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

[mickeynut1]

What she said...

Hi grannyminnie

Good Afternoon
Long time no post. I didn't go back and read too many pages.......
Summer of sickness , had my first ever ear ache recovered from that and the 2 weeks ago developed a kidney stone. OMG I was in so much pain all I did was before I went to the ER..Feeling tons better

No real trip planned but I do fantasy plan a trip about once a week! Took me forever to find where they moved the boards UGH!


mmmears Happy planning!

Maxie86 Get packing

mickeynut1

Grannyminnie Yay a trip to DL

BlueSkies I need a day trip to your part of the country

Hi ahcupcake .....good to "see" you back! I hope you are feeling better!

2 years ago, I also found that the buses and monorails were extremely crowded and the GF DVC was not even opened yet. This may turn off a lot of folks from staying for the "convenience" of resort hotels. Disney may have done a disservice to themselves.

I see quite a few references to this already as people question staying onsite (especially at the monorail resorts) and wonder if it's really worth it compared to staying offsite for quite a bit less money.

 

[Lisann]

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


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!

I LOVE hearing stories like this!!! So glad you had a magical, magical time!!

 

[Lisann]

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.

I would keep the two rooms...you will be glad you did.

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon

I just feel with the monorails getting older, less reliable and more crowded due to the extra DVC rooms now at the resorts that now would be a great time for that walkway to be completed. I would definitely take the walk at night

I think the monorails should have been overhauled/repaired/new ones purchased before BEFORE they started on any DVC at the monorail resorts....I think the current ones are 25 years old. The Yacht Club is now the only Deluxe that does not have DVC attached to it, but there probably will be one

Hey, ahcupcake!! Long time no "see", but I understand why now....how awful to have more than one sickness over the summer!

Where are you planning to go on this week's "fantasy trip"?

.....Yeah kidney stones kinda stink.....Well this weeks fantasy trip was an around the world cruise

Hi grannyminnie



Hi ahcupcake .....good to "see" you back! I hope you are feeling better!

mickeynut1
Thanks I'm feeling tons better

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Ok so I am about 99% certain that I am switching over to the GF for our upcoming trip in a few years. If I am booking a garden view room, where should I request? Here's a little background. Traveling solo with my two DS's. Age 13 years old and 7 months. Ideally want to be close to the main building and pool. Also what other resorts does GF share with going to and from the parks. What about magical express? I know if often changes but what stop is GF typically coming from the airport? Appreciate any feedback.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Ok so I am about 99% certain that I am switching over to the GF for our upcoming trip in a few years. If I am booking a garden view room, where should I request? Here's a little background. Traveling solo with my two DS's. Age 13 years old and 7 months. Ideally want to be close to the main building and pool. Also what other resorts does GF share with going to and from the parks. What about magical express? I know if often changes but what stop is GF typically coming from the airport? Appreciate any feedback.

I would pick in order, Big Pine Key -- it is close to the main building and in between the splash pool area and the big pool, or Sago -- I love Sago because a marina view is considered "garden," However, Sago is probably a longer walk than you want.

You are correct, the DME varies, our most recent trips have had it go to WL, CR, Poly. GF. We've gotten off at the CR and taken the monorail from there to the Poly and then the GF -- saves a little time and gets you into the magic right away! FYI, that has been when arriving around 9pm at MCO - we rarely arrive in the day anymore.

Tom

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I would pick in order, Big Pine Key -- it is close to the main building and in between the splash pool area and the big pool, or Sago -- I love Sago because a marina view is considered "garden," However, Sago is probably a longer walk than you want.

You are correct, the DME varies, our most recent trips have had it go to WL, CR, Poly. GF. We've gotten off at the CR and taken the monorail from there to the Poly and then the GF -- saves a little time and gets you into the magic right away! FYI, that has been when arriving around 9pm at MCO - we rarely arrive in the day anymore.

Tom

Thank you! I figured Big Pine Key would be my best bet. We arrive at 2p on a Saturday, so I am sure it will be a mad house at the airport at that time of day

 

[bethclayton]

kook, loved your pics and your story!

we are back from 8 days at the poly and all four of us have decided that we are just GF people.

we stayed at the poly in 2010 and we loved the resort. the kids have been begging to go back to the poly all these years but the price increases just made us stick with the GF (we just feel the GF, while pricier, gave us more for our $$ and that the poly was just becoming overpriced). we finally got that magical labor day deal and booked the poly and were really looking forward to staying there again.

on the second day we went to the GF for an hour and both kids immediately said we should have stayed there instead. dh and i wholeheartedly agreed.

the poly is just not the same as it was before they changed the landscape. it's just not as special. and the GF, well, is still really special.

sigh, next time.

 

[BlueSkies]

Drive by....

fellow GF fans....

Maxie & ah Nice to see you...

Beth You are just a GF gal..tried and true...sorry tho that your Poly trip wasn't all you'd hoped it would be...

Maxie Your new avatar is hurting my eyes. . ..lol...I'm guessing you took that picture before Patriot Mickey got pitched over the railing at the GF...lol. ..
Hope everyone is having a magical Monday...

