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

[Avery&Todd]

I wanted to post about some thoughts from our stay at the GF from June 10-17.....overall we had a FABULOUS time!!

We reserved an "outer building, deluxe room, 2 queens" and I was torn on what building to request - I ended up requesting #1: Conch Key and #2, Sago Cay and I knew I did not want a dormer room but I also didn't want a first floor room...and honestly, I really wanted a 4th floor for the view.. but with there only being 4 of the deluxe rooms in each building I wasn't sure what my chances were!

First off, I wanted to say how well our MagicBands worked!! From the start to the end they were perfect!

I got a text while on the ME bus that our room was ready (it was about 1:30pm) and we were assigned 7406 - that's Conch Key 4th floor - I was thrilled!!

I have a few room pictures and porch views I can upload..

Our view was amazing!!!

I did take notice of the toiletries in the room since I know there has been some discussion on if the foot cream was offered any more or not...I did NOT get any of the mint foot cream until day 2 or 3 (we were there 7 nights) and on the day I did get them, I wrote on a note on my Mousekeeping envelope for the next day that I really enjoyed the foot cream and that day she left me 3 and then later that afternoon knocked on the door with 2 more for me and stated that "she doesn't have them every day but wanted to make sure I had enough" - for the rest of the trip I was left 1 or 2 per day of the foot cream!

For food at the GF:

We had a quick lunch that first day at Gasparilla Island Grill and for the 4 of us split a bacon cheeseburger and the cuban - both were hot, fresh and tasty!!

We had a WONDERFUL dinner at Narcoossee’s our last night - I had scallops, our teen boys had lobsters and DH had the filet and the crab legs on the side. I have pics of this meal too I can upload...

Our last meal (breakfast) was at 1900 Park Fare - great character interaction and my DH liked the custom omelet bar...

We were there when the horrible accident happened with the boy and the alligator - it was so sad that night to go to bed listening to helicopter flying around looking for that boy and wondering how his parents were coping. The beach pool was closed for almost 2 days and on our last day (Friday, June 17th) they were putting up the fencing at the beach. We were very disappointed in the boat launch from GF to MK - it seemed to be closed at night so it was a pain riding the monorail at night when it's super crowded. They did have the boat launch closed for a day or so after the incident - you couldn't even walk down the dock to see the fireworks.

I didn't even have to go to the front desk until day 2 or 3 and it was mainly to talk about monorail transportation...we had pre-park breakfasts that Monday and Tuesday and both days the monorail didn't open until too late for us. We were told to take a "nondescript" bus to the park that we needed?? (YIKES!) But, it worked out - the first day was Epcot for our 8am Garden Grill ADr (which was delicious!!) and a bus showed up and we asked the driver about getting to Epcot and he said he wasnt sure b/c he was new but he'd call and ask. Come to find out he could take us to the TTC and then we'd get an Epcot bus there....I felt the process was wonky but we made it in plenty of time for our ADR!

Next pre-park ADR was HS - and a HS bus pulled up and there were only 5 of us on there and it was great!

I brought with me Disney gift cards to pay for our room charges - were were on the DxDP so lots of meal tips!! Anyway, I went down 2 or 3 times to pay those off and it was SMOOTH!! When I got my room bill check out morning my total due was $0.00!!

I'm happy to answer any questions anyone might have!!

 

[MinnieF]

I too was there June 10-17. We had a nice time as well despite the heartbreaking incident.

We'd reserved a lagoon view room, and I requested Boca Chica with a dormer room (I know, I know, but we like the vaulted ceiling and the enclosed balcony because we have very active boys 1 and 3) and a connecting room for my mother and sister. We were given a room on the third floor in Boca Chica instead. Which really worked out perfect with the larger room and balcony. We loved the view and room... What to do next time with regard to a dormer. We were driving in from Louisiana, and that day at about 1:30 I got a text saying our room was ready. Magic Bands worked perfect! We arrived, unpacked the car and were able to go straight to our room. I called the front desk to request a crib. And I was happy to see that they brought us a real crib and not a pack-and-play! DS1 slept very well in it the whole trip.

