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

[Disneytam]

I received the below message today from the Grand Floridian SL when I asked about their evening cordials.

Disney reserves the right to make changes to the offerings at the various Club Lounges based on demand or business needs. Cordials are no longer being offered at the Sugar Loaf Club Lounge, so sadly Disaronno would not be available.

Have a GRAND day!

Is it just me or does this message sound a little "snarky" to anyone else? Not really the type of response I would expect.

 

[Tash87]

What is a dormer room?
Sorry to ask a stupid question.....We have lagoon view....want a balcony, with a decent view...

Whats the best house , floor ..in your opinion.

This is exactly what I would like! We have a lagoon view room and would like a balcony with a nice view, although it's going to be a nice view wherever we are

 

[ToyStory3]

Is it just me or does this message sound a little "snarky" to anyone else? Not really the type of response I would expect.

Yep! That was my initial reaction, too. Not sure why the very first line needs to be "Disney reserves the right...". Not too magical.

 

[Dispro1]

Is it just me or does this message sound a little "snarky" to anyone else? Not really the type of response I would expect.

It's not just you. I was a bit upset by the response as well. I think the response could've been a bit nicer, but I try to remind myself that it all depends on what CM ends up responding...most are really nice but some...not so much, unfortunately...and that happens at every resort. I will say that they will hurt their business by cutting out cordials, IMO. It's not that we have to have cordials, but that could possibly be enough to make me choose another CL over SL unless I just really wanted the Grand for some reason (and didn't want to pay RPC prices) since they still have cordials at all the other CLs and they are either the same price or less than SL usually. It seems like they are testing to see how much they can get away with before people start jumping ship which is extremely aggravating since we all love the GF so much! They are exploiting our love for the Grand!

Editing to add that I know you will still have a fantastic trip and will love the Grand, ToyStory3 (but that's where they get us, right?)!

 

[Maxie86]

Hi Blue and Maxie! On our March trip we also had to check in downstairs, but were lucky because at least it wasn't crowded and we didn't have to wait. But I miss the more personal, CL check-in process. Also, the trifle wasn't out at tea time. We had the cupcakes, too. As for the little note at turndown, we did get that along with the chocolates (and it was nicely personalized and signed by our mousekeeper). I'm hoping that they didn't get rid of that permanently. The little touches make a difference.

Hi mmmears, Did you do online check in? I tried it twice and it didn't save any time, still had to go through the same check in process, so I stopped doing it. I think I will try it this time, we aren't getting in until 5 ish so the room should be ready before we arrive and hoping the MB works in the elevator so I won't have to wait in a long line.
The note is a nice touch, but as long as I get chocolate I'm good.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi BlueSkies Thanks for the report. I have a trip planned this summer too and was a bit worried about all the cutbacks. Glad to hear it's still Grand. I wouldn't mind checking in downstairs if they still had the CL desk but to have to stand in line only to have them find someone to take you upstairs is just wrong!! I will do online check in and hope the MB works on the elevator. I love the triffle and will definitely miss it, but as long as they still have champagne I'm good. The red velvet cupcake sounds good . YUM.

Hi grannyminnie, Yay for a Florida trip, hope you get to visit the Grand.

Hey there!!! ..so happy that our trips will be overlapping and looking forward to sharing some meals together (especially BOG )..DD too...Hmmm...maybe we should try out the online check in...??? I'm all for not standing at the front desk and waaiiitttiiinnngggg.....

Hi Blue and Maxie! On our March trip we also had to check in downstairs, but were lucky because at least it wasn't crowded and we didn't have to wait. But I miss the more personal, CL check-in process. Also, the trifle wasn't out at tea time. We had the cupcakes, too. As for the little note at turndown, we did get that along with the chocolates (and it was nicely personalized and signed by our mousekeeper). I'm hoping that they didn't get rid of that permanently. The little touches make a difference.

Hi mmm ... I would venture to say that trifle is a thing of the past...just like chocolate covered strawberries...what I am glad to see though..is some replacements...ie: the red velvet cupcakes...they were not just yummy...they were pleasing to the eye too...kinds calling my name...lol....I need to get some pics posted here....

~ I almost forgot this...a change in what was offered in the way of toiletries...NO solar gel (gee that didn't last long...lol) and NO mint foot rub...and this has been around for as long as I can remember......I wont miss the solar gel...was always in the habit of packing some anyway...but ...the mint foot rub was a very nice and unique addition to the general toiletries offered at the other resorts....

so I called today and put in my room requests: balcony, Buildings #7 or #5 & no dormer.

Then the reservationist came back and said that my room type (outer building, deluxe room, queen beds) comes with a balcony, so then I specified that I was really looking for floors 2-4 and that I didn't want a 1st or 5th floor. She then said that since my room type was available in all of the buildings was there one that I preferred and I said #7 - she typed a little more and said it wasn't a problem and entered it all in!

now I just have to wait for the next 25 days to go by!!

