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

[loveshak22]

Good Morning All!!

Happy Easter and Happy Passover!!!

Sorry to say but I just did a quick scan to stay up to date.

Loveshak22 - How exciting to get Disney Mail. Is that the package you receive when you pay in full?

My house is filthy with everyone home, I am loving Spring break and getting excited for warmer weather.

Have a great day everyone!!!

No actually my trip isn't until November and I've only put down the $200 deposit. So I was really surprised to be getting anything already. But...I do love surprises!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Good morning BlueSkies!! I'm glad I'm not the only one staring at her countdown at 200+ days on here! It seems a little obsessive...but I secretly love it

Hey loveshak! Not obsessive at all!! And I am sure everyone around here would agree!

Cupcake hop is my favorite new plan for my next trip!

Mine too!!! The cupcake crawl!

Thank you, trishadano, for posting the videos!

I am getting so excited for my trip in 62 days. My friend and I are not going to any parks; we're just staying at the GF, shopping in the area, lots of pool time and just relaxing.

WooHoo--I was just out shopping and bought a great beach bag to take down to the pool with me!

Sounds like the perfect BFF trip....this is what my BFF and I often do on our trips too... We just enjoy the ambiance of the GF and all that staying at a monorail resort trip has to offer....

Two years ago my baby girl and I (So what if she's 25, she's still my baby. lol) were traveling from Downtown Disney to Magic Kingdom via a Disney bus. We figured it could drop us off at the GF and then we would be one monorail stop away from MK. When we walked into the lobby and saw the beauty and heard the wonderful music, we told ourselves that we would stay here one day. In 18 days that dream will come true! Can't wait to enjoy that beautiful hotel for 6 wonderful nights!

So glad that you are getting to stay at the GF...its such a wonderful place for mother daughter trips...my baby girl..also not a baby...lol..but also a young adult ..and always enjoy our stays...A recommendation would be to be sure and book an ADR for afternoon tea in the Garden View Tea Room...Have a grand trip!

So we are starting to look at options for the GF next year - 2 parents and 2 kids under 18. We would love to try the new 1 bedroom villas but I doubt we will get those seeing as we are not DVC and they will probably not be released until February or so. Anyway, was talking to Disney Travel today and they came up with a number of options. One of them was a one-bedroom suite on the concierge level in the main building. I am not seeing a lot of information about these suites. What I do know is that they are crazy expensive for May next year. What on earth do you get for your $1,700 per night?

Can you get connecting normal rooms at GF instead?

You are right in thinking that there is a vast difference in the cost of a villa and booking a CL suite...and as has been stated due to all of the amenities that are available with stay in a suite... If what you are looking for is extra space then I think that a villa will suit your needs perfectly...and those new villas are so lovely too!

As for connecting rooms..there are more rooms with connecting doors than rooms with out..so that should not be a problem if that's what you decide to book...especially if you are booking under one reservation...

And contrary to the info that others have posted...there is generally a minimal discount when booking a suite...5 to 10%...usually 5%...unfortunately not the significant discount that can be available with a standard or deluxe room...

Hope that you are able to book whatever suits you best...The GF is such a beautiful resort!

We are staying at the Grand Floridian for the first time in a standard view 1 bedroom DVC villa in May. Being unfamiliar with the resort, does anyone have any room suggestions for our recomendations through DVC?

Thanks

Congratulations!!! I am not that familiar with the villas..but others on here like Candy and Trish will probably be able to give you some recommendations ..There is also a thread over on the DVC boards with pictures of views if you are interested...

I thought I'd throw this out to my GF friends for an opinion - I am assuming that if (fingers crossed) they announce a Fall RO discount it will be the standard "up to 30%". But I was just looking at historical discounts offered on MouseSavers and it shows that for Spring/Early Summer 2015 (4/6/15 - 6/15/15) that there were up to 35% RO discounts. I thought the 35% was usually only for Florida residents or APs but it clearly says, "Up to 35% off room-only rates for general public." First, is GF usually in the higher category for RO discounts (so the 30%)? For the current offer it is in that category so I'm hoping that's common. And, second, do you think they'll be as high as 35% for this Fall?

I know it's all a guess - but I like to hear other peoples thoughts as we wait to see what will happen!

Very hard to predict...but keeping my fingers crossed for you! We are able to book a BB for the fall...which was a 35% discount...

Good Morning All!!

Happy Easter and Happy Passover!!!

Sorry to say but I just did a quick scan to stay up to date.

