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

[KonaKaiTom]

Good morning GF friends. Well, I've been home for 3 weeks now, which means 5 snowstorms and lots of single digit days. You know what that means, it's time to book Food and Wine! Last year we stayed at the YC as it was much more convenient for those nights were we "sampled" the worldwide refreshments. We might try the BWI this time as that is one of the remaining "we haven't stayed there" hotels on property. I must go, yet another snowstorm is forecast so I need to maximize my workday so I get home before it gets bad again.

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Candy Yet another fabulous picture!!!!! ..We did a family photo shoot at the GF..and my fave pictures were taken right in that very sopt on the steps...

I just did my online check in. I requested a ground floor because I hate elevators and I also request boca chica. I was going to request big pine key but I was concerned if I book a ground floor room my view would be of the back of the pool house. Was I correct in requesting boca chica then???

what about sago? thoughts on that building

Boca Chica is such a nice outer building to be staying in....so close to the courtyard pool, great views of the pool area and across the courtyard to the main building...and very close to the boat dock...which I am betting you will make good use of.. As I have mentioned..never stayed in Sago..but it is the one building that holds the least appeal to me as it seems a bit removed from the rest of the grounds..JMO though..there are people who really prefer Sago for just that reason...

One more question. How long is the walk from the GF to the Poly. Is the pathway there clearly marked as well?

The walk is about 10 minute walk along a lovely path...and while I don't recall any specific signs...it is a defined path right over to the Poly property...

Thanks for the thoughtful reply re: scheduling dinner, BlueSkies! I'm thinking Citricos will have to await another trip because I want to maximize consumption in the lounge.

I understand ..lots of yummy lounge food...Citrico's is hard to pass up though...such good food and atmosphere...

We will be at the villas in November. The 13-19. What are the chances it will be decorated for the holidays. We will be in a 1 bedroom lake view. How long is the walk from villas to main building. I've been looking for a trip report but can't find one. Does someone know of a good one.

The decorations will be partially up at the time of year...it's right about the time that the gingerbread house starts going up...this past year I think that it opened o the 22nd of November... the walk from the lobby of the VGF to the main building is a short one..just a few minutes..and is under a covered walk way... enjoy your time in that 1 bedroom lake view!

I'm so glad you can see Wishes from the GF! I'm not a fan of staying in the parks late, the crowds after the fireworks are something I prefer to avoid!!

Us too.... ...lol...just an FYI...for those staying in RPC..there a large balcony located on the 3rd floor overlooking the courtyard area...(think it is a designated smoking area..not sure though..) that has limited fireworks viewing....the angle is just a bit off for full viewing..still a very nice spot if you don't mind viewing without the benefits of the music.... If that is a must ..then you can't beat watching from the boat dock...where you can hear the piped in music from Narcoosees....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday... preppy GF gal...who is ignoring a looong to do list... in favor of spending time here...lol....

 

[BlueSkies]

HI Tom...It's definitely time for winter to be over!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I agree...no better way to pass the time than planning your next F&W trip!!! BWI was a very pleasant surprise to me....totally enjoyed our stay there this past winter..(nicely renovated rooms too)..and would stay again without hesitation....Happy planning!

 

[twocat]

Just curious but what is the Summerhouse? From pictures, it looks like the louvered doors/windows could be opened. Is it ever open? It seems like it's in an odd place to be some sort of retail or food venue but in too prominent a location to be a storage area.

What IS or WAS it?

 

[TeacherDL]

I have booked a standard room for the first of June. I hadn't really thought about making a room request until I read about some of your requests on this board. Does anyone have suggestions of what kind of request I should make? It's my family of four with two daughters ages 16 and 10 who love the pool and pretty much everything Disney. Recommendations?

 

[Jennygt]

Really tough day here, need some gf info to guide me through

 

[animalkingdom15]

Well I have had a great time at GF for the last 3 nights and I'm sure that fun will continue over at CR for the next 4 nights. Thanks for those of you who recommended GF as it is a great resort to stay at.

 

[Jennygt]

Well I have had a great time at GF for the last 3 nights and I'm sure that fun will continue over at CR for the next 4 nights. Thanks for those of you who recommended GF as it is a great resort to stay at.

Glad you enjoyed

 

[animalkingdom15]

Glad you enjoyed

Yes I enjoyed it greatly. The major theme park portion of my vacation starts tomorrow so they rest of my trip will defiantly be different then the first 3 days here which is perfect. Unlike in past trips where at this point I'm a little tired and ready for a break, I'm ready to go, plus I get to try another monorail deluxe resort.

 

[Jennygt]

Yes I enjoyed it greatly. The major theme park portion of my vacation starts tomorrow so they rest of my trip will defiantly be different then the first 3 days here which is perfect. Unlike in past trips where at this point I'm a little tired and ready for a break, I'm ready to go, plus I get to try another monorail deluxe resort.

