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

[Babsy]

Anyone at GF right now?? I want to know if they have the large 2oz sea marine shampoo in the room or do I need to bring my own

WE just returned from the GF RPC (we were there the last week of January). They had the smaller bottles of sea marine in the room. When we moved to the BWI CL I brought some small sea marine bottles with me. They (BWI CL) had the small bottles of the grapefruit shampoo, but on the last day they changed it to large bottles of sea marine.

If you get there and want the larger bottles, they would probably get some for you. meanwhile, we were provided with multiple bottles every day so we had plenty.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Thanks! I got back last night and they did have the smaller bottles. Last year they had the 2oz in SugarLoaf and then we had them at YC, but we were in the VP suite.. So I guess at some point, they switched it to suites as someone said.

We did get plenty and my sweet Mousekeeper gave me a bunch extra.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hello fellow GF fans....

Seems like we were in WDW ages ago instead of last week...with all of this weather that we have had to contend with the past week...

Babsy I think that we may have been in RPC at the same time...even though the weather was on the cooler side I thought it was just right for touring the parks.... Hope that you had a grand stay!

Candy Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures...

So...does anyone know where our tickers are....?? I can view them in my signature when I am logged in to my account..DisneyDmbNut I can see yours in your post right above mine too....but I am not seeing them other wise...??? lol...

Hope that everyone is keeping warm and planning new Disney trips!Preppy GF gal who is thinking about trying the BC on our next trip...??

 

[LMO429]

We are booked for an outer building garden view? What building should I put down as a request?

Is there a link with pros and cons of each building?

 

[BlueSkies]

The first page of this thread has a map that will show you where each outer building is located...and that should help you decide what you would prefer...

My favorite outer building is Boca Chica..its located close to the courtyard pool..and boat dock...with great views of the pool area and main building...

For a quieter location some people like Sago Cay..closer to the bus stop and Gasparilla' s...

Garden views at the GF can be gardens..of course...lol...pool view..or even marina view...all very lovely. ..and since the grounds are not big everything really is in pretty close proximity. ..

Ultimately I think its just a matter of personal preference. ..

One thing I am certain of is that what ever building you choose will be just grand!!! ....

 

[trishadono]

Hello fellow GF fans....

Seems like we were in WDW ages ago instead of last week...with all of this weather that we have had to contend with the past week...

Babsy I think that we may have been in RPC at the same time...even though the weather was on the cooler side I thought it was just right for touring the parks.... Hope that you had a grand stay!

Candy Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures...

So...does anyone know where our tickers are....?? I can view them in my signature when I am logged in to my account..DisneyDmbNut I can see yours in your post right above mine too....but I am not seeing them other wise...??? lol...

Hope that everyone is keeping warm and planning new Disney trips!Preppy GF gal who is thinking about trying the BC on our next trip...??

I could not see the tickers until I signed in.

Been too busy to learn all the new features !!!

Oh well, maybe soon I can play with it!

 

[ocalla]

All booked for Sept. 12-19....first time at GF....25th Anniversary....first Empty Nesters trip....Lots and Lots of firsts

 

[BlueSkies]

Hey Trish! I see that you were a super early bird today! I was up at that hour too...... coughing and sneezing!

ocalla Happy 25th anniversay!! Can't think of a nicer place to celebrate than a stay at the GF...exactly what we did for our anniversary...A nice addition would be to book some signature dining right there at the GF..I know many love V&A...but my vote would be for Citricos...nice ambiance and a very good meal..Be sure to mention your special anniversary on your resort ressie and any dining ressies as well... .Happy planning....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday... preppy GF gal who has a big old head cold...achoo!!

 

[ocalla]

BlueSkies: I'm spending all my free time pre planning the ADR's!!! Signature Dining is HIGH on my radar for this trip!! It will also be so nice to actually relax and have breakfast in the morning without worrying about Rope Drop.

Hope you feel better soon!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Greetings GF friends. I'm back from mostly 70s Florida to frigid Connecticut. As a bonus, my flight home was cancelled, so we got an extra night/day in Disney -- just awful but we sucked it up and got it done. So, my mini-trip report is as follows: the Grand is still GRAND! Negatives -- I had booked a lagoon view room, outer building queen beds -- only requests I had -- not Big Pine Key and upper level. What did I get, Big Pine Key and first floor. I asked to swap and was told "sorry, we are full." It might have had something to do with weather delays as we didn't check-in until after midnight and we were supposed to arrive much earlier.