We had an early dinner at Gasparilla Grill that evening. Like the previous poster said, the meal came out hot and was a good meal. After dinner, we headed straight to the MK.

Other meals at the GF:
We too were on the deluxe dining plan, so lots of TS meals.
We had two breakfasts at 1900 Park Fare where my two little guys loved all of the pastries, waffles and bacon. Surprisingly, the strawberry yogurt was the biggest hit for them at breakfast! Great character interaction at both meals.

We did a breakfast at GF Cafe on Monday, our Epcot day. It was very good. My mother enjoyed one of the specialty omelets, and I had the delicious French toast.

Monday night we had Narcoossee's. Always a hit! We were a little disappointed to see that the "enhancements" are no longer included in the dining plan. But nonetheless, still a delicious meal. I had the lobster tails, DH had the filet, and the boys split the chicken tenders and nemo cupcake.

Our final GF meal was at Citrico's. We hadn't been here in a while, but the service and food we're both excellent. I'd ordered a birthday cake from the GF bakery to celebrate our son's first birthday. But by the time we finished dinner and it was time for the cake, he'd fallen asleep. Our server was so kind and didn't charge us for the cake! They boxed the cake up for us and we took it back to the room to enjoy later.

On Monday, DH and I rented a couple of sea raycers and took our DS3 out while my mother napped with DS1 back in the room. So much fun! I'm glad that he was able to experience this.

A few brief thoughts on the night of the incident. We'd gone to AK for dinner at Tiffin's that night. Probably around 9:30/9:45pm we went to the bus stop at the AK. We noticed that the busses seemed to be taking a long time to get there. What this point, no one knew what was happening back at the GF. When we pulled up at the GF, there were police and first responders at the entrance. We arrived at the bus stop, but weren't able to get off due to the bus in front of us having to offload ECVs. At this point (probably 10:30pm) those of us on the bus began receiving texts regarding the incident from friends and family. To say that it was shocking news is an understatement. Having boys of that age, I truly cannot begin to comprehend how those parents are able to move forward. I keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

Like he previous poster said, the boats to/from MK did not operate for the remainder of our stay. The sea raycers also did not operate. The GF stationed lifeguards and security at access points to the shoreline around Big Pine Key. And on our last day, we saw that they were beginning to install the fence.

Overall, the trip was very nice. The GF seemed to handle the incident as delicately and respectfully as possible. It was indeed a rare and tragic event that was nearly impossible to foresee.

 

[WishesQueen]

Hello everyone, Thanks for the warm welcome back!!

Avery&Todd & MinnieF - Your posts were an emotional roller coaster for me, first getting me excited for the trip and then thinking about those poor parents. But honestly, thanks I truly I am so excited to return this summer if only for the 5 nights. I am looking forward to the Portofino Bay, but I warned my kids this will be the first and last time I share a Disney trip with Universal...

Got our MBs a little while ago...love the new purple color, my DD and DNeice got it. The girls love the new luggage tags too, they are very cute.

 

[pas130]

Hello everyone, Thanks for the warm welcome back!!

Avery&Todd & MinnieF - Your posts were an emotional roller coaster for me, first getting me excited for the trip and then thinking about those poor parents. But honestly, thanks I truly I am so excited to return this summer if only for the 5 nights. I am looking forward to the Portofino Bay, but I warned my kids this will be the first and last time I share a Disney trip with Universal...

Got our MBs a little while ago...love the new purple color, my DD and DNeice got it. The girls love the new luggage tags too, they are very cute.

Hi Wishes!!! I am going to warn you...I LOVE the Grand as you know, BUT Portofino is definitely just as luxury and dreamy. I wish my family didn't prefer Universal over WDW however I am pretty darn lucky to still get my Disney on Portofino is deluxe at a WDW Moderate price for sure. You'll have a grand trip at both resorts!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi Wishes!!! I am going to warn you...I LOVE the Grand as you know, BUT Portofino is definitely just as luxury and dreamy. I wish my family didn't prefer Universal over WDW however I am pretty darn lucky to still get my Disney on Portofino is deluxe at a WDW Moderate price for sure. You'll have a grand trip at both resorts!!

