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

[TJA]

DGF and I had a great trip this past week to The Grand Floridian. This was my first time staying on property - previously I've stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Lake Buena Vista. Since this was my first time staying "in the world," I decided to go all out and spring for a Royal Palm Club room in the main building.

Check In & Room Assignment

I booked a main building - standard room type, but was upgraded upon check-in to a deluxe king room with a theme park view. This was really a magical moment, a big thanks to Sophie at the front desk! Shortly after I checked in at the front desk, a RPC concierge greeted me by name in the main lobby, and took us upstairs. We had a few snacks while the concierge briefed us on RPC amenities, Resort activities and dining options.

We were assigned room 4208, on the Clarendon Level, located directly above Gasparilla Island Grill. The RPC concierge referred to this as a "hidden level," and admittedly I was a bit confused when reading "2nd floor" on our room assignment text. I wasn't aware of the Clarendon level prior to our stay. There were things we liked and disliked about this room:

We Loved:

• View of the Castle/Wishes Fireworks
• Immediate proximity to the pool elevator. We did not have to walk through the main lobby or RPC lounge after our afternoon/evening visits to the pool and hot tub.
• Immediate proximity to the main building laundry. We love keeping our clothes "Gain Fresh," so this was a nice amenity.
• The quiet hallway.

We Didn't Love:

• Taking 2 elevators to get to our room from the Monorail (#FirstWorldProblems...)
• The "burnt cheese" smell from Gasparilla Island Grill in the elevator.
• The kitchen smells from Citricos/Victoria & Albert's in the hallway.

Resort Dining

During our trip, we dined at Citricos, had breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, enjoyed afternoon tea at The Garden View Tea Room, and gave the Grand Floridian Cafe a second chance after a terrible experience this past March. I'm happy to say that all of these dining experiences were top notch, matching the level of service we experienced elsewhere at The Grand. When we return in September 2016, we'll definitely be trying Narcoossee's and Victoria & Albert's. I even gained a taste for two of the resort's "signature" drinks during our stay - The Mizner Cooler (Gin, St. Germain, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup) from Mizner's Lounge, and the Key Lime Whip (Skyy Citrus Vodka, Key Lime Juice, Vanilla Ice Cream) from Beaches Pool Bar & Grill. We were, however, disappointed with the late-night pizza we ordered from Gasparilla Island Grill. It was, quite frankly, one of the grossest food items I've ever had on Disney Property.

Royal Palm Club

Having visited The Grand on prior trips to Disney, I was well aware of the lobby culture attached to this hotel. I am a musician by trade, so naturally, the lobby pianist and society orchestra really make this resort one of my all-time favorites. In my research of Disney's various concierge experiences, I found RPC to be the most appealing, and thus, most worth the extra expense. DGF and I enjoyed waking up to the beautiful breakfast spread each morning (especially the Citrus Muffins,) and returning in the evenings for delicious hors d'oeuvres. Our most favorite amenity, and possibly a new tradition of ours, was sneaking back to our room with Champagne and a plate of Strawberry Uncrustables to watch the fireworks. The RPC lounge is made extra special because of it's vantage point to the lobby and all that goes on there. Having experienced it for a week, I would argue that RPC was entirely worth the extra expense.

Conclusion

On previous trips, I've done 4 parks in 4 days, trying to get as much done as possible in a small timeframe. This trip, however, was our chance to "stop and smell the roses." We took 7 days and 6 nights to soak in the magic, and I'm so glad that we did. DGF and I paced ourselves in the parks, enjoyed a great selection of ADRs, attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (loved it,) and really took time to enjoy The Grand Floridian to its fullest. You could stay at The Four Seasons for the same money, or spend half and stay at The Ritz, but you can't really put a price on watching Wishes from the hot tub after a long day at the park.

As a kid, I'd always dreamed of staying at The Grand Floridian, and I finally got around to doing it this year. Every bit of it, from the excellent service, high victorian styling, beautiful landscaping, and the amazing lobby smell left me looking forward to our next trip. The Grand is now our "home," and I can't wait to be back!

It was so nice reading your review...made me feel like I was there too! Thanks for taking the time to post this.

 

[Music City Mama]

Hi there, need some advice prior to doing online check-in.

Re: the building.... we will be in a garden view room. I really want a nice view (I like to sit on the balcony), so I don't want to take any chances on BPK or Boca Chica, especially since I don't think we'll be spending much time at the pool in late November. That leaves Sago Cay or Conch Key. I'm leaning toward Sago Cay because of its proximity to Gasparilla Grill. My big concern is boat horn noise. I'm a light sleeper (at least on vacation) and I've dealt with the horns at BLT before. Didn't bother anyone else, but drove me batty some mornings. Any suggestions?

