A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[k&a&c'smom]

Welcome to the 2012 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.

**Beach Pool currently closed for refurb, May 30 through June 1, 2013. The slide will be closed May 27 through June 1. Pool and slide to be reopened on June 2, 2013.**

The Courtyard pool has been recently re-opened after an extensive renovation, including adding zero entry. Link to new photos.

**Mouseketeer Club has been renovated as the new arcade room in Gasparilla's.


The following list of GF locations have been recently closed for refurbishments:

• Mizner's Lounge, used as a quick service option during the Gasparillas refurb, has resumed operations as a lounge as of December 21st
• Sandy Cove Merchandise: Closed through November 17, 2012**NOW Open!!
• Ivy Trellis Salon: October 20 to December 3, 2012**NOW Open!!
• Gasparilla Grill & Games: Closed through mid December, 2012**Now Open!!
• Courtyard Pool: Closed through late December 2012NOW OPEN as of March 30, 2013!!
• Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club: NOW Open!! All WDW spas will be under Disney management starting January 16, 2013 as "Senses - A Disney Spa".
• Alice in Wonderland Splash Zone **OPENED as of Sept. 19, 2012**
  
• Beach Pool Bar & Grill: **RE-OPENED as of Sept. 17, closed again May 30, 2013 for renovation. Scheduled to reopen June 2, 2013.**

These locations are being refreshed for your future enjoyment. In the meantime, you will have access to alternate options during your stay, so you can anticipate a truly grand vacation experience.

* Please note, refurbishment dates are subject to change.

thanks, johnsonet!

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's, 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 with 867 rooms, and is situated on 40 acres along the white sand beaches of Seven Seas Lagoon, southwest of the MK. 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.

Copyright Disney

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.

Disneys GF Spa & Health Club

thanks, johnsonet!

• **Starting January 16, 2013, all WDW spas will be operated by Disney as Senses - A Disney Spa; more info here.
• 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

• Mouseketeer Club is a supervised activity club that accommodates children ages 4-12.Closing August 1, 2012.
• 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.

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
• 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.
• 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.

**Here is a link to a Resorts Board sticky thread regarding internet access at the World.

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.
• Convention Center
• Offering 40,000 sq. feet of flexible meeting and function space.
• Planning a meeting? Please call Disney Meetings at (321)939-7129. For meetings of less than 100 attendees, you can also use the Meetings on Demand Planner.

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)
• Free WiFi (and, possibly, High-speed Internet access for an additional fee; may have been discontinued)
• Coffeemaker
• Refrigerator
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• In-room wall safe
• Newspaper delivery
• Voice mail
• Turn-down service
• Pack 'n Play Playard available (full crib available upon request)
• Laundry facilities/services
• Robes
• Make-up mirror
• Phone in bath area
• Microwave available upon request
• 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
Garden/Monorail/Marina View, Lagoon, Theme Park View

Sugar Loaf
Club Level Rooms & suites

Conch Key
Pool/Garden/Marina View, Lagoon, Theme Park Views

Boca Chica
Pool/Garden View, Lagoon, Theme Park Views

Big Pine Key
Pool/Garden, Lagoon, Theme Park Views

Main Building
Club Level rooms & suites

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 MK & Poly, dock located on Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Bus service, located just outside the main building, to AK, DHS, DTD, Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach.

Informational Links
For a look back at the 2011 FAQ, click here.
The 2010 FAQ and the 2009 FAQ
Here is a link to an aerial map of the GF.
Great tool for determining travel times and directions from any point in WDW to another.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

GUEST ROOMS

Standard guest rooms average about 448 square feet and have either two queen beds or one king bed, table and chairs, armoire with flat screen TV, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. In the vanity area, H20 brand toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower cap are found and there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. A coffee maker is available in each room.

A typical room sleeps 5, but the deluxe garden view (formerly known as Lodge Tower) and Queen Deluxe (main building) rooms sleep 4. Dormer or "attic" rooms at the Grand Floridian are in the upper floors under the gabled roofs. These rooms are slightly smaller than the Standard guest rooms but appear larger because of the vaulted ceilings, and have enclosed balconies. Some dormer rooms sleep 4, although there are now a number that have the daybed and sleep 5.

There are 26 one, two and three-bedroom suites available. Suites have two queen size beds, or one king size bed, and a separate parlor area with a wet bar. These rooms can sleep between 4 and 10 adults, depending on the suite type.

