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

[Lisann]

ShirikiUtundu...I am always amazed at the loudness of people in the hallways. No consideration for others, no matter the time of day or night!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hi All!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!!

Blue - Thanks for the pictures, I heard there was new merchandise and I can't wait to SHOP!!!

Grannyminnie - How exciting you get to be in WDW for your birthday, Enjoy!!
It is absolutely pouring buckets here today. Hope everyone is having a Magical Day!!

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

ShirikiUtundu...I am always amazed at the loudness of people in the hallways. No consideration for others, no matter the time of day or night!

Agree, and this goes to show it happens at all levels right up to the GF club.

In many instances I don't think people are purposefully rude, but I think they just go into vacation oblivion mode.

One morning I heard the family next door hanging out in the hallway at 645 am. Talking and laughing, getting ready to go on about their day. 15 minutes passed with me just hoping they would go on and leave but finally at 7 I had to poke my head out and ask them to keep it down. They at least looked embarrassed and did leave but really, use some common sense.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Agree, and this goes to show it happens at all levels right up to the GF club.

In many instances I don't think people are purposefully rude, but I think they just go into vacation oblivion mode.

One morning I heard the family next door hanging out in the hallway at 645 am. Talking and laughing, getting ready to go on about their day. 15 minutes passed with me just hoping they would go on and leave but finally at 7 I had to poke my head out and ask them to keep it down. They at least looked embarrassed and did leave but really, use some common sense.

We just got back from a split stay at GF and AOA, the second morning at the AOA there was some grumbling in our suite about the level of noise that was emitting from the hallway at the "ungodly" hour of 8am. I pointed out that the young children probably thought the same thing as we made our way back to the suite at 1am that night. However, that was young kids excited for the magic of Disney. No excuse for grownups to be doing that.

Tom

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

And just so no one thinks I'm just one big old ball of complaints let me reiterate...the room was great - large, beautiful and comfortable, the view (with the bald tree) was fantastic, the lounge was very nice, the club level CMs were friendly. We loved sitting in the lounge just listening to the band and piano player. I just always need to remind myself that WDW luxury and cost is not on the same plane as the rest of earth luxury and cost and adjust my expectations accordingly.

 

[loveshak22]

Hi all! We just booked GF CL Sugarloaf for this May. We've never even stepped foot inside the GF so we have NO idea what to expect. We've seen it from the monorail - that's about it. Our last couple trips have been to the BCR. We're super excited but now I'm trying to get my hands on any info I can about the resort. Any suggestions for room recommendations for standard view, outer building, CL? Upper floor and balcony? Any great trip reports that anyone can recommend? I've been trying to find some but haven't had much success yet. Will be reading this board a lot in the next few months. Thanks!!!

Fun!!! We stayed SL in November. It was just myself and my hubby on the trip and my main priority was getting a king bed and in a quiet place. I was happy with our room, but we didn't have a view. There was a big tree outside our balcony and then the courtyard pool. But, that was perfectly fine for me because I wasn't as interested in the view as I was a king bed and not directly off the lobby. I think the main thing you should decide when you put in your room preference is what matters most to you? Bed type, noise level, view, distance from lobby, etc?

 

[loveshak22]

And just so no one thinks I'm just one big old ball of complaints let me reiterate...the room was great - large, beautiful and comfortable, the view (with the bald tree) was fantastic, the lounge was very nice, the club level CMs were friendly. We loved sitting in the lounge just listening to the band and piano player. I just always need to remind myself that WDW luxury and cost is not on the same plane as the rest of earth luxury and cost and adjust my expectations accordingly.

I'll be honest and admit that I love the GF thread (and people on the thread) more than I do the actual Grand!! Hopefully I can still stay a part of the thread after saying that!!!

Don't get me wrong, it was a perfectly pleasant resort, but I wasn't blown away and I definitely didn't feel like the service lived up to my expectations. I would also recommend the resort depending on what someone is looking for in a trip, because it did have a lot of positives. And I would stay there again, but maybe after trying some more of the deluxes first!

I do still want to stay in the main building...maybe that would have made the experience that much better for me!

 

[loveshak22]

I always think to myself my dd acts more like Blue than me, lol!

She complained all Aoa trip no CL breakfast! She loved it otherwise.

