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

[trishadono]

Next choose a resort.

 

[trishadono]

Then make sure you see Disney sale on left below description, for gf it's 30%.

 

[trishadono]

See how the deluxe room here does not have the Summer sale but the Main bldg King does? For best savings watch for a disney sale.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm thinking of treating myself to a facial during my upcoming trip, can I ask if anyone has had a facial at the spa and what they thought of the actual treatment/products? My skin is going through that time in life when it's quite sensitive, I'm currently using creme de la mer products and I'm wondering how the products compare?

I am curious as well, wonder what they are like and if they can tell you about your skin type ,kinda like a dermatologist

I can't help, but hopefully someone else who has had experience with that can answer your questions .

Hi everyone

Was wondering if someone could help me. Haven't been to the GF.

Considering booking in the outer building since it's cheaper. Are the outer buildings really far away from things? I dint mind a little bit of a walk, just nothing crazy.

Originally was going to go to WL but I don't like the scaffolding that is up.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

As Dispro posted, the GF isn't as spread out as it seems, so nothing is far away. Some outer buildings are closer to the main areas than others, but none of them are very far. With that said, my favorite outer buildings are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are convenient to the main building. BPK does have a few "less desirable" views as some rooms overlook the back of the pool building, but nothing I would call horrible (just my opinion).

Back from our GF stay. The rooms are much nicer than when we stayed in 1989 and they have added a lot. We had a Theme Park view, dormer room in Boca. Very nice view....only one problem, smokers on the balconies. Not only cigarettes but cigar smoke. We thought by staying in a high end resort that we would not encounter this like we did at Caribbean Beach. Not only did we complain at the desk but the woman that had young children in the room next to ours did as well. We could not watch wishes because of the smoke. I ended up with a health issue and the hotel called the medics. My pulse-ox was 95...that is low. Thankfully I had a rescue inhaler.

PLEASE..if you smoke do so at the DSA and not ruin someones vacation by being selfish.

I'm sorry about the smoking issues you had to deal with . I think Disney needs to do a better job of enforcing the non-smoking rule a little better as I've read too many reports of others having this problem. With that said, I hope you were still able to enjoy your trip overall .

 

[Flyerjab]

I know I am new here but just wanted to add to the theme of this thread. We had stayed at multiple deluxe resorts and thought that they were all incredible experiences.

Then we stayed at the Grand in SL CL. Holy cow that was incredible. From the moment we were greeted and walked over to our room, the food all day in the lounge, to the wonderfully redecorated rooms…everything was exceptional. We loved it so much that we bought into DVC at the GFV and we love them to. It was one of the best decisions we made from a family standpoint.

We go multiple times a year and look forward to each visit.

 

[mickeynut1]

I know I am new here but just wanted to add to the theme of this thread. We had stayed at multiple deluxe resorts and thought that they were all incredible experiences.

Then we stayed at the Grand in SL CL. Holy cow that was incredible. From the moment we were greeted and walked over to our room, the food all day in the lounge, to the wonderfully redecorated rooms…everything was exceptional. We loved it so much that we bought into DVC at the GFV and we love them to. It was one of the best decisions we made from a family standpoint.

We go multiple times a year and look forward to each visit.

Welcome to the GF thread .

The GF is an amazing resort, glad you had a great stay and congrats on the DVC purchase .

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

That's awful. We were at POFQ once and had a smoker who smoked outside room right above us. I told front desk, and they took care of it. Smoke messes up my sinus. And it's amazing how far it spreads.
GF did nothing when you informed them?

They said they would check it out and I saw security in the building for the next couple of days. Still smelled smoke from a balcony nearby. Also, they said that housekeeping frequently has to clean rooms where guests have smoked. I wish they would fine smokers a hefty charge instead of the $250 cleaning fee.

 

[trishadono]

the first is without my rewards, 2nd one with.

 

[trishadono]

 

[trishadono]

 

[trishadono]

Then I always go to disney and verify my TRUE SAVINGS! if you are good with math you'll know this will be better than the passholder discount.

You can easily link your res number to your MDE , you don't get crappy rooms(no difference in treatment), you can cancel up to 5 days prior.

Downside, pay up front, have to call to add kids, can't change reservation. (Have to cancel first booking and do a new booking).

 

[Dispro1]

Then I always go to disney and verify my TRUE SAVINGS! if you are good with math you'll know this will be better than the passholder discount.

You can easily link your res number to your MDE , you don't get crappy rooms(no difference in treatment), you can cancel up to 5 days prior.

Downside, pay up front, have to call to add kids, can't change reservation. (Have to cancel first booking and do a new booking).

This sounds almost too good to be true! Obviously, it's true because you've done it, but my question is, do the room assignors give preferential treatment as far as room requests when you are a repeat customer who books through Disney, or can they not see who you booked through? I don't know for certain, but when we requested a specific king turret room, we got what we wanted, and another DISer that was there at the same time said that someone that stayed at GF more often than she must have beat her out on the request (which turned out to be me). I guess what I'm saying here is, I LOVE to save money, but I would be willing to pay a little bit more booking with my AP discount if that actually gives me an advantage with room requests. Obviously, if there is no preferential treatment given, I'd rather save more money! People on the BC/YC thread have mentioned getting as high as 42-43% off booking through the "unnamed magical travel agency" but I was fearful of booking through that for the same reason. Does anyone know exactly what the room assignors can see (who you booked through, dates of your last visit to the resort, etc)? I don't think it would make any difference if you just wanted LV, GV or TPV, but when there are only a few rooms in a category like Deluxe Queen Main Building (and I want a specific floor) or Main Building King Turret Room (and I want one of three room numbers due to MK view), I wonder if it makes a difference?

