Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa + Construction Updates!! **LOBBY REFURB STARTED 4/14**

[mrsap]

Wait until the kids talk you into going on Expedition Everest!! Or do you already go on that?? There is just one part of that ride that gets me every time. My kids were late bloomers with "scary" rides, so I had it easy for many years.

I've tried very hard to get RPC for December, but it hasn't shown up with discount. I still check a few times a day and I will change to there in a heartbeat if any type of GF room shows up. It makes me so sad to imagine not staying at GF in December. For now, I was able to snag WL CL, but not a fan of the rooms for our family of 4 so it's hard to swallow paying that price when the rooms aren't great for us. Still thinking.......

Hey girl! This last trip in August they started getting brave and did both Space and Everest!!!! They loved them both and went on several times between the two!! DH and I sat across and “watched“ the Kitetails show. Everest is one they’ll never get me on! DD said she wants to try Tower this upcoming trip!! I’ll meet her on the ground when she gets off! Good luck getting RPC!!! Keep checking!!!

 

[disneyfan150]

OMG don’t get me started on Space! I’ve done a great job avoiding it all these years that I’ve gone to Disney! Just had no interest in even trying it! So my kids decide to start getting brave and tried Space this past summer for the first time, and after awhile, they convinced me to go on with them! Literally the entire time down this roller coaster, I am trying so hard to tuck my head down, because I feel like it’s going to get chopped off! I am practically in tears while my 11 yo (sitting in front) and 14 yo (behind) are hysterically laughing! I am pretty sure I said every curse word in the book, on the way down, which I will refrain from repeating here! When the ride finally stopped, I was so shook up. I could not even stand up to get out the ride vehicle!! I swore right then and there I will never go on it again. The next day, we go back to Magic Kingdom and the first thing my kids wanna do is go on Space! This time they convince my DH to come on as well. I said since he’s going, I will try again, and, hope that maybe it was just a fluke, being it was my first time! I think I cried even harder the second time and cursed even louder! I was shaking, and on top of that, felt like my neck was gonna break off, because I was tucking my head down so far! After that ride, I swore out loud to everyone, I’m done. Oh, and as a side note, I don’t think I opened my eyes for more than two seconds, in total, on both rides. Never again.

Sorry but had to get that off my chest. lol

So off topic, but I had to say . . .
Many years ago they had to STOP Space in the middle of the ride to get my Mom off it! I have to hold the back of my head to keep it from bobbing back and forth. After many years of eyes tightly closed, I can now ride SM and EE with my eyes open.

Not me ! I love it!

What ride IS your favorite then?

Currently for me it’s GOTG

Me, too!!!! GOTG is so fun! I was dancing in my seat. Don't tell Disney, but I will pay big $$ for a Lightening Lane.


Back to GF. . .
With all the uncertainty in the world, we moved our summer cruise from Europe to one out of our home port. Now we can just drive to the ship. So, now I am thinking GF for our summer Disney vaca. I want the pretty referb room.

 

[Maxie86]

Have you ever seen those really tall people ride? They get off with their heads ATTACHED! I have seen you, no worries lol!

Dd lives states away so no packing for her. However I do dh’s and let Ds do his when we go. However I shove a bunch 0f stuff in extra when they are not looking. 1 outfit a day? What if it rains, gets cold, gets warm? Hello people??

I am bringing 2 bags again this trip. My Epcot GOTG opening day AP tshirt, my F&W clothes n ears, Christmas stuff for mvmcp and HS evenings, my Lilly for staying at GF, swim stuff for SAB (we have a split with BC), jeans in case it’s cool, shorts for midday, ….. I get 2 free bags with JetBlue so I am bringing it all.

I have 4 different mvmcp options. How do you know what you want ?60 can be freezing or hot. I’m prepared!

I hope the GF ears are still there. We have the CR and Poly ones…..

Nothing wrong with that, a gal needs options. I pack for DH, he puts the clothes he wants to take on the guest room bed...frequently I forget to pack some of them

I am a ride whimp the wildest thing I ride is BTMRR.

 

[mrsap]

Nothing wrong with that, a gal needs options. I pack for DH, he puts the clothes he wants to take on the guest room bed...frequently I forget to pack some of them

I am a ride whimp the wildest thing I ride is BTMRR.

Me too!!! I say a lot of “accent words” on BTMRR!! I love when friends go on with me for the first time!!!

 

[MommyMouse143]

Any word on the lobby Christmas decorations beyond the gingerbread house?

 

[mrsap]

Any word on the lobby Christmas decorations beyond the gingerbread house?

I have not seen anything as of yet. Here are the dates for the tree/decorations for the last three years…

2019:

* Tree/Resort Decorations - 11/22


2020:

* Tree/Resort Decorations - 11/13


2021:

* Tree/Resort Decorations - 11/12


Should be *SOON!*

 

[grannyminnie]

Me too!!! I say a lot of “accent words” on BTMRR!! I love when friends go on with me for the first time!!!

I scream in unison with all the others who are!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Me too!!! I say a lot of “accent words” on BTMRR!! I love when friends go on with me for the first time!!!

