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

[mmmears]

Cross posted on CL board- just in case thought I would post it here as well: Asking for my elderly parents... they will be joining us on our May vacation and staying at RPC. They have some mobility issues and will be in a standard room. Since, I have never stayed there before- what is the best room for them to request. I would like them to be close to the lounge and elevator- but don't know if this is possible. Thanks in advance!

Request 4th floor, close to the lounge (and I'd mention the mobility issues). We just had a standard room there and it was in a very convenient location. Hope this helps!

 

[Skicks35]

Hey guys (and gals); quick question:

Staying at GF in early May (first time!) with a outer building theme park view. Checked in online online already and selected Sago Key/upper floor. As far as theme park views are concerned, anybody have any opinions between Sago and Conch? I've read that there is a pretty large tree in front on Conch which could potentially obstruct views, which is why I selected Sago. Conch is also closer to the boat dock, which would be nice, but not necessarily a deal breaker - view is more important. Thanks for your help!

 

[lajspeech]

Didn't Gasperilla Grill used to have make your own salads at lunch and pastas at dinner? The online menu says make your own SALAD for both lunch and dinner now. Typo or is the pasta gone?

 

[TJA]

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

So happy you had a fabulous trip!!!

 

[compshu]

Hey guys (and gals); quick question:

Staying at GF in early May (first time!) with a outer building theme park view. Checked in online online already and selected Sago Key/upper floor. As far as theme park views are concerned, anybody have any opinions between Sago and Conch? I've read that there is a pretty large tree in front on Conch which could potentially obstruct views, which is why I selected Sago. Conch is also closer to the boat dock, which would be nice, but not necessarily a deal breaker - view is more important. Thanks for your help!

We stayed in Sago last year. There is a tree just outside that building. We had a standard view room, but could see MK around the tree a bit. I'm not sure what the view is like for the theme park view category but I would assume that those rooms would have a pretty unobstructed view, otherwise they really couldn't consider them theme park view.

 

[The Sasquatch]

Are there any unique cool rooms to try and request in sugarloaf?

 

[Ferrentinos]

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

I'm glad that your trip was so magical! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing you pictures when you have a chance! Good luck with reality!

 

[hcortesis]

Didn't Gasperilla Grill used to have make your own salads at lunch and pastas at dinner? The online menu says make your own SALAD for both lunch and dinner now. Typo or is the pasta gone?

Pasta is gone.

 

[Liberator]

Is there actually any bad view at GF from any room?

 

[Rhugsins]

Hello, Used to be in here quite a bit but when I tried my log-in it wouldn't work so I'm afraid I'm starting back at zero. Anyway, we are heading down to GF in 2 weeks. I booked through my work since we are having a meeting down there next week and it allowed me to book the group rate for dates immediately following the convention at a ridiculously great rate. When I linked the reservation to MDW it shows "Outer Bldg - 1 BR-Park View-Club Level Access" which is a 1 BR suite. Last time we went with my company they put us in RPC, 2 Queen, Room 4418.
I would rather be in the main building then have a suite. I haven't been able to find many pictures of the 1br suite. If for some reason I can't change the suite/location any room suggestions? I would like to be off the first floor and ideally keep the Park View. I would prefer the main building as I had surgery fairly recently and any bit of walking I can save is best. Thanks for all of your help!
R
_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

[Dispro1]

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

I'm so glad you had the same experience that we've always had! I enjoy some other resorts too, but there's nothing like GF...and especially RPC! I can hardly wait for school to end so we can go!

Is there actually any bad view at GF from any room?

The ones that look at the back of the pool house are bad and those that have views blocked by a tree aren't great either...but most rooms do have nice views - no parking lot views...which is nice

 

[pas130]

Hello, Used to be in here quite a bit but when I tried my log-in it wouldn't work so I'm afraid I'm starting back at zero. Anyway, we are heading down to GF in 2 weeks. I booked through my work since we are having a meeting down there next week and it allowed me to book the group rate for dates immediately following the convention at a ridiculously great rate. When I linked the reservation to MDW it shows "Outer Bldg - 1 BR-Park View-Club Level Access" which is a 1 BR suite. Last time we went with my company they put us in RPC, 2 Queen, Room 4418.
I would rather be in the main building then have a suite. I haven't been able to find many pictures of the 1br suite. If for some reason I can't change the suite/location any room suggestions? I would like to be off the first floor and ideally keep the Park View. I would prefer the main building as I had surgery fairly recently and any bit of walking I can save is best. Thanks for all of your help!
R
_____________________________________________________________________________________

My thought is to email IPO and explain the situation to see if there is anything they can do to help. Good luck! Enjoy!!!

