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

[followthatmouse]

It's very nice to see the GF looking after its high-traffic areas. We all love the picture postcard shine of the lobby. I wonder if and when they will look at the carpeting on the RPC floors. There is something a little incongruous about the patterns and colors chosen for the Club flooring. While it didn't detract from our enjoyment, there was something to be desired from some choices during the last renovation. *sigh* Such first-world problems!

Anyhoo, I'll see what we can do about taking some flooring pics next month ... 'Next month'. That was fun to write!

 

[Sue M]

Did anyone see the carpet in GF was being replaced in main area. What a sight to see....

I would be sad walking in for check in and seeing that. Not exactly the sight you expect arriving!! Glad it's being one before our stay lol! I guess with all the traffic the lobby gets, the carpet gets worn quickly.

 

[kboo]

We are headed to the GF for the first time and are booked in a "lagoon view outer building". I looked on touring plans and but I'm sort of confused because some of the lagoon view rooms seem to have views of MK while some seem to have views of the pool ? So do you have a recommendation for best views in this room category - is there a particular building to request?

Also - touring plans seems to say that all lagoon view rooms only have two queens and none are king beds? Is there any point to requesting a king bed? We have two kids, one of whom will be in a crib and the other will be in the day bed/Murphy bed, so I'm thinking that a king bed room, if it exists, would probably give us the most space?

 

[grannyminnie]

Just back from a stay off property but visited the Grand twice during my stay and did see the beginnings of this carpet job. Like someone said, it would be awful to be checking in (especially as a first-time guest) and see and hear this mess! I was really surprised that it was happening so soon since the last re-do. Maybe this carpet was wearing faster. A SL CM told me they would be replacing theirs too.

The parks (MK and AK) were busy but not so crowded that it got crazy. And I could not have asked for better weather. This was a make-up trip for a recently cancelled birthday one, and that week was in the low 90's. so everything turned out for the best. I noticed that the Fairy Godmother was near the castle one day, tho not with the stepsisters. Thought someone said she was no longer in MK but only at 1900 Park Faire? (sp?)

Because it's all about the food (right, Blue?), I'm reporting that I enjoyed a new (to me) food item at Sleepy Hollow. A fresh fruit sandwich waffle with Nutella...yummo!! It was big enough for two and at $6.49, a bargain in terms of Disney pricing! Turned out to be my lunch, and I'll certainly get it again! And the shrimp and grits at the GF Cafe.... That gravy is rich and yummy but almost too rich to eat it all. What a decadent dish! DH's favorite thing of the whole trip was the ribs at Flame Tree BBQ in AK. That was a new place for me too, and I loved the nice outdoor seating with a view of Everest. Again, the weather helped make this trip enjoyable in times like that.

The transportation was less than stellar (monorail "enhancing"). Since we were off property (tho just off), it took me what seemed like forever to get to the parks! (we rented a car but I left the car with DH on my MK days, thus the need for an alternate way of getting to the parks) Even the water launches seemed to be fewer and I thought that strange during a high season.

 

[TJA]

I think I forgot to mention about our transportation over our recent GF stay, but grannyminnie's post reminded me. We loved having the boat launch back to GF; however, the boats seemed to be very few and far between. No matter what time of the day or night, unfortunately. I took a picture one of the times. This was the day I think the line went back to bag check lines!

 

[grannyminnie]

Holy cow!! While the lines for the boat launch were not that bad, they were just as bad or worse at the TTC in mid-morning!!

I also forgot to mention that we did enjoy Disney Springs (hard to keep from calling it Downtown Disney!) more than once. After you get past the parking situation, the stores and restaurants beckon you to visit and spend money! (the Disney way...lol) Our favorite restaurant there was Raglan Road. First visit and it won't be our last. We had a "ringside" table and so enjoyed the entertainment!

 

[PolyAddict]

Anyone know how long before the carpet job is done? 10 days and counting...

 

[grannyminnie]

It said April 14th, so you're good.

 

[MommyGina]

I'm shocked at the long lines to take the boat from MK to the GF/Poly. I never remember lines like that. Yikes!!!!

 

[baler31]

Not quite that bad, but have had friends reporting extreme waits for boats. Can only assume this is due to budget cuts as they have said the boats are much less frequent than in past trips. Really, unacceptable waits. Personally, I think 20 minutes is the longest people should have to wait for transportation. With the current rates they should be able to provide timely transport when the least expensive room the boats service is $508 (rack rate). They either need to add boats or limit some forms of transport to resort guests.

While I love GF, recent reports from friends staying there and conversations with CM's give me pause. I will give it until the next fiscal quarter to see how they handle things but they are making our Four Seasons stays more attractive.

 

[kylaura]

Both Boca Chica and Big Pine have lagoon views, and would be closest to both pools and main building.