Also, regarding the room, if I recall on the online check-in, you could request a dormer room. What would be the benefit of that? From what I've read, they have a smaller balcony and the room is a tad smaller (although, higher ceilings) -- is that correct? I don't think I'd want the dormer room, but let me know if I'm missing something. Is there a greater chance of getting a dormer room in certain buildings?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[pas130]

We are having a 'grand' stay. My favorite thing is lying in bed while my toddler sleeps listening to the band/paino playing each evening. It is so wonderful to hear from our room. I wondered if it would be a problem for sleeping but we sleep with a white noise machine (app on our phone) so when we are ready we turn that on and it tunes out the lobby music. We are loving it here and I think we are going to switch our May stay to being here instead of the poly. The Club staff have been amazing - although we haven't eaten as much as I thought we would. None of my room requests were received- close to lounge on 4th floor, view of MK preferred. We are on the 5th floor, with a bay lake view, but without any sight of the MK. Anyway we are all really enjoying ourselves. Here's a pic of my son lounging with some quiet time earlier. (That pic is posting twice and I can't figure out how to undo it.) the 2nd shot is a view from one of our windows.

The pic with your son watching Mickey on the bed is adorable. Love your pictures! Sometimes the best rooms are the ones which don't meet the requests. I love the monorail pic too!!

DGF and I had a great trip this past week to The Grand Floridian. This was my first time staying on property - previously I've stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Lake Buena Vista. Since this was my first time staying "in the world," I decided to go all out and spring for a Royal Palm Club room in the main building.

Thank you for the review. Sounds like an amazing upgrade

Trish, you're getting waaay ahead of me! I'm still without a trip planned at this moment, either to DL or WDW. I hate not having a vacation ticker, but the current discounts are AWFUL!

There are so many exceptions and differences with the resort discounts for early Spring GRRRR I am so happy to have an AP 30% off for November. We have our ME tags, so you know we will be there soon. I love seeing my name and the words Grand Floridian

Well i just booked a split with BWI and BC CL so i am frantically trying to learn not one but 2 new resorts. Crazy me likes to memorize room numbers! At least for BC cl that's one small floor but still, so much to learn!

Anyways, anybody know when the gingerbread house is up this year? I haven't seen dates yet but then again i haven't looked either!

I can't speak for BWI yet, but BC CL is not that a small of a floor IMO. That said, I didn't mind the walk to my room because the view was amazing and it was nice and quiet at the end of the hall. If you request close to lounge you will also be close to the elevator However, the walk isn't horrible so wherever you are will be wonderful. The longest walk we've ever had was ties between YC and AKL which were suites but what a trek. The views always make up for it

 

[hunthearin]

My big concern is boat horn noise. I'm a light sleeper (at least on vacation) and I've dealt with the horns at BLT before. Didn't bother anyone else, but drove me batty some mornings. Any suggestions?

I was worried about this as well. I heard more noise from the WDW Railroad whistles than the boats.

 

[trishadono]

Hi there, need some advice prior to doing online check-in.

Re: the building.... we will be in a garden view room. I really want a nice view (I like to sit on the balcony), so I don't want to take any chances on BPK or Boca Chica, especially since I don't think we'll be spending much time at the pool in late November. That leaves Sago Cay or Conch Key. I'm leaning toward Sago Cay because of its proximity to Gasparilla Grill. My big concern is boat horn noise. I'm a light sleeper (at least on vacation) and I've dealt with the horns at BLT before. Didn't bother anyone else, but drove me batty some mornings. Any suggestions?

Also, regarding the room, if I recall on the online check-in, you could request a dormer room. What would be the benefit of that? From what I've read, they have a smaller balcony and the room is a tad smaller (although, higher ceilings) -- is that correct? I don't think I'd want the dormer room, but let me know if I'm missing something. Is there a greater chance of getting a dormer room in certain buildings?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I would call IPO and have them put quiet room on your reservation. I think Sago would be a decent choice tho since part of the building is close to land.

Dormer is nice if you want true privacy on your balcony or like that room style. I guess after trying both I don't really have a preference. However, my dd didn't like the enclosed balcony of the dormer at all.

SO for you just don't check that box for dormer

 

[drwadadli]

I have a question about resort package delivery.

When we were last there (6/14), if you bought something in a park you could have it delivered to your resort and then you picked it up from the resort gift shop. I just read something about room deliveries.

It said that if you buy something in the parks then you could have it delivered directly to your resort room. Is this true?? Is this new since our last visit??

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[ninafeliz]

I have a question about resort package delivery.