There are two room types within the “Main Building/Deluxe/King” category. These include the 6 turret rooms located in the towers of the main building, and the second floor (Clarendon Level) honeymoon rooms. The second floor honeymoon rooms are approximately the same size as the standard rooms, have a Jacuzzi tub and a balcony, but no wet bar or walk-in closet. Turret rooms are larger than the Jacuzzi rooms, but do not have the Jacuzzi tub or private balcony. Instead, you'll find a spectacular view with windows all the way around the suite, walk in closet and a garden tub.

TIP: You don't have to be on your honeymoon to enjoy a honeymoon suite, it's perfect for anniversary or second honeymoon trips too. Note that these rooms only accommodate 2 guests.

Rollaway beds are offered free of charge. Guests may request bed boards, bed rails, down pillows, heating pads, microwave oven (limited number available), extra pillows, blankets, towels, robes and International Electrical Adapters. Call Housekeeping to do so.

If there are more than 2 adults in the same room, there is an additional charge of $25 per person, per night.

A limited number of handicapped accessible rooms are available, and early booking is advised. In Sago Cay, there are 3 rooms, Sugar Loaf has 2, Big Pine Key has 2, there are some in Conch Key and there is at least one accessible room in the main building. Some accessible rooms have roll in showers, others have tubs, so guests must describe their particular needs at booking to be assigned the correct room type.

ROOM CATEGORIES
**All rooms non-smoking.

• Outer Building/Garden View - Views of Courtyard, Marina or Themed Pool Areas
• Outer Building/Lagoon View – Views of Seven Seas Lagoon
• Outer Building/Theme Park View – Views of MK Theme Park
• Outer Building/Deluxe Room/Garden View – Lodge Tower Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool or Marina
• Outer Building/Standard Room/Club Level - Located within the Sugar Loaf building, with views of the Courtyard Pool or the Marina.
• Main Building/Standard Room/Club Level - Offers views of the Courtyard Pool or Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Main Building/Theme Park View/Club Level – Offers views of the Magic Kingdom theme park.
• Main Building/Deluxe Room/Club Level - Views of Magic Kingdom theme park or the grounds of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

SUITE DESCRIPTIONS(thanks to CaliforniaDreaming for this info!)


B1 – is a one bedroom suite with 2 queen beds in the bedroom. There is a wet bar, 1 ½ baths and 2 balconies. They are located on the fifth floor in the main building with a view of the theme pool. Sleeps 4. 633 or 678 sq. ft.

BD – is a one bedroom suite that sleeps 4 and is located in Sago Cay on the second and third floors with a Theme Park View (Sanibel and Biscayne Suites). There is a king bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa with hospitality bar in the parlor. There are 2 baths and 3 balconies. 1048 sq. ft.

B4 – is a one bedroom, 2 bath suite with 2 queen beds in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the parlor. There is also a conference table and 2 wet bars. It is located in Sugar Loaf Key with a view of the courtyard pool. Sleeps 6. 931 sq. ft.

BN - sleeps 6 and is located in the outer lodge buildings on the fifth floor with either a marina or courtyard pool view. It is one bedroom suite with 2 queen beds. There is a queen sleeper sofa and a conference table in the parlor area. There are 2 wet bars, 2 bathrooms and a balcony. 931 sq. ft.

B2 – has 2 bedrooms, one with a king and one with 2 queen beds. It has a sitting area, 2 ½ baths, a wet bar and 3 balconies. It is located on the fifth floor of the main building and has a view of either the theme pool or the courtyard pool. Sleeps 6. 1082 sq. ft.

B5 - is a 2 bedroom suite, located in Sugar Loaf Key, with a king in the master bedroom and 2 queens in the second bedroom. There is also a queen sleeper sofa in the living area. Parlor area has a conference table. There are 3 baths and 2 balconies. 1362 sq. ft. Sleeps 8.

BC - sleeps 8. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath suite with a king bed and 2 queen beds. The parlor area has a queen sleeper sofa. There is a hospitality area with a wet bar, refrigerator and dining table and chairs. It is located on the first floor of Sago Cay (Cape Coral Suite) and Conch Key (Everglades Suite). 1792 sq. ft.

BQ - is 2 bedroom suite with a king bed in the master bedroom and 2 queens in the second bedroom. There is a parlor area with a queen sleeper sofa and conference table. There are 3 baths and 2 balconies. It is located on the fifth floor of the outer lodge buildings with a view of the monorail, marina, or lagoon. Sleeps 8. 1362 sq. ft.

