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

[jerseygal]

GORGEOUS View from STANDARD studio VGF 1505
THANKS ALL for your suggestions/posts/comments which helped make this a memorable split stay 2 nights AKV Jambo/2 nights VGF! Could not have been happier with both immaculate resorts and experiencing WDW Holiday decorations first time during the beginning of December!
We're HOOKED! CAN'T WAIT to return again Dec.'15!
Days were sunny and pleasant, high 60's very low 70's, but nights were COLD!
Would have loved a little warmer weather. Was told that prior to Thanksgiving, hit a "coldsnap" with unseasonably cooler weather!
And who says being "empty nesters" is boring???

 

[mevelandry]

Wow... I'm still a bit shocked here (in a good way). The offers were out this morning. I called to see if there was a pin code they could have applied to my current reservation.

No offers for the Sugar Loaf... But I got something else:

-1 got 1$ refunded... AND upgraded to the main building.

The lady told me that when you are in RPC, you DO have access to the Sugar Loaf Building (but SL don't have access to RPC) as well. (I hope she's right because I really liked it). EDIT: the CM was wrong. IPO just told me that only guests in suites have both access. A bit sad but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Although I wasn't sold to the RPC to begin with... I'm sure I'm going to get excited about it at some point.

EDIT: Knowing we would now stay in the Main Building, i have done more research and I have found new videos and images. Although I still have love for SL, now I get what RPC is all about and understand the value.

 

[ahcupcake]

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?

You're Welcome.....I never make room requests, mom & I always stay CL at the GF....But since you have an autistic child who is sensitive to noise, I would request an EXTREMELY quiet room(away from the elevators & high traffic areas) and maybe have them note it on your reservation about why you need that type of room......Hope this helps

GORGEOUS View from STANDARD studio VGF 1505
THANKS ALL for your suggestions/posts/comments which helped make this a memorable split stay 2 nights AKV Jambo/2 nights VGF! Could not have been happier with both immaculate resorts and experiencing WDW Holiday decorations first time during the beginning of December!
We're HOOKED! CAN'T WAIT to return again Dec.'15!
Days were sunny and pleasant, high 60's very low 70's, but nights were COLD!
Would have loved a little warmer weather. Was told that prior to Thanksgiving, hit a "coldsnap" with unseasonably cooler weather!
And who says being "empty nesters" is boring???

AaaaaaHhhhhh lovely view......Glad to hear you had a great time at the GF and at WDW in general......I hear ya on the cold weather a few years ago we took a quickie trip and it was colder down there than it was here in PA

 

[Circusgirl]

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

The guest parking is now just across from the main entrance, next to the valet lot, so quite close in.

 

[pharm55]

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?

It is my understanding that room assignments are done 1-2 weeks ahead of check in date so would definitely call to have it added to reservation now instead of at check in.

 

[ahcupcake]

Wow... I'm still a bit shocked here (in a good way). The offers were out this morning. I called to see if there was a pin code they could have applied to my current reservation.

No offers for the Sugar Loaf... But I got something else:

-1 got 1$ refunded... AND upgraded to the main building.

The lady told me that when you are in RPC, you DO have access to the Sugar Loaf Building (but SL don't have access to RPC) as well. (I hope she's right because I really liked it).

Although I wasn't sold to the RPC to begin with... I'm sure I'm going to get excited about it at some point.

EDIT: Knowing we would now stay in the Main Building, i have done more research and I have found new videos and images. Although I still have love for SL, now I get what RPC is all about and understand the value.

Cograts on the upgrade

The lounge in RPC is larger and not so smooshed together like SL....Don't forget to email IPO

 

[mevelandry]

Cograts on the upgrade

The lounge in RPC is larger and not so smooshed together like SL....Don't forget to email IPO

I did. I had to change my requests as well. I had previously requested high floor but with RPC, it is already part of the deal. I requested King Size Bed, Full-size balcony and theme park view (on the website it says it's a possibility with pool view and lagoon view). Truth to be told I would be happy with double queen beds, small balcony and lagoon view but I always aim for the best.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

The guest parking is now just across from the main entrance, next to the valet lot, so quite close in.

