2014 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ: Vacationing in Grand Style!

[Sue M]

Here are some photos from my recent trip. I didn't take the photos...still waiting to purchase a great camera!

Our beautiful room number.


Me investigating the closet for some reason, I have no idea. Is someone in there? The flowers were from my daughter for Mother's Day, from Disney Florist.


The interior hallways. Yes, the carpet is pretty, but it has no relation to the lobby furniture, or the rooms themselves. Very strange. And the red in the carpet is actually an orange color. Who was the designer on this? Don't think I'm strange, but the hallways are my favorite aspect of the building. I like the recessed doorways, the ivory cream molding and the large size. Love it!


While the sofa is pretty, the furniture colors seem to clash with the carpet and the marble floor inlays...all different color palettes. I would have loved the designers to continue with all citrus palette...that would have been beautiful. The sofa color is not quite this vibrant in real life.


The blue is nice in the wallpaper.





See how the sofa is somewhat dull next to the carpet? It's color is "off".


Our room. The bolster pillow on my bed had a big water stain on it (or at least that's what I thought it was). Would it have killed housekeeping to replace it? It should have been cleaned and/or replaced. You can't put stained items in a guests' room. See how this room looks like a room from a NYC hotel? I don't see the Victorian-ness at all.







The bathroom. All different colors and shades of off-white. Sand, taupe, ivory/cream...and they don't work, the undertones don't blend. Also, the towel shelf above the toilet looks like something that belongs at the Polynesian.





Hallway wallpaper detail. It was very pretty.





And me and my new best friend. He was a total cutie pie.

​

I still love the Grand...the designer just needs to be fired. It's still my happy place. Love that resort.

Thanks for the pics. Agree!! I love the wide halls at GF a lot. I love Poly, but one of the things I hated was the dark dingy narrow Halls there. Just didn't look like they belonged in a $300+ a night hotel.
The new rooms look pretty, but can see what you mean about it looking like a Ny hotel room now. Kinda took the Victorian-ness away. And where did the bench by foot of bed go? What about the lamps? Any Mickey lamps?
While I think the new rooms look fresh, they could have kept to the theme a bit more!

 

[scottmel]

And loved every minute of it. I think the updates are gorgeous. The Victorian style is still there but in a more elegant way. I loved the new beds and the nightstand which is beautiful. I have 2 negatives. The toilet paper flipped off the roll so often that we left it off. And they actually let me leave. I thought for sure they would invite my family to stay forever!

We were in Big Pine with upgrade to Lagoon view so we were able to see the over-the-water bungalows being built. They look like they will be awesome but since folks can't go in the water, it will never succeed in substituting for my dream of going to Fiji!

Making you leave ....how RUDE! So glad you enjoyed the new rooms. I am a HUGE fan of the new look. The old look was like grandma's vintage out dated estate. This is lovely. I am at the GFV this time but next trip when all is updated I am definitely going to try it!!!! Nice on the upgrade!

 

[mickeynut1]

Here are some photos from my recent trip. I didn't take the photos...still waiting to purchase a great camera!

Our room. The bolster pillow on my bed had a big water stain on it (or at least that's what I thought it was). Would it have killed housekeeping to replace it? It should have been cleaned and/or replaced. You can't put stained items in a guests' room. See how this room looks like a room from a NYC hotel? I don't see the Victorian-ness at all.

The bathroom. All different colors and shades of off-white. Sand, taupe, ivory/cream...and they don't work, the undertones don't blend. Also, the towel shelf above the toilet looks like something that belongs at the Polynesian.

The photos are great, thanks for posting them. I agree about the rooms. They are very generic and look like a room that can be found anywhere as too many Disney touches have been taken away . In all of the new rooms pics I've seen since the refurb started, the bathroom doesn't look like it has been redone at all. I think that towel rack is the same one that's been in there, which is strange because you would think with them redoing the vanity area that they would follow through the bathroom .

And loved every minute of it. I think the updates are gorgeous. The Victorian style is still there but in a more elegant way. I loved the new beds and the nightstand which is beautiful. I have 2 negatives. The toilet paper flipped off the roll so often that we left it off. And they actually let me leave. I thought for sure they would invite my family to stay forever!

