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

[poohgirl6]

poohgirl16 - So excited for you on your upcoming trip to the GF!!!

Welcome back!

Thank you

 

[goofygal531]

Last year we ran to our first FP we thought we were going to miss, when we got there the cast member said that you have extra time passed the FP time. I think she said 10 minutes but for the life of me I can't remember. Does anyone know this information?

You have from 5 minutes before the window until 15 minutes after the window.

 

[WishesQueen]

You have from 5 minutes before the window until 15 minutes after the window.

Hi!

Thanks

That 5 minutes before NEVER works for us, we always have to sit back and watch our phones for the exact time, but that 15 minute grace period after really helped us last year running for test track!

 

[trishadono]

Any recent Royal Palm Club reviews? With pics? Also is there a map someone can link to that shows location of Royal Palm Club?

SO above is the outline of the gf main building. RPC rooms are on floors 3/4/5. (except deluxe king rpc some are on 2 )The lounge is on floor 4.(labeled in blue where the food is located and green where couches and tables are mostly found, also seating up on 5 and below on 3 too , just not as many). Yellow is floor 3 smoking balcony and blue floor 3 is the cm desks.

Pink rooms are the std rpc rooms. I just booked one so I am doing my usual over the top research

I want rooms on the right facing poly because I like that view. Also I like that these rooms are part of the atrium AND they have the extra bar sink which is cute.

Others like the rooms on the hallway section. These should be quieter and have a view of the GF pool and grounds.

I will probably post rooms numbers at some point but this is a start

Oh the elevator and stairs are in the blue section too. The elevator to gaspies is the dark grey rectangle far left past rooms in white.

Oh and the first room in pink starting from the bottom that looks more like a triangle is a std king room. #'s are 43/4429. I had one and loved the odd shape and larger long balcony.Its available "upon request".

 

[goofygal531]

Hello Wishesqueen

Funny, the 5 mins prior always works for us BUT it needs to be exactly 5 not one minute before. We've had to wait too. The 15 mins grace period they try to keep secret.

Are you going to try Express Transportation? That sounds really interesting. We love the idea of going thru security once and being dropped off deep in a park. Saves a lot of time.

 

[WishesQueen]

Hello Wishesqueen

Funny, the 5 mins prior always works for us BUT it needs to be exactly 5 not one minute before. We've had to wait too. The 15 mins grace period they try to keep secret.

Are you going to try Express Transportation? That sounds really interesting. We love the idea of going thru security once and being dropped off deep in a park. Saves a lot of time.

We're going to have to try that again....lol!!

You know I read about it, but it didn't really seem too interesting to me. I have to say the times we go in and out the parks, we never really wait long to have my pocketbook checked. Maybe its the not knowing exactly what it would be like and the waiting to leaving if we miss the time. I haven't heard much about it, how about you?

 

[trishadono]

Hello Wishesqueen

Funny, the 5 mins prior always works for us BUT it needs to be exactly 5 not one minute before. We've had to wait too. The 15 mins grace period they try to keep secret.

Are you going to try Express Transportation? That sounds really interesting. We love the idea of going thru security once and being dropped off deep in a park. Saves a lot of time.

I would love to try it but if you have to pay at the front of the park you might as well just leave? Not very good for last minute changes. Unless you can do it on an app or something??? Dd and I saw the spots on our last trip but we didn't know how to book it.

 

[goofygal531]

I would love to try it but if you have to pay at the front of the park you might as well just leave? Not very good for last minute changes. Unless you can do it on an app or something??? Dd and I saw the spots on our last trip but we didn't know how to book it.

We're going to have to try that again....lol!!

You know I read about it, but it didn't really seem too interesting to me. I have to say the times we go in and out the parks, we never really wait long to have my pocketbook checked. Maybe its the not knowing exactly what it would be like and the waiting to leaving if we miss the time. I haven't heard much about it, how about you?

You can sign up for express transportation at your resort concierge's desk. It's linked to your MB. OR you can pay at the pick up location but it's credit card only (physical card they can't accept MB for payment). Here's a thread about it. You need to grab a latte and have a free afternoon to read it all, but it's worth it. It's really fascinating and can change the way you tour the parks.

