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

[grannyminnie]

I will post a review later but am at airport. We checked out today as this was a quick trip before taking daughter to look at schools.

Trust me not a perception or "resort bad day". This is our 3rd RPC stay this year and issues are obvious. We had some wonderful park interaction and VIP tour guide Terry was a highlight. Service, lounge, etc. not up to previous stays.

For those not staying CL or first time/infrequent guests, you may not notice. Will try to review our suite soon.

I hate hearing this but glad for your honest and thoughtful opinion.

 

[kallanach]

If the beaches will now be closed at sunset, where can we view fireworks from the resort? Thanks!

 

[trishadono]

If the beaches will now be closed at sunset, where can we view fireworks from the resort? Thanks!

A good place is the boat dock(they still run that late) or by Gaspies outdoor seating area. Gaspies has food nearby and the music piped there.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Hello! Trying to decide on building request for online check in. We were thinking Sago Cay for proximity to main building. Thoughts? Is it noisy on monorail side? Of course would prefer Marina side. Other thought was Boca Chica, close to pool.

Our only other stay years ago at GF was in Conch Key Theme Park View. Loved it!

 

[Dispro1]

Great pic of Courtyard pool. Did you happen to get any pics of what kind of fencing is up on the beach?

We left before the incident, so I don't have any pictures of the fencing they have put up, but we will be at Poly July26th, so I'll try to remember to post a pic or two of the beach areas if someone else doesn't post pics by then.

 

[Maxie86]

We left before the incident, so I don't have any pictures of the fencing they have put up, but we will be at Poly July26th, so I'll try to remember to post a pic or two of the beach areas if someone else doesn't post pics by then.

Hi Dispro1. Bummer we will miss you again...we have a GF/Poly split in August.

Reports are there is beach access at the Poly during Wishes. The GF beach isn't a good place to watch anyway...can you even see them from the beach?...the boat dock or by Gaspies is the best place.

Not happy to hear there are even more cutbacks.

 

[Sue M]

Hello! Trying to decide on building request for online check in. We were thinking Sago Cay for proximity to main building. Thoughts? Is it noisy on monorail side? Of course would prefer Marina side. Other thought was Boca Chica, close to pool.

Our only other stay years ago at GF was in Conch Key Theme Park View. Loved it!

I'm requesting Boca. I like being closer to the pools. And Boca is just across the lawn from lobby. Last August I was in Big Pine (lagoon) and my friend was in Sago facing monorail. Her room was quiet, at least when I visited. And it's close to Gaspys and bus stop. There's no bad locations at GF. Just depends on what you prefer to be closer to.
I did my online check in 60 days! Can't wait. My requests were already on it from TA.

 

[trishadono]

I'm requesting Boca. I like being closer to the pools. And Boca is just across the lawn from lobby. Last August I was in Big Pine (lagoon) and my friend was in Sago facing monorail. Her room was quiet, at least when I visited. And it's close to Gaspys and bus stop. There's no bad locations at GF. Just depends on what you prefer to be closer to.
I did my online check in 60 days! Can't wait. My requests were already on it from TA.

I agree I would be happy with any location! Sago I like for gaspies and transportation but it's kind of far from the beach pool. Since I don't have little ones anymore I prefer the courtyard pool and that's reachable from anywhere.

Woohoo for online check in time! I just got my MB shipped notice!

Summer fun, here we come!!

 

[Dispro1]

Hi Dispro1. Bummer we will miss you again...we have a GF/Poly split in August.

Reports are there is beach access at the Poly during Wishes. The GF beach isn't a good place to watch anyway...can you even see them from the beach?...the boat dock or by Gaspies is the best place.

Not happy to hear there are even more cutbacks.

. I'm really sad we'll be missing you again too! I think you can only see the EWP from the GF beach. We've always watched the FW from Narcoossee's/dock area or Gaspies outdoor area too.

 

[Southernswthrt]

We are booked for Labor Day week at the GF for our very first stay and our first mother-daughter only trip. DD (5) is over the moon excited as she has begged to stay there several times, but I have to admit that after the incident, I am not as excited as I once was. This trip is about rest and relaxation and enjoying the resort & pools rather than doing the parks each day. I thought about switching to Poly but we've been there twice in the last year and want something different. Help me get excited!!!!!!

 

[Sue M]

. I'm really sad we'll be missing you again too! I think you can only see the EWP from the GF beach. We've always watched the FW from Narcoossee's/dock area or Gaspies outdoor area too.

We like the beach pool, fun slide, lol! And can't beat the view. Also enjoy lunch at the grill. Crab cakes yum. But when pool party starts we move to courtyard pool.

 

[HockeyMomR]

We like the beach pool, fun slide, lol! And can't beat the view. Also enjoy lunch at the grill. Crab cakes yum. But when pool party starts we move to courtyard pool.

You are convincing me we should request Boca Chica!

 

[Sue M]

We like the beach pool, fun slide, lol! And can't beat the view. Also enjoy lunch at the grill. Crab cakes yum. But when pool party starts we move to courtyard pool.

Sorry Dispro I meant to answer Trish about pool oops!!

