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

[busymommy2pink]

My younger "sister" has been having a rough go of it lately. She's lost two very close people in her life amongst other things. We have taken her to Disney before with us, but this year she will be 18 and I understand this is a game changer. I would still like to bring her if possible, I noticed GF will accommodate us as a party of 5. If I add her, will we be guaranteed a day bed like at BC? Also..is there an extra adult fee with her being 18? I truly feel a bit nickled and dimed at that point with the cost of GF, but I do know it's a hotel standard all over, not just Disney. If there is, does anyone know how much it is? And finally, how late can I add her? She starts college in the fall and would need to make sure first that it doesn't conflict with any important assignments or classes. Sorry for all the questions!!! We just realized to add her will only likely be the cost of flights and tickets (free dining should be our trip) which makes it relatively affordable to be adding her.

 

[dansdad]

My younger "sister" has been having a rough go of it lately. She's lost two very close people in her life amongst other things. We have taken her to Disney before with us, but this year she will be 18 and I understand this is a game changer. I would still like to bring her if possible, I noticed GF will accommodate us as a party of 5. If I add her, will we be guaranteed a day bed like at BC? Also..is there an extra adult fee with her being 18? I truly feel a bit nickled and dimed at that point with the cost of GF, but I do know it's a hotel standard all over, not just Disney. If there is, does anyone know how much it is? And finally, how late can I add her? She starts college in the fall and would need to make sure first that it doesn't conflict with any important assignments or classes. Sorry for all the questions!!! We just realized to add her will only likely be the cost of flights and tickets (free dining should be our trip) which makes it relatively affordable to be adding her.

I can't speak for GF specifically, but at BC and YC as a party of 5 if you don't get a room with a daybed they will bring in a roll-away.

Yes, now that she is 18 you will be charged the $25 per night extra adult fee. And no, it's not just Disney that has the extra adult fee. It is an industry standard.

 

[ClareH37]

So here is my issue, I'm currently booked in a lagoon view (i.e. not club level) room - I've stayed twice before at the GF and it was RPC, I loved it. I usually stay CL when at Disney as I like the keyed access environment. This trip for the first time I've booked a complete package (including flights), it is costing me substantially more money than if I were to book independently plus the travel company impose a single traveller supplement but I want the security this time of this particular travel company so I'm OK with it. I would love to stay RPC but the price they are quoting me is more than Disney's rack rate (!!) so lagoon view it is, I'm concerned re. general access to the outer buildings, are they keyed access at night? My alternative is to return to the Epcot resorts and stay CL there but I'd rather stick with the GF.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

The past 3 trips I have been in Big Pine Key (twice) and Sago. Yes, at night the outer buildings (including non-CL) are definitely keyed access. Note, btw, the view from Sago that I had a 3rd floor view of the marina and courtyard--it was lovely, I'd ask for it if I were you!

Tom

 

[ClareH37]

The past 3 trips I have been in Big Pine Key (twice) and Sago. Yes, at night the outer buildings (including non-CL) are definitely keyed access. Note, btw, the view from Sago that I had a 3rd floor view of the marina and courtyard--it was lovely, I'd ask for it if I were you!

Tom

Thanks Tom

 

[Dispro1]

So here is my issue, I'm currently booked in a lagoon view (i.e. not club level) room - I've stayed twice before at the GF and it was RPC, I loved it. I usually stay CL when at Disney as I like the keyed access environment. This trip for the first time I've booked a complete package (including flights), it is costing me substantially more money than if I were to book independently plus the travel company impose a single traveller supplement but I want the security this time of this particular travel company so I'm OK with it. I would love to stay RPC but the price they are quoting me is more than Disney's rack rate (!!) so lagoon view it is, I'm concerned re. general access to the outer buildings, are they keyed access at night? My alternative is to return to the Epcot resorts and stay CL there but I'd rather stick with the GF.

