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

[dansdad]

AT CBR back in 08/13 my housekeeper was in the room when we got back one day. She insisted she made the towels for us to take home and asked if i liked them??? I am not a animal towel person so I had to sneak them out of the room and throw them out so she would think i took them home. I did leave her a nice tip tho. She had kids at home and sounded like trying hard to earn some extra $$.

My aunt was a housekeeper at WDW for 14 years. Yes, they were meant for guests to take home. The towels used to make the animals are towels that are going to be taken out of "service" due to fraying, looking ragged etc. That's why they were not always left for guests because there had to be some that were going to be "retired". Not only did there need to be towels available to be made, the housekeeper had to have the time to make them up. They were always meant to be something special, not expected. And as the guests started complaining that they are paying $$$ for the room or tipping $$$ and not getting towels animals every day, they have decided to stop the practice. Though there still are some housekeepers that enjoy doing it so much that they will still do it. But as a whole, they are not encouraged to any longer.

 

[followthatmouse]

Packing? I have to pack ??? LOL ( OP here, Original pack-crastinator) How nice is the Grand IPO? When I emailed them after I upgraded from Sugarloaf to RPC King, she sound as excited as I was LOL. Which is AWESOME!

I will I will, I actually had a dream last night that I threw a fit because I missed evening offerings and Wishes LOL #grandproblems The ONLY thing getting me through the next 5 days is Halloween and the fact I am working 3 out of the next four nights. Monday will go quick I am sure and we leave for the airport at 3:30am for our 6a flight on Tuesday! I am SO excited!!!!!!!

3:30 in the a.m., pas?!!! Wow!!!

They probably have packing elves in the IPO, too!

 

[pas130]

3:30 in the a.m., pas?!!! Wow!!!

They probably have packing elves in the IPO, too!

I mean how much do I really need??? I am thinking of forgetting an extra shirt and HAVING to buy one or two...LOL Our flight is 6am, I hope hope hope for no delays which isn't common in Newark, NJ...If all goes well I can make breakfast offerings at RPC!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[OregonGirl]

I've poured through the photos on page one but of course I want more. Views from the Windows or balcony ideally.

What are everyone's opinions regarding their signature dining preference at GF?

Also, has anyone rented a cabana and can they offer a review and pictures?

- Carey

 

[Sue M]

I've poured through the photos on page one but of course I want more. Views from the Windows or balcony ideally.

What are everyone's opinions regarding their signature dining preference at GF?

Also, has anyone rented a cabana and can they offer a review and pictures?

- Carey

I like Citricos and Narcoossee. Haven't rented cabana. They are at Beach pool. They look nice,but for me not worth the price.

 

[BlueSkies]

Blue thanks for the pics! It's a long time till August! Home sick with the flu, so these are the highlight of my day lol!

Thanks Sue! Sorry to hear that you are under the weather...Hope that you feel better soon!!

I have a question but I realize this may not be the right thread to post it on but I also know there are a lot of people watching this thread and I might be able to get a response.

I once read that if a housekeeping CM makes a small towel figure (not the big Mickey head or swan found on the bed), that it is a gift to you and yours to keep. Is this true?

Thank you in advance.

As many others have said..this is what we have been told over the years too!

Blue...welcome back! Thanks for the pretty picture.

Thanks for the warm welcome back my friend! Glad that you enjoyed the pic!! I have many more..taken specifically to share here with all of you...but ..I did not have the camera set properly..and ALL of the files are too large........ So I am workign on cropping them...and will share the ones that don't look wonky after they are cropped...lol...

TOM!!!!!!!!!! Have a blast!!!

OH no..I missed the send off!!! Sorry time...Same thought from me too Tom...

Hi everyone!

Hubby and I will celebrate 4 years together in a RPC Deluxe King from March 1-5 with a Deluxe Dining Plan, followed by a week long cruise in the Caribbean.

For those of you staying RPC Deluxe King, I would love photos of the room. I am undecided over my preference for the turret (with no balcony) or the regular rectangle with balcony. So excited about going, I'm not even sure I want to request one or the other so we can be surprised, but I still love whatever photos I can get my hands on!

This will be our first time at GF but we are seasoned Deluxe CL people. I just can't stay anywhere else. I demand luxury on my vacations and it's one of the few times we allow ourselves to all out splurge.

