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

[ocalla]

Tom: that Trek sounds amazing!!!! How long was it? My daughter is a CM and I know she and her Boyfriend would just love this!!!!!!! How far in advance did you have to book it?

 

[BeenALongTime]

Hi all! I am back in snowy CT from my first trip to the Grand and I can't thank you enough for all of your wonderful advice! We lost a flight too, but unfortunately it was on the way down and not back so we actually lost a day in the World and ended up racing to make our reservation to Narcoosee's but after that all was well again. What a perfect meal! We were also incredibly lucky and got an upper floor in Boca Chica (my kids are still talking about it) so although we had only reserved lagoon views we ended up with a view of the castle as well - ahh happiness! We had breakfast with Alice & friends at 1900 Park Fare, and although temps were low my kids did still love the pools (that slide is awesome) and they even locked up their loot from the pirates cruise in the room safe. So - I think it's fair to say we are all in love with the Grand now.
But I still need your help Grand friends - that scent (that wonderful scent) that floats through the main building - how do I get it? (And yes - I asked - they don't sell it there). So - any thoughts you guys have would be great. I need something to tide me over until my next trip

 

[BlueSkies]

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?

Woohoo...the 60 day mark!!! ...Did you book all of your FPP..I hope! You should not on your reservation the CRO that you are arriving extra early..there are times that we have been able to check into our room at 9am.... YOu never know..and there certainly is no harm in asking! Ground floor rooms at teh GF do not have patios like those at the Poly and CR..they are enclosed balconies surrounded by landscaping....I really like the convenience of a ground floor room when we are staying in an outer building...its just a personal preference IMO...there are nice views from all floors..although there might be some TPV and LV rooms that offer a better view from a higher floor??..MariaMouse had posted some very nice view pics a while back from her ground floor room in Boca Chica..that might have been on the previous thread though..not sure... BPK is nice and close to both pools and the main building...but..be aware some ground and lower floor rooms do fall into the "behind the pool house" view....so you might want to put upper floor if you are requesting that particular building....All of the outer buildings are so conveniently located on the property..I would just decide whats most important and request that...HTH....

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi all! I am back in snowy CT from my first trip to the Grand and I can't thank you enough for all of your wonderful advice! We lost a flight too, but unfortunately it was on the way down and not back so we actually lost a day in the World and ended up racing to make our reservation to Narcoosee's but after that all was well again. What a perfect meal! We were also incredibly lucky and got an upper floor in Boca Chica (my kids are still talking about it) so although we had only reserved lagoon views we ended up with a view of the castle as well - ahh happiness! We had breakfast with Alice & friends at 1900 Park Fare, and although temps were low my kids did still love the pools (that slide is awesome) and they even locked up their loot from the pirates cruise in the room safe. So - I think it's fair to say we are all in love with the Grand now.
But I still need your help Grand friends - that scent (that wonderful scent) that floats through the main building - how do I get it? (And yes - I asked - they don't sell it there). So - any thoughts you guys have would be great. I need something to tide me over until my next trip

Welcome back BeenALongTime! Happy to hear that you and your family had a grand trip and that the the advice here helped make it so! ...Sounds like you had a great room with a view......so nice to come back to that at the end of a busy day ....I see that they put the safe to good use...lol...

As for that wonderful scent....I cannot recall the name of the company..but hopefully WishesQueen will pop in to answer this..she purchased the system for her home...I think its a delivery system with scent canisters ..but she will be able to elaborate on that...Wish that I could remember what it is called...lol...

 

[BlueSkies]

Morning fellow GF fans...obviously I have not mastered the art of the multi quote on the new board........ all in good time I suppose...lol...

Tom Great new avatar!! Very Crocodile Dundee for those who remember who that is! I don't have personal recollection..but think that Maxie might have shown me some pics ... lol...

~BOG LUNCH ADR'S~ For anyone who is interested...me me me...lol...cause its always about the food!!! Allears has posted that lunch ADRs will be available for booking as of February 25th...and up to 180 days out... dining times are between 10:30 and 2:30pm...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Thursday.... preppy GF gal who can see tickers when signed in on the computer but not on the phone..???? lol...

 

[Lovetherodent]

Requested a dormer room. There are just 3 of us, so we don't need to sleep 5.

Question for ya'll... How is the bus transportation to HS and AK? If we want to be there around opening, how much time should be allow? It's a busy time (spring break). Think they're be buses just for GF due to high crowds or will we be standing as the last pick up?

 

[dansdad]

But I still need your help Grand friends - that scent (that wonderful scent) that floats through the main building - how do I get it? (And yes - I asked - they don't sell it there). So - any thoughts you guys have would be great. I need something to tide me over until my next trip

The system is called AccScent HD. The particular cartridge/scent is Green Clover and Aloe. It ain't cheap though, the machine is $149.99 and the cartridges are $49.99.

http://www.enviroscent.com/accscenthd

 

[BlueSkies]

Lovetherodent Great request..I think that dormer rooms have a lot of charm..and lots of extra visual space with the vaulted ceilings...

