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

[Kona65]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

Could not agree more. It is by far our favorite resort.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Could not agree more. It is by far our favorite resort.

Everything was just absolutely perfect. And we ran into some quirky little things about the Grand that we also fell in love with. I just can't get over how great it was. So unexpected.

 

[busymommy2pink]

Hi all!

We were supposed to stay at the GF this past november, but due to our Canadian dollar tanking, and free dining not being available on our dates at the GF or any of the deluxe resorts we wanted, we opted to try a moderate, CBR. We switched to better flights with our savings. We thought all would be well. We long story short, our CBR was disastrous, but I won't relive those. It definitely put a large damper on our Familymoon (10th wedding anniversary, but taking our kids along). Anyways, we decided we were at Disney, we didn't have a right to complain. But when we got home, we were just shaking ours heads and going what the heck happened?! After thinking about it we chose to write Disney and just bring to light some stuff that happened, because if we don't, how will they ever know what needs improvement? We didn't ask for compensation, we didn't expect it, however they sent us a 2 night free stay at any Deluxe we want and a substantial gift card. We were blown away, and incredibly grateful. That being said, our next vaca is definitely Beach Club, this is for the kids, they have begged us and made us promise, plus they are very strong swimmers and wouldn't need life vests this time, so that's what we will be doing. However, our last two nights, will be at the GF! For mommy!!!! It's my dream, it's my bucketlist. SO...we will see you May 20-22, 2017!!!!

We will have one of the days at MK (park tickets from the BC ressie) and one resort day! Tell us what we need to do! I heard Cinderella and Prince Charming make an appearance now? This is booked, set in stone, and I couldn't be happier!! I know it's a year away, but I believe it'll come quickly!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hi all!

We were supposed to stay at the GF this past november, but due to our Canadian dollar tanking, and free dining not being available on our dates at the GF or any of the deluxe resorts we wanted, we opted to try a moderate, CBR. We switched to better flights with our savings. We thought all would be well. We long story short, our CBR was disastrous, but I won't relive those. It definitely put a large damper on our Familymoon (10th wedding anniversary, but taking our kids along). Anyways, we decided we were at Disney, we didn't have a right to complain. But when we got home, we were just shaking ours heads and going what the heck happened?! After thinking about it we chose to write Disney and just bring to light some stuff that happened, because if we don't, how will they ever know what needs improvement? We didn't ask for compensation, we didn't expect it, however they sent us a 2 night free stay at any Deluxe we want and a substantial gift card. We were blown away, and incredibly grateful. That being said, our next vaca is definitely Beach Club, this is for the kids, they have begged us and made us promise, plus they are very strong swimmers and wouldn't need life vests this time, so that's what we will be doing. However, our last two nights, will be at the GF! For mommy!!!! It's my dream, it's my bucketlist. SO...we will see you May 20-22, 2017!!!!

We will have one of the days at MK (park tickets from the BC ressie) and one resort day! Tell us what we need to do! I heard Cinderella and Prince Charming make an appearance now? This is booked, set in stone, and I couldn't be happier!! I know it's a year away, but I believe it'll come quickly!

Cinderella and Price Charming waltz in the main lobby at 3:45 pm. When we were there last week, the step sisters were also out there. It was very cute.

 

[trishadono]

Some misses for the day. It started with a room is ready text- for a room at the Boardwalk!


(Btw- this was after the plane we took in had some sort of fly by landing. We were like 20 yards maybe from touching down and we went back up. He blamed it on wind but we don't think that is what it was. We didn't hear the landing gear until the 2nd landing attempt. It'stotally possible that we missed it, but...)

I also loved that closet!

 

[BC1836]

Checked in to RPC tonight. There's nothing better than lying in bed & listening to the band playing. We have a deluxe King and it is seriously the best 'feature' of this room.

Another great feature - the crib for my early to bed toddler fits in the walk in closet.

Some misses for the day. It started with a room is ready text- for a room at the Boardwalk!

(Btw- this was after the plane we took in had some sort of fly by landing. We were like 20 yards maybe from touching down and we went back up. He blamed it on wind but we don't think that is what it was. We didn't hear the landing gear until the 2nd landing attempt. It's totally possible that we missed it, but...)