Nice to meet you all and thanks for sharing your photos, reviews and tidbits!

Welcome and congrats on celebrating your anniversary in such a grand way!!! I personally am a fan of the turret deluxe kings..although I love a balcony...the spaciousness of these rooms and their wonderful location right off of the atrium..where you can hear the evening music..and much closer to the lounge...give them more appeal to me....They are both lovely rooms...and as I think dansdad has said..there is lots of info about these great rooms on the first page of this thread..also dispro is a big fan and annual visitor of the turret rooms..so she probably can answer more specific questions about them...and maybe share some pics....

Very exciting, pas!!! Have fun with the packing and safe travels to our lovely GF!

I just emailed our ADR requests to the IPO. I am giggling inside just thinking about it.

Ooh, I see new refillable mugs are coming ...

I second that...Have fun pas and safe travels!

Trip plans are underway!!! That great follow ! Looking forward to more of your beautiful photos after your trip!

Welcome back, Blue! Hope your stay was GRAND!!

Pas, have a GRAND time! Stroll the GF grounds for me...

Thanks so much my fellow grand groupie!!! It was grand! I will "try" and post a mini TR....

My aunt was a housekeeper at WDW for 14 years. Yes, they were meant for guests to take home. The towels used to make the animals are towels that are going to be taken out of "service" due to fraying, looking ragged etc. That's why they were not always left for guests because there had to be some that were going to be "retired". Not only did there need to be towels available to be made, the housekeeper had to have the time to make them up. They were always meant to be something special, not expected. And as the guests started complaining that they are paying $$$ for the room or tipping $$$ and not getting towels animals every day, they have decided to stop the practice. Though there still are some housekeepers that enjoy doing it so much that they will still do it. But as a whole, they are not encouraged to any longer.

Thanks for the confirmation about the towel animals dansdad ...

I like Citricos and Narcoossee. Haven't rented cabana. They are at Beach pool. They look nice,but for me not worth the price.

I second those recommendations...Narcoosees would be my top pick with Citricos a close second...both have great food...service and ambiance...but I think that you can't beat the views from Narcoosees...oh and that almond crusted cheese cake might be swaying me a bit too..lol.....

Wanted to add...we have spent time in the cabanas.... ...I think that they are a lovely way to spend a summer day out at the pool...particularly with the pools being more crowded now that VGF has opened...but to us .. it really is dependent on the time of year...the extra level of service in a cabana adds to the experience .. besides the comfy cushy chairs..the extra towels...tv..refrigerator of beverages...there is an attendant to keep the ice bucket full....towels fresh...bring you nice fluffy drinks from the pool bar and even assist with dining orders...Its pretty pricey though IMO...but a nice splurge once in a while....HTH...

~ Just a heads up for those planning on booking a bounce back offer...I forget the new name that they are called...lol..the information booklet in the rooms only lists free dining as the offer...but I did call and say that I was interested in a room only offer...and YES it is available.....there are dates available through to the end of the year...or close to it....The discount is 30% for the deluxes....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday! GF gal who is happy to have two tickers!!

 

[trishadono]

Wanted to add...we have spent time in the cabanas.... ...I think that they are a lovely way to spend a summer day out at the pool...particularly with the pools being more crowded now that VGF has opened...but to us .. it really is dependent on the time of year...the extra level of service in a cabana adds to the experience .. besides the comfy cushy chairs..the extra towels...tv..refrigerator of beverages...there is an attendant to keep the ice bucket full....towels fresh...bring you nice fluffy drinks from the pool bar and even assist with dining orders...Its pretty pricey though IMO...but a nice splurge once in a while....HTH...

Um, what's a FLUFFY DRINK"???

Sorry, been a busy day and I have the giggles now!

Congrats on 2 tickers

 

[trishadono]

Thanks Sue! Sorry to hear that you are under the weather...Hope that you feel better soon!!



As many others have said..this is what we have been told over the years too!



Thanks for the warm welcome back my friend! Glad that you enjoyed the pic!! I have many more..taken specifically to share here with all of you...but ..I did not have the camera set properly..and ALL of the files are too large........ So I am workign on cropping them...and will share the ones that don't look wonky after they are cropped...lol...



OH no..I missed the send off!!! Sorry time...Same thought from me too Tom...



