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

[sbrown29]

I'm so out of the loop on what's happening at WDW right now and we'll be at the GF on the 17th. Is there no daily housekeeping? Every other day? And if there isn't daily housekeeping, does this mean there are now daily room checks? Thanks to anyone who knows the answers to these burning (hah!) questions!

ETA: Just read the info about housekeeping on the WDW site, so I see that it is every other day. My question about the room checks, though . . . are there still daily room checks? I just don't want to be shocked if we're having a nap or hanging out in the room and someone comes by. Thanks.

LOL- I must be ever more out of the loop than you because I didn't realize there was any housekeeping at all. Do they just come to drop off fresh linens, and such, or are they actually doing a cleaning of your room?

 

[trishadono]

LOL- I must be ever more out of the loop than you because I didn't realize there was any housekeeping at all. Do they just come to drop off fresh linens, and such, or are they actually doing a cleaning of your room?

They don’t enter the area with the beds. They do take trash and replace bathroom linens.

You can call for extras of everything as needed .

 

[Miffy]

They don’t enter the area with the beds. They do take trash and replace bathroom linens.

You can call for extras of everything as needed .

Wait. They don't come into the bed area? So we'll make the beds ourselves. That's fine. But I guess for leaving a tip, I should put the envelope in the bathroom?

I guess this is petty, but I don't want to tip the room inspectors, only the housekeeping staff. Is there some way to make sure about this?

 

[trishadono]

Wait. They don't come into the bed area? So we'll make the beds ourselves. That's fine. But I guess for leaving a tip, I should put the envelope in the bathroom?

I guess this is petty, but I don't want to tip the room inspectors, only the housekeeping staff. Is there some way to make sure about this?

I leave my tip on the dish the toiletries are on.

Yes we have to make our own beds,

I have had 5 trips Covid and 5-8 a year prior . I always leave tip in the bathroom in advance so I don’t forget in the morning when we rush out for rope drop.

The inspectors have not touched it and I highly doubt they would. I have been in room when they come and usually they make a sweep and out.

They don’t come if you get room serviced.

It is mixed. In a way it’s nice not worrying when they are coming to service your room, yet boy does my trash pile up

 

[Nice Work Pal]

Stayed at the Poly but here are some random pics I took of GF.

 

[mrsap]

View attachment 574778View attachment 574779View attachment 574780View attachment 574781
Stayed at the Poly but here are some random pics I took of GF.

Thanks for sharing!!!! Great name/avatar!!!!

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

We will be here June 15 and we are so excited!! We missed Disney so much over the past year and half and we decided to treat ourselves. I am expecting a modified experience but just being back and at this beautiful resort is enough for me now. Ive heard there is no club level at this time. Is it possible to be put in the main building? Would it be better to not make room requests or do online check in to up the chances of being in the main building?
In your opinion, if you were to make a building or room request, what would be most important to you?
To be clear, I do not expect an upgrade and I will not be disappointed we the room category we booked which is garden view. Just thrilled to be 4 and half weeks out from going to my happy place!! Thanks!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We will be here June 15 and we are so excited!! We missed Disney so much over the past year and half and we decided to treat ourselves. I am expecting a modified experience but just being back and at this beautiful resort is enough for me now. Ive heard there is no club level at this time. Is it possible to be put in the main building? Would it be better to not make room requests or do online check in to up the chances of being in the main building?
In your opinion, if you were to make a building or room request, what would be most important to you?
To be clear, I do not expect an upgrade and I will not be disappointed we the room category we booked which is garden view. Just thrilled to be 4 and half weeks out from going to my happy place!! Thanks!

Rooms are assigned days ahead of time whether you do online check in or not. I would call room reservations and request a room in the main building. That would increase your chances of getting the room location you want versus not requesting anything to start with.

 

[PammyPoppins]

Hi! I have a question about the Grand Floridian DVD's. We have stayed at the Granf Floridian but not their DVD's. We are considering renting points in September and we have a disabled girl and we are staying their due to convenience to the monorail. 1.)Does the DVD buildings have their own parking lot? 2.) Does the DVD buildings have their own pool and/or hot tub? 3.) Is the DVD building far from the main building? Thank-You!

