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

[trishadono]

@thumper*
Yes they do have kings. They are not bookable in SL but available upon request.

 

[trishadono]

Hi, WishesQueen! Thank you for the feedback!
When you say you wish it was a tad louder, is it difficult to hear if people are talking? I really want to be able to hear the music well, as that's a big part of what makes the fireworks so great to me.

This spot is ideal since it's free and right there where we'll be. I just hope we can hear as well as we can see!

Thanks again!

You know at each resort I find things vary trip to trip. Last August we could hear it well from our room is Sago. We were over the main doorway 3rd floor.

 

[mystery222184]

After all these years, we were finally able to use a pin code emailed to us- which I've manipulated in my head that we are "saving money" (already have APs for tix) by doing a quick weekend trip. Will be at RPC July 20-23

 

[DrunkJam]

So, can anyone let me in on the best things to check out at GF that only the "locals" know?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Guys, I know I've asked this before in this thread (at least, I think I have), but can anyone tell me about the view and sound (as in music) for watching MK fireworks from in front of Gasparilla's? Has anyone actually watched fireworks from that location? And on that same note, isn't that where the Gone Mad fireworks party was? Is that still a thing?

I watched the Christmas party fireworks from in front of Gasparilla's during the Gone Mad party in December. It was not at all crowded at that time. Most people were sitting at the tables that they have outside of Gasparilla's. The sound was great. The speaker was just to the left side of the patio area. The view of the fireworks was pretty good, although the buildings blocked the view of some of the widest fireworks. I also watched Wishes from in front of Narcoossee's. You could only hear the music if you were close to the porch of the restaurant. It had a better view of the fireworks but no seating near the restaurant. There were seats on the boat dock, but you couldn't hear the music very well from there.

 

[GPC0321]

I watched the Christmas party fireworks from in front of Gasparilla's during the Gone Mad party in December. It was not at all crowded at that time. Most people were sitting at the tables that they have outside of Gasparilla's. The sound was great. The speaker was just to the left side of the patio area. The view of the fireworks was pretty good, although the buildings blocked the view of some of the widest fireworks. I also watched Wishes from in front of Narcoossee's. You could only hear the music if you were close to the porch of the restaurant. It had a better view of the fireworks but no seating near the restaurant. There were seats on the boat dock, but you couldn't hear the music very well from there.

Thank you for this!
I'm still up in the air about where to watch from. I don't want to miss any of the fireworks (especially those perimeter ones!), so hearing that buildings block some of them is a little disappointing.
I know Narcoossee's would be my best bet at the GF, but I don't see us eating dinner late enough to catch 10pm fireworks.
Maybe we'll go to TTC and watch from there. Or maybe I'll book Pirates and Pals. Or maybe we'll eat at Cali Grill at a normal time and return to their observation deck with our receipt.

So many choices.
Thanks again!

 

[pixie08]

I am sure this has been asked before but I can't find it so bare with me..

What are the hairdryers like at the GF? I could have sworn all hotels switched over to the hand held they they put in the bags on the shelf but touring plans had a wall hair dryer listed? Just wondering what to pack. Those wall dryers cannot handle my hair lol...

 

[pixie08]

I hope they are still doing the Cinderella magic moment in June!

 

[thaggie1]

I asked this on the CL thread but thought I'd ask here, too. Any suggestions on rooms to request or avoid in Sugar Loaf?

 

[WishesQueen]

Hi, Wishes! You still going your usual summer time trip? We are due there the first week of May...sis and I. Staying at the WL, but spending all our down time at the GF!

Hi Grannyminnie - No I think I am giving up July for now, last year was way too hot. We went just me and DH for a couple of days in January because they were giving away the flights and stayed the YC. We're going back with the kids the end of May but we're back to the Grand. I love the WL we would have loved to stay there in January but there was so too much renovations going on, I can't wait to check out the new restaurant there it looks so relaxing.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am sure this has been asked before but I can't find it so bare with me..

What are the hairdryers like at the GF? I could have sworn all hotels switched over to the hand held they they put in the bags on the shelf but touring plans had a wall hair dryer listed? Just wondering what to pack. Those wall dryers cannot handle my hair lol...

