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

[WishesQueen]

Thank you for this! One question, does Enchanted Rose have their own bathrooms or do you have to use the ones you mentioned that are by Citricos?

Definitely by Citricos, they don't have one in ER

 

[trishadono]

Definitely by Citricos, they don't have one in ER

Thx I thought so but I never needed it while I was there.

 

[Lyons Family]

Good morning

Now since we do not currently have the dining plan offered. Has anyone used the Disney gift cards for dining and/or other purchases?

If we buy them at our one grocery store we get fuel perks, and if we use our credit card to buy them we get cash back credit.
Just wondering.

I guess it wood work as well as a credit card.

TY

 

[kylenne]

The rooms aren't that bad in need of refurbish, right? First timer so I probably won't even notice...

I was a first timer and I honestly liked my room at GF better than the one I had at YC, which is probably grounds for getting banned from the boards according to some.

The jacuzzi tub admittedly helped. But I didn’t notice the issues people are always complaining about and I didn’t find it bland or boring either.

 

[Lyons Family]

Having over the years only stayed at Wilderness lodge, Contemporary and GF, it was time for us to head back to the GF.

Do not get me wrong each resort holds special memories for us.

Wilderness was the first vacation we had and enjoyed the Yosemite suite. Loved the casual atmosphere.

Then we were spoiled by the GF. From lodging to just the layout. Loved the monorail access.

Then onto Contemporary. We met some of the friendliest cast members their and were often surprised with the perks given to us. (Upgrades, dining passes, and surprise treats to our room).

But in our hearts we missed the GF.
So that is why we are back.

The resort even if it needs some TLC is still a great place to stay.

Cannot wait.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Now since we do not currently have the dining plan offered. Has anyone used the Disney gift cards for dining and/or other purchases?

We have used discounted Disney gift cards for both the room reservation and for food. The only problem with gift cards now that Disney wants you to use mobile ordering for counter service restaurants is that it is harder to apply the gift card to the purchase than it is to use the credit card on file. You have to enter the 16 digit gift card number in order to use a gift card for your mobile order purchase.

 

[Dispro1]

I was a first timer and I honestly liked my room at GF better than the one I had at YC, which is probably grounds for getting banned from the boards according to some.

The jacuzzi tub admittedly helped. But I didn’t notice the issues people are always complaining about and I didn’t find it bland or boring either.

You're not alone there! One of the reasons I haven't stayed at YC is that I don't love the look of the rooms. I actually really like the rooms at GF! It hasn't even been that long since they were refreshed with the carpet, curtains, new beds and lighting! The mattresses are the absolute best!! The only mistake that was made IMO was not updating the bathrooms when they did the update. They put new wood look flooring in the entry and vanity area, but they didn't update the shower area at all. I think a lot of people just prefer a more modern looking decor, but people forget that the GF is Victorian themed so modern doesn't exactly fit.

 

[kylenne]

You're not alone there! One of the reasons I haven't stayed at YC is that I don't love the look of the rooms. I actually really like the rooms at GF! It hasn't even been that long since they were refreshed with the carpet, curtains, new beds and lighting! The mattresses are the absolute best!! The only mistake that was made IMO was not updating the bathrooms when they did the update. They put new wood look flooring in the entry and vanity area, but they didn't update the shower area at all. I think a lot of people just prefer a more modern looking decor, but people forget that the GF is Victorian themed so modern doesn't exactly fit.

I agree. I don’t like modern decor for the most part, I think it’s boring and it’s why I’m not a fan of the recent Value resort refurbs either. The one thing my YC room had that I wish GF did was the iron setup, I thought it was really cool having the board built into the closet so it didn’t take up space. It was nice to not have to struggle with folding and unfolding one.

But I much preferred the GF bathroom from a practical standpoint even discounting the fancy tub—I hated not having one at all at YC, and the lack of shelving in the shower there was really annoying. One of the reasons I’m not crazy about this modern style of decor is it seems like they go for minimalism for the sake of it and don’t think of practical concerns like that.

 

[mrsap]

Not sure if you guys saw this but GREAT NEWS…

Fireworks Spectaculars Are Back at Disney Parks This Summer

 

[WishesQueen]

Not sure if you guys saw this but GREAT NEWS…

Fireworks Spectaculars Are Back at Disney Parks This Summer

 

[trishadono]

I agree. I don’t like modern decor for the most part, I think it’s boring and it’s why I’m not a fan of the recent Value resort refurbs either. The one thing my YC room had that I wish GF did was the iron setup, I thought it was really cool having the board built into the closet so it didn’t take up space. It was nice to not have to struggle with folding and unfolding one.

But I much preferred the GF bathroom from a practical standpoint even discounting the fancy tub—I hated not having one at all at YC, and the lack of shelving in the shower there was really annoying. One of the reasons I’m not crazy about this modern style of decor is it seems like they go for minimalism for the sake of it and don’t think of practical concerns like that.

FYI the fancy tub is only in the deluxe king rooms. All the other rooms do not have that except maybe a suite.

 

[trishadono]

Oh ya!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I was a first timer and I honestly liked my room at GF better than the one I had at YC, which is probably grounds for getting banned from the boards according to some.

The jacuzzi tub admittedly helped. But I didn’t notice the issues people are always complaining about and I didn’t find it bland or boring either.

You can probably lump me in the group of complainers I guess!

My first GF trip (which I think was 2016’ish) was in a main building room, and I thought it was one of the best rooms ever. Everything about it was top notch and I recall leaving having really liked the room.

My 4’ish GF trips since have all been outer buildings, and I’ve never been able to leave with the same affection I had for that first room.

I have never been able to determine if it was just first trip high, I’ve had bad room luck since, some rooms are in fact getting older, or what.