 

[trishadono]

We will be here June 15 and we are so excited!! We missed Disney so much over the past year and half and we decided to treat ourselves. I am expecting a modified experience but just being back and at this beautiful resort is enough for me now. Ive heard there is no club level at this time. Is it possible to be put in the main building? Would it be better to not make room requests or do online check in to up the chances of being in the main building?
In your opinion, if you were to make a building or room request, what would be most important to you?
To be clear, I do not expect an upgrade and I will not be disappointed we the room category we booked which is garden view. Just thrilled to be 4 and half weeks out from going to my happy place!! Thanks!

So far people have been put in the main building for maintenance issues and/or overbooking. I kept asking for it and kept being told "we are using those rooms".

Good luck though!

The online really doesnt have a way to specify your request. Call and do it that way.

You may get lucky because many of the rooms in main building are actually garden view.

 

[disney_runner]

Totally random, odd question. Are the doors to the outer buildings open at all times, or is a "key" required for entrance (for guests only)?

Reason - and I apologize for not reading 79 pages to see if it's been asked - our daughter has an online college class we suddenly found out she has to take this summer and during our MK day, she'll need a few hours for the online lab portion (physics 2). I was thinking GF lobby could work, or for something quieter maybe the CR second floor. But with the CR and their Contempo Cafe restrictions of orders for guests only, that sort of ruins the idea of lunch and school work. So I'm thinking GF Gasparilla and then she could sit in the lobby for an hour or two. Two birds, one stone with lunch and class in the same location. I mean, we have other choices, we could eat at MK and then get her over to CR as well, just more time consuming. Plus it is sometimes nice to take that afternoon break, even if it is just relaxing in the GF or CR for a little while!

I was told in a different forum the GF outer buildings also have smaller sort of "lobbies," which would be significantly quieter. But I'm not sure we can access those buildings if we're not staying there?

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

So far people have been put in the main building for maintenance issues and/or overbooking. I kept asking for it and kept being told "we are using those rooms".

Good luck though!

The online really doesnt have a way to specify your request. Call and do it that way.

You may get lucky because many of the rooms in main building are actually garden view.

When did you ask? Before you arrived or after?

 

[WishesQueen]

Totally random, odd question. Are the doors to the outer buildings open at all times, or is a "key" required for entrance (for guests only)?

Reason - and I apologize for not reading 79 pages to see if it's been asked - our daughter has an online college class we suddenly found out she has to take this summer and during our MK day, she'll need a few hours for the online lab portion (physics 2). I was thinking GF lobby could work, or for something quieter maybe the CR second floor. But with the CR and their Contempo Cafe restrictions of orders for guests only, that sort of ruins the idea of lunch and school work. So I'm thinking GF Gasparilla and then she could sit in the lobby for an hour or two. Two birds, one stone with lunch and class in the same location. I mean, we have other choices, we could eat at MK and then get her over to CR as well, just more time consuming. Plus it is sometimes nice to take that afternoon break, even if it is just relaxing in the GF or CR for a little while!

I was told in a different forum the GF outer buildings also have smaller sort of "lobbies," which would be significantly quieter. But I'm not sure we can access those buildings if we're not staying there?

She can go in any outbuilding but I would steer clear of Sugar Loaf. Sugar Loaf is usually a concierge building and I know that it isn't right now, but they probably wouldn't let her in there, I have never needed a key during the day.

I am not sure how the main lobby has been lately or if it will get busier in the coming months, but normally it has a bit of traffic during the day sometimes a bride. I am also not sure what time the piano player has been around. If its as quiet as October, she would be fine. Good luck to your DD.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Totally random, odd question. Are the doors to the outer buildings open at all times, or is a "key" required for entrance (for guests only)?

Reason - and I apologize for not reading 79 pages to see if it's been asked - our daughter has an online college class we suddenly found out she has to take this summer and during our MK day, she'll need a few hours for the online lab portion (physics 2). I was thinking GF lobby could work, or for something quieter maybe the CR second floor. But with the CR and their Contempo Cafe restrictions of orders for guests only, that sort of ruins the idea of lunch and school work. So I'm thinking GF Gasparilla and then she could sit in the lobby for an hour or two. Two birds, one stone with lunch and class in the same location. I mean, we have other choices, we could eat at MK and then get her over to CR as well, just more time consuming. Plus it is sometimes nice to take that afternoon break, even if it is just relaxing in the GF or CR for a little while!

I was told in a different forum the GF outer buildings also have smaller sort of "lobbies," which would be significantly quieter. But I'm not sure we can access those buildings if we're not staying there?