You are going to really enjoy that deluxe room....the extra space..and seating and television really are so nice...but..as a PP mentioned...the top floor deluxe rooms in each outer building do NOT have a balcony..enclosed or otherwise (regardless of what they told you on the phone...trust the GF fans here..they know their stuff! ).... so I would suggest being sure that they listed balcony as a request on your ressie...all of the deluxe rooms in the outer buildings face the courtyard pool area...with the exception of Sago ..which has a marina view...all are lovely....

Will be checking in Saturday for our first GF stay!! Cannot wait! Will be staying in Sugarloaf. Will be sure and report back!

Woohoo!!! Looking forward to hearing about your stay! I bet it will be grand!

ToyStory3-have a Grand time! I hope you have the magical experience as we did the first time we ever walked into the GF. I took our breath away. It truly is magical. Can't wait to hear how you liked it. Send pictures back!

I'm living the magic through everyone's vacation pics!

Next best thing to being there! And we shared that same feeling ..love at first stay....

Blueskies was in RPC so her experience with CL offerings may be a bit different from yours. SL has for the most part always had the same food/drinks as RPC, so I hope to hear that the cordials are back in SL! I hope you will let us know how things are over at SL, and I hope you have a great trip!! I know you must be excited because I'm checking in May 29th and the anticipation is killing me!

Doing the almost single digit happy dance for you!!!!!

Thanks for the food info! Those meats and cheeses make breakfast convenient.

Welcome! As I like to say....and often do around here...lol... Its always about the food!!! I was definitely glad to see them back too...I think that grabbing a quick and filling breakfast is one of the nicest perks of staying CL....such a wonderful time saver before a day in the parks...and so convenient....

Hi @BlueSkies : Nice to see you back -- so, how many days in advance were you packed?

Is it just me, or is anyone else thinking about doing a quick trip just to ride the new Soarin' and Frozen when they open? I'm almost thinking of a 1 day 1 night.

I have issues.

Tom

Hi Tom ... Is someone being a wise guy around here?????????????? You know that your lax packing habits give me anxiety.......lol...
As a matter of fact I think I might just start light packing now for our summer trip...JK!!! lol...

Btw...really like your Disney logic...whats wrong with a super quick trip... to check out the new stuff?????????? Just be sure to come on back and share the details with your GF pals!

StefR Thanks so much for your detailed review....Good to know what the protocol is when you stay in an outer building suite....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday.... GF gal who would really like to know what is going on with ROL..so I can fine tune our park days...... (first world Disney problems...lol)

 

[Avery&Todd]

You are going to really enjoy that deluxe room....the extra space..and seating and television really are so nice...but..as a PP mentioned...the top floor deluxe rooms in each outer building do NOT have a balcony..enclosed or otherwise (regardless of what they told you on the phone...trust the GF fans here..they know their stuff! ).... so I would suggest being sure that they listed balcony as a request on your ressie...all of the deluxe rooms in the outer buildings face the courtyard pool area...with the exception of Sago ..which has a marina view...all are lovely....

I did request either Sago or Conch and I'd love either!!

I have been scouring the boards here on all the details I could find about the deluxe rooms so I was as educated as possible when I made my room request and I could have sworn that I remember reading a few posts where people said that they did NOT have a balcony!! I did specify that I wanted a balcony and NO dormer - I was very specific about that - and I even went so far as to say floors 2-4!! I might have been a little overboard but I knew I didn't want a 1st floor or a dormer!! But I guess I'll have to just wait and see what we are assigned when we arrive in 23 days!!

And after all of my contemplation on the perfect building to request my DH says to me..."what does it matter, we won't be in the room for long!".....

our boys are "older" at almost 17 and 14 and need their "space" so the 2 queens and a full size pullout will be great!! and don't think I haven't already pondered how I can have the "Must do" show always playing on one of those tvs!

 

[mmmears]

Hi mmmears, Did you do online check in? I tried it twice and it didn't save any time, still had to go through the same check in process, so I stopped doing it. I think I will try it this time, we aren't getting in until 5 ish so the room should be ready before we arrive and hoping the MB works in the elevator so I won't have to wait in a long line.
The note is a nice touch, but as long as I get chocolate I'm good.

Hi Maxie86 We didn't do online check in, and I don't think it would have made things go any faster.

Hey there!!! ..so happy that our trips will be overlapping and looking forward to sharing some meals together (especially BOG )..DD too...Hmmm...maybe we should try out the online check in...??? I'm all for not standing at the front desk and waaiiitttiiinnngggg.....



Hi mmm ... I would venture to say that trifle is a thing of the past...just like chocolate covered strawberries...what I am glad to see though..is some replacements...ie: the red velvet cupcakes...they were not just yummy...they were pleasing to the eye too...kinds calling my name...lol....I need to get some pics posted here....

~ I almost forgot this...a change in what was offered in the way of toiletries...NO solar gel (gee that didn't last long...lol) and NO mint foot rub...and this has been around for as long as I can remember......I wont miss the solar gel...was always in the habit of packing some anyway...but ...the mint foot rub was a very nice and unique addition to the general toiletries offered at the other resorts....

