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

[bethclayton]

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.

this made me laugh! just yesterday as my dd (HS freshman) got out of the car to go to school i sternly shook my finger at her and said, "and be a good girl today! and work hard!" and then i was like, omg, dd i just do that? with the door open? in front of everyone? what is wrong with me??! lol!!

 

[Lisann]

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 tried all of the deluxes except AKL. Honestly, you will not be disappointed by any of them, in my opinion.

The Grand is and always will be my favorite. There is just something about it that I can't always put into words. When I am there, I am truly, truly taking a break from the everyday of life. There is luxury and pampering, beauty and grace, relaxation and happiness, like no other deluxe resort. My world moves at a slower pace (I know, hard to believe at a theme park resort). I can literally stop and smell the roses and be in the moment. Priceless.

I have wonderful impressions of the other deluxes as well. Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn come closest, to me, to the feel of the Grand. The Boardwalk Inn has that same type of 'pretty' decor and lobby and I really enjoyed my stay there. Only negative for me is that all of the eating establishments are outside of the resort. Only a problem when the it's raining or cold.

Yacht Club I love. Quiet, refined and beautiful. Watched fireworks from my balcony. Gotta love those balconies. You have all of the amenities of Beach Club as well, but not the crazies of that lobby. You just can't beat the proximity to Epcot. Can't wait to go back and sit in the rocking chairs outside and watch the goings-on.

Poly...pure nostalgia for me. A real "Walt" feel. Casual and laid back. Can't beat it.

To answer your question, impressions of the other deluxes? Pretty great. You will enjoy them each and every one in their own right.

I would stay at any of the deluxes and be quite happy...Yacht Club, Contemporary, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Poly, etc., etc. The Grand Floridian just kicks it up a notch for me. Every time.

 

[Dispro1]

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 LOVE your tradition! My sixteen year old still likes Disney trips, but she would probably choose to go somewhere else if we would let her. For instance, for her 16th bday, I took her to Chicago for an Enrique Iglesias/Pitbull concert. It was a lot of fun actually but very different from the GF band -lol Obviously, I let her choose that one. They do have some great shopping and food there.

 

[buzzmom12]

Hi has anyone done the mad hatter tea party? I thought my 6 year old might like it but I don't know much about it. Thanks

 

[trishadono]

Well I got to try the new "change reservation" feature online today...... Our New Years BLT is now a 2br at VGF!!!!!!

Not sure why but suddenly there are rooms available! Yippee!!!

We loved VGF and that will make for a nice long holiday weekend

 

[Lisann]

Well I got to try the new "change reservation" feature online today...... Our New Years BLT is now a 2br at VGF!!!!!!

Not sure why but suddenly there are rooms available! Yippee!!!

We loved VGF and that will make for a nice long holiday weekend

Yay!!

 

[Circusgirl]

Well I got to try the new "change reservation" feature online today...... Our New Years BLT is now a 2br at VGF!!!!!!

Not sure why but suddenly there are rooms available! Yippee!!!

We loved VGF and that will make for a nice long holiday weekend

Hooray! What a lovely trip to look forward to!

 

[Miss Monorail 1971]

Hi has anyone done the mad hatter tea party? I thought my 6 year old might like it but I don't know much about it. Thanks

My DD did this when she was 5. I Think it's a neat experience and your 6 year old should like it. We had to come back and get DD because the MadHatter freaked her out. She was very attached to me and shy. She said it was fun except for the"scary MadHatter". Lol. I did see it when we went to get her and it looked cute.

 

[BlueSkies]

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.

Sounds like a wonderful vacation! ...both the cruise and the GF...Our longest stay has also been 10 days....with our kids...now grown..we just always did what you do and that is stick to their general schedule so that they would not be out of sorts..and it always seemed to work out well.... The GF itself and the grounds have so much to enjoy...

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!

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

Awwww...thanks so much loveshak ... ...and right back atcha!

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.

Those mother daughter trips make the very best memories....I always took them with my mom...and as you know have continued the tradition with my DD too... Maybe one of these days our paths will cross again during our mother daughter trips!