They are hand held hair dryers. I can't remember the brand but it was a nice one.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Got to experience this this AM. I have to say, it was great. No issues with this at all.

Photo was technically taken on our way back this afternoon, but the AM (around 9:15ish) was the same. Quick and smooth. We transferred at TTC to Epcot. Unfortunately you have to be re-screened there like the old setup. Hopefully/maybe they'll address this by re-routing monorail folks at some point in the future.

 

[baler31]

Got to experience this this AM. I have to say, it was great. No issues with this at all.

Photo was technically taken on our way back this afternoon, but the AM (around 9:15ish) was the same. Quick and smooth. We transferred at TTC to Epcot. Unfortunately you have to be re-screened there like the old setup. Hopefully/maybe they'll address this by re-routing monorail folks at some point in the future.

View attachment 229122

Thanks for posting, looks fairly orderly all things considered.

 

[aalliep]

94 days until our return to The Grand! It will be me, my husband, our 2 boys (16 & 3), and we are bringing my MIL. She lives with us since my FIL passed away 2 months ago. We are booked into 2 outer building garden view rooms for 8 glorious days.

 

[thumper*]

Alright thanks to Trishadono I have upgraded our Dec stay to SLCL. Just too excited.

 

[trishadono]

So, can anyone let me in on the best things to check out at GF that only the "locals" know?

Good question.

I do enjoy the walk to /from poly. Mizners is a nice spot. The shopping there is great. They have some nice brands that I can't get at home and my 20% off passholder discount works too!

It's fun to see the wedding carriage when it's out.

There is a balcony on the 2nd floor of the lobby facing vgf. I pop out there and soak up the view for a few minutes.

Came back to add I hope a local does add some/ I'm from NY

 

[trishadono]

I asked this on the CL thread but thought I'd ask here, too. Any suggestions on rooms to request or avoid in Sugar Loaf?

Some people like the marina yet some like courtyard view. There are not many that like the dormer rooms because the balcony is smaller/enclosed. I did get one and I didn't ask to move because the view from the 4th floor was so lovely I didn't mind. I could seee the fireworks from the marina side which was a nice surprise.

After my last 2 trips I would say I like the views from the rooms located over the lounge /in the center .

FYI room numbers are odd for marina side/ even for courtyard. 01 /02 starts on end towards main building.

The building is in like 3 sections. Towards main building 1,3,5,7,9 2,4,6,8,10. Then center over lounge with rail to look below 11,13,15,17,19 12,14,16,20(20 is the deluxe room available upon request) then the last section is towards conch 22,24,26,28 21,23,25,27. There is one 1 br and 1 2br suite on the 4th floor.

Oh and sl starts with 6 and 2nd digit floor so 61,62,63,and 64 only choices since sl only 4 floors where outerbuildings have 5 floors.

I like knowing room numbers so when I get the text I have a clue. I use touring plans and make a map before each visit. lol it's work but my kids are grown so I have the time

 

[elrod1]

Coming for our first ever stay this summer and I need some help from the experts here. Specifically, what is the best way to get to the MK early in the morning? When we stayed at the Poly in October, the monorail seemed to never run during the park opening hour. I know you can't walk to MK from GF. It looks like the boat launch goes to the Poly first before heading for MK. Is that the best (only) option for Disney transportation before the monorail begins to run? We have an 8am reservation for BOG one morning (9am park open) and am stressing over getting to MK in time.

 

[trishadono]

Coming for our first ever stay this summer and I need some help from the experts here. Specifically, what is the best way to get to the MK early in the morning? When we stayed at the Poly in October, the monorail seemed to never run during the park opening hour. I know you can't walk to MK from GF. It looks like the boat launch goes to the Poly first before heading for MK. Is that the best (only) option for Disney transportation before the monorail begins to run? We have an 8am reservation for BOG one morning (9am park open) and am stressing over getting to MK in time.

Last month dd and I were at mono stop at 8:30 am every morning for park opening MK. We still had time for her to get coffee at Starbucks before 9 and get in line for SDMT or SM without any problems. Security isn't that busy yet so wasn't too hard.

I never tried to go before that in all my trips. . I guess boat would work too as you mentioned.

Hope u all have a great time.

 

[MommyGina]

Hi GF friends! Where is everyone? Page 3 rescue!!!!