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

[100acreHiker]

Hello Everyone! We are 12 days away from our arrival at the GF. Haven't been in two years. Crossing my fingers that we all stay well and that the trip is as magical as I'm hoping it can be.

Can I get some quick advice about how to do my room request? I don't really know what I want, all I know is what I DON'T want. I don't want a view of the back of the pool house (like I had last time), and I don't want a view of the maintenance/convention center. How do I communicate that in the online check in. I have to select something. I am thinking upper floor, but what building? What is the best garden view room to request? I don't mind walking a bit, just want a great view.

If anyone has any advice or specific garden view room numbers to request, I'd be super grateful!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hello Everyone! We are 12 days away from our arrival at the GF. Haven't been in two years. Crossing my fingers that we all stay well and that the trip is as magical as I'm hoping it can be.

Can I get some quick advice about how to do my room request? I don't really know what I want, all I know is what I DON'T want. I don't want a view of the back of the pool house (like I had last time), and I don't want a view of the maintenance/convention center. How do I communicate that in the online check in. I have to select something. I am thinking upper floor, but what building? What is the best garden view room to request? I don't mind walking a bit, just want a great view.

If anyone has any advice or specific garden view room numbers to request, I'd be super grateful!

Here you go -- my post on the closed thread. Use the link and you can see exactly where each room is.

10-13-2014, 05:34 PM #3710
KonaKaiTom
DIS Veteran




Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: West Hartford, CT
Posts: 801

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueSkies
Thanks KOOK..right back atcha!

peaches I see that Alice and KKTom have both answered your question very thoroughly..and as I'm sure that you can see by their responses that each outer building has its pluses in the GV room category.... The one thing that I wanted to add is there is a map right at the beginning of this thread..and it will give you a good idea of where each building is located and their proximity to each other on the property... The resort is pretty compact and grounds are lovely... and I am sure that you will love your very first GF stay!

MickeyNuts More time to make more plans... lol...

Hey Wishes and MommyG...Good to "see" you both!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday... preppy GF gal who finally got 7DMT FPP for the beginning of our trip!!

Hi Blue: I would like to add that I once found, and can't find at the moment, a map that also listed room numbers for the GF -- I literaly asked for a specific room in Conch and they were able to put me in it -- it was a room that only "shared" the balcony on one side. If I can find it, I will post.

I found part of it!

Good (and Not-So-Good) Rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
The resort is spread over a peninsula jutting into Seven Seas Lagoon. In addition to the main building, there are five dispersed rectangular buildings. Most rooms have a balcony, and most balconies are enclosed by a rail that affords good visibility. Dormer rooms, just beneath the roof in each building, have smaller enclosed balconies that limit visibility when you’re seated. Most dormer rooms, however, have vaulted ceilings and a coziness that compensates for the less-desirable balconies.
If you want to be near the bus and monorail stations, most of the restaurants, and shopping, ask for a room in the main building (all concierge rooms). The best rooms are 4322–4329 and 4422–4429, which have full balconies and overlook the lagoon in the direction of the beach and the Polynesian Resort. Other excellent main-building rooms are 4401–4409, with full balconies overlooking the marina and an unobstructed view of Cinderella Castle across the lagoon.
Of the five lodges, three (Conch Key, Boca Chica, and Big Pine Key) have one long side facing the lagoon and the other facing inner courtyards and swimming pools. At Conch Key, full-balcony rooms 7228– 7231, 7328–7331, and 7425–7431 offer vistas across the lagoon to the Magic Kingdom and castle. Less-expensive rooms in the same building that offer good views are 7211, 7311, and 7411; 7413, 7415, 7417, 7419, and 7421; 7212, 7312, and 7412; and 7414. (Grand Floridian room numbers are coded. Take Room 7213: 7 is the building number, 2 is the floor, and 13 is the room number.) In Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, ask for a lagoon-view room on the first, second, or third floor. Many garden-view rooms in Big Pine Key, and a few in Boca Chica, have views obstructed by a poolside building. These are the worst views from any Grand Floridian room.
The two remaining buildings, Sugar Loaf Key (concierge only) and Sago Key, face each other across the marina. The opposite side of Sugar Loaf Key faces a courtyard, while the other side of Sago Key faces a finger of the lagoon and a forested area. These views are pleasant but not in the same league as those from the rooms listed previously. Exceptions are end rooms in Sago Key (Rooms 5139, 5144, 5145, 5242–5245, 5342–5345) that have a view of the lagoon and Cinderella Castle.


http://touringplans.com/hotel_maps/...on_distance]=3&filters[ug]=&filters[view]=334



Tom
__________________
CSR 1997, Dolphin 1997, Swan 1998, FW 2000, BC 2001, YC 2002, POR 2012, GF 2012, OKW 2012, WL 2013, CBR 2013, GF 2014, YC 2014, FW 2015, GF 2015

 

[100acreHiker]

Thank you! Does anyone here have a building preference when limited to Garden View rooms? I have to select one building and it's so hard to know which building has the best GV rooms.

