Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa + Construction Updates!!

[trishadono]

I definitely prefer a full balcony - I need to keep this in mind...I've never used the online check in - does it have a place to make requests like that? What do you do if you want to request a specific building (I know it's just a request and can't always be fulfilled, just curious and you're always so knowledgeable about stuff like this!)? Ask them to make a note on the reservation?

Edited for clarity

Call and have them note it on the reservation/and or ask at checkin and/or 2nd digit of room number tells you floor number. So if it’s x2xx you’d be ok. Etc.

You can request a building, it’s just not guaranteed.

Luckily GF is got mostly great views. There are only a few in sago on the end towards gaspies that are not the best but the convenience to be near lobby, transportation and walking path evens things out.

We have been visiting gf for years even when we don’t stay there. I just love the grounds, beach, and lobby. Take the time to explore, it’s so beautiful.

 

[trishadono]

Also the times I get a dormer balcony I am at 1st disappointed but the views from the upper floors are truly amazing so it’s a decent trade off.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Call and have them note it on the reservation/and or ask at checkin and/or 2nd digit of room number tells you floor number. So if it’s x2xx you’d be ok. Etc.

You can request a building, it’s just not guaranteed.

Luckily GF is got mostly great views. There are only a few in sago on the end towards gaspies that are not the best but the convenience to be near lobby, transportation and walking path evens things out.

We have been visiting gf for years even when we don’t stay there. I just love the grounds, beach, and lobby. Take the time to explore, it’s so beautiful.

Also the times I get a dormer balcony I am at 1st disappointed but the views from the upper floors are truly amazing so it’s a decent trade off.

I had a dormer balcony at WL once and the views were great but I'm kind of short so I couldn't see anything when I was seated! I can imagine the views are amazing at the GF - I can't wait! We are definitely taking time to explore...I'm looking at this trip as more resort-heavy and very low-key, go with the flow. We usually go in April so I imagine the heat will be tough for us mid-day, although we have done August. Plus with no FP and no events/parties to structure things, I figure we're going to try and rope drop, mid-day resort, and evening park as much as possible and just keep it loose!

I doubt I'll actually make a building request. I enjoy looking at the buildings, over-analyzing and contemplating making a request, and then leaving it to the Disney fates!

I definitely have Enchanted Rose on my radar, but if anyone has any other fun resort tips or ideas, love to hear them! I can't wait!! Hoping that more of the restaurants and bars open before we leave but we're kind of running out of time at this point!

 

[sdk1231]

I had a dormer balcony at WL once and the views were great but I'm kind of short so I couldn't see anything when I was seated! I can imagine the views are amazing at the GF - I can't wait! We are definitely taking time to explore...I'm looking at this trip as more resort-heavy and very low-key, go with the flow. We usually go in April so I imagine the heat will be tough for us mid-day, although we have done August. Plus with no FP and no events/parties to structure things, I figure we're going to try and rope drop, mid-day resort, and evening park as much as possible and just keep it loose!

I doubt I'll actually make a building request. I enjoy looking at the buildings, over-analyzing and contemplating making a request, and then leaving it to the Disney fates!

I definitely have Enchanted Rose on my radar, but if anyone has any other fun resort tips or ideas, love to hear them! I can't wait!! Hoping that more of the restaurants and bars open before we leave but we're kind of running out of time at this point!

It sounds like you have a great plan! I typically book Garden View and have never made a specific room or building request. My theory is that the GF is so beautiful, you can't go wrong. I also wonder if making a special request might adversely impact your chances of getting a room upgrade. I have no actual facts or insider knowledge on that, it's just my own personal theory (I've been lucky enough to have been upgraded three times). As far as the dormer balcony... I got one time before last. I wasn't thrilled with it at first because it was smaller, but it grew on me - it was extremely private and very protected from wind/rain. And as mentioned, the view from up there was pretty great. I wouldn't request one, but I wouldn't be upset if I got one. Have a great trip!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

It sounds like you have a great plan! I typically book Garden View and have never made a specific room or building request. My theory is that the GF is so beautiful, you can't go wrong. I also wonder if making a special request might adversely impact your chances of getting a room upgrade. I have no actual facts or insider knowledge on that, it's just my own personal theory (I've been lucky enough to have been upgraded three times). As far as the dormer balcony... I got one time before last. I wasn't thrilled with it at first because it was smaller, but it grew on me - it was extremely private and very protected from wind/rain. And as mentioned, the view from up there was pretty great. I wouldn't request one, but I wouldn't be upset if I got one. Have a great trip!

