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

[DisneyDmbNut]

Thanks for the heads up. What company do you book with? Are all the off site companies similar pricing? I haven't even looked into it yet I'm a little intimidated by them, as I've never used one. I've watched people struggle to "park" them on the bus and afraid of hitting people in the park!! I've ran into people just while I'm walking! Some people just all of a sudden stop right in front of you, in the middle of the path to look at map, text or whatever one of my pet peeves I'm afraid.

I used it in July and again in October. I used Buena Vists Scooters after reading about them on the DisAble boards. They deliver to the hotel and pick up. They leave it right with bell service as they are disney approved.
I like that they have a speed adjust on them.. So you can almost crawl or fly!

I pay $25/day since I am a repeat customer

 

[Sue M]

I used it in July and again in October. I used Buena Vists Scooters after reading about them on the DisAble boards. They deliver to the hotel and pick up. They leave it right with bell service as they are disney approved.
I like that they have a speed adjust on them.. So you can almost crawl or fly!

I pay $25/day since I am a repeat customer

Thanks

 

[cottoncandyluva]

Hello! Just booked the GF for August 2015. Really excited and looking forward to experiencing this resort. I have a few questions :

Are daybed rooms guaranteed?
How much are the cabanas?
How long does it take to get to the Contemporary resort?

Thank you!

 

[mickeynut1]

Just returned from another magical stay. We booked a BB for Oct. '15 and we will be staying at the GF for the first time. I always love visiting GF, looking forward to staying there.

Glad you had another great trip. Congrats on booking a BB, you are going to love the GF .

Shouting out to my fellow GF pals.. MickeyNut..Hope all is well..we need to spend some time catching up..soon!!

I was in Florida visiting family and we decided to get in some Disney time...and...since we were gonna be at Disney..had to stop at the GF..lol...which is looking magnificent in all of its Christmas finery.... from the tree to all of the decorated garlands..... What a way to get in the spirit of the season....

Hi Blue .....hope things are well with you. It's hard to believe Christmas is just under 2 weeks away....the days, week, months are just flying by . Hopefully we can catch up soon.

Hope you had a nice time visiting family (and the GF ).

I haven't done much shopping either, tho I did put up the tree and have started on some Christmas cards (people don't do that as much as they used to..).

I've been lurking but am still bummed to have no trip planned yet. I am working on it tho.

Yay for getting your tree up . Don't feel bad about not having much shopping done.....I haven't gotten much done, either . I have a busy schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday, so Friday I plan on getting out early and not coming home until all of my shopping is done because I will not be hitting the stores next week .

Good luck with the trip planning, I hope things come together and you are able to start planning another trip soon .

Hi Blue and the rest of my friends! No excuse for me. Haven't been lurking or Christmas shopping yet. I know, I know, I have to get moving!

I sent my wish list to Santa. At the top of my list for Christmas was a trip to Disney in July at the Grand Floridian. I'm not getting hopes up too high on that, but it's nice to dream. Hope Santa delivers my friends here a Disney trip for Christmas!

Off to pick up DS at college today for the long Christmas break. Bye for now!

Hi MommyGina ......glad DS is home.....enjoy your time with him while he's home for such a long break.

I hope Santa brings you exactly what you want for Christmas .

Just got back from my first stay in Royal Palm Club. We had a garden view standard rm booked in the main bldg. we were upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite!! Trip report coming!

Glad you had a great time. Congrats on the great upgrade .

There are exactly 3 rooms in SL that are larger than the standard rooms...in any other outer buildings they are considered deluxe...in SL they are grouped in with the regular room inventory and not a higher one...and are by request only...the room numbers are 6220, 6320 and 6420 (this particular room has no balcony)... In general we always see scooters parked next to the rooms and plugged right into the power outlets there..so not sure that you will need to keep one in your room though....HTH...

I can't remember who asked about the larger SL rooms, but wanted to bump your response up in case it was missed. I, too, have seen scooters parked outside the rooms, so I agree that there might not be a need to keep them inside .

