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

[ShayBells]

Around 7:15 to catch monorail. We arrived at MK gates by 7:30 and waited until 7:45 for them to let us in. You could go a little later. But, we were second in line to check in at CP. In turn, they sat us second and we were done earlier than expected and in line for Fantasyland before anyone else. Literally the first family onto 7DMT that day. Otherwise, I don't think we would have tried for 7DMT at rope drop.

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Gorgeous pixs! So, does anyone do what we do -- since we have been so many times, lately, unless we don't have an ADR or a FP for a particular park day, just get on the first bus that shows up? Most times we have stuck to the FP+ schedule but every once in a while, just thrown the plans aside and said "hey, the animal kingdom bus will be here in 2 minutes, let's go there today!"

Tom

 

[drwadadli]

Gorgeous pixs! So, does anyone do what we do -- since we have been so many times, lately, unless we don't have an ADR or a FP for a particular park day, just get on the first bus that shows up? Most times we have stuck to the FP+ schedule but every once in a while, just thrown the plans aside and said "hey, the animal kingdom bus will be here in 2 minutes, let's go there today!"

Tom

Cool idea!!!!

 

[Ismo]

Around 7:15 to catch monorail. We arrived at MK gates by 7:30 and waited until 7:45 for them to let us in. You could go a little later. But, we were second in line to check in at CP. In turn, they sat us second and we were done earlier than expected and in line for Fantasyland before anyone else. Literally the first family onto 7DMT that day. Otherwise, I don't think we would have tried for 7DMT at rope drop.

That's good to hear! We are planning on leaving at 7:15 for our 08:05 ADR. I'd rather get there a little early than feel like I'm rushing.

 

[jecon]

does the sugar loaf have one bedroom suites with two full bathrooms or are those rooms just in the other outer lodges. TIA!

 

[BlueSkies]

Wow..lots of pages to catch up on...................

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/08/walt-disney-world-monorail-hours.html

Here is the current Monorail schedule...This is my first time staying at a monorail resort since 1995, so I'm not sure how it works.

If I need to get to MK for an 8am ADR on Friday the 4th, I'm guessing I can't take the monorail, is that right?

Would I take the monorail to ticket and transportation then get a bus? Or should I get a monorail to the Contemporary and then walk?

Thanks for any advice!

Thanks for that link! That's not a site that I am familiar with...and it seems to have lots of good Disney info!

Thanks for the pictures Trish!

My photo files are too large for loading directly into posts. I have to put them in my Flickr account and then post from there, selecting a smaller size file for posting.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your SL stay so much and hope you got some much needed relaxing time!

I am back from a fun and totally exhausting trip to the D23 Expo and will be pretty much doing my laundry and putting everything back in the suitcase for my trip to Florida.

Glad that you had a fun trip to the D23Expo....and now for WDW!!! Safe travels..have a grand time...Looking forward to your pics!!

Tonga Toast -- aka, heaven on a plate. I'm not sure I can make it two more months without that gem. Nor, Narcoossee's!

Tom

Tom Lol..you have a way with words! and I totally agree..that tonga toast in incredible....

Thanks so much for all the pics, they have made my day I am getting so excited for our first stay.

Congrats you your first GF stay! You are in for a treat!

Taking ds to college in the morning! Glad you have appreciated the photos and hope you like these too!

The last batch we were waiting for the monorail but saw the boat arrive so we ran down and caught that instead. Love that time of night! My fav

Loved all off the pics both texts and on here... That time of day is my fave to ..everything seems extra magical in the soft glow of evening!

Thanks!

All the abbreviations get confusing I know! I went on the trip with my daughter that's 20 but my son who is 18 is going to school tomorrow. My daughter, Lys will go Monday to set up her room but will come back the next day. She is planning on going back for the weekend and her classes start 8/31.

I think my mother in law will live with us for a bit while she heals from surgery. So no empty nest quite right away.