Dinner at Narcossee's was excellent, as always. With regard to gluten free options, we had no problems, regardless of where, or level, of food service -- every time we said "gluten and dairy" they said, wait right here and we will have a chef come out. And every time, the chef came out and first confirmed the allergy, and then went through item by item with how they could make it allergy free -- or, on a couple of items, they said "sorry, this one can't be made safely for you." That included both the pool bar and all of the quick service in the parks as well, in addition to table service.

Our room view was of the new huts over at the Poly. The room was rehabbed, last year I had one of the last rooms that wasn't done yet. We liked the new decor, with the exception of the carpet. Maybe I missed it last year, but there was no stationary in the room, nor postcards, as I remembered in previous stays.

We did the Wild Africa Trek this trip and it was absolutely a fabuous time. We highly recommend it. We had a first time vistor to WDW -- the oldest niece's boyfriend. He's a practical young man, a 7th generation architect. He went "to be a good sport, but amusement parks aren't for me." The first ride was "Peter Pan" and the direct quote was "This is so cool, now I know why you keep coming back, there is something magical in Disney." It only got better when we went to Epcot and did Soarin, and Test Track and went over to Hollywood Studios for TSMM. There is s rumor that somehow he and I made our stage debuts in Enchanted Tales With Belle.....if you happen to see a video, it is just knights in shining armour that resemble us.

The self parking was just as a PP noted to me, close and easy to use. I also like magic banding my way into the resort. I had the same problem, as in the past 4 trips with my magic band -- I had to use a ticket to get into the parks, but my magic band did everything else. The rest of the crew just had to use their magic bands.

Our friend, the afternoon lady, was there each afternoon we walked through the lobby and the piano and orchestra were as wonderful as always. The girls enjoyed their Vera Bradley surprises, thanks for pointing out where they were in Summer Lace, and they found some Lilly Pulizter they would die without.

All in all, a great trip.

TOm

 

[BlueSkies]

Ocalla My mantra is "Its all about the food"...lol...so I totally understand having dining high on your radar! Our faves are Narcoosees Citricos and of course Cali Grille....This past trip we timed our ADRs to coincide with Wishes at the MK...and I have to say it was just magical! Thanks for well wishes..cold in the winter are just no fun...lol...

Tom!!! Welcome back!!! Sorry that you did not get your rooms requests met.......but sounds like overall it was another grand vacation!! ...Never did the Wild Africa Trek..but I do believe our good friend ahcupcake has enjoyed and recommended it as well....

As for the carpets...do you mean in the room..or in the common areas and hallways...I thought the room carpet was very nice...soft swirl designs with blue ( a fave color of mine.. ) ..and tan...but that carpet in the outer areas...........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...lol....

 

[grannyminnie]

Ocalla My mantra is "Its all about the food"...lol...so I totally understand having dining high on your radar! Our faves are Narcoosees Citricos and of course Cali Grille....This past trip we timed our ADRs to coincide with Wishes at the MK...and I have to say it was just magical! Thanks for well wishes..cold in the winter are just no fun...lol...

Tom!!! Welcome back!!! Sorry that you did not get your rooms requests met.......but sounds like overall it was another grand vacation!! ...Never did the Wild Africa Trek..but I do believe our good friend ahcupcake has enjoyed and recommended it as well....

As for the carpets...do you mean in the room..or in the common areas and hallways...I thought the room carpet was very nice...soft swirl designs with blue ( a fave color of mine.. ) ..and tan...but that carpet in the outer areas...........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...lol....

Blue, sorry to hear you're sick but glad it didn't happen while you were down at Disney! With all that awful weather you guys are having up there, it's no wonder somebody hasn't mentioned illness!

Welcome back from what sounds like another good trip, Tom! Except for the unmet room request, it all sounded Grand~

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi grannyminnie Good to see you!!!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

As for the carpets...do you mean in the room..or in the common areas and hallways...I thought the room carpet was very nice...soft swirl designs with blue ( a fave color of mine.. ) ..and tan...but that carpet in the outer areas...........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...lol....

