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

[Candy Orlando]

View from the 6th floor Grand Villa.

 

[ocalla]

Candy: That is so beautiful!!! this upcoming trip will be our first GF stay, it helps soooooo much seeing pics of the layout!!! Am I seeing two pools in this pic? or did I have a Bit too much coffee..............???

 

[animalkingdom15]

View attachment 79491 View from the 6th floor Grand Villa.

Candy that is a great picture and gives me a great idea of the layout. It looks like everything is spread out very nicely and not so cramped as the value and moderate resorts tend to feel some times.

 

[dansdad]

Candy: That is so beautiful!!! this upcoming trip will be our first GF stay, it helps soooooo much seeing pics of the layout!!! Am I seeing two pools in this pic? or did I have a Bit too much coffee..............???

There are 2 pools at the GF, the beach pool and the courtyard pool. But what you are seeing in the above picture is the beach pool and the kiddie splash pad area.

 

[busymommy2pink]

SO...we added a couple of days...but won't be at the parks..so we booked 2 nights at the AoA Little mermaid rooms (we are going to the beach and shopping etc before the Disney part really starts..but why stay at a random hotel when you have Disney options right?? lol). My question is..the morning we go to check into GF, will Disney move our luggage or should we be prepared to take a cab? I'm just excited to add a couple of days!

That being said...Sannibel beach is kind of far, any other beaches (Gulf coast preferably), where we would find shells?? Our girls have never seen the Ocean or the Gulf before..and definitely never found shells! They get bored at a Beach quickly..so we only need to spend an hour or two lol. I understand this is TOTALLY crazy hehe.

 

[BlueSkies]

We have our trip booked at VGF (renting points) from 10/31 - 11/7, our first time staying at the Grand Floridian and our 1st trip with our baby girl, who will have just turned 1 year old. I wanted to make a splurge and stay at a monorail resort. I cant WAIT to share my Disney love with my daughter!

Congratulations! What a wonderful first stay with your baby girl!! We celebrated our DDs first birthday at the GF..and many milestones since then..Including her high school graduation..and college graduation! When we are planning something special..she will always suggest that we celebrate at her very favorite place...wishing you many years of grand celebrations too!

Sounds like fun. Normally I wouldn't spend this much on a trip but like you I splurged as I told myself one day when I can make it work out I will stay at one of the monorail resorts for a WDW vacation. I never figured it would end up being the Grand Floridian and in a club level that I would be staying at. I will admit that I love the idea of it only taking 5 min or so to get from GF to Magic Kingdom instead of the normal 15-20 min via the buses.

You certainly splurged in the right place! Travel to and from the GF to the Mk is just great..not to mention traveling around to the other monorail resorts...a monrail resort..particularly the GF really gives the feel that you are in the heart of the magic! Enjoy your trip!

Our feeling like -40 with windchill today is making me wish I was there right now!! Keep looking at Candys beautiful pics!!

To the person above with children. We have never stayed, but have visited, and saw lots of children. We didn't get a stuffy feel at all. It's Disney after all we booked and our daughters are 6 and 8. We booked it as their choice! Your kids will love love love it. We are looking forward to the unbirthday pool party!! Does any one know how much a cabanna rental is and when I could make one?

I know that dansdad answered our question...just wanted to add my two cents about the cabanas .. We really enjoy renting one when we are visiting the GF during the summer /warmer months..and it is an absolutely wonderful way to spend a pool day! Not only is the cabana comfy and nice..and offers some great shade from that Florida sun..the lounge chairs have extra thick cushions and there is also a cabana attendant that will keep your towels fresh and your ice bucket filled...and will bring you fluffy drinks from the pool bar too.. as I said a really enjoyable way to spend a pool day...well half day for us..as I would recommend starting the day in a park ..and ending the afternoon at the pool...JMO...

You can rent personal cabanas at GF. This resort keeps getting better and better. If you have a club level room is this something the club level CM's can do for you.

If you are staying CL you can put your requests in before your 180 day mark to the itinerary planning office and they can book everything for you at the 180 days..they will book your ADRs too..One of the nice perks of staying CL...

SO...we added a couple of days...but won't be at the parks..so we booked 2 nights at the AoA Little mermaid rooms (we are going to the beach and shopping etc before the Disney part really starts..but why stay at a random hotel when you have Disney options right?? lol). My question is..the morning we go to check into GF, will Disney move our luggage or should we be prepared to take a cab? I'm just excited to add a couple of days!

