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

[KonaKaiTom]

Pas. you are still 181 days out, that leaves at least 366 possible resort switches!

Tom

 

[Disneytam]

View attachment 147577


Very sad dessert table in RPC. Food variety greatly reduced. 2nd new GM in less than a year. This may finally be it for us and CL. Have seen many ups snd downs but offerings were the most minimal I have ever seen.

Large florals are back though

Staff was wonderful as usual. Will post more when I have more time.

This doesn't sound good! What did they offer during the noon time, since that is when we arrive and I was hoping for some snacks when we arrive. Thank you for posting this. I was really hoping to be wowed by the RPC and then we are moving over to the BWI CL. Can you tell us what they had?

 

[Dispro1]

View attachment 147577


Very sad dessert table in RPC. Food variety greatly reduced. 2nd new GM in less than a year. This may finally be it for us and CL. Have seen many ups snd downs but offerings were the most minimal I have ever seen.

Large florals are back though

Staff was wonderful as usual. Will post more when I have more time.

Sad display indeed! Perhaps it's a good thing that my RPC trip was rescheduled...if it gives them time to bring things back up to par! I hope you find that things are better the rest of your trip!

 

[loveshak22]

OK I finally sent my email to GF IPO with all of my information and also a few room requests. We have a standard room in the main building booked. I asked if all rooms had a daybed (CM said yes) and if all rooms had a full balcony (CM said she'd note that as a request because not all rooms have one). Also, the CM said even though I did online check-in, I wouldn't receive a text about my room until I've physically gone to GF and checked in. Is that correct? Hoping I don't have to also call IPO when I really don't have any major requests! But that sure doesn't sound accurate to me...

That is weird! We were in SL in November and I received my first text in the airport. I think we landed at 11:00 a.m. and I went to the bathroom when we landed and as I walked out I received a text saying our room wasn't ready. We arrived at GF and literally - I mean literally - as soon as we walked through the sliding glass doors of the lobby we received a text that our room was ready.

One of the greeters said hello and asked us about check-in. I told them I just got at text that our room was ready and could we just go to our room. He said we should check in at the front desk - although I don't know if that was neccessary? So we were walked over to the desk and were quickly checked in and taken by golf cart to SL. Nice and easy, and we got early check in!

I don't know if I posted this on here because I was so busy when I got back from our trip, but one thing I wish they would have done is verified the credit card they had on file. I updated MDE with a new credit card about a month before our trip, and then there was fraudulent activity on that card and the credit card company closed it and sent me a new card. I then updated MDE with the new card. Well...one day I waited in line for a Dole Whip at MK for about 15 minutes. I got to the front and excitedly placed me order and I promptly received my Dole Whip (which I licked right away - hahaha). I went to pay and my MB didn't work. We put a lot of confidence in our MBs since they had been working perfectly and didn't have any cash on us (I know - stupid!). I explained to the lady that I knew we weren't at our limit and that I didn't have any cash. I tried to hand her the Dole Whip back because I didn't know what to do with the already licked ice cream at that point. Thankfully the manager said the Dole Whip was on Mickey that day! It was embarrassing. I knew we had not reached a limit on our charges yet so when I got back to SL I asked the staff and they said the issue was that after a certain amount is charged to the room they go ahead and make a charge to your card on file and mine was rejected. Guess which card they had on file? The one from before I even originally changed it on MDE, before the one that was replaced with a new card after the credit card company detected fraud - so like 3 cards back. How does that even happen? I laughed and asked them why they didn't use the card on file on MDE and they said the two systems weren't syncing properly. Which is still odd, since that card may have been on file when I booked some of my reservations through IPO directly, but I even changed it with them before I checked in.

Anyway - that's kind of a tangent there about check in!! LOL!

 

[grannyminnie]

And a ticker change,
Yep, so of course typing that I won't change is MY ultimate jinx....
And I changed to Poly CL If it were only me I doubt I would change, because I just love love love the Grand. However, DH not so much, actually not at all. He was going along with all of us, but that ended. Everyone is pleased here at la casa de Pas. Except me and my little man, but we will enjoy our trip. There's a pool, wine, and a castle view so it's all good, right?

Well, after reading the above posts regarding the minimal food displays, I wonder what the RPC costs are for?? I've wondered that for a long time, actually...lol It's just insane, and now they're taking away more food? I bet you will enjoy the Poly food offerings. Let us know..

 

[mmmears]

I'm also very disappointed to see what they are offering at RPC for all that money. Doesn't seem right.

