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

[BlueSkies]

Hello all..and welcome to all of our GF first timers....You are all in for a treat!!

Thanks for all the answers about robes, and a big WOOHOO to everyone that is leaving for their trip soon!

Mine is 9 months away, but I think about it first thing when I wake up, and last thing when I go to sleep!

Thank you..single digits for us!!...
The 9 months will fly..what a nice way to start and end the day..I do the same...

After much debate, my family and I will be staying at Grand Floridian June 7-13th!! We usually stay at Beach Club, but we all decided to try a new place!

We are excited!!

Congratulations!! Its always fun to try a new resort..especially one that so grand!!

Just Booked our first GF stay.
We are going on the Adrian Friday morning but flying down to Florida on Wednesday night. Our original plan was to stay at Hyatt MCO then head to Kennedy on Thursday morning then sleep near the port. Now reconsidered, thinking Kennedy may not be interesting to a 10 year old girl and 13 year old boy...plus we are all AP holders. So on a whim I logged in to check AP rates and was pleasantly surprised with the rate for two nights. We are staying in Sugarloaf building. Have stayed CL at Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club many times. This is a first for GF. I just did our online check in and didn't make any requests...was that a mistake? I figured it didn't matter in the SL building... Reading through this thread to catch up on the GF! My family is going to be so spoiled after this trip with this CL room then concierge on the Dream.
11 days left for me and praying for no snow!!!

No need to make any requests in SL..as that is the only outer building for CL guests..lovely views of either the marina or courtyard pool....

As for staying CL on the Dream... we have done it..and it was incredible!! You will definitely be spoiled!

Hello Nutmegger! Connecticututian? Hmm - it was easier being a NY'er. Thanks for the advice! I checked in and put the request in for BC (went with Upper Floor since the point seemed to be the view) but hoping either way I can't go wrong. Someone posted gorgeous pictures on here (thank you!) so I'm really looking forward. Magic bands showed up today (yay!) so it's starting to feel real. Now if I could get into BOG I'd be thrilled but who knows - I've still got a few days anything could happen

Slightly random question: I've never done pin trading but someone told us it was fun for the kids so we bought a bunch of old Disney pins on eBay (they aren't too bad actually) to trade in the parks. I just need a lanyard to pin them on - any chance they sell them in the gift shops in the GF?

Congrats on your GF stay! Keep trying for that BOG ressie..I have been able to get them up to the last minute!

Hi Trish, are you there yet???

Blue--some clothes made it into the suitcase, when you have a massive ice storm you don't need to be worrying about short sleeves nor shorts, soon we will be home at the Grand

BTW, we've always had two robes in our room, regardless of room category -- if that matters, I was blurry eyed reading prior posts having stayed up past my bedtime to watch football last night.

Tom

Tom Glad that you have started to pack...Did my fretting influence you just a little...lol...

Less than 5 days and counting till our first stay!

We have a standard room and requested "Boca Chica or Big Pine Key, view not obstructed by poolhouse", on our original reservation.

I wanted to politely reinforce this 3-5 days out but got the blowoff from a GF room allocation cast member today, who just said that they check all reservation requests, and basically was done with me. Tried faxing to 407-824-3186, but always busy or disconnected number.

Anyone have a valid fax #? Honestly I usually don't care about room location, but when splurging at a pricey resort, I figure why not go the extra mile.

Also, we are often afternoon breakers. Anyone have any luck recently with making 4th FP+ at GF concierge?

Thanks in advance.

We have always put our preference on our ressies thru CRO and find that the GF room assignors are very good about honoring them... As for faxing..I too as Phyllis posted think that they discontinued that long ago...Surprised that you were able to get a call directly to the room assignors..I know that when you call the "direct" resort phone number the calls are directed to a call center...

The GF really is a lovely resort over all...and if you are not happy with what you have been assigned at check in ..just request a different one...

A great day to visit GF!!

Hey Trish !! Loving the texts!! Thank you!!! And thanks for taking the time to pop in and post that GF pic too....its always a great day for a Grand visit...

I'm sitting at the beach pool right now. The sun is so warm on this beautiful, sunny day. The temperature is 70 degrees. It's my favorite type of day, the inside and outside are the same.

