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

[followthatmouse]

A view from the Main Building.

 

[followthatmouse]

It looks warm and inviting, doesn't it?

 

[Circusgirl]

I posted this on the Swan/Dolphin thread but haven't really been getting any feedback... Thought I would ask my trusty GF friends instead...

I am interested in doing a couples massage at one of the spas. I looked at Senses and Mandara at Swan/Dolphin. I like the look of Mandara better but TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews don't seem great. I liked that the lounge areas are co-ed at Mandara (going with my honey so I would like to relax with him!), whereas they seem to be single-*** at Senses. However, if the condition of the Mandara spa, the service, and the treatments aren't of excellent quality, I would rather spend the money at Senses. Any help? Has anyone been to either or both and can comment? Thanks!

I had a fabulous pedicure at the Senses spa at the Grand and felt the service and the chance to luxuriate in the small but lovely spa area was worth the price. The spa areas are segregated by gender. They have heated tile loungers, a jacuzzi and a steam room. Of course I don't know if the gent's side is a mirror image of the gal's area.

I was extremely relaxed by the time I left and will plan on returning and spending time in the spa both before and after whatever service I have planned next time.

I have always worried that the rather higher than what I would usually pay prices would mean the experience would be disappointing if the quality of the services lagged what I can easily find at home for less.

I asked some of the other guests if they were pleased with their experiences and all the comments were positive.

 

[loveshak22]

I posted this on the Swan/Dolphin thread but haven't really been getting any feedback... Thought I would ask my trusty GF friends instead...

I am interested in doing a couples massage at one of the spas. I looked at Senses and Mandara at Swan/Dolphin. I like the look of Mandara better but TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews don't seem great. I liked that the lounge areas are co-ed at Mandara (going with my honey so I would like to relax with him!), whereas they seem to be single-*** at Senses. However, if the condition of the Mandara spa, the service, and the treatments aren't of excellent quality, I would rather spend the money at Senses. Any help? Has anyone been to either or both and can comment? Thanks!

I have only had massages at AKL so I can't speak to GF or Swan/Dolphin - sorry. I was just going to say that I decided on Senses at GF for our trip in November. I've read mixed reviews but most seeming positive other than it is a small space. There is spa thread on here so maybe do a search for that thread with the search tool...it would be a good place to ask your question as well. Good luck deciding!!

 

[loveshak22]

I posted this on the Swan/Dolphin thread but haven't really been getting any feedback... Thought I would ask my trusty GF friends instead...

I am interested in doing a couples massage at one of the spas. I looked at Senses and Mandara at Swan/Dolphin. I like the look of Mandara better but TripAdvisor and Yelp reviews don't seem great. I liked that the lounge areas are co-ed at Mandara (going with my honey so I would like to relax with him!), whereas they seem to be single-*** at Senses. However, if the condition of the Mandara spa, the service, and the treatments aren't of excellent quality, I would rather spend the money at Senses. Any help? Has anyone been to either or both and can comment? Thanks!

Here's the link to the spa thread: http://www.disboards.com/threads/disney’s-resort-massage-fitness-spa-reviews.1944332/

 

[trishadono]

Oh no...only 10 minutes! That could be dangerous!

Go to your favorite web map like Google or bing and look at the path. It really is a nice stroll. Great view of the lagoon and resorts

 

[mickeynut1]

BLACKHAWKS WON!!!

Oh no...only 10 minutes! That could be dangerous!

Like Trisha posted, it's a really nice stroll .

Hey, peeps. It's a cold, wet winter's day here. So, I thought a couple of GF pics wouldn't go amiss.View attachment 100750

View attachment 100751
A view from the Main Building

View attachment 100752

It looks warm and inviting, doesn't it?

Beautiful pics, makes me want to be there now .

I have only had massages at AKL so I can't speak to GF or Swan/Dolphin - sorry.

Thanks for posting, I didn't know this was available at AKL .

