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

[Tash87]

OMG HIT THE WRONG KEY! Wanted to say "thanks for sharing your news, Tash87! I love to hear good news.

Ha, it happens to us all!

Thank you . I've always gazed across to it and said ' I WILL stay there one day ' but never thought that I actually would.

What are my chances of seeing the water parade?

 

[Dispro1]

I've seen the bathrobe people in RPC, which I really don't like. But the worst is the wet swimsuit people. Those chairs sure do take a long time to dry...

Yes, that's really inconsiderate! Beach Club was very smart to recover their chairs in vinyl fabric (or something waterproof) when they renovated the CL lounge!

 

[pas130]

Have not-so Grand news....not that it's bad news. However, my Grand Groupies will understand. We changed (back) to BWI for December. I came home to a Grand intervention Only my DD8 was excited about GF (can't count my DMIL because I didn't tell her...), and DH wanted to put his opinion in that navigating around with the kids will be easier at BWI. Plus he knew BWI was cheaper DS6 and DD10 are both on the autism spectrum and very sensitive to noise, crowds, smell..hence no frequent lobby visits, and the dislike for the monorail So I did switch back. DH promises to take me back to GF one day.....AHHHHHHH one day....like one day in 2016 would be nice. I had to vent here, but I KNOW it will still be an amazing trip and I am sure BWI is

 

[Lisann]

pas130...vent away. We totally get it.

Yes, you will have a good time at BWI, too, but....we all understand, there's nothing like the Grand (hey! that rhymes!).

 

[mickeynut1]

Did Gasparilla Grill just go through a reno? Are they open? Searched but can't find anything.

I think it was closed for a short time recently, but not sure if it's reopened. Hopefully someone who is there now or has been there recently will be able to give some info .

Hi! I am not sure if I am posting on the correct thread, but I thought all of the Grand Floridian fans would know the answer...

We are absolutely thrilled to be visiting Disney World this fall --- first time for my daughter and first time (since we were in elementary school) for my husband and I. We couldn't be more excited to be staying at the Grand Floridian!! It is a dream come true. Along with our daughter's first trip, we are celebrating our 15th Anniversary --- I'd like to have that information noted in our reservations, but I am not sure how to go about it (or even if it is necessary --- my sister suggested it) Is that something I would call the Grand directly to note on my reservation or should I call Disney's reservation line? I can't find a place in My Experience to add it. Any suggestions you all might have is greatly appreciated!! Thank you! Thank you!

How great to be celebrating your DD's first trip along with your anniversary . The GF is an awesome resort, you're going to LOVE it!

As pas posted, just call CRO and have your celebrations noted on your reservation .

I love seeing all these great pictures!!!! I'm staying at the Grand for the first time for a weekend in Dec. I'm getting sooooo excited!!!!

You will love it! The GF is great anytime of year, but is especially amazing during the holidays .

Staying at the GF for the first time in a long time, at least 10 years. Love the counter service. I do have a few questions, since we usually stay at the Contemporary. How is it trying to fit a wheelchair in the room? Are the custom salads at the counter service only during lunch or is it at dinner too? I am looking forward to laying out by the pool, that's one thing I never used at Contemporary because it's right near the main pool.

The rooms are pretty spacious, so I don't think it will be any trouble fitting a wheelchair, but hopefully others who might have experience with that will be able to help .

I think the salads are available all day, but I'm not sure. Hopefully others will be able to give some input .

I have upgraded my room to lagoon view room . There wasn't any theme park view rooms available.

I have over a year until my holiday but am so excited already to stay at GF for the first time!!

Congrats on upgrading to a LV! It's never too early to start planning and be excited about a trip .

Have not-so Grand news....not that it's bad news. However, my Grand Groupies will understand. We changed (back) to BWI for December. I came home to a Grand intervention Only my DD8 was excited about GF (can't count my DMIL because I didn't tell her...), and DH wanted to put his opinion in that navigating around with the kids will be easier at BWI. Plus he knew BWI was cheaper DS6 and DD10 are both on the autism spectrum and very sensitive to noise, crowds, smell..hence no frequent lobby visits, and the dislike for the monorail So I did switch back. DH promises to take me back to GF one day.....AHHHHHHH one day....like one day in 2016 would be nice. I had to vent here, but I KNOW it will still be an amazing trip and I am sure BWI is

I think you'll enjoy BWI . We've never stayed there as we tend to stick with the MK area resorts, but I do read a lot of good things about the resort and CL. I'm sure everyone will have a great time .