Loveshak22 - How exciting to get Disney Mail. Is that the package you receive when you pay in full?

My house is filthy with everyone home, I am loving Spring break and getting excited for warmer weather.

Have a great day everyone!!!

Hi you!! Hope that you had a Happy Easter! A full house sure can make things get messy...lol... Do you think spring might finally be here to stay!???? lol....

i hope everyone had a great easter or passover, or just a great weekend! in three days i will be at the GF for a visit! Alas, we are staying at YC, but our first night there we have ressies at V&A, I just cannot wait to take my friend there for her bday! I have only eaten there once and i know that my friend is going to go absolutely bananas over it. she wants to go to mizner's after, but i warned her that after the V&A wine pairing, mizner's might just be for a glass of water, lol. we can't wait to stroll the shops and listen to the music for a while after dinner. she and i stayed GF RPC during my bday in 2013 and we just love the main building ambience so much! this will be my first adults only disney trip and it was pretty spur of the moment, so i am really excited. although i am cringing to think what i will come home to after 5 days gone, lol. dh normally works till at least 10 pm every weeknight and he literally has not a clue what needs to be done around here to keep this joint running. hopefully my eight typed pages of instructions will help....

Beth I am seeing YC and Poly tickers..but no GF one...I think that you need to book another trip! ..Disney logic... lol...I think that your 8 page detailed instructions will really help your DH out...IF he reads them!!! Mine would probably claim that he couldn't find them....

MY dd keeps asking for dinner at V&A! I just think she needs to wait for a special occasion, she is spoiled enough already!! Maybe 21st bday or college grad but not this summer!!! I think upgrading to CL is quite the perk!

You will prob get to meet my dis-girl this summer because we definitely heading over to Traders!!! So far there is you, me and mommyrosa with the same dates on the monorail!!!!

I know what you mean about husbands.

Have a great trip! YC is like GF lite.

Your DD has great taste! I agree though ..V&A is especially memorable when you have something to celebrate!

Hi ahcupcake Always happy to see you! I think a NYC weekend is a great idea!!! Now lets just pick a day and a fab place to have lunch!

dispro Great AP logic!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday.... preppy GF gal who is trying not to eat every jelly bean in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...

 

[HairyChest]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

 

[baler31]

I posted a few photos of the GF candy scramble from Easter. I had to put them on my Disney twitter, could not get them to post here. My twitter is @TFW1965 it only has Disney stuff on that account.

GF also had treats out for the movie like cotton candy and drinks last night.

Mickey and Minnie were greeting, Minnie wore her Christmas Victorian outfit and they also had white rabbit.

We also saw Thumper at Fort Wilderness. There was a special brunch at 1900 and something in the tea room.

Will post more later.

 

[bethclayton]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

well i have to admit that the GF has ruined me somewhat. i mean, we loved AKL when we stayed there and we always say we want to go back but we never pull the trigger. i do think we will eventually make it back there. it's just such a different experience from anywhere else and really impressive despite the lousy bus service and tiny rooms. the dining there is awesome, too. we had always wanted to try BC but when we did, we were fairly nonplussed. BC seemed to me like a cheap knock off of the GF. i don't think you'd be impressed after staying at the GF. with that said, it is obviously much more affordable and i think is priced proportionately. my friend and i are headed to YC in a few days, a combination of 1) very few rooms being available anywhere onsite, 2) i felt really selfish spending such a huge amount of $$ on RPC (i don't like GF outer buildings at all), and 3) i think for our adults only purposes the proximity to epcot will work out well. but the truth is, i really wanted to stay RPC.

Beth I am seeing YC and Poly tickers..but no GF one...I think that you need to book another trip! ..Disney logic... lol...I think that your 8 page detailed instructions will really help your DH out...IF he reads them!!! Mine would probably claim that he couldn't find them....

i know!! i was just looking this weekend and realized i could stay RPC in august for $579 a night with my AP discount. it is KILLING me. but we have another whole family who booked their whole week at the poly just to be with us, as well as another friend of mine as well. so i feel like i need to just stick with the poly. as it is, the poly's prices have become so unreasonable (we got that magical deal this time) that it might be our last time there anyway.

 

[trishadono]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

I enjoy rotating amongst the monorail resorts.

I love the grounds and beach of poly and the grandness of The Grand. However sometimes I just like the view of cr from the tower. Especially atrium club when I can. It's so fun to see the castle and gf in the distance. The sounds of MK are so close!