It does look from pix that some of the offering from ca are same as fla. I'll will post when I get back.

Can't wait to hear about your DL trip!!! Hope you're doing well @trishadono!!!

 

[Sue M]

We were in 4201. (Note that this time of year the tree is bare so it doesn't impact the view! I could see how it would be annoying to get this room when the tree is in full bloom!) Since this room is at the end of the hallway you'd think it would be among the quietest. However the employees utilize the "emergency" staircase all day and night and the door slams and latches very, very loudly. There must be a shift change or something around 3am because I awoke every night at this time to employees having a conversation out in the hallway. And then there are the guests who think that a hotel is their home and they can act anyway they want any time of day. At this price these things are simply unacceptable.

I've been very lucky and only once had rude neighbour with 4 kids at Port Orleans, who let them run screaming and slamming room door up and down outside walkway in front of our room. I'm thinking they were with another family who had a room further down, or they just smuggled extra child in the room. I was happy we were transferring resorts the next day. Did a split stay.

Last year at Poly, I felt sorry for people on first floor. Two families were in rooms next to each other, and doors were left open with constant family members & kids going back and forth between rooms. Was happy we were on 3rd floor.

They were having a great time, but bet their neighbours, not so much.

It's not so much about the price, I would find this behaviour unacceptable at any level of hotel. Some people are just plain rude and disrespectful.

 

[trishadono]

We were in 4201. (Note that this time of year the tree is bare so it doesn't impact the view! I could see how it would be annoying to get this room when the tree is in full bloom!) Since this room is at the end of the hallway you'd think it would be among the quietest. However the employees utilize the "emergency" staircase all day and night and the door slams and latches very, very loudly. There must be a shift change or something around 3am because I awoke every night at this time to employees having a conversation out in the hallway. And then there are the guests who think that a hotel is their home and they can act anyway they want any time of day. At this price these things are simply unacceptable.

My original post about this room in August 2014 was that it was NOISY! My dh would have been miserable. We were only there one night so it wasn't a big deal.

The other thing I didn't enjoy was the balcony. It was open on the LEFT and the employees would walk on a path below right towards you. I felt I was on display.

We ended up just staying in the lounge. Between the tree and fishbowl effect the balcony wasn't really usable.

Dd didn't mind.... I think she had 5 scones that day.

(oops put right the first time)

 

[dzak1717]

Has anyone had their children participate in the Princess Promenade yet? I saw it started Feb 12th. We will be there in May with a princess loving 5yr old and so excited to see they are doing this.

Thanks

 

[BlueSkies]

We were in 4201. (Note that this time of year the tree is bare so it doesn't impact the view! I could see how it would be annoying to get this room when the tree is in full bloom!) Since this room is at the end of the hallway you'd think it would be among the quietest. However the employees utilize the "emergency" staircase all day and night and the door slams and latches very, very loudly. There must be a shift change or something around 3am because I awoke every night at this time to employees having a conversation out in the hallway. And then there are the guests who think that a hotel is their home and they can act anyway they want any time of day. At this price these things are simply unacceptable.

Thanks again ShirikiUtundu for sharing your experience...I always had the perception that the 2nd floor...for as far as it is from all of the general CL conveniences was probably most quiet...so I'm glad to know this additional info...I would not be happy with that extra noise at all.......I would encourage you to provide that feedback to guest services...

Agree, and this goes to show it happens at all levels right up to the GF club.

In many instances I don't think people are purposefully rude, but I think they just go into vacation oblivion mode.

One morning I heard the family next door hanging out in the hallway at 645 am. Talking and laughing, getting ready to go on about their day. 15 minutes passed with me just hoping they would go on and leave but finally at 7 I had to poke my head out and ask them to keep it down. They at least looked embarrassed and did leave but really, use some common sense.

Unfortunately true....

And just so no one thinks I'm just one big old ball of complaints let me reiterate...the room was great - large, beautiful and comfortable, the view (with the bald tree) was fantastic, the lounge was very nice, the club level CMs were friendly. We loved sitting in the lounge just listening to the band and piano player. I just always need to remind myself that WDW luxury and cost is not on the same plane as the rest of earth luxury and cost and adjust my expectations accordingly.

Don't think that at all...lol...we are happy for honest feedback...and your post had many pros not just cons..so it did not come across like a big complaint...

