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

[followthatmouse]

@mrsap
Thanks so much for the pictures and the link! You are awesome!

I am really looking forward to when the lobby is complete.

I couldn’t agree more!

 

[AustinTink]

Hello Grand Floridian experts! We are GF newbies. We have always stayed at the Epcots are resorts in the past and this will be our first time at the GF.

I’ve been reading this thread in bits and pieces. There’s a lot to absorb.

Couple of questions:
1) We haven’t eaten at any of the GF restaurants before. I assume V&A will be a difficult reservation to nab, is that correct? Also, which restaurants at the GF are not to be missed? We are typically two meals and one snack per day people and would like to do one of those daily meals at the resort.

2) We have a resort view room booked. I have no clue where to begin with this with regard to a room request. Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[trishadono]

Hello Grand Floridian experts! We are GF newbies. We have always stayed at the Epcots are resorts in the past and this will be our first time at the GF.

I’ve been reading this thread in bits and pieces. There’s a lot to absorb.

Couple of questions:
1) We haven’t eaten at any of the GF restaurants before. I assume V&A will be a difficult reservation to nab, is that correct?

DD booked for her honeymoon last Oct. it is a different process than others. I was able to book for her online ( I got up early that day). However I do remember finding a phone number for V&A and asked well in advance. I think I googled for that number or found on dis boards, …. I can’t remember but I think the chef table you had to call.

Also, which restaurants at the GF are not to be missed? We are typically two meals and one snack per day people and would like to do one of those daily meals at the resort.

Narcoosees just has such a nice view it’s a must do .

Citricos has a large bar area with same menu if you want to wing it time wise.

I also like the beach pool for a meal or drinks. If the weather is good to be on the lake is so nice. Courtyard pool is so relaxing it’s also a nice place for lunch and drinks.

ER is just lovely for the evening. Dd and I visit that bar often.

2) We have a resort view room booked. I have no clue where to begin with this with regard to a room request. Any tips?

The building locations are not really that important. It is a short walk from anywhere. However the upper floors have smaller/enclosed balconies. Just look at any picture of a building and you can see the difference. If prefer one over the other call and add that request OR at check in upon arrival.

Thanks in advance for any help.

GF is so lovely you will love it!

 

[sdk1231]

Hello Grand Floridian experts! We are GF newbies. We have always stayed at the Epcots are resorts in the past and this will be our first time at the GF.

I’ve been reading this thread in bits and pieces. There’s a lot to absorb.

Couple of questions:
1) We haven’t eaten at any of the GF restaurants before. I assume V&A will be a difficult reservation to nab, is that correct? Also, which restaurants at the GF are not to be missed? We are typically two meals and one snack per day people and would like to do one of those daily meals at the resort.

2) We have a resort view room booked. I have no clue where to begin with this with regard to a room request. Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hello, and have fun with your first GF stay. You'll love it! I stay there multiple times a year as my daughter is a CM there. To answer your questions:

1. Yes, V&A is a difficult reservation to get. I have never eaten there. I booked it once, but then canceled. When it came down to it, I just couldn't stomach the price and duration and to be honest, I'm just not that sophisticated a foodie. I don't mind admitting that when I looked at the menu I literally didn't know what half the stuff was. I knew that someone else would appreciate that dinner reservation. So - the restaurants I visit every time are: Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Love multiple menu items, favorite is Miso Salmon. Another I do every time is Narcoosee's (scallops!) but I usually just walk in and eat at the bar. I go Steakhouse 71 over at the Contemporary every time, for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yum. Back to the GF - Gasparilla Grill is good quality quick serve: fresh-made burger, flatbread, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and mobile order is quick and convenient. My college age kids love the Beaches pool bar food and drinks. Every trip sees us over at the Poly for a bite and a resort visit- usually a bar snack dinner at Tambu Lounge, or at least a Dole Whip. If eating bar appetizers, we go to Tambu Lounge at Poly over Enchanted Rose at GF every time. We love the food, vibe and view at Tambu and don't really like the food at ER.

2. I stay Resort View 90% of the time. I never put in a specific room request. I think I've been in every building at this point and have liked them all for various reasons. I find it fun to see where I end up. I always hope I'll be magically pixie-dusted up to a better location/view, which has happened a handful of times (and has been awesome). I have no expectations around that happening, of course, but I know it's more likely to happen if I haven't put in a specific room request.

 

[AustinTink]

Thank you @trishadono and @sdk1231 for your responses! All great information.

 

[AustinTink]

Narcoosees just has such a nice view it’s a must do .

Citricos has a large bar area with same menu if you want to wing it time wise.

I also like the beach pool for a meal or drinks. If the weather is good to be on the lake is so nice. Courtyard pool is so relaxing it’s also a nice place for lunch and drinks.

ER is just lovely for the evening. Dd and I visit that bar often.

Looking at the menus, I see that Narcoosees is heavy seafood. Shellfish allergy here so that one will be a no-go. I try to only go to places with less than 25% seafood on the menu even with all the precautions Disney takes with food allergies. Mine is severe so I just can’t chance it.

The Citricos menu looks divine and my husband will be excited to see caviar service on the menu. It’s definitely a vacation mode splurge for him.