When we were last there (6/14), if you bought something in a park you could have it delivered to your resort and then you picked it up from the resort gift shop. I just read something about room deliveries.

It said that if you buy something in the parks then you could have it delivered directly to your resort room. Is this true?? Is this new since our last visit??

Thank you in advance for your help.

If you stay club level they will deliver it to your room, for all other guests you pick it up at your resort gift shop.

 

[Sue M]

Hi there, need some advice prior to doing online check-in.

Re: the building.... we will be in a garden view room. I really want a nice view (I like to sit on the balcony), so I don't want to take any chances on BPK or Boca Chica, especially since I don't think we'll be spending much time at the pool in late November. That leaves Sago Cay or Conch Key. I'm leaning toward Sago Cay because of its proximity to Gasparilla Grill. My big concern is boat horn noise. I'm a light sleeper (at least on vacation) and I've dealt with the horns at BLT before. Didn't bother anyone else, but drove me batty some mornings. Any suggestions?

Also, regarding the room, if I recall on the online check-in, you could request a dormer room. What would be the benefit of that? From what I've read, they have a smaller balcony and the room is a tad smaller (although, higher ceilings) -- is that correct? I don't think I'd want the dormer room, but let me know if I'm missing something. Is there a greater chance of getting a dormer room in certain buildings?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Some love Dormer rooms. Personally I don't, because of smaller balcony & solid balcony wall. Sitting down you can't see out. But I did love our Boca Chica room overlooking the central garden/ grass courtyard and courtyard pool view. Very close to main building, & monorail. And hot tub . But nothing is too far at GF. It was a short walk to Gaspys.
My second choice would be a marina view. Hard decision.

 

[Sue M]

My Grand groupies will get this....so DH and I are booked at SL, I have been feverishly stalking the website for RPC availability with the AP rate. He sold one of his cars so we had a little leftover and I got the thumbs up to upgrade us. OF COURSE IT IS NOT AVAILABLE well it is at rack rate, but no way Jose that is Santa money Ah, I will continue to stalk away LOL. Meanwhile, everyone please keep posting those GF pics....35 days!

Don't give up hope! Last year we booked SL & got pixie dust upgrade to RPC!

 

[grannyminnie]

Don't give up hope! Last year we booked SL & got pixie dust upgrade to RPC!

I wish that would happen to me!!

 

[Dispro1]

So...we leave Tuesday night and I am SO excited, but... DD17 just asked if her friend can go with us!! And this was at 9pm last night! I asked her if she knows how long ago I booked ADRs and FPs?? Her answer was "I got this." Seriously? I'm really glad my DD has so much confidence, but Disney doesn't change their rules/ make exceptions for anyone! I barely got any sleep last night because I was worried about getting a plane ticket and MNSSHP ticket before they're sold out, not to mention ADRs, and we don't even know for sure that DDs friend is going yet...have to get an absence from school approved for next Wednesday -ugh! I had all of this done, but now I'll possibly even need to change the room I booked at the Hyatt the night we fly in! Not that any of you needed to know any of that, but I needed to vent On the bright side, since I couldn't sleep, I managed to get an ADR for Cali Grill for 2 people to add to my ADR for 4. I have NO idea why it let me do that since usually only a CM can make multiple ADRs?? However, it wouldn't let me book the ADR for 6 at 'Ohana without canceling my other for four, and by the time the dining line opened, it was gone I also was able to have the new discount applied to my RPC King Deluxe for February, although it wasn't very much...every little bit helps! I'm still hoping the AP rate will be better, or maybe there will be a great BB offer by my December trip?? I'm going to suffer Disney withdrawals after having so many trips so close together and then....nothing but trips touring colleges I think we need to tour something near Orlando

 

[trishadono]

So...we leave Tuesday night and I am SO excited, but... DD17 just asked if her friend can go with us!! And this was at 9pm last night! I asked her if she knows how long ago I booked ADRs and FPs?? Her answer was "I got this." Seriously? I'm really glad my DD has so much confidence, but Disney doesn't change their rules/ make exceptions for anyone! I barely got any sleep last night because I was worried about getting a plane ticket and MNSSHP ticket before they're sold out, not to mention ADRs, and we don't even know for sure that DDs friend is going yet...have to get an absence from school approved for next Wednesday -ugh! I had all of this done, but now I'll possibly even need to change the room I booked at the Hyatt the night we fly in! Not that any of you needed to know any of that, but I needed to vent On the bright side, since I couldn't sleep, I managed to get an ADR for Cali Grill for 2 people to add to my ADR for 4. I have NO idea why it let me do that since usually only a CM can make multiple ADRs?? However, it wouldn't let me book the ADR for 6 at 'Ohana without canceling my other for four, and by the time the dining line opened, it was gone I also was able to have the new discount applied to my RPC King Deluxe for February, although it wasn't very much...every little bit helps! I'm still hoping the AP rate will be better, or maybe there will be a great BB offer by my December trip?? I'm going to suffer Disney withdrawals after having so many trips so close together and then....nothing but trips touring colleges I think we need to tour something near Orlando

OH no! Can you make another costume for dd friend too?????