 

[Dispro1]

Has anyone else ever had to make a new countdown banner because it stopped counting down? I just noticed mine had said one month and four days for several days so I had to make a new one??

 

[Dispro1]

By the way, someone mentioned that lovely GF smell...I found a soap at Basin that my sister and I think captures that smell nicely. The fragrance is Spa Essence.

I was the one that mentioned that lovely GF smell (although I'm sure I wasn't the first), so thanks for the tip on the Spa Essence soap! My DD 16 always gets something from Basin, but I don't remember that one...she likes the bath bombs and Satsuma scrub.

 

[loveshak22]

Right now orbitz has disney resorts at same discount disney has. Gf is at 30%. Then they have a 15% off promo code currently. I also earn rewards and usually get $40-75 to use on my next booking.

I have used them several times without any problems. You can cancel your reservation online yourself quickly too.

Beach time??? Sounds great!

I'll have to check that out once the Fall discounts are released!! Hopefully Orbitz will have a 15% promo during that time as well, but before my 45 days for final payment!

I have the same question as Dispro - does it affect room request? I've requested the King deluxe turret style and really don't want the second floor king. I'm guessing who you book through doesn't affect room assignment does it? But does how long I've had my request in matter - so if I cancel the reservation I made in March and rebook in say August, you think that would affect anything?

But an additional 15% RPC would be awesome, even with the risk for me. Assuming King Deluxe RPC is an option for RPC.

Thanks for all the info!

 

[loveshak22]

I'm not Trisha and while I've never booked through Orbitz, I have priced them out a couple of times so I'm a little familiar with the discounts. They sometimes offer the Disney discount on their site as well as add a discount of their own. Resorts and room categories are limited (just as they are with Disney), but sometimes you can get an Orbitz discount on top of the Disney discount. You must book through Orbitz as it's not something that carries over through Disney, but if you don't mind booking through a third party, the savings can sometimes be great. The only catch is the entire amount is due at booking instead of just making a deposit with the balance due later. With that said, if you need to add or cancel nights, that would require cancelling and rebooking as your current reservation can't simply be adjusted. I think Trisha has booked through them a few times, so she will be able to give more details .

Hope you are enjoying the beach .



It seems like a long time, but the days will go fast and you will be checking into the GF before you know it .

The boat is always nice for going from the GF to the Poly, but walking it is also great. The walk takes maybe 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace, but it's a beautiful walk, IMO .



Hi grannyminnie

Congrats on being able to move to the GF. I love the WL as it's one of our favorites, but the GF is just . Glad there was availability and that the CMs were able to make the change.

Yeah, not much love going around for that new policy . I'm in the group of those who wouldn't hesitate to stay elsewhere if push came to shove .

Thanks MickeyNut1! We are heading home tomorrow...it's been a nice getaway!

 

[loveshak22]

Then I always go to disney and verify my TRUE SAVINGS! if you are good with math you'll know this will be better than the passholder discount.

You can easily link your res number to your MDE , you don't get crappy rooms(no difference in treatment), you can cancel up to 5 days prior.

Downside, pay up front, have to call to add kids, can't change reservation. (Have to cancel first booking and do a new booking).

I asked about the room before I thoroughly read this post that says it doesn't affect room location - good to know!!

So you can cancel up to 5 days before your trip and get a full refund??

 

[trishadono]

This sounds almost too good to be true! Obviously, it's true because you've done it, but my question is, do the room assignors give preferential treatment as far as room requests when you are a repeat customer who books through Disney, or can they not see who you booked through? I don't know for certain, but when we requested a specific king turret room, we got what we wanted, and another DISer that was there at the same time said that someone that stayed at GF more often than she must have beat her out on the request (which turned out to be me). I guess what I'm saying here is, I LOVE to save money, but I would be willing to pay a little bit more booking with my AP discount if that actually gives me an advantage with room requests. Obviously, if there is no preferential treatment given, I'd rather save more money! People on the BC/YC thread have mentioned getting as high as 42-43% off booking through the "unnamed magical travel agency" but I was fearful of booking through that for the same reason. Does anyone know exactly what the room assignors can see (who you booked through, dates of your last visit to the resort, etc)? I don't think it would make any difference if you just wanted LV, GV or TPV, but when there are only a few rooms in a category like Deluxe Queen Main Building (and I want a specific floor) or Main Building King Turret Room (and I want one of three room numbers due to MK view), I wonder if it makes a difference?

Well I have been mostly booking CL rooms so I just email my requests to the IPO. My 2 deluxe kings once I got an octogaon room and once I didnt. For WL, poly and cr I got my requests. Even at CSR and CBR I got the request I did with online check in.

I have booked all kinds of discounts and I usually get my request. In general for us the longer the trip the more likely you get your request. My one day-ers have been hit and miss. However we got the "deluxe room" in SL by request for only one night which was awesome.

 

[trishadono]

I asked about the room before I thoroughly read this post that says it doesn't affect room location - good to know!!

So you can cancel up to 5 days before your trip and get a full refund??

Yep!!!
Easy refund ! Log in, go to your trips, hit cancel, it asks if you are sure you hit yes and done!!! No waiting on a phone !!!

 

[trishadono]

Don't mean to torture you all BUT I log in my EBATES account first then ask for orbitz discounts, it directs me to orbitz and I earn cash too! For my gf booking was $14.34. Not a lot but still free money! A check gets mailed once a quarter to you from your purchases.