I know that there are varying opinions on transportation to HS and AK from the GF..but in many trips we really hav never waited long for a bus..although..many times have had to stand...I think that rule of thumb should be about an hour using Disney bus transportation...

dansdad Thanks for sharing that info!!

grannyminnie Just want to say..WTG getting those tickers in your siggie!!!! Lots of fun ahead for you and your DH!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Tom: that Trek sounds amazing!!!! How long was it? My daughter is a CM and I know she and her Boyfriend would just love this!!!!!!! How far in advance did you have to book it?

Hi Ocalla: It was a three hour tour, lol......I booked it at 2 months out. They had many slots open for the day we were going. I think they have them scheduled for every hour. Our group was 7 plus 2 guides. I think the most they take at once is 10. They should definitely do it. I was looking at some of the pix last night and they are AMAZING. The guides take pix during the tour in addition to the ones we took. All were fantastic.

Tom

 

[StirlingSilver83]

Woohoo...the 60 day mark!!! ...Did you book all of your FPP..I hope! You should not on your reservation the CRO that you are arriving extra early..there are times that we have been able to check into our room at 9am.... YOu never know..and there certainly is no harm in asking! Ground floor rooms at teh GF do not have patios like those at the Poly and CR..they are enclosed balconies surrounded by landscaping....I really like the convenience of a ground floor room when we are staying in an outer building...its just a personal preference IMO...there are nice views from all floors..although there might be some TPV and LV rooms that offer a better view from a higher floor??..MariaMouse had posted some very nice view pics a while back from her ground floor room in Boca Chica..that might have been on the previous thread though..not sure... BPK is nice and close to both pools and the main building...but..be aware some ground and lower floor rooms do fall into the "behind the pool house" view....so you might want to put upper floor if you are requesting that particular building....All of the outer buildings are so conveniently located on the property..I would just decide whats most important and request that...HTH....

Thanks so much! Yes I stayed up til 1AM to get all my FPs booked. Anna & Elsa being the most important ones. I did get them, not sure if I am happy about the time but beggers can't be choosers lol. I have 2 small kids, DS8 and DS1 so I figured Big Pine Key would be a good building because its right between the 2 pools and closest to the main building. I did mark on there what time we would be arriving (most likely before 7AM). We are staying Off property for 2 nights before going to the grand so we will already be in the Orlando area and we have a breakfast ADR for Ohana that morning at 8AM so I want to make sure things are settled and done at the Grand in time for our breakfast. Maybe I should make that my only priority and leave it up to fate which building we get? I've heard a lot of people don't like Big Pine Key bc you have the risk of getting a nice view of that pool house, lol.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Thought I would share - We got back Monday from SugarLoaf. We had Room 6420 which is a Deluxe "Turret" room. Because it is on the 4th floor, there is no balcony.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/126378019@N02/sets/72157650715847646/

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon

It's cold and snowing.....again in my part of PA...
Still no trip planned, but I did enter one about 5weeks ago,I *think* that one was from the Orlando tourist board and I only think that because I received a "Visit Orlando" packet in the mail yesterday
I realized I never gave an update after my crazy Bulldog ate the rope chew toy, he's doing very well now back to his old rambunctious self and the spots in his fur are finally starting to grow back after surgery.. He's at the groomer now getting a pawdicure

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

Congrats on your first GF stay & adults only trip...Since it's a milestone trip in so many ways have you considered dining at V&A? Yes it's expensive but well worth every penny

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 Narcoossee'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 fabulous time. We highly recommend it. We had a first time visitor 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 armor 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

Welcome back Tom! Although with all the snow I bet you wish you were still down there....Sounds like you had a fab trip...Love The Wild Africa Trek, mom & I would do it again in a heartbeat

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!

Hi Granny......Just noticed you have a trip to DL coming up next month.....
How did I miss Blue's post that she wasn't feeling well?

Morning fellow GF fans...obviously I have not mastered the art of the multi quote on the new board........ all in good time I suppose...lol...

Tom Great new avatar!! Very Crocodile Dundee for those who remember who that is! I don't have personal recollection..but think that Maxie might have shown me some pics ... lol...

~BOG LUNCH ADR'S~ For anyone who is interested...me me me...lol...cause its always about the food!!! Allears has posted that lunch ADRs will be available for booking as of February 25th...and up to 180 days out... dining times are between 10:30 and 2:30pm...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Thursday.... preppy GF gal who can see tickers when signed in on the computer but not on the phone..???? lol...