I would have not been able to sleep either!!!

Good luck! Glad you at least got your discounted deluxe king

 

[Dispro1]

OH no! Can you make another costume for dd friend too?????

I would have not been able to sleep either!!!

Good luck! Glad you at least got your discounted deluxe king

I've already been thinking about that one too I've got a Cinderella dress upstairs that I can convert for her, if she wants. She's a cute blonde so it would be perfect... But you never know with a teenager. I'd probably need to shorten the skirt to make it more like what a teenager would wear. LOL, I'll probably be sewing on the plane! Maybe I'll get lucky and she'll go buy one?? We have so many hoops to jump through, I don't even know if this will work out, which is frustrating because I want to start booking tickets! And it says only 2 flights left on our current flight!

 

[ninafeliz]

So...we leave Tuesday night and I am SO excited, but... DD17 just asked if her friend can go with us!! And this was at 9pm last night! I asked her if she knows how long ago I booked ADRs and FPs?? Her answer was "I got this." Seriously? I'm really glad my DD has so much confidence, but Disney doesn't change their rules/ make exceptions for anyone! I barely got any sleep last night because I was worried about getting a plane ticket and MNSSHP ticket before they're sold out, not to mention ADRs, and we don't even know for sure that DDs friend is going yet...have to get an absence from school approved for next Wednesday -ugh! I had all of this done, but now I'll possibly even need to change the room I booked at the Hyatt the night we fly in! Not that any of you needed to know any of that, but I needed to vent On the bright side, since I couldn't sleep, I managed to get an ADR for Cali Grill for 2 people to add to my ADR for 4. I have NO idea why it let me do that since usually only a CM can make multiple ADRs?? However, it wouldn't let me book the ADR for 6 at 'Ohana without canceling my other for four, and by the time the dining line opened, it was gone I also was able to have the new discount applied to my RPC King Deluxe for February, although it wasn't very much...every little bit helps! I'm still hoping the AP rate will be better, or maybe there will be a great BB offer by my December trip?? I'm going to suffer Disney withdrawals after having so many trips so close together and then....nothing but trips touring colleges I think we need to tour something near Orlando

I guess I'm a big meanie mom, but my answer to that would have been a big old no . It might have been no from the get-go even at the beginning of planning, depending on lots and lots of things, but at the last minute I can't even imagine!

 

[grannyminnie]

I guess I'm a big meanie mom, but my answer to that would have been a big old no . It might have been no from the get-go even at the beginning of planning, depending on lots and lots of things, but at the last minute I can't even imagine!

Boy, am I with you on this one!! Too many factors to take into account, not the least of which would be more money!

 

[pas130]

Don't give up hope! Last year we booked SL & got pixie dust upgrade to RPC!

That was super cool! I'm totally happy with SL, especially since we will mostly be at F&W. I can't help but look My DH would NOT be pleased in the Main building since I'd be dragging him back for offerings (which he never eats..just drinks the beer)

So...we leave Tuesday night and I am SO excited, but... DD17 just asked if her friend can go with us!! And this was at 9pm last night! I asked her if she knows how long ago I booked ADRs and FPs?? Her answer was "I got this." Seriously? I'm really glad my DD has so much confidence, but Disney doesn't change their rules/ make exceptions for anyone! I barely got any sleep last night because I was worried about getting a plane ticket and MNSSHP ticket before they're sold out, not to mention ADRs, and we don't even know for sure that DDs friend is going yet...have to get an absence from school approved for next Wednesday -ugh! I had all of this done, but now I'll possibly even need to change the room I booked at the Hyatt the night we fly in! Not that any of you needed to know any of that, but I needed to vent On the bright side, since I couldn't sleep, I managed to get an ADR for Cali Grill for 2 people to add to my ADR for 4. I have NO idea why it let me do that since usually only a CM can make multiple ADRs?? However, it wouldn't let me book the ADR for 6 at 'Ohana without canceling my other for four, and by the time the dining line opened, it was gone I also was able to have the new discount applied to my RPC King Deluxe for February, although it wasn't very much...every little bit helps! I'm still hoping the AP rate will be better, or maybe there will be a great BB offer by my December trip?? I'm going to suffer Disney withdrawals after having so many trips so close together and then....nothing but trips touring colleges I think we need to tour something near Orlando

Your DD is right, you DO "got this". I encourage touring Florida schools, and several of them You are super awesome for saying yes to taking a friend!

