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

[PackYourPixieDust]

For those of you who have stayed at the Grand recently has the monorail modified schedule impacted your trip at all. I have an 8:25am breakfast at the Magic Kingdom during our trip. If the monorail is on its modified schedule does the Grand has buses running to the MK

In general what time does the boat to the mk start up in the morning????

I'm curious about the boats and modified schedule as well. I was there in the past when the monorail was down and there was a bus that went to the MK.

 

[Minnie's House]

Does anyone know what time the coffee/soda fill stations open at the pools?

 

[Mousemommy1]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

This happened to me as well!! I had one trip booked at the grand and the next one at Poly. Well, I'll be checking in at the Grand tomorrow!

How was the monorail? Was it operating on schedule?

 

[maleficent83]

I am staying at the grand for the first time in August. I had 12 nights booked August 10-22. But just decided to do a split stay. We will be at GF Aug 10-17 and then BC 17-23. We have never stayed at either. And I was a bit nervous deciding on the split stay because I believe I am going to love GF. But I want my children to experience storm along bay. The last few posts confirm why I am so nervous. I think Gf will be my favorite. Currently we have never stayed deluxe. And I always thought Poly would be my fave. We have our first Poly stay for 11 nights in a studio in 11 more days!! but i love the new decor in the rooms at gf, when i looked planning our first few trips i hated the rooms. oh and growing up mary poppins was my favorite movie, and my family still makes fun of me to this day about crying when they tired it off. so i am going to have to go see mary poppins while i am there lol. i tried to stand in line to meet her at the Christmas party in 2013 and my kids looked at me like I was crazy. They of course had no clue who she was. lol

 

[Sue M]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

That's what happens! Lol. Our first GF stay I booked a split with YC. 2 nights at GF because I was unsure if I'd like it, and 12 nights YC. I didn't want to leave GF!
At least at Poly you'll be just next door and can go visit. We stayed at Poly last year and went to GF to shop, and eat! Back to GF this August for 3rd stay, yay!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I've been reading the thread getting caught up! Would still love to see lagoon view pics. We are heading there in 6 months !

 

[Lisann]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

We've all been down that road before...we keep coming back to the Grand. There's just something about it...

 

[pas130]

We are leaving the Grand today and headed home.

I really didn't think that we would like this resort but needed to cross it off of our list. I am happy to report that we absolutely FELL IN LOVE with this resort. I didn't think it was possible, but the GF is now our favorite resort. WL has been knocked from the top spot it has held for 4 years!!

Next year, our plans are for the Poly, but it's going to be very difficult not to book the Grand again.

So happy you loved the Grand!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[trishadono]

Lys was supposed to visit my MIL in 2 weeks but grandma had to cancel last minute since she out of town and can't get back in time.

What is a mom to do? Fly to meet her girl in Orlando and take her to Disney. CSR had a great passholder rate so I guess we will have to settle on visiting The Grand. Gonna have a MaiTai beachside in 2 weeks, YUMMMY!!!!

Might need to shop too!

Anybody there those days?

 

[Mousemommy1]

This happened to me as well!! I had one trip booked at the grand and the next one at Poly. Well, I'll be checking in at the Grand tomorrow!

How was the monorail? Was it operating on schedule?

We didn't experience any delays or issues with the monorail.

 

[followthatmouse]

Sitting at the airport waiting for our flight to the States. NYC for a few days, then GF here we come!

 

[Sue M]

Lys was supposed to visit my MIL in 2 weeks but grandma had to cancel last minute since she out of town and can't get back in time.

What is a mom to do? Fly to meet her girl in Orlando and take her to Disney. CSR had a great passholder rate so I guess we will have to settle on visiting The Grand. Gonna have a MaiTai beachside in 2 weeks, YUMMMY!!!!

Might need to shop too!

Anybody there those days?

Lucky!! Yes, you must shop. I want to get that pink tee with Mary Popins. Love the Beach Grille. Crab Cakes!! Mmmm. Have you been back to Gaspys since it was closed last summer? Any change?
Don't forget to post pics, I need something to keep me going until August

 

[Corey510]

Welcome to the FALL 2014 GF FAQ Thread!

Please read the first page of the thread for details and tips for the resort, gathered by DIS posters over the years. As times, schedules, and activities change, we will try to update as quickly as possible so that you have accurate information.


Photos of new room decor in Conch Key. More photos of the new rooms, and the outer bldg. lobby.

Disneys Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was opened in the summer of 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort; the name was changed in fall 1997 after the spa and health club were added. Walt Disney World's fifth resort hotel and considered their flagship resort for its opulent public spaces and outstanding service, the Grand Floridian is a AAA Four Diamond hotel. With six full service restaurants (including award-winning Victoria & Albert's) and one quick service location, it has the most dining options of any WDW resort, and standard rooms are among the largest on property.