I've tried all of the deluxes except AKL. Honestly, you will not be disappointed by any of them, in my opinion.

The Grand is and always will be my favorite. There is just something about it that I can't always put into words. When I am there, I am truly, truly taking a break from the everyday of life. There is luxury and pampering, beauty and grace, relaxation and happiness, like no other deluxe resort. My world moves at a slower pace (I know, hard to believe at a theme park resort). I can literally stop and smell the roses and be in the moment. Priceless.

I have wonderful impressions of the other deluxes as well. Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn come closest, to me, to the feel of the Grand. The Boardwalk Inn has that same type of 'pretty' decor and lobby and I really enjoyed my stay there. Only negative for me is that all of the eating establishments are outside of the resort. Only a problem when the it's raining or cold.

Yacht Club I love. Quiet, refined and beautiful. Watched fireworks from my balcony. Gotta love those balconies. You have all of the amenities of Beach Club as well, but not the crazies of that lobby. You just can't beat the proximity to Epcot. Can't wait to go back and sit in the rocking chairs outside and watch the goings-on.

Poly...pure nostalgia for me. A real "Walt" feel. Casual and laid back. Can't beat it.

To answer your question, impressions of the other deluxes? Pretty great. You will enjoy them each and every one in their own right.

I would stay at any of the deluxes and be quite happy...Yacht Club, Contemporary, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Poly, etc., etc. The Grand Floridian just kicks it up a notch for me. Every time.

Wonderful descriptions Lisa

Hi has anyone done the mad hatter tea party? I thought my 6 year old might like it but I don't know much about it. Thanks

Sorry no help from me...but I am sure someone will come along that can answer that for you...

Well I got to try the new "change reservation" feature online today...... Our New Years BLT is now a 2br at VGF!!!!!!

Not sure why but suddenly there are rooms available! Yippee!!!

We loved VGF and that will make for a nice long holiday weekend

Woohoo!!! Congrats Trish...What a grand way to ring in the new year!!! What a nice option that new online change feature is...wondering was it easy to do?? Better not tell pas about this....lol...no telling what would be happening with her reservations....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday.... preppy GF gal....

 

[MommyGina]

Hi Blue and all my friends. I have been MIA for a while. Got through the miserable winter. We lost my mother-in-law in January. DS will be home in less than a month. I made it through the year with him being away at school. DD was notified this morning that she will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week. Our college tours have begun with her.

So, the great offers for the summer came out a few weeks ago and I couldn't resist. We put a deposit down on the GF SL for July. RPC was not included in the offer, but that was ok. Made my dining reservations and in about a month, I can made my Fast Pass reservations.

Hope all of you have a Grand day!

 

[PlanningMama]

Hi has anyone done the mad hatter tea party? I thought my 6 year old might like it but I don't know much about it. Thanks

Our daughter did this when she had just turned 7 and she LOVED it! We are going back in September when she'll be almost 9 and she begged to do this party again. It's just for the kids - parents are not allowed to stay. But they did have a photographer onsite during the party and we were able to upload the photos to Photopass. I like that they keep the group of children small so that each person has a chance to talk with Alice and the Mad Hatter.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi Blue and all my friends. I have been MIA for a while. Got through the miserable winter. We lost my mother-in-law in January. DS will be home in less than a month. I made it through the year with him being away at school. DD was notified this morning that she will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week. Our college tours have begun with her.

So, the great offers for the summer came out a few weeks ago and I couldn't resist. We put a deposit down on the GF SL for July. RPC was not included in the offer, but that was ok. Made my dining reservations and in about a month, I can made my Fast Pass reservations.

Hope all of you have a Grand day!

Hey you! ..So good to "see" you! So sorry to hear about your loss.... Well you did it..survived that first year of college!!! It does get a bit easier each year! The family time at Disney will make up for the time apart.... Congrats on being able to put the new summer offer to good use! ..Sorry that RPC wasn't available for your dates...I know that you are a fan..but SL really is perfect for a summer visit....IMO....Happy planning!!! I know it will be a grand trip...