For our January girls trip staying moderate won't be so bad. When the girls stay out late I'll play on the monorail and visit all my favorite spots then take bus from MK back to our resort! So, looking forward to visiting the grand soon again.

You are a good DIL ...! Glad to hear that your MIL on the road to recovery... BTW..January trip plans sounds so nice...

I used to spend a lot of time on these wonderful disboards and feeling a little nostalgic back here! Wow! Well, I am head to GF on Tuesday the 25th! CAN NOT WAIT! Was hoping you guys could tell me if the Gasperilla is closed already or closing. I saw it was listed as a refurb but Im hoping it's delayed or something. Super bummed about it! Thanks!

I know that you got your questions about Gasparilla's answered...just wanted to say back! And have a terrifc vacation! One more day..woohoo!!

Trish - thanks for the pictures. I can just hear the train whistle and the boat horn while I am looking at the pictures!

Oh, taking DS back to college already!!! I have 2 more weeks until my DS goes back to college. All that tuition money for such a short amount of time.

Me too..isn't It funny how a picture/pictures can evoke such a wonderful memory ....Glad that you have your DS home for a bit longer..I am sure that you are enjoying the time....

Hi everyone! I have been lurking on this thread for a few months but finally decided to say hi today as I am doing the double digit dance! 99 days until we check in to the Grand! Although we are Disney vets, this will be our first stay at the Grand and we are so excited!

Hi rachdd and a to you too! Yay for the double digit dance!! Hope the time flies!

Just back from SL and just looking at Trishadono's pics makes me want to GO BACK NOW!! Love the picture of Don at the Concierge desk. He was very helpful.

We had a fantastic time and I am now a convert. I have always loved the Poly CL but I really loved SL. Our room on the first floor was great - close to lobby and to side door - making it easy to get to main building or Gasparilla (especially during a rain storm). Will post more later with pics but have to do laundry now and unfortunately I don't see anyone preparing my afternoon tea or my evening appetizers. Darn!

Me too!!! Glad that you had such a wonderful trip...We were loyal CR fans for years and years...and after that first GF stay...there was no looking back... Looking forward to your pics!

We checked out of SL on Thursday and haven't received an itemized bill yer. Is this usual? Don't they usually e-mail you a bill? TIA

I find that the emailing of the statement at check out is spotty...If you don't get one with in a day or two...just call the resort directly...and ask for one....

We loved SL - didn't want to leave, can't wait to go back. I thought we received our receipt right away the last time we were at the Poly. Maybe they're not going to charge us since we were such good guests -

Now wouldn't that be nice!!!

Well staying cl dd and I do RD then book our FPP from 5:30-6:30/6:30-7:30/7:30-830 or so. That way we can catch appetizers and desserts!!!

On our first night I almost forgot about it! Then on the way to our 3rd ride I prepared a text. I asked for a 4th pass for MK. Any mountain or buzz . After we used our mb to get on the ride I sent the prepared text. Before we got to the ride (in line) I got a response, no mtns but buzz reserved for that time for the next hour. Therefore we got off and headed right over! Very nice!

Some nights it rained, so we didn't need it but we did request a ride leaving Epcot requesting a FPp for MK. I told them we were at Epcot but heading to MK and gave some suggestions. They were able to set us up for a ride even though we were not even in that park!

So it works great for us!

Love your touring plans! Especially how you fit in the CL food offerings! I think that if you are park hopping this is a fabulous perk...even if you are staying in one particular park its super nice....we personally haven't really had the need for more than 4 FPP is any given day ...but do feel that having the ability to have a 4th does enhance a day of park touring....

On the plane en-route to SL now. QQ about the extra texting fastpasses. I understand that after you use the 3 fp, you can text the IPO for additional. Does it have to be at the same park or can I book my 3 at epcot and then use Ipo for extra at MK? Thanks

Hey mystery Safe trip! Hope that you have already begun having a magical vacation! Fourth FPP can be in a different park...as other have said...but it can only be booked after you have used or the time has exipred on your first three....