 

[Maxie86]

While the EWP floats are currently stored in the alley way between the GF and the MK, there is a lot of other space available on the manmade waterways that are Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake -- if Disney really wanted to do this, that wouldn't be a hold up. Also, they don't have to necessarily go up with the bridge, they could build a swing bridge that opens and closes if they want to keep the EWP floats where they currently are stored. It appears to me that Disney just doesn't want people walked to/from the GF/Poly and I don't know why.

Tom

I completely agree. Disney would get it done it they wanted to.

aucupcake, Glad you are feeling better.

blueskies, What's wrong with my avatar??? I don't think you liked my old one either... Patriot Mickey is alive and well thank you, he was a little shaken up after his drop over the railing, but has recovered nicely...and ready to celebrate again in February.

 

[BlueSkies]

Sadly, we had to cancel our upcoming GF trip, due to some health issues and doctors appointments (and the inability to get our dog boarded) we couldn't make the trip work, in the last couple of weeks it seemed everything was against us even making the trip at all so though I am sad I saw a cancellation coming. We are hoping to be able to stay at the GF in the future as this was going to be our first stay at the GF.

However, an upside is we were able to move our vacation back a week, but the only resort available was BWI, we've never stayed there either so I'm sure we will enjoy it and at least we are at Disney World.

I just wanted to say how helpful this thread has been for me as a first time GF guest!

So sorry that your GF trip did not work out..this time...but BWI is super ...have stayed there a few times in recent years and will be staying there again this winter...

Sorry you had to forego the GF this trip but at least perhaps you can pop over and enjoy the lobby and/or restaurants during your stay.

Good idea grannyminnie Visiting is the next best thing to being there IMO...

Hi all!

Just returned from SL! We stayed from 8/23-8/28! The staff was wonderful as always. We stayed in room 6320 which is one of the turret rooms. It was a bit of an inconvenience with the monorail hours and gaspies being closed, but once we got a routine down it was manageable. The CMs were able to get a 4th FP+ as long as it was available. We didn't really need them though as the longest we waited for anything was 15 minutes. Even got to see Anna and Elsa with a 5 min wait time near the end of the night! The wait times were very inflated then so keep that in mind. The meet and greet had a 25 min time posted.
The most exciting part of the trip though was that DBF popped the question! We were able to get the elusive "just engaged" buttons even though they have discontinued them.

I'll answer any questions that I can! Heads up- they were starting to put up the Halloween displays when we left!

Many congratulations!!! What a wonderful place to get engaged!! What a memorable trip...

We have a reservation at GF SL for December 11-16. This is our first stay at GF. When submitting our room requests is there a certain floor we should request? Thanks!

I know that your question was already answered..with a great recommendation by Tom I would have the same recommendation ..Just wanted to say...the GF is especially magical at the holiday time..Enjoy!

We loved the first floor (6102, 6104) - so close to lounge for coffee, snacks, etc. and the pool and main building. However, the view is probably better from a higher floor. Enjoy your stay. SL is fantastic.

We have stayed on the higher floors and still prefer the first floor...for the exact reasons that you mentioned...and I do think that the first floor view are pretty nice too!

Hi, Maxie! Getting stuck at MK is SO frustrating! I do wish they would complete the walkway to the GF, but I guess they never will since they'd have to build a bridge across the area the Electric Water Pageant equipment is stored

I am thinking that you are right...

Hi, Maxie! Good to "see" you posting!

I'm with the posters who wish for a bridge to walk from the GF to the MK. No idea why they've not done it yet....

Me too!!!

We noticed a huge difference when BLT opened...now it is only worse...much worse.

Hi mmmears.

Absolutely...

Thinking about the bridge or walkway from the GF to the MK, the bridge would have to be high enough so that the EWP floats would be able to get under the clearance of the bridge. That bridge might interfere with the height of the monorail to accommodate the floats. Just something to think about.

2 years ago, I also found that the buses and monorails were extremely crowded and the GF DVC was not even opened yet. This may turn off a lot of folks from staying for the "convenience" of resort hotels. Disney may have done a disservice to themselves.

It definitely is a big concern for us...Especially during the busier times...

While the EWP floats are currently stored in the alley way between the GF and the MK, there is a lot of other space available on the manmade waterways that are Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake -- if Disney really wanted to do this, that wouldn't be a hold up. Also, they don't have to necessarily go up with the bridge, they could build a swing bridge that opens and closes if they want to keep the EWP floats where they currently are stored. It appears to me that Disney just doesn't want people walked to/from the GF/Poly and I don't know why.

Tom

You have a point there Tom!

ah Lets make some plans!

Maxie Bring that Mickey along again at your own risk!!! lol... Better keep a close eye on him!! lol...maybe Dispro will hide him in her room....lol...Btw..changed up some dining..again... and we now have a Cape May dinner ressie...??? Redundant for you I know ..but we had a few requests...