I probably won't make a building request - like I said, I always toy with the idea or room requests and then never do it, and generally I'm happy where I end up! I'm keeping my theme of the trip to go with the flow! I may, however, watch another video to get the lay of the land...Hadn't thought about the wind and rain protection with the dormer balcony but that could be handy with the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

We leave in nine days and I'm getting very excited! It's coming up fast...

 

[ChimCher-ee]

Does anyone have a guess when the spa might reopen?

I went there a few years ago, but I was staying at Pop then and it was a haul. This time, I'm treating myself to GF for a couple nights in July, and I would like to try Senses again.

 

[WishesQueen]

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.

 

[bigAWL]

Does anyone have a guess when the spa might reopen?

I went there a few years ago, but I was staying at Pop then and it was a haul. This time, I'm treating myself to GF for a couple nights in July, and I would like to try Senses again.

I have no idea if this has any relation or indication as to when GF Senses will open, but... the Laniwai spa at the Aulani resort in Hawaii is set to open June 15. It seems to me that Disney is ready to open anything and everything at the earliest possible moment. I'm hoping my trip in August will look very different from how things look today.

 

[sdk1231]

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.

Congrats on the major Pixie Dust! RPC? Wow!!! Thanks for the info on Citricos. I love that restaurant and have really missed it. You said the pathway to from the GF to the Polynesian was closed? Really??? That's a huge bummer. Did they give you any reason for it? I typically do a lot of back-and-forth between the GF and the Poly and have an upcoming stay at the Poly, and would be bummed if that pathway was closed.

 

[mrsap]

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! How wonderful to get pixie dust as your anniversary gift!! Sounds like you guys had a great trip! Thanks for all the detailed info!! We appreciate it!!

 

[WishesQueen]

Congrats on the major Pixie Dust! RPC? Wow!!! Thanks for the info on Citricos. I love that restaurant and have really missed it. You said the pathway to from the GF to the Polynesian was closed? Really??? That's a huge bummer. Did they give you any reason for it? I typically do a lot of back-and-forth between the GF and the Poly and have an upcoming stay at the Poly, and would be bummed if that pathway was closed.

Hi SDK1231

I couldn't find anyone who had a lot of information on the subject. When we took the monorail home from the MK one day (we wanted to check it out from above) there were large machines over there but nothing started yet.

An instagrammed I follow reported on it too and she said it was going to be for a few days but the fence looked like it was going to be there for a while.

Their not getting rid of the pathway I would assume there going to pave and get rid of the walkway personalized bricks. They were barely clear enough to read. We used to have two by the MK and we were only guaranteed a particular amount of time and now its all paved.

 

[trishadono]

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.

I’ve had that room 4205! Center right over the marina

Happy Anniversary!

Been waiting for Citricos!

 

[Maxie86]

Hi WishesQueen. Happy anniversary. Congrats on the upgrade. Glad you had a nice trip. Thanks for the info on Citricos, so happy they are reopening. Any news on a referb. I was told by more than one CM on our last trip in 2019 that they were going to do a referb before the 50th...doesn't look like it will happen unless it just a soft goods and nothing major. That ugly carpet needs to go!!!

 

[sdk1231]

Hi SDK1231

I couldn't find anyone who had a lot of information on the subject. When we took the monorail home from the MK one day (we wanted to check it out from above) there were large machines over there but nothing started yet.

An instagrammed I follow reported on it too and she said it was going to be for a few days but the fence looked like it was going to be there for a while.

Their not getting rid of the pathway I would assume there going to pave and get rid of the walkway personalized bricks. They were barely clear enough to read. We used to have two by the MK and we were only guaranteed a particular amount of time and now its all paved.

Gotcha! I'm sure you're right and it's a change out of the bricks. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Disney Star]

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.

I'm so glad to hear about Citrico's returning. It's our favorite restaurant at the Grand!

 

[trishadono]

Deluxe king rpc. It has been a while so let’s recap shall we?

Deluxe king rooms are 4201-09. They are over GGG and Marina. The elevator is near 09, the staircase outside by 01. See black rectangles for reference. 01 has a tree in front of it and the balcony is exposed to its left. That means all the CM’s arriving to work come around the corner and walk right towards you in your PJs with coffee . 09 has a double balcony but only 2 chairs. Still it is nice having the extra space. Oh the rooms look like the other rooms at GF but have a slightly larger tub. There are 2 chairs and and end table as you exit elevator, it’s a quiet spot if you need to call Mom and Dh fell asleep watching golf.
There are 6 octagon shaped rooms also considered deluxe king however they tend to use there more for upgrades or special occasions. They are on floors 3-5 rooms 4X21 and 4x30. They have a huge walk in closet , no balcony but windows that do open up so I put desk chair by window and that was nice. This room also has the larger tub and I believe the wet bar as well. It has lots of space with a sofa seating area with tv. 4x21 has some pretty nice views whereas 4x30 is mostly of the monorail and VGF.