Alas, we checked out of the RPC yesterday.

Enjoy the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra and all that is associated with the GFR's main building.

All the best!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi all!

We were supposed to stay at the GF this past november, but due to our Canadian dollar tanking, and free dining not being available on our dates at the GF or any of the deluxe resorts we wanted, we opted to try a moderate, CBR. We switched to better flights with our savings. We thought all would be well. We long story short, our CBR was disastrous, but I won't relive those. It definitely put a large damper on our Familymoon (10th wedding anniversary, but taking our kids along). Anyways, we decided we were at Disney, we didn't have a right to complain. But when we got home, we were just shaking ours heads and going what the heck happened?! After thinking about it we chose to write Disney and just bring to light some stuff that happened, because if we don't, how will they ever know what needs improvement? We didn't ask for compensation, we didn't expect it, however they sent us a 2 night free stay at any Deluxe we want and a substantial gift card. We were blown away, and incredibly grateful. That being said, our next vaca is definitely Beach Club, this is for the kids, they have begged us and made us promise, plus they are very strong swimmers and wouldn't need life vests this time, so that's what we will be doing. However, our last two nights, will be at the GF! For mommy!!!! It's my dream, it's my bucketlist. SO...we will see you May 20-22, 2017!!!!

We will have one of the days at MK (park tickets from the BC ressie) and one resort day! Tell us what we need to do! I heard Cinderella and Prince Charming make an appearance now? This is booked, set in stone, and I couldn't be happier!! I know it's a year away, but I believe it'll come quickly!

Sorry for your unhappy stay at the CBR, but it's wonderful that you get to cancel that out with another stay at a deluxe!! Bet you'll be dreaming and planning all year long with the rest of us on here!!

 

[TJA]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

OK I am sounding like an echo of several replies above, but this exact thing happened to me as well!! All I wanted to do was cross GF off my list....we had stayed at every other deluxe except GF because I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it. Well from the moment we opened our room door, I just knew I had fallen for a new place. Every single thing about our room impressed me -- even the cute garbage cans . Each day after returning to our room, I'd find myself running in the bathroom first so that I could see the GF logo on the toilet paper! Pretty weird, I guess, but all the little things at GF that aren't at all the other resorts added to the experience. The balcony, the view, the beds, the band/piano, the shopping......

In a couple months we are headed to Poly and BWI. I already know we love the Poly, and we will love BWI (stayed in a regular room there when our kids were babies, so it has been a while). But GF holds a special place in my heart now and I can't wait to go back! So glad you loved it too!

 

[TJA]

Checked in to RPC tonight. There's nothing better than lying in bed & listening to the band playing. We have a deluxe King and it is seriously the best 'feature' of this room.

Another great feature - the crib for my early to bed toddler fits in the walk in closet.

Some misses for the day. It started with a room is ready text- for a room at the Boardwalk!

(Btw- this was after the plane we took in had some sort of fly by landing. We were like 20 yards maybe from touching down and we went back up. He blamed it on wind but we don't think that is what it was. We didn't hear the landing gear until the 2nd landing attempt. It's totally possible that we missed it, but...)

Lucky! Enjoy RPC -- we fell in love with it last month!
That is sort of funny about the room text, though I'm sure you were a bit nervous at first!
Not so funny about the airplane landing, but glad all ended ok!

 

[TJA]

I am staying at the grand for the first time in August. I had 12 nights booked August 10-22. But just decided to do a split stay. We will be at GF Aug 10-17 and then BC 17-23. We have never stayed at either. And I was a bit nervous deciding on the split stay because I believe I am going to love GF. But I want my children to experience storm along bay. The last few posts confirm why I am so nervous. I think Gf will be my favorite. Currently we have never stayed deluxe. And I always thought Poly would be my fave. We have our first Poly stay for 11 nights in a studio in 11 more days!! but i love the new decor in the rooms at gf, when i looked planning our first few trips i hated the rooms. oh and growing up mary poppins was my favorite movie, and my family still makes fun of me to this day about crying when they tired it off. so i am going to have to go see mary poppins while i am there lol. i tried to stand in line to meet her at the Christmas party in 2013 and my kids looked at me like I was crazy. They of course had no clue who she was. lol

Book a breakfast at 1900 Park Fare -- Mary Poppins is great there! And you would actually get to talk to her when she stops at your table .