That being said...Sannibel beach is kind of far, any other beaches (Gulf coast preferably), where we would find shells?? Our girls have never seen the Ocean or the Gulf before..and definitely never found shells! They get bored at a Beach quickly..so we only need to spend an hour or two lol. I understand this is TOTALLY crazy hehe.

No personal experience with the luggage transfer..but have read many times here on the boards that it is available when you are moving from one WDW resort to another..sounds pretty easy to do too..Enjoy your combo WDW/beach vacation..sounds great!

Candy!!!!! Another FAB pic!! What a view!! Made my day..Wishing I was sitting on a balcony right now!

grannyminnie Safe travels today!!! Have lots of fun in California..Looking forward to hearing all about your time in DL....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Tuesday! GF gal who cannot wait for tomorrow morning to make a BOG lunch ADR for our trip...

 

[ocalla]

We did a split stay two years ago, and Disney moved our luggage for us. We just brought it to bell services and told them what resort we were switching to, then headed to the parks. that afternoon, we checked into our new hotel, and our luggage was there. Now, I don't think it goes there right when you ask, but it does get there later in the day.!!

 

[animalkingdom15]

Cross your fingers. I just noticed that 3/8 opened up at GF in the outer bldg - Standard room - Club Level with the AP rate that I had booked my first 7 nights at, so I'm currently on hold for reservations to add it so I will have all 8 nights in the same room and then they can cancel the one night in the regular garden view room. I sure hope it's still available by the time someone is available .

 

[animalkingdom15]

I'm so excited and thanks to everyone who mentioned to keep checking the AP site, because that room could open up for that extra night. They were able to book my last night in the outer bldg - Standard room - Club Level so no changing rooms, no possibly having to change Magic Bands for my last night and club level access for my entire stay. So all together for my 7 nights at the Grand Floridian in the outer bldg - Standard room - Club Level my total is $4118.42. All I can say now is:

 

[animalkingdom15]

Can someone tell me how bad the standard room club level views are at Grand Floridian. I know the main building club level lounge is bigger, but I couldn't get myself to pay the extra $273.70 a night for the Main Bldg - Theme Park View - Club Level.

 

[BlueSkies]

Page three rescue!!!! what...lol..page 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GF peeps..where are you...

Cross your fingers. I just noticed that 3/8 opened up at GF in the outer bldg - Standard room - Club Level with the AP rate that I had booked my first 7 nights at, so I'm currently on hold for reservations to add it so I will have all 8 nights in the same room and then they can cancel the one night in the regular garden view room. I sure hope it's still available by the time someone is available .

I'm so excited and thanks to everyone who mentioned to keep checking the AP site, because that room could open up for that extra night. They were able to book my last night in the outer bldg - Standard room - Club Level so no changing rooms, no possibly having to change Magic Bands for my last night and club level access for my entire stay. So all together for my 7 nights at the Grand Floridian in the outer bldg - Standard room - Club Level my total is $4118.42. All I can say now is:

Can someone tell me how bad the standard room club level views are at Grand Floridian. I know the main building club level lounge is bigger, but I couldn't get myself to pay the extra $273.70 a night for the Main Bldg - Theme Park View - Club Level.

Glad that your extra night opened up in the outer building club level category! I am a big believer in the sentiment "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!" especially when it come to Disney reservations!

As for the views in Sugar Loaf...there is not a bad view from that building at all...they are actually quite lovely...of either the courtyard pool area (my preference) or of the marina....

~ My BOG lunch quest....lol...after all of my excitement ...and reviewing our ADRs with my BFF ..and frequent Disney trip buddy....we decided to stick with the BOG dinner ressie that we already had............. ...lol....But...I did check early this am...just in case....to see what was available....at 7am EST there was not one isty bitsy lunch ADR available for our whole week in June...Imagine.................. ...good thing we decided to fore go it anyway!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday.... preppy GF gal who didn't change even one ADR today...lol..

 

[animalkingdom15]

Well right now it's either stick with the outer bldg - standard room - club level for $4188.42 or upgrade to main bldg - deluxe king room - club level for $5688.40. The difference would be about $215 a night more. Since I have never been there I wasn't sure if it is worth it. I do plan to go back to the resort in the afternoons for a little break and then head back to the parks and spend one complete day at the resort itself probably by the pool.

 

[busymommy2pink]

I just keep looking at the pictures..and I just can't wait to be there!!! And I have to wait until May for dining reservation and booking our cabana! lol..seems so far!!

