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

[grannyminnie]

Trish, thanks for the report and pix! Which tea did you purchase? (name of it on the menu) I love seeing that there are macarons! They are some of my fave pastries/cookies. What time did you and DD book your tea for? Also liked knowing that there is a server knowledgeable about teas. Can you choose to try more than one kind of tea?

 

[jedipenguin]

Hi all. Long time lurker, finally posting... I'm getting excited about our upcoming stay at the GF!! It will be our 2nd time at the GF and we'll be there for my birthday.

A few questions... what is the current monorail schedule? We have two early morning tours at MK and I want to be sure we have reliable transportation. Also, has anyone done the Grand Floridian Tour? I can't find any reviews for it.

 

[WishesQueen]

Won't be long for you!

I would ask the front desk about the robe . Might have better luck

No, it wasn't too long, I guess I am tall.

I tried the front desk too!! I was tempted to take one and get charged for it, but I really wanted a fresh one.

 

[Lisann]

Did you people know they have Pineapple cider on tap at the pool bar???? Dd21 is in heaven.
(Tastes like a light pineapple champagne)

OMG! I need to try this!

This is what I thought was such a great alternative to all the carts clogging up hallways

I agree. So much more classy. I was so irritated at the Poly this past April (well, for more reasons than this)...constantly having to dodge those housekeeping carts.

Is this just for GF guests or open to everyone? Looks super cute.

Open to everyone.

with my hot flashes I can't get dressed right away and need cotton.

You're preachin' to the choir.

 

[BabyFu18]

Ia that the line to buy drinks/food, or is a line that you have to stand in just to watch the w

Hello hello!!

I need a cabana every trip for my DD and usually book them every other day to keep her out of the sun a bit in July. I usually book them 180 days out to make sure I get them. I have never gone in July and not seen at least 3 or 4 booked. Cabana 4 is closest to the restrooms and Cabana 1 is closest to the bridge. If any are available its cabana 1 because it is only in the sun around 10 then only gets shade. You can cancel 24 hours before and they are very strict with that. With that being said I would book a day or 1/2 day and remember the cancellation policy at least you know you have one.

Good Luck!! BTW call 1-800-WDW-PLAY to book and you can call early, I think they open at 8:00 am (choose a cabana too, or stipulate the one you wouldn't want(not guaranteed)...EVERYONE does and the first one there gets their choice...we try to get there at 9:50 and so does everyone else).

Thanks for the info, I'm going to call and see if I can book one for our upcoming trip, do you have any suggestions for certain cabanas or which to stay away from (other than cabana 1 since it doesn't get much sun). I am in a wheelchair so hopefully the cabanas are accessible (as far as you don't have to get up stairs to get into them) aside from that people with me can help me get seated, get to the pool, etc. How close to the pool are the cabanas, I'm gonna go try to see if I can find some more pictures or them or some YouTube videos to see which cabana would be best for us. I don't really have a preference, I'm just looking for a place to relax on one of our pool days. Thanks for all the info!

 

[dzak1717]

Ia that the line to buy drinks/food, or is a line that you have to stand in just to watch the w


Thanks for the info, I'm going to call and see if I can book one for our upcoming trip, do you have any suggestions for certain cabanas or which to stay away from (other than cabana 1 since it doesn't get much sun). I am in a wheelchair so hopefully the cabanas are accessible (as far as you don't have to get up stairs to get into them) aside from that people with me can help me get seated, get to the pool, etc. How close to the pool are the cabanas, I'm gonna go try to see if I can find some more pictures or them or some YouTube videos to see which cabana would be best for us. I don't really have a preference, I'm just looking for a place to relax on one of our pool days. Thanks for all the info!

We had a cabana back in May and we booked it the day before. The resort was fairly busy during our trip so I think we were lucky to have one open, the day we booked it was on a Sunday. We were in number 4 believe, farthest to the right. Closest to the building with the bathrooms. We were there at about 9:50 and didn't see anyone else in a cabana until 11:00. I am not wasting an hour of that! The distance from the cabana to the pool wasn't too far, maybe 30 feet? Besides the sun, I dont think it matters much which one you are in. They are grouped in the same area. Also, there are no stairs to them so being in a wheelchair won't be a problem. Enjoy!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Spoiler Alert: Rant-a-palooza coming up. If someone already posted this observation and I missed it, I apologize.

