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

[Sue M]

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!

As for the new express transportation....I can see this being very beneficial for folks who like to park hop during the day to make the most out of shorter vacation stays. As the saying goes... "time is money!" For our family, we prefer rope drop and then we leave the park somewhere between 1 and 3pm depending on the park. We then go back to our resort to recharge, resting in the room or hanging by the pool. We then shower and head out to a different park for the evening.

We don't usually park hop either, our vacays are 10-14 days so have the time to be leisurely. We do RD too, then after lunch go back to resort for a break. Then go to a different park for the evening. But....it's kinda cool to go see the backstage areas in the parks, and maybe we'll try something different this next trip. Not every day but I think we will buy the week pass and do it a couple of days
I can't wait for Pandora to open. It looks amazing.

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi Sue! I just noticed you have DL in your future. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did/do!!! It's smaller, and easier to navigate but honestly, I was so out of my element the first time I went....not knowing my way around like I do WDW. I'll be looking forward to your TR!

 

[WishesQueen]

Happy Sunday all!

scouring and scouring for dining reservations, so hard to change after the 180 day marker. Do think as it gets closer it will get easier? Wishful thinking

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Happy Sunday all!

scouring and scouring for dining reservations, so hard to change after the 180 day marker. Do think as it gets closer it will get easier? Wishful thinking

Are you looking for hard to get ADRs or is it just the times aren't ideal? Or are they TS in the parks? We don't make very many ressies because we don't want to be too scheduled with dining and this trip I am utilizing opentable for a few in DS for more flexibility. Also planning to do one or two on-the-fly meals at GF Cafe or the Wave. We had luck at the Wave last trip as a walk-in with no waiting. If it doesn't work out, we will just eat resort QS at GF, Poly or CR. That's one of the perks staying on the monorail

 

[Dispro1]

oes 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!

We're in the same boat...we booked our trip a really long time ago and didn't know Pandora would be opening then. Honestly, the parks are crazy a lot of the time, so we usually only do our FP+ stuff anyway (and maybe one that isn't too bad for standby), and then we head back to the resort. After all, we're paying a lot for the resort too, right??!! We're only going to AK once though because I'm not dealing with the madness more than once! We're doing the banshee ride (whatever it's called). The fancy boat ride can wait...we like our thrill rides!

 

[Dispro1]

Hello Poohgirl6 - I have been scouring the other threads regarding dining reservations. We'll be at the GF the end of May with 3 adult kids and then again in October with just me and DH.

You have a huge group, sounds like its going to be awesome, we usually do 8 nights but I want to return with DH, so the kids got robbed.. So what are your plans, did you book dining or FP's yet?

I have been asking for months if anyone had any planning suggestions or requests and they all laughed at me saying it was too early to think of the trip. Now that we're approaching May, they want O'hana's and California Grill. They are crazy EVERYTHING if gone!!! I am really starting to worry about our AK day to see Pandora, I think its going to crazy!!!!

We may still have an 'Ohana on Sunday May 28th for 5 people (8:05 pm I think) that we are going to cancel. I'll check with DH when I get back from this choir trip (and off this bus!) and maybe we can coordinate if it all works. We love 'Ohana too!

 

[aalliep]

Just made our final payment for our trip! We are treating my MIL as well so paid that off at the same time. 67 more days. I've been showing her videos of the Grand and how relaxing it will be

 

[WishesQueen]

Are you looking for hard to get ADRs or is it just the times aren't ideal? Or are they TS in the parks? We don't make very many ressies because we don't want to be too scheduled with dining and this trip I am utilizing opentable for a few in DS for more flexibility. Also planning to do one or two on-the-fly meals at GF Cafe or the Wave. We had luck at the Wave last trip as a walk-in with no waiting. If it doesn't work out, we will just eat resort QS at GF, Poly or CR. That's one of the perks staying on the monorail

Hi, I am looking for O'hana's and California Grill, I don't have either at any time. I heard a lot of people using OpenTable for DS but we wanted Homecomin and that wasn't available on OpenTable. I was able to get a reservation for that 180 out but its not a great time, we'll have to work around it. Me and my DH loved the Wave but the kids didn't and we always wind up at the Cafe too.

We're in the same boat...we booked our trip a really long time ago and didn't know Pandora would be opening then. Honestly, the parks are crazy a lot of the time, so we usually only do our FP+ stuff anyway (and maybe one that isn't too bad for standby), and then we head back to the resort. After all, we're paying a lot for the resort too, right??!! We're only going to AK once though because I'm not dealing with the madness more than once! We're doing the banshee ride (whatever it's called). The fancy boat ride can wait...we like our thrill rides!

That's the same thing that happened to us. Actually, this was supposed to be an adult only trip but things changed and the kids are coming...lol. We are the same way with the parks, we do our FP's and maybe a walk on here and there. We love Miznor's, sitting in the lobby and sitting outside by Gasperilla's. We're don't usually even go to AK, but DD loves Everest and I got a FP for the Navi River Ride so we're going to attempt it. I made sure I had a sit down lunch for DH, he HATES CS craziness so I reserved Yak and Yaki.

We may still have an 'Ohana on Sunday May 28th for 5 people (8:05 pm I think) that we are going to cancel. I'll check with DH when I get back from this choir trip (and off this bus!) and maybe we can coordinate if it all works. We love 'Ohana too!

Thanks so much, I PM'd you!