I'll be honest and admit that I love the GF thread (and people on the thread) more than I do the actual Grand!! Hopefully I can still stay a part of the thread after saying that!!!

Don't get me wrong, it was a perfectly pleasant resort, but I wasn't blown away and I definitely didn't feel like the service lived up to my expectations. I would also recommend the resort depending on what someone is looking for in a trip, because it did have a lot of positives. And I would stay there again, but maybe after trying some more of the deluxes first!

I do still want to stay in the main building...maybe that would have made the experience that much better for me!

Everyone has different like and dislikes..and for different reasons...you are such a welcoming and friendly poster that we are happy to have you here with us..sharing your thoughts and experiences...no matter what! ...

The main building is def a different experience...ambiance wise...I personally.. as I have said before am a true fan of both SL and RPC...and will gladly stay in either...but have different preferences at different times of the year....

My original post about this room in August 2014 was that it was NOISY! My dh would have been miserable. We were only there one night so it wasn't a big deal.

The other thing I didn't enjoy was the balcony. It was open on the right and the employees would walk on a path below right towards you. I felt I was on display.

We ended up just staying in the lounge. Between the tree and fishbowl effect the balcony wasn't really usable.

Dd didn't mind.... I think she had 5 scones that day.

I didn't remember that at all......lol...I just had a visual of a big old tree blocking the view.......this room will officially go on my list of rooms that I would prefer not to have....

Has anyone had their children participate in the Princess Promenade yet? I saw it started Feb 12th. We will be there in May with a princess loving 5yr old and so excited to see they are doing this.

Thanks

Just read about this on Kenny the Pirate.... and it sounds wonderful...and ...its complimentary....a Disney rarity...lol...Hope that you will come back and let us know what you think about it....

~To add to the info about the Princess Promenade...

According to what I read on KTP... the children have an opportunity to stroll down the GF grand staircase with Cinderella...sounds like some simple fun...not to mention a great photo op for parents! I think it for ages 3 to 12 and meets at M.Mouse Mercantile at 3:30 in the afternoon....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday.... GF gal whose next ADR day is quickly approaching....You know its always about the food!!!

 

[mexi]

@BlueSkies...The Princess Promenade sounds like fun for the little ones. Too bad my girls are all teens now. Thanks for sharing the info.

Have fun planning those ADR's.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday.... GF gal whose next ADR day is quickly approaching....You know its always about the food!!!

Did I mention that on Superbowl Sunday we were un-American and didn't watch the game. We did, however, have dinner at La Hacienda in Mexico -- I will tell you this, for a single table service credit, that place is fabulous. I had their short ribs, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. We also enjoyed Teppan Edo for a wonderful Hibachi dinner the following night -- I had the filet and shrimp - again, only a single table service credit. We all enjoyed our meals there too.

Now explain to me this "it's all about the food?"

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Tom I do believe that you are our Grand foodie...and I for one appreciate your food recommendations, reviews and also the additional info about how many dining credits the different meals require...
Tappan Edo is a fave of ours too...for both the food and the dining experience. ..and we tend to lean towards San Angel Inn rather than La Hacienda ..we might have to give it another try based on your recommendation! Thanks for the info!!! It's def always about the food...snacks too...lol...

 

[BlueSkies]

So many SL inquiries lately...that I did take some time to visit the lounge ..and take some pics to post...and here they are...

 

[BlueSkies]

A few more...

 

[BlueSkies]

The lounge does get a good bit of light from both sets of doors...and also has a nice cozy feel to it...the benches along the perimeter of the lounge area is a nice addition. ..but the concierge desk right in the middle of that area does seem out of place...JMO...Still..a nice space to grab a quick snack or drink...

 

[trishadono]

A few more...View attachment 151871 View attachment 151872 View attachment 151874

Loved those hall tables!

 

[loveshak22]

The lounge does get a good bit of light from both sets of doors...and also has a nice cozy feel to it...the benches along the perimeter of the lounge area is a nice addition. ..but the concierge desk right in the middle of that area does seem out of place...JMO...Still..a nice space to grab a quick snack or drink...

I agree! I know some people find the SL lounge hectic, but we always found a table and enjoyed the space!

And thanks @BlueSkies for the sweet comment about being happy I'm here