Thank you - the last time I rented a car it wasn't that close!

Tom

 

[tartemis]

Hi! We have gone to the Grand Floridian every year since my oldest child was born 7 years ago. Every trip we stay in the Sugar Loaf CL and consider it our "home away from home." This year I'm a bit behind in planning our annual trip and just called and the only CL room they had available was a Deluxe room in the main building so I booked that and have 2 days to decide whether to keep it or scrap the whole trip. I have a few questions that I was hoping the wonderful folks on this board could help me with:

1. If I love SL, how does RPC compare? Specifically, my kids love watching cartoons from the little tables off to the side of the SL lounge? Does RPC have something similar?

2. The 4 of us -- 2 adults and two kids (ages 7 and 5) are booked in a Deluxe Room in the RPC. After I hung up with the Disney agent I looked up info about the room and now understand it has one King bed and a day bed. Will that fit all of us? The day beds at SL are very small, and I can't see them sleeping more than 1 person. Does that mean I have to have 3 of us in the King bed?

3. How do the deluxe RPC rooms compare more generally? Are they smaller than the standard SL club rooms?

4. Do RPC and SL share staff? Some of the staff at SL have been there since our kids were born and have watched them grow up. I'm sad that I might not see them on this trip!

Sorry for the novel, but I'm very torn about what to do and appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hello there fellow GF fans...Wanted to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Lots to catch up on..but not really much time...lol...

Do you recommend contacting the resort with any specific room requests or just do it during in line check in?

I would be sure that any specific room requests are listed on your reservation thru CRO...so that when it is down loaded to the resort your requests are listed and can be viewed....

It is my understanding that room assignments are done 1-2 weeks ahead of check in date so would definitely call to have it added to reservation now instead of at check in.

I agree and always add our requests when making our reservation...Not positive..but I do believe that rooms are generally assigned about 5 days prior to arrival...

I did. I had to change my requests as well. I had previously requested high floor but with RPC, it is already part of the deal. I requested King Size Bed, Full-size balcony and theme park view (on the website it says it's a possibility with pool view and lagoon view). Truth to be told I would be happy with double queen beds, small balcony and lagoon view but I always aim for the best.

Congrats on booking a room in RPC... ..With the exception of a few rooms that have king beds that are attached to the suites ( therefore by size might be considered standard rooms) there are not standard king rooms generally available....I do believe Trishadono had requested if there were any and was advised that there are not any in the general standard room category......king rooms with a TPV in RPC are a specific bookable category...and are called "deluxe king rooms"...as are TPV rooms a specific bookable category...HTH...BTW...all of the views whether courtyard..or in the area of the beach pool are so lovely...

Hi! We have gone to the Grand Floridian every year since my oldest child was born 7 years ago. Every trip we stay in the Sugar Loaf CL and consider it our "home away from home." This year I'm a bit behind in planning our annual trip and just called and the only CL room they had available was a Deluxe room in the main building so I booked that and have 2 days to decide whether to keep it or scrap the whole trip. I have a few questions that I was hoping the wonderful folks on this board could help me with:

1. If I love SL, how does RPC compare? Specifically, my kids love watching cartoons from the little tables off to the side of the SL lounge? Does RPC have something similar?

2. The 4 of us -- 2 adults and two kids (ages 7 and 5) are booked in a Deluxe Room in the RPC. After I hung up with the Disney agent I looked up info about the room and now understand it has one King bed and a day bed. Will that fit all of us? The day beds at SL are very small, and I can't see them sleeping more than 1 person. Does that mean I have to have 3 of us in the King bed?

3. How do the deluxe RPC rooms compare more generally? Are they smaller than the standard SL club rooms?

4. Do RPC and SL share staff? Some of the staff at SL have been there since our kids were born and have watched them grow up. I'm sad that I might not see them on this trip!

Sorry for the novel, but I'm very torn about what to do and appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

The biggest difference between SL and RPC (IMO...) are the lounge areas..where as the RPC lounge is very spacious and there is seating available on all three levels....and with the band and pianists playing has a very different ambiance...all food...beverages...and CL amenities are exactly the same...We are long time fans of both..preferring SL in the warmer weather for its proximity to the pools...