BU - is a 2 bedroom, 3 bath suite on the second and third floor of the Conch Key building (Cypress and Wekiwa Suites). The master bedroom has a king bed and the second has 2 queen beds and a daybed. The parlor area includes a hospitality bar and queen sleeper sofa. There are 4 balconies, and a Theme Park View. Sleeps 9. 1496 sq. ft.

BS - is located in the main building on the third and fourth floors (Roy Disney and Walt Disney Suites). It has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 with a king and 2 twins. There are 2 ½ baths, a parlor area, and a balcony with view of the courtyard pool. 1690 sq. ft.

BW - Vice Presidential (Victorian Suite) - is a one bedroom suite located in the main building on the fifth floor. The over-sized bedroom has a king bed and a seating area. There is also a parlor and 1 ½ baths. There are 4 balconies with a view of the courtyard pool. Sleeps 2. 1083 sq. ft.

BK - Presidential (Grand Suite) - is located in the main building on the fifth floor. It has 2 bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with two twin beds, 2 ½ baths, with a jacuzzi tub. There is also a formal living area, a hospitality area, large screen tv, piano, wet bar, and 5 balconies with a view of the courtyard pool. Sleeps 4. 2200 sq. ft.

Link to previous FAQ thread, where Misti posted photos of the Cape Coral Suite; post #577: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108&page=39

 

[k&a&c'smom]

CLUB LEVEL

Concierge service at the Outer Building Sugar Loaf Club and the Main Building Royal Palm Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese & hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials & desserts. The CL rooms have DVD players.

The real difference between the two is the location, otherwise you receive the same services and food offerings. Outer building Club Level is in the Sugar Loaf building, while the Royal Palm Club is in the Main Building. In RPC, you are near the hustle and bustle of the lobby, and in the evenings you can hear the piano player and/or the orchestra while relaxing in the lounge. You have the option of booking, and paying extra for rooms that have a view of the MK theme park. In Sugar Loaf, you are in a more casual, clubby atmosphere, and all rooms will have a view of either the courtyard pool or marina.

The third, fourth and fifth floors of the main building are home to the 83 Club Level rooms (including suites). Access to these floors is by private elevator only. Staff is available on the third floor to answer questions, plan outings, to make dining arrangements, ticket purchases, make transportation arrangements and to fill requests for special dining or accommodation needs. The RPC lounge is located on the fourth floor, with food offerings and various seating areas.

All of the rooms in the Sugar Loaf building are Club Level, and access to the whole building is keyed. The SL lounge is located on the main floor, in the center of the building, and the cast member desks are located within the lounge.

LOUNGE OFFERINGS

Coffee:
6:30am - 9:30pm

Grand Beginnings:
7:00am - 10:30am
pastries, bagels, croissants, cold meats & cheeses, fruit, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt & beverages

Refreshments:
11:30am - 2:00pm
chips, dips, crudites, cookies & beverages

Afternoon Tea:
2:30pm - 4:00pm
scones, cookies, tartlets, fruit breads, trifle & beverages

Twilight Refreshers:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
hot & cold item samples, children's corner, crudites, cheese tray, beverages, wine & beer

Cordials & Desserts:
8:00pm - 10:00pm
assorted desserts and cordials

All Day:
7:00am - 10:00pm
whole fresh fruit & beverages

Thanks to JoBird, we have a great review of the Sugar Loaf food offerings and lounge area, with photos! (RPC and SL have the same food offerings):

The food offerings in the lounge:

Grand Beginnings – served from 7 am- 10:30 am

Every morning, breakfast was the same- muffins, sticky buns, croissants, bagels, toast, cheese Danish, ham, turkey and a cheese tray. Fruits were cantaloupe, pineapple, honey dew, watermelon. Oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar to top it with. The yogurt flavors were strawberry, blueberry and plain. Also there was a bowl of granola to top it with. Cereal choices were Fruit Loops, Raisin Bran and Frosted Flakes.

Drinks were orange and cran-apple juices, milk, and water. You could request chocolate milk and a CM would get it from the kitchen for you. Coffee was the regular percolated kind or you could make one cup at a time with the Nespresso machine- I have one at home, and so I am familiar with it. It is a fancier take on a Keurig; a European all in one Espresso/cappuccino machine. The choices for that were the Ristretto blend which is the strongest and another one that I am not familiar with that is a milder blend. They also had a decaf choice for the Nespresso as well. There was a milk frother for foam with skim milk and one with whole milk too. Hot water was provided and tea bags for tea were set out.

Refreshments—Served from 11:30- 2 pm

This was the same every day as well. There were grilled veggies- asparagus, squash, zucchini, broccoli, marinated tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, carrots and celery with a ranch dressing, potato chips, crackers and dips- one was a spinach dip, another was a Tzaziki dip made with cucumbers and another was a bruschetta style dip.