Welcome and congrats on celebrating your anniversary in such a grand way!!! I personally am a fan of the turret deluxe kings..although I love a balcony...the spaciousness of these rooms and their wonderful location right off of the atrium..where you can hear the evening music..and much closer to the lounge...give them more appeal to me....They are both lovely rooms...and as I think dansdad has said..there is lots of info about these great rooms on the first page of this thread..also dispro is a big fan and annual visitor of the turret rooms..so she probably can answer more specific questions about them...and maybe share some pics....



I second that...Have fun pas and safe travels!

Trip plans are underway!!! That great follow ! Looking forward to more of your beautiful photos after your trip!



Thanks so much my fellow grand groupie!!! It was grand! I will "try" and post a mini TR....



Thanks for the confirmation about the towel animals dansdad ...



I second those recommendations...Narcoosees would be my top pick with Citricos a close second...both have great food...service and ambiance...but I think that you can't beat the views from Narcoosees...oh and that almond crusted cheese cake might be swaying me a bit too..lol.....

Wanted to add...we have spent time in the cabanas.... ...I think that they are a lovely way to spend a summer day out at the pool...particularly with the pools being more crowded now that VGF has opened...but to us .. it really is dependent on the time of year...the extra level of service in a cabana adds to the experience .. besides the comfy cushy chairs..the extra towels...tv..refrigerator of beverages...there is an attendant to keep the ice bucket full....towels fresh...bring you nice fluffy drinks from the pool bar and even assist with dining orders...Its pretty pricey though IMO...but a nice splurge once in a while....HTH...

~ Just a heads up for those planning on booking a bounce back offer...I forget the new name that they are called...lol..the information booklet in the rooms only lists free dining as the offer...but I did call and say that I was interested in a room only offer...and YES it is available.....there are dates available through to the end of the year...or close to it....The discount is 30% for the deluxes....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday! GF gal who is happy to have two tickers!!

OH do you have to be staying at gf to rent a cabana? Maybe a nice option for my value trip in January.

 

[followthatmouse]

I realise that I haven't welcomed our wonderful Blue home from the Mouse House! Welcome home, weary traveller!

 

[followthatmouse]

Trip plans are underway!!! That great follow ! Looking forward to more of your beautiful photos after your trip!


Wanted to add...we have spent time in the cabanas.... ...I think that they are a lovely way to spend a summer day out at the pool...particularly with the pools being more crowded now that VGF has opened...but to us .. it really is dependent on the time of year...the extra level of service in a cabana adds to the experience .. besides the comfy cushy chairs..the extra towels...tv..refrigerator of beverages...there is an attendant to keep the ice bucket full....towels fresh...bring you nice fluffy drinks from the pool bar and even assist with dining orders...Its pretty pricey though IMO...but a nice splurge once in a while....HTH...


Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday! GF gal who is happy to have two tickers!!

Blue, I'll see what i can do for you photo-wise! We'll be joining you with two tickers!!! Yes, we couldn't resist. Christmas at the GF 2016!!!! Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!


I'll second your thoughts on cabanas. We have spent a couple of lovely days with cabanas ... and cabana boys! The guarantee of shade, the service, the comfy setting, the fridge and the mere thought of a little bit of seclusion all your own is lovely for a few hours in the craziness of a busy pool and surrounds. While the lunch menu from the poolside bar is available to all Beach pool guests, I thought our meal tasted even nicer being consumed around our own little cabana. We booked half-day rental in the morning time slot. We enjoyed the slightly cooler early hours and after lunch we were able to head back to our room to shower and venture off to the parks refreshed and energetic! Each cabana experience has been nice and, for us at least, worth the expense.

 

[Sue M]

OH do you have to be staying at gf to rent a cabana? Maybe a nice option for my value trip in January.

I think maybe yes Trish, you have to be a resort guest, because pool hopping isn't allowed . But nothing says you can't enjoy the pool bar? Love the food options at the beach pool. Crab cakes yum!
You going in August? I can't remember, this flu has turned my brain to mush.

 

[trishadono]

I think maybe yes Trish, you have to be a resort guest, because pool hopping isn't allowed . But nothing says you can't enjoy the pool bar? Love the food options at the beach pool. Crab cakes yum!
You going in August? I can't remember, this flu has turned my brain to mush.