As for the deluxe king rooms....they have a small sofa which opens to a bed....I have not seen the new ones open (since the renovations)..although I did see one closed..??? lol... so I am not sure of how spacious they would be for 2 children...but given the ages of yours I am thinking that it will probably be fine....The deluxe king rooms on the atrium side of RPC (of which there are 6) are over sized..have no balcony...but have windows almost all the way around the room are are very very nice....I am pretty sure that there are pics on the first page of this thread....the other deluxe king rooms are on the 2nd floor...do have a balcony..but are quite a bit away from the lounge areas...sort of secluded...and you need to take an elevator to access the lounge areas...

Just wanted to add there are both "deluxe queen" and "deluxe king" rooms in RPC....you might want to call and clarify which deluxe room that you do have booked...there are fewer deluxe queens...they are located on the 3rd and 4th floors..and also are very spacious...

There a a few CMs that work in both SL and RPC...so I am betting you will get to see some familiar faces...

Hope that my long winded response helps you some in what room area to request and if your family will indeed be comfortable in a deluxe king room...

jerseygal Beautiful pic! Thanks for sharing it!!

A big hello to you ahcupcake..good to "see" you around here more often! Thanks for your sage and spot on GF advice!

And a shout out to my long time fellow GF fans...MickeyNut grannyminnie pas wishesqueen trisha Candy(sounds like you had a fab trip!! .... and finally ...k&a&c'smom..hope that all is well...miss you around here!

We are under the 30 day mark for our trip!! But who is counting... ...lol... Tom I do think that you are almost there too!!!

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal who is waiting patiently to make a lunch FPP for BOG...

 

[ahcupcake]

I did. I had to change my requests as well. I had previously requested high floor but with RPC, it is already part of the deal. I requested King Size Bed, Full-size balcony and theme park view (on the website it says it's a possibility with pool view and lagoon view). Truth to be told I would be happy with double queen beds, small balcony and lagoon view but I always aim for the best.

King rooms are bookable, they're called King Deluxe and there are 9 of on the 2nd floor with an MK view( they are right above Gasperilla Grill) & located on floors 3,4&5 these are turret rooms, I think there are layouts & room descriptions on the first page of this thread

Hi! We have gone to the Grand Floridian every year since my oldest child was born 7 years ago. Every trip we stay in the Sugar Loaf CL and consider it our "home away from home." This year I'm a bit behind in planning our annual trip and just called and the only CL room they had available was a Deluxe room in the main building so I booked that and have 2 days to decide whether to keep it or scrap the whole trip. I have a few questions that I was hoping the wonderful folks on this board could help me with:

1. If I love SL, how does RPC compare? Specifically, my kids love watching cartoons from the little tables off to the side of the SL lounge? Does RPC have something similar?

2. The 4 of us -- 2 adults and two kids (ages 7 and 5) are booked in a Deluxe Room in the RPC. After I hung up with the Disney agent I looked up info about the room and now understand it has one King bed and a day bed. Will that fit all of us? The day beds at SL are very small, and I can't see them sleeping more than 1 person. Does that mean I have to have 3 of us in the King bed?

3. How do the deluxe RPC rooms compare more generally? Are they smaller than the standard SL club rooms?

4. Do RPC and SL share staff? Some of the staff at SL have been there since our kids were born and have watched them grow up. I'm sad that I might not see them on this trip!

Sorry for the novel, but I'm very torn about what to do and appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Hi tartemis congrats on your upcoming RPC stay! I'll try and ansewr your questions to the best of my ability!

1.Yes there are kids tables and tv showing classic Disney cartoons just off of the lounge on the 4th floor

2. Did you book Queen Deluxe or King Deluxe? Sounds like you booked King, maybe you could get a roll away as well as the day bed..The daybed should accommodate an adult

3. The Deluxe rooms are about 640sq ft.....Standard rooms at the GF(CL & non CL) are about 450sq ft

4. They do if one them is short staffed but as far as I know they don't usually

 

[ahcupcake]

A big hello to you ahcupcake..good to "see" you around here more often! thanks for your sage and spot on GF advice!