Hi BlueSkies I am sad to hear about the foot rub. I'm pretty sure it was there in our room in March. Things are just disappearing so quickly.

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

Ok, this will ramble a little but some opinions needed here! We are booked for a standard RPC room for the second half of our anniversary trip. I've always wanted to stay in the main building, but now I wonder if it would be better to get the outer building TPV and scratch the main building altogether.

I don't like to roll the dice with my view because I love sitting on a balcony and staring off! I can't tell from touring plans exactly what the view would be in a standard room in the main building. I'd be very happy with a marina view if that's standard but don't really like looking at a pool. What are your thoughts?

 

[Sue M]

Blue noooooo, not the foot rub I would keep it in the night table drawer, and before bed put it on. So nice on tired feet after trudging thru the parks all day. For the price they charge for rooms, these nickel & dime cut backs are ridiculous, sheesh.

 

[MommyGina]

People are starting to notice the cutbacks at the GF. I heard last night that a major firm that always stays at the GF in August for their convention, has cut the ties and is now staying at either the Beach of Yacht Club.

Maybe the GF will smarten up, cut the prices and put back the perks. I did see the article about Disney's revenue being down. Hmmm, I wonder why?

 

[Avery&Todd]

I have questions for everyone who has been there recently...

We've never stayed at a monorail resort and I understand that while the monorail is undergoing some repairs it's on a modified running schedule...

How has that affected the way you get to MK, Epcot, Poly and the CR? Do you take the boat when you can? (and can you for an 8am ADR at MK??) What time would we want to leave GF for an 8am MK ADR?

If we have an 8am ADR at Garden Grill (Epcot) do we just take the monorail to TTC and then to Epcot or take a bus directly to Epcot?

thanks!

 

[PolyAddict]

I need some expert help...

DD15 wants to celebrate sweet 16 at the Grand! Please tell me all the options for DH and I with 3 girls. We want 2 bathrooms and a separate rooms for girls. We are open to the villas and suites besides 2 regular rooms.

Thanks!

 

[StefR]

@Avery&Todd by no means an expert but when were there last weekend the monorail was running fine. I couldn't seem to get a straight answer when the boats started to run but if park opens at 9, I dont think they would be running early enough to get you to your 8am reservation.

@PolyAddict We just stayed in a one bedroom suite at the GF and there were 2 full bathrooms.

 

[PolyAddict]

@Avery&Todd by no means an expert but when were there last weekend the monorail was running fine. I couldn't seem to get a straight answer when the boats started to run but if park opens at 9, I dont think they would be running early enough to get you to your 8am reservation.

@PolyAddict We just stayed in a one bedroom suite at the GF and there were 2 full bathrooms.

thankYou! was that in the outer building?

 

[StefR]

Yes @PolyAddict it was in the Boca Chica building.

 

[PolyAddict]

Yes @PolyAddict it was in the Boca Chica building.

I'm sorry to be a pain but I don't see that as an option online, only club suites come up. Are there pics anywhere of the layout? How many does it sleep? thank u

 

[StefR]

No worries @PolyAddict - we didn't pick Boca Chica. We booked an outer building 1 bedroom concierge suite. They put us in Boca Chica (evidently the front desk said there arent many 1 bedrooms in the Sugarloaf building to accommodate everyone). I don't have photos but essentially its 2 hotel rooms - one is set up with a living room and full bath and the other adjoining room is set up like a standard hotel room with 2 queen beds and a full bath. I believe the living room has a pull out sofa if you need more than the 2 beds in the bedroom. Not sure what they allow in terms of max capacity - we were just 2 adults and one toddler. If you have other questions, feel free to ask. Hope that helps!

 

[StefR]

By the way - if you are planning on spending most of your time in the parks and have more people, I think 2 adjoining rooms would work as well and then you don't have to spring for the 1 bedroom (which in our case was definitely more expensive than 2 rooms)

 

[PolyAddict]

No worries @PolyAddict - we didn't pick Boca Chica. We booked an outer building 1 bedroom concierge suite. They put us in Boca Chica (evidently the front desk said there arent many 1 bedrooms in the Sugarloaf building to accommodate everyone). I don't have photos but essentially its 2 hotel rooms - one is set up with a living room and full bath and the other adjoining room is set up like a standard hotel room with 2 queen beds and a full bath. I believe the living room has a pull out sofa if you need more than the 2 beds in the bedroom. Not sure what they allow in terms of max capacity - we were just 2 adults and one toddler. If you have other questions, feel free to ask. Hope that helps!

Yes! so there are no suites that aren't club level.

By the way - if you are planning on spending most of your time in the parks and have more people, I think 2 adjoining rooms would work as well and then you don't have to spring for the 1 bedroom (which in our case was definitely more expensive than 2 rooms)

so far, this seems the way to go!