If you have a group going we really enjoy the 1 or 2 br villas of BLT. The quirkiness of the talking elevators and curved halls are quite fun! The rooms are huge and the full windows are amazing!

I did try WL cl this year and had to admit I liked it and would go back again.

Like Beth I enjoyed AKL but have never gone back.

We tried YC once but we just spend so much time at MK that the monorail is a better fit.

Lastly for the price the GV rooms at cr are nice if you spend time at the pool or beach. It's very open and not crazy busy like the other resorts.

 

[bethclayton]

MY dd keeps asking for dinner at V&A! I just think she needs to wait for a special occasion, she is spoiled enough already!! Maybe 21st bday or college grad but not this summer!!! I think upgrading to CL is quite the perk!

You will prob get to meet my dis-girl this summer because we definitely heading over to Traders!!! So far there is you, me and mommyrosa with the same dates on the monorail!!!!

I know what you mean about husbands.

Have a great trip! YC is like GF lite.

trish, yes, we will have to meet up for sure! either trader's or mizner's! i think it's cute that your dd wants to go to V&A so badly. you wouldn't think it would have such appeal to younger people. but it does... my kids are only 13 & 15 and when i told them i was considering only having the adults go in august for my birthday they were DEVASTATED! i was so surprised. i knew they liked it there but didn't really think they would care if we went without them.

 

[loveshak22]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

I stayed at WL and AKL CL, both in late January when crowds were lower so both were quiet and relaxing stays. We loved both of these hotels.The WL lobby is gorgeous and it was nice and relaxing. We also really enjoyed Artist Point. We also loved AKL and all of the food options. We didn't mind that it took longer to get to parks and loved watching the animals from our balcony! The service at both resorts was exceptional. They are both unique in their theming.

I would return to either of these resorts but want to try more of the deluxe options before I declare a favorite!

I am so excited for our GF RPC stay in November!! Have I said that enough on here

 

[goofy4prez]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

I have stayed at the WL three times, Contemporary once and the YC once. My favorite of those three was the WL. The theming is absolutely spectacular (especially during Christas), the size of the resort is nice and compact, the cm's are great (especially the CL), and the boats over to the Contemporary & MK are a nice change of pace and relaxing. The only drawback is that the rooms are a bit smaller, but for me it is not a big deal. As for the Contemporary, I did like the size of the rooms and what can be said about the location; a short walk to the MK is priceless and it was so easy to take the monorail to Epcot. Theming is a bit generic (ok a lot) but the view whether looking at Bay Lake or the MK is awesome. As for the YC; I loved the quietness, I loved the theming, I loved SAB, the cm's were very friendly, and I loved the location and easy walking to both Epcot and HS. What I did not like was the dreaded bus sharing. When we were there it often shared buses with the BC/BW/Swan/Dolphin. Some here on the DIS say that is no longer the case, others on the DIS say it is only buses to DTD, and others say it doesn't share with all the resorts at all. Either way my experience with the buses at the YC is a real deal breaker for me. Loved the resort, but the only way I'm staying at a Boardwalk area resort again is if I'm spending a lot of time at the Food & Wine Festival.

 

[trishadono]

Morning! My dd's bf accidentally spilled the beans about the August trip at easter dinner. Oops!! Was waiting to tell the news on my upcoming birthday, happy to ME!

Now I feel guilty and working on planning a family trip. I booked a 2br at BLT 12/31-1/3 but dd says she won't come until 1/1. Ds will prob be on track team so I can't do later in January.

Maybe I should switch and do family in August and dd and I in jan??? Decisions!!!

 

[loveshak22]

Morning! My dd's bf accidentally spilled the beans about the August trip at easter dinner. Oops!! Was waiting to tell the news on my upcoming birthday, happy to ME!

Now I feel guilty and working on planning a family trip. I booked a 2br at BLT 12/31-1/3 but dd says she won't come until 1/1. Ds will prob be on track team so I can't do later in January.

Maybe I should switch and do family in August and dd and I in jan??? Decisions!!!

Oh no! Never fun when the 'beans get spilled'! I can't remember what your original plan was - it was you and your DD but when were you originally planning on going?

A January and August trip sounds awesome too though!!