 

[TJA]

Thank you for your pics on the RPC offerings. My TA stayed at SL last week, and although she loved GF she said she won't do SL again. She did mention that the BC CL apps and desserts blew SL away. Shame that RPC is scaling back :/

The BC had amazing food offerings! The hot apps still seemed like always to me (not much variety, fried, etc.), but what impressed me was all of the "other" things offered each night. There were usually 2 other things like side dishes, sometimes even 3, and always an olive mix too. Plus all the normal cheeses, bread, veggies, kids stuff. Personally, we didn't care for the dessert. There was a TON of stuff out each night, but it was the exact same spread every night. After night 3, we finally asked if they were going to switch up the desserts and the CMs said desserts are the same every night now. That was ok with us because we just went to Beaches & Cream for ice cream instead lol.

I really hope GF gets it back together because it charges the highest CL prices in Disney, so the food offerings really should be a notch above other CL's, or at least be relatively equal in quality and quantity. I guess they do offer the extra time slot during the day where they have the scones, etc. We're really looking forward to that!

 

[lucybalue]

View attachment 147577


Very sad dessert table in RPC. Food variety greatly reduced. 2nd new GM in less than a year. This may finally be it for us and CL. Have seen many ups snd downs but offerings were the most minimal I have ever seen.

Large florals are back though

Staff was wonderful as usual. Will post more when I have more time.

Was this picture taken closer to 10? We just stayed there last week for 4 nights and definitely saw more options but we were out right at 8. I was disappointed that for all four nights the desserts were the same though.

 

[lucybalue]

The BC had amazing food offerings! The hot apps still seemed like always to me (not much variety, fried, etc.), but what impressed me was all of the "other" things offered each night. There were usually 2 other things like side dishes, sometimes even 3, and always an olive mix too. Plus all the normal cheeses, bread, veggies, kids stuff. Personally, we didn't care for the dessert. There was a TON of stuff out each night, but it was the exact same spread every night. After night 3, we finally asked if they were going to switch up the desserts and the CMs said desserts are the same every night now. That was ok with us because we just went to Beaches & Cream for ice cream instead lol.

I really hope GF gets it back together because it charges the highest CL prices in Disney, so the food offerings really should be a notch above other CL's, or at least be relatively equal in quality and quantity. I guess they do offer the extra time slot during the day where they have the scones, etc. We're really looking forward to that!

The scones are delicious! My favorite from all the offerings!

 

[TJA]

Was this picture taken closer to 10? We just stayed there last week for 4 nights and definitely saw more options but we were out right at 8. I was disappointed that for all four nights the desserts were the same though.

No! Not the same desserts every night like at BC . Oh well...must be a new trend. Although Poly put out different desserts each night in July, but only 3 or 4 things to choose from each night.

So what was your general opinion of the food offerings at RPC? I've read mixed reviews, which makes me wonder if it has something to do with which chef is on duty. I've seen wonderful RPC food reviews/pictures and then some not-so-great experiences regarding the food.

 

[Sue M]

I have been to RPC and Sl a few times so I didn't mind if we just got a text with our room number. However what happened was a little "off".

We arrived via ME around 11am. We asked for an escort from the valet. He called for someone but a woman walked out of the lobby just as he was about to call. No wait there at least.

She said our room was ready and why didn't we just go there (ish- i cant remember what she said exactly/she wasn't rude just curious). They were showing that we were sent a room ready text but we didn't receive it. She walked us to our room for check in instead. We both tried our MB's and neither would work on the door. So we had to be escorted to Sl lobby desk.

Not kidding!! After 30 minutes they could not get Alyssa's mb to work. It took about 5 mins for mine. Finally i said we are going to MK and we will be back.Tried another 30 mins at 5pm UGH, grrrrrr. Disney should not punish the repeat customers.

In the end she brought 2 with her, pink never worked and the blue finally did.


On a side note our AoA stay a few weeks ago we received a ready text while we were still on the plane!! They also send a link to a resort map The nerd I am I had the building layouts with room numbers with me too. It was so easy to run to our room, freshen up and head right to the parks!!!

I have to say being escorted to the room is nice but going solo is kinda fun too. If you don't like your room just don't touch anything and go right to the desk for a change. I don't think youll need it tho. The only bad room is mine and Pas tree room deluxe king rpc 4201

I never get room ready texts. For some reason they don't text non US phones. They will email . So last August at Poly we got room ready email at 7:00pm but actually got into our room 3 hrs earlier. Seems like a long delay with room ready emails. But as fate would have it, I got to visit with Beth upstairs in the pub while we waited for room!

 

[lucybalue]

No! Not the same desserts every night like at BC . Oh well...must be a new trend. Although Poly put out different desserts each night in July, but only 3 or 4 things to choose from each night.