It really is a nice stroll. Great view of the lagoon and resorts

 

[Ismo]

Go to your favorite web map like Google or bing and look at the path. It really is a nice stroll. Great view of the lagoon and resorts

Now I really can't wait!!! Only 91 more days, I can make it!

 

[BlueSkies]

Long time no see fellow GF fans....Things have been kind of hectic around here....but...they are finally settling down...and I have the time to do one of my fave things....hang around here ..

I had a fabulous pedicure at the Senses spa at the Grand and felt the service and the chance to luxuriate in the small but lovely spa area was worth the price. The spa areas are segregated by gender. They have heated tile loungers, a jacuzzi and a steam room. Of course I don't know if the gent's side is a mirror image of the gal's area.

I was extremely relaxed by the time I left and will plan on returning and spending time in the spa both before and after whatever service I have planned next time.

I have always worried that the rather higher than what I would usually pay prices would mean the experience would be disappointing if the quality of the services lagged what I can easily find at home for less.

I asked some of the other guests if they were pleased with their experiences and all the comments were positive.

Thanks for that wonderful and descriptive review circusgirl...makes me think that some spa time might be very nice on our next trip!

Here's the link to the spa thread: http://www.disboards.com/threads/disney’s-resort-massage-fitness-spa-reviews.1944332/

What a helpful link loveshak ! I didn't even know that there was a thread with spa reviews...

Go to your favorite web map like Google or bing and look at the path. It really is a nice stroll. Great view of the lagoon and resorts

I agree..such a nice and picturesque stroll... ...not to mention the fab dining and shopping once you get to your tropical destination...

Now I really can't wait!!! Only 91 more days, I can make it!

The time will fly!

Follow More wonderful pictures!! I sure am glad that you figured out how to post them!!

Ok I skimmed to catch up.... .......lol....but I so see the MickeyNut has a new obsession other than basketball... ..you go sports girl!! next thing we know you will be hanging over at ESPN when at WDW...lol... and grannyminnie has a new ticker!! did I see that before??? Lol...and lots of peeps that are in or almost in the single digits...Dariansue, Goofy4prez, skibum, lala..and TeacherDl (another day or two for you right!!??)

A big HELLO... and welcome over to the GF thread to Catho ... who I had the pleasure of meeting in person when I stopped at the BC two summers ago to say a quick hello to Tina the terrific greeter over there....How nice that you will be able to give the GF a try...It just might make you want to split your time between your fave Epcot resort..BTW Boca Chica is our fave outer building...it has a variety of lovely views!

Hope that you are all having a terrific Thursday! happy GF gal who is also almost in the single digits!!!

 

[VS85]

Here's the link to the spa thread: http://www.disboards.com/threads/disney’s-resort-massage-fitness-spa-reviews.1944332/

Had no idea there even was a spa thread! Thanks

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Yeah Thibs is a likable guy. I'm not sure what happened to the team, but it does seem as if they quit at the end. I hope Hoiberg is a good choice.....the Bulls have what it takes to win a championship....they just need to play like it every game and not show up only half the time .

I agree about the Blackhawks.....great group. I just have a hard time following hockey...lol....the puck flies around so much that once I do find it, it's gone again . I have enjoyed watching the last few games though, and I'm looking forward to the first game of the finals tonight .



Have a great trip .

You guys are too funny with the sports talk! Happy we can talk about other things on the thread

 

[skibum25]

BLACKHAWKS WON!!!

 

[trishadono]

So dd is at disney with Bf and family. She had dinner tonight at the crystal palace and snuck over to gf after. Here is a quick pic from Commander Porters.

I asked for a quick pic for my friends, something original. Hope you enjoy. She says it was hot today, 90!!!

 

[trishadono]

And:

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[VS85]

Are there lots of chairs with umbrellas by the pool? Does it get really packed during the day (going mid-July)? I'm really hoping this isn't a "get up crazy early to snag a chair" situation.