Sending warm magical pixie dust to all my Grand friends.

We got here yesterday. The weather is perfect. Sunny and in the 70's.

I'm in my happy place! The CM's are all so happy!

Candy

Have a great trip .

Very excited.... Staying at the Grand Floridian for the first time with the Magical Deal in mid August---- 8 nights! Hope to get Big Pine Key building. How much of a pain is it to deal with getting to Epcot with the monorail transfers?? Thanks How are buses to the other 2 parks??? Shared?? thanks!!

Congrats on the magical deal and your first stay at the GF . The GF is an amazing resort, you are going to love it. I love Big Pine Key as it's one of my favorite outer buildings. None of the outer buildings are far from the main areas, but BPK is closest to the main building and beach pool. As far as transportation, our experience has been positive as we've never had any trouble. Hopefully others will give their opinion/experience .

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello! Just booked the GF for August 2015. Really excited and looking forward to experiencing this resort. I have a few questions :

Are daybed rooms guaranteed?
How much are the cabanas?
How long does it take to get to the Contemporary resort?

Thank you!

Congrats on booking your first GF stay .

1. All standard rooms come with a daybed. Before the refurb, the deluxe rooms had a sitting area with a couch that didn't pull out, but I think they added daybeds (or sleeper sofas) to those rooms when they did the refurb. If there are any rooms that don't have a daybed, hopefully someone will post that information.

2. I can't help with the cabanas as we've never rented one, but if you go to the first page of this thread, scroll down to Table of Contents and click on "recreation" and you will find information on the cabanas.

3. It takes just a few minutes to get to the CR from the GF as the CR is the 2nd stop on the monorail.

HTH .

 

[grannyminnie]

Good morning, GF groupies!

No trip yet, Mickeynut, but I'm always WDW-dreaming! It'll happen....I just don't know when yet~

DisneyDumbNut, happy healing, and hope it doesn't drag you down on your next trip!

Ah, those GF chocolates.......I have my secret stash, and use them in my coffee when the mood strikes!

Busy shopping here now! I have most of it done (well, maybe 3/4 of it). Still not decorated outdoors because the lights we used last year have conked out and I can't find what I want!!!!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Good morning, GF groupies!

No trip yet, Mickeynut, but I'm always WDW-dreaming! It'll happen....I just don't know when yet~

DisneyDumbNut, happy healing, and hope it doesn't drag you down on your next trip!

Ah, those GF chocolates.......I have my secret stash, and use them in my coffee when the mood strikes!

Busy shopping here now! I have most of it done (well, maybe 3/4 of it). Still not decorated outdoors because the lights we used last year have conked out and I can't find what I want!!!!

Chocolate that makes it to the next day? Not with the two young ladies traveling in my group -- my nieces make short work of that commodity! Last year's trip we were there for a birthday and a Chocolate Mickey box showed up in the room the second day - it was full of M&Ms with a happy birthday card from the staff of the GF and Mickey and Minnie. Silly me, I said out loud "I wonder how we can pack this so it doesn't break on the plane ride home. I was informed that would not be a worry!

But they are a joy to travel with and surprise me every trip with a birthday present on the trip as well. I am blessed!

Tom

 

[bethclayton]

Thanks for the heads up. What company do you book with? Are all the off site companies similar pricing? I haven't even looked into it yet I'm a little intimidated by them, as I've never used one. I've watched people struggle to "park" them on the bus and afraid of hitting people in the park!! I've ran into people just while I'm walking! Some people just all of a sudden stop right in front of you, in the middle of the path to look at map, text or whatever one of my pet peeves I'm afraid.

sue, my mom used to use buena vista scooters, as well, and she was very pleased with them. and she was not an easy to please woman.

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi, Beth....good to "see" you!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I just noticed on the GF thread that SugarLoaf changed their lounge area.. But I don't see the CM desk anymore.. Where did it go?

 

[cattywampus]

I just noticed on the GF thread that SugarLoaf changed their lounge area.. But I don't see the CM desk anymore.. Where did it go?