 

[BlueSkies]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

Decisions decisions...lol..and while nothing is as grand as the Grand....my 2nd fave WDW resort is the CR..it is a Disney classic and one of the originals...and the views cannot be beat..We have stayed CL there many times over the years and have not been disappointed...and while the CL lounge does not have the evening music that the GF has..there is also an incredible ambiance especially during Wishes with the music being piped in both inside the lounge and out on the balconies ... and being able to see it all from your own semi private..lol..space... I also think that the BWI is a very lovely resort...with its own charm...and have enjoyed staying CL there....think that the lounge while not having the ambiance of the GF or CR has a nice relaxing vibe.. and the CL CMs are incredibly friendly and helpful...those are my impressions...and while the GF is always my first choice.... I would not hesitate..and even look forward to stays at either of these other two resorts... HTH...

trish, yes, we will have to meet up for sure! either trader's or mizner's! i think it's cute that your dd wants to go to V&A so badly. you wouldn't think it would have such appeal to younger people. but it does... my kids are only 13 & 15 and when i told them i was considering only having the adults go in august for my birthday they were DEVASTATED! i was so surprised. i knew they liked it there but didn't really think they would care if we went without them.

Beth How nice that the kids still want to be coming along on those WDW trips...what wonderful memories to be made all together...

I stayed at WL and AKL CL, both in late January when crowds were lower so both were quiet and relaxing stays. We loved both of these hotels.The WL lobby is gorgeous and it was nice and relaxing. We also really enjoyed Artist Point. We also loved AKL and all of the food options. We didn't mind that it took longer to get to parks and loved watching the animals from our balcony! The service at both resorts was exceptional. They are both unique in their theming.

I would return to either of these resorts but want to try more of the deluxe options before I declare a favorite!

I am so excited for our GF RPC stay in November!! Have I said that enough on here

I think that I might have read on here somewhere that you are indeed excited about your November trip!! lol... ...If you can't share the excitement here with other GF fans than where can you! Looking forward to hearing what you think after your GF stay...which I have no doubt you will love...and what your favorite grand experience was!

Morning! My dd's bf accidentally spilled the beans about the August trip at easter dinner. Oops!! Was waiting to tell the news on my upcoming birthday, happy to ME!

Now I feel guilty and working on planning a family trip. I booked a 2br at BLT 12/31-1/3 but dd says she won't come until 1/1. Ds will prob be on track team so I can't do later in January.

Maybe I should switch and do family in August and dd and I in jan??? Decisions!!!

More decisions..well of course the logical thing to do is to plan another trip for everyone... and I see that you have already applied that Disney logic! ... lol...
Sounds like maybe a summer trip for the whole family will work out better in everyone's schedules....and then the mother daughter trip for right after the holidays..then you might have to switch resorts..since it will only be the two of you...lol..maybe another CR CL stay??? Just trying to be helpful... ..Which ever you chose I am sure it will be fun!

Shout out to our fellow GF fan......grannyminnie ... Hope all is well..and that we didn't miss your send off....

baler Thanks for taking the time to pop in and share moments of your GF trip with us...Always love seeing the pics..its the next best thing to being there...

Hope that everyone s having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal who has eaten all of the jelly beans in the house...lol...

 

[Dispro1]

i hope everyone had a great easter or passover, or just a great weekend! in three days i will be at the GF for a visit! Alas, we are staying at YC, but our first night there we have ressies at V&A, I just cannot wait to take my friend there for her bday! I have only eaten there once and i know that my friend is going to go absolutely bananas over it. she wants to go to mizner's after, but i warned her that after the V&A wine pairing, mizner's might just be for a glass of water, lol. we can't wait to stroll the shops and listen to the music for a while after dinner. she and i stayed GF RPC during my bday in 2013 and we just love the main building ambience so much! this will be my first adults only disney trip and it was pretty spur of the moment, so i am really excited. although i am cringing to think what i will come home to after 5 days gone, lol. dh normally works till at least 10 pm every weeknight and he literally has not a clue what needs to be done around here to keep this joint running. hopefully my eight typed pages of instructions will help....

Have a fantastic time!! The "Easter Bunny" brought my 11 year old daughter a Bluetooth waterproof speaker for Easter, and she has been kind enough to stream "Fly Me To The Moon" several times for me so that I can imagine myself being at GF... This is one of my favorite songs played by the GF band (and one that I often request).

 

[VbChristy]

Hi all. I am planning a stay here in either April (a slower period past Easter) or the first week in May. I'm excited. It would be my first stay here. If I go in early May it will be a pre-cruise stay for 5 or 6 nights before we cruise on the Fantasy. It will be my son's last trip free before he is 3. I am trying to decide how it will go if we do basically a 2 week vacation with a 3 year old. Anyone have any experience? We've traveled with quite a bit (4 cruises already, 4 or 5 trips to Disney). The longest was 10 days and he was sort of ready to be home then. I am hoping that when he is another year older, he will be okay. We really do keep his schedule for his bedtimes and meal times so we try and make that part less difficult... Logistically, besides the laundry issue, all one trip would be easier - and cheaper for flights. Thoughts?? Either way, I am super excited to read and learn all about this property!