I guess I'm a big meanie mom, but my answer to that would have been a big old no . It might have been no from the get-go even at the beginning of planning, depending on lots and lots of things, but at the last minute I can't even imagine!

I am a meanie too, I've considered allowing a friend to come with my DS. However, I'd rather it be family time, there's always time for friends.

Boy, am I with you on this one!! Too many factors to take into account, not the least of which would be more money!

Yes, the money too!

 

[Music City Mama]

I was worried about this as well. I heard more noise from the WDW Railroad whistles than the boats.

Which building were you in and which view?

I would call IPO and have them put quiet room on your reservation. I think Sago would be a decent choice tho since part of the building is close to land.

Dormer is nice if you want true privacy on your balcony or like that room style. I guess after trying both I don't really have a preference. However, my dd didn't like the enclosed balcony of the dormer at all.

SO for you just don't check that box for dormer

Thanks!

Some love Dormer rooms. Personally I don't, because of smaller balcony & solid balcony wall. Sitting down you can't see out. But I did love our Boca Chica room overlooking the central garden/ grass courtyard and courtyard pool view. Very close to main building, & monorail. And hot tub . But nothing is too far at GF. It was a short walk to Gaspys.
My second choice would be a marina view. Hard decision.

Thanks, this solidified my decision NOT to request a dormer room. Hopefully, if I don't check it as an option on the online check-in, they won't put me in one.

 

[Dispro1]

I guess I'm a big meanie mom, but my answer to that would have been a big old no . It might have been no from the get-go even at the beginning of planning, depending on lots and lots of things, but at the last minute I can't even imagine!

First of all, I'm a bit of a pushover But there are other things I'm taking into consideration too...1) This girl has made my daughter happier than she has ever been (her friend is a social butterfly and has made my DD more of one) 2) Her friend was sent to a boarding school last spring because her parents were going through a nasty divorce and the poor girl was miserable and no longer really has a family Not that you needed or wanted to hear my reasons, but I'm trying to make myself feel better about my decision -lol.

Boy, am I with you on this one!! Too many factors to take into account, not the least of which would be more money!

As for the money, I'm with you on that one...the friend's dad is a well known plastic surgeon and owns a large practice, so he will be paying for flight and park tickets and we will cover room and food which won't be much more since we already have a deluxe room that is plenty big and CL breakfast/snacks. Ideally, we would have been in two rooms, but that really would have cost too much and it's too late anyway!

That was super cool! I'm totally happy with SL, especially since we will mostly be at F&W. I can't help but look My DH would NOT be pleased in the Main building since I'd be dragging him back for offerings (which he never eats..just drinks the beer)

Your DD is right, you DO "got this". I encourage touring Florida schools, and several of them You are super awesome for saying yes to taking a friend!

I am a meanie too, I've considered allowing a friend to come with my DS. However, I'd rather it be family time, there's always time for friends.

Yes, the money too!

Thanks for saying I'm awesome for saying yes to the friend, but honestly, I would have rather had just family time too We did have family time on our trip in June, but since DD17 had two friends die in a car accident our second day there (a drunk driver hit their car), I guess I'm trying to replace that bad memory that happened while at Disney with good, happy memories.

Sorry about the off topic stuff, but I guess this will be a test of the GF IPO if DD's friend ends up going with us!
PAS, F&W sounds fun We are always at WDW during that time, but I've never actually been able to experience F&W because we're always there with kids...have a great time!

Which building were you in and which view?



Thanks!



Thanks, this solidified my decision NOT to request a dormer room. Hopefully, if I don't check it as an option on the online check-in, they won't put me in one.

The only outer building I've stayed in is SL, but I've never had a problem with whistles or horns. My bigger issue is with people talking in the hallway early in the morning, so I like to be away from elevators and lounges. Also, if you don't want a dormer room, I'd have them add that to your room request ...non-dormer room please...but list your most important request first

 

[pas130]

Dispro I get it and you ARE awesome! I remember you posting that last year.

 

[Maddie's Nana]

Dispro I get it and you ARE awesome! I remember you posting that last year.

I agree. Dispro -I think it's great that you would agree to take your DD's friend. We have taken our DGD and her friend to Disney 3 times in the past year. It really works out well for everybody - we can spend family time together plus the girls can spend time with each other on things the adults don't really want to do. I hope it works out for you and your DD. Have a wonderful trip!!!