The photo of the huge crowd and comments @trishadono posted don't surprise me at all. I think the FREE Gone Mad Party, that's open to ANYONE, is just a terrible idea. I don't feel it's right to take part of a resort and invite anyone and everyone to attend a free "party" so they can view Wishes.

We all know how crowded the parks have gotten. The resorts have become a temporary refuge away from all the chaos and crowds and the rates keep rising along with amenities being removed. Some resorts offer special amenities, like being able to view Wishes. Factored into the price of the resort are these special and unique amenities, such as views. Taking any resort, especially the priciest "flagship" resort, and inviting anyone to partake in a party and Wishes viewing is unfair to the registered WDW Resort guest. And, I feel it cheapens the product, (in this case, the GF) and certainly the overall experience for the paying WDW Resort guest. I feel resort events like this should be limited to WDW Resort guests who have paid for the ability to use resort amenities.

It seems odd to me that Disney doesn't even permit pool-hopping (except for some DVC), yet unregistered guests are being invited to a party to view Wishes? I can only surmise that Disney hasn't yet been able to monetize pool-hopping, but they will eventually monetize the Gone Mad Party.

 

[trishadono]

Spoiler Alert: Rant-a-palooza coming up. If someone already posted this observation and I missed it, I apologize.

The photo of the huge crowd and comments @trishadono posted don't surprise me at all. I think the FREE Gone Mad Party, that's open to ANYONE, is just a terrible idea. I don't feel it's right to take part of a resort and invite anyone and everyone to attend a free "party" so they can view Wishes.

We all know how crowded the parks have gotten. The resorts have become a temporary refuge away from all the chaos and crowds and the rates keep rising along with amenities being removed. Some resorts offer special amenities, like being able to view Wishes. Factored into the price of the resort are these special and unique amenities, such as views. Taking any resort, especially the priciest "flagship" resort, and inviting anyone to partake in a party and Wishes viewing is unfair to the registered WDW Resort guest. And, I feel it cheapens the product, (in this case, the GF) and certainly the overall experience for the paying WDW Resort guest. I feel resort events like this should be limited to WDW Resort guests who have paid for the ability to use resort amenities.

It seems odd to me that Disney doesn't even permit pool-hopping (except for some DVC), yet unregistered guests are being invited to a party to view Wishes? I can only surmise that Disney hasn't yet been able to monetize pool-hopping, but they will eventually monetize the Gone Mad Party.

Kook I'm not kidding the line went out and around the corner so huge!!! Went all the way to sago.

I was looking forward to a nice time but there was do many people our last night was difficult to see the fireworks

So sick on non guests . At CSR in May most were locals enjoying the pool. ( I know cause I saw them later in bus to Ds and they talked about it). Meanwhile WE couldn't find a chair at the pool.

Gf courtyard pool was lovely and seats available so there's that

 

[michelepa]

Spoiler Alert: Rant-a-palooza coming up. If someone already posted this observation and I missed it, I apologize.

The photo of the huge crowd and comments @trishadono posted don't surprise me at all. I think the FREE Gone Mad Party, that's open to ANYONE, is just a terrible idea. I don't feel it's right to take part of a resort and invite anyone and everyone to attend a free "party" so they can view Wishes.

We all know how crowded the parks have gotten. The resorts have become a temporary refuge away from all the chaos and crowds and the rates keep rising along with amenities being removed. Some resorts offer special amenities, like being able to view Wishes. Factored into the price of the resort are these special and unique amenities, such as views. Taking any resort, especially the priciest "flagship" resort, and inviting anyone to partake in a party and Wishes viewing is unfair to the registered WDW Resort guest. And, I feel it cheapens the product, (in this case, the GF) and certainly the overall experience for the paying WDW Resort guest. I feel resort events like this should be limited to WDW Resort guests who have paid for the ability to use resort amenities.