Geez! You almost make me want to try that place....and I have never had a desire to go to Universal!

 

[pas130]

Geez! You almost make me want to try that place....and I have never had a desire to go to Universal!

It's Universal's flagship, so I equate that to the Grand on the darkside

 

[BlueSkies]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GRAND FLORIDIAN!! Which opened 28 years ago today (then known as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort)..although the official opening is July 1st...

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 am going to add my vote for Boca Chica...It really is such a convenient and lovely location...Enjoy!

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.

Just saying Hey Maxie ..I tried to get Dispro to join us in August ..but she just wouldn't cooperate!! ...

. 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.

There is a remedy for that...C'mon...justs book an itty bitty weekend....

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!!!!!!

Congrats on your wonderful firsts ..a GF stay and a mother daughter trip.... The GF is such a lovely resort...and I have to say the beach has very little to do with what we have always enjoyed most about the resort....the grounds are so nice to stroll...especially in the courtyard area and over by the marina in front of Gasparilla's...getting a make it yourself sundae and sitting out in front of Gasparialla's with its distant but still nice castle view is a fun way to relax at the GF..as is the afternoon tea...taking a water launch ride (which loops from GF to Poly to Mk) at around Wishes time is also something that I would highly recommend...My DD and I have been enjoying Disney trip just we two since she was a little girl (she is an young adult now)..and they are some of our best memories...Have a grand time!!

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.

Same here Sue... One of the nicest perks of staying on property in the summer...especially at a MK of Epcot resort....

Hello everyone, Thanks for the warm welcome back!!

Avery&Todd & MinnieF - Your posts were an emotional roller coaster for me, first getting me excited for the trip and then thinking about those poor parents. But honestly, thanks I truly I am so excited to return this summer if only for the 5 nights. I am looking forward to the Portofino Bay, but I warned my kids this will be the first and last time I share a Disney trip with Universal...

Got our MBs a little while ago...love the new purple color, my DD and DNeice got it. The girls love the new luggage tags too, they are very cute.

Hey you!!!! Happy to "see" you!! and glad that you have another GF trip coming up.... Look forward to seeing more of you and hearing all about your Grand plans! Interesting about your take on Sago...my least fave outer building ..but actually get a lot of love around here...(Trish & Tom I'm looking at you both!)...Just goes to show that every building has its own appeal...We are loving those new purple MBS too...adding them to the collection... ...lol...

Avery&Todd and MinnieF...Thanks for your thorough and candid reviews....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Tuesday.... preppy GF gal who is contemplating having a nice piece of cake today..you know in honor of the GF's birthday and all......

 

[BlueSkies]

Forgot to add....Anyone see the new Disney Dooney bags...and the magic bands..looks like they even have a D&B slider...super cute.......thinking I might "need" the MB at least.... I intend to apply Disney logic and Disney math here...lol....Happy shopping friends!

 

[dina7]

I originally put Sago Key as a building request due to how close it appears to Gasparilla's and main building. Now I am rethinking it. My DH thinks maybe Conch Key would be better since it's so close to the boat launch, thinking we would appreciate a quick walk to our room coming back at night, rather than walking over to Sago Cay.

I know I keep reading all the buildings are close to the main building, but what do all of you think is the better choice? (Being near a pool is not a priority for us.)
Also, why do some NOT like Sago Key?

Thanks!

 

[kallanach]

I originally put Sago Key as a building request due to how close it appears to Gasparilla's and main building. Now I am rethinking it. My DH thinks maybe Conch Key would be better since it's so close to the boat launch, thinking we would appreciate a quick walk to our room coming back at night, rather than walking over to Sago Cay.

I know I keep reading all the buildings are close to the main building, but what do all of you think is the better choice? (Being near a pool is not a priority for us.)
Also, why do some NOT like Sago Key?

Thanks!

I've heard everything is a pretty short distance at GF. Is that right? Maybe either choice won't make much of a difference. We are looking forward to our first GF stay in August!