 

[mmmears]

Have not-so Grand news....not that it's bad news. However, my Grand Groupies will understand. We changed (back) to BWI for December. I came home to a Grand intervention Only my DD8 was excited about GF (can't count my DMIL because I didn't tell her...), and DH wanted to put his opinion in that navigating around with the kids will be easier at BWI. Plus he knew BWI was cheaper DS6 and DD10 are both on the autism spectrum and very sensitive to noise, crowds, smell..hence no frequent lobby visits, and the dislike for the monorail So I did switch back. DH promises to take me back to GF one day.....AHHHHHHH one day....like one day in 2016 would be nice. I had to vent here, but I KNOW it will still be an amazing trip and I am sure BWI is

I know it's disappointing now, but the Epcot resorts are really convenient when it comes to going to 2 parks. It's nice to be able to choose between walking or the boats, depending on how you feel at the time. I hope you do get a chance to go back to the GF sometime soon, but with the monorail so crowded and breaking down and being shut down for renovations the BWI might be a fantastic option for this trip.

 

[hiroMYhero]

I know it's disappointing now, but the Epcot resorts are really convenient when it comes to going to 2 parks. It's nice to be able to choose between walking or the boats, depending on how you feel at the time. I hope you do get a chance to go back to the GF sometime soon, but with the monorail so crowded and breaking down and being shut down for renovations the BWI might be a fantastic option for this trip.

We've stayed at BWI and YC, both CL, and had wonderful vacations! We wouldn't hesitate to stay at either one again.

The Monorail info sounds distressing!

For our upcoming GF stay, we have dinner ADRs:
for Kona - is it best to plan on walking there?
for Cali Grill/MNSSHP - boat versus Monorail? Our ADR is early, at 5:00, but there will be a lot of party-goers. We could drive and Valet park at CR but I'm not sure if that is necessary?

 

[pas130]

pas130...vent away. We totally get it.

Yes, you will have a good time at BWI, too, but....we all understand, there's nothing like the Grand (hey! that rhymes!).

that does rhyme Lol!! I only stayed once and almost stayed at RPC, but even this past summer found myself longingly staring across the lagoon from MK thank you for letting me vent

I think you'll enjoy BWI . We've never stayed there as we tend to stick with the MK area resorts, but I do read a lot of good things about the resort and CL. I'm sure everyone will have a great time .

Im sure we will, I'm being a brat since it seems like I can't get back to GF. The Epcot area is amazing, if only it had a castle view lol

I know it's disappointing now, but the Epcot resorts are really convenient when it comes to going to 2 parks. It's nice to be able to choose between walking or the boats, depending on how you feel at the time. I hope you do get a chance to go back to the GF sometime soon, but with the monorail so crowded and breaking down and being shut down for renovations the BWI might be a fantastic option for this trip.

agreed with the monorail. I remember being so excited about MVMCP one year when we stayed at poly and it was just me and three young daughters. What a nightmare! You're right though, GF will always be there, and maybe if I play my cards right I'll be there sooner then I think!

 

[pas130]

Ha, it happens to us all!

Thank you . I've always gazed across to it and said ' I WILL stay there one day ' but never thought that I actually would.

What are my chances of seeing the water parade?

You should be able to see the water parade, congrats on the upgrade AND your first Grand stay! This is the perfect place to wait for your trip!

 

[Dispro1]

We've stayed at BWI and YC, both CL, and had wonderful vacations! We wouldn't hesitate to stay at either one again.

The Monorail info sounds distressing!

For our upcoming GF stay, we have dinner ADRs:
for Kona - is it best to plan on walking there?
for Cali Grill/MNSSHP - boat versus Monorail? Our ADR is early, at 5:00, but there will be a lot of party-goers. We could drive and Valet park at CR but I'm not sure if that is necessary?

I don't really understand what's going on with the monorail right now since we were at BC in June, but I can say that the best way to get from GF to Poly is the boat, IMO. You could walk, but I think an evening boat ride is really nice, plus Poly is the next stop on the boat from GF! We were at GF in February and took the monorail from GF to CR for Cali Grill dinner, but our ADR was late (for fireworks), so we didn't have a problem. I think getting on the monorail from GF is often a problem, even when the monorail isn't being renovated, because it is filled up from people at previous stops by the time it gets to GF! I wish they would designate a certain number of cars for each resort or something so that waiting for another monorail or standing up on the monorail would be spread more evenly among the monorail resorts! I wouldn't think getting to CR would be too much of a problem at 4:30 (or a bit earlier) when you would take the monorail for dinner, but there could be a lot of people heading to MK for MNSSHP since they can get in at 4pm...so I would allow extra time. The valet parking is not a bad idea since you could walk back to CR after you leave the party (the monorail and boats are a pain if you stay until the party ends), but parking at GF may be a hassle that time of night when you return.