I love my vacation home so much. The Palm trees make this resort feel so tropical.

We don't spend a lot of time in the parks because we enjoy the Grand.

It's fun listening to the children playing in the pool.

Candy You're back at your happy place!! Always love reading your wonderful descriptions.... Glad that you are enjoying the ambiance and the warm temps too!

Does anyone know if the pool bar and grills offer gluten free options or gluten free bread/buns or only at the Gasparilla Island Grill? Thanks!

I was going to offer to check for you...but I see that Tom has graciously made the offer already...

We stayed GF RPC earlier this month and received an e-mail indicating that the CL CMs could help with this. They gave us a number to text with questions, FP+ requests, etc. So during our stay, we texted from MK to request a 4th FP+ and they set it up right away. I understand this is a pilot program for CL guests at GF and a few other resorts. We also stayed CL at AKL and Poly earlier this month, and the service was not available there.

That was my understanding too...We received the email before our last say also...what a nice CL perk....

Pixarmom On another note... I remember reading that you were staying at a few different CLs this past stay..and I think a first in RPC...interested in hearing your comparisons...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Tuesday... GF gal who is in the single digits... and a little bit excited...

 

[BeenALongTime]

Thanks Blue Skies! I'll keep trying for BOG (how do you get FP+ lunch? Pixie dust?) Those there now - how's the weather? I'm anxiously watching...and feeling like I have to pack for everything (except ice!) Quick GF question: I requested upper floor, but they will keep that separate from dormer floor, correct?

And if no one minds - I have a non-GF question for you experts: any thoughts on the luau at the Poly? We have reservations because I thought the kids would like it but it seems to get mixed reviews. Haven't had any luck getting into Ohana, so I thought I'd keep it, but wondered if anyone had any experiences over there.

Thanks again all!

(Enjoy the pool time!)

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks Blue Skies! I'll keep trying for BOG (how do you get FP+ lunch? Pixie dust?) Those there now - how's the weather? I'm anxiously watching...and feeling like I have to pack for everything (except ice!) Quick GF question: I requested upper floor, but they will keep that separate from dormer floor, correct?

And if no one minds - I have a non-GF question for you experts: any thoughts on the luau at the Poly? We have reservations because I thought the kids would like it but it seems to get mixed reviews. Haven't had any luck getting into Ohana, so I thought I'd keep it, but wondered if anyone had any experiences over there.

Thanks again all!

(Enjoy the pool time!)

The BOG Fastpass+ for lunch comes via an email from Disney Destinations at 27 days before your trip and they give you a link to see if there are dates and times that work for you. At least that is what they are doing/testing now, down the road it might be different.

Good luck and the time is going to fly on by!

Tom

 

[Circusgirl]

Greetings to all from the WL CL lounge where I just finished having appetizers with Trishadono and her DD. It is entirely fun to meet the lovely people behind the screen names, and since we're all staying CL here we've been running into each other regularly.

Even though I'm not staying at the Grand this trip, of course I have visited there and have some photos to share of one of our happiest places.

 

[maryj11]

Oh thanks for posting your pictures . Love them ! We will be staying there for our first time this coming August

 

[Zooshoveller]

So out of the blue, DH asks me if I would like V&A for our anniversary dinner. I laughed and said Yes! He said ok, well get me a price on one night at the GF. Um, ok! It's not set in stone, but I have a question - where is a good place to grab a snack?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

So out of the blue, DH asks me if I would like V&A for our anniversary dinner. I laughed and said Yes! He said ok, well get me a price on one night at the GF. Um, ok! It's not set in stone, but I have a question - where is a good place to grab a snack?

Define "snack" please. There are all kinds of options from Gasparilla's to the pool bars, etc. I'm just not certain if you mean a place to go for some casual appetizers or what.

Tom

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Greetings to all from the WL CL lounge where I just finished having appetizers with Trishadono and her DD. It is entirely fun to meet the lovely people behind the screen names, and since we're all staying CL here we've been running into each other regularly.

Even though I'm not staying at the Grand this trip, of course I have visited there and have some photos to share of one of our happiest places.

