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

[jessic2422]

Are life jackets available at the pool? If so what is the style. We are puddle jumper people just wondering if the had similar?

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting on here. We are leaving for Disney at the end of the month (also from frozen CT). I've been lots of times in my youth - oh so long ago - and my husband and I went on our honeymoon, but we have only ever stayed at the Contemporary so this is our first stay at the GF and our first trip to Disney with kids (5 & 7).

We are booked for 7 nights in a lagoon view room, but I'm curious if people have thoughts on particular buildings before I due the online check in (and do you have to do that very early in advance or is one week ahead enough?). I looked into CL, but a bit too late as all that is left is a suite and not quite up to springing for that right now. Ah well - next trip!

Also - I've booked a reservation for first night dinner at Narcoossee's but wondering if it will be welcoming to the kids? I know it is Disney but, well, it's my first time at the GF - so really not sure - how Disney is it? (I've only been in there for dinner at V&A)

Thanks for the advice all!

Thanks!

Can you see fireworks from there as well? Also - any thoughts on the dormer rooms? People seem split. From what I've read it looks like the upside is that the balcony is private but aren't all the balconies private at the GF?

I second the recommendation for Boca Chica. We had an amazing lagoon view room from there and were able to see fireworks, although partially blocked. I apologize; I never jotted down our room number and can't remember it now - we did have a dormer room though. It was fine for us because we are only a family of 3 and we had a king bed room (DS was in his portable travel crib.) The downside to the balcony was my son couldn't see on his own and wanted to climb on the little table out there to get a look. I thought about calling to see if we could switch to a non dormer room, but we were so thrilled with our view that we didn't want to take a chance that we'd get a lesser view if we moved.











I requested Boca Chica during online check-in and when I called to make my reservation I had requested "good view of Electrical Water Pageant".

 

[BlueSkies]

I am super excited! I still can't believe we are staying at the GF! I put in a request for the Big Pine Key Building when I booked my reservation. I figured that would be a good building since its in between both pools and looks to be the closest to the monorail station lol. With 2 young kids I know they will be dragging us between both pool areas, lol. When I get to do my online check in and they asked to pick 2 things what building should I choose as my back up? We are staying in a Deluxe Garden View room.

Not only is BPK close to both pools but it is also very closeto the childrens splash area...Lots of water fun all around! If you do want to list a second building choice then I would say Boca Chica..close to the courtyard pool..and very centrally located...BTW..those deluxe rooms have an lovely sitting area complete with a second TV...and a wonderful bit of extra space!

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting on here. We are leaving for Disney at the end of the month (also from frozen CT). I've been lots of times in my youth - oh so long ago - and my husband and I went on our honeymoon, but we have only ever stayed at the Contemporary so this is our first stay at the GF and our first trip to Disney with kids (5 & 7).

We are booked for 7 nights in a lagoon view room, but I'm curious if people have thoughts on particular buildings before I due the online check in (and do you have to do that very early in advance or is one week ahead enough?). I looked into CL, but a bit too late as all that is left is a suite and not quite up to springing for that right now. Ah well - next trip!

Also - I've booked a reservation for first night dinner at Narcoossee's but wondering if it will be welcoming to the kids? I know it is Disney but, well, it's my first time at the GF - so really not sure - how Disney is it? (I've only been in there for dinner at V&A)

Thanks for the advice all!

Welcome to the DIS!! And congratulations on your upcocmming trip to the GF..Be prepared to fall in love... Yu should list your preferences on your reservation through CRO as soon as possible ...I do believe that the resort reviews the reservation to begin room assignment about 5 days prior to arrival..but I would rather be safe than sorry as they say...

As for Narcosees..absolutely child friendly...and a great place for dinner for the whole family...and you will see many other families when dining there..

Are life jackets available at the pool? If so what is the style. We are puddle jumper people just wondering if the had similar?

There are life standard children's life vests available at the pools...

OnThisMagicNight Thanks for posting your beautiful pics! What a wonderful view... I wouldn't have changed rooms either....