 

[Sue M]

Ah...that shrimp and grits! So rich and delicious..... (yes, it's all about the food! ) And, also lovely sitting in the lounge enjoying the music and the view at the same time!

Speedy recovery to you after your surgery

thank you!!

 

[buzzmom12]

Hi we are going to the GF in August. This will be our first stay, we stayed at the Poly in the past. Any advice for a first timer or what to do or see while at GF. We are booked in the main building CL. I have ds(10), dd(6), myself and my husband. Thanks

 

[twoolle]

So after our great stay at GF we decided to punt our Disneyland plans for spring and go back to GF in January and spring for club level given the AP discount came out cheaper than what we paid 2 weeks ago for garden view!

Just booked 1/28/15-2/4/15 Sugar Loaf Club level room. I have a feeling I would love Main Building's RPC better, but the upcharge from a GV to sugar loaf is only 80/nt which is beyond worth it as we spend more than that on food/drinks daily, but the upcharge to the main building was 230/nt which I couldn't justify in services. I also am not a huge fan of the bustle of the lobby. I MIGHT change the res for 3 nts in Main and 4 in SL but I'm not sure I want to move mid-trip.

Last time we did Club at AKL I didn't really use the IPO services. Can anyone tell me if they are able to make ADRs when something is all booked on the regular system? Otherwise I can just handle those myself. Also, what do they do with FP+? Do they make those as well? Or are they better suited to be used while at the resort for last minute changes rather than pre-planning....

Also, I see SL doesn't have a washer/dryer where is the closest facility? This was one of my favorite features about Big Pine Key!

TIA!

We did not stay CL but concierge was able to help us with dining. We had to reschedule due to sickness. I was unable to get a time for a party of 5 but they split us up into 2 and 3 and was able to book 2 separate times within 25 mins of each other. We all showed up together and they sat us together. As for FP+, I am pretty sure they have ability to help a lot. One concierge gave us 3 extra for Hollywood studios one night due to another issue we had. So I would definitely ask!

I should have looked when we were there, and now I want a GF Logo coffee mug. Is anyone going soon, or there now, that would be willing to buy one for me and ship it to me?

I love my GF coffee mug!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thank you! Does anyone here have a building preference when limited to Garden View rooms? I have to select one building and it's so hard to know which building has the best GV rooms.

I've always preferred Sago, and I've only booked Garden View -- I've been upgraded to Lagoon view which was very nice, but my rooms in Sago have always been a beautiful view of the Marina and courtyard. I usually request room 5403 and I've gotten that (its a 4th floor room) or the one to the left or right of it. If you click on the Sago building in the link I put up and then click on the rooms, you will see the view you get. The view that the picture shows for 5103, 5203 and 5303 is a little misleading as it looks directly at the courtyard, a slight and I mean very slight turn the left is the marina.

Tom

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I am so excited to be in double digits!

I know the SL rooms were renovated since we were there this past February, but did they change the carpet in the halls and lounge area? I was confused reading a post from someone.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I am so excited to be in double digits!

I know the SL rooms were renovated since we were there this past February, but did they change the carpet in the halls and lounge area? I was confused reading a post from someone.

I'm checking out three days before you check in -- but staying in Sago.

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Just wanted to say Thank you! for the warm welcome back fellow GF fans....There really is something to be said for having a place to share your excitement..pre and post trip..and sometimes even during.... with other fans...There are so many here that that don't just make it a place to get information...but to share a general camaraderie...one which encourages people to want to come here and post and ask questions... (and which is what drew me to the DIS in the first place)...and share their love of the GF ....... So to those of you who make this thread exactly that kind of place....Thanks again.... You are all truly GRAND!!!

Blueskies: Don't you hate having to operate in stealth mode on here? I have family members who discovered the board and love to see where my ticker has me going, in hopes they are stowing away in the suitcase. And, as a matter of fact -- they are on the current tickers!

