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

[mevelandry]

Congrats on your upcoming GF stay!

I'll try and answer your questions as best as I can!



1. Yes they serve Champagne in their lounge from 5 to 7pm
~~ 7-10am breakfast items cold/hot cereal, pastries (last time I was at the GF they had cold cuts ham,turkey & cheese)
~~ 11am -1pm snacks chips, dips, veggie slices
~~ 2-4pm Tea Time scones, trifle
~~ 5-7pm Appetizers, hot & cold...cheeses, crackers... 2 or 3 wines & Champagne
~~ 8-10pm Cordials & desserts

2.Yes you will be in Sugar Loaf and yes all the rooms have been renovated

3.No RPC(main building) access, you'll just have access to SL


Hope this helps!

Yes, it helps big time! Thanks!!! (It confirms that I made the right choice! At lot of people seem to be into the view and band at RPC but I have to admit that I was absolutely charmed by the look of the SL based on the pictures I saw. I love the idea of a "locked building" as well.)

I've only had experience of CL at the YC and since it was a surprise upgrade, it wasn't planned in advance at all and I don't know how it usually works. I was wondering what to expect... At YC, We were received with a glass of champagne, received a surprise gift basket in the room, fresh flowers and we had access to the CL Lounge for food and drinks all day (even alcohol on request). Should I expect the same at GF? Or less? Or more?

Do they contact you before the trip?

 

[ahcupcake]

Yes, it helps big time! Thanks!!! (It confirms that I made the right choice! At lot of people seem to be into the view and band at RPC but I have to admit that I was absolutely charmed by the look of the SL based on the pictures I saw. I love the idea of a "locked building" as well.)

I've only had experience of CL at the YC and since it was a surprise upgrade, it wasn't planned in advance at all and I don't know how it usually works. I was wondering what to expect... At YC, We were received with a glass of champagne, received a surprise gift basket in the room, fresh flowers and we had access to the CL Lounge for food and drinks all day (even alcohol on request). Should I expect the same at GF? Or less? Or more?

Do they contact you before the trip?

You're Welcome!

Send the IPO (Itinerary Planning Office) an email to introduce yourself. When I do this int he subject I put my last name and reservation #.....Say that you will be arriving on....and that you will be coming to the GF from a Disney cruise and looking forward to your stay..Also include any dining reservations you want them to make and if you made your own include them w/confirmation number.

Let IPO know it's your DH's b-day there *might* be a surprise in the room.

You should be met by a CM when you get off the bus but if you are not and there is no one manning a small podium near the doors, go into the regular check in tell the you are CL guest checking in..The check in CM will then call the SL CL and someone will come get you.

All the Club Level info for the GF is on pg 1 post #7 BUT just click the link below and it will take you directly to that post :
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52391414&postcount=7

 

[mevelandry]

You're Welcome!

Send the IPO (Itinerary Planning Office) an email to introduce yourself. When I do this int he subject I put my last name and reservation #.....Say that you will be arriving on....and that you will be coming to the GF from a Disney cruise and looking forward to your stay..Also include any dining reservations you want them to make and if you made your own include them w/confirmation number.

Let IPO know it's your DH's b-day there *might* be a surprise in the room.

You should be met by a CM when you get off the bus but if you are not and there is no one manning a small podium near the doors, go into the regular check in tell the you are CL guest checking in..The check in CM will then call the SL CL and someone will come get you.

All the Club Level info for the GF is on pg 1 post #7 BUT just click the link below and it will take you directly to that post :
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=52391414&postcount=7

Alright, I'll contact them right away. Thanks!!!

 

[ekatiel]

I just read that the beach pool will be closed from March 6- April 9, 2015. Can anyone confirm? What a bummer, if it's true . No waterslide for us over Spring Break. Also, do they allow you to use another resort's feature pool when yours is closed? Thanks for any input.

 

[Aurora0427]

I just read that the beach pool will be closed from March 6- April 9, 2015. Can anyone confirm? What a bummer, if it's true . No waterslide for us over Spring Break. Also, do they allow you to use another resort's feature pool when yours is closed? Thanks for any input.

What a strange timeframe for a pool closure!

 

[ekatiel]

What a strange timeframe for a pool closure!

Yes, especially with the Poly pool down right now, too.

 

[grannyminnie]

Happy Christmas!!
We are spending it up in Whistler. A white Christmas indeed!

I'm soooo jealous!! I have seen a white Christmas here in the south, but nothing like what I imagine you had!

I hope everyone's Christmas was just as you wanted it to be~

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Can someone give me some ideas for dates when Christmas decorations began going up at GF this year? Such as the tree, gingerbread house, etc?

We are trying to pick dates for next year.

 

[mevelandry]

Can someone give me some ideas for dates when Christmas decorations began going up at GF this year? Such as the tree, gingerbread house, etc?

We are trying to pick dates for next year.

We visited GF to see the gingerbread house on Nov 24th. I cannot give you a date but I would say "before thanksgiving".

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

We visited GF to see the gingerbread house on Nov 24th. I cannot give you a date but I would say "before thanksgiving".

Ok, thanks! I think I had heard the gingerbread house is open earlier than the other decorations go up.

 

[pixarmom]

After months of indecision, one week before our Disney trip begins, I switched from SL to RPC. We've stayed at every deluxe resort, except for GF. So with no personal experience, I have a tough time assessing the value of SL vs. RPC. Recently, RPC popped up with an AP discount. AP discount during value season . . . the price is probably the best it will be! It's in the budget, and if we're trying GF, we might as well try RPC. Also, temps during our stay are incredible for January, which means we'll have more resort time (much needed, since I'm running the marathon at the end of the trip!)