Thanks for the inspirational pics, CircusGirl -- you and Blue are causing my suitcase to become packed much earlier than usual, although I'm still not zipping it up until 4pm for my 6:35pm flight! On a happy note, the magic band fairy appeared at my door yesterday. I'm glad to see you and Trish got together too.

I'm looking for some woman, sipping coffee, celebrating the anniversary of turning 37 while we are all down there together.

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Thanks Blue Skies! I'll keep trying for BOG (how do you get FP+ lunch? Pixie dust?) Those there now - how's the weather? I'm anxiously watching...and feeling like I have to pack for everything (except ice!) Quick GF question: I requested upper floor, but they will keep that separate from dormer floor, correct?

And if no one minds - I have a non-GF question for you experts: any thoughts on the luau at the Poly? We have reservations because I thought the kids would like it but it seems to get mixed reviews. Haven't had any luck getting into Ohana, so I thought I'd keep it, but wondered if anyone had any experiences over there.

Thanks again all!

(Enjoy the pool time!)

You are very welcome BeenALongTime ...A request for an upper floor might mean that you will end up in a dormer room...if this is something you would rather not have ask at check in if your assigned room is a dormer room..they should know that at the desk..if so..just ask for a different room....

All questions welcome around here...they dont have to be Grand! As for the Luau..sorry no help from me..havent been in quite some time...we did go to the HDDR recently though...and had a blast..fun show...good food!

BOG lucnh ressies are as Tom said accessed via a website link...you have to log in with your accout..and provide your reservation #..we were able to get ours at 27 days...There is quite a bit of info about this on the restaurant thread...Best of luck to you..hope that you are able to get one!

So out of the blue, DH asks me if I would like V&A for our anniversary dinner. I laughed and said Yes! He said ok, well get me a price on one night at the GF. Um, ok! It's not set in stone, but I have a question - where is a good place to grab a snack?

Sounds like your DH is a keeper! I would say the for a quick bite there is Gapsarilla's Grille and Games..which is the GF's counter service eatery...For a bit more ambiance and more sophisticated menu...there is Mizner's the GFs lounge ...or there is the bar area at Citrico's..no personal experience at this one...but it is a signature restaurant...and has a good appetizer menu...HTH... Have a wonderful anniversary...

CircusgirlLoving your pics!!! They are spectacular!! Thank you so much for posting them....

So nice that you got to meet up with Trish and her DD... We were at the World at the same time a few months back and enjoyed quite a bit of lounge time together too.... It was great fun!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! preppy GF gal who is still packing and repacking!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ..lol...

 

[BlueSkies]

Thanks for the inspirational pics, CircusGirl -- you and Blue are causing my suitcase to become packed much earlier than usual, although I'm still not zipping it up until 4pm for my 6:35pm flight! On a happy note, the magic band fairy appeared at my door yesterday. I'm glad to see you and Trish got together too.

I'm looking for some woman, sipping coffee, celebrating the anniversary of turning 37 while we are all down there together.

Tom

Yay for MBs arriving!!!! and thank goodness you are pre packing...lol...

coffee drinking 37 year old GF gal........lol....PS...Maxie is not 37..she is already 38!!??????? LOL...

 

[Candy Orlando]

Another perfect pool day at the Grand! We have been lucky to have this weather for January.

My husband is sitting on the lounge chair beside me. He always starts out reading the paper. It doesn't take long for him to fall asleep.

This really is a happy place. All the Grand cast members are so helpful.

When I'm sitting at the beach pool I forget I'm at Disney until the monorail goes by. I love the sand and pool.
Candy

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Another perfect pool day at the Grand! We have been lucky to have this weather for January.

My husband is sitting on the lounge chair beside me. He always starts out reading the paper. It doesn't take long for him to fall asleep.

This really is a happy place. All the Grand cast members are so helpful.

When I'm sitting at the beach pool I forget I'm at Disney until the monorail goes by. I love the sand and pool.
Candy

That sounds like a perfect day to me, Candy. Top it off with dinner at Narcossees and I would call it a perfect 10 for me!

Tom

 

[Maxie86]

Welcome to all the new posters.

Circusgirl, love the pics thanks for posting. Nice that you and Trish got to meet.

Candy, I can't think of a more perfect way to spend a January day.