Also served all day except for at breakfast were cookies- chocolate chip, sugar and oatmeal raisin.

Afternoon tea—Served from 2:30-4 pm

This was also the same every day and included tarts, banana bread and scones. Some days there was a trifle out, but not everyday. Also served with them were strawberry jam, orange marmalade, butter and Devonshire Cream. Of which I found out I am a huge fan. Yum.

Twilight Refreshers—served from 5 – 7 pm

This is one category that changed every day. We were not there for every night but did see the following at some point while there:

One night was Spanokopita, a tray of Sushi- Spicy Tuna and California Rolls, Beef Tenderloin on toast points with Horseradish sauce, Orange Chicken, rolls and breads with olive oil dips and sundried tomato butter.

Another night they had out Beef and blue cheese rounds, an Olive tapenade on toast and also Uncrustables for the kids.

And yet another night was Artichoke/Asiago cheese pinwheels with puff pastry, fried popcorn shrimp with honey mustard sauce, duck pot stickers, a cheese tray, BBQ pork on crostini, and chicken nuggets for the kids.

I don’t have any pictures of the evening’s offerings, sorry.

Cordials and Desserts—served from 8 pm – 10 pm

I am not sure exactly of the liquor that was offered as I didn’t have any. But there were several free pouring bottles for you to choose from. I’m pretty sure one of them was kaluha and maybe Drambuie but I could be wrong about that. The desserts were chocolate covered strawberries, éclairs, canolis and various other petit four type desserts. Cookies were the same, and cupcakes were sometimes offered.


Thoughts on the food:
It was all very good IMO. They never ran out and kept it well stocked at all times, unlike reports I’ve heard of from other hotels on property. While we ate the evening’s offerings sometimes, we still kept most of our ADR’s at supper.
There is a lot in the lounge, but if you have a huge appetite or are on a low fat diet, the choices are not enough to satisfy you. If it had been just the girls and I traveling, I could see us getting full on what they serve at night because we just don’t eat that much.

Thanks again, JoBird, for contributing such an informative review!


Concierge Level Tours & Excursions

Discovery Wildlife Excursion **This program ended in 2010, sorry! ~thanks to RachelTori for the update~
**Offered to ALL WDW Club Level Concierge Guests


Pre-Arrival Information

As soon as you make a Club Level reservation you should email IPO and introduce yourself. Include your name and confirmation number in your subject line. If you would like assistance with your dining reservations, send a list of your choices approximately 2 weeks before the booking window. IPO will contact you with an itinerary as soon as your reservations have been made.

One of the benefits of Club Level is itinerary planning. Personal Itinerary Planning assistance includes:

- Recreational Activities
- Entertainment
- Childcare
- Dining
- Special Arrangements
- Special Events
- Spa Services
- Golf
- Cabana Rental

Club Concierge Itinerary Planning Office
(For Confirmed Club Level Reservations Only)

PH: 407-824-1775
FX: 407-824-3461
Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DINING

QUICK SERVICE: 1 Location

Gasparilla's Grill and Games

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Location: Grand Floridian / 1st floor, overlooking the marina
Reservations: Not Accepted
Hours: Breakfast - 6:00 am -11:00 am; All Day Dining 11:00am - 11:30pm; Late Night Dining 11:30pm - 6:00am
Link to menu with prices on allears, updated March 2012: http://allears.net/menu/menu_gasper.htm

FULL SERVICE: 6 Locations

1900 Park Fare
(Character dining)

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Character
Location: Grand Floridian / Main Lobby
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: Breakfast: 8:00am-11:10am.;Dinner 4:30pm-8:30pm

The 1900 Park Fare Restaurant is located in the Grand Floridian Resort. This is a large dining area with whimsical touches that enhance the character meal experience. "Big Bertha", a turn of the century organ, takes center stage. Built in France, this beautifully crafted instrument plays while you're dining.

There are two Character Meals offered. Both are served buffet style:
The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast is hosted by Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and friends.

The Cinderella's Gala Feast Dinner is hosted by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drusilla.

Price includes non-specialty drinks such as soda, coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, punch and milk.

Dress is Resort Casual. Wine list featuring Kendall Jackson Merlot and Chardonnay, Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon and Caymus Conundrum

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=28


Citricos

Food/Dining Type: Mediteranean-inspired
Meals: Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / Second Floor
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Considered one of WDW's premier restaurants, Citricos serves a seasonal menu inspired by the cuisines of Provence, Tuscany and the Spanish Riviera. With an award-winning international wine list, they serve wines by the bottle or glass for guests age 21 and older.