 

[BC1836]

Upon our arrival at the GFR last Sunday (we departed today and are staying over in VA tonight before heading to the Jersey Shore tomorrow), we stopped for breakfast at the GF Cafe, a tradition with us. However, debuting last Sunday was a courtesy plate of four biscuits w/butter and jellies, a new addition, courtesy of Scott Hunnel, the GFR's executive chef!

All the best!

 

[Sue M]

Hi Sue! I just noticed you have DL in your future. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did/do!!! It's smaller, and easier to navigate but honestly, I was so out of my element the first time I went....not knowing my way around like I do WDW. I'll be looking forward to your TR!

Yes. Going in Sept! My WDW partner in crime lives in LA, so I have an excellent tour guide. We booked a week in a hotel across from DL. Can see ToT from hotel!! Funny we are both on west coast but always meet up in WDW. We've been talking about us doing a DL trip for a few years! Finally doing it. And Canadian discount on tix, woohoo

 

[Sue M]

Ok, I think I am losing my mind....lol!! I just picked up plug in's from Bath & Body, Eucalyptus Rain and my house smells like the GF!!! Please someone go check it out and tell me if I am crazy or just anxious!!


.

Went today and got it.

 

[WishesQueen]

Went today and got it.

So do you think? Am I crazy?

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Just made our final payment for our trip! We are treating my MIL as well so paid that off at the same time. 67 more days. I've been showing her videos of the Grand and how relaxing it will be

Congrats on that final payment! Always feels good knowing that can be checked off the list. Watching the videos of the GF is only a taste of the experience. She will be in awe once she experiences the GF in person. Get that camera ready for her reaction

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

WishesQueen - Oh.....those are some hard to get ADRs. Crossing my fingers for you! Ohana is especially frustrating because it is so popular and unique. At least with Homecoming you have a few different avenues to keep checking for openings. You could also try a walk-in at your desired time as many DS restaurants are said to hold back a few tables for such. Too bad your family didn't enjoy the Wave. I am not a fan of the dining room as I get a little squirly sometimes without windows but the food and chef attention for allergies is two thumbs up!

 

[trishadono]

Hi Sue! I just noticed you have DL in your future. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did/do!!! It's smaller, and easier to navigate but honestly, I was so out of my element the first time I went....not knowing my way around like I do WDW. I'll be looking forward to your TR!

I need to add to my ticker too! Dd asked for us to pay her share of her trip to cali she is taking with her bf. She wanted that vs a graduation party from college. They doing yosemite in a travel trailer, then a week at a Marriott resort compliments Aunt J then finishing 3 days at DL. I asked dh yesterday if we could go for the weekend too. So we arrive 6/15 and leave 6!8 and overlap only one day 6/17 but that way they get some private time and I get to be with her there.

Matterhorn with her mom a must!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I need to add to my ticker too! Dd asked for us to pay her share of her trip to cali she is taking with her bf. She wanted that vs a graduation party from college. They doing yosemite in a travel trailer, then a week at a Marriott resort compliments Aunt J then finishing 3 days at DL. I asked dh yesterday if we could go for the weekend too. So we arrive 6/15 and leave 6!8 and overlap only one day 6/17 but that way they get some private time and I get to be with her there.

Matterhorn with her mom a must!

Sounds like your DD is going to have a fabulous adventure in CA! Every time we think about doing a visit to San Diego with a few days in DL, we change our mind and decide on WDW or Wash DC instead. Someday we will commit to that vacation......
Have a great weekend enjoying the magic of family and DL

 

[WishesQueen]

WishesQueen - Oh.....those are some hard to get ADRs. Crossing my fingers for you! Ohana is especially frustrating because it is so popular and unique. At least with Homecoming you have a few different avenues to keep checking for openings. You could also try a walk-in at your desired time as many DS restaurants are said to hold back a few tables for such. Too bad your family didn't enjoy the Wave. I am not a fan of the dining room as I get a little squirly sometimes without windows but the food and chef attention for allergies is two thumbs up!

Morning!! Homecomin was so hard to get too. Actually, I hate the time we have and I have been trying for weeks to change it, but not happening either. The only reason we don't do the Wave without the kids is for the same reason....I hate there are no windows and you definitely notice it.

 

[poohgirl6]

So, evidently we scored an O'hana reservation for 12
But it's at 3:30pm in the afternoon

What time do they even open for dinner? I'm trying to imagine what it will be like that time of day. Has anyone ever been there that early? The moms on this trip think it will be great bc the littles won't be melting down yet.

Just thinking: the crazy stuff we put up with at WDW that would never fly outside of the World

 

[fitgirl36]

Hello everyone! We are arriving Saturday with a TPV room for a few days. Does anyone know if the TV can be tuned to Wishes music during the fireworks like they do at the Contemporary? We have been outside on the patio and heard the music but wondered about the TVs if we want to watch from our room. Thanks for any information!

 

[fitgirl36]

Me too!! So excited they have another fragrance that has that heavenly smell!!! They had another one that's retired and it had rain in the name too. It also smelled very similar to the GF lobby!! Love it!!
I'm liking that there's some "action" on here, as someone said! This thread had become a "snoozer"...

Stumbled upon this post looking back. The Bath and Body scent is Rainkissed Leaves and guess what? You can order it on their website!! I wait until their semi annual sale and load up! Hope that helps if someone already hasn't answered! I actually thought it smelled like the BC but hey, I'll take either resort smell!