We were in Big Pine with upgrade to Lagoon view so we were able to see the over-the-water bungalows being built. They look like they will be awesome but since folks can't go in the water, it will never succeed in substituting for my dream of going to Fiji!

Glad you had a great stay and congrats on the upgrade . BPK is one of my favorite buildings as I love the location.

 

[MommyGina]

Lisann - Thank you for posting the pictures. I love the blue colors in the entrance of the building. Still not feeling the love for the room décor.

Changed my ADRs again. Got my FP+ in order and changed them again too! I feel like I am too much on a time schedule on vacation with planning everything down to the minute.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Memorial Day weekend.

 

[Lisann]

The toilet paper flipped off the roll so often that we left it off. And they actually let me leave.

This drove us crazy. We did the same thing. Just kept the toilet paper off the holder. The two little grooves where the ends of the holder fit are not sufficient. At all. The minute you pull on the roll with even light pressure...the roll flies off.

 

[Ferrentinos]

So excited! Decided to add an adults only dinner to our July trip at V&A! IPO booked Kids Nite Out for us. Anyone had experience with them? I know they have a "no water" policy but what could they take DD3 to do around the resort from 5-9pm? Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[DIS3Dad]

We have reservations for this July, staying outer building with theme park view. We usually stay main building when we visit the GF and are worried about feeling so far away from everything. Our DD are ages 11, 9 and 4. We usually rent a stroller for when the youngest gets tired of walking.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Lisann]

DIS3Dad...you won't feel far away. The one thing that I love about this resort so much, is that every building is only a very quick walk away....they are all in close proximity to the main building. You might miss being right at the heart of the main building/lobby, but we were in Big Pine Key and my walk to the main building was under two minutes. No complaints.

 

[Lisann]

I know that this is a GF thread, but just a couple of pics to show where we stayed before we moved on over to the Grand (we are so spoiled , couldn't be away from GF for more than a minute).

We were at the Beach Club for a few days before we moved over to the GF. Both my sister and I were recovering from bad colds/flu, so we were very tired for about three days into the vacation, and took it easy at the Beach Club. It was so nice.

Our nice sunny and bright and quiet room! Such a cottage feel.



The bathroom really carries the theme. I do wish the Grand would add the additional shelving like some of the other resorts. With women, that sure comes in handy.



Our location. At the end of the sidewalk, turn left, and you are approaching World Showcase. The closest rooms to Epcot, and the quiet rooms. It was great!

​

 

[Maxie86]

Thanks for posting the pics of the GF and the BC. I love the look of the BC rooms, everything goes so nicely together. I may stay there next time we stay on the Epcot side, we've stayed at the YC and the BWI but never the BC. I have to say I am not loving the new GF rooms or the hall carpet. What were they thinking??? The only thing that looks like it belongs is the blue wallpaper in the entrance. The hall wallpaper may be OK too, but it is hard to see in a pic. I'm hoping it actually looks better than the pics make it look.

 

[bhyer]

Hello. I was trying to rent DVC points through David's Vacation Club and asked for a studio with lake view. They just told me that there is no longer any availability for lake view for our travel dates at the beginning of February next year (actually they don't have any points for any of the DVC rooms at GF right now) but are saying there is still possibility for getting a standard view.
I noticed that on the first page of this thread it shows a few really bad views (like Room 1221 which is only a roof line). Are a lot of the rooms like that? We aren't that picky and most views would be ok for us but it would be rather disappointing to have nothing but a roof line.
I would switch over and just book through Disney for a regular room but my daughter was really looking forward to staying in the "penguin building".

 

[Lisann]

Thanks for posting the pics of the GF and the BC. I love the look of the BC rooms, everything goes so nicely together. I may stay there next time we stay on the Epcot side, we've stayed at the YC and the BWI but never the BC. I have to say I am not loving the new GF rooms or the hall carpet. What were they thinking??? The only thing that looks like it belongs is the blue wallpaper in the entrance. The hall wallpaper may be OK too, but it is hard to see in a pic. I'm hoping it actually looks better than the pics make it look.

I'm supposed to be working on a business plan right now, but as you can see, I'm here on the boards....