The main dining room is decorated in a warm Mediterranean decor of yellow and orange with hints of blue, featuring wrought-iron railings and mosaic tile floors. Citricos was designed by the firm of Martin Dorf, who also designed the Flying Fish Cafe and California Grill, and you can see those influences in the stylish yet inviting space.

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=186

Chef's Domain
For an exclusive gourmet dining event, reserve the Chef's Domain at Citricos. Diners may order from the traditional menu or choose to have the chef create a menu for them in a private dining room that seats up to 12 Guests. Minimum purchase of $650 required, non-inclusive of tax and gratuity. There is one seating daily at 6:00 p.m.; reserve early.


Grand Floridian Café

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / Main Lobby
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 11:30am; Lunch 11:30am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Elegant yet unpretentious, the Grand Floridian Cafe is a delightful restaurant. The Victorian motif features lovely florals and muted tones. A wall of windows overlooks the courtyard of the Grand Floridian Resort.

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=31

Garden View Tea Room

Food/Dining Type: Lounge
Meals: afternoon tea
Location: Grand Floridian / First floor of main lobby
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea is offered in the Garden View Lounge from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a number of aromatic herbal and exotic teas to appeal to all tastes. This lovely, light filled lounge overlooks the manicured gardens and pool area of the Grand Floridian Resort. It is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon alone or for a Mother/Daughter outing. You can indulge in a centuries old English tradition in one of the most beautiful resorts on Disney property.

Most of the offerings are three courses, so be sure to bring your appetite. If you are looking for a unique experience outside of the theme parks, Afternoon Tea is a great choice. Priority Seating is highly recommended for this popular event. Specialty coffees and champagne are also available. Tables in Wonderland 20% discount available for the Afternoon Tea ONLY.
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=305


Narcoossee's

Food/Dining Type: Seafood
Meals: Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon
Reservations: Required
Hours: Dinner: 5:30pm - 10:00pm

This Victorian-style seafood restaurant sits on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon in an airy, octagonal building. Due to its location, Narcoossee's offers spectacular views of Wishes fireworks in the MK; ask for a window seat at check in.

Narcoossee's serves a nice selection of coastal favorites including lobster, salmon and scallops, while appealing to a wide range of tastes with filet mignon, chicken and pasta dishes.

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=32

Victoria & Albert's

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / Second Floor
Reservations: Required
Hours: Two seatings:5:45pm-6:30pm and 9:00pm-9:45pm

A 10-year recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Four Star winner, Victoria & Albert's serves fine cuisine paired with wines from an award-winning cellar. The six course, prix fixe menu is exquisitely prepared each day with market fresh ingredients from around the world.

Victoria & Albert's is Disney's ultimate dining venue, and one of the finest restaurants in the Southeast. Personalized menus, elegant decor, fine china and sparkling crystal, gentle harp music and a long stem rose for the ladies combine for a dining experience unlike any other.

This upscale dining experience is now offered solely to guests age 10 and up. (Note that the price/menu remains the same regardless of age.)

Valet parking available free of charge.

There is a dress code. Gentlemen are asked to wear a dinner jacket with dress pants and shoes. (Ties are optional.) Ladies are requested to wear a cocktail dress, dressy pantsuit, skirt/blouse or nice dress. The following are not allowed: jeans, shorts, capris, flip-flops, sandals or sneakers.

This restaurant has its own reservations line, at (407)939-3862. Cancellation policy applies, details explained at time of booking.

recent price increase
Main dining room menu: $135.00 per person (Tax, alcohol and gratuity additional)
Main dining room wine pairing: additional $65.00 per person

V&A's new website: http://www.victoria-alberts.com/index.html

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=33

Chef's Table at V & A

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Dinner
Location: GF / 2nd Floor - Inside the Kitchen of Victoria & Alberts
Reservations: Required
Hours: 1 Seating only at 6:00pm

At Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table, guests are seated at a special table in the kitchen, and can interact with the chef and staff as they prepare the meals.

Nine to ten-course meal featuring American regional cuisine with classical influences.

Prices are per person and do not include tax, gratuity or alcohol unless indicated.

recent price increase
$210.00 per person (tax, gratuity & alcohol additional)
$105.00 per person wine pairing
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=184

**All New Experience at V&A's**
Queen Victoria's Room

This dining room is behind closed doors, off the main dining room, and with just 4 tables you are guaranteed an incredible dining experience. This room will utilize the French gueridon service, a rolling cart that goes from table to table, adding sauces or providing cheese selections.

