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

[Dispro1]

Me too! It will be super relaxing and fun. We're going to bookend it with MK, so no transportation worries. I am reviewing my adult beverage choices as we speak!

It definitely was not the price I was quoted originally, it was the new higher price, however I did receive an AP discount, although even with that it was about $20 more than what I was quoted (quoted $249 in April, today it was about $270 with AP discount).

ETA: I've been checking out the cake chatter thread and I think I'm going to order a cake...

I love this! It's so nice to be excited about vacation again! Sounds like a great trip you have planned! Love the cake idea! I'm really excited about the cabana too...even more than the parks lol. Narcoossee's is our favorite, but we couldn't get a reservation so we booked Floridian Cafe too. It's a good restaurant. They can be a little slow at times so I'd tell them you're in a hurry because you're trying to get back to the park! My DH actually got lucky the other day and was able to grab a reservation at BOG so we'll probably eat there instead because we want to go back to the park too and figured that might be pretty easy.

We were in room 8415. I think any room facing the lagoon would have a nice view in the Boca Chica building. I took a good look at all the lagoon facing rooms in Boca Chica as I was on the walkway to the Magic Kingdom. There were no obstructions, such as trees, blocking any of the room views. If I had a lagoon view booked, I would consider requesting a room in Boca Chica. A lagoon view in Big Pine Key would give you a view of the lagoon with the Polynesian as a back drop. Boca Chica has a front and center view of the EWP. I think you may be able to see the water pageant from Big Pine Key when it is in front of the Polynesian, but I am not positive. I believe I have seen this from other people’s pictures. I don’t think the lagoon view rooms in Conch Key are on the same level, unless you are in the part that squarely faces the Magic Kingdom, but these would be considered MK views.

Thanks for taking such a close look at the building (and for the room number)! We already added Boca Chica to our requests the other day lol! It seems like that would be our best chance for a good view in the outer buildings. We've only stayed in Sugar Loaf and the main building so I wasn't sure.

Oh boo. I was hoping maybe it’d revert to the lower price after spring break! I’m still planning to book one when we go back with a few more family members anyway!

As an aside, for anyone else who might find themselves in the position of not having a valid AP until after arrival - I paid full price for the cabana in advance and then purchased an AP for my DD on the first day of our trip (I had canceled her AP for a partial refund last August so she was eligible for a new one), so I spoke with the recreation CM when we arrived at the cabana, showed them the new pass, and they were able to apply the discount at that time. I received a credit of $47.77 back in my bank account three days later.

My husband still has his AP, but I forgot to ask for one when I booked the cabana, so thanks for giving this info! I'd rather not have to call back, especially since I'm not sure we can get one for Memorial Day weekend. My DD17 and I had to let our APs expire in November because we didn't know when we'd be able to go back. We have had our APs for a very long time so I'm really sad ...hoping they offer them again soon!

 

[kylenne]

I love this! It's so nice to be excited about vacation again! Sounds like a great trip you have planned! Love the cake idea! I'm really excited about the cabana too...even more than the parks lol. Narcoossee's is our favorite, but we couldn't get a reservation so we booked Floridian Cafe too. It's a good restaurant. They can be a little slow at times so I'd tell them you're in a hurry because you're trying to get back to the park! My DH actually got lucky the other day and was able to grab a reservation at BOG so we'll probably eat there instead because we want to go back to the park too and figured that might be pretty easy.

Thanks for taking such a close look at the building (and for the room number)! We already added Boca Chica to our requests the other day lol! It seems like that would be our best chance for a good view in the outer buildings. We've only stayed in Sugar Loaf and the main building so I wasn't sure.

My husband still has his AP, but I forgot to ask for one when I booked the cabana, so thanks for giving this info! I'd rather not have to call back, especially since I'm not sure we can get one for Memorial Day weekend. My DD17 and I had to let our APs expire in November because we didn't know when we'd be able to go back. We have had our APs for a very long time so I'm really sad ...hoping they offer them again soon!

Sadly there was no AP discount available when I booked mine (I asked), so I’m not sure you’d get one either since it’s just the day before. They do say it’s not always available, and I suspect I struck out because it’s a holiday weekend. We were able to get it when we rented our patio at the Poly a couple years back but we went in mid October that time. Doesn’t hurt to ask though, the worst they can say is no!

 

[minnie56]

Just booked 2bdrm villa at GF , haven’t stayed in this resort since New Years 2000! Last time was club level ...anyone know if the club levels will reopen ?

 

[mrsap]

Just booked 2bdrm villa at GF , haven’t stayed in this resort since New Years 2000! Last time was club level ...anyone know if the club levels will reopen ?

Sounds great!!! The rooms are beautiful in VGF!!! Hope you have a great trip! Still no word on CL, unfortunately.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Oh boo. I was hoping maybe it’d revert to the lower price after spring break! I’m still planning to book one when we go back with a few more family members anyway!

As an aside, for anyone else who might find themselves in the position of not having a valid AP until after arrival - I paid full price for the cabana in advance and then purchased an AP for my DD on the first day of our trip (I had canceled her AP for a partial refund last August so she was eligible for a new one), so I spoke with the recreation CM when we arrived at the cabana, showed them the new pass, and they were able to apply the discount at that time. I received a credit of $47.77 back in my bank account three days later.

