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

[Wood Nymph]

Sago seems too far removed from the action for us,

Sago is great if you like to take the walking path to MK. The bus depot is right around the corner, too - super close. Gasparilla's is very close, too.

 

[kylenne]

Hard to say since I LOVE the boats lol. However the one that goes MK/gf/poly is not anywhere near as load as the big one from TTC to MK.

I have been in all the buildings in gf. BC TPV is nice because it far enough from the boats for noise yet a nice view!

Your biggest concern should be not getting 5th floor and outer rooms of 4th where the dormer rooms are. Those balconies are hard to see the view while sitting. Ask for floor 3. Nice view and guaranteed open balcony.

Sago is great if you like to take the walking path to MK. The bus depot is right around the corner, too - super close. Gasparilla's is very close, too.

I ended up putting 3rd floor of Conch. I love watching boats and tbh when I thought about it I don’t think the horns would bother me too much. If we end up getting Sago this makes me feel better about it though. I like the walking path for rope drop. If close to Gaspy’s that’s nice for mug refills. I enjoyed being close to it last time. It’s hard to gauge distances from the maps and I’m not nearly as familiar with GF layout as Poly with 1 stay under my belt. Thank you for the help.

Enjoy the sweet memories missing mom while you are there. There’s nothing like a Disney trip to help heal after a loss,

I am holding onto this. I didn’t really want to bring the thread down, but I am in MD at my sister’s since Thursday. The irony of us having this discussion just now. My own mom passed days later on 8/13 and one of those “when it rains it pours” weeks has followed since then with more tragic news for my family. Partner had to talk me out of canceling this trip. No one has been upset with me over it at all, but I feel so guilty just wanting to escape all of this for a little while. Our TA has been a godsend handling much more than I usually ask her to do, with our transportation, cruise activities etc. My mind is just not right. But partner said it will do us both some good and mom would not want either of us to be miserable. She loved Disney too and was the one person who never gave me grief about going so much.

 

[focusondisney]

@kylenne I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing your mother is so hard. I’m sorry you have more tragedy on top of that. Hopefully the trip & time with your partner will help you process it all & start to heal. My dad passed years ago, but he loved WDW too. I believe in “signs” from my loved ones. I find little things there that remind me of him & make him feel close. May memories of your mother bring you comfort during these difficult moments.

 

[trishadono]

I ended up putting 3rd floor of Conch. I love watching boats and tbh when I thought about it I don’t think the horns would bother me too much. If we end up getting Sago this makes me feel better about it though. I like the walking path for rope drop. If close to Gaspy’s that’s nice for mug refills. I enjoyed being close to it last time. It’s hard to gauge distances from the maps and I’m not nearly as familiar with GF layout as Poly with 1 stay under my belt. Thank you for the help.



I am holding onto this. I didn’t really want to bring the thread down, but I am in MD at my sister’s since Thursday. The irony of us having this discussion just now. My own mom passed days later on 8/13 and one of those “when it rains it pours” weeks has followed since then with more tragic news for my family. Partner had to talk me out of canceling this trip. No one has been upset with me over it at all, but I feel so guilty just wanting to escape all of this for a little while. Our TA has been a godsend handling much more than I usually ask her to do, with our transportation, cruise activities etc. My mind is just not right. But partner said it will do us both some good and mom would not want either of us to be miserable. She loved Disney too and was the one person who never gave me grief about going so much.

Thanks for letting us know!
Sorry for your loss

Go on the trip. You will have the time and space you need to grieve. It will help!

Hopefully still time to post here with updates tho lol.

 

[kylenne]

Thanks for letting us know!
Sorry for your loss

Go on the trip. You will have the time and space you need to grieve. It will help!

Hopefully still time to post here with updates tho lol.

Thank you. We will try. Even though it will be a shorter trip than usual bc of the cruise we have plenty of resort time planned. Forgoing some of our usual extras bc we earmarked that for the cruise (spa room pass, Palo dinner etc). But we will have a DIY dessert party for HEA! Still trying to figure out where we will get desserts and snacks from but probably the case at Gaspys. And preshow drinks at Enchanted Rose probably!