Tom

Tom Aint it the truth!! Enjoy the family trip too.... Also wanted to add...that info and link that you shared once again is a wealth of info for those looking to get more specific information on building and room location at the GF....

Welcome back, glad you had a great time even if it was a quick trip .

I agree about the Poly. I think it's going to look great when everything is finished. I don't care for the lobby and what it might look like, but I'm sure it will be very nice, along with the grounds and everything else that will be just as beautiful as it's always been ..

OT...but I agree....we will be seeing for ourselves soon enough..

Hey, Blue! Welcome back from your surprise trip....
Glad you were able to enjoy most of the results of the remodel. (minus the carpet and change in the lounge seating near the tv)
I also think that wallpaper behind the beds looks like it has Hidden Mickeys in it.

I'm glad that I was too....and feeling a lot better about the refurb in general...

Im trying to upload my pictures! I'm on photobucket, but which option do I choose to copy and paste???

Waiting..patiently....

Hey guys!!!!!

I have booked 2 nights at the GF as a surprise for my 2 daughters and hubby. I am getting ready to do online check in but have never done it before . I booked a deluxe garden view outer building.

I just don't know what building is best. I have never been there. I looked online at pictures and loved the rooms with the sitting area by the window and would love to be by the pool. ( I think)

Can anyone recommend a room? A building? Suggest anything for my online check in? Or have any advice for me about making the most of this surprise??

Thanks so much!

Congrats on your GF stay!! Those deluxe rooms are so nice...and do offer a good amount of extra space...I personally favor Boca Chica for GV rooms...and that building also has very lovely views of the courtyard pool...there is a map here on the very first page that will give you an idea of where everything is located...and KKTom has graciously added additional info that should be able to help you out....:thumb

You might want to have something special in room to add to the surprise...maybe a balloon bouquet...which you can get from the Disney Florist...or..another option is private dining at the GF has some nice options...cakes..or even cupcakes that you can have personalized....

I just put my deposit down for our next trip next September!!! We loved the Grand Floridian SO much, that we're hooked! After being Polynesian loyalists for 8 years, the change to the GF was amazing!
Since this will only be our 2nd stay there, we're not "regulars" (yet). What do you think our chances will be to have the exact same room as last year? Our room was the perfect location in the Main Building for us! Should I have our TA make a special call to request it, or should I wait until I contact IPO in a few months?

I know that others have commented on this....but I wanted to add my two cents..lol...the rooms assignors do see the requests that have been added through central reservations..so I would be sure to do that first and foremost...and if you are staying CL...IPO can also additionally add those requests ...We have always felt the assignors to be very accommodating...

Welcome back and thank you for the report, BlueSkies!

For our December RPC stay, we will just have to remember to keep our heads held high and ignore the floor!

Thanks follow... You are going to love staying in RPC..loud carpets and all....and just be sure to bring some sunglasses with you to the lounge.......lol....

Hello from the GF!
Arrived yesterday and must say this is now my fav resort! Sorry Polly!

We have a TPV in Conch Key. Love the room so functional for a family of 5. My only con so far is that it would be nice to get up and get ready in the bathroom within waking everyone up. I wish there was some kind of divide between the sinks and the room. Oh well!

Haven't explored to much as kids are loving the pool.

I am on Instagram... At jlkoptie
Thanks for all the advice!

Thanks for checking in A MK Family Glad that you are enjoying your stay....

Thanks Blue for the mini TR!! Sounds like a fun trip! I liked the new rooms too, but the drawer size was ridiculous, so tiny, and miss the Mickey Lamp, lol. But everything else was nice.
Good to know they added seating, most of the time we didn't have a problem, but some times there was just no place to sit. In August. But love RP! It was a surprise upgrade from SL we loved sitting in the CL at night listening to the music while sitting at one of the tables looking out at the beautiful grounds.

to all the GF peeps! After our Aug GF trip I had my total knee replacement in September. I'm home recovering, it's a long recovery
I just hope I'm going to be up to my January trip to visit my mom, then POR, our fav moderate! At the worst I guess I can rent a scooter, and just go on the rides easy to get into.

Have our August trip booked at Poly! Most of the construction should be done by then except for quiet pool. And close enough to get my GF fix! Love Gaspys make your own salad, and my daughter loves the Gaspy burger! And I must go to GF Cafe for the Shrimp & Grits so good!!

Sue Glad that the surgery is behind you...and that you are continuing to recovery...even if it is slowly....

What a magical upgrade that you got last summer.... sounds like you had a great trip! Hope that all will be good for your January trip!!

Looks like we will be seeing you at the Poly next summer....