It seems odd to me that Disney doesn't even permit pool-hopping (except for some DVC), yet unregistered guests are being invited to a party to view Wishes? I can only surmise that Disney hasn't yet been able to monetize pool-hopping, but they will eventually monetize the Gone Mad Party.

I totally agree.

Mind you, although the party is "free viewing" it seems from the photos of the long lines that Disney is raking in the SSSSSSSS by charging a la carte for drinks and desserts.

So, Disney has already figured out how to optimally monetize the GF fireworks viewing area that everyone was visiting for free.

I am staying at GF with my DD the end of this month. When I took DD(now 12) last year for her first Disney visit she knew we could return this year if she wanted to see anything she missed and redo her favs. Before we left on our trip last year she made up her mind that she wanted to return and when we walked into the GF for a Park Faire dinner she announced that the GF would be the place we would be staying.

I am not a frequent visitor to Disney but I did use to love our Disney trips but not so much any more. In fact, I'm only going again so my DD gets her Disney fill. Neither DH or DS have any interest in Disney any longer and are going to San Fran (last year they went to Texas). I haven't stayed at the GF in ten years when I stayed with DH twice club level for our honeymoon and another stay. Prices are so ridiculous now that I was relieved to find a good deal on a standard room/garden view. Hope it doesn't disappoint because even with what we're paying it seems like a grand fortune for what we get!

Diseny has changed so much I hope I not as equally dissappinted in the GF as I am with the rest of Disney.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Did you people know they have Pineapple cider on tap at the pool bar???? Dd21 is in heaven.
(Tastes like a light pineapple champagne)

I know now! And I think I will try that. Never had it before.

 

[WishesQueen]

Ia that the line to buy drinks/food, or is a line that you have to stand in just to watch the w


Thanks for the info, I'm going to call and see if I can book one for our upcoming trip, do you have any suggestions for certain cabanas or which to stay away from (other than cabana 1 since it doesn't get much sun). I am in a wheelchair so hopefully the cabanas are accessible (as far as you don't have to get up stairs to get into them) aside from that people with me can help me get seated, get to the pool, etc. How close to the pool are the cabanas, I'm gonna go try to see if I can find some more pictures or them or some YouTube videos to see which cabana would be best for us. I don't really have a preference, I'm just looking for a place to relax on one of our pool days. Thanks for all the info!

Hi

I have been in every cabana and all are nice. I prefer #4 so I only have people on one side of me, your not always guaranteed a nice family. The pool is very close and there is double railing to help people in if they need the help. Right by the cabanas is the lift for wheelchair people too if you need. I have also seen lots people in wheelchairs take advantage of the zero entry on the opposite side of people. There are no steps anywhere around the pool except to get up the slide. The ladies room has two wheelchair stales also.

DZAK1717- I can't tell you how many times we have seen cabanas booked for the entire day and nobody show, at least not until 2:00 when we left.

As for the party there was nothing worth waiting on line for, it was crazy. Nobody got up from the seats (the cute ones) and the overflow went to the gaspies outside seating. I had to eat my ice cream standing up by the garbage pails to see the fireworks without blocking anyone. You can people were not from OUR hotel because they were looking around and commenting on different things and asking a lot of questions to the cast members. I think it was a lot of people that had dinner at the hotel and stayed. I was grateful it was only Wednesdays, but if you can they set up about 3:00 and the pictures especially during the day came out awesome with my dd and DNeice on these bright pink chairs.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Saw this in yesterday's AllEars Newsletter. Two-hour FREE DELIVERY right to BELL SERVICES for Prime members!

View attachment 185844​

Is there a charge for package delivery at GF? I know someone who had great success using Prime Now several times during his stay at Art of Animation, and I am planning to use it for our next rip at GF.

 

[dansdad]

Is there a charge for package delivery at GF? I know someone who had great success using Prime Now several times during his stay at Art of Animation, and I am planning to use it for our next rip at GF.

Package delivery, yes as packages go to the Convention Center.

Prime Now, no charge as that gets delivered to Bell Services just like grocery orders.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Package delivery, yes as packages go to the Convention Center.