The only downside for me at the BC is there are so many noisy children in the lobby area waiting for the character meal at the Cape May Buffet. I much prefer the more serene atmosphere of YC.

Yes, the blue wallpaper is actually very refreshing when entering the building.

I saw a photo of the Animal Kingdom bed frames, and it got me thinking (that's dangerous):

I wish that the designers had taken a similar frame, but instead of carved woodwork, had it done in the white filigree wrought iron that is found around the GF resort (in the wrought iron chairs, in the large chandeliers in the out buildings, etc.) not the bulky frames the mattresses are on now. Then, pull the Florida citrus colors in from the carpet, add lace sheers with hidden mickeys, add some sconces over the beds that are delicate and mimic the afore-mentioned ideas. Darn it, I want to feel like I'm at a Florida Victorian resort!! Why didn't they call us first?

 

[pas130]

Hi there MickeyNut!! I am the queen of posting at the same time!! LOL... Cause we were posting at the EXACT same time!!! LOL...

I see that WL/GF split stay in my future...and it will be partly due to your recommendations on the WL!

The WL ...most notably their CL staff are SOOOOO nice!!

You will love the GF. The Poly is our favorite, but the GF is also an amazing resort and runs a very close second for us . The GF isn't really that spread out, IMO, so all of the outer buildings are pretty convenient to the main areas, but Big Pine Key and Boca Chica are two of my favorites. Both overlook the courtypool and are close to the main building and the beach pool (and neither are too far from Gasparillas). As BlueSkies posted, there is a map on the first page of this thread that gives a pretty good view of where each building is located. I also agree with BlueSkies that a standard room is anything but standard. I don't think there are any bad rooms/views at the GF as they are all great .



Yes, the WL is an amazing resort .




HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY to everyone in case I don't get back tomorrow.

And Happy Memorial Day to our vets!!

You are the queen of same time posting

After 20 years of marriage I finally said yes and we got a boat. We took it out on Cayuga Lake(finger lake upstate ny). We had a great family day

Sitting with my wine and enjoying the sunset.

Happy Memorial Day to all!

SAWEEET!!!

Thanks for sharing in my pre trip excitement pas When I joined the DIS I was already a Disney veteran...with lots of trips over many years under my belt..and although there really is always some thing new to learn..for me reading about others trips..and sharing in their excitment the absolute best part of being here!

Totally OT lol..but...Looking foward to hearing about your WL stay..our good friend MickeyNut is always saying how much she enjoys her stays there...

It is the best!!! (right up there with GF!!!)

LisannThank you for the fabulous pics!!!

 

[Candy Orlando]

I hope all my Grand friends had a Grand Memorial Day. We had beautiful weather!!

I'm very proud of my husband, he has been the Marshal of the Lynnfield Memorial Day Parade for many years. He still fits into his Navy uniform from 43 years ago.

Many thanks to everyone that participated in ceremonies around the country today.

Candy

 

[pas130]

I hope all my Grand friends had a Grand Memorial Day. We had beautiful weather!!

I'm very proud of my husband, he has been the Marshal of the Lynnfield Memorial Day Parade for many years. He still fits into his Navy uniform from 43 years ago.

Many thanks to everyone that participated in ceremonies around the country today.

Candy

Very sweet !! Bless your DH, have a great day

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for posting the pics of the GF and the BC. I love the look of the BC rooms, everything goes so nicely together. I may stay there next time we stay on the Epcot side, we've stayed at the YC and the BWI but never the BC. I have to say I am not loving the new GF rooms or the hall carpet. What were they thinking??? The only thing that looks like it belongs is the blue wallpaper in the entrance. The hall wallpaper may be OK too, but it is hard to see in a pic. I'm hoping it actually looks better than the pics make it look.

Hi Maxie .

Hello. I was trying to rent DVC points through David's Vacation Club and asked for a studio with lake view. They just told me that there is no longer any availability for lake view for our travel dates at the beginning of February next year (actually they don't have any points for any of the DVC rooms at GF right now) but are saying there is still possibility for getting a standard view.
I noticed that on the first page of this thread it shows a few really bad views (like Room 1221 which is only a roof line). Are a lot of the rooms like that? We aren't that picky and most views would be ok for us but it would be rather disappointing to have nothing but a roof line.
I would switch over and just book through Disney for a regular room but my daughter was really looking forward to staying in the "penguin building".