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

I know I've said this before...SO happy you had a Grand time!

I'm so glad you had the same experience that we've always had! I enjoy some other resorts too, but there's nothing like GF...and especially RPC! I can hardly wait for school to end so we can go!

Me too!!!! Yes, I know I am going this weekend but the summer trip is the long one!!!
Especially now that I'm back at SUGARLOAF!!!!!!!! SO excited!!! (And we are having our DISmeet no matter what )

 

[Dispro1]

My thought is to email IPO and explain the situation to see if there is anything they can do to help. Good luck! Enjoy!!!


I know I've said this before...SO happy you had a Grand time!


Me too!!!! Yes, I know I am going this weekend but the summer trip is the long one!!!
Especially now that I'm back at SUGARLOAF!!!!!!!! SO excited!!! (And we are having our DISmeet no matter what )

You're making me want to ch..ch.. Change to GF in July! But I guess I'll have to be content with drinks with you at GF since I've probably stretched DH as far as I can

 

[followthatmouse]

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

I am so happy you enjoyed our dear GF. We had a similar reaction to our first RPC stay. Now, each trip to WDW is like coming home. It does take a little time to adjust to the real world again!

 

[Sue M]

Didn't Gasperilla Grill used to have make your own salads at lunch and pastas at dinner? The online menu says make your own SALAD for both lunch and dinner now. Typo or is the pasta gone?

Pasta is gone (along with the lobster Mac & a Cheese) but if you are in the mood for a little adventure, POR Riverside still has it. Easy to take the monorail to MK and transfer to the POR bus. We've been known to do this love the make your own pasta. Their serving is huge, and 2 can share.
If you are going to DTD, you can take the POR boat to stop for a meal, then bus back to MK.

 

[TJA]

I thought the shopping at GF was fabulous! I'm hoping I dropped enough hints that DH bought a few things to save as gifts (lol). I bought each of my DDs a Vera Bradley bag and some of those moisturizer bars in the soap store.

Heck, I even wanted a lot of the GF resort items for sale. I felt like a lot of eyes were on me, so I could only snap a few pictures of my favorites:



This shirt has a lot of bling which I had a hard time capturing with my phone camera. It's very pretty!

 

[BlueSkies]

I agree...was just going to post the same thing. At least it's something at the Grand that won't cost an arm and a leg!!

Thanks TJA for the GF pics!!

I agree...many thanks TJA

Loved the pictures of the eggs! Wow, a walking tour of the GF. Another item to add to my To Do List if I ever get back to the GF. Had to cut out vacations there the last few years because of price (one kid in college). Now with talk of additional resort fees, there is no way we are going as we will have two in college this fall!

Have a Grand day my friends!

Before you know it you will have two graduates......the time fliles!! and you will be back to booking some Grand vacations!

Request 4th floor, close to the lounge (and I'd mention the mobility issues). We just had a standard room there and it was in a very convenient location. Hope this helps!

I second that...I'd have that on my reservation ..and also call/email IPO about a week prior to reiterate that request ... (also..the lounge is on the 4th floor..so you might want to add that into your request)

Hey guys (and gals); quick question:

Staying at GF in early May (first time!) with a outer building theme park view. Checked in online online already and selected Sago Key/upper floor. As far as theme park views are concerned, anybody have any opinions between Sago and Conch? I've read that there is a pretty large tree in front on Conch which could potentially obstruct views, which is why I selected Sago. Conch is also closer to the boat dock, which would be nice, but not necessarily a deal breaker - view is more important. Thanks for your help!

Not sure about the tree locations...sorry...but wanted to say that both buildings have wonderful TP views....

