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

[trishadono]

Well I added my sister on to the package! Hoping that will speak it into existence that she can come. Worst case I pay the $50 fee to remove her if after the 45 days. Booked her flights too as they were only $100! I don't mind being out that, and I'm pretty certain she will be able to join us anyways. Should I make all my ADR to say 5 as well?

I sometimes had my sister join us as well.

Thanks! We'll be there in 33 days, can't wait!

The waiting is half the fun!

Does anyone know if we will be able to park at the GF and watch Wishes from the dock? We also would like to see the Electric water parade. We aren't in Orlando for a Disney trip. We are only there in early June to visit a College this time. We would love a taste of Disney to hold us over till next time.

Another option is to park at TTC and just take the monorail over.

Hi, this is my first stay at the GF in August. We have an outer building/garden view room. Any recommendations as to which building to request? I'd love the shortest walk to transportation as possible! Thanks!

I like Sago for quickness to Gaspies and busses.

I've got two more years with my daughter, and I know the time will fly I plan to ease my pain in exactly the same way as you are As for which bar, I like Narcoossee's for its location on the water... And then maybe you can watch Wishes from there!

Thanks! My dd is a sophomore in college. Her sr year in HS I would walk into dd's room and sit and visit with the girls and tell them next year you'll all be gone and i'll mill you! These same girls now cry when they have to say goodbye to me each semester. Its not just your kid you'll miss but the whole gang.

I cried for days when DS left. After the first few weeks I realized I was talking to him MORE than when he was here! Kids!

As for food I would choose Narcosees. In October there were lots of folks eating at their bar but not so much at Citricos. I personally didn't care for our Citricis meal in October.

Hope this helps!

Liz

My son won't text me from HS whereas my dd always did. I am hoping he calls/texts me!!! My husband is having a hard time with it too!
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Thanks for feedback on restaurants ladies! Tom should be showing up with a recommendation too!


Morning Blue!

I finally am figuring out the new multiquote

For all us gf planners have a great week! We are hitting 72 today

 

[trishadono]

Does anyone know how true this is? Beach water play area closed for reburbisment April 13-24. Never did they mention this and we will be traveling those same dates. Our family made sure in advance of any work being done. That is how we decided on where to stay. Shouldn't Disney post in advance? It was posted in Orlando park news.

Sorry! Disney isn't very good about notifying guests.

Check the disneysite itself. Also in the past the dates for refurbishment often changed. One time at CSR the pool slide was supposed to be down but they finished it early so we got to use it.

 

[BlueSkies]

The standard courtyard view from the 3rd floor to the top floor have the best fireworks view. One bedroom room numbers 1309 and 1327.

Candy Thanks for popping in and sharing your DVC expertise!

Well I added my sister on to the package! Hoping that will speak it into existence that she can come. Worst case I pay the $50 fee to remove her if after the 45 days. Booked her flights too as they were only $100! I don't mind being out that, and I'm pretty certain she will be able to join us anyways. Should I make all my ADR to say 5 as well?

Thats great! ..and WTG on getting such terrific airfares...I would definitely change the ADRs if you can...if not...on the occasion that we have had an extra person along with us..its never been a problem....most dining venues will just change it for you at check in...

Thanks! We'll be there in 33 days, can't wait!

Hi, this is my first stay at the GF in August. We have an outer building/garden view room. Any recommendations as to which building to request? I'd love the shortest walk to transportation as possible! Thanks!

Congrats on your first GF stay!! ...There is a map o the very first page of this thread that will show you the lay of the lands..to be closest to transportation I would suggest requesting Sago Cay...be aware though that this building is furthest from the pools...and the courtyard area..which tends to be busier...and more a hub for activity...

Good morning!

Last night I helped ds make his dorm selection for fall 2015.

It really became real when I went online to buy his university t-shirt for May 1st, National Decison Day.

Luckily I have a gf CL trip planned to help ease the pain.

Is narcosees or Citricos better for just some appetizers at the bar? We will try traders at least once but being able to walk to these great restaurants shouldn't be passed up.

Trish Hang in there! That GF CL trip will definitely help to cheer you up! ...Good idea about the sitting at the bar for just appetizers... Its a nice way to get the flavor of each restaurant! Hope that you had a fun weekend!!

I cried for days when DS left. After the first few weeks I realized I was talking to him MORE than when he was here! Kids!

As for food I would choose Narcosees. In October there were lots of folks eating at their bar but not so much at Citricos. I personally didn't care for our Citricis meal in October.

Hope this helps!

Liz

This..lol...its the truth...

It has always been my understanding that you had to have a reservation at the hotel in order to park there if you are not a guest at the hotel. Otherwise, everyone with a rental car would want to park at one of the monorail resorts to get to MK. I could be wrong, but I would hate for you to be turned away. You could make a reservation at GF Cafe and just get appetizers or dessert. I hope your trip goes well

Mine too...

Morning Blue!

I finally am figuring out the new multiquote
For all us gf planners have a great week! We are hitting 72 today

Look at you...super multi quoting!!!! WTG!!! MickeyNut is gonna be jealous...lol... I am jealous of the 72 degrees....How very nice!! Our high here for today is supposed to be 56............Not that I am complaining...but 72 is much nicer that 57....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans have a magical Monday... preppy GF gal who is very happy that warm weather is finally on the horizon....

 

[smidgy]

leaving tomorrow morning! Yay! for the GF villas, do you check in at the main building? or at the villas building?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

You'll check in at the villas, to the left inside the lobby. Enjoy your trip!