 

[AustinTink]

Hello, and have fun with your first GF stay. You'll love it! I stay there multiple times a year as my daughter is a CM there. To answer your questions:

1. Yes, V&A is a difficult reservation to get. I have never eaten there. I booked it once, but then canceled. When it came down to it, I just couldn't stomach the price and duration and to be honest, I'm just not that sophisticated a foodie. I don't mind admitting that when I looked at the menu I literally didn't know what half the stuff was. I knew that someone else would appreciate that dinner reservation. So - the restaurants I visit every time are: Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Love multiple menu items, favorite is Miso Salmon. Another I do every time is Narcoosee's (scallops!) but I usually just walk in and eat at the bar. I go Steakhouse 71 over at the Contemporary every time, for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yum. Back to the GF - Gasparilla Grill is good quality quick serve: fresh-made burger, flatbread, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and mobile order is quick and convenient. My college age kids love the Beaches pool bar food and drinks. Every trip sees us over at the Poly for a bite and a resort visit- usually a bar snack dinner at Tambu Lounge, or at least a Dole Whip. If eating bar appetizers, we go to Tambu Lounge at Poly over Enchanted Rose at GF every time. We love the food, vibe and view at Tambu and don't really like the food at ER.

Thanks for these tips. We will definitely be taking a peek over at the Poly. It has been many, many years since we visited that one. It’s also nice to se that the GF has decent quick service options. We are used to the YC/BC that have very puny quick service options.

2. I stay Resort View 90% of the time. I never put in a specific room request. I think I've been in every building at this point and have liked them all for various reasons. I find it fun to see where I end up. I always hope I'll be magically pixie-dusted up to a better location/view, which has happened a handful of times (and has been awesome). I have no expectations around that happening, of course, but I know it's more likely to happen if I haven't put in a specific room request.

That’s kind of how I feel. I either want to do a very specific room number request or none at all. I did a too vague request last year at the YC and ended up with a bad view.

 

[AustinTink]

Best spot for to-go coffee in the morning?

 

[PolyRob]

The Citricos menu looks divine and my husband will be excited to see caviar service on the menu. It’s definitely a vacation mode splurge for him.

I've always liked Citricos better than Narcoossee's! I personally find the food and service to be better.

Best spot for to-go coffee in the morning?

Gasparilla (QS) is the only place for morning to-go coffee. The Joffrey's handmade coffee is actually a station in Gasparilla by the bakery case. You can buy regular drip coffee, refill a rapid refill mug, or get a specialty handmade coffee beverage. Some deluxe resorts have a Joffrey's separate from the QS, but GF does not.

 

[AustinTink]

I've always liked Citricos better than Narcoossee's! I personally find the food and service to be better.

Oh that’s so nice to hear. Then we won’t feel like we are missing out.

Gasparilla (QS) is the only place for morning to-go coffee. The Joffrey's handmade coffee is actually a station in Gasparilla by the bakery case. You can buy regular drip coffee, refill a rapid refill mug, or get a specialty handmade coffee beverage. Some deluxe resorts have a Joffrey's separate from the QS, but GF does not.

Hopefully the line goes quickly in the morning, or can you do a mobile order for coffee?

We do coffee in the room while getting ready/getting our LL’s done. Then I always need a specialty coffee for the road.

 

[PolyRob]

Oh that’s so nice to hear. Then we won’t feel like we are missing out.

Hopefully the line goes quickly in the morning, or can you do a mobile order for coffee?

We do coffee in the room while getting ready/getting our LL’s done. Then I always need a specialty coffee for the road.

You can mobile order! It should be listed under "specialty coffees"

 

[sdk1231]

Looking at the menus, I see that Narcoosees is heavy seafood. Shellfish allergy here so that one will be a no-go. I try to only go to places with less than 25% seafood on the menu even with all the precautions Disney takes with food allergies. Mine is severe so I just can’t chance it.

The Citricos menu looks divine and my husband will be excited to see caviar service on the menu. It’s definitely a vacation mode splurge for him.

Citrico's is great! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I used to go there every trip. Then a couple of things happened. They discontinued my favorite (seafood) dish and Steakhouse 71 opened. Since then, I find that if I'm wanting seafood, I typically head to Narcoosee's for the scallops I love and if eating steak, I head to S71 (I like it and it's more reasonably priced). I probably visit Citrico's about once every third trip now. If it makes you feel better about skipping Narcoosee's - my husband and college age kids would choose Citrico's over Narcoosee's every time. They far prefer Citrico's more vibrant vibe.

 

[AustinTink]

Citrico's is great! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I used to go there every trip. Then a couple of things happened. They discontinued my favorite (seafood) dish and Steakhouse 71 opened. Since then, I find that if I'm wanting seafood, I typically head to Narcoosee's for the scallops I love and if eating steak, I head to S71 (I like it and it's more reasonably priced). I probably visit Citrico's about once every third trip now. If it makes you feel better about skipping Narcoosee's - my husband and college age kids would choose Citrico's over Narcoosee's every time. They far prefer Citrico's more vibrant vibe.

Citrico’s it is! Steakhouse 71 is on our list as well.