Hi there! New to these boards, and can't thank you enough for all of this fabulous information.
We are leaving in one week for a week long stay in SL. We have only ever stayed RPC before, so I am excited to see the difference. I just wanted to report that I did receive today, an email explaining about the texting and 4th FP being offered to CL guests at both GF and CR. You do not have to use the service in the same park as your other FP for the day. You do have to have used all 3 FP before requesting a 4th. I will happily post more info as I discover it!
Again, thank you for this awesome, informative thread!

Another ... SL has all of the amenities of RPC..just a very different lounge experience...Hope that you will come back and share your thoughts and comparisons...personally I prefer SL for summer time visits due to its porximity to the courtyard pool..and the convenience of the lounge being so close by during pool time...JMO though....I agree..this is a great thread full of lots of helpful info....and..fabulous pictures too!

Gorgeous pixs! So, does anyone do what we do -- since we have been so many times, lately, unless we don't have an ADR or a FP for a particular park day, just get on the first bus that shows up? Most times we have stuck to the FP+ schedule but every once in a while, just thrown the plans aside and said "hey, the animal kingdom bus will be here in 2 minutes, let's go there today!"

Tom

Although I do enjoy pre planning and even the flexibility on park arrival times due to FPP...Sadly for us...the days of a spontaneous days is pretty much over....I find that mostly..with the various offers and crowd levels..that to get the most of our time at WDW..even if it is down time...things need to be planned out....

does the sugar loaf have one bedroom suites with two full bathrooms or are those rooms just in the other outer lodges. TIA!

There is indeed a one bedroom suite in SL..it has a view of the courtyard pool and I do believe has 2 bathrooms...

MommyRosa Glad to hear that your trip turned out well despite some initial rough patches..Staying CL at the GF is so very nice! thanks for the review and pics too....

grannyminnie

cdnjason Thanks for taking the time to post such a thorough review of your trip!

~ Water park fans...just read the Blizzard Beach refurb will run from 10/4/15 to 1/2/16....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans have a magical Monday!

 

[jani3]

Gorgeous pixs! So, does anyone do what we do -- since we have been so many times, lately, unless we don't have an ADR or a FP for a particular park day, just get on the first bus that shows up? Most times we have stuck to the FP+ schedule but every once in a while, just thrown the plans aside and said "hey, the animal kingdom bus will be here in 2 minutes, let's go there today!"

Tom

Not at wdw since this upcoming trip will be our first one. But we have at DLR since we have annual passes. I get to the center hub, look at DL and DCA then go for whichever park has the least amount of people going in. Maybe someday we'll get to do what you do at wdw.

 

[dansdad]

Gorgeous pixs! So, does anyone do what we do -- since we have been so many times, lately, unless we don't have an ADR or a FP for a particular park day, just get on the first bus that shows up? Most times we have stuck to the FP+ schedule but every once in a while, just thrown the plans aside and said "hey, the animal kingdom bus will be here in 2 minutes, let's go there today!"

Tom

We usually have 2 days per trip that we do this. Don't schedule anything and just get on the first bus that shows up. It's been a favorite thing to do the past couple trips, you just never know what's going to happen. And the days usually turn out so well because we are all laid back with nowhere to be at any certain time that we are seriously considering doing this for our entire October 2016 trip.

 

[followthatmouse]

After a cold and windy Winter, the first signs of Spring are upon us - daffodils in gardens, blossom on trees in the 'burbs and the breezes (not yet warm) carry the glorious perfume of those blossoms. On this rare day off, I am pondering these lovely Spring things and my mind naturally goes straight to the GF and our trip next May (your spring!). The thought of wandering the gardens, splashing away on a pool day and getting gussied up for dinner at V & A makes me all giggly inside.

So, in honor of this giggly mood, I give you...