Don't you mean "sentence enhancers"????

 

[mrsap]

Don't you mean "sentence enhancers"????

Sure! Along with saying swear words, potty words, profanity and at times, even speaking in cursive!

 

[followthatmouse]

Sure! Along with saying swear words, potty words, profanity and at times, even speaking in cursive!

I tend to italicise as I go! Aaaaaaaaaaaagh!!! @##^@!!! See?!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Sure! Along with saying swear words, potty words, profanity and at times, even speaking in cursive!

Have you ever seen that Spongebob episode? It's one of my favorites!!

 

[mrsap]

Have you ever seen that Spongebob episode? It's one of my favorites!!

YES!!!!!!

 

[geminimagk]

Just finished my first ever stay at GF. I have to say, I was beyond disappointed in the quality of the room. I’ve heard some people mention there are some rooms which have been renovated? Are you able to request one of those? We were located in Sago Cay and it was A DUMP. Poor lighting, no storage space, the bathroom was awful. It is on a tilt so there’s always a collection of water along the wall. The sink is outside the toilet area which is so gross for washing your hands after you use the toilet. I’ve honestly stayed in Holiday Inns better than this supposed 5-star Disney resort. I understand the rest of the resort is gorgeous and lobby is stunning, but this room shouldn’t even be an option to hold the GF name.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Just finished my first ever stay at GF. I have to say, I was beyond disappointed in the quality of the room. I’ve heard some people mention there are some rooms which have been renovated? Are you able to request one of those? We were located in Sago Cay and it was A DUMP. Poor lighting, no storage space, the bathroom was awful. It is on a tilt so there’s always a collection of water along the wall. The sink is outside the toilet area which is so gross for washing your hands after you use the toilet. I’ve honestly stayed in Holiday Inns better than this supposed 5-star Disney resort. I understand the rest of the resort is gorgeous and lobby is stunning, but this room shouldn’t even be an option to hold the GF name.

Yes. Rooms are being renovated but construction at Sago has not begun. I am sad that you feel your room was a "dump." Other than a collection of water along the wall (I assume you are referring to the shower/tub surround?), was there a housekeeping issue or were the furnishings badly damaged or ?? The small, dark shower/tub and toilet area has been a source of dismay here on the boards for eons. The remodel seems to make it slightly better but the footprint was not enlarged.

It seems as though you did not care for the room layout. Many of the WDW resorts have the split bathroom design to allow for someone to be using the shower/toilet room while someone else is in the sink area. Hopefully you will enjoy your next WDW trip at another resort.

 

[trishadono]

Just finished my first ever stay at GF. I have to say, I was beyond disappointed in the quality of the room. I’ve heard some people mention there are some rooms which have been renovated? Are you able to request one of those? We were located in Sago Cay and it was A DUMP. Poor lighting, no storage space, the bathroom was awful. It is on a tilt so there’s always a collection of water along the wall. The sink is outside the toilet area which is so gross for washing your hands after you use the toilet. I’ve honestly stayed in Holiday Inns better than this supposed 5-star Disney resort. I understand the rest of the resort is gorgeous and lobby is stunning, but this room shouldn’t even be an option to hold the GF name.

It is a shame you came here after your trip and not before.

The pix of the rooms are on dis site and page 1 of this thread.

I know I have posted about Boca Chica being complete with its remodel and I have made a request for it for this week. However I was in Sago in March. There is a dresser and a closet. I am not sure how much more storage you need? The bombay end table also has deep drawers.

To each his own. Before the recent remodel at Poly I did not like the tub/toilet sink all in one room. It limited the time we could get ready for our day. I really like CR one now with the toilet room with shower and sinks together. However disney is putting in glass door showers and boy does that change things. Nobody wants to see all that

I really like the poly dvc studios. They have 2 separate bath areas which makes more sense for many traveling parties. One shower and sink/ the other tub, toilet and sink.

I would not call it a dump , no matter what resort/hotel I stay at I always wish Disney had a hotel near by for us to stay in. We love it.


I think you might prefer Four Seasons. I have heard lots of great things about it and its really close by.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[geminimagk]

It is a shame you came here after your trip and not before.

The pix of the rooms are on dis site and page 1 of this thread.

I know I have posted about Boca Chica being complete with its remodel and I have made a request for it for this week. However I was in Sago in March. There is a dresser and a closet. I am not sure how much more storage you need? The bombay end table also has deep drawers.

To each his own. Before the recent remodel at Poly I did not like the tub/toilet sink all in one room. It limited the time we could get ready for our day. I really like CR one now with the toilet room with shower and sinks together. However disney is putting in glass door showers and boy does that change things. Nobody wants to see all that

I really like the poly dvc studios. They have 2 separate bath areas which makes more sense for many traveling parties. One shower and sink/ the other tub, toilet and sink.

I would not call it a dump , no matter what resort/hotel I stay at I always wish Disney had a hotel near by for us to stay in. We love it.


I think you might prefer Four Seasons. I have heard lots of great things about it and its really close by.

