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

[VS85]

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.

Hmm... Thanks for the info. We are planning on a "pool day" for one of our days, but my BF really wants some shade. I am a sun worshipper so I am fine without an umbrella. I am wondering if I should look into the little pool cabanas. Has anyone gotten the cabana recently? Was it worth it to you? Where can I find pricing? Do they get reserved quickly or can I wait until we are at the resort and we have a better idea of the weather forecast? I would hate to reserve in advance for a particular day and then find that it's going to storm all day long! It looks like there are cabanas at the courtyard pool and also on the beach?

 

[trishadono]

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!

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

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!

Good choice!! I don't know about kid's menu ordering, but Narcoosees has been one (if not my absolute) favorite restaurants at Disney since I was a teenager. I love love love the food and the view!!

 

[mickeynut1]

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!!

Congrats to your DD's on her graduation . Your trip will be here soon, you are going to have a great time .

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!

Have a great trip .

All of the restaurants are different as to what they will/won't allow, although most of them (at least in our experience) allow kids over 10 to order off the child's menu. With that said, we never had a problem with our boys ordering off the child menu when they were young.

Hmm... Thanks for the info. We are planning on a "pool day" for one of our days, but my BF really wants some shade. I am a sun worshipper so I am fine without an umbrella. I am wondering if I should look into the little pool cabanas. Has anyone gotten the cabana recently? Was it worth it to you? Where can I find pricing? Do they get reserved quickly or can I wait until we are at the resort and we have a better idea of the weather forecast? I would hate to reserve in advance for a particular day and then find that it's going to storm all day long! It looks like there are cabanas at the courtyard pool and also on the beach?

I think there is cabana information on the first page of this thread . We've never rented a cabana so I can't speak from experience on the ease/difficulty of reserving once you're there, but I think there is a cancellation period (24 hours prior??) if you book now and decide not to use it. Hopefully others who have used them will be able to give some input .

ETA: Here is a link to the page with cabana information:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/2014-2015-grand-floridian-resort-villas-faq.3336950/#post-52391440

Cabana info is toward the bottom of the page.

 

[ms tom morrow]

Hmm... Thanks for the info. We are planning on a "pool day" for one of our days, but my BF really wants some shade. I am a sun worshipper so I am fine without an umbrella. I am wondering if I should look into the little pool cabanas. Has anyone gotten the cabana recently? Was it worth it to you? Where can I find pricing? Do they get reserved quickly or can I wait until we are at the resort and we have a better idea of the weather forecast? I would hate to reserve in advance for a particular day and then find that it's going to storm all day long! It looks like there are cabanas at the courtyard pool and also on the beach?

My friend recently got me hooked on the cabanas! I am VERY pale and can't lay in the sun, plus we enjoyed the ceiling fan, snacks, and the privacy. Both times we've done it I booked ahead of time and chose the 10-2 time frame to avoid afternoon showers. There is a cancellation policy -- as long as you cancel before 24 hours there's no penalty. One time there were empty chairs available, but the cabana was such a treat that we still thought it was worth it to be able to totally relax. In fact, I've already booked one for our September trip! Hope this helps!

 

[BlueSkies]

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

I agree Sue There really needs to be more umbrella tables...there used to be alot more at the courtyard pool before the renovation...

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!!

Hey you!! Glad that you were able to pop in!! Your naughty family playing such a dirty trick on you!! lol...Looking forward to seeing you around here more!! Your trip will be here before you know it!!

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!

Narcoosees is a family fave of ours! And I am thinking it will be one of yours after your dinner there ....should be no problem for your DD to order off the children's menu ( there is even a children's steak dish available)....BTW their NY strip steak is sooo good..as is the lobster bisque..creamy and delicious...and...almond crusted cheese cake with cherry sauce!!!! My mouth is watering!! lol..Its always about the food! Nice atmosphere and a terrific meal..Enjoy!!

Hmm... Thanks for the info. We are planning on a "pool day" for one of our days, but my BF really wants some shade. I am a sun worshipper so I am fine without an umbrella. I am wondering if I should look into the little pool cabanas. Has anyone gotten the cabana recently? Was it worth it to you? Where can I find pricing? Do they get reserved quickly or can I wait until we are at the resort and we have a better idea of the weather forecast? I would hate to reserve in advance for a particular day and then find that it's going to storm all day long! It looks like there are cabanas at the courtyard pool and also on the beach?