... and


... and

 

[trishadono]

Gorgeous pixs! So, does anyone do what we do -- since we have been so many times, lately, unless we don't have an ADR or a FP for a particular park day, just get on the first bus that shows up? Most times we have stuck to the FP+ schedule but every once in a while, just thrown the plans aside and said "hey, the animal kingdom bus will be here in 2 minutes, let's go there today!"

Tom

Dd and I often go alone. We do MK either am or pm. We choose based on early openings. (Emh) so that doesn't work for our AM BUT!!! We love to leave the park at 11am or so and then we choose a bus randomly. We did the bus to WL/cr a few times this trip. We got off at cr (this time) and took mono to gf.

We have often taken random busses like bwi , then bus to MK , then mono to our resort, or bus to por , then boat to dtd , then bus to resort. We like to explore mid-day.

My fav is the bus to wl, boat to cr , then either we staying there or mono to poly/gf.

 

[trishadono]

does the sugar loaf have one bedroom suites with two full bathrooms or are those rooms just in the other outer lodges. TIA!

I believe the set up is a one bedroom and bath with a living area with a second bathroom. Hopefully someone that has stayed in one can confirm.

 

[Ismo]

After a cold and windy Winter, the first signs of Spring are upon us - daffodils in gardens, blossom on trees in the 'burbs and the breezes (not yet warm) carry the glorious perfume of those blossoms. On this rare day off, I am pondering these lovely Spring things and my mind naturally goes straight to the GF and our trip next May (your spring!). The thought of wandering the gardens, splashing away on a pool day and getting gussied up for dinner at V & A makes me all giggly inside.

So, in honor of this giggly mood, I give you...

Absolutely beautiful! Where were they taken from?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I have lots of exciting news to report and photos, too

We were booked 10 nights at Poly. I let DD16 pick any resort since it's her last summer vacation before she graduates. We arrived Friday and received the room location we requested, so no complaints there. On Sunday, DD and I walked over and had dinner at the GFC. We had a great server, Amanda. The band was playing and the atmosphere and the very cordial CMs were really making us wish we were staying instead at GF. You might know where this is heading...

I walked up to the front desk and told them how much we loved it here and how DD and I wished we were staying here instead and asked if it would be possible to stay here at some point during our remaining 8 nights. Within minutes, the most wonderful GSM, Jesse, had transferred our reservation! Not only that, this wonderful man had upgraded us from our Poly SV to a TPV Dormer and the room was available immediately! I was speechless, (that doesn't happen often). We walked back to Poly. DD has never packed so fast in her life. We walked back to GF with our luggage and straight to our Big Pine Key room where we found this amazing welcome:



Within minutes after we got in the room, another amazing CM, Sara, phoned to check on us and tell us she had another surprise. She had added 3 additional FPs to our MDX valid anywhere at anytime for the duration of our stay. This was something I had never even known was possible and I was again in disbelief at all the incredible magical moments we had experienced.

Everyone who assisted us was amazing and they truly went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel so welcome and appreciated as guests. There is a level of decorum and guest service here that truly does set GF apart from the other Deluxes. We are thrilled to be staying here and we will definitely return!

 

[WDWKOOK]

 

[WDWKOOK]

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'll post more photos later. I have to head to Epcot soon



Big Pine Key TPV:

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I love Big Pine Key - congratulations on everything that's wonderful!

Tom

 

[tinaver]

Question for the Grand Floridian lovers -

We currently have two rooms reserved. When we made the reservations, one room was for my parents. The second was for me, DH and our two children who will be 5 and 20 months at the time of the trip.

My father is now no longer able to join us - so the second room will be housing my mom. Does it make sense to keep this second room to house 1 person? Am I crazy to be considering have three adults and two small children in one room?

Not having been at the Grand before, I am struggling to decide what's the best thing to do.

 

[maryj11]

I know our room had 2 queen beds and a couch. I'm not sure if the couch folded out into a bed or not. If it does then you should be fine with one room. We never had to use the couch so I dont even know

 

[maryj11]

We just left Big Pine Key last week ! I have some photos but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to post with flickr.