 

[WishesQueen]

Grannyminnie - Hey There...hope everything is good!! I have never really had any interest either, but like it or not here I go!!

PAS130P - Thank you so much for the pep talk...I am so confused over the whole Universal thing. Trying to research, I got a private car to take us from the Grand to the Portofino from the peeps on the Universal threads. I learned that we have to take advantage of extra morning hour for Harry Potter and I definitely don't want the meal plan if I am reading everything correctly. I booked a cabana at the Portofino, you get it from 9 am to 9 pm . If you have important information I need, please share!!!

Blue - Hello my friend....Always so full of great Grand info!! I am surprised I like Sago too, at first I was so disappointed but we got our rooms so late last year. I want to say around 6:00, we just wanted to shower and go to dinner so I didn't complain and kept the room. Besides we were a group of 14 last year with 4 rooms, so I was just appreciative we were all together.

dina7 - Like Blue said every building has its appeal, but at night I love to walk from the launch to my building or to Minzers for a drink or Gaspies for ice cream . The Grand is sooooooo beautiful at night. Good luck and enjoy finding your perfect building.

Kallanach - I don't think anything is that far, your going to love it!!

Off to cook some dinner....where's my fair godmother????

 

[Strikan]

Any specific room request recommendations for main building standard room club level? Are all the rooms basically the same? Does it matter what floor you are actually on? Many thanks for the advice.

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi Blue!! Haven't "seen" you in forever!! I saw the new D & B bags and MBs and I want the latter too!!

 

[Maxie86]

Hi Wishes. I don't have any interest in Universal either...I'm a ride wuss, so I don't think there would be much for me to do. However I do think they have nice resorts and I wouldn't mind staying there. I'm sure your kids will love it.

Blue, I don't see why Dispro can't sneak away for a couple days...she is going in July...August is another month.

Dispro, I can work that Disney math for you... I hear August is such a nice time to go.

Strikan, The lounge is on the 4th floor and the concierge desks are on the 3rd. I like either one, easy to walk up or down the stairs. I do like being on the atrium side facing the beach and Poly. The rooms are a little bigger on that side with a wet bar...lots of extra storage. Otherwise they are all pretty much the same.

Hi Grannyminnie,

dina7 and kallanach, Nothing is really far at the Grand. Sago wouldn't be my choice, but I know others love it. It is not that convenient to the pools or beach, but if that isn't important to you it will be fine.

 

[Regan117]

I need opinions. We have a RPC theme park view room booked for the 5 of us (kids' ages are 4, 3 and 3). A one-bedroom villa just became available at VGF but it's standard view, and since the master bedroom only has one king bed, it actually has one less bed than the other room in the main building. The villa is $250/night cheaper, but a villa so not CL or anything. The the extra living space is nice since the kids nap in the afternoon and hubby and I don't like to be trapped in a dark room while they do. If we have a living room, we can hang out there while the kids nap in the bedroom. But we love CL and the convenience of the main building.

I'm torn and need feedback. We've never stayed in the villas so I don't really know it it's even comparable...

 

[Sue M]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GRAND FLORIDIAN!! Which opened 28 years ago today (then known as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort)..although the official opening is July 1st...



I am going to add my vote for Boca Chica...It really is such a convenient and lovely location...Enjoy!



Just saying Hey Maxie ..I tried to get Dispro to join us in August ..but she just wouldn't cooperate!! ...



There is a remedy for that...C'mon...justs book an itty bitty weekend....



Congrats on your wonderful firsts ..a GF stay and a mother daughter trip.... The GF is such a lovely resort...and I have to say the beach has very little to do with what we have always enjoyed most about the resort....the grounds are so nice to stroll...especially in the courtyard area and over by the marina in front of Gasparilla's...getting a make it yourself sundae and sitting out in front of Gasparialla's with its distant but still nice castle view is a fun way to relax at the GF..as is the afternoon tea...taking a water launch ride (which loops from GF to Poly to Mk) at around Wishes time is also something that I would highly recommend...My DD and I have been enjoying Disney trip just we two since she was a little girl (she is an young adult now)..and they are some of our best memories...Have a grand time!!