There are only cabanas at the beach pool....none at the courtyard pool.....the contact info and costs as well as pics are on the very first page of this thread...in case of predicted bad weather you can cancel one day prior without being charged...also I do believe I have heard that if you cancel day of due to actual bad weather that people have not been charged...A cabana day is very nice..there are attendants who will bring you fresh towels..keep your ice bucket full and bring you drinks from the pool bar as well...you can also order lunch from the PD menu..so if you are looking to add to your pool day experience I would highly recommend some cabana time....we usually only do a half day..generally in the mornings and by afternoon have had enough of the Florida sun.... which ever you choose...pool time at either of the GF pools is a great way to spend some time at the resort....

Good choice!! I don't know about kid's menu ordering, but Narcoosees has been one (if not my absolute) favorite restaurants at Disney since I was a teenager. I love love love the food and the view!!

A fave here too ....as I posted above...let me just say..almond crusted cheese cake.......that and the pretty view are worth a ressie there IMO!

Trish Wonderful pics!!! What a good DD heading over to the GF to give mom a photo fix!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fab Friday! preppy GF gal who is suddenly very hungry!

 

[VS85]

My friend recently got me hooked on the cabanas! I am VERY pale and can't lay in the sun, plus we enjoyed the ceiling fan, snacks, and the privacy. Both times we've done it I booked ahead of time and chose the 10-2 time frame to avoid afternoon showers. There is a cancellation policy -- as long as you cancel before 24 hours there's no penalty. One time there were empty chairs available, but the cabana was such a treat that we still thought it was worth it to be able to totally relax. In fact, I've already booked one for our September trip! Hope this helps!

Super!! This was really helpful, thank you! I just emailed the IPO to check on availability for the 10a-2pm timeframe. We are not doing parks during the day due to the heat, just in the evenings (this is more of a relaxing vacation rather than parks), so hopefully they will have something available for one of the days during our week-long stay. The prices don't seem to be astronomical either! I've definitely spent $150 on much less, and this way my BF and I can still spend time together and have the best of both worlds - sun for me, shade for him!

You guys are seriously so amazing. There are so many other threads on this board where people get really rude and snarky, but you guys are just the friendliest (and most helpful!) bunch! I truly appreciate all the patient and helpful answers.

 

[skibum25]

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!

Narcoossee's is a great spot for kids. My 9 year old son is very picky but loves Narcoossee's. Have a great trip!

And now time for me to do a dance because by this time tomorrow I should be stepping off the MDE at the GF!

 

[VS85]

Can I ask one more annoying question? I keep seeing photos of this beautiful beach on the GF property. In the pics there are loungers with either a blue/white stripe cover or a red cover (kind of like a cabana, but not quite so fancy). Is the beach accessible to anyone? Do you have to reserve a lounger in advance or are they first-come first served? Or can you just plop down with a towel in the sand? It looks so pretty! I wonder what the view is across the lagoon...

 

[TeacherDL]

Narcoossee's is a great spot for kids. My 9 year old son is very picky but loves Narcoossee's. Have a great trip!

And now time for me to do a dance because by this time tomorrow I should be stepping off the MDE at the GF!

Oh congratulations on your trip!! I guess we'll be there at the same time!!! So exciting!!!

 

[TeacherDL]

One more question about Narcoossee's. What do you (and your kids) usually wear for dinner?

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

One more question about Narcoossee's. What do you (and your kids) usually wear for dinner?

I was wondering that too I usually don't pack formal clothing so I was hoping I could wear a sundress or khaki shorts

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

One more question about Narcoossee's. What do you (and your kids) usually wear for dinner?

I don't remember ever wearing anything fancier than khakis and a cute shirt to be honest. I think you have to dress somewhat nicely, but I don't think they are strict by any means.

On the WDW site it says:

"Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jackets are optional. Women may wear dresses, skirts or dress shorts with blouses or sweaters. Not permitted in the dining room are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language or graphics."​

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/narcoossees/​

 

[WishesQueen]

Hmm... Thanks for the info. We are planning on a "pool day" for one of our days, but my BF really wants some shade. I am a sun worshipper so I am fine without an umbrella. I am wondering if I should look into the little pool cabanas. Has anyone gotten the cabana recently? Was it worth it to you? Where can I find pricing? Do they get reserved quickly or can I wait until we are at the resort and we have a better idea of the weather forecast? I would hate to reserve in advance for a particular day and then find that it's going to storm all day long! It looks like there are cabanas at the courtyard pool and also on the beach?