Prime Now, no charge as that gets delivered to Bell Services just like grocery orders.

Thanks! Didn't know there would be a difference.

 

[dansdad]

Thanks! Didn't know there would be a difference.

 

[Maxie86]

Spoiler Alert: Rant-a-palooza coming up. If someone already posted this observation and I missed it, I apologize.

The photo of the huge crowd and comments @trishadono posted don't surprise me at all. I think the FREE Gone Mad Party, that's open to ANYONE, is just a terrible idea. I don't feel it's right to take part of a resort and invite anyone and everyone to attend a free "party" so they can view Wishes.

We all know how crowded the parks have gotten. The resorts have become a temporary refuge away from all the chaos and crowds and the rates keep rising along with amenities being removed. Some resorts offer special amenities, like being able to view Wishes. Factored into the price of the resort are these special and unique amenities, such as views. Taking any resort, especially the priciest "flagship" resort, and inviting anyone to partake in a party and Wishes viewing is unfair to the registered WDW Resort guest. And, I feel it cheapens the product, (in this case, the GF) and certainly the overall experience for the paying WDW Resort guest. I feel resort events like this should be limited to WDW Resort guests who have paid for the ability to use resort amenities.

It seems odd to me that Disney doesn't even permit pool-hopping (except for some DVC), yet unregistered guests are being invited to a party to view Wishes? I can only surmise that Disney hasn't yet been able to monetize pool-hopping, but they will eventually monetize the Gone Mad Party.

I was afraid of this, and am not surprised. I totally agree with you. It should be for resort guests only. It looks cute but I don't like crowds and certainly will not stand in a long line to get an overpriced dessert...I'll eat the "free" ones in the lounge instead along with the "free" champagne. It is not right for the guests who spend all that money for the amenities of a resort to have their fireworks viewing area taken over by non resort guests. I wonder if they have been getting complaints from resort guests.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Also, has anyone done the Grand Floridian Tour? I can't find any reviews for it.

I am not a fan of the backstage tour of the Grand Floridian. It is not actually backstage at all. The tour is actually an architectural tour that describes the period when the Grand Floridian was being designed by a team of architects. They looked for design cues from some of the turn of the century grand hotels in Florida. The tour show you pictures of these old hotels, then they show you where these design elements show up in the lobby, or on the outside of the main building. The one place they show you that is off the beaten path is the dining room at Victoria &Alberts, including the Queen Victoria Room. If you can imagine seeing a restaurant after hours with all the ventilation turned off and no staff there, that is what you see. If you have ever eaten there, it is a disappointment because to experience the restaurant when it is serving food is a great treat but seeing it dead is just some smelly carpet.
Finally they serve some dessert treat from 1900 Park Faire on the landing outside Citricos. The cast member leading the tour will be nice and enthusiastic. But I found the content disappointing.

If this sounds appealing, you may enjoy it. Otherwise, skip it.

 

[Sue M]

Kook I totally agree. It is really unfair. My fav viewing area for Wishes is on that patio outside Gaspys. Look line it will now be invaded by anyone, guest or not. How is this fair to people paying to stay at GF?

 

[HockeyMomR]

Kook I'm not kidding the line went out and around the corner so huge!!! Went all the way to sago.

I was looking forward to a nice time but there was do many people our last night was difficult to see the fireworks

So sick on non guests . At CSR in May most were locals enjoying the pool. ( I know cause I saw them later in bus to Ds and they talked about it). Meanwhile WE couldn't find a chair at the pool.

Gf courtyard pool was lovely and seats available so there's that

Boo regarding the party. Agreed, should be limited in some way.

Good news about plenty of seating at Courtyard Pool!! This is now completely fenced and MagicBand needed for entry, correct? Hope so.

 

[Sue M]

It did get fenced, but doesn't need MB for entry like Poly. But that doesn't seem to stop others or off site people from getting into Volcano pool. Last year I was sitting in hot tub listening to a couple who had dinner ADRs at Kona, and deciding what a good idea it was to bring bathing suits for a dip before dinner. They were locals.
They follow you in, so short of slamming the gate in their face, they get in.
I wish all resort pools were like SAB.