 

[Sue M]

I agree I would be happy with any location! Sago I like for gaspies and transportation but it's kind of far from the beach pool. Since I don't have little ones anymore I prefer the courtyard pool and that's reachable from anywhere.

Woohoo for online check in time! I just got my MB shipped notice!

Summer fun, here we come!!

Lol. Something happened when I tried to reply to you, and quoted Dispro instead. Blond moment?

 

[Dispro1]

Sorry Dispro I meant to answer Trish about pool oops!!

That's ok...sounds like a good plan! We just can't make it to the beach pool before the party because my girls sleep too late! They used to love the party when they were younger

 

[Sue M]

That's ok...sounds like a good plan! We just can't make it to the beach pool before the party because my girls sleep too late! They used to love the party when they were younger

Wow, that's sleeping late. Party doesn't start till 3? I think. In August heat we're usually ready for pool break after lunch at Beach Pool. Then wander over to Courtyard pool.

 

[WishesQueen]

Hey Everyone!!

Used to visit regularly but have been MIA for some time. We go to the GF every summer and this year we'll be returning in July.
As location requests go, I usually request Big Pine Key but last summer for the first time in about 10 years my request couldn't be filled so they put in Sago with a marina view.....well its my new favorite location. Its close to Gaspies for when my DH and I go for breakfast while the kids sleep (21 and 19) and if they need us we're right outside enjoying the view to castle in the morning before the heat. Its great if the skies open up like they sometimes do in July we have a quick run from the outer staircase to the covering by Gaspies and then just walk under the covering to the lobby. I book a cabana about three four times during our stay (every other day) so we only walk all the way over there then. But honestly we have stayed in many different buildings included the main building and loved them all. Hard to pick!!! I just know I don't like a dormer room, but one time we had to keep it and it was fine just wouldn't request it.

Southerswthrt - JMO!! Get excited your going to an amazing place!!! I understand how you feel about the incident, I have a hard time getting that family off my mind, but I am also devastated about the Orlando shooting. It could have happened on any of the beaches in WDW so changing hotels I don't think would give you any peace of mind. I live in NY and after my DH survived bombings and 9/11, I've learned you just have to enjoy life. You have an advantage that family unfortunately didn't....knowledge. Disney seems to be working very hard to figure things out, in the meantime keep her close and you girls are going to have the time of your life!!!

Hello to all my GF Gals that remember me!! I hope to visit more often, getting so excited about my trip....only thing is we're only staying 5 nights because the kids want to go to the dark side. HP has drawn them away from my beautiful GF...lol!!!

Have a great day!!

 

[trishadono]

Hey Everyone!!

Used to visit regularly but have been MIA for some time. We go to the GF every summer and this year we'll be returning in July.
As location requests go, I usually request Big Pine Key but last summer for the first time in about 10 years my request couldn't be filled so they put in Sago with a marina view.....well its my new favorite location. Its close to Gaspies for when my DH and I go for breakfast while the kids sleep (21 and 19) and if they need us we're right outside enjoying the view to castle in the morning before the heat. Its great if the skies open up like they sometimes do in July we have a quick run from the outer staircase to the covering by Gaspies and then just walk under the covering to the lobby. I book a cabana about three four times during our stay (every other day) so we only walk all the way over there then. But honestly we have stayed in many different buildings included the main building and loved them all. Hard to pick!!! I just know I don't like a dormer room, but one time we had to keep it and it was fine just wouldn't request it.

Southerswthrt - JMO!! Get excited your going to an amazing place!!! I understand how you feel about the incident, I have a hard time getting that family off my mind, but I am also devastated about the Orlando shooting. It could have happened on any of the beaches in WDW so changing hotels I don't think would give you any peace of mind. I live in NY and after my DH survived bombings and 9/11, I've learned you just have to enjoy life. You have an advantage that family unfortunately didn't....knowledge. Disney seems to be working very hard to figure things out, in the meantime keep her close and you girls are going to have the time of your life!!!

Hello to all my GF Gals that remember me!! I hope to visit more often, getting so excited about my trip....only thing is we're only staying 5 nights because the kids want to go to the dark side. HP has drawn them away from my beautiful GF...lol!!!

Have a great day!!

Long time no see Wishes! My kids that age too. Ds won't be there for the gf part of my trip(see signature) but dd and I will probably be in sago since a convention reservation. I remember last year with SL the quick dash to building is nice with summer rain, thanks for the reminder.o

@Southernswthrt we will be posting pix to put ypu in a happy place early Augsut !! Enjoy your girl , soon she will be a college senior and you on your last summer trip .

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi Wishes! I bet you are ready to be at the GF! I remember that you go each summer, but sorry your kids won't let you stay the whole week! lol However, any time at the GF is a good one...and a cabana more than once in a week...works for me!! haha

 

[MommyGina]

Hello Wishes! Good to "see" you. I love Sago as well. I've only stayed in Sago when we were not staying in CL. Anyway, it doesn't matter, I would stay anywhere on the GF property if I could. Enjoy your 5 nights there. I would love to hear about it when you return!