Hope that everyone had a nice weekend.... preppy GF gal who hope that the weather in Florida warms up significantly in the next few weeks!

 

[disneysuncat]

Booked today for 10/31 to 11/5 for my Mom's birthday bash! Cannot wait!

 

[trishadono]

Hi Blue: I actually sorted through the clothes that I'm not wearing right now because it is 20 and snowing here and hopefully won't be in Florida! So, I'm not packed, but I'm 5 minutes away from packed! Veal bolognese????? I'm drooling!

And, I'm a VERY lucky uncle!

Tom

JUST STOP!

I can't decide what to wear to GVTR in January. Will my lilly pulitzer look good or out of place ? Dress, capris, shorts or pants????

Men have it sooooo lucky

Dd and I love the tea room. It's so fancy and fun too

A piece of gf when you can't stay there

Congrats to those who have booked a trip !!! Enjoy the planning

Oh, and I would have loved an uncle like you

 

[jessic2422]

Do you think we would need an ADR for 4 in the evening for grand Floridian cafe

 

[Circusgirl]

JUST STOP!

I can't decide what to wear to GVTR in January. Will my lilly pulitzer look good or out of place ? Dress, capris, shorts or pants????

Men have it sooooo lucky

Dd and I love the tea room. It's so fancy and fun too

A piece of gf when you can't stay there

Congrats to those who have booked a trip !!! Enjoy the planning

Oh, and I would have loved an uncle like you

A Lilly dress would be perfect for the tea room. I have to confess I usually end up there in my park clothes and don't feel out of place, but I think dressing up a little makes it even more special!

I have two tea ADRs for my upcoming trip. It's one of my favorite meals, a perfect combination of a super delectable meal with an ultra comfortable setting that is a great quiet respite from the parks.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks!

Can you see fireworks from there as well? Also - any thoughts on the dormer rooms? People seem split. From what I've read it looks like the upside is that the balcony is private but aren't all the balconies private at the GF?

Hello Connecticutian (I just made that up). I have a request in for Boca Chica for our Lagoon View room as well. It seems they are about as close to theme park view as you can get.

Blue, do you know what day it is? No, not hump day, it is your last double digit day!!!!! How many times did you repack this weekend?

I've never stayed in Boca Chica before -- usually I ask for an upper level floor -- but based on the map, it looks like a lagoon view lower level would probably be nice -- any thoughts or comments?

Tom

 

[jessic2422]

I am staying at the GF in 2 weeks with a garden view room for a conference. I notoriously get the worst rooms. Does anyone have any suggestions for requests I should put in for? I am not very picky but I would like to look at the pool or something other then a parking lot which I have a tendency to get. I will be there with my mom, DH, and DD 3 Thanks.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I am staying at the GF in 2 weeks with a garden view room for a conference. I notoriously get the worst rooms. Does anyone have any suggestions for requests I should put in for? I am not very picky but I would like to look at the pool or something other then a parking lot which I have a tendency to get. I will be there with my mom, DH, and DD 3 Thanks.

I usually try for Sago with a garden view -- because a view of the marina is considered garden view.

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Booked today for 10/31 to 11/5 for my Mom's birthday bash! Cannot wait!

Congrats!!! and Happy Birthday to your mom..What a grand way to celebrate!! Make sure that you note the celebration on your resort reservation...

Do you think we would need an ADR for 4 in the evening for grand Floridian cafe

Really depends what time that you are dining ...and during what season...in December we decided to do a walk up last minute at about 6pm at the GFC..and the wait was over an hour... Other times we have had no wait at all...so...biggest factor would be if its during busy season...I thnk that you mentioned being there in two weeks...so you should be ok...end of January is usually not a busy time...crowd levels are listed as being in the 2's and 3's..which is so nice!

Hello Connecticutian (I just made that up). I have a request in for Boca Chica for our Lagoon View room as well. It seems they are about as close to theme park view as you can get.

Blue, do you know what day it is? No, not hump day, it is your last double digit day!!!!! How many times did you repack this weekend?