Definitely a bummer! I agree it's worth it especially with a larger group. I got hit with the price increase on both the cabana and savi - couldn't book either before the increase! That's good that you could apply the AP discount!

Hi, it's me, a man whose varied interests includes cake. Can someone please direct me to this delicious thread?

Looks like @mrsap already posted the link, but aren't those cakes amazing! I need to think of a theme and also casually ask him what his favorite flavors are...

I love this! It's so nice to be excited about vacation again! Sounds like a great trip you have planned! Love the cake idea! I'm really excited about the cabana too...even more than the parks lol. Narcoossee's is our favorite, but we couldn't get a reservation so we booked Floridian Cafe too. It's a good restaurant. They can be a little slow at times so I'd tell them you're in a hurry because you're trying to get back to the park! My DH actually got lucky the other day and was able to grab a reservation at BOG so we'll probably eat there instead because we want to go back to the park too and figured that might be pretty easy.

It is nice to be planning a vacation again! I know what you mean - I'm really looking forward to the cabana - hope we get a nice day! Good advice about Floridian Cafe. I know they will deliver the cake to the restaurant, but I might ask about picking it up in the afternoon and bringing it to the cabana. I'd rather be able to enjoy it in the afternoon than make dinner longer with a big dessert. Plus then we can get even more dessert in MK! I suggested BOG but he seemed to really want Floridian Cafe - maybe because we've never stayed there and I don't think we've eaten at any of the restaurants? I'm trying not to be too "directive" since it is his birthday, but I seemed to have planned my perfect day! Going back in to eat at BOG would be perfect - that will be great!

 

[TJA]

@trishadono has given me quite a few tips, but the biggest one is rope drop, and I don't know if that one will be possible for us lol!

YES, same here! I remember from our Poly CL days when we'd be the only 2 families in the lounge eating breakfast at 9:30/10:00am!! It was so nice to see we weren't the only ones....!

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Piano was in use today......within a perimeter......!!!

 

[gretabull]

Sorry, I already canceled it. I hope you're able to get it.

I just got a reservation for Narcoosees for my arrival day and birthday! I joined touring plans and when I woke up at 430 this morning I had a text from them!!

 

[mrsap]

I just got a reservation for Narcoosees for my arrival day and birthday! I joined touring plans and when I woke up at 430 this morning I had a text from them!!

That’s great!!! I Love it there! I hope you have a wonderful birthday

 

[mrsap]

Piano was in use today......within a perimeter......!!!

Did you take any pictures, by chance, that you can share with us?!

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Did you take any pictures, by chance, that you can share with us?!

I didn’t even think of it I was observing while waiting for the bath bomb damage to be revealed........

Who am I kidding I love the smell of them, she gets me the shower bombs, I think I like the lemon scented the best!

 

[leannak]

I didn’t even think of it I was observing while waiting for the bath bomb damage to be revealed........

Who am I kidding I love the smell of them, she gets me the shower bombs, I think I like the lemon scented the best!

Are you talking about shopping at the shop called Basin? I have heard mention of the store - it's bath soaps, etc.?

 

[mrsap]

Are you talking about shopping at the shop called Basin? I have heard mention of the store - it's bath soaps, etc.?

I know it wasn’t directed to me, but The DIS just made a video in Basin back in January! Enjoy!!

 

[2vets]

Sunrise from 1216, VGF! Omg, that bathroom. That SHOWER!!!!

 

[djbogue]

We booked a Outer Building-Lagoon View and requested a King Bed for this Sept. We really want a balcony. Do you think I should request it or take our chances?

 

[SamanthaH]

We booked a Outer Building-Lagoon View and requested a King Bed for this Sept. We really want a balcony. Do you think I should request it or take our chances?

I believe all the outer building rooms have balconies. Rooms on the 5th floor, the dormer rooms, have an enclosed balcony, which would obstruct the view when sitting down. Other DISers please correct me if I am wrong. Maybe someone on here knows which rooms in particular with a lagoon view have king beds. I could not find any on touring plans room views, but often the configurations are wrong on that site.

 

[2vets]

Ok, ya’ll, not to be a downer, but I wanted to be sure to post the quick snap I took tonight at the sundries shop - my sister was after some water/soda without having to wait 25 min for a mobile order. It was cram-packed in there. To peoples’ credit, other than the one kid pictured, masks were worn correctly — and comfort levels differ, yadda yadda. It has NOT looked this way the last 2 days, but I’m guessing weekends...

 

[djbogue]

I have another question. For the ones that drive to GF, do you take the toll road(429) to western way to World drive. I know that is the way I went when going to Fort Wilderness.

 

[mrsap]

Ok, ya’ll, not to be a downer, but I wanted to be sure to post the quick snap I took tonight at the sundries shop - my sister was after some water/soda without having to wait 25 min for a mobile order. It was cram-packed in there. To peoples’ credit, other than the one kid pictured, masks were worn correctly — and comfort levels differ, yadda yadda. It has NOT looked this way the last 2 days, but I’m guessing weekends...

That’s crazy! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a line in there!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have another question. For the ones that drive to GF, do you take the toll road(429) to western way to World drive. I know that is the way I went when going to Fort Wilderness.

Where are you driving from?