So what was your general opinion of the food offerings at RPC? I've read mixed reviews, which makes me wonder if it has something to do with which chef is on duty. I've seen wonderful RPC food reviews/pictures and then some not-so-great experiences regarding the food.

I thought the food was good, nothing earth shattering but tasty. We ate breakfast there every morning and could have used more protein but there is oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, cold cuts, cereals, pastries and bread products. Snacks were chips, pretzels, veggies and some dips. The tzaziki sauce with the chips were delicious. At tea time they brought out scones and a trifle or jam tarts. We did the apps twice, once we made it our dinner meal as we had a big, late lunch. Stuff like lamb, spinach, feta meatballs, grilled chicken, poached shrimp, salmon, etc with cheeses and bread/crackers, grilled and raw veggies. Chicken nuggets or corn dogs, pb&j for the kids every night. Desserts had a lemon cake, blueberry cake, cannoli, chocolate mouse, fruit tart, cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats, cupcakes, banana bread. We were there Tuesday-Saturday. Tues-early Friday the lounge was pretty empty and I found the food to be plentiful but we did notice Friday afternoon-Saturday morning the food was not restocked as quickly as I would have expected.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Since I'm 30 days away from my first RPC stay, I'm going to ignore the last few pages with the negative comments. ;-).

I posted this on the CL thread too but quick question for you RPC pros. Are there any common room request(s) I should keep in mind for a standard view room? Eg, close to lounge? Certain floor? I've read through this thread but feel like a total amateur, I'm used to Poly and CR CL which are easy! Thanks in advance!

 

[tartemis]

Hi! I've stayed at the GF a dozen times, but still need help. We have an Outer Bldg, Standard Room, Club Level-Access booked. Does that guarantee we will be in Sugar Loaf ("SL")? We love SL and I want to make sure that we will not be in some other building but permitted to use SL. I thought that the reservation, itself, should say SL, but maybe I'm mistaken. Thanks!

 

[pas130]

Pas. you are still 181 days out, that leaves at least 366 possible resort switches!

Tom

At least 366

I don't know if I posted this on here because I was so busy when I got back from our trip, but one thing I wish they would have done is verified the credit card they had on file. I updated MDE with a new credit card about a month before our trip, and then there was fraudulent activity on that card and the credit card company closed it and sent me a new card. I then updated MDE with the new card. Well...one day I waited in line for a Dole Whip at MK for about 15 minutes. I got to the front and excitedly placed me order and I promptly received my Dole Whip (which I licked right away - hahaha). I went to pay and my MB didn't work. We put a lot of confidence in our MBs since they had been working perfectly and didn't have any cash on us (I know - stupid!). I explained to the lady that I knew we weren't at our limit and that I didn't have any cash. I tried to hand her the Dole Whip back because I didn't know what to do with the already licked ice cream at that point. Thankfully the manager said the Dole Whip was on Mickey that day! It was embarrassing. I knew we had not reached a limit on our charges yet so when I got back to SL I asked the staff and they said the issue was that after a certain amount is charged to the room they go ahead and make a charge to your card on file and mine was rejected. Guess which card they had on file? The one from before I even originally changed it on MDE, before the one that was replaced with a new card after the credit card company detected fraud - so like 3 cards back. How does that even happen? I laughed and asked them why they didn't use the card on file on MDE and they said the two systems weren't syncing properly. Which is still odd, since that card may have been on file when I booked some of my reservations through IPO directly, but I even changed it with them before I checked in.

Anyway - that's kind of a tangent there about check in!! LOL!

We had that issue at OKW. That I changed the credit card and it never updated. Then at RPC they charged the remaining balance to the room prior to us checking in. I was using a Disney gift card for that. Let's just say I was a little frustrated... Disney IT is not the best is my assumption.

Well, after reading the above posts regarding the minimal food displays, I wonder what the RPC costs are for?? I've wondered that for a long time, actually...lol It's just insane, and now they're taking away more food? I bet you will enjoy the Poly food offerings. Let us know..

I loved the SL offerings, the problem is the inconsistency. I don't care if they don't feed us anything but cookies and wine at Poly Wine for me, cookies for the Pas-lettes

The BC had amazing food offerings! The hot apps still seemed like always to me (not much variety, fried, etc.), but what impressed me was all of the "other" things offered each night. There were usually 2 other things like side dishes, sometimes even 3, and always an olive mix too. Plus all the normal cheeses, bread, veggies, kids stuff. Personally, we didn't care for the dessert. There was a TON of stuff out each night, but it was the exact same spread every night. After night 3, we finally asked if they were going to switch up the desserts and the CMs said desserts are the same every night now. That was ok with us because we just went to Beaches & Cream for ice cream instead lol.