 

[endotoothdoc]

We just got back from the Grand this past weekend. The beach and all of the pools were open. Hope that you have a nice trip.

 

[smidgy]

thank you SO much for your quick reply!!! we will be cabbing it from all star movies and hate for a cab to drop us off in the wrong place. between his very poor vision and arthritis in his legs I would hate for hubby to have to walk more than he has to! we are SO excited!!!!
we decided we didn't want to check in to this beautifyul resort on travel day... we are pretty tired that day, so we booked a night at movies with the AP discount... oki, 2 nights, hate to stay at any resort only one night.

oops! addonitis.. make that 3 nights at movies! silly us.. we still love the value resorts, that huge Icons are SO cheery! makes hubby happy.

 

[smidgy]

endotooth doc. (can I call you mr. dentist?) anyway thanks so much! I did hear that the water play area is being refurbed. it's just the 2 of us (58 and 60) so we wouldn't be splashing around in there too much anyway (although you never know!!!) I do dislike seeing constructon, but necssarry evil for things to get better. hope it isn't too intrusive or takes many umbrella tables away. whatever happens, we are always so happy JUST TO BE AT DISNEY!!!!!

 

[illinidp]

leaving tomorrow morning! Yay! for the GF villas, do you check in at the main building? or at the villas building?

In the lobby for the Villas unless you get in late. If you get in after 11pm or so you will have to check in at the front desk in the main lobby.

 

[smidgy]

thank you SO much!!!! we are staying at all star movies first. we didn't want to waste our first day at this gorgeous resort being seepy fro traveling! so we'll probably be hceckign in around 10 am.. (or knowing hubby, around 9 am.. sigh.. I am a bartender and a waitres, so disney in the ONLY time I get up early!!! lol)
hping for anice day to relax by the pool till our room is ready

if not, well we'll wing it!!! oh boy oh boy!! thanks guys!

 

[catflorida]

Are there dormer rooms in the main building? I have a deluxe king booked but now that our adult son is coming with us, I am considering changing to a standard room so we would have two queen beds but I definitely don't want a dormer room. Thank you.

 

[HairyChest]

Just want to say ahhhhhh!! So excited!

 

[trishadono]

Are there dormer rooms in the main building? I have a deluxe king booked but now that our adult son is coming with us, I am considering changing to a standard room so we would have two queen beds but I definitely don't want a dormer room. Thank you.

The deluxe King have 2 styles. One is on the 2nd floor and looks like a regular room with 1 King and th twin flip down couch. The other style is in the octogaons and has a king and a sleeper sofa. Those rooms are huge and have a walk in closet. Page one in rooms section show pics of this room.

Just want to say ahhhhhh!! So excited!

We do love our mickey mail

 

[catflorida]

Trish,

Is the flip down sofa big enough for an adult to sleep on? I have stayed in both style rooms but never with three people. I was wondering if maybe I should book a standard room with two queens instead.

 

[MommyGina]

trishadono - I feel your pain about the dorm room! DS already has his room guaranteed for next year. He will be a sophomore in college. Where is DS going? I agree, a trip to the GF is a way to ease the pain.

 

[wannabee]

I originally booked GF for my 50th birthday celebration this summer for 3 adults. When my niece decided to join us I moved us to a 2 bedroom at SSR. It's about the same cost for the 2 bed villa as a standard garden view room at GF. But.... I cant stop thinking about the Grand. I really want to stay there. What do the experts think? Will one room be crazy for 4 women? Or is it worth it to stay at such a great resort. We wont be in the room much but will use the pools daily. I guess I mostly concerned about showering and the bathroom situation. Have any of you stayed at GF with that many people in the room? How did it work out?

 

[bennifer]

Hi everyone! DH just greenlit a June/July trip, his only request was GF! We've never done a Deluxe before, Mods usually with an occasional Value thrown in. I have a few questions. We'll be there over the 4th of July. I'm guessing we won't be doing a park that day, so should I spring for TPV? And if not, are there really any bad views? Garden on Lagoon? WWYD?

 

[trishadono]

Trish,

Is the flip down sofa big enough for an adult to sleep on? I have stayed in both style rooms but never with three people. I was wondering if maybe I should book a standard room with two queens instead.

my ds 5'11" my dd and I have all slept on the bed at one time or another. It's narrower than a twin but close to same length. Perhaps a std would be better?

 

[trishadono]

trishadono - I feel your pain about the dorm room! DS already has his room guaranteed for next year. He will be a sophomore in college. Where is DS going? I agree, a trip to the GF is a way to ease the pain.

He is going to SUNY Owego. Dd is at SUNY Buffalo but they renamed it University at Buffalo not too long ago.

I am near Binghamton so ds will be 2 hrs north and dd 3.5 hours west.

 

[trishadono]

I originally booked GF for my 50th birthday celebration this summer for 3 adults. When my niece decided to join us I moved us to a 2 bedroom at SSR. It's about the same cost for the 2 bed villa as a standard garden view room at GF. But.... I cant stop thinking about the Grand. I really want to stay there. What do the experts think? Will one room be crazy for 4 women? Or is it worth it to stay at such a great resort. We wont be in the room much but will use the pools daily. I guess I mostly concerned about showering and the bathroom situation. Have any of you stayed at GF with that many people in the room? How did it work out?

It's hard to choose space or quality.

What about deluxe room? It has that bump out space with seating area and 2nd TV?

The bath area is nice because the sinks and vanity are separate. There is also full showers and stuff at the beach pool. Someone could shower there before heading to room. They have shampoo and blow dryers right there.