Tom, Don't let Blue intimidate you into packing too early. I pack the day of too, and don't zip it up until I'm on my way out the door. Next thing she will have you packing and repacking and repacking and repacking...

Blue, Who are you calling 38??: I'll be joining you in single digits in less than 6 hours.

 

[cattywampus]

Trying to decide if we could make do with one room for four people. Do the tower rooms book at a higher rate than the standard rooms? If so, can anyone give me a ballpark (e.g. they are usually $100 per night more, etc)?

Also, can anyone give the same ballpark estimate on the difference between a standard room and the deluxe (non-bookable catagory shown on page 1)?

Thanks so much!

 

[disneysuncat]

These photos are making me want time to fly by so I can be there, too!

Congratulations to everyone about to experience the GF (whether for the first time, or going back "home" to it!)

It's kind of funny that having booked the GF this time, it's the ONE time I didn't constantly worry about possibly changing resorts! (every other time it's been here or there? Or there? Or THERE?)

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Is Gaspirilla's the only place to get/refill the drink mugs???

 

[Circusgirl]

Thanks for the inspirational pics, CircusGirl -- you and Blue are causing my suitcase to become packed much earlier than usual, although I'm still not zipping it up until 4pm for my 6:35pm flight! On a happy note, the magic band fairy appeared at my door yesterday. I'm glad to see you and Trish got together too.

I'm looking for some woman, sipping coffee, celebrating the anniversary of turning 37 while we are all down there together.

Tom

It was super fun hanging out with Trisha and her fabulous daughter. DISmeets are the best, have fun connecting on your trip!
So glad you liked the pictures!

CircusgirlLoving your pics!!! They are spectacular!! Thank you so much for posting them....

So nice that you got to meet up with Trish and her DD... We were at the World at the same time a few months back and enjoyed quite a bit of lounge time together too.... It was great fun!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! preppy GF gal who is still packing and repacking!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ..lol...

Soon you'll be enjoying the gorgeousness of the Grand in person!

Welcome to all the new posters.

Circusgirl, love the pics thanks for posting. Nice that you and Trish got to meet.

You're welcome! Enjoy the final countdown to your trip.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Is Gaspirilla's the only place to get/refill the drink mugs???

I thought they worked at the pool bars too, but I could be mistaken.

Tom

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Welcome to all the new posters.

Circusgirl, love the pics thanks for posting. Nice that you and Trish got to meet.

Candy, I can't think of a more perfect way to spend a January day.

Tom, Don't let Blue intimidate you into packing too early. I pack the day of too, and don't zip it up until I'm on my way out the door. Next thing she will have you packing and repacking and repacking and repacking...

Blue, Who are you calling 38??: I'll be joining you in single digits in less than 6 hours.

Maxie: Not a chance of me packing or, , repacking -- if I don't have what I need -- I buy it when I get there! With the exception of shoes -- and since I'm a male, I don't bring more than 2 pair (counting the ones I wear on the plane).

Tom

 

[Maxie86]

Trying to decide if we could make do with one room for four people. Do the tower rooms book at a higher rate than the standard rooms? If so, can anyone give me a ballpark (e.g. they are usually $100 per night more, etc)?

Also, can anyone give the same ballpark estimate on the difference between a standard room and the deluxe (non-bookable catagory shown on page 1)?

Thanks so much!

The outer building deluxe rooms, formally lodge tower rooms are at a higher rate, the deluxe rooms in Sugar Loaf are by request only and are the same rate. I love the extra room, it would be very convenient if you have four in a room to have the extra seating area and second TV.

It was super fun hanging out with Trisha and her fabulous daughter. DISmeets are the best, have fun connecting on your trip!
So glad you liked the pictures!



Soon you'll be enjoying the gorgeousness of the Grand in person!



You're welcome! Enjoy the final countdown to your trip.

Thanks, single digits.

Maxie: Not a chance of me packing or, , repacking -- if I don't have what I need -- I buy it when I get there! With the exception of shoes -- and since I'm a male, I don't bring more than 2 pair (counting the ones I wear on the plane).

Tom

I like the way you think. I feel the same, if I forget something I know they have stores in Florida.