Inspiration for the resort came from the grand old hotels built along the Florida coast during the early 20th century by railroad magnates Henry Flagler & Henry Plant. The outer buildings are named for islands in the Florida Keys, and the quick service restaurant and arcade is whimsically called Gasparilla Island Grill, a nod to the famed Florida buccaneer, Jose Gaspar, in whose honor the city of Tampa holds an annual festival.

The Grand is a deluxe resort situated on 40 acres along the white sand beaches of Seven Seas Lagoon southwest of the MK, with 867 rooms distributed among 6 buildings. The beautiful white buildings feature red gabled roofs, wide verandas, intricate gingerbread trim and a five-story Grand Lobby, with an Art Nouveau stained glass ceiling, Italian marble floors and enormous white chandeliers.

Themed as turn-of-the-century Victorian Florida, the Grand was reportedly designed using influences from the Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH, Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, CA and the Belleview-Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, FL. The atmosphere is elegant and refined, but not overbearing - it's Disney, after all! Children are welcome here, and there are plenty of activities for all ages.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been designated by the Florida Green Lodging Program, recognizing the Resort's environmentally responsible practices.

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a smoke-free resort; smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor locations.

THE VILLAS AT DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT

Construction began along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon near the Wedding Pavilion in mid-2011, and Disney confirmed The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian in early December, 2011, with an expected 147 units. Sales for existing DVC members began on May 23, 2013 and for the general public on June 19, 2013. Grand Opening is planned for October, 2013!

click image for full sized version
©Disney

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Post 1: Resort Summary
  
• Post 2: Main Lobby & Grounds Photos
  
• Post 3: Guest Room Summary
  
• Post 4: Guest Room Photos
  
• Post 5: Deluxe Room Photos
  
• Post 6: Suite Photos
  
• Post 7: Club Level Summary
  
• Post 8: Club Level Photos
  
• Post 9: Shops
  
• Post 10: Shops, cont.
  
• Post 11: Dining & Lounge Summary
  
• Post 12: Restaurant Photos
  
• Post 13: Restaurant & Lounge Photos, cont.
  
• Post 14: Recreation
  
• Post 15: DVC

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407)824-3000

Check in/Check Out
3:00 PM (ET)/11 AM (ET)

Payment Methods
Cash, Check, Debit card, Disney gift card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Room Service

• 24-hour room service
• To order, touch Dining Options on your guest room phone.

Spa & Health Club

thanks, johnsonet!

• **Starting January 16, 2013, all WDW spas are operated by Disney as Senses - A Disney Spa; more info here. Thorough review of the Grand Floridian Spa, posted by JoBird!
• Disney's Grand Floridian Spa is staffed by trained professionals offering body treatments, therapies and massages developed to rejuvenate, invigorate and nourish.
• Reservation and treatment hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please call (407) WDW-SPAS or (407) 939=7727 to learn more and make an appointment.
• Most Major credit cards accepted.
• The Health Club is a full service gym available at no extra charge to guests of the GF & Polynesian Resort. A wide range of equipment is available, including treadmills, stair steppers, upright and recumbent cycles, elliptical cross trainers, Smith machine, cable crossover and free weights. The Health Club also features a full circuit of Life Fitness and Precor strength equipment.
• Guests must be 14 years of age to use the gym, guests 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
• If you would like to use the Health Club during non-attended hours, you must use your room key.
• Personal training available by appt.

Babysitting & Childcare Services

• In-room babysitting provided for a fee by Kids Nite Out, for children ages 6 mos. to 12 years.
• To make a reservation for Kids Nite Out, contact the Front Desk or concierge.
• The Mouseketeer Club at the Grand Floridian was discontinued in August, 2012

IVY TRELLIS SALON

• Located on the second floor of the main building.
• Open 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Offering a full range of salon and barber services, including hair cut, color and styling.
• Call (407)824-3000 or the Front Desk from your in-room phone for an appt.

Lobby Concierge Assistance

• Available to GF Resort guests, located in the main lobby
• Open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Services include park tickets, dining reservations, show seats, etc.

Parking

• Self-parking is available in the self-park lot located across Floridian Way
• Valet parking available for a fee (currently $15/day)

Laundry

• 24-hour self-service laundry rooms are located in each building (except Sugar Loaf) with a couple washers/dryers each. (one washer, one dryer in the main building, second floor)
• Soap/softener/dryer sheet: $1; Washer: $2; Dryer: $2
• Dry cleaning & valet laundry service available for a fee, call Housekeeping from your in-room phone for details & pick-up.

Internet Access

• As of 2012, free wifi has been installed in all GF rooms and high speed wired has been discontinued.

**Link to a Resorts Board sticky thread regarding internet access at the World.

Convention Center

• Offering 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space.
• Planning a meeting? Please call Disney Meetings at (321)939-7129 or check out the website.

Business Center

• Located within the Convention Center, open 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily.
• Provides fax, photo copy, mail and computer services for Resort guests.