I should have looked when we were there, and now I want a GF Logo coffee mug. Is anyone going soon, or there now, that would be willing to buy one for me and ship it to me?

You can try the Disney Store online for merchandise..or they will direct you to the number to call ( which I can't seem to find...sorry)..for merchandise from the resorts...Disney Store generally has free shipping also... HTH...

Hello Everyone! We are 12 days away from our arrival at the GF. Haven't been in two years. Crossing my fingers that we all stay well and that the trip is as magical as I'm hoping it can be.

Can I get some quick advice about how to do my room request? I don't really know what I want, all I know is what I DON'T want. I don't want a view of the back of the pool house (like I had last time), and I don't want a view of the maintenance/convention center. How do I communicate that in the online check in. I have to select something. I am thinking upper floor, but what building? What is the best garden view room to request? I don't mind walking a bit, just want a great view.

If anyone has any advice or specific garden view room numbers to request, I'd be super grateful!

As I have said before...I think that Boca Chica has some of the best GVs of the outer buildings....there are views of the courtyard pool...and also of the main building...both lovely....No specific room numbers that I can recall...but maybe the touring plans room finder link that Tom posted will help with that....

Hi we are going to the GF in August. This will be our first stay, we stayed at the Poly in the past. Any advice for a first timer or what to do or see while at GF. We are booked in the main building CL. I have ds(10), dd(6), myself and my husband. Thanks

What a wonderful first GF stay....RPC is so very nice....I would say just take the time to relax and enjoy all that the resort has to offer...the evenig music...the wonderful shops...and definitely take the time to stroll the lovely grounds...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! preppy GF gal who is almost int he single digits!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hey guys!!!!!

I have booked 2 nights at the GF as a surprise for my 2 daughters and hubby. I am getting ready to do online check in but have never done it before . I booked a deluxe garden view outer building.

I just don't know what building is best. I have never been there. I looked online at pictures and loved the rooms with the sitting area by the window and would love to be by the pool. ( I think)

Can anyone recommend a room? A building? Suggest anything for my online check in? Or have any advice for me about making the most of this surprise??

Thanks so much!

Congrats on your first GF stay, you're going to love it . As far as an outer building suggestion, my two favorites are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are convenient to the main building, although none of the buildings are that far from the main areas .

I just put my deposit down for our next trip next September!!! We loved the Grand Floridian SO much, that we're hooked! After being Polynesian loyalists for 8 years, the change to the GF was amazing!
Since this will only be our 2nd stay there, we're not "regulars" (yet). What do you think our chances will be to have the exact same room as last year? Our room was the perfect location in the Main Building for us! Should I have our TA make a special call to request it, or should I wait until I contact IPO in a few months?

I agree, the GF is amazing . I would contact IPO about your room request. If you just put the room number on your reservation as a request, if that particular room isn't available, the room assigner won't know why you wanted that particular room. With that said, I would probably email IPO and let them know what room you want and the reason you want it .

Hello from the GF!
Arrived yesterday and must say this is now my fav resort! Sorry Polly!

We have a TPV in Conch Key. Love the room so functional for a family of 5. My only con so far is that it would be nice to get up and get ready in the bathroom within waking everyone up. I wish there was some kind of divide between the sinks and the room. Oh well!

Haven't explored to much as kids are loving the pool.

I am on Instagram... At jlkoptie
Thanks for all the advice!

Glad you're having a good time and are enjoying the GF .

to all the GF peeps! After our Aug GF trip I had my total knee replacement in September. I'm home recovering, it's a long recovery
I just hope I'm going to be up to my January trip to visit my mom, then POR, our fav moderate! At the worst I guess I can rent a scooter, and just go on the rides easy to get into.

Have our August trip booked at Poly! Most of the construction should be done by then except for quiet pool. And close enough to get my GF fix! Love Gaspys make your own salad, and my daughter loves the Gaspy burger! And I must go to GF Cafe for the Shrimp & Grits so good!!

I hope your recovery is going well .

Congrats on booking the Poly for next August .

I'll be going 11/20 - 11/29 My first stay at GF , so I'm totally looking forward to the awesome experience.

~~Gina

Have a great time, you are going to love the GF

We'll be at the GF with TPV in 17 days and I've requested the Conch Key building.

Have a great trip .

Hello Everyone! We are 12 days away from our arrival at the GF. Haven't been in two years. Crossing my fingers that we all stay well and that the trip is as magical as I'm hoping it can be.