 

[mrsap]

I ended up putting 3rd floor of Conch. I love watching boats and tbh when I thought about it I don’t think the horns would bother me too much. If we end up getting Sago this makes me feel better about it though. I like the walking path for rope drop. If close to Gaspy’s that’s nice for mug refills. I enjoyed being close to it last time. It’s hard to gauge distances from the maps and I’m not nearly as familiar with GF layout as Poly with 1 stay under my belt. Thank you for the help.



I am holding onto this. I didn’t really want to bring the thread down, but I am in MD at my sister’s since Thursday. The irony of us having this discussion just now. My own mom passed days later on 8/13 and one of those “when it rains it pours” weeks has followed since then with more tragic news for my family. Partner had to talk me out of canceling this trip. No one has been upset with me over it at all, but I feel so guilty just wanting to escape all of this for a little while. Our TA has been a godsend handling much more than I usually ask her to do, with our transportation, cruise activities etc. My mind is just not right. But partner said it will do us both some good and mom would not want either of us to be miserable. She loved Disney too and was the one person who never gave me grief about going so much.

So sorry for your loss, Kylenne.

 

[followthatmouse]

I am not sure you knew this this deluxe kings on 2nd floor are not really deluxe. They are the exact same size as the std rooms. The octagon shaped deluxe kings are interesting but hard to get since not bookable.

Dd and I finally tried the deluxe queen and loved the extra seating . I would stick with it.

Enjoy the sweet memories missing mom while you are there. There’s nothing like a Disney trip to help heal after a loss,

Thank you so much, Trish. I didn't know much about the Kings. You have eased my mind and I will, indeed, stick to the deluxe queens. I've been going through trip photos, filling albums and reminiscing, a box of tissues close at hand. Our last couple of stays have been enjoyed in pre-latest renovation 4422. A comfy place, it felt like home. It's now time to get back to the GF and bring on the memories - both old and new. I'm hoping room only bookings open soonish. After the last few months, a WDW happy dance is definitely required!

 

[followthatmouse]

I am holding onto this. I didn’t really want to bring the thread down, but I am in MD at my sister’s since Thursday. The irony of us having this discussion just now. My own mom passed days later on 8/13 and one of those “when it rains it pours” weeks has followed since then with more tragic news for my family. Partner had to talk me out of canceling this trip. No one has been upset with me over it at all, but I feel so guilty just wanting to escape all of this for a little while. Our TA has been a godsend handling much more than I usually ask her to do, with our transportation, cruise activities etc. My mind is just not right. But partner said it will do us both some good and mom would not want either of us to be miserable. She loved Disney too and was the one person who never gave me grief about going so much.

Kylenne, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your mother puts you through an emotional wringer. I couldn't imagine a better spot to decompress, and remember the very best of times, than at your happy place. Having gone through my own DM's passing this year, I empathise thoroughly and send you my very best wishes for a tranquil heart and soul, and for some fun along the way.

 

[trishadono]

Thank you so much, Trish. I didn't know much about the Kings. You have eased my mind and I will, indeed, stick to the deluxe queens. I've been going through trip photos, filling albums and reminiscing, a box of tissues close at hand. Our last couple of stays have been enjoyed in pre-latest renovation 4422. A comfy place, it felt like home. It's now time to get back to the GF and bring on the memories - both old and new. I'm hoping room only bookings open soonish. After the last few months, a WDW happy dance is definitely required!

That’s the room we got Nov 2023! Loved it!

 

[sdk1231]

I ended up putting 3rd floor of Conch. I love watching boats and tbh when I thought about it I don’t think the horns would bother me too much. If we end up getting Sago this makes me feel better about it though. I like the walking path for rope drop. If close to Gaspy’s that’s nice for mug refills. I enjoyed being close to it last time. It’s hard to gauge distances from the maps and I’m not nearly as familiar with GF layout as Poly with 1 stay under my belt. Thank you for the help.



I am holding onto this. I didn’t really want to bring the thread down, but I am in MD at my sister’s since Thursday. The irony of us having this discussion just now. My own mom passed days later on 8/13 and one of those “when it rains it pours” weeks has followed since then with more tragic news for my family. Partner had to talk me out of canceling this trip. No one has been upset with me over it at all, but I feel so guilty just wanting to escape all of this for a little while. Our TA has been a godsend handling much more than I usually ask her to do, with our transportation, cruise activities etc. My mind is just not right. But partner said it will do us both some good and mom would not want either of us to be miserable. She loved Disney too and was the one person who never gave me grief about going so much.