Services for Guests with Disabilities

• Mobility and medical equipment use
• Accommodation of special requests, including allowances for service animals
• Telephones/TTY for the hearing impaired
• Wheelchair-accessible rooms and bathrooms
• Valet parking

Room Amenities

• Satellite TV (includes Disney programming)
• Flat Screen TV
• Free WiFi
• Desk
• iHome alarm clock
• Coffeemaker
• Refrigerator
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• In-room wall safe
• Ceiling Fan
• Newspaper delivery
• Voice mail
• Turn-down service
• Pack 'n Play Playard or full crib (upon request)
• Bed rails (upon request)
• Microwave (upon request)
• Personal fan (upon request)
• Feather pillows (upon request)
• Laundry facilities/services
• Robes
• Make-up mirror
• Phone in bath area
• H2O toiletries

Important Numbers:
407-824-3000 - GF
407-939-7727 - GF Spa
407-939-3862 - Victoria and Albert's Reservations
407-824-2474 - GF Private Dining
407-934-4004 - Disney's PhotoPass
407-824-1775 - GF Itinerary Planning Office (Club Level Guests ONLY)

BUILDINGS

Sago Cay (Building 5)
Garden/Monorail/Marina View, Lagoon &Theme Park Views

Sugar Loaf (Building 6)
All Club Level Rooms & suites with Pool/Marina View

Conch Key (Building 7)
Garden/Pool/Marina View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Boca Chica (Building 8)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Big Pine Key (Building 9)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Main Building (Building 4)
All Club Level rooms & suites with Garden/Pool Views & Theme Park View

Transportation

• Resort monorail, located on the second floor of the main building, provides direct transportation to the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, TTC & Polynesian.
• Monorail to Epcot: take the Resort monorail to the TTC, transfer to Epcot monorail.
• Boat service to the Magic Kingdom & Polynesian Resort, dock located on Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Bus service, located just outside the main building, to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach.

Important Announcement Regarding Monorail Service in 2014 per the WDW website

As part of our continuing efforts to exceed the expectations of our Guests, select monorail services will not be available in the early morning and late evening from June 22 through the end of Summer 2014.

Please note the following monorail schedule changes:

see update below

During this time, watercraft and motor coach options will still be available to help transport you to your destination. In addition, all monorail services will offer standard operating hours on the weekend of July 4, 2014.

MONORAIL UPDATE:
As of 9/27/14: The monorail will have a different operating schedule than normal as an automation upgrade takes place. An automated monorail will allow for faster switching times, more frequent dispatching of trains, and accurate arrival information.

Additional buses and watercraft will be available during this time (guests who have early breakfast reservations can also use watercraft or bus service). This schedule will be in place for a few months, but no specific end date has been set. The schedule will be:

Epcot - 8:00am-11:00pm or 1 hour after the Magic Kingdom closes (whichever time is earlier)
Resort monorail - 7:00am-1 hour after the Magic Kingdom closes
Express monorail - 8:30am-1 hour after the Magic Kingdom closes


Informational Links
For a look back, check out the
2014 FAQ; 2013 FAQ; 2012 FAQ; 2011 FAQ; 2010 FAQ and the 2009 FAQ
Link to large scale map of the Grand Floridian.
Link to an aerial map of the GF.
Great tool for determining travel times and directions from any point in WDW to another.

I have reservations for the Cinderella's dinner. How is it?

 

[grannyminnie]

We didn't experience any delays or issues with the monorail.

Trish, you sound like me....any excuse for a Disney visit!!!! lol (are you sure you didn't "help" grandma change her plans?? )

 

[dzak1717]

single digits!!!!

 

[LMO429]

Hi I wanted to send some diaper and wipes food etc to the grand from Amazon. What has your experience been with this? What is the correct address to you. If you are checking in on a saturday is it hard to access the delivery because the grand is a convention hotel??????

 

[trishadono]

Trish, you sound like me....any excuse for a Disney visit!!!! lol (are you sure you didn't "help" grandma change her plans?? )

NO! Actually Lys only had a few days between ending the semester and work and wanted to see Gma in Florida. I bought the plane ticket for my MIL mothers day gift. She went for a re-check in DC from a procedure last year and decided to do "some work" while was there but now can't fly so can't get back before lys leaves for home.

We will definitely spend our afternoons visiting the mono resorts. Grabbing lunch or an adult beverage is so nice at a Deluxe.

 

[Dariansue]

Double digit dance anyone?

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

Checked in to RPC tonight. There's nothing better than lying in bed & listening to the band playing. We have a deluxe King and it is seriously the best 'feature' of this room.

Another great feature - the crib for my early to bed toddler fits in the walk in closet.

Some misses for the day. It started with a room is ready text- for a room at the Boardwalk!

(Btw- this was after the plane we took in had some sort of fly by landing. We were like 20 yards maybe from touching down and we went back up. He blamed it on wind but we don't think that is what it was. We didn't hear the landing gear until the 2nd landing attempt. It's totally possible that we missed it, but...)