I'm confused as to why you are willing to pay more to book everything through a particular travel agency, but I'm assuming there is a good reason since you are "ok" with it. I LOVE RPC, but if the cost is an issue and you prefer CL, why don't you stay in GF SL. We have stayed in SL many times in the past and always had a nice marina view (which we requested). The Epcot resorts are nice, but the GF rooms are bigger, and close to MK. If you want GF, that's what I'd do...or try to book RPC with a discount later I like BC too, but to me it is a different kind of trip, so I would try to get what you want if possible

 

[ClareH37]

I'm confused as to why you are willing to pay more to book everything through a particular travel agency, but I'm assuming there is a good reason since you are "ok" with it. I LOVE RPC, but if the cost is an issue and you prefer CL, why don't you stay in GF SL. We have stayed in SL many times in the past and always had a nice marina view (which we requested). The Epcot resorts are nice, but the GF rooms are bigger, and close to MK. If you want GF, that's what I'd do...or try to book RPC with a discount later I like BC too, but to me it is a different kind of trip, so I would try to get what you want if possible

Unfortunately health issues this time round mean I feel more comfortable booking a complete package with a company who have staff in Orlando and can assist me if I need to get back home early (to the UK). Cost is definitely an issue this time, let's just say their prices are well over what Disney rack rate is - scarily so. TBH SL has never really appealed but I guess it's because RPC does spoil doesn't it lol I love the look of the new GF rooms, last May I still had one of the older style, they really do look beautiful. As I'll be spending a lot of down time at the resort I think GF will suit me better, and I will feel happier if I know the buildings are keyed access at night

 

[Dispro1]

My younger "sister" has been having a rough go of it lately. She's lost two very close people in her life amongst other things. We have taken her to Disney before with us, but this year she will be 18 and I understand this is a game changer. I would still like to bring her if possible, I noticed GF will accommodate us as a party of 5. If I add her, will we be guaranteed a day bed like at BC? Also..is there an extra adult fee with her being 18? I truly feel a bit nickled and dimed at that point with the cost of GF, but I do know it's a hotel standard all over, not just Disney. If there is, does anyone know how much it is? And finally, how late can I add her? She starts college in the fall and would need to make sure first that it doesn't conflict with any important assignments or classes. Sorry for all the questions!!! We just realized to add her will only likely be the cost of flights and tickets (free dining should be our trip) which makes it relatively affordable to be adding her.

Dansdad is right about the $25/night for the extra "adult." Although I like BC too, I would definitely prefer GF if I were taking a 5th person! The rooms are bigger, and there are a lot more rooms with daybeds (and since the renovation, there are even more...possibly in every room??). You are very nice to be taking her with you. I hope her life gets easier soon.

 

[Dispro1]

Unfortunately health issues this time round mean I feel more comfortable booking a complete package with a company who have staff in Orlando and can assist me if I need to get back home early (to the UK). Cost is definitely an issue this time, let's just say their prices are well over what Disney rack rate is - scarily so. TBH SL has never really appealed but I guess it's because RPC does spoil doesn't it lol I love the look of the new GF rooms, last May I still had one of the older style, they really do look beautiful. As I'll be spending a lot of down time at the resort I think GF will suit me better, and I will feel happier if I know the buildings are keyed access at night

Oh, that is complicated...I didn't realize you are in the UK! I hope your trip goes smoothly, but it is definitely comforting to know you have someone to help you if you run into a problem. And yes, RPC does spoil us rotten!

 

[BlueSkies]

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!!

Wishes Couples trips to WDW really are so nice...you need to try it some time! Plans are coming along...texted you a bunch of pics... Where is the grannyminnie ? Its not like her to pop in...Hope that we didn't miss her sent off either...Enjoy the full house...soon it will be clean and quiet again....

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

Enjoy!!! Looking forward to hearing all about your meal....and seeing pics of it too...Cause ..its always about the food!

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.

Oh Gina ... all of the firsts are so hard...Thinking of you all..hope that your DH got through the day ok... BTW...catching up on the posts and I don't know how I missed congratulating your DD on her induction to the National Honor Society! What an accomplishment!