Sounds like you have a great trip booked. As far as your split, I do think your kids will love SAB, so having the BC as your 2nd resort should be ok. BC is gorgeous, so you won't really lose a lot -- the walk to Epcot is great!

 

[Mousemommy1]

OK I am sounding like an echo of several replies above, but this exact thing happened to me as well!! All I wanted to do was cross GF off my list....we had stayed at every other deluxe except GF because I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it. Well from the moment we opened our room door, I just knew I had fallen for a new place. Every single thing about our room impressed me -- even the cute garbage cans . Each day after returning to our room, I'd find myself running in the bathroom first so that I could see the GF logo on the toilet paper! Pretty weird, I guess, but all the little things at GF that aren't at all the other resorts added to the experience. The balcony, the view, the beds, the band/piano, the shopping......

In a couple months we are headed to Poly and BWI. I already know we love the Poly, and we will love BWI (stayed in a regular room there when our kids were babies, so it has been a while). But GF holds a special place in my heart now and I can't wait to go back! So glad you loved it too!

It's so funny, because DH and I have discussed possibly buying DVC and have always decided against it, but at the GF, DH was like "Now this...I could definitely see buying DVC for...". It was that good.

 

[Lisann]

Another great feature - the crib for my early to bed toddler fits in the walk in closet.

 

[TJA]

It's so funny, because DH and I have discussed possibly buying DVC and have always decided against it, but at the GF, DH was like "Now this...I could definitely see buying DVC for...". It was that good.

Yes! My DH fell for GF too, and I never expected that. He's a true Poly guy, so I was expecting GF to be a one-and-done type stay. I've mentioned possibly going to WDW during the holiday season (Nov/Dec) and DH said that would be perfect timing to stay at GF again!

 

[sluggozmom]

Double digit dance anyone?

Me and DD13!!!
First stay onsite too

 

[BC1836]

Checked in to RPC tonight. There's nothing better than lying in bed & listening to the band playing. We have a deluxe King and it is seriously the best 'feature' of this room.

If you are a returning RPC guest you will notice fewer food offerings (especially during "Twilight Refreshers") and cheaper wines, like Blackstone Merlot (under $10 a bottle). And, alas, Mumm Napa Cuvee M is gone. Unlike in the past, food items do run out...like hard boiled eggs in the morning and select dishes in the evening. And they are not replaced.

Still, there is much to appreciate.

All the best!

 

[Lisann]

Yes! My DH fell for GF too, and I never expected that. He's a true Poly guy, so I was expecting GF to be a one-and-done type stay. I've mentioned possibly going to WDW during the holiday season (Nov/Dec) and DH said that would be perfect timing to stay at GF again!

I love it when the "men/hubbies/guys" love the Grand.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I love it when the "men/hubbies/guys" love the Grand.

I just want to point out that I was the first in our clan to embrace the power of the Grand.......phrases like "sure the boardwalk in is in a great spot, if you like the noise of NYC," "I'm sure the California Grille is nice, but did I miss that Sergio is now bartending there,"....."fine, we can stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a couple of nights.....as long as we can stay at the Grand for a couple additional nights." That would be me!

Tom

 

[Mousemommy1]

Now I just need to save up to stay in the RPC....

 

[Lisann]

Now I just need to save up to stay in the RPC....

Uh, yes...that would be me.

 

[Kona65]

We keep trying to stay at different resorts, but no matter what we do, we always come back to the GF. Its more than just a place to lay your head down after a long day at the parks. On a side note, when the monorail or boat is running slow, we take the ferry to the TTC, and take the nice walk back through the Poly to the GF. Yes it seems long, but you can always stop at the bar in the poly. After a few drinks, the walk just doesn't seem to matter.