I can't help with the views as we haven't stayed in the villas, but hopefully someone who has stayed there will be able to give some insight .

The WL ...most notably their CL staff are SOOOOO nice!!

It is the best!!! (right up there with GF!!!)

I hope all my Grand friends had a Grand Memorial Day. We had beautiful weather!!

I'm very proud of my husband, he has been the Marshal of the Lynnfield Memorial Day Parade for many years. He still fits into his Navy uniform from 43 years ago.

Many thanks to everyone that participated in ceremonies around the country today.

Candy

I hope you had a great day with your family as well. Many thanks to your DH for his service .

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Hi Debbie!

I have a ds17 and dd19 and we stay mostly with any monorail resort. Since you don't have a stroller or need to worry about them getting tired(you might) a building request really won't be necessary. Most rooms have the day bed and if you get a room without go back to lobby or call front desk and ask again. Sometimes requests slip through.

Gf is so beautiful and with the new room updates your family should have a great time

Just keep reading here to keep up to date and make sure you read page 1

We had a great visit there in January and if you love to visit there, staying there is much better

Hi Debbie and welcome! That sounds like the a perfectly clear and concise request... I would say that you might want a building request..depending on your personal preferences..near the boat dock..over looking the marina or courtyard pool...there is a map on the first page of this thread that will show you everything is located...

A standard view at the GF is anything but standard..they are all quite lovely...and my recommendation is to just take some time to enjoy the grouds..the music in the lobby and the general ambiance of this beautiful resort!

Happy planning...have a grand vacation!

You will love the GF. The Poly is our favorite, but the GF is also an amazing resort and runs a very close second for us . The GF isn't really that spread out, IMO, so all of the outer buildings are pretty convenient to the main areas, but Big Pine Key and Boca Chica are two of my favorites. Both overlook the courtypool and are close to the main building and the beach pool (and neither are too far from Gasparillas). As BlueSkies posted, there is a map on the first page of this thread that gives a pretty good view of where each building is located. I also agree with BlueSkies that a standard room is anything but standard. I don't think there are any bad rooms/views at the GF as they are all great .

Thanks for the feedback! I will definitely check out the resort map. Every day that goes by I get more & more excited about staying at the Grand Floridian!

 

[BlueSkies]

fair enough! haha. I'd rather have rain and heat at disney too! especially since things are pretty hot and rainy here anyways (in atlanta) I guess we'll have to suffer though I think the RPC lounge will help us cope , can't wait to arrive!

I think you might be right!! lol...

good to know. I think I know what to expect and I don't think I need to worry about hotter weather then I've experienced before. I'll take whatever the weather is though, this is going to be a great trip! We were at RPC earlier this month, but just for 3 nights. I'm so ready to check in, unpack and spend 8 wonderful days in the Grand Floridian's main building with my whole extended family.

How wonderful..and what a special place to have an extended family vacation!! Enjoy!

And loved every minute of it. I think the updates are gorgeous. The Victorian style is still there but in a more elegant way. I loved the new beds and the nightstand which is beautiful. I have 2 negatives. The toilet paper flipped off the roll so often that we left it off. And they actually let me leave. I thought for sure they would invite my family to stay forever!

We were in Big Pine with upgrade to Lagoon view so we were able to see the over-the-water bungalows being built. They look like they will be awesome but since folks can't go in the water, it will never succeed in substituting for my dream of going to Fiji!

Glad that you enjoyed your GF stay... and congrats on the upgrade.... Just curious..as this question has been asked a few times..can you see the EWP from those lagoon view rooms in BPK??

Lisann - Thank you for posting the pictures. I love the blue colors in the entrance of the building. Still not feeling the love for the room décor.

Changed my ADRs again. Got my FP+ in order and changed them again too! I feel like I am too much on a time schedule on vacation with planning everything down to the minute.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Memorial Day weekend.

I am partial to the bluecolor that is now in the refured building entrances too!!

I agree about the super scheduled Disney vacation these days MommyGina... Not sure that there is any alternative though...

Hope you are happy with all of your fine doing...or...you just might have to do it again! lol...

