive 8:45 ish. So, I'm not sure about prior to 8:30 with the work going on the monorail right now. On the poly thread there has been a lot of talk about the Epcot times. I think there are busses in the morning early. Try reading there if needed.

MK is so pretty with the fall decor! Have fun!

 

[trishadono]

Hi!

Just booked a standard room with a passholder discount for club level in the outer buildings. We head out in 17 days and I am beyond excited. We've stayed club level at AKL and loved it.

This is our first stay at GF - (we have visited many times for dining and Christmas decor) I put requests in for a dormer room or upper floor. Is there any suggestions for staying at the resort? Any tips? Things I should check out? Thanks!

Also- I'm skimming through the thread and so many gorgeous pictures!

Sarah

A few pages back I posted pics. After a few trips I enjoy the marina view and the ability to see the monorail.

You can request champagne, wine, beer, or even the aperitifs at any time of the day. If heading out to the pool ask for it in plastic Many lounged in the courtyard pool with their beverages.

Also, since it is rainy, here is what dd and I found out one day. If you walk from the lounge down the hall towards the main building there is a door to outside. From there it is a short path to the main buildings awning. The best way to go in a downpour. To come back the door opens with your mb.

Have a great trip!

 

[Maxie86]

Posted a few transportation questions a few pages back, but I don't see any replies. I have tried to keep up with all of the conversations, but maybe I missed some advice for me. If so, I apologize in advance for asking again.

Can anyone help me with the best way to get to Epcot for rope drop? What about Magic Kingdom? We like to be there by 8:30 or so.

Also, are there buses to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, or no? I keep reading conflicting things.

We arrive this Saturday for our first stay at GFR, and we are all very excited!

You can take the monorail or boat to the MK. You have a couple options for Epcot...Take the monorail to the TTC and change to the Epcot monorail...take the monorail to the TTC and a bus to Epcot...take a cab...more expensive but easier and less stressful if you have a time crunch. We drive everywhere we can. Sadly the monorail is not a perk anymore, we avoid it whenever we can. Normally there are no buses from the Grand to Epcot or MK, but I can't say definitely that there won't be if the monorail is not running. Enjoy your stay. I check into the Grand Friday and will update if I get any further information.