The lounge is on floor 4. To get there from 2nd floor you take elevator up to 4 and walk past room 4x11-20.
There is seating on all floors make sure to check out the different options! The smoking balconies are on floor 3 however they are large enough to enjoy even if non smoker. The back one will be a good place to watch fireworks when they return. The fireworks music does play from the marina so if you a TPV room, or king’s on 2nd you can hear it from your balcony or sit outside at GGG’s . For EWP walk out to the boat dock or back side of BC (walk through lobby straight through and out other doors, sit on steps).
Pictures of views later but I need to get moving lol!

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

If the pathway to the Poly is closed, how would you get there for an ADR from the GF? I booked Kona for our first night for the convenience but not sure how convenient it will be without the walkway. Would we go to the TTC and walk? Thoughts?

 

[Disney Star]

Deluxe king rpc. It has been a while so let’s recap shall we?

Deluxe king rooms are 4201-09. They are over GGG and Marina. The elevator is near 09, the staircase outside by 01. See black rectangles for reference. 01 has a tree in front of it and the balcony is exposed to its left. That means all the CM’s arriving to work come around the corner and walk right towards you in your PJs with coffee . 09 has a double balcony but only 2 chairs. Still it is nice having the extra space. Oh the rooms look like the other rooms at GF but have a slightly larger tub. There are 2 chairs and and end table as you exit elevator, it’s a quiet spot if you need to call Mom and Dh fell asleep watching golf.
There are 6 octagon shaped rooms also considered deluxe king however they tend to use there more for upgrades or special occasions. They are on floors 3-5 rooms 4X21 and 4x30. They have a huge walk in closet , no balcony but windows that do open up so I put desk chair by window and that was nice. This room also has the larger tub and I believe the wet bar as well. It has lots of space with a sofa seating area with tv. 4x21 has some pretty nice views whereas 4x30 is mostly of the monorail and VGF.

The lounge is on floor 4. To get there from 2nd floor you take elevator up to 4 and walk past room 4x11-20.
There is seating on all floors make sure to check out the different options! The smoking balconies are on floor 3 however they are large enough to enjoy even if non smoker. The back one will be a good place to watch fireworks when they return. The fireworks music does play from the marina so if you a TPV room, or king’s on 2nd you can hear it from your balcony or sit outside at GGG’s . For EWP walk out to the boat dock or back side of BC (walk through lobby straight through and out other doors, sit on steps).
Pictures of views later but I need to get moving lol!
View attachment 581606

This is a really helpful explanation. Thank you! Do you happen to know which of these rooms connect to their neighbors through a connecting door?

 

[WishesQueen]

I’ve had that room 4205! Center right over the marina

Happy Anniversary!

Been waiting for Citricos!

Thanks, No fireworks but there was a wedding in the sunken area by Gaspies and it was sweet to watch them take pictures.

Hi WishesQueen. Happy anniversary. Congrats on the upgrade. Glad you had a nice trip. Thanks for the info on Citricos, so happy they are reopening. Any news on a referb. I was told by more than one CM on our last trip in 2019 that they were going to do a referb before the 50th...doesn't look like it will happen unless it just a soft goods and nothing major. That ugly carpet needs to go!!!

Thanks, its all done. They said its beautiful and it sounded like it will be open before October. While we were at Topolino's the cast members there were getting called over this week too. Everyone was so excited, the maitreD from V&A was the maitreD at Topolino's and he was going over this week too...but not for V&A yet, he was going to help with Citrico's.

FYI for Wave fans, talked to the cast members there too and they have no idea what's happening with the refurb but they said guest favorites like the eggs and bacon are supposed to stay on the menu.

If the pathway to the Poly is closed, how would you get there for an ADR from the GF? I booked Kona for our first night for the convenience but not sure how convenient it will be without the walkway. Would we go to the TTC and walk? Thoughts?

So annoying, we had a reservation at CG the first night and the monorail went down. There are resort buses, but we just Ubered. Maybe it will be reopened by the time you get there. It seemed like work was really getting done quickly while we were there.

 

[Lyons Family]

Getting excited, this upcoming week we will be booking our dining for August.

By then we are hoping to get some of below that is if they are available for booking.

Whispering canyon
Le Celar/ California grill
Mexico in Epcot
Rolands Irish Pub Disney Springs
Crystal Palace/ Tony's
Rainforest

After having a rather not happy experience at Narcooossee's, we decided to not eat there this vacation.
(Everyone's experience is different here, and I respect others who enjoy dining here, just personal preference).

Wish us luck.