We were there mid-November and it was facing you as soon as you entered from the pool side (just in front of the access to the lounge).

 

[BlueSkies]

just found my stash of GF choc squares I horded from turn down . I had them in a zip lock and (cough) hid them a little too well!

Nothing like finding a stash of GF chocolates...

Sending warm magical pixie dust to all my Grand friends.

We got here yesterday. The weather is perfect. Sunny and in the 70's.

I'm in my happy place! The CM's are all so happy!

Candy

have a wonderful trip Candy..hope that you will pop in with some of your wonderful descriptions of all things Grand!

Very excited.... Staying at the Grand Floridian for the first time with the Magical Deal in mid August---- 8 nights! Hope to get Big Pine Key building. How much of a pain is it to deal with getting to Epcot with the monorail transfers?? Thanks How are buses to the other 2 parks??? Shared?? thanks!!

Congrats of booking your first GF stay!! Monorail transfering at the TTC is just a hop skip and a jump and not a pain at all IMO...down one ramp and up another...I know that there are varying opinions on the bus service at the GF...we generally have had no issues..and no long waits...during the busier morning hours there is a CM at the bus stop overseeing everything..and there is also an information board that gives you arrival times of the buses...

Good morning, GF groupies!

Busy shopping here now! I have most of it done (well, maybe 3/4 of it). Still not decorated outdoors because the lights we used last year have conked out and I can't find what I want!!!!

Hi grannyminnie WTG getting most of your shopping done!! Hope that you were able to find the lights that you want to light up your outdoors!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi Blue .....hope things are well with you. It's hard to believe Christmas is just under 2 weeks away....the days, week, months are just flying by . Hopefully we can catch up soon.

Hope you had a nice time visiting family (and the GF ).

Definitely did!

I can't remember who asked about the larger SL rooms, but wanted to bump your response up in case it was missed. I, too, have seen scooters parked outside the rooms, so I agree that there might not be a need to keep them inside .

Don't think my response was missed my the OP... .......lol... Being a total GF fan...and feeling fortunate to have many GF stays under my belt I am always happy to share any info that I can about this terrfic resort...especially if it will help someone have a more magical stay....

Beth Let me second grannyminnie's Good to "see" you!

 

[grannyminnie]

No luck on those outdoor lights, Blue!! Most everything in the way of cute outdoor decs around here are gone! I was going to go in another direction instead of the net lights, but even what I had in mind is nowhere to be found! Plan B (or C, whichever it is) is to shop for Christmas decorations BEFORE Thanksgiving next year!!!

 

[BlueSkies]

No luck on those outdoor lights, Blue!! Most everything in the way of cute outdoor decs around here are gone! I was going to go in another direction instead of the net lights, but even what I had in mind is nowhere to be found! Plan B (or C, whichever it is) is to shop for Christmas decorations BEFORE Thanksgiving next year!!!

Oh no!!! Sorry that you couldn't find what you were looking for....Stores..Disney included start putting out all of the Christmas stuff so early these days that even weeks before the holidays things are sold out....When DD and I were in Disney last month we forgot to pick up this Mickey cookie cutter that she wanted...came with a gingerbread cookie mix....a nice little gift package...and when I stopped back last week...could not find it... So you are right...for the best variety you need to start shopping before Thanksgiving...Imagine!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Don't think my response was missed my the OP... .......lol... Being a total GF fan...and feeling fortunate to have many GF stays under my belt I am always happy to share any info that I can about this terrfic resort...especially if it will help someone have a more magical stay....

Beth Let me second grannyminnie's Good to "see" you!

I did see it~ Thanks!

I went and looked for our room number last year and forgot to come back and answer.
I didn't realize there were only 3 deluxe in SL..so if I need to, I will park it in the hallway if they don't mind it being there.

 

[cottoncandyluva]

Congrats on booking your first GF stay .