Blue - there was a carpet in the room? After seeing what was in the hallways, I was too blinded to notice what was on the floor in our room! It was a lovely trip in deed!

Tom

 

[ocalla]

would LOVE to try the Wild Africa Trek!!! Please do tell us more!

totally clueless on room requests. In fact it makes me panic just thinking about it. I always worry that I'm requesting the wrong area ( Such strong confidence!!) My husband asked if the fireworks views from GF were decent from either the beach/pool/dock area?

 

[StirlingSilver83]

I finally got to my 60 day mark! YAY! 60 days til fun in the sun and staying at the Grand. I can't wait! I did get an email today to start my online check in. I thought that was available at 30 days not 60 so that was a really nice surprise! Anyways I really want to get into Big Pine Key building so I put that as a request but I also put to have our room ready for check in. I know we will be arriving super early on our arrival day (before 7AM most likely) so it would be nice if our room is ready, but I know not to count on it. So here is my question...honestly it doesn't really matter if our room is ready or not, its more of a luxury than a need for us. Anyways is there a plus to being on the ground floor vs an upper floor in the Big Pine Key Building? If you are on the ground floor do you still get like a porch or something to sit on outside your room? I guess I should mention we are staying in a Garden View Deluxe room. What is everyone's opinion on what I should put for our requests?

 

[ocalla]

StirlingSilver83: Great Question! I have seen several posts mentioning Ground Floor vs. Balcony Floor. Having never stayed at GF, I would also LOVE to hear opinions on this and maybe see some pics of the Patios?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

would LOVE to try the Wild Africa Trek!!! Please do tell us more!

This was an extra experience (as in add another $200 per person to the trip cost) that was worth every penny. We met our guides directly next to the Safari. They went over all things safety many times and weighed each of us to be certain that we were in the proper harness. We had two guides, Josh and Andy who had the typical Disney jokes but were also extremely knowledgeable about the animals and safety. So, we started out hiking, in our funny looking gear, among the rest of the peeps on the patagonia hike. But, about 400 yards in, we went off into the woods. The first stop was to see Henry and Hans -- about 4,000lbs each of hungry hippos. They are food trained, much like a dog, and did tricks - such as opening their mouths wider and wider while the trainer who met us there held out a head of lettuce or other veggie for them. We were safety harnessed in and we had a great photo op to "lean" over the side to take mouth wide open pics and we also experienced what the guides called a "dung shower" - an experience to be missed if you can help it. Thank god we were 20 feet above them. Next, we got up on the first rope bridge -- again, major emphasis on safety, and we were tethered to a safety wire. They definitely made the bridge and adventure with lots of missing boards and/or "broken" boards. While making our way across, one at at time, the guides took our pictures. Once we got to the other side, we then got checked again, and this time we went over the crocodiles -- the best thing ever!!!!! Again, a crazy bridge 20-30 feet above 20 african crocodiles. Once safely to the other side, there was another ledge for us to lean over and shoot photos. Once this part was complete, we got out of our harnesses and hiked to our waiting truck. We went on different paths than the Kilimanjaro safari and got up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, warthogs, rhinos, wildabeasts etc. They stopped often for photos. Next, they took us to our Boma for a safari camp lunch. This consisted of something similar to pita bread, smoked meats, fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese and a date bar that was delicious. After lunch we got back in the truck and got close to the lions as well as the elephants, the only thing we didn't see were the addix as they were in hiding. The guides were very informative and answered questions from the youngest trekker, a 9 year old, up to any question the adults had. They also taught us how to advoid the dreaded Disney Strollerbeast and where their breeding and nesting areas were located.

I highly, highly recommend this. Also, once done, they gave us a website and password to get into all the pics they took that day, plus their best of gallaries should we have not gotten a picture a a lion roaring or something that we really wanted, we were officially licensed to print that photo and keep it in our own gallery.

Note my new avatar - yup, rope bridge over the crocodiles!

Tom

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi grannyminnie Good to see you!!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Oops....where did my message go?? lol I replied hello but it's invisible!