My younger "sister" has been having a rough go of it lately. She's lost two very close people in her life amongst other things. We have taken her to Disney before with us, but this year she will be 18 and I understand this is a game changer. I would still like to bring her if possible, I noticed GF will accommodate us as a party of 5. If I add her, will we be guaranteed a day bed like at BC? Also..is there an extra adult fee with her being 18? I truly feel a bit nickled and dimed at that point with the cost of GF, but I do know it's a hotel standard all over, not just Disney. If there is, does anyone know how much it is? And finally, how late can I add her? She starts college in the fall and would need to make sure first that it doesn't conflict with any important assignments or classes. Sorry for all the questions!!! We just realized to add her will only likely be the cost of flights and tickets (free dining should be our trip) which makes it relatively affordable to be adding her.

As others have posted ..an additional adult in the room is an additional $25 per night...(which means anyone 18 or over)...All rooms do have day beds so no worries on being able to accommodate a family of 5...As for when to add the additional person..the answer to this is kind of complicated..you can actually add her on on the very day that she is joining you...not to pay extra for any nights that she will not be there...you can call DME directly so that she can take the ME..the only problem with that is that she would not have a MB before hand...she would have to get it once at the resort ..and you also would not be able to book her FPP at 60 days out since she would not be on the reservation ..and...lol..if you are booking a package..which I think FD is?? I think that there is a charge for any changes within the 45 day mark....not positive but I am sure that your TA would be well versed in that...So for the benefits..you just might be better off adding her for the entire length of the trip...

I'm confused as to why you are willing to pay more to book everything through a particular travel agency, but I'm assuming there is a good reason since you are "ok" with it. I LOVE RPC, but if the cost is an issue and you prefer CL, why don't you stay in GF SL. We have stayed in SL many times in the past and always had a nice marina view (which we requested). The Epcot resorts are nice, but the GF rooms are bigger, and close to MK. If you want GF, that's what I'd do...or try to book RPC with a discount later I like BC too, but to me it is a different kind of trip, so I would try to get what you want if possible

Dispro Beside myself..you are one of the few club dwellers that are fans of both CLs at the GF...while we do love staying in RPC...we love SL too...particularly in the summer months with its great proximity to the pool ...

ClareH Hope that everything works out and that you have a grand vacation! Have stayed in the newly refurbed rooms a few times now...and while initially skeptical..they are lovely!

~ Heads up to those wanting to purchase tickets to MNSSHP and MVMCP.... They are now available!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans had a terrific Thursday! preppy GF gal..who needs to decide which night that we are going to attend MNSSHP!

 

[BlueSkies]

Page TWO rescue!!!

Beth Anxiously awaiting your V&A dining review.... and of course food pics would be a bonus....

Our fellow GF groupie pas has started a terrific PTR..even thought she is not going Grand this time...but instead beaching it....

Friday Floridian facts...just because....lol...the GF has 867 guest rooms ...25 suites (didn't and realize that there were so many) ..and 147 villas...

Hope that everyone has a fabulous Friday... preppy GF gal

 

[Dispro1]

Dispro Beside myself..you are one of the few club dwellers that are fans of both CLs at the GF...while we do love staying in RPC...we love SL too...particularly in the summer months with its great proximity to the pool ...

I do like SL, but I have to admit that as long as I have it in my budget, I will choose RPC for its main building location! I love to request songs for the band to play, and they will always look up to find me and wave at us when they are playing my song. But I like to sit in the lobby near the pianist (usually Wes) and request songs too. You don't have to stay main building to enjoy GF!

 

[jecon]

Staying at in the SL building this July and thought it would be fun to try and request one of the Lodge Tower rooms. Any suggestions on how to increase my chances of getting one? Do I need to make my room request now or should I wait the week before when the room assigner actually will look at it? Thanks!

 

[BlueSkies]

I do like SL, but I have to admit that as long as I have it in my budget, I will choose RPC for its main building location! I love to request songs for the band to play, and they will always look up to find me and wave at us when they are playing my song. But I like to sit in the lobby near the pianist (usually Wes) and request songs too. You don't have to stay main building to enjoy GF!

So many nice things about the GF to enjoy...and requesting songs from the bank is certainly one of them...while we do enjoy listening to Wes on the piano..Christian is our all time fave...had the opportunity to spend a little time talking to him this past visit..after not seeing him for a while...and was so happy to see that he seems to be doing better...... And no you definitely don't need to be staying in the main building to enjoy the GF ...There really are so things to enjoy no matter what building that you are staying in....it simply a Grand place....