To be clear, my only beef with the rooms I’ve had lately is the bathrooms. Everything else I’ll take every time with zero complaints.

 

[kylenne]

FYI the fancy tub is only in the deluxe king rooms. All the other rooms do not have that except maybe a suite.

I know. But I just need to have one at all, even a regular one. It’s even been a problem while apartment hunting.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Can someone refresh my memory - do we know when the DVC conversion of BPK starts?

 

[mrsap]

Can someone refresh my memory - do we know when the DVC conversion of BPK starts?

This is the official announcement on the DVC website. It says ‘Starting Next Spring.’

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

You can probably lump me in the group of complainers I guess!

My first GF trip (which I think was 2016’ish) was in a main building room, and I thought it was one of the best rooms ever. Everything about it was top notch and I recall leaving having really liked the room.

My 4’ish GF trips since have all been outer buildings, and I’ve never been able to leave with the same affection I had for that first room.

I have never been able to determine if it was just first trip high, I’ve had bad room luck since, some rooms are in fact getting older, or what.

To be clear, my only beef with the rooms I’ve had lately is the bathrooms. Everything else I’ll take every time with zero complaints.

So for those who have stayed at both Grand Floridian and Yacht Club what did you like better (or dislike) about Grand Floridian compared to Yacht Club? We are staying Grand Floridian first time in September having stayed Yacht Club our last 4-5 trips.

 

[ahcupcake]

Hi everyone!

Just back from a 5 night stay at the GF for our 30th Anniversary! Got some major pixie dust to RPC 4205 above Gaspies. Too bad no fireworks, but not a bad way to start and end the day.

Of course I just missed the new mask policy, but it was definitely better then in October and totally. bearable.

Cast members gave me some gossip....staff is arriving back to Citrico's this week to stay training and prepare for the opening. It will still remain Citrico's, all the other plans got scratched. They are all so excited and hoping that some of the regulars come back to join them.

I can't think of anything else right this moment, tons of laundry on my mind. If anyone has any questions I hope I can help.

BTW pathway to the Poly was closed most of our trip, not sure when its opening again. The fence seemed pretty permanent...my DH said on our morning work that those bricks were getting old and needed to get replaced so I think it was his fault they closed the walkway....lol

Lots of brides and even got to see the carriage again!!! Oh yeah and Josh Damaro was there a few nights, he crashed one of the brides photo shoot...lol. The cast members really love him at the Grand.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WishesQueen

Yay for the (sorry I couldn't find the standard one used here for Pixie Dust)

Sounds like you had a great trip

It’s Monday so why not discuss bathrooms at the Grand.

Arrival and going home day it’s important to know your options!

Lobby 1st floor: enter from front and on the left wall/almost corner is a set. The 2nd set is back by the restaurants, again on your left past Sandy Cove Sundries but before Grand Cafe.
2nd floor there is one over by Citricos which is in between getting off the Golden elevator and heading left off it and Citricos.

And that's the one I was in when I got the text to let us know that we had been up graded to the Grand Suite

Definitely by Citricos, they don't have one in ER

V&A has their own

Having over the years only stayed at Wilderness lodge, Contemporary and GF, it was time for us to head back to the GF.

Do not get me wrong each resort holds special memories for us.

Wilderness was the first vacation we had and enjoyed the Yosemite suite. Loved the casual atmosphere.

Then we were spoiled by the GF. From lodging to just the layout. Loved the monorail access.

Then onto Contemporary. We met some of the friendliest cast members their and were often surprised with the perks given to us. (Upgrades, dining passes, and surprise treats to our room).

But in our hearts we missed the GF.
So that is why we are back.

The resort even if it needs some TLC is still a great place to stay.

Cannot wait.

Same here we fell in love with the GF on our first stay in 1988

I know. But I just need to have one at all, even a regular one. It’s even been a problem while apartment hunting.

EXACTLY!!!!! I love to take a nice bubble bath

I have this pet peeve that people (ok Realtors) call tubless bathrooms full nope they're 3/4. Need to have 4 pieces to be a full (anything more than 4 pieces is a bonus and still considered full.... stepping of my bathroom soapbox)

 

[trishadono]

So for those who have stayed at both Grand Floridian and Yacht Club what did you like better (or dislike) about Grand Floridian compared to Yacht Club? We are staying Grand Floridian first time in September having stayed Yacht Club our last 4-5 trips.

I love the spacious grounds of the grand. So many nooks n crannies. Walk to MK. Nicest lobby on property. The pools are not bat crazy.

I like the QS better at mono resorts.

Being able to see the castle and space mtn from your resort is a good thing.

Last, EWP is my favorite thing and you can see and hear it from many places around the resort. You can see HEA now that it is back too!

DD and I did YC twice this year with transportation being an issue for rope drop. We enjoyed it but was glad we had a split stay with a mono resort.
YC has far better storage. Close to 2 parks.
Last, some like everything inside like YC and some prefer the separate buildings. You don't feel like you on those long long hallways. However when it rains YC would be better.

 

[kylenne]

I love the spacious grounds of the grand. So many nooks n crannies. Walk to MK. Nicest lobby on property. The pools are not bat crazy.

I like the QS better at mono resorts.

Being able to see the castle and space mtn from your resort is a good thing.

Last, EWP is my favorite thing and you can see and hear it from many places around the resort. You can see HEA now that it is back too!

DD and I did YC twice this year with transportation being an issue for rope drop. We enjoyed it but was glad we had a split stay with a mono resort.
YC has far better storage. Close to 2 parks.
Last, some like everything inside like YC and some prefer the separate buildings. You don't feel like you on those long long hallways. However when it rains YC would be better.

I totally agree with all of this. I don’t think I could do a whole trip at YC but for another split or a shorter Epcot festival-focused trip I would again. Just so convenient. But I would just make GF the second resort in the future.