And a shout out to my long time fellow GF fans...MickeyNut grannyminnie pas wishesqueen trisha Candy(sounds like you had a fab trip!! .... and finally ...k&a&c'smom..hope that all is well...miss you around here!

We are under the 30 day mark for our trip!! But who is counting... ...lol... Tom I do think that you are almost there too!!!

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal who is waiting patiently to make a lunch FPP for BOG...

Hey Blue I see we were both posting at the same time..You're Welcome,I've tried to remember what you have said about the GF.........Get packing



tartemis
I knew someone would know a little more and have more accurate info

 

[tartemis]

Thanks everyone for the info!!

I just called Disney again because I received another PIN in the mail today and thought that perhaps under this new code I would be able to get a SL room. While, those all still appear to be booked, the agent I talked to said that I would be placed in a room with two queen beds in RPC, so I'm feeling much better.

It looks like I'm booked in just a "Main Building-Deluxe Room -Club Level," so I'm guessing some of those are Kings and some are Two Queens? I'm always a little nervous when I call and get conflicting information, but I'm feeling better about the trip.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hello there fellow GF fans...Wanted to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Lots to catch up on..but not really much time...lol...


We are under the 30 day mark for our trip!! But who is counting... ...lol... Tom I do think that you are almost there too!!!

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal who is waiting patiently to make a lunch FPP for BOG...

Blue, soon we will be there
So much to do before then.

Tom

 

[kjmendoza04]

Hi Everyone,
My family stayed at the GF last year in the Villas and now we are thinking of taking advantage of the pin code that was offered to us for May of 2015.
Does anyone have any recommendations of what view to book?
I am looking at the Garden View, Lagoon View or Theme Park View in the outer building.
I would love to be closest to the courtyard pool if possible.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thanks so much!
Kristi

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hi Everyone,
My family stayed at the GF last year in the Villas and now we are thinking of taking advantage of the pin code that was offered to us for May of 2015.
Does anyone have any recommendations of what view to book?
I am looking at the Garden View, Lagoon View or Theme Park View in the outer building.
I would love to be closest to the courtyard pool if possible.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thanks so much!
Kristi

Hi Kristi: If you want to be closest to the courtyard pool, you are in luck -- because Sago, Conch, Big Pine Key and Boca Chica are all just a 2 minute walk from there. Boca Chica and Big Pine Key are literally right next to it, and the others are, as I said, 2 minutes at most. With regard to the view, we've stayed in everything but TPV, and honestly, there are very few bad views at GF. We've had GV which turned out to be Marina view in Sago, Lagoon View in Big Pine Key which was looking at the Poly and we had GV also in Big Pine Key, which was of the back of the pool bar building (that's the bad view in the GF). Since you are so close to the MK, I would pick which ever view your budget allows for - no sense being disappointed if you are expecting a perfect view and you spent the max on it.

I hope this helps. BTW, if you scroll back to I think October yuo will see a post I did with a link to a touringplans website - from there you can select which type of room/view you want and actually see which buildings have rooms in that category and what a typical view is from that type of room in that building.

Tom

 

[kjmendoza04]

Thank you so much for the information that you provided. It was very helpful. We ended up booking the lagoon view room! Happy New Year!

 

[grannyminnie]

Good morning GF pals! I want to wish a very happy new year to you all! May the new year be better than the last one!

I finally have a trip on the books for 2015!
Not to the GF, tho. We will be at the WL in April!! Now to figure out (again) how to make a countdown calendar! Always hard for me....

 

[BlueEyedBoys]

Hi. I am booked in a Garden View. What building would give me the best chance of a view of the fireworks from our balcony. We have been to Disney several times, but this is our first stay in the GF. Thanks for any reviews from GF vets.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thank you so much for the information that you provided. It was very helpful. We ended up booking the lagoon view room! Happy New Year!

You can't go wrong with any room at the Grand Flordian. However, nothing beats having your morning coffee, out on your balcony, and watching DisneyWorld awake as the ferry boats and launches start their daily routines.

Tom