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

[grannyminnie]

Hello, GF groupies. Just back from a nice trip to the World. We had originally booked at the WL, but the day of check-in, I "caved" and told my sister I wanted to move to the GF! After a little back and forth with the reservations people (and some extra help from a super-neat front desk manager at the Grand ), we were there! We got placed in Sago (our first stay there, and have now stayed in every building), but didn't care where we were, as long as we were there! I didn't mind Sago...had always thought I wouldn't like to be there, but it was just fine. A lovely marina view (room 5219), and great access to Gaspy's.

For the poster who wanted to know if the splash pad was up and running, no. It was down, and a CM I asked about the re-opening had no idea. We noticed on a visit over to the Poly that their splash pad was down for maintenance one day too...and it's fairly new, right? By the way, we LOVED the new look (and roominess) of the Poly lobby!!! I could be convinced to stay there more easily now..

Blue, you got sucked in to the Pandora web?? hahaha I bought a Chamilia bracelet a few years ago and they carried the Disney charms. Now Pandora has taken those over, and I did look at them in Summer Lace but didn't see one I HAD to have.

Hi, Mickeynut. Good to see you here~

I was just reading earlier posts on that awful new policy on modifying ressies. Yikes...that is not going to go well with seasoned guests, (and especially those of us who have been known to make changes frequently...) I understand business, as some above have said, but I believe this will be the "straw that broke the camel's back" for more than one of us eventually! By the way, whoever has stayed at Four Seasons might give us a report on it, so that we have a good back up plan! As well as the increasingly higher rates of the deluxes, this new policy is gonna bite 'em in the butt, I believe.

 

[ShayBells]

Hello, GF groupies. Just back from a nice trip to the World. We had originally booked at the WL, but the day of check-in, I "caved" and told my sister I wanted to move to the GF! After a little back and forth with the reservations people (and some extra help from a super-neat front desk manager at the Grand ), we were there! We got placed in Sago (our first stay there, and have now stayed in every building), but didn't care where we were, as long as we were there! I didn't mind Sago...had always thought I wouldn't like to be there, but it was just fine. A lovely marina view (room 5219), and great access to Gaspy's.

For the poster who wanted to know if the splash pad was up and running, no. It was down, and a CM I asked about the re-opening had no idea. We noticed on a visit over to the Poly that their splash pad was down for maintenance one day too...and it's fairly new, right? By the way, we LOVED the new look (and roominess) of the Poly lobby!!! I could be convinced to stay there more easily now..

Blue, you got sucked in to the Pandora web?? hahaha I bought a Chamilia bracelet a few years ago and they carried the Disney charms. Now Pandora has taken those over, and I did look at them in Summer Lace but didn't see one I HAD to have.

Hi, Mickeynut. Good to see you here~

I was just reading earlier posts on that awful new policy on modifying ressies. Yikes...that is not going to go well with seasoned guests, (and especially those of us who have been known to make changes frequently...) I understand business, as some above have said, but I believe this will be the "straw that broke the camel's back" for more than one of us eventually! By the way, whoever has stayed at Four Seasons might give us a report on it, so that we have a good back up plan! As well as the increasingly higher rates of the deluxes, this new policy is gonna bite 'em in the butt, I believe.

When you say Marinia view did you have lagoon view or garden? And could you see wishes at all from that room number? Hope you're having a good time!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi everyone!! My DH and I decided to take a last minute trip to the beach so we're both trying to 'disconnect' but I still try to catch up with my Disboards in the morning - LOL!!

Trishadono - how do you get the Disney 30% and Orbitz 15%?? Or maybe I misunderstood that was just for passholders?

Anyway, happy Saturday everyone and I'm going to enjoy some sunshine! We're having a great time but it still makes me wish November would hurry up and get here for our GF trip!!

I'm not Trisha and while I've never booked through Orbitz, I have priced them out a couple of times so I'm a little familiar with the discounts. They sometimes offer the Disney discount on their site as well as add a discount of their own. Resorts and room categories are limited (just as they are with Disney), but sometimes you can get an Orbitz discount on top of the Disney discount. You must book through Orbitz as it's not something that carries over through Disney, but if you don't mind booking through a third party, the savings can sometimes be great. The only catch is the entire amount is due at booking instead of just making a deposit with the balance due later. With that said, if you need to add or cancel nights, that would require cancelling and rebooking as your current reservation can't simply be adjusted. I think Trisha has booked through them a few times, so she will be able to give more details .

Hope you are enjoying the beach .

Hi everyone! 105 days to go for me!
So it seems the best option to get from GF to Poly is the boat, correct? How long is the walking path?
I was checking out the transportation wizard, and I can't believe how long it takes to get to Epcot. I guess if there was a con to staying at a deluxe monorail resort, that would be one! The wizard said about 42 minutes, yikes! Getting to HS and AK is quicker on bus.