Thanks for answering allll my questions! You guys are such a wealth of information!

 

[followthatmouse]

Oh, trishadono, I just love that relaxing boat ride home from the MK. Thank you for the pics!

VS85, the numbers by the two pools fluctuates. The Beach Pool has, I believe, more seating than the Courtyard Pool. They can both become very busy during the Summer months and snagging shade can be quite competitive. Evening is often a nice time to swim. The afternoon thunderstorms have have passed and people are still enjoying their dinnertime. But, as I said, the numbers at the pools can change.

 

[mickeynut1]

Now I really can't wait!!! Only 91 more days, I can make it!

The time will go fast .

Long time no see fellow GF fans....Things have been kind of hectic around here....but...they are finally settling down...and I have the time to do one of my fave things....hang around here ..

Ok I skimmed to catch up.... .......lol....but I so see the MickeyNut has a new obsession other than basketball... ..you go sports girl!! next thing we know you will be hanging over at ESPN when at WDW...lol...

Glad things are settling down for you and you have more time to come here .

LOL......yeah my DS did it again....got me hooked on yet another sport . I still have somewhat of a hard time following hockey as the puck moves around so darn fast, but I am enjoying watching it . The NBA finals started tonight, so that's a good distraction until the next hockey game .

Had no idea there even was a spa thread! Thanks

I didn't either, but it's good to know .

You guys are too funny with the sports talk! Happy we can talk about other things on the thread

I agree, I like that we can talk about other things .

Looking forward to game 2 on Saturday .

View attachment 100851
So dd is at disney with Bf and family. She had dinner tonight at the crystal palace and snuck over to gf after. Here is a quick pic from Commander Porters.

I asked for a quick pic for my friends, something original. Hope you enjoy. She says it was hot today, 90!!!

And:
View attachment 100856l

Thanks to DD for the pics, hope she's having a nice time .

Are there lots of chairs with umbrellas by the pool? Does it get really packed during the day (going mid-July)? I'm really hoping this isn't a "get up crazy early to snag a chair" situation.

Thanks for answering allll my questions! You guys are such a wealth of information!

I can't answer as I've never stayed at the GF in the summer, but I'm sure others will be able to give some input on how crowded it gets .

 

[Sue M]

Are there lots of chairs with umbrellas by the pool? Does it get really packed during the day (going mid-July)? I'm really hoping this isn't a "get up crazy early to snag a chair" situation.

Thanks for answering allll my questions! You guys are such a wealth of information!

As followthatmouse says, there are more chairs at Beach Pool. Not nearly enough umbrellas.

 

[WishesQueen]

Good Morning Everyone!!!

My crazy life is finally calming down, DD's graduation week and the actual graduation is over. I am ready for a trip to the GF!!!!!

So, funny story....at my DD's graduation party everyone was telling me that the castle is going to be renamed in September. I didn't believe them, so they found it on line and it seemed real. I was so upset and in denial all day, claiming I will never accept the change. Finally this week I took a moment to search the answer myself on my trusty Disboards and low and behold it was an April's fool joke. They got me and my friends good.....lol lol!!! I am sure you guys all knew, I should have took a minute to post that day!! Now I had to text everyone at the party!!!!

Hope everyone's good, I should be around regularly now!!! I have some catching up to do!!

 

[TeacherDL]

I just made some dining changes and we (dh and two dd's ages 16 and 10) are going to dine at Narcoossee's next week. I am really excited about it. I figure if we are staying at such a nice resort, why not enjoy a wonderful meal! I hope the kids like it. My oldest is not picky at all and loves good food. I guess I'm a little concerned about the youngest. She is a little bit picky (although she loves steak, crab legs, and shrimp). So, I'm sure she'll be fine. Can the 10 year old order off the kids menu if she wants to?
Look at that calendar!!!! I can't believe it's almost here!