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

[Sue M]

The rooms are a little bigger probably not much square footage wise but the wet bar area adds more storage. Some of the rooms have a bigger entrance hall which also gives you more storage space. The drawers in the dresser are tiny!...I don't even try to put anything in them. I like to keep the room neat and not have luggage sitting around so I love the extra storage space. I don't think there are any bad rooms so wherever you end up will be good. You can see Wishes from some of the standard rooms on the other side even though you can't see the castle. It really comes down to personal preference.

Those drawers really are tiny. They should have a seperate unit to put fridge in and coffee service. I can't remember if they did in the old rooms? And have deeper drawers in dresser. But with just 2 of us we had enough. This trip with both daughters coming I'm not so sure.

 

[Maxie86]

Those drawers really are tiny. They should have a seperate unit to put fridge in and coffee service. I can't remember if they did in the old rooms? And have deeper drawers in dresser. But with just 2 of us we had enough. This trip with both daughters coming I'm not so sure.

I don't know what they were thinking with those tiny drawers. The old dressers had the fridge in it but the drawers were regular size and I think it had more of them. It hasn't been that long...how quickly we forget.

 

[Sue M]

I don't know what they were thinking with those tiny drawers. The old dressers had the fridge in it but the drawers were regular size and I think it had more of them. It hasn't been that long...how quickly we forget.

I know, right? I like the Poly set up where hall has an alcove next to closets where they put the fridge in a cabinet with coffee on top. And the dresser has more room, not having to share with fridge. WL & AKL have that set up too.

 

[grannyminnie]

HI grannyminnie. We have a GF/Poly split in August. Bummer we will miss you by a week or so. I hear ya on the Grand. We're only staying three nights at the Grand and four nights Poly. I don't see us staying at the Grand for a whole week anymore.

The last visit we had was at the Poly in January. We haven't stayed at the Grand in a little over a year, but visit it every time and hang out there as much as we can!

 

[disneyAndi14]

We will be at the GF in August, very excited. Our flight time for coming back home was changed by 4 hours so I was able to change our departure day to WDW by one day earlier with no extra charge yippee, we got a crazy good AP rate for one night at the POP before moving over to GF. Really happy, to add an extra day in Disney! We have never stayed at Pop or GF so we are excited! GF outer buildings all look really nice so I haven't requested a certain building at this point, I did request upper floor.

 

[klacey1]

I'll be there Thursday!! I'll post as many pics as I can! So excited for my first GRAND visit!

 

[MommyGina]

I'll be there Thursday!! I'll post as many pics as I can! So excited for my first GRAND visit!

Have a Grand time! It's so exciting when it's your first trip staying there. It took my breath away at the beauty when we arrived. Let us know your first reaction when you get there!

Happy 4th of July my friends!

 

[GPC0321]

I have two questions:
1. I've read that you can view Wishes from out in front of Gasparilla Island Grill. Is this accurate? Is it a decent view, and do they pipe in the music in that area? Are there tables and chairs?
2. For relatively light eaters, would getting some appetizers at Mizner's along with drinks be a decent meal? It's my 70+ year old parents and me. Are the appetizers big enough for three to share among us? In other words, if we all got something different, would there be enough that we could each get a little off each plate?

Okay, that was six questions! LOL! Thanks for any and all insight!

 

[BabyFu18]

I'll be there Thursday!! I'll post as many pics as I can! So excited for my first GRAND visit!

How exciting, have an amazing trip! Can't wait to see all your pictures!

 

[Jessiemendez1]

Hi all! We are doing our first stay at the GF Villas this fall and was just looking for any tips/advice as to the resort. Such as best place to view fireworks, can the water pageant be seen from GF, easiest way to access the monorail (is it on the 2nd floor??) what's quicker - monorail vs boat launch, if we have a ADR at poly can we walk there, which monorail to take to the Contemporary? Just things that you learn as you go.

Thanks

 

[mmmears]

Hi all! We are doing our first stay at the GF Villas this fall and was just looking for any tips/advice as to the resort. Such as best place to view fireworks, can the water pageant be seen from GF, easiest way to access the monorail (is it on the 2nd floor??) what's quicker - monorail vs boat launch, if we have a ADR at poly can we walk there, which monorail to take to the Contemporary? Just things that you learn as you go.