Thanks for your feedback.

Thanks for the information! Do people generally have success when they request a specific building to stay in? Are there different prices for a regular/standard room depending on whether it’s in a renovated area or not?

The dresser drawers were not very long or deep at all. And the bathroom vanity had no shelf or drawers underneath, which I’m not really used to. And the toilet area was TINY, it was almost hard to shut the door when you were in there without maneuvering yourself out of the way. Our heat and AC didn’t work for our first two nights there, I requested service but nobody came. I had to make a couple more calls to get it done.

The service was impeccable however, nothing bad to say about the cast members working there. There were five of us attending the Christmas party and as we left, they only handed us one keepsake print. I told them, I think each of us supposed to get one, and they refused. My kids were tired and in no mood to stay a minute longer, so I just let it be. The next morning I asked at the GF front desk, and someone was nice enough to go and get our prints for us from MK!

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for the information! Do people generally have success when they request a specific building to stay in? Are there different prices for a regular/standard room depending on whether it’s in a renovated area or not?

The dresser drawers were not very long or deep at all. And the bathroom vanity had no shelf or drawers underneath, which I’m not really used to. And the toilet area was TINY, it was almost hard to shut the door when you were in there without maneuvering yourself out of the way. Our heat and AC didn’t work for our first two nights there, I requested service but nobody came. I had to make a couple more calls to get it done.

The service was impeccable however, nothing bad to say about the cast members working there. There were five of us attending the Christmas party and as we left, they only handed us one keepsake print. I told them, I think each of us supposed to get one, and they refused. My kids were tired and in no mood to stay a minute longer, so I just let it be. The next morning I asked at the GF front desk, and someone was nice enough to go and get our prints for us from MK!

Crazy as it is the price is the same for a remodeled room. It just depends on if one is available when you check in whether or not you get one.

Rats those of us on the dis have learned the hard way and always share: DO NOT CALL for assistance. It goes off site not to front desk. It is a pain but going to the lobby for mechanic issues is the fastest way.

I have been successful changing air conditioners at all WDW resorts below 68 to 65. GOOGLE it. Lots of business guys have posted videos.(Decided to add that since we talking about it for others if needed.)

Gf staff is usually really good with stuff, I am glad they took care of that for your kiddos!

Hands down my DH hates gf's bathrooms. My husband insists its too low to the ground and no leg room when sitting. I think the new baths will fix that at last!

I have been staying at wdw properties for years. When you are at the end of the 7 year remodel cycle you know the room will be slightly outdated and not as fresh. However I still have been staying at GF and BWI the ones most in need of a refurb because I like how disney does their hotels vs the sterile ones other companies do.

If you head back to wdw check page 1 of the thread for the hotels you may like. It really does help with planning. Although sometimes our families themselves change and WE need to just learn and do it different the next time. Once my kids were teens it changed a lot!

Again , thx for posting . Hope it helps someone else down the road.

 

[trishadono]

So I booked this week for the GOTG CR holiday version. Nope it starts 11/25. Ok fine I book 12/31-1/3 to catch it then, again NOPE it ends 12/30. Christmas @ WDW should not be this hard.....

However I will be at GF in just 4 more days At least I get to see the Gingerbread house!

 

[geminimagk]

Crazy as it is the price is the same for a remodeled room. It just depends on if one is available when you check in whether or not you get one.

Rats those of us on the dis have learned the hard way and always share: DO NOT CALL for assistance. It goes off site not to front desk. It is a pain but going to the lobby for mechanic issues is the fastest way.

I have been successful changing air conditioners at all WDW resorts below 68 to 65. GOOGLE it. Lots of business guys have posted videos.(Decided to add that since we talking about it for others if needed.)

Gf staff is usually really good with stuff, I am glad they took care of that for your kiddos!

Hands down my DH hates gf's bathrooms. My husband insists its too low to the ground and no leg room when sitting. I think the new baths will fix that at last!

I have been staying at wdw properties for years. When you are at the end of the 7 year remodel cycle you know the room will be slightly outdated and not as fresh. However I still have been staying at GF and BWI the ones most in need of a refurb because I like how disney does their hotels vs the sterile ones other companies do.

If you head back to wdw check page 1 of the thread for the hotels you may like. It really does help with planning. Although sometimes our families themselves change and WE need to just learn and do it different the next time. Once my kids were teens it changed a lot!

Again , thx for posting . Hope it helps someone else down the road.

That's good to know!

One thing I forgot to mention: My Disney hotel standard is the GRAND CALIFORNIAN. That's the only property I stay at when I visit DL and I love it!

 

[trishadono]

That's good to know!

One thing I forgot to mention: My Disney hotel standard is the GRAND CALIFORNIAN. That's the only property I stay at when I visit DL and I love it!

Ooh I stayed there during this last remodel. Have to say I didn’t like the look of the old rooms. I read on disboards about the remodel and since it was only about 1/3 done, I requested the new room and got lucky and got one. I love the trees over the beds with chip n dale

Location location location? Wow we loved it!