I've never stayed in Boca Chica before -- usually I ask for an upper level floor -- but based on the map, it looks like a lagoon view lower level would probably be nice -- any thoughts or comments?

Tom

My ticker is off..lol..cause we have changed our dates a few times......lol...but almost in those single digits...and yes..I have packed and repacked already!!!... unlike some people who will be pakced in 5 minutes...lol...

I am staying at the GF in 2 weeks with a garden view room for a conference. I notoriously get the worst rooms. Does anyone have any suggestions for requests I should put in for? I am not very picky but I would like to look at the pool or something other then a parking lot which I have a tendency to get. I will be there with my mom, DH, and DD 3 Thanks.

There are no parking lots views at the GF ..in fact there really are no bad views..with the exception of a few back of the pool house views... So I think that you are probably in good shape....

If you would like to be near the pool...then I would request Boca Chica...close to the courtyard pool and boat dock...and with a lovely view of both the pool and the main building...or the gardens..or Big Pine Key...close to both pools..the children's Alice themed splash area..and the main building..also very nice views of the courtyard pool area...beware though (seems with what you posted..this might not be the best request for you! ) ...this is the building that has the possibility of the back of the pool house....Some people are a fan of Sago Cay..this can have either woods view..or a lovely marina view.. is more far removed from the central resort areas...but closer to Gasparilla's ( the resort quick service) and the bus stop... Really depends o your personal preference....Hope that my looong winded descriptions helped some...lol...

Trish Tea at the GF is just wonderful..I am sure you will look fab in whatever you are wearing...Enjoy!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans have a magical Monday!! preppy GF gal who is almost in the single digits!!!

 

[Jennygt]

I know that tikimans site would list which rooms were connecting, I know touring plans had all the data on views. Does anyone know if there is somewhere to get the info on connecting rooms?
Thanks

 

[Jennygt]

I am tring to get a feel for how long the walk is from sago to the beach pool? The best reference I can think of is Tahiti to the main pool at the poly. That was kinda a hike for my parents, could anyone familiar with both compare?

 

[Jennygt]

Another question, I am looking at photos of the GF, are you able to get into the main building just behind the splash area? I cant tell from the pictures. That would be a plus for my parents who walk slow and melt in the florida heat.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Another question, I am looking at photos of the GF, are you able to get into the main building just behind the splash area? I cant tell from the pictures. That would be a plus for my parents who walk slow and melt in the florida heat.

Yes, this will bring you into a corridor that brings you to the main lobby or the first floor restaurants. I think there is a DVC "sales" office there too.

Tom

 

[trishadono]

I am tring to get a feel for how long the walk is from sago to the beach pool? The best reference I can think of is Tahiti to the main pool at the poly. That was kinda a hike for my parents, could anyone familiar with both compare?

I have actually stayed in both buildings.

I would say that you have it about right.

Had to come back because I was interrupted earlier at my office. The good part of Sago is that it is close to busses, main lobby/mono, food. So in the end we liked it. At morning and night was more convenient and during the day we could take our time to the pool.

Hope that helps.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I just got an invitation to do the Be Our Guest Fast Pass + and as luck would have it, they had a time that works for us! I got some advance pixie dust!

Tom

 

[trishadono]

I just got an invitation to do the Be Our Guest Fast Pass + and as luck would have it, they had a time that works for us! I got some advance pixie dust!

Tom

I took my mom there in November and we sat next to the Christmas Tree ! Still one of the highlights of our trip.

Food was yummy and the ambience

Glad you got some "dust"!!!

 

[jessic2422]

Thank you guys so much! We are so excited GF is on our bucket list.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Good Morning GF friends - just to clarify, my BOG "invitation" was to a FP+ test where we preorder lunch and arrive at the scheduled time, go MB our way in and go directly to our assigned table and our food comes right to us. The really nice thing -- that doesn't count as one of our 3 FP+ for the day!

And, did I see correctly on the menu there is beer and wine? As in with alcohol in them in the MK?

Tom