Thanks

Fireworks -- you can see them from the boat dock by Gasparilla's (the QS place at the GF)
EWP -- you can see it. Not sure but I think from the beach area.
Monorail is on the 2nd floor of the main building. Walk there and use the stairs or elevator to get to 2nd floor.
Boat Launch - monorail is usually faster to the MK, boat launch is faster from the MK (has to do with the # of stops)
Poly - yes you can walk there. It's not that far. You can also take the boat launch (Poly is first stop) or monorail.
CR - you use the "resort monorail" to get to the MK, CR, TTC, Poly. It's the only one that stops at the GF. To get to Epcot, you take it to the TTC and switch to the Epcot monorail.

Hope this helps!

The GF is wonderful. Hope you like it!

 

[trishadono]

I have two questions:
1. I've read that you can view Wishes from out in front of Gasparilla Island Grill. Is this accurate? Is it a decent view, and do they pipe in the music in that area? Are there tables and chairs?
2. For relatively light eaters, would getting some appetizers at Mizner's along with drinks be a decent meal? It's my 70+ year old parents and me. Are the appetizers big enough for three to share among us? In other words, if we all got something different, would there be enough that we could each get a little off each plate?

Okay, that was six questions! LOL! Thanks for any and all insight!

When we stayed in Sugar Loaf on marina side I could hear the music piped into gaspies from our balcony. Go to page one there should be pix of what gaspies outdoor area looks like or just do a google or bing map search of gf .

I get appetizers at Tambu lounge often . Not big but certainly fun to share . If need more you can always order more? Right?

I have had drinks at mizners, such an interesting and cozy spot

I think you can order appetizers and drinks at the bar areas of citricos and Narcosees too. @KonaKaiTom is our resident bar expert. Hopefully he will show up soon.

 

[Jessiemendez1]

Fireworks -- you can see them from the boat dock by Gasparilla's (the QS place at the GF)
EWP -- you can see it. Not sure but I think from the beach area.
Monorail is on the 2nd floor of the main building. Walk there and use the stairs or elevator to get to 2nd floor.
Boat Launch - monorail is usually faster to the MK, boat launch is faster from the MK (has to do with the # of stops)
Poly - yes you can walk there. It's not that far. You can also take the boat launch (Poly is first stop) or monorail.
CR - you use the "resort monorail" to get to the MK, CR, TTC, Poly. It's the only one that stops at the GF. To get to Epcot, you take it to the TTC and switch to the Epcot monorail.

Hope this helps!

The GF is wonderful. Hope you like it!

Thanks! We can't wait!!

 

[BlueSkies]

I originally put Sago Key as a building request due to how close it appears to Gasparilla's and main building. Now I am rethinking it. My DH thinks maybe Conch Key would be better since it's so close to the boat launch, thinking we would appreciate a quick walk to our room coming back at night, rather than walking over to Sago Cay.

I know I keep reading all the buildings are close to the main building, but what do all of you think is the better choice? (Being near a pool is not a priority for us.)
Also, why do some NOT like Sago Key?

Thanks!

There is a map on the very first page of this thread..and it will give you a great idea of where everything on the GF grounds are located..Conch sure is close to the boat dock...and does have lovely views....seems more in the middle of things IMO....What ever you choose..you really can't go wrong...they are all very nice...

Hi Blue!! Haven't "seen" you in forever!! I saw the new D & B bags and MBs and I want the latter too!!

Hey there my friend! Glad that you and your sister have a trip coming up!

I'll see you by the pool!

Looking forward to it Sue....

I think someone inquired earlier, but I cannot seem to find the post (or answer).

I too will be staying at the Grand Floridian in an outer building, garden view room (there is currently nothing left open under my UOC, but I check daily). On Touring Plans, it appears a majority of the rooms in Conch Key and Sago Cay are "garden view." When on a higher level, the lagoon is clearly visible on the map and from the room finder photos. Can anyone confirm that this is accurate, or if these are mislabeled?

I am looking for a nice relaxing vacation with my family. Being by a pool is not necessary (we would prefer not to have a pool facing room). While I would prefer to be close to the main building, I thought Conch Key may be a good option since it may have water views from "garden view" rooms and it is close to the boat launch and Narcoossee's. My other thought was Sago Key since it was close to main building and Gasparillas (drink refills ) and also looks like it has "garden view" rooms with views of the water.

View attachment 178165 View attachment 178166

Thanks for posting these TP floor plans...as they say a picture is worth a thousand words!

For years Big Pine Key was my got to request...love love it. But last year we had stay at Sago Key and enjoyed the change, hopefully trying it again this year. We stayed in so many different buildings over the years and all have been great, its kind of nice trying new ones.

We have had the same thing happen Wishes...sometimes a random change is a very pleasant surprise....

We check in the GF for our first stay ever in 9 days - can't wait! I'll try to post some pics from there - if anyone has requests let me know.