Dress code remains the same as for V&A's main dining room.

recent price increase
$210 per person (tax, gratuity and alcohol additional)
$105 per wine pairing

**The Queen Victoria Room can be reserved for a private gathering. Cost is a mandatory $295 per person; minimum expenditure of $2100, plus tax and gratuity.


All Dining Prices plus tax where applicable.

PRIVATE DINING
Charges include 18% gratuity, $3.00 delivery fee and 6.5% tax

24-hour room service is available, the menu is in each room. Link to menu: http://allears.net/menu/menu_gfp.htm

Photos of PD menu, taken March 2011, posted on page 94 of this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42556341&posted=1#post42556341

Menu of current amenities, thanks to Angel16 for obtaining this list:

Tuxedo or Pearl strawberries - $6 each (these can be done mixed on a plate)
Tuxedo strawberries, plate of 5 (standard) - $30
Pearl Strawberries, plate of 5 (standard) – $30
Truffle Screen Print Amenity - $30
Gourmet Cookie Amenity - $35
Fruit Box - $40
Chocolate Mickey & Tuxedo Strawberries - $55
Chocolate Minnie & Pearl Strawberries - $55
Deluxe Snack Box - $80
Fruit & Cheese Basket with water (medium) - $85
GF Chocolate Box (small) - $90
GF Chocolate Cigar Box - $90
Chocolate Lovers Amenity - $95 (Don't remember what all this included)
Deluxe Chocolate Mickey - $115
Deluxe Chocolate Minnie - $115
Gourmet Hat Box - $130
Chocolate Champagne Toast - $135 (This is two chocolate flutes filled with Truffles & chocolate champagne bottle)
GF Chocolate Box (large) - $135
Signature Chocolate Box - $135
Fairy Tale Amenity - $145 (Don't remember what this was. Sorry)
White Chocolate Figurine -$35 (Tinkerbell, Mickey, Minnie and some others. They do not do anything in Winnie The Pooh or Toy Story)

 

[k&a&c'smom]

RECREATION

Pools

There are two pools at the GF; complimentary towels and life vests are provided at each. The original, larger of the two is the Courtyard Pool, which is located in the middle of the GF grounds. There is a hot tub located at the Courtyard Pool, a ping pong table, a kiddie pool and a pool bar. During the DVC construction, the movies on the beach have been relocated to the Courtyard Pool, and are shown nightly during high season, weather permitting. Note: Due to DVC construction and pool renovations, the courtyard pool was closed through late March, 2013 - NOW Reopened as of March 30!! Link to new courtyard pool photos.

On the beach, there is the themed pool with zero entry, rock waterfall and waterslide. The Beach Pool is located on the south end of the main building, near the Summerhouse and facing the Polynesian Resort and Wedding Chapel. There are lifeguards on duty here with posted hours. Pool bar, kids splash zone and hair wrap station are located near this pool. Due to DVC construction, there is fencing up around the lagoon/beach end of the pool, blocking the view of Seven Seas Lagoon. Recently refurbished and expanded, the beach pool bar and grill was opened Sept. 2012, but is temporarily closed from May 30 through June 1, 2013. Scheduled to reopen June 2, 2013. Link to Beach Pool Bar & Grill photos.

NEW Alice in Wonderland-themed Splash Zone now open on the beach, near the Beach Pool Bar & Grill!! Link to photos.

thanks, Jungle Cruiser!

You're welcome to head to the private sandy beach where you'll find canopied lounge chairs, but please note that swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon is prohibited. Here youll find the path to the Spa, Wedding Chapel and Polynesian Resort. Again, due to construction, the beach is presently fenced off, and there is only a small portion open for visitors. Hammocks have been removed, but there is a stand swing.

thanks, Jungle Cruiser!

Cabana Rental:

Rental Cabana amenities include:
. Two padded chaise lounge chairs
. Two padded straight-backed chairs
. Plush towels
. 22 inch LCD television with cable access and optional earphones
. Ceiling Fan
. Mini refrigerator stocked with complementary sodas and water
. Complementary fruit basket
. Private dining and poolside massages are available at an
additional cost.

A half day is $110.00+ tax, and is from 10am - 2pm OR 3pm - 7pm
A full day is $185+ tax for 10am - 7pm

Credit card needed to reserve; 24-hour cancellation policy; weather-related cancellation less than 24 hours, no fee, but any other reason and your CC will be charged.