The main features: the bus has a set time schedule so you can plan your day, your dropped off deep in a park backstage and you go thru security only once.

We're very intrigued by it.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/n...ay-or-29-week-schedule-page-1-post-1.3563694/

 

[trishadono]

You can sign up for express transportation at your resort concierge's desk. It's linked to your MB. OR you can pay at the pick up location but it's credit card only (physical card they can't accept MB for payment). Here's a thread about it. You need to grab a latte and have a free afternoon to read it all, but it's worth it. It's really fascinating and can change the way you tour the parks.

The main features: the bus has a set time schedule so you can plan your day, your dropped off deep in a park backstage and you go thru security only once.

We're very intrigued by it.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/n...ay-or-29-week-schedule-page-1-post-1.3563694/

Oh good to know. I do carry my CC around with me. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ratodino]

So I just booked a stay at the Grand for September- Free Dining woohoo! I had my heart set on staying at the Poly, but there is no availability. I've now read about 200 pages of this thread since I hadn't researched the GF at all- I didn't think it would ever be in my price range, but it has worked out. I was wondering if there is any music around the pool or any place to sit and have a drink and listen to some "newer" music. I don't have anything against the orchestra or the band in the lobby, but my grown kids aren't exactly into that vibe- at least not for long. Would we be better off walking over to the Poly on an evening to try Trader Sam's or something like that? I am so excited for this trip! Everything that I have read so far sounds fantastic.

 

[poohgirl6]

So...I came over to look at the GF thread, and it's on Page 3

I bet this was probably a really busy, rockin thread before I came along and posted on it....lol but now it keeps falling behind because I am a known thread killer.....it's true

C'mon GF groupies....say something

We're only 107 days away from our first GF stay

 

[WishesQueen]

So...I came over to look at the GF thread, and it's on Page 3

I bet this was probably a really busy, rockin thread before I came along and posted on it....lol but now it keeps falling behind because I am a known thread killer.....it's true

C'mon GF groupies....say something

We're only 107 days away from our first GF stay

Hello Poohgirl6 - I have been scouring the other threads regarding dining reservations. We'll be at the GF the end of May with 3 adult kids and then again in October with just me and DH.

You have a huge group, sounds like its going to be awesome, we usually do 8 nights but I want to return with DH, so the kids got robbed.. So what are your plans, did you book dining or FP's yet?

I have been asking for months if anyone had any planning suggestions or requests and they all laughed at me saying it was too early to think of the trip. Now that we're approaching May, they want O'hana's and California Grill. They are crazy EVERYTHING if gone!!! I am really starting to worry about our AK day to see Pandora, I think its going to crazy!!!!

 

[ratodino]

I'm glad to see a little action on here! We're 142 days out and I look at forums and dining reservations everyday just to see if maybe something new has happened. Yes, I'm a little obsessed, but nothing else to do right now lol. Hadn't planned on staying at the GF, so none of my dining was planned around this. Now, I'm looking at maybe Narcoosees. My family that is going with me won't even look at anything yet- they think it's way too soon to worry about it. Rookies! I guess I will just make all the decisions and if they don't like it then tough.

 

[busymommy2pink]

Hi everyone!! We check in in just over a week!!! We have outer building theme park view, is there a building I should request? Or leave it to the room assigning fairies?? SO excited!

 

[poohgirl6]

Hello Poohgirl6 - I have been scouring the other threads regarding dining reservations. We'll be at the GF the end of May with 3 adult kids and then again in October with just me and DH.

You have a huge group, sounds like its going to be awesome, we usually do 8 nights but I want to return with DH, so the kids got robbed.. So what are your plans, did you book dining or FP's yet?

I have been asking for months if anyone had any planning suggestions or requests and they all laughed at me saying it was too early to think of the trip. Now that we're approaching May, they want O'hana's and California Grill. They are crazy EVERYTHING if gone!!! I am really starting to worry about our AK day to see Pandora, I think its going to crazy!!!!

