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

[WishesQueen]

I think I'd hide at MK and skip the chaos lol.

Happy anniversary !

I know I was thinking the same thing, I guess we'll try it and see how it goes. I hate to miss anything new... The only problem I'll have is the lunch I planned at Y&Y, we'll have to show up for that. My DD and DS's girlfriend are dying to go on Everest too, hopefully we just get our FP's and lunch in and head out.

Thanks 26 years!!

WishesQueen - I TOTALLY agree with trishadono! I would completely avoid the chaos of AK and happily skip through the lanes at MK riding all the favs. Have a magical anniversary

Thanks!! At least its not the day of our actual anniversary!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

So we are deciding between WL Dec 1-7 and GF...WL is likely going to be rack rate bec it's sold out already. GF outer building will be $450 more if we can grab a discount. Thoughts? I stayed at WL in 2013 and at GF in 1990 as a kid. Can someone point me to a post with more pics from the outer buildings?

 

[dina7]

So we are deciding between WL Dec 1-7 and GF...WL is likely going to be rack rate bec it's sold out already. GF outer building will be $450 more if we can grab a discount. Thoughts? I stayed at WL in 2013 and at GF in 1990 as a kid. Can someone point me to a post with more pics from the outer buildings?

These are from the Conch Key Outer Bldg.- view from our balcony.
The 2nd photo is looking at Sago Key Outer Bldg.
The monorail was straight ahead as you looked out from balcony.

 

[psac]

View attachment 233681 View attachment 233680 View attachment 233679

No smoked salmon, huh? Travesty!

 

[trishadono]

So we are deciding between WL Dec 1-7 and GF...WL is likely going to be rack rate bec it's sold out already. GF outer building will be $450 more if we can grab a discount. Thoughts? I stayed at WL in 2013 and at GF in 1990 as a kid. Can someone point me to a post with more pics from the outer buildings?

What type of view do you like ? Sago is mostly as above posted with views of water on either side. The other buildings the gv is facing the courtyard pool for the most part. Really gf has lovely views from everywhere. The grounds at Christmas usually looks beautiful. However wl is also great.

I would pick one and just watch for discounts and switch later if can . Honestly it's too soon to pick unless price is irrelevant. Keep looking and hopefully a nice discount will show up. There are discounts good for December on orbitz and cheap tickets if that helps.

 

[followthatmouse]

Hey Grannyminnie - OK kids confirmed it, they said its very similar to GF, if not it!!! My DS actually said it when he walked into the house before I even asked...He said "so you found the GF smell finally"!!!



I would love to try this but we really don't park hop, once in a blue moon. I don't know why but we never did and whenever we do we always regret it. I think its because we're very laid back in WDW, I know its crazy....we see everything we love but nice and relaxed!!

So, what does everyone think of the week that Pandora opens? When I booked the trip it wasn't announced for that week, I booked it because its my anniversary. I really hoping that only AK is crazy!

Happy Anniversary!

Yep, AK is likely to be crazy. Sometimes that can be prime people watching time! Y&Y, being in Asia, may a little easier, though. Pandora's over in the old Camp Minnie-Mickey area. But, knowing the vagaries of AK, it may be crazy all over! Trish's idea of hiding out in MK seems perfectly valid to me!!

We brought several tubes of bath salts home from Basin. I found if you open all the tubes at once and let them breathe for a while, the bathroom smells almost lobbyish!!!

 

[followthatmouse]

Oops! Double post. Sorry!

 

[WishesQueen]

Happy Anniversary!

Yep, AK is likely to be crazy. Sometimes that can be prime people watching time, though! Y&Y, being in Asia, may a little easier. Pandora's over in the old Camp Minnie-Mickey area. But, knowing the vagaries of AK, it may be crazy all over! Trish's idea of hiding out in MK seems perfectly valid to me!!

We brought several tubes of bath salts home from Basin. I found if you open all the tubes at once and let them breathe for a while, the bathroom smells almost lobbyish!!!

Thank you my friend. I love Basin, that must smell amazing!

Here are my FP's, I hope to get there 11:30ish, the dead time we should have is between Na'vi River and Everst but Na've River might take a while which is fine with me. After lunch @ 2:00, we're out of there.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
Na'vi River Journey - Coming May 27, 2017
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

 

[followthatmouse]

Wishes, the only concern I may have is the unknown. Will Na'avi River be a fast-loading ride? The expected crowds may turn it into a slowy no matter what! So, the expected dead time may not eventuate. But, if you turn up right on your window opening time, you shouldn't have enormous troubles. Very wise getting out of there mid-afternoon. Hot, crowded days can be sooo tiring ... and then there are the possible thunderstorms!

Have a wonderful time and a very happy Anniversary!!! Can't wait for your reports!

 

[WishesQueen]

My boys are killing me tonight...between the draft and the Met's I am soooooo board!!

Wishes, the only concern I may have is the unknown. Will Na'avi River be a fast-loading ride? The expected crowds may turn it into a slowy no matter what! So, the expected dead time may not eventuate. But, if you turn up right on your window opening time, you shouldn't have enormous troubles. Very wise getting out of there mid-afternoon. Hot, crowded days can be sooo tiring ... and then there are the possible thunderstorms!

Have a wonderful time and a very happy Anniversary!!! Can't wait for your reports!

I hope that the window times are accurate, honestly we NEVER go to AK and my DD LOVES Everest. I haven't been on the Safari since my kids are babies. I want to see one of the new rides and new area but if its a ZOO (no pun intended) we'll let the FP go.