Call 407 WDW-PLAY to reserve.

the following info contributed by CoachBagFanatic on 1/10/2012: "The cabanas can be rented 180 days out and all you have to do is give a CC # just to hold the cabana. You pay when you check in for the cabana. Last time I remember we were able to charge the additional cost of the cabana to our room."

Watercraft Rental

Other water related recreational activities include rentals at the marina of Sea Raycers, sail boats, pontoon boats, pedal boats or water skiing.

Grand 1 Sea Ray Yacht - A new level of luxury awaits you for cruises around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Available for rental, it is routinely used for anniversary parties, birthdays, fireworks cruises and special events.

The yacht has a top speed of 36 miles per hour. It features a small kitchen and dining area as well as three, fully furnished staterooms. A microwave oven, four televisions, a heating / air conditioning unit and a state-of-the-art Bose stereo system round off the amenities.

The cost to rent this fantastic vessel starts at $520 per hour, and it can accommodate as many as 13 guests. Call 407-824-2682 for reservations.

Sea Racers (2 Guests Maximum)
$32 per 30 minutes
$40 per 45 minutes
$45 per 60 minutes

21' Sun Tracker Pontoon Boats (10 guests maximum):
$45 per 30 minutes

17' Boston Whaler (6 guests maximum)
$45 per 30 minutes

Sailboats (13' Catamaran)
$25 per 60 minutes

Specialty cruises - Basic (8 guests maximum)
starting at $275, includes driver

Specialty cruises - Premium (10 guests maximum)
starting at $325, includes driver

Guided Bass Fishing Cruise (5 guests maximum)
$270 per 2-hour trip (7:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.)
$235 per 2-hour trip (afternoon)
$455 per 4-hour trip (7:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.)


All prices plus tax

Marina

Boating prices

Looking towards main building, Grand 1 in foreground

Grand 1

Sea Raycers

Pirate Cruise boat

Pontoon Boats

Boat shack, clock

Side of boat shack with lockers

Life vest storage

Here's the link to a very informative thread regarding the Sea Raycers and their rules: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31014629&postcount=36

Fireworks Sailings

Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom Park can be viewed from the lagoon on a boat cruise on the Grand 1. On this elegant cruise, you can have private dining served by a butler for up to 12 people. For more information, call 407-824-2439.

Pontoon boats can also be reserved for fireworks cruises, check the info under "Specialty Cruises" above.

Campfire & Movie

NOTE: Movies on the beach are back, as of Summer 2011 - now it is Movies at the Courtyard Pool! The Camp Fire has been suspended for construction.
On select evenings, the Grand Floridian hosts guests around a Mickey-shaped campfire on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests will roast marshmallows and sing their favorite campfire tunes and maybe a few Disney favorites as well. Be prepared to see the "stars" both on the big screen and up in the sky, as your family enjoys a family friendly Disney film on the beach! S'mores and marshmallow roasting kits are available for purchase. For more information call 1-407-824-4321.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Shopping

First Floor
Summer Lace

Sandy Cove Gifts & Sundries
Liquor cabinet, you can barely see the wines at the bottom (pretty sure Rosa Regale was there)

Cooler, wines in the middle at the bottom

Second cooler

Sundries

Snacks

More snacks

Second Floor
Basin White
Walking from monorails, toward elevators

Walking from elevators, toward monorails

Commander Porter's

M. Mouse Mercantile

thanks, johnsonet!

Ivy Trellis Salon

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Entrance

INTERIOR
Lobby

Grand Staircase to 2nd floor

Lobby, with orchestra on 2nd floor; Garden View Tea Room on 1st:

Orchestra area:

Mizner's (behind orchestra):

Mizner's:

Cage elevator to 2nd floor

Seating area on 2nd floor near Commander Porter's

Monorail doors:

Exiting GF second floor to monorail station:

EXTERIOR
Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, courtyard pool, from the 5th floor SL

thanks, Jungle Cruiser!
next series of photos provided by johnsonet
Monorail arriving at GF station, entrance to GF with guard shack in background:

Boat launch to Poly & MK:

View from Big Pine Key - Sea Raycer, waterfall pool and Spa/tennis courts (pre-DVC construction):

View of courtyard from seating area in RPC:

From main building - view of marina and back of Sugar Loaf and Conch Key:

From main building - view of Sago Cay:

Patio, Everglades Suite in Conch Key:

thanks, johnsonet!
Resort Map near boat dock

Boat dock (Narcoossee's menu in white box on right of photo)

Narcoossee's from boat dock

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Guest Rooms some rooms are left hand layout, some right

Standard Room from entry hall

Beds:

Chair and ottoman (right hand layout):

Daybed:

TV, armoire and desk:

Drawers open:

Desk from entry hall:

Close up of desk (right hand layout)

Nightstand, with iPod dock and phone:

Looking at entry hall from daybed/balcony door:

Entry hall from room:

Closet, with safe:

Closet, with iron and board:

Vanity area, opposite closet:

Commode (right hand layout):

Tub - notice the phone on the wall! (right hand layout):

Pack and Play (thanks to becksko for this photo!)