Hey there, my family rents the cabanas every other day of our 8 day trip to the Grand. The Cabanas are worth every penny in my opinion. Also, if you want to make it a long day from 10 to 7 at the pool, its only $65 more for the whole day verse the half day. We usually do that at least once during the trip. Also request cabana 1, 2, or 3 if you like the sun. Cabana 4 gets a lot of shade. Enjoy!!

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!

My kids are older now, but we have never had a problem switching the kids to a kids menu. It works out in their favor, so why would they mind? Most restaurants are very accommodating and have even made special meals for kids not have them order off the kids menu. Good luck and Enjoy, I absolutely love that restaurant.

One more question about Narcoossee's. What do you (and your kids) usually wear for dinner?

My boys have always worn khaki shorts with golf shirts to signature restaurants and of course my daughter and I can practically were anything from dressy shorts to a sundress. Have fun!!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Can I ask one more annoying question? I keep seeing photos of this beautiful beach on the GF property. In the pics there are loungers with either a blue/white stripe cover or a red cover (kind of like a cabana, but not quite so fancy). Is the beach accessible to anyone? Do you have to reserve a lounger in advance or are they first-come first served? Or can you just plop down with a towel in the sand? It looks so pretty! I wonder what the view is across the lagoon...

Not annoying at all. ..we all enjoy sharing info about all things Grand! Sadly. .most of that beach is gone...and has been replaced by the children Alice splash pad...Once upon a time it was lovely and serene. ..

One more question about Narcoossee's. What do you (and your kids) usually wear for dinner?

Khakis/pants or shorts and golf shirts seem to be the norm for the men..boys too...sun dresses or capris and dressier tops for the gals...nothing dressy...but not super casual...

Wishes Thanks for the cabana info...with all the time that you and your family rent them you really are our resident cabana expert!! ....

 

[Sue M]

One more question about Narcoossee's. What do you (and your kids) usually wear for dinner?

We wear capris, light weight cotton pants or crop pants or sleeveless casual dress. And nice tee or shirt. I wouldn't wear shorts. Other then that it's pretty casual.

 

[goofy4prez]

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!

You are going to absolutely love Narcoossee's. It is my favorite restaurant in WDW and is our arrival night tradition. I have no doubt both of your kids are going to enjoy the place. The view of the Electrical Water Pageant along with the Wishes Fireworks show is awesome. I will at Narcoossee's myself exactly 14 days from now and can't wait.

 

[cali cruiser]

Hi everyone....thank-you all for posting such valuable info! Our family will be leaving on 6/29 and checking into GF Villas for 6 nights. This is our first time staying on the property and we are very excited! Does anyone know what nights they currently have movies playing at the hotel? Also, which nights they have smores/campfires? One more questions....there are a couple of days that we will be back to swim mid day. Is it worth it to book lunch reservations or just eat at the pool restaurant? We already have dinner reservations at V & A and breakfast and dinner at 1900. Thanks so much! Any other tips or info. would be greatly appreciated. We got our Magic Bands today in the mail so now this is all real

 

[trishadono]

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!

I have always asked my server if ds could order from the kids menu because he is a picky eater. I have never had a problem. Once and only once dd at 12 wanted to do that and they said they would give an adult portion of the kids meal and charge accordingly. I was fine with that but the others they didn't charge any different.

They should love it! Such a nice location!

( my iPad is really just not working correctly. I wrote this earlier but it didn't post until today??)

 

[trishadono]

Hi everyone....thank-you all for posting such valuable info! Our family will be leaving on 6/29 and checking into GF Villas for 6 nights. This is our first time staying on the property and we are very excited! Does anyone know what nights they currently have movies playing at the hotel? Also, which nights they have smores/campfires? One more questions....there are a couple of days that we will be back to swim mid day. Is it worth it to book lunch reservations or just eat at the pool restaurant? We already have dinner reservations at V & A and breakfast and dinner at 1900. Thanks so much! Any other tips or info. would be greatly appreciated. We got our Magic Bands today in the mail so now this is all real

Not sure about movies and stuff now that my kids are big but I do go often and lunches are easy. We usually do Kona, Cap'n cooks, gaspies or grand F Cafe or any of the pool spots. (We stay at cr/poly/gf and lunch hop) We may wait 5-20 but not more than that.

You can just walk up but dd has used the app and scheduled a time same day too.

Yay for MB's !!! What color did you get? Dd loves her blue but I'm pink.