Just wanted to add, unless I’m mistaken you don’t “have” to mobile order at Contempo. If your DD is there, it’s not like they are not going to let her order, to my knowledge.

If needed, other options for food at CR include Contemporary Grounds (think muffins) and The Sand Bar out by the pool. It’s not on the menu right now unfortunately, but I used to really like the quesadilla from Sand Bar. It’s nothing crazy special, but was always god.

 

[disneyfan150]

31 more days and GF here we come!

Please excuse my burst of excitement.

 

[grannyminnie]

She can go in any outbuilding but I would steer clear of Sugar Loaf. Sugar Loaf is usually a concierge building and I know that it isn't right now, but they probably wouldn't let her in there, I have never needed a key during the day.

I am not sure how the main lobby has been lately or if it will get busier in the coming months, but normally it has a bit of traffic during the day sometimes a bride. I am also not sure what time the piano player has been around. If its as quiet as October, she would be fine. Good luck to your DD.

We were just there and I can comment on a couple of things....
The pianist played Thurs thru Sunday from 3 to 8, doing 30 to 40 minutes and then taking a break.
SL was open. We tried the door and walked in. The lobby looks SAD with a few pieces of furniture, and NO food!
Most times we were in the lobby it was not busy, but mornings seemed lighter.

 

[Dispro1]

We were just there and I can comment on a couple of things....
The pianist played Thurs thru Sunday from 3 to 8, doing 30 to 40 minutes and then taking a break.
SL was open. We tried the door and walked in. The lobby looks SAD with a few pieces of furniture, and NO food!
Most times we were in the lobby it was not busy, but mornings seemed lighter.

I hope Disney will start bringing things back now that the CDC came out with those new guidelines! I will be there in two weeks and I know it's all going to make me so sad....especially the absence of the orchestra!! Don't get me wrong...I will still be vey happy to be there!

 

[disney_runner]

Just wanted to add, unless I’m mistaken you don’t “have” to mobile order at Contempo. If your DD is there, it’s not like they are not going to let her order, to my knowledge.

If needed, other options for food at CR include Contemporary Grounds (think muffins) and The Sand Bar out by the pool. It’s not on the menu right now unfortunately, but I used to really like the quesadilla from Sand Bar. It’s nothing crazy special, but was always god.

I was wondering about that. If we "have" to mobile order. We haven't been since 2015, so we're new to that concept, and I know they're really pushing it everywhere. We may just call an audible and decide the day of between GF and CR. Honestly, GF Gasparilla has more variety on the menu right now for my pickey eater too. So we may just go there. With her earpods/headphones on my college DD can really tune out everything so she may be just fine in the GF lobby.
Thank you all for the answers!

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Totally random, odd question. Are the doors to the outer buildings open at all times, or is a "key" required for entrance (for guests only)?

Reason - and I apologize for not reading 79 pages to see if it's been asked - our daughter has an online college class we suddenly found out she has to take this summer and during our MK day, she'll need a few hours for the online lab portion (physics 2). I was thinking GF lobby could work, or for something quieter maybe the CR second floor. But with the CR and their Contempo Cafe restrictions of orders for guests only, that sort of ruins the idea of lunch and school work. So I'm thinking GF Gasparilla and then she could sit in the lobby for an hour or two. Two birds, one stone with lunch and class in the same location. I mean, we have other choices, we could eat at MK and then get her over to CR as well, just more time consuming. Plus it is sometimes nice to take that afternoon break, even if it is just relaxing in the GF or CR for a little while!

I was told in a different forum the GF outer buildings also have smaller sort of "lobbies," which would be significantly quieter. But I'm not sure we can access those buildings if we're not staying there?

One of my favorite little spots in the Grand Floridian Lobby is by the staircase near the rear exit (close to the area where you enter the Grand Floridian Cafe/1900 Park Fare). There are two little chairs there and a table and it's kind of a little nook. And I'm pretty sure there's a plug there.

And if she's hungry, I really love the Gaspirilla Pizza

 

[mrsap]

One of my favorite little spots in the Grand Floridian Lobby is by the staircase near the rear exit (close to the area where you enter the Grand Floridian Cafe/1900 Park Fare). There are two little chairs there and a table and it's kind of a little nook. And I'm pretty sure there's a plug there.

And if she's hungry, I really love the Gaspirilla Pizza

My kids love Gaspy’s pizza as well! They went through 2 of them last trip!