Kylenne, I'm so sorry for your loss and glad you continued on with your trip. No guilt. No doubt that your mom would want you to go on living life. Timing may be fate as it will give you some distance for reflection and healing. My deepest condolences and I wish you joy at the memories of your mother.

I hopped on here to tell the group that I made a last minute decision (yesterday) to head to the GF (today) for a long weekend. I'll be heading out of Ohare airport along w/all the DNC travelers (dumb) and heading to FL in hellish August (dumb) and have zero plans (oops). But I need some me-time and a break from real life.

 

[Dug720]

I'll be heading out of Ohare airport along w/all the DNC travelers (

I'd be surprised if there are a lot of those today since tonight is the big night.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Nice view of current conditions at the GF main vehicular entrance. There will eventually be a roundabout at the entrance and Floridian Way re-routed ‘around’ the current CM (and guest overflow) parking lot. Looks like it will continue to be “messy” out front for a bit.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1826042788942626920

 

[Minnie1222]

Good morning,
I just got Halloween tickets so it looks like we will be coming in 4 weeks. I was going to book a room at WL but the site said the resort is under construction. How is the construction there compared to the one at GF right now? Which resort will have less construction a month from now?

Thanks.

 

[trishadono]

Good morning,
I just got Halloween tickets so it looks like we will be coming in 4 weeks. I was going to book a room at WL but the site said the resort is under construction. How is the construction there compared to the one at GF right now? Which resort will have less construction a month from now?

Thanks.

There has been a lot of talk on the WL thread about it. I was there in April and July and saw just a few cranes over by BWV area.

For one night GF is nice with the walking path, one mono stop to MK and a quick boat ride back as options.

It depends. We often go to MK early and return to the resort for an hour or two and head back around 6:30. For us mono area works. If you plan to arrive and stay it really shouldn't matter.

 

[TeamSy]

Question - when walking from GF to MK, does GF have its on security entrance into the park like walking from the Contemporary does, or does the walking path let you out into the regular park entrance security lines?

 

[Wojodis]

Question - when walking from GF to MK, does GF have its on security entrance into the park like walking from the Contemporary does, or does the walking path let you out into the regular park entrance security lines?

Yes, it’s after the GF-Poly-MK boat dock—right before where the path merges with the monorail resort side entrance

 

[sdk1231]

Hey all, just back from a super great last-minute long weekend. Almost extended my stay, and I should have. It's hotter here in Chicago than it is in Orlando! What the ---- ? Very pleased with my Grand stay. I booked Resort View and got Sugarloaf 6421. This was one of the fourth floor rooms w/the vaulted ceiling, which is cool to look at when you're lounging around your resort room for much of the time . Balcony was one of those small 4 foot square somewhat-enclosed turret balconies, which felt nicely sheltered during some of the wild August storms. As far as this balcony, if I were a family with young kids, I would avoid requesting this room type. The 4 ft square balcony really only fits 2 people comfortably. The "railing" is fully enclosed 4 ft high walls... not rails like the normal room large balconies. Little kids would be unable to see out unless picked up (I imagine adventurous littles trying to stand on the chairs to see out, a scary thought). My room view looked out the back of the building over the marina and across to Sago, the monorail and the walking path. Nice view. Sugarloaf's front entrance is steps from the Courtyard pool, close to the lobby and back entrance is just steps to Gasparilla Grill and the walking path/rear entrance to the bus stop. I enjoy all of the buildings at the GF, but Sugarloaf is really nicely situated.