In the meantime, we have a 1 week split stay this fall with the first half at Wilderness Lodge, and the 2nd half off property. We are also doing an adults only weekend in Nov/Dec to see Osborne Lights. I think we are staying at the Boardwalk for that stay. Anyway- thanks for letting me share.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

I've stayed at the Epcot Deluxes as well as some of the DVC properties. I have a habit of posting that I'm cheating on the Grand when I stay elsewhere. I've never been disappointed because I don't set my expectations for it to be the same, nor better, it is different. It is a different venue, a different theme, a different reason for being there. For example, we are going back in October for F&W, so it doesn't make sense to stay at a monorail deluxe when we will be spending most of our trip at Epcot. Last October we did the Yacht Club and loved it. This October we are booked at the Dolphin.

Tom

 

[Dispro1]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

I agree with KonaKaiTom. If you don't expect it to be the same as GF (or Poly), you won't be disappointed. GF is my favorite resort, but we decided to try BC last spring break. We had a great time and are about to go back May 30th. It is completely different from GF because we tend to spend more time at Epcot and HS, and the pool is awesome! However, I must say that our BC trips are not going to replace our GF trips. They are in addition to our GF trips because we have been able to get really good deals on our BC trips. I don't think I could ever replace my GF trip with another resort completely. We did a split stay last October (although it was forced because my husband booked the wrong dates at GF so we could only stay there part of the time) and it was actually ok. I would do it again. We do not pay nearly as much for BC as GF so I don't expect as much. As a result, last spring, we were very pleased with what we got for the money. I am excited to see the renovations they just completed in the CL at BC and as long as their new "bartender" concept in CL doesn't turn out to be a problem, it should be a really fun trip! As for AKL, it is really cool, but I think it is too far from everything!

 

[loveshak22]

BlueSkies - I just want to say I always love your posts

 

[trishadono]

Oh no! Never fun when the 'beans get spilled'! I can't remember what your original plan was - it was you and your DD but when were you originally planning on going?

A January and August trip sounds awesome too though!!

Dd and I are going in August . We started in summer of 8th grade doing mom n me's. I use that time to remind her to work hard at school and be a good girl. So far it's working! She will be a jr in college in fall .

I asked dh today to switch my plans and do family this summer but he said we could keep our girls only trip!!!!

So maybe January after all for us all.

 

[loveshak22]

Dd and I are going in August . We started in summer of 8th grade doing mom n me's. I use that time to remind her to work hard at school and be a good girl. So far it's working! She will be a jr in college in fall .

I asked dh today to switch my plans and do family this summer but he said we could keep our girls only trip!!!!

So maybe January after all for us all.

I think it's great that you have made it a priority for mother-daughter time! And it sounds like you've raised a hard working daughter! So I think a January trip for the two of you and an August trip for the family is the perfect solution -

 

[Nancyg56]

What are your guys' impressions of the other resorts for those of you that have stayed at other deluxes? Any that are close to your favorite?
I want to try a couple resorts ive never stayed like the animal kingdom lodge and beach club but keep thinking ill be dissapointed not being at the grand or poly

I have stayed at both resrts, and of the two I prefer AKL. The Beach Club is a lovely resort, but it is HUGE!!! I was very surprised at the "cozy" feel the GF has, and very suprised how not so cozy the BC was. It has the great proximity to Epcot and DHS, and if walking to those parks is important, you will like that aspect. But honestly, the BC is very sprawling, and as nve as it was, I just will not go back.

AKL is different. It is cook, kind of dark, and a bit distant, but oh so exotic. Iur stay thee was one of our favorites, between the service, the animals, the decor, the service, the anmals, the CM's throughout, oh my goodness! It was lovely. If you decide to stay there, you should plan to spend some time just enjoying the resot and all it offers.

I love the Poly, and it is one of our family favorites. In fact, I was apprehensive staying at the GF, but after an enchanting stay last October I booked it once again to bt=ring my little Princesses, who live down the street.


Every one of the resots you named have a different vibe to them, it is worthwhile to ty them, I think. You might do as I did...have a bias lifted! LOL!!!!