 

[hiroMYhero]

I don't really understand what's going on with the monorail right now since we were at BC in June, but I can say that the best way to get from GF to Poly is the boat, IMO. You could walk, but I think an evening boat ride is really nice, plus Poly is the next stop on the boat from GF! We were at GF in February and took the monorail from GF to CR for Cali Grill dinner, but our ADR was late (for fireworks), so we didn't have a problem. I think getting on the monorail from GF is often a problem, even when the monorail isn't being renovated, because it is filled up from people at previous stops by the time it gets to GF! I wish they would designate a certain number of cars for each resort or something so that waiting for another monorail or standing up on the monorail would be spread more evenly among the monorail resorts! I wouldn't think getting to CR would be too much of a problem at 4:30 (or a bit earlier) when you would take the monorail for dinner, but there could be a lot of people heading to MK for MNSSHP since they can get in at 4pm...so I would allow extra time. The valet parking is not a bad idea since you could walk back to CR after you leave the party (the monorail and boats are a pain if you stay until the party ends), but parking at GF may be a hassle that time of night when you return.

Thank you for all the details!

I hadn't thought about possible parking hassles upon our return to GF. We do plan on staying until the end of the party; there's been party schedule changes and the last stage show begins at 12:00. Perhaps the crowd will have thinned by that time and boat or Monorail will be fine. Or, if we Valet at CR, could we Valet at GF upon our return with the same ticket as it will be close to 1:00a?

 

[Dispro1]

Thank you for all the details!

I hadn't thought about possible parking hassles upon our return to GF. We do plan on staying until the end of the party; there's been party schedule changes and the last stage show begins at 12:00. Perhaps the crowd will have thinned by that time and boat or Monorail will be fine. Or, if we Valet at CR, could we Valet at GF upon our return with the same ticket as it will be close to 1:00a?

If you could use the same valet ticket, that would be great. Several years ago, Disney changed their policy on valet parking. The ticket used to be good for 24 hrs, but the last time we tried to valet (other than the free valet parking that comes with TIW when dining at another resort) they said that the ticket was only good the same day...meaning it would expire at midnight. I am certainly not a valet parking expert, so maybe someone else would know if this policy has changed again or if it was explained to us incorrectly, but we haven't used valet in a long time anyway since parking is closer now and since they increased the price of valet to $20/day. I wasn't aware that some things at the MNSSHP are being scheduled after midnight now, so thanks for the heads-up! Maybe the boat ride back to GF won't be long that late at night?? It is a pretty long walk back to CR when you are tired anyway, so I would probably just wait for the boat.

 

[marlaine8]

Well, we were supposed to be at The GF right now (Sept 6 - 12), but had to cancel 4 days prior because my 94 year old Father-In-Law became ill and had to be hospitalized. He's doing better now, but I just couldn't take a chance on something bad happening while we were gone. So, some other family is staying in our favorite room as we speak (Rm 4025 in RPC). I'm so sad and disappointed! It would have been our 10th annual Sept trip. We stayed at The Poly the first 8 years and switched to GF last year. We loved it so much that we were staying at the GF again this year. We rescheduled for the last week of January. Same exact vacation. I was pleasantly surprised to get the exact restaurants too. I know we did the right thing by re=scheduling, but I really wish we were there right now! Last year we went the same time as some friends, and the Mom just sent me pictures of our two families together at the first MNSSHP. Exactly one year ago, Sept 9. All I can say is, come on January 26!

 

[loveshak22]

Hi GF friends! I don't have any questions or anything to add about GF, but miss posting on here LOL!!

I guess I can report that I'm 6 days away from my 60 day mark! Almost time to plan FPs!!!!

 

[PedsRN88]

So, some other family is staying in our favorite room as we speak (Rm 4025 in RPC).

Marlaine8, sorry to hear about you having to cancel and I hope your Father-in-law recovers well. Oddly enough, we are the family staying in that room! I saw this and had to register to post.

As much as I hate to hear that happened (and wish it was under different circumstances) it allowed us to upgrade for our 4th anniversary celebration and our 2 year old's first trip over the room we originally booked. So while we hope you get back and enjoy this room soon, it was in good and gracious hands.