 

[AustinTink]

Are resort view rooms spread throughout all the buildings? I’m looking at the drop down menu on touring plans and it looks like there are no resort view rooms in the main building.

 

[PolyRob]

Are resort view rooms spread throughout all the buildings? I’m looking at the drop down menu on touring plans and it looks like there are no resort view rooms in the main building.

What room category did you book?

The Main Building has resort view, but it is "Resort View - Club Level." Touring Plans would consider this "Standard Main Building - Club Level."

Regular "Resort View" is automatically an outer building category. Anything labeled "Garden - Outer Building" on Touring Plans should closely translate to the new "Resort View" category Disney uses. Sugarloaf is also fair game, but Touring Plans still labels it as "Outer Building Club Level" when it has not been Club Level since COVID/2020 shutdowns. The only update Touring Plans has made for GF was removing Big Pine Key with the DVC conversion.

Sago Key, Sugarloaf, Conch Key, and Boca Chica all have "Resort View" rooms. Sugarloaf is most centrally located to everything besides the boat dock/Narcoossee's (still very close though). Sago Key is most likely used for conventions and room blocks (weddings) due to it's proximity to the Convention Center, but you can request it if you would like.

 

[AustinTink]

What room category did you book?

The Main Building has resort view, but it is "Resort View - Club Level." Touring Plans would consider this "Standard Main Building - Club Level."

Regular "Resort View" is automatically an outer building category. Anything labeled "Garden - Outer Building" on Touring Plans should closely translate to the new "Resort View" category Disney uses. Sugarloaf is also fair game, but Touring Plans still labels it as "Outer Building Club Level" when it has not been Club Level since COVID/2020 shutdowns. The only update Touring Plans has made for GF was removing Big Pine Key with the DVC conversion.

Sago Key, Sugarloaf, Conch Key, and Boca Chica all have "Resort View" rooms. Sugarloaf is most centrally located to everything besides the boat dock/Narcoossee's (still very close though). Sago Key is most likely used for conventions and room blocks (weddings) due to it's proximity to the Convention Center, but you can request it if you would like.

Thank you, this is exactly the info I needed. The touring plans site is a bit confusing. We have a standard resort view room.

We are booked on a convention block so I guess we are relegated to Sago Key. Although the convention itself is primarily at another hotel so this might be a different circumstance.

 

[dizneedoll]

Thank you, this is exactly the info I needed. The touring plans site is a bit confusing. We have a standard resort view room.

We are booked on a convention block so I guess we are relegated to Sago Key. Although the convention itself is primarily at another hotel so this might be a different circumstance.

I have a reservation booked at GF too and the TP room finder was confusing so I emailed them and asked when they planned to update it to reflect the new room categories and this was the reply:

Guy Selga (TouringPlans)

Apr 25, 2024, 11:15 AM EDT

Hello,

Grand Floridian has been especially difficult for us to get updated information on, which is why it's the last of the resorts we have to update. We are currently working on it and should have it completely updated in the next 2 weeks.

Thanks

 

[AustinTink]

I have a reservation booked at GF too and the TP room finder was confusing so I emailed them and asked when they planned to update it to reflect the new room categories and this was the reply:

Guy Selga (TouringPlans)

Apr 25, 2024, 11:15 AM EDT

Hello,

Grand Floridian has been especially difficult for us to get updated information on, which is why it's the last of the resorts we have to update. We are currently working on it and should have it completely updated in the next 2 weeks.

Thanks

Oh this is awesome. I will check back on TP in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are booked on a convention block so I guess we are relegated to Sago Key. Although the convention itself is primarily at another hotel so this might be a different circumstance.

Our last stay at GF was in a convention block room. They put us in Boca Chica, which was very nice.

We like Sago Key because it is next to the walking path to MK and very close to Gasparilla's. It is also very close to the park bus stop.

 

[sdk1231]

Our last stay at GF was in a convention block room. They put us in Boca Chica, which was very nice.

We like Sago Key because it is next to the walking path to MK and very close to Gasparilla's. It is also very close to the park bus stop.

We like Sago for those same reasons - proximity to the walking path, Gaspy's and bus stop. Something I thought worth mentioning... if you're looking at the GF resort map on the Disney website, it's a tiny bit misleading. Where it shows "Arcadia Games" is actually Gasparilla Grill. Yes, the arcade is at the end of that building closest to Sago, but it's about the size of a single car garage. Gaspy's is smack in front of the marina. The marina patio is filled with tables and chairs for dining. The castle view /fireworks view from the Marina is great (and has sound). If you stay Royal Palm Club Level Theme Park View (in the main building), you're up above Gaspy's, looking down at the marina and across at the castle. If you come out the front entrance of Sago or the back entrance of Sugarloaf, it's about an equal (10 second?) walk to Gaspy's. And that's something else to keep in mind... all of these buildings have front and back entrances. They are extremely close to each other. Walking from Sago to Sugarloaf takes about 20 seconds, I'd guess. This is not a massively spread-out resort, by any stretch. No matter which building I'm in, I tend to spend a lot of time hanging out at that patio by the marina, looking across at the castle.