Thanks for all the help!! This thread is so informative.

It seems like a long time, but the days will go fast and you will be checking into the GF before you know it .

The boat is always nice for going from the GF to the Poly, but walking it is also great. The walk takes maybe 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace, but it's a beautiful walk, IMO .

Hello, GF groupies. Just back from a nice trip to the World. We had originally booked at the WL, but the day of check-in, I "caved" and told my sister I wanted to move to the GF! After a little back and forth with the reservations people (and some extra help from a super-neat front desk manager at the Grand ), we were there! We got placed in Sago (our first stay there, and have now stayed in every building), but didn't care where we were, as long as we were there! I didn't mind Sago...had always thought I wouldn't like to be there, but it was just fine. A lovely marina view (room 5219), and great access to Gaspy's.

For the poster who wanted to know if the splash pad was up and running, no. It was down, and a CM I asked about the re-opening had no idea. We noticed on a visit over to the Poly that their splash pad was down for maintenance one day too...and it's fairly new, right? By the way, we LOVED the new look (and roominess) of the Poly lobby!!! I could be convinced to stay there more easily now..

Blue, you got sucked in to the Pandora web?? hahaha I bought a Chamilia bracelet a few years ago and they carried the Disney charms. Now Pandora has taken those over, and I did look at them in Summer Lace but didn't see one I HAD to have.

Hi, Mickeynut. Good to see you here~

I was just reading earlier posts on that awful new policy on modifying ressies. Yikes...that is not going to go well with seasoned guests, (and especially those of us who have been known to make changes frequently...) I understand business, as some above have said, but I believe this will be the "straw that broke the camel's back" for more than one of us eventually! By the way, whoever has stayed at Four Seasons might give us a report on it, so that we have a good back up plan! As well as the increasingly higher rates of the deluxes, this new policy is gonna bite 'em in the butt, I believe.

Hi grannyminnie

Congrats on being able to move to the GF. I love the WL as it's one of our favorites, but the GF is just . Glad there was availability and that the CMs were able to make the change.

Yeah, not much love going around for that new policy . I'm in the group of those who wouldn't hesitate to stay elsewhere if push came to shove .

 

[Dispro1]

Blue, you got sucked in to the Pandora web?? hahaha I bought a Chamilia bracelet a few years ago and they carried the Disney charms. Now Pandora has taken those over, and I did look at them in Summer Lace but didn't see one I HAD to have.

I have some Chamilia ones too, but I am curious to see what new Pandora ones they have added since February. When I bought one on Main Street in Feb. I was told that they were about to have a whole Disney Pandora store there (on Main Street). Has anyone been in it yet?

 

[ClareH37]

I'm thinking of treating myself to a facial during my upcoming trip, can I ask if anyone has had a facial at the spa and what they thought of the actual treatment/products? My skin is going through that time in life when it's quite sensitive, I'm currently using creme de la mer products and I'm wondering how the products compare?

 

[kozmo]

I am curious as well, wonder what they are like and if they can tell you about your skin type ,kinda like a dermatologist

 

[Daisytiff]

Hi everyone

Was wondering if someone could help me. Haven't been to the GF.

Considering booking in the outer building since it's cheaper. Are the outer buildings really far away from things? I dint mind a little bit of a walk, just nothing crazy.

Originally was going to go to WL but I don't like the scaffolding that is up.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Dispro1]

Hi everyone

Was wondering if someone could help me. Haven't been to the GF.

Considering booking in the outer building since it's cheaper. Are the outer buildings really far away from things? I dint mind a little bit of a walk, just nothing crazy.

Originally was going to go to WL but I don't like the scaffolding that is up.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

The only "outer building" I've stayed in is SL CL ( Sugar Loaf/outer building club level), but I can tell you that the resort isn't really spread out so there isn't a "crazy" long walk from any of the buildings. I think you will be very happy with the resort...it is just SO beautiful! I even love the way it smells- lol I'm stuck on a bus on my way back from a 5th grade class trip to St. Louis, so I thought I'd give my "two cents."

 

[Daisytiff]

The only "outer building" I've stayed in is SL CL ( Sugar Loaf/outer building club level), but I can tell you that the resort isn't really spread out so there isn't a "crazy" long walk from any of the buildings. I think you will be very happy with the resort...it is just SO beautiful! I even love the way it smells- lol I'm stuck on a bus on my way back from a 5th grade class trip to St. Louis, so I thought I'd give my "two cents."

Thanks!

 

[BC1836]

Hi everyone

Was wondering if someone could help me. Haven't been to the GF.

Considering booking in the outer building since it's cheaper. Are the outer buildings really far away from things? I dint mind a little bit of a walk, just nothing crazy.

Originally was going to go to WL but I don't like the scaffolding that is up.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Despite the spacious layout, all of the GFR buildings are close to each other and close to such places as the marina, the pools, Gasparilla, Narcoossees, the Main building (monorail access), the launch dock, etc.