Hope you're having a great time. How do you like the new Oasis pool? We were in Samoa last August, loved it. But Oasis pool was just a big mud hole!!

I've heard they changed Tonga Toast?? This August GF stay I was thinking of strolling over to Poly for breakfast, for Tonga Toast. Can you have a look at it if you're in Cooks for breakfast? I hope it's not true.

Tongo Toast was the same in October at the Kona Cafe.

 

[pas130]

Tongo Toast was the same in October at the Kona Cafe.

There was a FB post that the bread is from a different vendor. I don't think it's too much different (says the woman whose never tried it

 

[got15]

So curios if anyone uses the spa at GF? I remember years ago there were complaints about it but just curious what it is like now. We will be at the Poly but thinking of heading over for a bit of me time. Any experience with it?


I used the spa for 3 services this past November. I did a facial, massage and body wrap. It was wonderful and well worth it. I was not rushed, they were very clean and the wrap was the best!


Apparently they have changed the bread supplier which has altered the taste. I don't think it is a complete recipe overhaul, at least that is what tikiman mentioned.

 

[Minnie's House]

Where are the laundry facilities at the GF? We'll be staying in a studio in September.
Also, what type of coffee makers do the villas have? Can I request more coffee daily if renting points?

 

[Sue M]

Where are the laundry facilities at the GF? We'll be staying in a studio in September.
Also, what type of coffee makers do the villas have? Can I request more coffee daily if renting points?

There are small laundry facilities in each building off the lobby. I'm not sure of the villas though. I've only stayed in the non DVC out buildings.

 

[Sue M]

Tongo Toast was the same in October at the Kona Cafe.

It's a rather recent thing.

 

[Sue M]

Just back from a stay off property but visited the Grand twice during my stay and did see the beginnings of this carpet job. Like someone said, it would be awful to be checking in (especially as a first-time guest) and see and hear this mess! I was really surprised that it was happening so soon since the last re-do. Maybe this carpet was wearing faster. A SL CM told me they would be replacing theirs too.

The parks (MK and AK) were busy but not so crowded that it got crazy. And I could not have asked for better weather. This was a make-up trip for a recently cancelled birthday one, and that week was in the low 90's. so everything turned out for the best. I noticed that the Fairy Godmother was near the castle one day, tho not with the stepsisters. Thought someone said she was no longer in MK but only at 1900 Park Faire? (sp?)

Because it's all about the food (right, Blue?), I'm reporting that I enjoyed a new (to me) food item at Sleepy Hollow. A fresh fruit sandwich waffle with Nutella...yummo!! It was big enough for two and at $6.49, a bargain in terms of Disney pricing! Turned out to be my lunch, and I'll certainly get it again! And the shrimp and grits at the GF Cafe.... That gravy is rich and yummy but almost too rich to eat it all. What a decadent dish! DH's favorite thing of the whole trip was the ribs at Flame Tree BBQ in AK. That was a new place for me too, and I loved the nice outdoor seating with a view of Everest. Again, the weather helped make this trip enjoyable in times like that.

The transportation was less than stellar (monorail "enhancing"). Since we were off property (tho just off), it took me what seemed like forever to get to the parks! (we rented a car but I left the car with DH on my MK days, thus the need for an alternate way of getting to the parks) Even the water launches seemed to be fewer and I thought that strange during a high season.

How was the off site hotel? Mmmmm shrimp & grits, my fav! And Flame Tree is one of our favs too, and beautiful seating areas.

I think I forgot to mention about our transportation over our recent GF stay, but grannyminnie's post reminded me. We loved having the boat launch back to GF; however, the boats seemed to be very few and far between. No matter what time of the day or night, unfortunately. I took a picture one of the times. This was the day I think the line went back to bag check lines!
View attachment 161747

Yikes! That boat queue is crazy!!

 

[PolyAddict]

Hi guys!

Can you tell me the standard toiletries in the bathrooms (not club level)

thanks

 

[grannyminnie]

How was the off site hotel? Mmmmm shrimp & grits, my fav! And Flame Tree is one of our favs too, and beautiful seating areas.


Yikes! That boat queue is crazy!!

We stayed at a Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites. Very nice; two separate rooms. Free breakfast buffet. Only downside was transportation: if I wanted to go to a park and hubby didn't, I had to take the hotel shuttle which only went to EPCOT, and then transfer from there. And with the slower transportation anyway, it took FOREVER!!
The shrimp and grits are soooo rich! Next time I get it, I'm gonna ask for more grits to offset the richness of the gravy!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Our Disney vacation starts in 9 days!!! But it will be 15 days before checking into the Grand!!! (Staying at AoA and doing a Disney cruise prior to that) I cannot wait!!!