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

[MichellelovesMickey]

I am trying to decide between Poly or GF for a one night stay prior to a mother/daughter weekend cruise over Labor Day weekend. DD is 18. We have stayed at Poly but never GF, we just want to relax. I am nervous about GF, like she won't enjoy it, or we won't "fit in". I love Poly, but it seems full of 'Resort Visitors' wandering around all the time. Will an 18 old like GF?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I am trying to decide between Poly or GF for a one night stay prior to a mother/daughter weekend cruise over Labor Day weekend. DD is 18. We have stayed at Poly but never GF, we just want to relax. I am nervous about GF, like she won't enjoy it, or we won't "fit in". I love Poly, but it seems full of 'Resort Visitors' wandering around all the time. Will an 18 old like GF?

What is to be nervous about or "fitting in?" There is nothing about the Grand that isn't welcoming nor relaxing. While the resort is victorian in style and a "grand" hotel, it is not the lifestyles of the rich and famous snooty if that is what you are concerned with.

Tom

 

[MichellelovesMickey]

What is to be nervous about or "fitting in?" There is nothing about the Grand that isn't welcoming nor relaxing. While the resort is victorian in style and a "grand" hotel, it is not the lifestyles of the rich and famous snooty if that is what you are concerned with. Tom

I guess I know a few acquaintances that stay there and they are overall snooty people, but then again they could stay anywhere and seem that way.
My concern is will my daughter like it?
Poly and GF are like night & day, besides my snooty friends that have ONLY stayed there I do not know anyone. Everyone keeps telling me Poly, but I am curious about GF and why so many like it.
As you can see I have stayed at several Value-Deluxe, but never GF.
What is it like?

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I guess I know a few acquaintances that stay there and they are overall snooty people, but then again they could stay anywhere and seem that way.
My concern is will my daughter like it?
Poly and GF are like night & day, besides my snooty friends that have ONLY stayed there I do not know anyone. Everyone keeps telling me Poly, but I am curious about GF and why so many like it.
As you can see I have stayed at several Value-Deluxe, but never GF.
What is it like?

My DD is 17 and LOVES the GF. She loves how she feels special there. We are farrr from snooty people and totally hang out in the resort wearing shorts and tanks.
I work with people that, for lack of a better word are Ultra Rich/Palm Beach Society...like, OLLLDDD money and honestly, most are down to earth people. So snooty doesn't always have to do with the price they paid for the room.

I have seen some outrageous behavior from people staying at all levels of the resorts that treat CM's poorly because they think they are paying for the privilege.

 

[BlueSkies]

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

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

You!! lol... Single digits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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?)

Hope that the time does fly by for you... Glad that you are not thinking about being a resort changer...You are in for a treat...

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

Nope....Tom was correct in the info that he posted...pool bars have refill stations too...

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

Tom

I am trying to decide between Poly or GF for a one night stay prior to a mother/daughter weekend cruise over Labor Day weekend. DD is 18. We have stayed at Poly but never GF, we just want to relax. I am nervous about GF, like she won't enjoy it, or we won't "fit in". I love Poly, but it seems full of 'Resort Visitors' wandering around all the time. Will an 18 old like GF?

My vote..being a devoted GF fan...lol..is the GF of course! Its a lovely resort..so much for mom and daughters to do..from the afternoon tea in the Garden View Lounge..to shopping in Summer Lace and Basin... My DD is a young adult now..and has always loved our stays at the GF....

As others have said..no worries about fitting in....

~Be aware though..the GF like the Poly and the CR for that matter being monorail resorts.. always has plenty of visitors roaming around....espcially given the beautiful welcoming lobby..and the music that the GF Society orchestra and the pianist play each afternoon into the evening...

circusgirl Can't wait!!!

cattywampus Those deluxe (aka former lodge tower rooms..???) why do they change the names of this category periodically...lol..really do offer an nice extra bit of space with that bumped out seating area...and as Maxie said and extra TV...

Hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend... preppy GF gal who will need a super sized suitcase to pack all that we will need due to all of the temperature variations during our trip.... ..and who won't be lending Maxie any of my warm /cold weather stuff because she packed too light....lol...

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend... preppy GF gal who will need a super sized suitcase to pack all that we will need due to all of the temperature variations during our trip.... ..and who won't be lending Maxie any of my warm /cold weather stuff because she packed too light....lol...

Maxie packs as I do, as long as mastercard, visa and american express are accepted, I've got what I need. Who says you need to buy your vacation wardrobe PRIOR to the trip?

Tom

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi, GF groupies! Such a yucky day here ...cold rain that might as well be snow! A good day to dream of being at the Grand, hanging out in the lobby (after having a nice cappuchino from the machine in the lounge )

 

[Maxie86]

I am trying to decide between Poly or GF for a one night stay prior to a mother/daughter weekend cruise over Labor Day weekend. DD is 18. We have stayed at Poly but never GF, we just want to relax. I am nervous about GF, like she won't enjoy it, or we won't "fit in". I love Poly, but it seems full of 'Resort Visitors' wandering around all the time. Will an 18 old like GF?

The GF is a perfect resort for a mother daughter trip. No worries about fitting in.

My DD is 17 and LOVES the GF. She loves how she feels special there. We are farrr from snooty people and totally hang out in the resort wearing shorts and tanks.
I work with people that, for lack of a better word are Ultra Rich/Palm Beach Society...like, OLLLDDD money and honestly, most are down to earth people. So snooty doesn't always have to do with the price they paid for the room.

I have seen some outrageous behavior from people staying at all levels of the resorts that treat CM's poorly because they think they are paying for the privilege.

You!! lol... Single digits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend... preppy GF gal who will need a super sized suitcase to pack all that we will need due to all of the temperature variations during our trip.... ..and who won't be lending Maxie any of my warm /cold weather stuff because she packed too light....lol...

No worries Blue, you know I will have warm clothes. Anyway as Tom said nobody said you have to buy your vacation wardrobe prior to your trip.
I haven't even looked at the long range weather yet.

Maxie packs as I do, as long as mastercard, visa and american express are accepted, I've got what I need. Who says you need to buy your vacation wardrobe PRIOR to the trip?

Tom

Exactly what I was thinking. All I need is a couple of credit cards and my license I'm good to go.

Hi, GF groupies! Such a yucky day here ...cold rain that might as well be snow! A good day to dream of being at the Grand, hanging out in the lobby (after having a nice cappuchino from the machine in the lounge )

Hi grannyminnie,

 

[TeacherDL]

Can someone give me a little more information about the afternoon tea in the garden room? We have never stayed at the GF (until this June), and I was just wanting some more information about it. My daughters are 16 and 10. Would they enjoy this? Do you make reservations?

 

[trishadono]

Can someone give me a little more information about the afternoon tea in the garden room? We have never stayed at the GF (until this June), and I was just wanting some more information about it. My daughters are 16 and 10. Would they enjoy this? Do you make reservations?

Perfect timing! Just returned from Disney and another great visit to dd's favorite, The tea room

Here are some pics from some of our visits.

You can book online at disney dining reservation section:

You can get a "meal" or ala carte items. Dd loves the scones and was able to get an order to go too! That was only $4

You can also buy a tin of the tea as well. The mad hatter tea there is NOT the same as the ones disney sells in the gift shops. So if you like it in the tearoom ask to buy it!! (DD taking it back to college for when she is missing her favorite vacation destination )

 

[trishadono]

 

[trishadono]

 

[disneysuncat]

Thanks for the pics of the tea! (I wasn't the one that asked, but still appreciate them!) We're planning to book that per my mother's request on the same day that we're doing MNSSHP. (which will also be our day 1 at the Grand Floridian!)

I feel like such a stalker checking this Grand Floridian thread 20 times a day.

 

[TeacherDL]

Thank you so much for the pictures and information! What time of day do you usually go with your daughter?

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for the pics of the tea! (I wasn't the one that asked, but still appreciate them!) We're planning to book that per my mother's request on the same day that we're doing MNSSHP. (which will also be our day 1 at the Grand Floridian!)

I feel like such a stalker checking this Grand Floridian thread 20 times a day.

Well I just added some more pics for you then

Thank you so much for the pictures and information! What time of day do you usually go with your daughter?

We like the first time we can get 2-2:30pm and consider it lunch.

I always get the Miss Kate. Starts with champagne and a pot of tea. 1st course is potted shrimp. 2nd course the pic with cheeses and honey etc, then you get the plate of scones also pictured above then 4th course either the plate of asst desserts (The pistachio swan, white choc strawberry and eclair was my pick this time), the strawberry trifle bowl was my pick last time and dd had a bowl of strawberries and cream

The plate of tea sandwiches is part of dd's 3 course choice but I forget the name of it. Hers was sandwiches, scone plate and desserts choice. We do a lot of sharing which is good because I love the onion tart from her sandwich plate

 

[trishadono]

Dd and i had a wonderful time and she heads back to college today

I am so jealous of you heading out soon!!! Are Ya packed yet? We took a lot of stuff and wore capris with a sweater or jacket most days but the last day was so HOT we wore shorts and sleeveless

Tom the vera has moved to the back wall in Summer Lace:

have a great weekend, need peeps!!

 

[trishadono]

Dd and i had a wonderful time and she heads back to college today

I am so jealous of you heading out soon!!! Are Ya packed yet? We took a lot of stuff and wore capris with a sweater or jacket most days but the last day was so HOT we wore shorts and sleeveless

Tom the vera has moved to the back wall in Summer Lace:

Have a great weekend, peeps!!

 

[disneysuncat]

Ooooh, thanks for the additional pics!

We're planning on the tea around 2 or 2:30 PM ourselves, as a late lunch since we'll have a party to attend that night. My mom and daughter (age 15) are absolute tea nuts, so even though we're doing deluxe dining (and will have to pay for this out of pocket!) it's a must-do!

So today I'm gazing out the window at the bit of snow we received last night, but my mind is at the Grand Floridian!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Tom the vera has moved to the back wall in Summer Lace:

Thanks Trish!

Since it is snowing up here and the forecast is for highs in the upper 20s fo the next week -- I will be wearing shortsleeves no matter what the forecast for Orlando is!

Tom

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Thanks Trish!

Since it is snowing up here and the forecast is for highs in the upper 20s fo the next week -- I will be wearing shortsleeves no matter what the forecast for Orlando is!

Tom

When are you going?
We leave the morning of the 6th and my daughter is having her senior pictures done at the Grand the morning of the 7th

I can't wait, I was lucky enough to get the Roots (a husband and wife photography team famous for Disney weddings) to book a session