1. All standard rooms come with a daybed. Before the refurb, the deluxe rooms had a sitting area with a couch that didn't pull out, but I think they added daybeds (or sleeper sofas) to those rooms when they did the refurb. If there are any rooms that don't have a daybed, hopefully someone will post that information.

2. I can't help with the cabanas as we've never rented one, but if you go to the first page of this thread, scroll down to Table of Contents and click on "recreation" and you will find information on the cabanas.

3. It takes just a few minutes to get to the CR from the GF as the CR is the 2nd stop on the monorail.

HTH .

Thanks so much! I was able to find the information for the cabanas. I am really looking forward to staying here in August. There is a lot of useful information on the thread

 

[mickeynut1]

Good morning, GF groupies!

No trip yet, Mickeynut, but I'm always WDW-dreaming! It'll happen....I just don't know when yet~

Busy shopping here now! I have most of it done (well, maybe 3/4 of it). Still not decorated outdoors because the lights we used last year have conked out and I can't find what I want!!!!

I'll join you in always WDW dreaming . I'm sure you will be planning another trip soon . I have a girls trip booked for next August but other than that, nothing else planned. We are talking about a family trip in July, but nothing booked yet.

WTG on having most of your shopping done . I am heading out tomorrow morning early, so hoping to get things done quickly .

my mom used to use buena vista scooters, as well, and she was very pleased with them. and she was not an easy to please woman.

Hi bethclayton .....good to "see" you again .

Being a total GF fan...and feeling fortunate to have many GF stays under my belt I am always happy to share any info that I can about this terrfic resort...especially if it will help someone have a more magical stay....

You always provide such great and useful information .

No luck on those outdoor lights, Blue!! Most everything in the way of cute outdoor decs around here are gone! I was going to go in another direction instead of the net lights, but even what I had in mind is nowhere to be found! Plan B (or C, whichever it is) is to shop for Christmas decorations BEFORE Thanksgiving next year!!!

I'm sorry you weren't able to find what you wanted . I agree with Blue that holiday stuff comes out so early that you have to get it almost as soon as it hits the shelves .

Thanks so much! I was able to find the information for the cabanas. I am really looking forward to staying here in August. There is a lot of useful information on the thread

You're welcome .

The GF is an amazing resort, you're going to love it. I agree that this thread has a lot of useful information, as well as very friendly and knowledgeable posters . If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask .

 

[Aurora0427]

Just returned from 6 nights at the Grand Floridian! It was incredible! Unfortunately our shower did not work on night one- a fact we didn't discover until returning from Magic Kingdom at 8pm. Maintenance didn't fix the problem, so we moved rooms the next day. They credited us for the night and gave us 3 additional fast passes for our Sunday princess day at MK! Even with the inconvenience, this hotel is hands down my favorite. The service was excellent, the ambiance beautiful, the Christmas decor just unbelievable. The orchestra playing Christmas carols every night was just great, and so festive. We were in Sago Key, so we saw the castle and space mountain every time we walked to the main building. Great dining options, and we loved all of the shops and transportation options. We loved it so much, we booked the bounce back offer for 35% off the room rate for next October! I'm hoping it's warm enough to swim!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Just returned from 6 nights at the Grand Floridian! It was incredible! Unfortunately our shower did not work on night one- a fact we didn't discover until returning from Magic Kingdom at 8pm. Maintenance didn't fix the problem, so we moved rooms the next day. They credited us for the night and gave us 3 additional fast passes for our Sunday princess day at MK! Even with the inconvenience, this hotel is hands down my favorite. The service was excellent, the ambiance beautiful, the Christmas decor just unbelievable. The orchestra playing Christmas carols every night was just great, and so festive. We were in Sago Key, so we saw the castle and space mountain every time we walked to the main building. Great dining options, and we loved all of the shops and transportation options. We loved it so much, we booked the bounce back offer for 35% off the room rate for next October! I'm hoping it's warm enough to swim!

Oh sounds wonderful your trip. Sorry about the shower but good they credited you! An orchestra and choir really? That sounds lovely. In the lobby?