 

[loveshak22]

Hi Blue and all my friends. I have been MIA for a while. Got through the miserable winter. We lost my mother-in-law in January. DS will be home in less than a month. I made it through the year with him being away at school. DD was notified this morning that she will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week. Our college tours have begun with her.

So, the great offers for the summer came out a few weeks ago and I couldn't resist. We put a deposit down on the GF SL for July. RPC was not included in the offer, but that was ok. Made my dining reservations and in about a month, I can made my Fast Pass reservations.

Hope all of you have a Grand day!

Sorry about your MIL but it sounds like a great year for your DD and DS!

My DH and I are going in November and will be bummed if the RO discounts don't apply to RPC!! It will be our first time staying at GF and I would hate paying rack rate - LOL! As I'm sure everyone does at any of the hotels!!

 

[abk96]

Hi Blue and all my friends. I have been MIA for a while. Got through the miserable winter. We lost my mother-in-law in January. DS will be home in less than a month. I made it through the year with him being away at school. DD was notified this morning that she will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week. Our college tours have begun with her.

So, the great offers for the summer came out a few weeks ago and I couldn't resist. We put a deposit down on the GF SL for July. RPC was not included in the offer, but that was ok. Made my dining reservations and in about a month, I can made my Fast Pass reservations.

Hope all of you have a Grand day!

Hi...I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

I will be in the same boat next year when my 1st dd goes away to college. I'm not liking it at all and she didn't leave yet.

Congrats to your daughter. That's a great accomplishment.

 

[busymommy2pink]

Hi everyone!

I booked through a Disney Agent (supporting an acquaintance). I am used to doing everything myself. Would she have requested my building when she booked, or will I do that when I do online check in at 60 days?

 

[VbChristy]

Hi everyone!

I booked through a Disney Agent (supporting an acquaintance). I am used to doing everything myself. Would she have requested my building when she booked, or will I do that when I do online check in at 60 days?

You can tell her what building you want and she can call and add it to the reservation. Likely she made the reservation online and there is no place to put those kind of special requests. But she has until about a week before your trip to call Disney and add it to the reservation. You can also request certain things in online check in, but the buildings are not usually there. That's very nice that you are supporting your friend's business.

 

[WishesQueen]

Morning all!!

So much to catch up on since I haven't been around for a few days. My kids are keeping me busy during spring break, I just wish it was springier!!! Looks like things might turn around tomorrow.

MommyGina - So sorry to hear of your loss!!! Glad to see you back!!

Blueskies - How's the wedding plans??? I wish I could do a girls trip, but my son would freak...21 years old and he couldn't handle a trip without him...lol!! Actually, my DH and I talk about going as a couple, maybe with another couple one day. My honeymoon was WDW and as nice as a trip like that would be, everything would just remind me of my kids...lol

Grannyminnie - Do you leave????

OK, off to get my morning started before the kiddies wake up. Love have them home, but I miss my clean, quiet house for an hour or two!!

 

[trishadono]

Hi Blue and all my friends. I have been MIA for a while. Got through the miserable winter. We lost my mother-in-law in January. DS will be home in less than a month. I made it through the year with him being away at school. DD was notified this morning that she will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week. Our college tours have begun with her.

So, the great offers for the summer came out a few weeks ago and I couldn't resist. We put a deposit down on the GF SL for July. RPC was not included in the offer, but that was ok. Made my dining reservations and in about a month, I can made my Fast Pass reservations.

Hope all of you have a Grand day!

You are just a year behind me. DD is finishing year 2 and it does get easier. Ds is going away this fall. I will be the dreaded semi-empty nester. Luckily there is a long winter and super long summer break.

Sorry about MIL. Your hubby probably need TLC this year. Mine had a hard time losing his dad last year. He was uncharacteristically clingy for several months. Luckily they do go back to normal.

 

[bethclayton]

On DME right now! V&A tonight! Will post pics if there's a way to easily do it from my phone!

 

[MommyGina]

bethclayton- can't wait for pictures and report of your dinner tonight at V&A! What a treat. I will be thinking of you tonight while I'm eating leftovers!

Thank you all for your sympathy. Today is MIL birthday too. DH is not doing well today.