To make you feel a little better, know that last night we had an evacuation from a false fire alarm at 4:00 AM and the room right next door had the alarm sounding until 5 AM! It was a scary few moments getting scared out of bed.

 

[hiroMYhero]

If you could use the same valet ticket, that would be great. Several years ago, Disney changed their policy on valet parking. The ticket used to be good for 24 hrs, but the last time we tried to valet (other than the free valet parking that comes with TIW when dining at another resort) they said that the ticket was only good the same day...meaning it would expire at midnight. I am certainly not a valet parking expert, so maybe someone else would know if this policy has changed again or if it was explained to us incorrectly, but we haven't used valet in a long time anyway since parking is closer now and since they increased the price of valet to $20/day. I wasn't aware that some things at the MNSSHP are being scheduled after midnight now, so thanks for the heads-up! Maybe the boat ride back to GF won't be long that late at night?? It is a pretty long walk back to CR when you are tired anyway, so I would probably just wait for the boat.

Thank you, again! Boat sounds like the best option for after MNSSHP.

Things are running at later times for MNSSHP:
Parades at 8:35 and 11:15
HalloWishes at 10:00
Kenny has posted the updated schedule:
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2015/09/08/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-2015-map-and-info/

 

[grannyminnie]

Gosh, you guys have been busy beavers on here! I have missed pages and pages of posts, all because I got no "alert" at the top of the page about this thread~
I'm 2 days away from my trip to Calif. and visit to DL. Very excited, as you can imagine!

Sorry to those who have had to change/cancel visits to the Grand...been there done that, and know the pain (even if it is a family event or illness). We have not booked the GF for our next trip because we didn't get a good discount, and are at the AKL...for now! Some of you "resort changers" on here will know that plans change, and sometimes change again!

 

[Dispro1]

Thank you, again! Boat sounds like the best option for after MNSSHP.

Things are running at later times for MNSSHP:
Parades at 8:35 and 11:15
HalloWishes at 10:00
Kenny has posted the updated schedule:
http://www.kennythepirate.com/2015/09/08/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-2015-map-and-info/

I hope the boat is the best option because that's probably how we'll get back too Thanks for the schedule updates for the party. I'll have to check out Kenny's site! My kids are almost 17 and 12 so it's all about rides and candy for us these days (But Hallowishes is a must!). I usually only look at the attraction wait time prediction chart for the party, but maybe we should mix things up a bit this year! Maybe I should wear a costume too!

 

[Dispro1]

Well, we were supposed to be at The GF right now (Sept 6 - 12), but had to cancel 4 days prior because my 94 year old Father-In-Law became ill and had to be hospitalized. He's doing better now, but I just couldn't take a chance on something bad happening while we were gone. So, some other family is staying in our favorite room as we speak (Rm 4025 in RPC). I'm so sad and disappointed! It would have been our 10th annual Sept trip. We stayed at The Poly the first 8 years and switched to GF last year. We loved it so much that we were staying at the GF again this year. We rescheduled for the last week of January. Same exact vacation. I was pleasantly surprised to get the exact restaurants too. I know we did the right thing by re=scheduling, but I really wish we were there right now! Last year we went the same time as some friends, and the Mom just sent me pictures of our two families together at the first MNSSHP. Exactly one year ago, Sept 9. All I can say is, come on January 26!

So sorry you had to cancel your trip, but I'm glad you were able to reschedule for January! Dealing with aging parents can be difficult, but I'm glad it all worked out for you

 

[bamberc]

We arrive in 9 days for our vacation, and I am so excited to be finally staying at the GF I can hardly stand it! It will be me, DH, DS(10), and DD(7). We have plans for 2 rope drop days at MK and 2 rope drop days at Epcot ( as well as HS and AK, but we know we will be taking the bus for those parks. I have been trying to follow as much of the monorail info as possible, but there is so much conflicting information and advice. And since we have never stayed at the GF, I am a little confused about what are options are.

For clarity: by "rope drop", I mean we like to arrive at the park 30-45 minutes before the park is scheduled to open. We will have our car, but we hate to use when visiting Disney and usually leave it parked until we check out. These are my questions:

1) What are the modes of transportation that are operational at that time of the morning to Epcot and Magic Kingdom?

2) Should we even risk waiting on the monorail in the morning?

3) Should we throw out our "car" philosophy and just drive to Epcot?

4) Can anyone who has been there recently confirm if the resort has one of those new transportation boards with arrival times and such? If so, where is it located?

I'm just trying to finalize some of our plans and appreciate any advice anyone can offer!