Yes, all of our kids and grandkids on one trip! We have 3 sons and a daughter: DD31, DS 27, DS 20, & DS 18. My oldest two are married, and we have 4 grandkids (ages 7 yrs to 17 mos at time of travel). I prob would've chosen a later date for trip (it's sooooo hot in August ) but that's literally the only week we could all go at the same time. My daughter (DD31) has booked Chef Mickey's, Ohana, and the females of the party for the Afternoon Tea . She, along with my DDIL will handle our FP reservations bc the 60 days ahead date falls when hubby and I are in Hawaii . There are a few things we'll all do together, but most of the time, everyone will do their own thing. And yes, we had trouble finding an Ohana ressie: I think we're going at like 3:30 or 4pm in the afternoon

I really am at the point now where I enjoy the resort and finding snacks & cocktails wherever I go rather than being rope-drop to close

 

[WishesQueen]

I'm glad to see a little action on here! We're 142 days out and I look at forums and dining reservations everyday just to see if maybe something new has happened. Yes, I'm a little obsessed, but nothing else to do right now lol. Hadn't planned on staying at the GF, so none of my dining was planned around this. Now, I'm looking at maybe Narcoosees. My family that is going with me won't even look at anything yet- they think it's way too soon to worry about it. Rookies! I guess I will just make all the decisions and if they don't like it then tough.

It has been way too quite over here, I am glad to see a little action too. We're 31 days out and my family was just like your friends and now I can't change anything, but I am trying of course. Their all going to have to deal with it too, it could be worst, we could be home!!!

Hi everyone!! We check in in just over a week!!! We have outer building theme park view, is there a building I should request? Or leave it to the room assigning fairies?? SO excited!

Hey there, I usually request a building because I have been disappointed a few times. Even if I don't get the building I requested at least I knew I tried. I used to like Big Pine Key (still do, but its not my favorite) but now we like Sago Key its close to Gasperilla's and my DH and love having breakfast outside without the kids and they we bring breakfast to them. Its a much quicker walk then any other building. Also, we learned that if its pouring out we can take the stairs down closest to Gasperilla's and only have to dash to the porch that wraps around the building for a dry walk to the lobby.

Yes, all of our kids and grandkids on one trip! We have 3 sons and a daughter: DD31, DS 27, DS 20, & DS 18. My oldest two are married, and we have 4 grandkids (ages 7 yrs to 17 mos at time of travel). I prob would've chosen a later date for trip (it's sooooo hot in August ) but that's literally the only week we could all go at the same time. My daughter (DD31) has booked Chef Mickey's, Ohana, and the females of the party for the Afternoon Tea . She, along with my DDIL will handle our FP reservations bc the 60 days ahead date falls when hubby and I are in Hawaii . There are a few things we'll all do together, but most of the time, everyone will do their own thing. And yes, we had trouble finding an Ohana ressie: I think we're going at like 3:30 or 4pm in the afternoon

I really am at the point now where I enjoy the resort and finding snacks & cocktails wherever I go rather than being rope-drop to close

My DH and I talk about taking our grandchildren all the time, but right now DD is 20, DS is 23 and his girlfriend is joining us that has NEVER been to WDW and she's 22. She doesn't even know what a monorail is, so this should be fun. Your plans sound amazing, I would do the same thing, have everyone go where they want during the day and meet for dinner and special things.

For cocktails, we love Miznor's lounge behind the ochrestra especially around 3:30 when Cinderella and Prince Charming make their appearance. The staff there is so friendly its hard to leave. We rent a cabana and the pool bar is great too, I have even purchased a bottle of wine at Sandy Cove (and they opened it for me and had wine glasses) and sat outside while watching Wishes (soon Happily Ever After). If you want you can grab a drink and Narcoossee's and Citrico's bars also. Its nice to check out the restaurants even if your not eating there.

Enjoy your trip to Hawaii, my DH and I have never been but I heard its stunning.

 

[firsttimemom]

For cocktails, we love Miznor's lounge behind the ochrestra especially around 3:30 when Cinderella and Prince Charming make their appearance.

We are GF newbies. When you check in, is there a list of activities like the Cinderella/PC appearance?

And is the music for the fireworks piped in by the pool?

Thanks in advance! 66 more sleeps....

 

[baler31]

[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]

 

[baler31]

 

[baler31]

Photos from RPC. We are in double digits finally.