All the best.

 

[grannyminnie]

When you say Marinia view did you have lagoon view or garden? And could you see wishes at all from that room number? Hope you're having a good time!

It is really a view of the lagoon between Sago and SL. And no, unfortunately, we could not see Wishes at all. If the trees out to our left had not been so tall and thick, we may have had a chance at a partial themepark view.

By the way, someone mentioned that lovely GF smell...I found a soap at Basin that my sister and I think captures that smell nicely. The fragrance is Spa Essence.

 

[Sue M]

grannieminnie welcome home, glad you had a nice trip! We will be at Poly in August, but to keep the GF frown away, we have 2 ADRs at GF! Prob will grab a bite at Gaspys too!

 

[bethclayton]

hi, Blue!!! always so nice to "see" you.

trisha, well, that works out even better since my dates are 8/19-26! lol!

 

[trishadono]

Trishadono - how do you get the Disney 30% and Orbitz 15%?? Or maybe I misunderstood that was just for passholder?!!

Right now orbitz has disney resorts at same discount disney has. Gf is at 30%. Then they have a 15% off promo code currently. I also earn rewards and usually get $40-75 to use on my next booking.

I have used them several times without any problems. You can cancel your reservation online yourself quickly too.

Beach time??? Sounds great!

 

[grannyminnie]

grannieminnie welcome home, glad you had a nice trip! We will be at Poly in August, but to keep the GF frown away, we have 2 ADRs at GF! Prob will grab a bite at Gaspys too!

Be very careful when you go over to the GF....that was our fatal mistake! We visited it the day before check-in, and next thing my sister knows, I am ready to move!

 

[trishadono]

Be very careful when you go over to the GF....that was our fatal mistake! We visited it the day before check-in, and next thing my sister knows, I am ready to move!

I can not believe you did that

Glad you and sis had some nice time together.

Not sure about last night... Ds had a bunch of track kids over last night and they went to see Avengers at midnight. I woke up and felt that mom feeling so I checked , Yep ds left the hose/water running when they left. They had 10 kids in the hot tub that seats 7 and most of the water spilled out so I told him to refill it before leaving So I read up a little and posted and I swear I didn't see your post. My brain does not work as well in the middle of the night

 

[grannyminnie]

I can not believe you did that

Glad you and sis had some nice time together.

Not sure about last night... Ds had a bunch of track kids over last night and they went to see Avengers at midnight. I woke up and felt that mom feeling so I checked , Yep ds left the hose/water running when they left. They had 10 kids in the hot tub that seats 7 and most of the water spilled out so I told him to refill it before leaving So I read up a little and posted and I swear I didn't see your post. My brain does not work as well in the middle of the night

I can't believe I did it either! I had psyched myself up about the WL (it is our second favorite resort) too.

I am interested in how you book trips with Orbitz. Your savings must be good enough to continue using the site, not to mention paying for the entire trip up front! Do you feel as if you have control over the details?

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Back from our GF stay. The rooms are much nicer than when we stayed in 1989 and they have added a lot. We had a Theme Park view, dormer room in Boca. Very nice view....only one problem, smokers on the balconies. Not only cigarettes but cigar smoke. We thought by staying in a high end resort that we would not encounter this like we did at Caribbean Beach. Not only did we complain at the desk but the woman that had young children in the room next to ours did as well. We could not watch wishes because of the smoke. I ended up with a health issue and the hotel called the medics. My pulse-ox was 95...that is low. Thankfully I had a rescue inhaler.

PLEASE..if you smoke do so at the DSA and not ruin someones vacation by being selfish.

 

[Sue M]

Back from our GF stay. The rooms are much nicer than when we stayed in 1989 and they have added a lot. We had a Theme Park view, dormer room in Boca. Very nice view....only one problem, smokers on the balconies. Not only cigarettes but cigar smoke. We thought by staying in a high end resort that we would not encounter this like we did at Caribbean Beach. Not only did we complain at the desk but the woman that had young children in the room next to ours did as well. We could not watch wishes because of the smoke. I ended up with a health issue and the hotel called the medics. My pulse-ox was 95...that is low. Thankfully I had a rescue inhaler.

PLEASE..if you smoke do so at the DSA and not ruin someones vacation by being selfish.

That's awful. We were at POFQ once and had a smoker who smoked outside room right above us. I told front desk, and they took care of it. Smoke messes up my sinus. And it's amazing how far it spreads.
GF did nothing when you informed them?

 

[trishadono]

I can't believe I did it either! I had psyched myself up about the WL (it is our second favorite resort) too.

I am interested in how you book trips with Orbitz. Your savings must be good enough to continue using the site, not to mention paying for the entire trip up front! Do you feel as if you have control over the details?

It's really simple. Put in your dates and the current promo code and disney world resorts(not orlando or lake Bueno vista) .