Have a grand time! Looking forward to your pics!

HI grannyminnie. We have a GF/Poly split in August. Bummer we will miss you by a week or so. I hear ya on the Grand. We're only staying three nights at the Grand and four nights Poly. I don't see us staying at the Grand for a whole week anymore.

Those split stays really are becoming a fave of ours these days! See ya soon!

pas Whole lotta nice tickers you have going on!!!! Not sure which thread I saw them on...lol...but being that you are a grand groupie..thought I'd say so here!

~For those with trips coming up....I understand that the water sprites are available again...as are all water craft...for traveling....

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday..and keeping cool!

 

[Traceylee]

Question: Do all rooms with 2 queens come with a daybed? I'm asking because I would rather stay here for my December trip that BWI (which I know all rooms come with daybed) as we will be bringing my daughter's BF and he will need a separate bed (LOL); and the daybed will be perfect. Or if my TA states the reason for a daybed; what are the chances it will be granted? Thanks!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Fireworks -- you can see them from the boat dock by Gasparilla's (the QS place at the GF)
EWP -- you can see it. Not sure but I think from the beach area.
Monorail is on the 2nd floor of the main building. Walk there and use the stairs or elevator to get to 2nd floor.
Boat Launch - monorail is usually faster to the MK, boat launch is faster from the MK (has to do with the # of stops)
Poly - yes you can walk there. It's not that far. You can also take the boat launch (Poly is first stop) or monorail.
CR - you use the "resort monorail" to get to the MK, CR, TTC, Poly. It's the only one that stops at the GF. To get to Epcot, you take it to the TTC and switch to the Epcot monorail.

Hope this helps!

The GF is wonderful. Hope you like it!

All great tips and info.... Thanks!

When we stayed in Sugar Loaf on marina side I could hear the music piped into gaspies from our balcony. Go to page one there should be pix of what gaspies outdoor area looks like or just do a google or bing map search of gf .

I get appetizers at Tambu lounge often . Not big but certainly fun to share . If need more you can always order more? Right?

I have had drinks at mizners, such an interesting and cozy spot

I think you can order appetizers and drinks at the bar areas of citricos and Narcosees too. @KonaKaiTom is our resident bar expert. Hopefully he will show up soon.

As always... lots of good and practical advice! I do recall that Tom has recommended both for a nice spot to grab a bite and a beverage!

Question: Do all rooms with 2 queens come with a daybed? I'm asking because I would rather stay here for my December trip that BWI (which I know all rooms come with daybed) as we will be bringing my daughter's BF and he will need a separate bed (LOL); and the daybed will be perfect. Or if my TA states the reason for a daybed; what are the chances it will be granted? Thanks!!

Not to worry ..all standard rooms at the GF do have day beds....a while ago before the refurbs...some of the dormer rooms did not have day beds..but from what I understand....and have seen..dormer rooms do indeed offer day beds as well....HTH.... GF is especially lovely in December..with the beautiful tree and gingerbread house in the lobby too....be aware though....the generally tranquil lobby can be very very busy during that time...still lovely..and festive ...but busy.....

 

[Strikan]

The rooms are a little bigger probably not much square footage wise but the wet bar area adds more storage. Some of the rooms have a bigger entrance hall which also gives you more storage space. The drawers in the dresser are tiny!...I don't even try to put anything in them. I like to keep the room neat and not have luggage sitting around so I love the extra storage space. I don't think there are any bad rooms so wherever you end up will be good. You can see Wishes from some of the standard rooms on the other side even though you can't see the castle. It really comes down to personal preference.

Many thanks for the great info.

 

[Traceylee]

Not to worry ..all standard rooms at the GF do have day beds....a while ago before the refurbs...some of the dormer rooms did not have day beds..but from what I understand....and have seen..dormer rooms do indeed offer day beds as well....HTH.... GF is especially lovely in December..with the beautiful tree and gingerbread house in the lobby too....be aware though....the generally tranquil lobby can be very very busy during that time...still lovely..and festive ...but busy.....[/QUOTE]

Thank you. We have stayed there before in December before the refurb and did have a daybed. Its my favorite resort and I loved the Christmas decorations there. DH said we could stay anywhere I wanted and I picked GF. Not a definite that we are going; but I want to book before FD ends in a couple of days. It was between GF and BWI -- both of which I love.

 

[Traceylee]

Which bldg is the best to request for Lagoon View?

 

[Sue M]

Which bldg is the best to request for Lagoon View?

I've only had a lagoon view once, in Big Pine. We faced Poly, and thought view was nice. I've heard Boca Chica has some good lagoon views.