Hope you're feeling better today.....
The multi quote is kind of easy just keep clicking "quote" then when you're ready to reply go to the box at the bottom of the page where you type the message there is a box that says add quote/s just click that, then everything you that you quoted should be there

Sounds like they are turning lunch at BOG into almost a TS, looks like them serving breakfast is becoming a reality

Hi Ocalla: It was a three hour tour, lol......I booked it at 2 months out. They had many slots open for the day we were going. I think they have them scheduled for every hour. Our group was 7 plus 2 guides. I think the most they take at once is 10. They should definitely do it. I was looking at some of the pix last night and they are AMAZING. The guides take pix during the tour in addition to the ones we took. All were fantastic.

Tom

Do they give you a metal/steel travel mug as a souvie & weigh you in front of everyone? When we took the tour they gave us a photopass card, guess they stopped doing that because too many people would add park pics to it and not pay for them when in reality they just paid for the ones from the WAT

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Do they give you a metal/steel travel mug as a souvie & weigh you in front of everyone? When we took the tour they gave us a photopass card, guess they stopped doing that because too many people would add park pics to it and not pay for them when in reality they just paid for the ones from the WAT

Yes, everyone got a Disney's Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek mug. In addition, they gave us a link to a website and a password to get in for the pictures they took that day, plus a gallery of their favorite pix.

Tom

Alert Me

 

[ShayBells]

Question: Has anyone been mid September before? Are the love bugs bad on the patios and/or balconies?

We've never been to a deluxe and this will be our first time. My mom is so excited to have either one but I'm afraid she might be disappointed if they are covered in bugs.

(I know we can't predict anything my question is mostly if you have been there during a past love bug season have you had experience noticing if they like hanging out on the porches/balconies at GF?)

 

[StirlingSilver83]

Question: Has anyone been mid September before? Are the love bugs bad on the patios and/or balconies?

We've never been to a deluxe and this will be our first time. My mom is so excited to have either one but I'm afraid she might be disappointed if they are covered in bugs.

(I know we can't predict anything my question is mostly if you have been there during a past love bug season have you had experience noticing if they like hanging out on the porches/balconies at GF?)

Ok what are "love bugs" and what is the season where they come out. I seriously hate bugs and have never heard of them lol

 

[ShayBells]

Ok what are "love bugs" and what is the season where they come out. I seriously hate bugs and have never heard of them lol

You can google them. They don't bite or anything but my mom hates them and she's going down with me and my kid. The one year in September they were all over Coronado it was pretty bad. I would just hate to splurge and book at GF than get a porch full of bugs lol

I have only seen them bad that one year tho I believe it was 2011. Any other time I've gone I never noticed them. So I'm hoping it was just bad that one year.

 

[phyllis1966]

You can google them. They don't bite or anything but my mom hates them and she's going down with me and my kid. The one year in September they were all over Coronado it was pretty bad. I would just hate to splurge and book at GF than get a porch full of bugs lol

I have only seen them bad that one year tho I believe it was 2011. Any other time I've gone I never noticed them. So I'm hoping it was just bad that one year.

The love bugs arrive every year in May and again in September. The one time we went in May, they were pretty annoying, covering many surfaces and making it hard to find a clean place to sit. They are harmless and small, though.

 

[Babsy]

Hi all!

We just booked Sugar Loaf for November. WE were in RPC Jan past and while I was there we decided to have a peek at the SL Lounge. It looked quite nice, but I have read some reviews that were not positive. Anyone who has been there lately, How was your experience? Did you have trouble finding tables?

We loved RPC but we had to go up and down in different elevators depending upon where we were going. We actually left the building and walked around to the lobby to go to the monorail on many occasions. Also, if we used the boat launch we walked outside, of course. In the end, I felt that Sugar Loaf might be just as convenient, if not more so, for our next trip.

WE have family that are DVC staying in VGF at the same time. I think that SL will be more convenient for getting together going to the monorail, pool or boat dock.

Any opinions? Am I missing something? WWYD?

Thank you, everyone!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hello, ahcupcake. Glad you checked in from snowy Pa.! If you remember, I'm one of those crazies who actually likes the stuff, but only because we seldom get it... I really feel for you in the northeast, tho!
Thanks for the room photos, Disneydumbnut.

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Morning !

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!!!

Not much going on here.We're supposed to get more snow today. So I think I think I'll watch my planning dvd's

Yes, everyone got a Disney's Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek mug. In addition, they gave us a link to a website and a password to get in for the pictures they took that day, plus a gallery of their favorite pix.

Tom

Your pics didn't show up, but I do believe you.When mom & I took the tour it was still new,we took it in April and it started a few months before so our travel mugs were plain stainless steel..They gave us a photopass card with the pics that were taken during the tour as well as the gallery..I love seeing/hearing how they change the tour.........Glad you had a great time

Hello, ahcupcake. Glad you checked in from snowy Pa.! If you remember, I'm one of those crazies who actually likes the stuff, but only because we seldom get it... I really feel for you in the northeast, tho!

Hi Granny

Oh that's right how could I forget..You should go to New England to visit Maxie then she has plenty of the white stuff and getting more

Where's Blue?