So excited! Decided to add an adults only dinner to our July trip at V&A! IPO booked Kids Nite Out for us. Anyone had experience with them? I know they have a "no water" policy but what could they take DD3 to do around the resort from 5-9pm? Thoughts? Thanks!

Enjoy your V&A dinner...that sure is a nice nite out...Maybe you can have the babysitter take your DD over to Gaspies for a bite ..and then Movies and campfire on the beach??

We have reservations for this July, staying outer building with theme park view. We usually stay main building when we visit the GF and are worried about feeling so far away from everything. Our DD are ages 11, 9 and 4. We usually rent a stroller for when the youngest gets tired of walking.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

As others have said..everything on the GF grounds is in pretty close proximity to each other....If being near the main building would be a preference I would suggest a room in BPK...one big IF though...not really sure if they have rooms with a TPV ...if they don't then I would recommend Conch Key...while further fro the main building..it is close to the boat dock...and has very lovely TPVs...

Thanks for posting the pics of the GF and the BC. I love the look of the BC rooms, everything goes so nicely together. I may stay there next time we stay on the Epcot side, we've stayed at the YC and the BWI but never the BC. I have to say I am not loving the new GF rooms or the hall carpet. What were they thinking??? The only thing that looks like it belongs is the blue wallpaper in the entrance. The hall wallpaper may be OK too, but it is hard to see in a pic. I'm hoping it actually looks better than the pics make it look.

Hey Maxie Yes that blue wall paper sure is nice...looks great IMO...not sure if you knew that I am partial to that color???? I really like the look of the BC rooms too..Maybe we should be thinking about at BC GF split in the near future... Although..MickeyNut and pas both make a WL GF split sound intriguing!!

Hello. I was trying to rent DVC points through David's Vacation Club and asked for a studio with lake view. They just told me that there is no longer any availability for lake view for our travel dates at the beginning of February next year (actually they don't have any points for any of the DVC rooms at GF right now) but are saying there is still possibility for getting a standard view.
I noticed that on the first page of this thread it shows a few really bad views (like Room 1221 which is only a roof line). Are a lot of the rooms like that? We aren't that picky and most views would be ok for us but it would be rather disappointing to have nothing but a roof line.
I would switch over and just book through Disney for a regular room but my daughter was really looking forward to staying in the "penguin building".

Hope that something opens up for you!

I hope all my Grand friends had a Grand Memorial Day. We had beautiful weather!!

I'm very proud of my husband, he has been the Marshal of the Lynnfield Memorial Day Parade for many years. He still fits into his Navy uniform from 43 years ago.

Many thanks to everyone that participated in ceremonies around the country today.

Candy

Hi Candy Congrats to your husband on being chosen every year to be the parade grand maarshal..that is something to be proud of...and sincere thanks to him for his service...

Thanks for the feedback! I will definitely check out the resort map. Every day that goes by I get more & more excited about staying at the Grand Floridian!

You're welcome! This is just the place to share your excitement!!

Lisann Thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful pictures...and your feedback too!

~Mostly packed.. as for DDs suitcase...still empty!

Hope that everyone is having a magical Memorial Monday!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the feedback! I will definitely check out the resort map. Every day that goes by I get more & more excited about staying at the Grand Floridian!

You're welcome . There's nothing wrong with getting exciting and as BlueSkies said, this is just the place to share your excitement .

Although..MickeyNut and pas both make a WL GF split sound intriguing!!

~Mostly packed.. as for DDs suitcase...still empty!

I do love WL CL, but AKL CL is also on my list as I have read nothing but great things about it and I can't wait to try that one .

LOL about your DD not being packed ....but I'm sure she'll be ready to go once the time comes .

 

[Ferrentinos]

Enjoy your V&A dinner...that sure is a nice nite out...Maybe you can have the babysitter take your DD over to Gaspies for a bite ..and then Movies and campfire on the beach??

Wonderful suggestions! I think that she'd love to watch the movie on the beach - we figure we will be back from dinner in time to watch the EWP before bed that night. I'm so excited for a few hours alone with DH in Disney - we haven't done that since before DD3! We love, love, love our family vacation time but we are really excited about some adult conversation and a little peace and quiet over a lovely dinner!