This spontaneous 1-day advance trip was fun! Obviously, I had to totally wing it in terms of dining, but I never book advance ADR's anyway. This time, ADR's were incredibly plentiful. I saw EVERY "hot ticket" dining choice, with the single exception of CRT. Could have eaten literally anywhere else. Ended up doing dinner at GF Cafe on arrival night, 1900 Park Fare (which offered no discounts and was half empty... but NEWSFLASH... discounts drop in September!) Prime rib, mashed potatoes and desserts were all delicious. Characters were fun, except for Tiana, who spoke SO softly that I literally couldn't hear what she was saying when she came to our table. Mirabel was fun, the Aladdin guy was funny, and Cinderella was great. Not to be an old stick-in-the-mud, but I FAR preferred the old character lineup. This was almost definitely a once and done for me, just wanted to check it out. They clearly need to get those discounts going... the place was available any day, any time. I remember when the "old" Park Fare was booked solid all the time. I wonder what's up with that? The food was great. Is the problem the lack of discounts, or the weird smattering of characters? Is it the "wish" theme, which was cute, but also a little hokey / cringe-y (maybe because I didn't have little kids with me). I don't know. I also walked up and dined at the bar at Narcoossee's as I usually do, but this was my first time since the reno. Totally loved the renovation - it's beautiful! Food was stellar as always. I could eat there every night, love the menu. Had dinner at BOG on my last night, just for old times' sake and because we were in the park. It was my first time there in awhile and it was also half empty - trout was really good.

Did Early Entry at MK every day and rode a few rides walk-on, did a couple shows, shopped around, then hung at the resort in the afternoon. Had no problem getting a Tiana VQ, but ended up not going as it was 12:30 pm when my boarding group 60 was called. It was super hot and the VQ line was 30-40 minutes and I just didn't feel able to stand in line for that length of time in the heat. Plus I haven't stood in line longer than 20 minutes for any ride in years. Went back to the MK evenings just to stroll around and watch HEA. Could have done other parks, but my keyword this trip was "restful". Would have loved MNSSHP tickets for Friday night, but the party was sold out. My lack of ticket was fortuitous, as it stormed like mad from 6-9:30 or 10 that night. I mean, it poured buckets, lightning everywhere. I felt bad for the partygoers. My CM daughter and I were caught in a similar storm on my last day. Water up over our ankles in Fantasyland. I heard reports of Tomorrowland being awash as well. We just laughed through the storm and headed back to the GF. Along the way we met a fellow DIS-friend and her CM daughter, which was nice. I was drenched despite my poncho and umbrella. Those summer storms are intense. Storm passed by evening and it was lovely out. FL in August/September always equates to keeping a sharp eye on the weather radar.

Regarding construction... first, I really miss the walking path to the Polynesian and can't wait for that to be back. Second, I was totally caught off guard by the fact that the Gasparilla Grill patio is under construction. I'm sure you all knew that, but I haven't been on here super frequently and didn't know. Blocking off the construction is a wall of temporary tree/shrubs. Nice to cover the construction mess. Not nice because it blocks the castle view. If you sit at the outdoor tables at Gaspy's you're looking at a shrub wall. If you want to watch fireworks from the Grand, the best spot is probably the boat dock. I imagine they'll complete that patio in fairly short order though. It's not that big. Aside from those 2 things, there was no noticeable construction at the Grand. Nothing at all in the lobby. The lobby itself felt lively this trip - piano player was there a lot, as well as characters. I saw Chip and Dale, Daisy, etc. Following are a few photos of the room ceiling and balcony, one capturing a photo of the MNSSHP storm rolling in:

 

[sdk1231]

Here are a couple of photos of the construction being done on the Gasparilla Grill patio:

 

[mrsap]

Here are a couple of photos of the construction being done on the Gasparilla Grill patio:

View attachment 889588View attachment 889589View attachment 889590

Thanks for sharing this!! No reports on this work at all!! I’m going to add this to Page 1 and to the construction notes as soon as I get a chance today.

 

[sdk1231]

Thanks for sharing this!! No reports on this work at all!! I’m going to add this to Page 1 and to the construction notes as soon as I get a chance today.

Wow, I'm the first to report it? Awesome to be able to add some new news. Besides the obvious fact that you can't view fireworks from this location presently, the shrub wall, while covering the construction, also blocks the castle view from the outdoor tables at Gaspy's. I normally sit there with an iced coffee in the afternoons, just enjoying the castle view. This trip, I never sat there once. No desire to sit and look at a shrub wall. Took my coffee over to the benches on the side of the marina, where I could see the castle.