 

[WishesQueen]

Morning!

OMG we had the storm of all storms last night, everyone was up walking the hallways and dog was crying.

Anyway, quick question. I am thinking of visiting the WL for lunch at new Geyser Point Bar and Grill is the weather is nice. Is there a boat from the GF to the WL? I can't remember because honestly we only take a boat from the MK to the GF. If not I think we'll just take a cab.

 

[BC1836]

A superb week of weather; however, the good folks of Central Florida need rain.

All

Morning!

OMG we had the storm of all storms last night, everyone was up walking the hallways and dog was crying.

Anyway, quick question. I am thinking of visiting the WL for lunch at new Geyser Point Bar and Grill is the weather is nice. Is there a boat from the GF to the WL? I can't remember because honestly we only take a boat from the MK to the GF. If not I think we'll just take a cab.

No direct launch; however, you can take the GFR launch, which makes one stop at the POLY before going to the MK. At the MK get on a launch to the WL.

All the best!

 

[grannyminnie]

Or take the monorail around to the CR, get off and go down to the dock area to take the boat over. That seems like the easiest (and cheapest too!).

 

[WishesQueen]

A superb week of weather; however, the good folks of Central Florida need rain.

All


No direct launch; however, you can take the GFR launch, which makes one stop at the POLY before going to the MK. At the MK get on a launch to the WL.

All the best!

Or take the monorail around to the CR, get off and go down to the dock area to take the boat over. That seems like the easiest (and cheapest too!).

Thank you, thank you! You guys are the best!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Thank you my friend. I love Basin, that must smell amazing!

Here are my FP's, I hope to get there 11:30ish, the dead time we should have is between Na'vi River and Everst but Na've River might take a while which is fine with me. After lunch @ 2:00, we're out of there.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
Na'vi River Journey - Coming May 27, 2017
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Given the unknown craziness that may or may not come to fruition (in my mind I envision about half the craziness of HP openings at Uni), having the Y&Y ressie at 2pm could mean having to skip EE FP if you are stalled at Navi. You may want to consider hitting AK early at RD instead of 11:30ish. I am guessing the throngs of people will head to Pandora leaving other headliners with short lines. I would go straight to EE at RD, ride a few times, then do a few smaller ones like bugs and dino before heading over to safari at 11 sharp. After safari, head over to Pandora to assess situation and look around before scanning MBs at 12:05. That gives you 2 hours to complete Navi before your ADR. Best case scenario--you are out of Navi by 1:15ish and can ride EE again before Y&Y. Worst case scenario--you will have already done EE early so not making the FP window won't stress you out.

Have fun and pack your patience

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

View attachment 233887 View attachment 233888 View attachment 233889

These are from the Conch Key Outer Bldg.- view from our balcony.
The 2nd photo is looking at Sago Key Outer Bldg.
The monorail was straight ahead as you looked out from balcony.

WOW!! Thank you so much for taking the time to post I am getting excited. Now we just have to hope for a discount

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

What type of view do you like ? Sago is mostly as above posted with views of water on either side. The other buildings the gv is facing the courtyard pool for the most part. Really gf has lovely views from everywhere. The grounds at Christmas usually looks beautiful. However wl is also great.

I would pick one and just watch for discounts and switch later if can . Honestly it's too soon to pick unless price is irrelevant. Keep looking and hopefully a nice discount will show up. There are discounts good for December on orbitz and cheap tickets if that helps.

I would love to see a view of the pool. My hubby is legally blind so I am a bit concerned about him falling in the pool if we stay in Boca Chica (but I understand there is a gate around it?)..We are both young and fit (so it's not the distance) but he just can't see so I am wondering if a more direct route is better for him.

I wish money isn't an issue but it is LOL..so we are watching and waiting for an offer.

 

[trishadono]

I would love to see a view of the pool. My hubby is legally blind so I am a bit concerned about him falling in the pool if we stay in Boca Chica (but I understand there is a gate around it?)..We are both young and fit (so it's not the distance) but he just can't see so I am wondering if a more direct route is better for him.

I wish money isn't an issue but it is LOL..so we are watching and waiting for an offer.

Yes the courtyard pool is gated and the pool at wl is too.

Wl might be easier to get around with everything contained in the building?

I have gf booked for 2 nights in December and hoping for a nice discount. Fingers are crossed!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Yes the courtyard pool is gated and the pool at wl is too.

Wl might be easier to get around with everything contained in the building?

I have gf booked for 2 nights in December and hoping for a nice discount. Fingers are crossed!

Exactly... and he has the layout for the wilderness Lodge memorized... so I'm not sure what to do because he's OK with switching (or so he says!) but I really want to stay at GF so we will just wait and see what happens ...

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Exactly... and he has the layout for the wilderness Lodge memorized... so I'm not sure what to do because he's OK with switching (or so he says!) but I really want to stay at GF so we will just wait and see what happens ...

Hmmm....that is a hard decision. You are choosing between the two most beautifully decorated resorts for the Christmas season! I would lean towards the WL because...
--your hubby already knows the layout
--the crackling fireplaces and woodsy atmosphere are perfect for Christmas time
--the GF lobby will be packed with people visiting the gingerbread house
--a quick hop and skip from winter activities at FW
--less expensive than GF
--bus to Epcot easier for DH to navigate than the monorail switch at TTC


I would save the GF trip for a different season. To me, the WL just screams cozy, warm, holidays