Staying at in the SL building this July and thought it would be fun to try and request one of the Lodge Tower rooms. Any suggestions on how to increase my chances of getting one? Do I need to make my room request now or should I wait the week before when the room assigner actually will look at it? Thanks!

Congrats on your upcoming GF stay! SL is such a nice building to stay in...as I have often said particularly in the summer...since it is just steps from the courtyard pool...and close to the boat dock ..which you will find your self using especially when returning from the MK...and is such a nice spot for viewing Wishes or the Electrical Water Pagent........There are only 3 lodge tower rooms in SL...and they as you know are by request only...and not in a separate booking category....a nice SL perk IMO....So I would be sure to have that listed as a request on the reservation through CRO now...and then follow up with IPO about a week prior to your trip to reiterate your request.... FYI..The room numbers are 6220..which has an enclosed balcony...no open railing as its along the portico roof line...6320..which does have the pretty designed balcony railing...and then 6420..which has NO balcony as there is a suite next door which changes the configuration...HTH ... and hope that you get your request!

 

[ClareH37]

Oh, that is complicated...I didn't realize you are in the UK! I hope your trip goes smoothly, but it is definitely comforting to know you have someone to help you if you run into a problem. And yes, RPC does spoil us rotten!

Thank you, it can't come soon enough

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Why is it everytime I log in here I start rationalizing that even though we are booked at Dolphin for F&W, we really should just stay home and monorail back and forth from the GF to Epcot? I always feel like I'm cheating on the GF! Anyhow, question time as this popped up from a friend who is thinking about doing a destination wedding at the GF -- I know they do a lot of weddings there, including multiple per day -- she wants to know, can they do a small reception (probably 50 family and close friends) at the Summerhouse? Weather I'm sure would be a problem, is there a backup??

TIA,

Tom

 

[trishadono]

Staying at in the SL building this July and thought it would be fun to try and request one of the Lodge Tower rooms. Any suggestions on how to increase my chances of getting one? Do I need to make my room request now or should I wait the week before when the room assigner actually will look at it? Thanks!

I requested it once and got it. I was specific with my need. "Traveling with 2teens and need the extra space" .

So try to be specific. I only emailed my request to IPO and I sent it after I booked.

Good luck!

 

[waltsdouble]

We're visiting in October, staying at the VGF. Not club members and we didn't rent points, direct reservation online with Disney. My story, my wife has some mobility problems, not HP but she uses a walker and we use a wheel chair at WDW just to keep up with my daughters and my grandson. We have a standard one bedroom villa, what are the chances, and who do you contact to get a room that you can watch the MK fireworks from the balcony? I was just hoping that sitting on the balcony, sipping a little wine, and celebrating our 45 anniversary, would be little more magical watching the fireworks.

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Morning fellow GF fans..!

Tom You are so funny...Disney logic..lol...Yes your friend can book the Summerhouse as a venue to host a party......If it turns out that there is inclement weather..I believe they move the even to a room inside of the convention center....

We're visiting in October, staying at the VGF. Not club members and we didn't rent points, direct reservation online with Disney. My story, my wife has some mobility problems, not HP but she uses a walker and we use a wheel chair at WDW just to keep up with my daughters and my grandson. We have a standard one bedroom villa, what are the chances, and who do you contact to get a room that you can watch the MK fireworks from the balcony? I was just hoping that sitting on the balcony, sipping a little wine, and celebrating our 45 anniversary, would be little more magical watching the fireworks.

Congrats on your upcoming trip...and celebrating your 45 anniversary at the GF.......I think that what you are looking for is available in a different villa category than you booked...?? I would suggest checking over on the DVC boards..there is a thread about room views there..and if there is a standard villa that would have what you are looking for I am thinking someone will be able to share that info with you......

Hope that everyone has a super Saturday....preppy GF gal...

 

[busymommy2pink]

Well it's finally not FREEZING up here in the great white north!!!! The sun is supposed to come out this afternoon, so I'm finally feeling like spring may really come!!

Those of you that have dined at GF, would you choose Narcoossee or Citricos? We would like a "fancy" dinner with our girls on our cabana day. Something to get dressed up for! But since they are only 6 & 9, we don't want anything too out there for them.