Photos of the queen deluxe room, main building (thanks to Lulu'sMom!):

Entering room:

Left:

Right:

Looking from balcony doors toward entrance:

Garden Tub:

Club level amenities:

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Rooms cont.

Deluxe King

Large walk in closet!

View

Grand Suite (thanks to Pralines & Cheese for these photos!):

Wet bar:

TV Hutch in bedroom:

King bed in main bedroom:

Bathroom off main bedroom:

Shower:

Jacuzzi room entry:

Jacuzzi:

Guest bedroom:

Guest vanity:

Views (marina):

Views (courtyard, lagoon, Contemporary, Polynesian):

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Restaurants

Hallway off lobby on 1st floor leading to 1900 Park Fare (restrooms on right)

Through lobby doors, another hallway leading to 1900 Park Fare

Doors to 1900 Park Fare on right

1900 Park Fare, Interior

Big Bertha organ, 1900 Park Fare

Hallway on 2nd floor leading to V&A's and Citricos

Door to V&A's on left; entrance to Citricos in the center

Seating area

Citricos entrance

View of courtyard from front seating section

Wine room

Octagonal room, back of restaurant

View over marina, towards castle, from Citricos octagonal area

Moving towards entrance, open kitchen in center of photo

Citricos bar area, heading towards entrance

Doors to V&A's

Ceiling in V&A's

Interior of V&A's - taken through the door, lol

Path to Narcoossee's, located on Seven Seas Lagoon

Garden View Lounge

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Restaurants, cont.

Garden View Lounge, cont.

Gasparilla's Grill & Games

Part of the outdoor seating

Arcade, to the right as you enter

Toasting and microwave station

Condiments

Coffee supplies

Ice cream topping station, to the left as you enter

Drinks coolers

Notice the Silk in the lower right edge of the photo

Again, you can see the Silk containers in this photo, for those avoiding dairy

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Buildings

Sago lobby

Sago lobby

Sago Cay, view from monorail side

Sago, view of marina, Sugar Loaf in the background

Sago, view of marina with Conch Key & SL in the background

Sugar Loaf marina view, Sago in background

Sugar Loaf marina view

Sugar Loaf marina view, marina building in center, monorail visible through the trees!

Big Pine Key to left, back of pool house to right, Main building ahead

Pool view from Big Pine Key, Sugar Loaf building in the center, pool house roof in foreground

Lagoon view, Big Pine Key

View of Conch Key

Marina view, Conch Key

Marina view, Conch Key

RPC 3rd floor balcony (thanks, Jungle Cruiser!)

Afternoon tea, RPC main building (thanks, Jungle Cruiser!)

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Pools
Courtyard pool, at night

Hot tub, from Big Pine Key side

Pool house, with bar, restrooms; kiddie pool

Courtyard pool, pool house & pool bar (shuttered windows on left of photo)

Hot tub from opposite side

Path to beach pool

Beach pool with waterfall, slide and cabanas in background (thanks, KCmike!)

Beach pool at night (thanks, KCmike!)

Waterfall and zero entry

Bar (currently closed for refurbishment)

Kids pop jet area

Pool house with towels, restrooms, hair wrap station

Towels, hair wrap station, restrooms

Beach Pool house, interior (I think they usually sell sundries here):

Doorway to ladies room:

Lockers on right:

Sinks, hair dryer on left (you can see the baby changing table in the background, near the doorway):

Shower stall:

Inside shower stall, soap dispenser on wall:

Cabanas (photos courtesy of Lulu'sMom - thanks!)

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Bus Stop

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PRIVATE DINING MENU

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I have more work to do, but here it is!!

 

[baler31]

I have more work to do, but here it is!!

k&a&c'smom The new information pages are wonderful, so many photos. The content is so comprehensive, I cannot imagine any better thread. Thanks for doing all of this for those of us who rely on the information.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

k&a&c'smom Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication that you have given to all of us GF junkies. You rock.

 

[MommyGina]

k&a&c'smom - THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Spectacular thread! Thank you so much for your hard work!