I jealous, was this your first gf stay? I have never been Always poly

 

[animalkingdom15]

I jealous, was this your first gf stay? I have never been Always poly

First deluxe stay. In the past I either stayed at CBR when I took solo trips, or value resorts when I was married because of my young kids. I would have loved to have brought my daughters because I could have slept on the pull out couch and they could have taken the king bed, but I didn't want to take the oldest (in first grade) out of school with spring break coming up in 3 weeks. She has already missed a bunch of school due to snow.

 

[Jennygt]

First deluxe stay. In the past I either stayed at CBR when I took solo trips, or value resorts when I was married because of my young kids. I would have loved to have brought my daughters because I could have slept on the pull out couch and they could have taken the king bed, but I didn't want to take the oldest (in first grade) out of school with spring break coming up in 3 weeks. She has already missed a bunch of school due to snow.

We just got the call here in nj no school in am . So you think your kids would enjoy the gf?

 

[animalkingdom15]

My kids could care less where we stayed as long as there was a pool and they could see all the characters, but the proxcimity to MK and Epcot would be a huge plus for afternoon breaks and they could see the wishes fireworks and only be a few min from the room. I will bring them back to Disney in a year or so when there older and are a little more able to walk around for longer periods of time.

 

[Jennygt]

Mine too! So wish I was there now, this week has been a mess here

 

[Jennygt]

I would love to hear what you think of the new hub

 

[animalkingdom15]

We just got the call here in nj no school in am . So you think your kids would enjoy the gf?

Mine too! So wish I was there now, this week has been a mess here

I'm from Illinois and when I left it was 17 degrees and when I go back on Monday it's suppose to be 43 and Tuesday 51.

 

[BlueSkies]

Just curious but what is the Summerhouse? From pictures, it looks like the louvered doors/windows could be opened. Is it ever open? It seems like it's in an odd place to be some sort of retail or food venue but in too prominent a location to be a storage area.

What IS or WAS it?

When the GF first opened and there was only one pool..the courtyard pool..Summerhouse was the outdoor/pool bar..there were lots of umbrella tables around it..and they served drinks and light foods...Now a days it is just used for events...too bad though..it was a very nice spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings...

I have booked a standard room for the first of June. I hadn't really thought about making a room request until I read about some of your requests on this board. Does anyone have suggestions of what kind of request I should make? It's my family of four with two daughters ages 16 and 10 who love the pool and pretty much everything Disney. Recommendations?

Really every standard outer building room is very nice at the GF...all of the views will either be garden, pool, or marina...there is a map at on the first page of this thread that will give you a good idea of the layout of the land ...since you mentioned the pools being a preference..then I would either request Boca Chica..our personal outer building fave..close to courtyard pool and boat dock..and nice views or Big Pine Key..which is close to both pools...also mostly nice views..with the exception of a few first floor rooms that are behind the pool house...Conch Key happens to be close to the courtyard pool too..and the boat dock...but also has garden view rooms that have marina views...HTH...Enjoy your Grand stay!

Really tough day here, need some gf info to guide me through

Just popping in and looking at Candy's pics gives me a pick me up! So sick of winter..and snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hope today is a better day for you....

Well I have had a great time at GF for the last 3 nights and I'm sure that fun will continue over at CR for the next 4 nights. Thanks for those of you who recommended GF as it is a great resort to stay at.

So happy that you enjoyed your time at the GF... What an introduction to deluxe resort vacays..CL at the GF..in a deluxe room!!! I am sure that you will enjoy your CR stay too... its a WDW classic..and has the best views on property IMO....Just a heads up...even after you check into the CR...you will still have CL access at the GF for the entire day...I believe until midnight...Looking forward to pics of your CR views too..Enjoy!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans have a terrific Thursday... preppy GF gal who is sooooo sick of winter..................

 

[Miss Monorail 1971]

I'm looking for some VGF trip reports. Are there any GF people on this thread that can send me a link. Need relief from ice and snow and cold!

 

[Jennygt]

I'm looking for some VGF trip reports. Are there any GF people on this thread that can send me a link. Need relief from ice and snow and cold!

I dont have a report but I watched a video on YOu tube of the Grand Villa, WOW, it is amazing!! I will try to find it and post the link

 

[animalkingdom15]

So happy that you enjoyed your time at the GF... What an introduction to deluxe resort vacays..CL at the GF..in a deluxe room!!! I am sure that you will enjoy your CR stay too... its a WDW classic..and has the best views on property IMO....Just a heads up...even after you check into the CR...you will still have CL access at the GF for the entire day...I believe until midnight...Looking forward to pics of your CR views too..Enjoy!!

I'm having my last CL breakfast in my room before I shower and head over to CR to check in. I will probably have my bags transferred over to CR, but I'm a little worried about my laptop bag making it over. Today is Epcot - Test Track/Mission Space and my snack around the countries which I can't wait to do. I'm having a late morning at GF since World Showcase doesn't open until 11:00 and I can check in at CR when ever so I will probably head over to Epcot from GF. Check out the rest of my trip in my trip report I started and over of the CR thread.