Same here Sue... One of the nicest perks of staying on property in the summer...especially at a MK of Epcot resort....



Hey you!!!! Happy to "see" you!! and glad that you have another GF trip coming up.... Look forward to seeing more of you and hearing all about your Grand plans! Interesting about your take on Sago...my least fave outer building ..but actually get a lot of love around here...(Trish & Tom I'm looking at you both!)...Just goes to show that every building has its own appeal...We are loving those new purple MBS too...adding them to the collection... ...lol...

Avery&Todd and MinnieF...Thanks for your thorough and candid reviews....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Tuesday.... preppy GF gal who is contemplating having a nice piece of cake today..you know in honor of the GF's birthday and all......

I'll see you by the pool!

 

[pas130]

PAS130P - Thank you so much for the pep talk...I am so confused over the whole Universal thing. Trying to research, I got a private car to take us from the Grand to the Portofino from the peeps on the Universal threads. I learned that we have to take advantage of extra morning hour for Harry Potter and I definitely don't want the meal plan if I am reading everything correctly. I booked a cabana at the Portofino, you get it from 9 am to 9 pm . If you have important information I need, please share!!!

The most important thing I can tell you is to relax and take it easy. There is little to no planning with universal because of the express passes. My crew has never made it up for early entry but we were able to do HP thanks to the Universal apps wait times. The afternoon you can do HP with 20-30 minute waits. At least that was our experience. Loved the pool at PBH, but I've never done a cabana. Have you considered CL there instead of a cabana? The staff is the best! And you could save $ with breakfast and bottled water etc. please feel free to PM me for any questions!

 

[pas130]

Happy birthday GF!!!!

 

[Sue M]

Hello everyone, Thanks for the warm welcome back!!

Avery&Todd & MinnieF - Your posts were an emotional roller coaster for me, first getting me excited for the trip and then thinking about those poor parents. But honestly, thanks I truly I am so excited to return this summer if only for the 5 nights. I am looking forward to the Portofino Bay, but I warned my kids this will be the first and last time I share a Disney trip with Universal...

Got our MBs a little while ago...love the new purple color, my DD and DNeice got it. The girls love the new luggage tags too, they are very cute.

You'll love Universal. 2 yrs ago we did 3 nights at Portofino before our Wdw/GF stay. Portofino was amazing. We had a beautiful Deluxe room in the west wing. We also had one of the few rooms with a balcony. We had a water view and was close to the water taxi. If you look up from the bay, ours was the top floor with the stone balcony. Try to see the singers in the evening preform on the balcony off lobby. We got a meal from the Deli and grabbed an outside table on the piazza to watch. A highlight of our stay.

Both Harry Potter areas are amazing. The Gringotts ride we had to do with early admission. The lines were really long, and ride sometimes broke down. They've prob got that fixed by now. It's been 2 yrs.

Orlando Informer has tons of info on Universal, incl touring plans. I could have easily done 4 Universal days!

We hired a Town Car in advance to transfer from Portofino to GF. Driver was great. I told him not to tell my daughters where we were staying in Wdw, I wanted to suprise them. It was fun watching their faces as we pulled into GF, then escorted up to RPC!

 

[PolyRob]

I think someone inquired earlier, but I cannot seem to find the post (or answer).

I too will be staying at the Grand Floridian in an outer building, garden view room (there is currently nothing left open under my UOC, but I check daily). On Touring Plans, it appears a majority of the rooms in Conch Key and Sago Cay are "garden view." When on a higher level, the lagoon is clearly visible on the map and from the room finder photos. Can anyone confirm that this is accurate, or if these are mislabeled?

I am looking for a nice relaxing vacation with my family. Being by a pool is not necessary (we would prefer not to have a pool facing room). While I would prefer to be close to the main building, I thought Conch Key may be a good option since it may have water views from "garden view" rooms and it is close to the boat launch and Narcoossee's. My other thought was Sago Key since it was close to main building and Gasparillas (drink refills ) and also looks like it has "garden view" rooms with views of the water.