I really hope GF gets it back together because it charges the highest CL prices in Disney, so the food offerings really should be a notch above other CL's, or at least be relatively equal in quality and quantity. I guess they do offer the extra time slot during the day where they have the scones, etc. We're really looking forward to that!

Scones.........yum........

No! Not the same desserts every night like at BC . Oh well...must be a new trend. Although Poly put out different desserts each night in July, but only 3 or 4 things to choose from each night.

So what was your general opinion of the food offerings at RPC? I've read mixed reviews, which makes me wonder if it has something to do with which chef is on duty. I've seen wonderful RPC food reviews/pictures and then some not-so-great experiences regarding the food.

I think it varies and that is the issue. We didn't like RPC offerings, yet SL was hot, tasty, varied...YUM. Weird, right?

Hi! I've stayed at the GF a dozen times, but still need help. We have an Outer Bldg, Standard Room, Club Level-Access booked. Does that guarantee we will be in Sugar Loaf ("SL")? We love SL and I want to make sure that we will not be in some other building but permitted to use SL. I thought that the reservation, itself, should say SL, but maybe I'm mistaken. Thanks!

You will be in SL!!! Enjoy!!!! Unless you get upgraded to RPC

 

[Lisann]

One thing we really enjoyed was having a FP for the afternoon parade! I would do that again. Curbside seat right at the action can't be beat!!

This is good to know.

 

[TJA]

I thought the food was good, nothing earth shattering but tasty. We ate breakfast there every morning and could have used more protein but there is oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, cold cuts, cereals, pastries and bread products. Snacks were chips, pretzels, veggies and some dips. The tzaziki sauce with the chips were delicious. At tea time they brought out scones and a trifle or jam tarts. We did the apps twice, once we made it our dinner meal as we had a big, late lunch. Stuff like lamb, spinach, feta meatballs, grilled chicken, poached shrimp, salmon, etc with cheeses and bread/crackers, grilled and raw veggies. Chicken nuggets or corn dogs, pb&j for the kids every night. Desserts had a lemon cake, blueberry cake, cannoli, chocolate mouse, fruit tart, cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats, cupcakes, banana bread. We were there Tuesday-Saturday. Tues-early Friday the lounge was pretty empty and I found the food to be plentiful but we did notice Friday afternoon-Saturday morning the food was not restocked as quickly as I would have expected.

Thanks for all the info! I think that food sounds really good. I'd be happy with that. We are paying a LOT to stay at RPC during Easter week, so I do expect some good food and hoping we won't be disappointed because DH is already not overly thrilled to stay there lol (he's a Poly CL fan). But if the food is good, then he'll be happy.

OK- question time. If we're at the pool that is close to SL, can we go inside SL to grab some drinks (if we're staying in RPC)?

 

[TJA]

Sad display indeed! Perhaps it's a good thing that my RPC trip was rescheduled...if it gives them time to bring things back up to par! I hope you find that things are better the rest of your trip!

I know, in my case they need to step it up by Easter week. They have a little under 2 months!

Someone else posted their food offerings from last week I believe, and they sounded pretty good.

 

[Dispro1]

I know, in my case they need to step it up by Easter week. They have a little under 2 months!

Someone else posted their food offerings from last week I believe, and they sounded pretty good.

I would think they would step it up even more for Easter week, but I've never been there during that week. All I can tell you is that we could've paid a LOT less to stay at Poly for our trip the week of Memorial Day, but ultimately we chose RPC because the food is so much better (at least it always has been in the past); and we chose RPC over SL because of the views from the lounge and ambiance of the main building Our kids are old enough to justify the extra expense (sometimes) because we can actually spend a good amount of time relaxing in the lounge....at 17 and 12, my kids can go to the parks alone if they want! I have to admit that I am upset by the empty dessert table pic that Baler posted, but I'm certainly not changing my plans...as long as they keep the champagne flowing -LOL! The food that lucybalue listed sounds more like what I'm used to seeing, only she didn't mention the spinach-artichoke dip that I love mid day and the boiled eggs that they had recently added for breakfast! I hope those are still there! Blueskies will be there in a couple of weeks and can update us Let's hope she has good news!

Editing to add that this is still just my opinion of GF RPC...everyone likes different things, but I hope you love it as much as I do!

 

[mmmears]

We've been to WDW several times during Easter week, and I didn't notice any difference in the food in the CL lounges during those trips. Nothing more or better, just more crowded. We are going a couple weeks before Easter this time, and for what they are charging I sure hope it's going to be nice up there.