But I'm still not 100% confident in the switch and could use an RPC pep talk. Mickeynut and others, please help!

 

[wannabee]

So the original plan was for me, my sister and cousin to spend 5 nights at GF next summer. 3 adults in one room so GF would be affordable for us. Both m sister and I have wanted to stay at GF for a long time.... My cousin doesn't really care. Now, my niece has decided to join us..... 4 women in one room with one bathroom????? I can get 2 rooms at WL for about the same price but I really want to stay at GF. what do you think? Would we be crazy to do this?

 

[Sue M]

I'm soooo jealous!! I have seen a white Christmas here in the south, but nothing like what I imagine you had!

I hope everyone's Christmas was just as you wanted it to be~

Thank you. Hope yours was wonderful.

 

[cattywampus]

Can someone give me some ideas for dates when Christmas decorations began going up at GF this year? Such as the tree, gingerbread house, etc?

We are trying to pick dates for next year.

We arrived Nov 15th last month, and the Gingerbread house was fully up and puffing delicious smelling gingerbread scent from the chimney. The retail portion opened on Nov 22nd.

There were also pointsetta in the indoor planters and some other decor. I don't remenber a tree but it felt very "holiday"

Mevelandry: we stayed in Sugarloaf and LOVED it. We didn't use conciege a ton but we liked the peaceful atmosphere, knowing we were only steps away from main lobby. We liked the cozy feel of only a few rooms per floor and locked doors after hours (though that was the only place we had to "work" to get Magic Bands to work -- we got better as week went on). The room had been fully renovated and was lovely. Enjoy!!!

 

[mevelandry]

So the original plan was for me, my sister and cousin to spend 5 nights at GF next summer. 3 adults in one room so GF would be affordable for us. Both m sister and I have wanted to stay at GF for a long time.... My cousin doesn't really care. Now, my niece has decided to join us..... 4 women in one room with one bathroom????? I can get 2 rooms at WL for about the same price but I really want to stay at GF. what do you think? Would we be crazy to do this?

If the niece is paying 1/4, technically you get to pay less... why not try to see if you can afford a suite (with two rooms and two bathrooms) with the extra money of if everybody is willing to pay a little more?

 

[mevelandry]

Mevelandry: we stayed in Sugarloaf and LOVED it. We didn't use conciege a ton but we liked the peaceful atmosphere, knowing we were only steps away from main lobby. We liked the cozy feel of only a few rooms per floor and locked doors after hours (though that was the only place we had to "work" to get Magic Bands to work -- we got better as week went on). The room had been fully renovated and was lovely. Enjoy!!!

Thank you!

Honestly, it makes no doubt for me since I saw videos of the Main Building Club Level. It just seems to me that Staying RPC, you pay 200$/night for an ambiance that you can actually get for free just by sitting in the lobby (but it's just my opinion, if you want to do it because it makes you happy, do it!)

And did I mention my husband is scared of heights?

From the pictures I have seen, I can appreciate the cozy feeling you are talking about (I find it... Charming) and I love the idea of a building locked after hours. I love the design of the Sugar Loaf lounge (love the mix of white cupboards and bright colors painting on the wall).

For all those reasons, I have a feeling that I have made the right choice with SL.

I can wait. April cannot come soon enough.

 

[kgionet]

Hello all! New to the GF but not WDW. We usually stay at the Contemporary or Poly but thist coming vacation is the GF! We will be spending one week on the Fantasy and then one week at GF this coming February. So very excited. I have a few questions after digging through this incredibly informative thread.

1. How does one contact the IPO? Is this only available to club level guests?

2. I've read a lot about the noise level many guests have experienced in their rooms. A little concerning as I have a high functioning autistic child who is pretty noise sensitive. I've booked a garden view but am wondering if upgrading to outer building club level would provide a quieter experience? I prefer to spend the extra money on more upscale dining!

3. Is the texting for FP+ a perk for club level guests only?

Thanks much in advance!
Kristie

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Evening

Time is just flying by! Can't believe it's almost New Years, where did this year go?

Hello all! New to the GF but not WDW. We usually stay at the Contemporary or Poly but thist coming vacation is the GF! We will be spending one week on the Fantasy and then one week at GF this coming February. So very excited. I have a few questions after digging through this incredibly informative thread.

1. How does one contact the IPO? Is this only available to club level guests?

2. I've read a lot about the noise level many guests have experienced in their rooms. A little concerning as I have a high functioning autistic child who is pretty noise sensitive. I've booked a garden view but am wondering if upgrading to outer building club level would provide a quieter experience? I prefer to spend the extra money on more upscale dining!

3. Is the texting for FP+ a perk for club level guests only?

Thanks much in advance!
Kristie

Hi Kristie, Congrats on your upcoming trip! Sorry I can only answer one of your questions definitively I'll try my best for the others

1. IPO is ONLY for CL guests

2. Of course you'll have kids running in the halls that can't be helped it's Disney, heck I'd do it myself except I'm as old as the MK and you don't want to see that! No matter what resort I've stayed at I have ALWAYS heard toilets flushing..Oh depending on where your room is you might be able to some sounds from the MK.....Maybe you can bring a noise machine for your child to help block other noises

3. This I can't help you with, FP+ & magic bands didn't exist on my last stay at the GF

 

[kgionet]

Thanks so much for the quick response! Do you recommend contacting the resort with any specific room requests or just do it during in line check in?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Good Morning GF friends. It was very strange for Christmas up here in Connecticut as it was in the mid 50s throughout the day. Anyhow, I digress -- we are arriving in just over a month doing a split stay between GF and FW Cabins -- and we, first time in a long time, actually have a rental car. I remember the last time we had a rental car that parking at the GF was a bit of an adventure -- have they straightened that out?

Thanks,

Tom