Lys has 3 non park must do's!

Eat lunch at Kona
Shop at Summerlace
Have a strawberry daiquiri(she rotates location but usually at the pool bar of CSR/poly/gf)

We just bought a lake house so my funds for Disney will be limited to what I can scrounge with my Disney visa points. I do have enough JetBlue points for a flight so maybe lys and I go and stay at a value. It's better than not going!

Sorry you are not feeling well. It is so frustrating!!

 

[drwadadli]

My aunt was a housekeeper at WDW for 14 years. Yes, they were meant for guests to take home. The towels used to make the animals are towels that are going to be taken out of "service" due to fraying, looking ragged etc. That's why they were not always left for guests because there had to be some that were going to be "retired". Not only did there need to be towels available to be made, the housekeeper had to have the time to make them up. They were always meant to be something special, not expected. And as the guests started complaining that they are paying $$$ for the room or tipping $$$ and not getting towels animals every day, they have decided to stop the practice. Though there still are some housekeepers that enjoy doing it so much that they will still do it. But as a whole, they are not encouraged to any longer.

Thanks for the response and clarifying everything.

 

[followthatmouse]

Blue thanks for the pics! It's a long time till August! Home sick with the flu, so these are the highlight of my day lol!

Sue, I hope you are feeling better. Flu is a miserable business. Thinking Grand thoughts may improve matters!

 

[MsDisney5]

May be a little early here, but would love some feedback on where to request. We have a garden view room booked.

Just a little info on the group traveling...

September 2016
3 rooms
Grandkids 2 and 1 at the time of travel
6 adults (2 single sons)​

I will be combing through this thread but any little pointers about this resort would be greatly appreciated.

 

[goofy4prez]

Officially booked my DS' graduation trip at the VGF for June! So excited! So a few questions, we booked a lakeview studio. Any room recommendations that I should request? How far are the villas from the main building and buses/monorail? Also, we will be arriving via DME. hoping that I just get a text with our room # before we arrive like I did this past Sept when we stayed at POR. But if that does not happen, where do we check in at if we are staying at the villas? The main building or the villas building? Thanks!

Congratulations on the big trip next June. We will also be staying at the VGF around the same time as you are celebrating my DD's graduation along with our 30th anniversary and will be staying in a lakeview 2 bedroom suite. As for the room recommendations we had an incredible view this past June from our lakeview studio in room 1504 (picture below). As for the walk, the Villa's are literally a two minute walk at best from the main building and the rear entrance out of the VGF is about a covered 2 minute walk at most to the monorail. There is also a separate check in at the Villas. Enjoy your trip next June and perhaps we may run into you in the lobby. Enjoy your upcoming trip.

 

[Sue M]

May be a little early here, but would love some feedback on where to request. We have a garden view room booked.

Just a little info on the group traveling...

September 2016
3 rooms
Grandkids 2 and 1 at the time of travel
6 adults (2 single sons)​

I will be combing through this thread but any little pointers about this resort would be greatly appreciated.

My fav GV room is Boca Chica. You have a nice view of the courtyard pool & lawns. Central location, close to both pools and main building.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hello friends, we are back (late last night) from a quick 5 day trip for F&W - we stayed in Epcot at the Dolphin. The vacation started like this at checkin -- good evening, we have upgraded you to the 11th floor, lake view. It only got better from there!!! We need a vacation to recover.....more to come.

Tom

 

[loveshak22]

Hello friends, we are back (late last night) from a quick 5 day trip for F&W - we stayed in Epcot at the Dolphin. The vacation started like this at checkin -- good evening, we have upgraded you to the 11th floor, lake view. It only got better from there!!! We need a vacation to recover.....more to come.

Tom

Nice!!! Glad to hear you had an amazing trip! Can't wait to hear more once you get settled and rested!!

 

[pas130]

Hello friends, we are back (late last night) from a quick 5 day trip for F&W - we stayed in Epcot at the Dolphin. The vacation started like this at checkin -- good evening, we have upgraded you to the 11th floor, lake view. It only got better from there!!! We need a vacation to recover.....more to come.

Tom

wonderful to hear and I can't wait to hear all about it!! Welcome home! I'm getting my pedicure and we leave for the airport in 16 hours!!!