MickeyNut How are your plans progressing??? I know that you are considering either a GF/CR split...(which we did last year and I loved...)or a Poly/CR split....You know what my vote is for... ...lol...

 

[VbChristy]

We've gotten to Septmeber! In the month I will go to Disney!!! Yay yay yay! Cannot wait for my I eat GF stay and we will be doing our first club level stay. I'm beyond excited. But first I have an impossible 4 weeks of of work ahead, and I have to move my office unexpectedly which is going to be a big headache, and we all have really severe colds, turning into sinus infections. Sigh. But at the end of it all we will be at the GF! Cannot wait!!! Okay thanks for letting me share my excitement. And stress. If you're the praying type, send some my way!

 

[Dispro1]

Maxie Bring that Mickey along again at your own risk!!! lol... Better keep a close eye on him!! lol...maybe Dispro will hide him in her room....lol...Btw..changed up some dining..again... and we now have a Cape May dinner ressie...??? Redundant for you I know ..but we had a few requests...

I've been writing clues for treasure hunts/scavenger hunts for years for my kids, neighbor kids, etc...I hope Maxie is good at following the clues to find her Mickey! The GF is a big place

 

[2golftoday]

We loved the first floor (6102, 6104) - so close to lounge for coffee, snacks, etc. and the pool and main building. However, the view is probably better from a higher floor. Enjoy your stay. SL is fantastic.

Thank you. We're so excited for our first Christmas trip!

 

[2golftoday]

Blue skies Thank you!

 

[Tash87]

Going to the previous posts about the path/bridge. I asked the question on the transportation forum before I posted the original question on this thread and boy I wish I never mentioned it on there! I think they may be transportation police or something . It's obviously a very touchy subject.

 

[mickeynut1]

mickeynut1
Thanks I'm feeling tons better

That's good to hear .

Ok so I am about 99% certain that I am switching over to the GF for our upcoming trip in a few years. If I am booking a garden view room, where should I request? Here's a little background. Traveling solo with my two DS's. Age 13 years old and 7 months. Ideally want to be close to the main building and pool. Also what other resorts does GF share with going to and from the parks. What about magical express? I know if often changes but what stop is GF typically coming from the airport? Appreciate any feedback.

Another vote for Big Pine Key. Boca Chica is also a good choice, IMO. It overlooks the courtyard pool (like BPK) and although BPK is a little closer to the main building and beach pool, BC is just a few steps more .

MickeyNut How are your plans progressing??? I know that you are considering either a GF/CR split...(which we did last year and I loved...)or a Poly/CR split....You know what my vote is for... ...lol...

Nothing definite as discounts will play a big part (provided something is offered), but we are thinking a CR/Poly split.

We've gotten to Septmeber! In the month I will go to Disney!!! Yay yay yay! Cannot wait for my I eat GF stay and we will be doing our first club level stay. I'm beyond excited. But first I have an impossible 4 weeks of of work ahead, and I have to move my office unexpectedly which is going to be a big headache, and we all have really severe colds, turning into sinus infections. Sigh. But at the end of it all we will be at the GF! Cannot wait!!! Okay thanks for letting me share my excitement. And stress. If you're the praying type, send some my way!

Your trip will be here before you know it!

We're so excited for our first Christmas trip!

You are going to have a great time! Disney at Christmas time is amazing!

Going to the previous posts about the path/bridge. I asked the question on the transportation forum before I posted the original question on this thread and boy I wish I never mentioned it on there! I think they may be transportation police or something . It's obviously a very touchy subject.

I know just what you mean! I don't go to the transportation forum a lot, but I have read/posted there in the past and it amazes me how angry some people get over a question or response .

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Going to the previous posts about the path/bridge. I asked the question on the transportation forum before I posted the original question on this thread and boy I wish I never mentioned it on there! I think they may be transportation police or something . It's obviously a very touchy subject.

It amazes me how GRUMPY people can be when discussing the happiest place on earth. Come on peeps, there are bigger issues to be grumpy about than that!

Tom

 

[Ismo]

I'm beyond excited to say that tomorrow we will be going to Disney for our first ever stay at VGF! I can't believe 11 months since booking have gone by this quickly, it feels like just yesterday I was getting excited about booking my ADRs! We have a couple of GF meals planned as well to take advantage of the resort. We will be eating at the Grand Floridian Cafe, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert's QVR! I'm thinking about doing a trip report when we get back to help with my Disney Vacation Being Over Depression. We check in late tomorrow but hopefully in time to grab a drink and watch some fireworks.

 

[Music City Mama]

I'm beyond excited to say that tomorrow we will be going to Disney for our first ever stay at VGF! I can't believe 11 months since booking have gone by this quickly, it feels like just yesterday I was getting excited about booking my ADRs! We have a couple of GF meals planned as well to take advantage of the resort. We will be eating at the Grand Floridian Cafe, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert's QVR! I'm thinking about doing a trip report when we get back to help with my Disney Vacation Being Over Depression. We check in late tomorrow but hopefully in time to grab a drink and watch some fireworks.

How exciting -- hope you have a wonderful time! I look forward to reading your report!