Can I get some quick advice about how to do my room request? I don't really know what I want, all I know is what I DON'T want. I don't want a view of the back of the pool house (like I had last time), and I don't want a view of the maintenance/convention center. How do I communicate that in the online check in. I have to select something. I am thinking upper floor, but what building? What is the best garden view room to request? I don't mind walking a bit, just want a great view.

If anyone has any advice or specific garden view room numbers to request, I'd be super grateful!

Big Pine Key and Boca Chica are my favorite outer buildings for GV, so to avoid a view of the back of the pool house, I'd request Boca Chica .

Hi we are going to the GF in August. This will be our first stay, we stayed at the Poly in the past. Any advice for a first timer or what to do or see while at GF. We are booked in the main building CL. I have ds(10), dd(6), myself and my husband. Thanks

Congrats on your first GF stay. RPC is amazing, I'm sure you will have a Grand time . The GF grounds are so beautiful and relaxing that I love walking around or just sitting and taking in the surroundings. It's also nice to sit in the lounge while listening to the band playing in the lobby .

Just wanted to say Thank you! for the warm welcome back fellow GF fans....There really is something to be said for having a place to share your excitement..pre and post trip..and sometimes even during.... with other fans...There are so many here that that don't just make it a place to get information...but to share a general camaraderie...one which encourages people to want to come here and post and ask questions... (and which is what drew me to the DIS in the first place)...and share their love of the GF ....... So to those of you who make this thread exactly that kind of place....Thanks again.... You are all truly GRAND!!!

I agree .

 

[grannyminnie]

I also agree with you, Blue that this is a warm and welcoming site to visit and share our excitement and joy when we plan our trips!
And receive a warm welcome when we return home, too!

 

[Candy Orlando]

Hi Blue and all my Grand friends. I love this thread, I read it a few times a day on my iPhone. All of you made me feel welcomed even before I bought VGF. This thread helps to make the villas my home. Thank you all for your warm friendship.

The Grand really is Grand just like all of you!!!

 

[cattywampus]

We will be checking into GF for our very first time at WDW exactly two weeks from today!!!!

Of course, the washing machine decided to break this morning when I planned to max out laundry to start packing, but that's why all of us über planners start packing early, right? ... well played washing machine, well played! But we will prevail!

 

[Nancyg56]

I just have to stop here to in order to rave about the wonderful experience my friend and I had last week at the GF. We were given Cinderella Castle View and got bumped up to Club Level. Now even without this wonderful upgrade, the stay was one of my very favorites, and to be honest, a once in a lifetime experience. From the moment I went to the online checkin, I was treated with the best service imaginable. From Terry the Greeter, Jeff at Checkin, an Scott in Bell SErvices, (who not only gave us a ride to our room,gave us a tour of the resort, the first hour indicated how our entire stay would be.

I booked a bounce back but because i am not sure when school begins, this may nt happen. I must add that the bounce back is at POFQ, my DGD favorite resort, but if I am able to take my two Princesses who live down the street, I plan on changing our stay to the GF. I cannot imagine any resort more suited to petite royalty than this lovely home away from home Wish me luck on both counts!

 

[jacknsally19]

Just got back... Had a lovely stay at GF sugarloaf. Will have to put together a detailed post for you all soon! I know I loved hearing about everyone's experiences while I was planning.

Anyway quick question, I realized that I left behind a doll that I bought my daughter from Epcot. Would you call gf's IPO for help or someone else? I do hope we are able to locate it... My daughter will be so sad if it's lost for good. Thanks in advance!

 

[Networth]

Just got back... Had a lovely stay at GF sugarloaf. Will have to put together a detailed post for you all soon! I know I loved hearing about everyone's experiences while I was planning. Anyway quick question, I realized that I left behind a doll that I bought my daughter from Epcot. Would you call gf's IPO for help or someone else? I do hope we are able to locate it... My daughter will be so sad if it's lost for good. Thanks in advance!

Yes I would call the Grand, I have had luck having stuff shipped to me that was forgotten in the room.

 

[francie]

tinkerbelleliz, did you notice if they replaced it with another steak offering? tia

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi, Nancy...... I'm glad you posted about your visit! I met you in the SL lounge one day (we chatted about the coffee, remember? ) and hoped to see you again during our stay. I'm so glad your visit was Magical, and we all understand why you want to return to the Grand with the two princesses! What an upgrade you got!!!
Good luck on planning that next stay!

 

[jacknsally19]

Thanks Networth! Talked to GF this morning. Doll was located and they are sending it back