 

[BOST99]

I just booked a short stay (3 days) for Memorial Day weekend. The GF is on hubby's "bucket list" and it's my bday weekend. The only option in our budget is an outer building. I'm betting on this being the 24 hour event and going to the MK for part of this stay. We'll only go to MK and maybe epcot. Spent a good amount of time at the pool with DD3.

I know it's the GF but are the outer buildings convenient? It'll be our first stay at GF and in a deluxe that's not one building so a bit worried about having a long walk for coffee in the am, food court, pool etc.

very excited!!

 

[ocalla]

Good Morning Everyone!!! I'm craving a few more pics.......Anyone......Candy......

My ADR window opens up March 16th. I'm just slightly excited!!!! In the meantime, I'm twiddling my fingers with nothing to plan! I keep coming back to this page over and over like a crazy person

 

[Candy Orlando]

I took this photo from the Beach Pool bridge.

 

[Candy Orlando]

I love the wallpaper in the DVC Grand Villa foyer.

 

[BlueSkies]

Well right now it's either stick with the outer bldg - standard room - club level for $4188.42 or upgrade to main bldg - deluxe king room - club level for $5688.40. The difference would be about $215 a night more. Since I have never been there I wasn't sure if it is worth it. I do plan to go back to the resort in the afternoons for a little break and then head back to the parks and spend one complete day at the resort itself probably by the pool.

I am personally a fan of both CLs..and for different reasons..the main building has a big open airy lounge..that allows you to enjoy the evening music being played in the atrium..which equals lots of ambiance...as opposed to SL which is located in an outer building..a plus in my opinion if you are planning more pool time...but with a much smaller lounge..I equate it to a bistro like feel...same food offerings and amenities in both CLs BTW...the lounge in SL is located in the lobby area of the building..so very convenient to grab a snack or beverage while coming or going...

King rooms in the main building...aka RPC are either located on the 2nd floor...nice MK views but very far from the lounge...and almost everything else...or right off of the atirum/lounge areas..but with no balcony...

So just a matter of opinion on which you would prefer....both terrific choices IMO...

I just booked a short stay (3 days) for Memorial Day weekend. The GF is on hubby's "bucket list" and it's my bday weekend. The only option in our budget is an outer building. I'm betting on this being the 24 hour event and going to the MK for part of this stay. We'll only go to MK and maybe epcot. Spent a good amount of time at the pool with DD3.

I know it's the GF but are the outer buildings convenient? It'll be our first stay at GF and in a deluxe that's not one building so a bit worried about having a long walk for coffee in the am, food court, pool etc.

very excited!!

Happy birthday to your DH!! What a nice way to celebrate! Everything on the GF grounds is in pretty close proximity to each other...and nothing is a long walk away from Gasparillas ( which is the GF QS) ...or either of the pools...our fave outer building is Boca Chica..while a little farther from Gasparillas...close to the boat dock...and the courtyard pool...not far from the children's splash area...and a quick walk to the main building...There is a map on page one of this thread that will give you a very good idea of where everything is located...

BTW the grounds are so lovely to walk around...and no outer building is far from the main building where you can shop dine and catch the monorail...Happy planning!

Good Morning Everyone!!! I'm craving a few more pics.......Anyone......Candy......

My ADR window opens up March 16th. I'm just slightly excited!!!! In the meantime, I'm twiddling my fingers with nothing to plan! I keep coming back to this page over and over like a crazy person

Morning ocalla I like your kind of crazy!!! lol... I think I might be the driver on that crazy bus myself...lol... Your ADR window will be here before you know it...

Candy You are the best!!!! Your pics are as lovely as your live TR descriptions!!! Really enjoying them!!!

~SO....my continuing ADR saga.....I just had to do it..yes added that BOG lunch to my growing list of ressies.... ...couldn't help it....just checking availability yesterday afternoon....lol...and there it was..on the exact day that I was thinking....at the right time....Its always about the food..lol...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Thursday... preppy GF gal who just loves to book ADRs...lol...

 

[ocalla]

Blue: make sure and drive that bus my direction....I'll hop right on!!! Of course You HAD to add that ADR.......we all understand!!!!!

Candy: Love the pics!!! Glad you posted that one, because I was having a hard time trying to figure out the whole Beach Pool area!!! I see that there is a bar right there. (I WOULD notice the bar ) Is there also a bar/grill near the other pool? How is the food at the pool?

 

[busymommy2pink]

Hi everyone! I was wondering...does club level sell out quickly?? We need outer building garden view for our budget. But if we can find a way to make up the extra, am I able to pay to upgrade to club level at check in? Or would I need to do it before hand? We likely won't know until just before we go if it's attainable. One can dream right? lol