Just a quick check-in to say that we are home from RPC and I do believe it has stolen my heart! It was beautiful, CM's were so friendly and helpful, our room was perfect, loved our balcony and view, loved the pools, loved the grounds.... I have some pictures and some thoughts that I'll share after I have a day or 2 to get back to reality. School, gymnastics, and track starts up again bright and early tomorrow, so I have lots of catching up to do. But I just wanted you all to know how much we loved RPC and can't wait to go back!

Just kinda happens...lol..we all understand....

Pasta is gone.

Tanks for that info!

Hello, Used to be in here quite a bit but when I tried my log-in it wouldn't work so I'm afraid I'm starting back at zero. Anyway, we are heading down to GF in 2 weeks. I booked through my work since we are having a meeting down there next week and it allowed me to book the group rate for dates immediately following the convention at a ridiculously great rate. When I linked the reservation to MDW it shows "Outer Bldg - 1 BR-Park View-Club Level Access" which is a 1 BR suite. Last time we went with my company they put us in RPC, 2 Queen, Room 4418.
I would rather be in the main building then have a suite. I haven't been able to find many pictures of the 1br suite. If for some reason I can't change the suite/location any room suggestions? I would like to be off the first floor and ideally keep the Park View. I would prefer the main building as I had surgery fairly recently and any bit of walking I can save is best. Thanks for all of your help!
R
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Welcome back! What a nice upgrade ...I would list those exact preferences....there is a ground floor suite in Conch...page one should be able to give you more specific details...
but...if you prefer to be in the main buidling ..per haps a call to the IPO would help you straighten things out....Best of luck...

Pasta is gone (along with the lobster Mac & a Cheese) but if you are in the mood for a little adventure, POR Riverside still has it. Easy to take the monorail to MK and transfer to the POR bus. We've been known to do this love the make your own pasta. Their serving is huge, and 2 can share.
If you are going to DTD, you can take the POR boat to stop for a meal, then bus back to MK.

Thanks for that info and suggestion ....Its a great idea....We love staying in the Disney "bubble"...but enjoy visiting other resorts....and a fun meal ..cause its always about the food...lol...would be a great reason....

~ So due to F&G we had decided to switch our stay over to the Epcot side of things for our upcoming trip....but....we decided that we did need to have some GF in the mix ...so one more split stay....lol...GF here we come...again!!! ....

pas One more DIS send off....lol..get packing girl!!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Thursday.... Happy GF Gal...who has started the packing and repacking...lol...

 

[TJA]

Ok everyone, I have some more pictures and thoughts from our recent RPC stay. First, we did online check-in and I established texting service with IPO while we were in Epcot, so I received my room-ready text right around 2:20 pm. We were given Room 4313, which is on the 3rd floor furthest down the hall of the standard rooms (right next to the suite and the secret elevator). I did not request a certain location, but in the future I will most likely request "4th floor" just for quicker access to the lounge.

View straight ahead:


View to the right:


Our room was in great condition, loved everything from the beds to pillows to hamper to cute bucket garbages to the GF engraving they did every day to the beginning of the toilet paper and tissues. I loved how each day a fresh set of sheets/blankets were waiting at each room:


We began our trip at POR and sad to say but it will be our last time there. We were cramped, the beds were hard, breakfast in the food court was tasty but a stampede of people, and we did NOT enjoy the buses at all. Every day brought a new bad experience with a bus. It's almost like they weren't prepared for the crowds. But, we did get to ride one of those double buses (and barely fit!):


On the bright side, POR still has beautiful grounds, pool was fun, and the food court food was great!

So arriving at RPC was like a dream.


We arrived in time for scones, tarts, banana bread, and other snacks, and DH finally got his beer!


As far as 5-7 offerings, we were there all 5 of our nights. Two of the nights had cheese tortellini, pasta sauce, Italian bread, and the other hot app was pork potstickers -- all delicious! On the oval center table each night was a different soup (carrot, potatoe, strawberry, peach), also each night had a small bowl of something (shrimp, chicken, salmon). Also, a cheese platter, veggie platter, baskets of bread/crackers. Also, in a corner near the juices, they had chicken nuggets or corn dogs, always a bowl of grapes, goldfish, fruit snacks/gummies, cupcakes with sprinkles to decorate.
Here are some pictures of all that:





I guess I reached my max limit on photos per thread. To be continued.....

 

[TJA]

Continued: