Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa - **LOBBY REFURB HAS BEGUN 4/14**

[PolyTigger]

With Covid I think the magic is gone. We will not return for a long time. Memories have been set we will keep them!

 

[mellvswdw1]

Just wanted to check in and report on our cabana rental. It well exceeded my expectations and was a wonderful relaxing day which was much needed for myself and sister in law. It’s not something I would normally do, especially since we normally stay and OKW or AKV, but for a once in a blue moon opportunity it was wonderful! Overall we’re having a wonderful time, mousekeeping has been good, and I’m pleased all around. Sorry to hear others have had issues. I will do a final report after we check out on Thursday.

 

[mrsap]

Just wanted to check in and report on our cabana rental. It well exceeded my expectations and was a wonderful relaxing day which was much needed for myself and sister in law. It’s not something I would normally do, especially since we normally stay and OKW or AKV, but for a once in a blue moon opportunity it was wonderful! Overall we’re having a wonderful time, mousekeeping has been good, and I’m pleased all around. Sorry to hear others have had issues. I will do a final report after we check out on Thursday.

Thanks for sharing! Happy you enjoyed your cabana day!! Please be sure to take lots of pictures for us!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

[jbock]

Without getting into it too much (I don't want to be a downer), if you were to go on trip advisor and filter by recent 1 or 2 star reviews, I'd say those largely align with our recent experience. We had an issue with a noisy neighbor that was not addressed at all and handled poorly, moody/disinterested staff at check-in and any other time we interacted with the front desk, luggage check problems, weird housekeeping issues, and the furniture in the room was visibly run-down and even stained in one case... so was the hall carpeting in the outer buildings.

That said, the exteriors and the main lobby are still gorgeous, and the cast members we interacted with when dining (Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoossee's, Enchanted Rose) at the resort were great, as were the CMs in the parks. It was our first time trying the GF since our "usual spot" resort is still closed. I'm grateful we got to try it, and loved the view/ resort location! But I don't think we'll be back for a long time based on how we were treated by the hotel staff throughout the stay, coupled with the price you're paying for a property that really does need a renovation (or at least, our building/room really did).

I don't think our experience was the norm per se, but it does seem like it's not a unique, one-off situation either based on some of the reviews I saw. Seems like it can go either way!

Thanks - that's helpful. I stayed there last in 2019 and had two issues - one a bad mattress (one was perfectly fine, the other was in really bad shape) - they came and swapped that out, so that was fine. The other, housekeeping kept either not coming or coming at 5-6 PM. When I asked and commented that it was really the only resort I've stayed at where I had to keep asking about housekeeping, particular in that price tier, I got a "well we assume you'll be at the parks all day and night and won't care". That seemed odd, at best. But, as you mentioned, experiences at the restaurants were all great, the location is amazing, etc... Something else happened that I can't even remember what it was and I got the standard "here are some fast passes - now away with you" response.

Side note: When something goes wrong as it inevitably does from time to time (not a knock on WDW - stuff happens) what are they doing instead of FPs now that there aren't any?? Are they actually doing something that dips into actual revenues? (gasp!)

 

[Lyons Family]

We left the GF a few years back to start our bookings at the Contemporary, and loved the attention and the cleanliness and newness of the rooms. We did this when we noticed that some of the carpeting and furniture at GF was looking a little well, tattered. We also noticed that the cast members moved in one motion, slow.

We love the contemporary, spoiled by Cast Members, comped on treats found in our room, ie, snacks, beverages all for taking the time to stop at the desk to notify them about the kindness shared by employees.

But we miss the GF pools, and enjoyed their hot tubs more. Also now with the walk way opened we want to try it.
It is what it is, for us it will be a favorite getaway celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary.

Stay healthy

 

[Magnum_PI]

Thanks - that's helpful. I stayed there last in 2019 and had two issues - one a bad mattress (one was perfectly fine, the other was in really bad shape) - they came and swapped that out, so that was fine. The other, housekeeping kept either not coming or coming at 5-6 PM. When I asked and commented that it was really the only resort I've stayed at where I had to keep asking about housekeeping, particular in that price tier, I got a "well we assume you'll be at the parks all day and night and won't care". That seemed odd, at best. But, as you mentioned, experiences at the restaurants were all great, the location is amazing, etc... Something else happened that I can't even remember what it was and I got the standard "here are some fast passes - now away with you" response.

Side note: When something goes wrong as it inevitably does from time to time (not a knock on WDW - stuff happens) what are they doing instead of FPs now that there aren't any?? Are they actually doing something that dips into actual revenues? (gasp!)

Glad they swapped your mattress for you at least! I will say, I did think the mattresses and the pillows were very comfortable so that was a plus.

I'm not sure what they're doing without the fast passes, actually - that's a good question. We weren't offered anything when we raised a complaint about the most significant issue(s) - not even an apology or a cursory demonstration of empathy, which really surprised me given that I've always had pretty great customer service from WDW in the past. Unsure if it's a covid fatigue thing, which I certainly understand, but... we just weren't having the attitude/demeanor issues anywhere else on property except with GF staff/back office. I do think it's kind of a hit or miss thing so I wouldn't necessarily say "oh, definitely don't go for it" but it did kind of put us off from returning to GF in the near term. Still had a nice vacation, though!

 

[LadyNia]

Today was my 60 day and I called for poolside patio but none were available. I ended up spending more than I wanted to on a cabana. Based on the pool reports from this thread I'd rather do that than deal with the crowded pool area though.

 

[mellvswdw1]

So here are a few pictures from yesterday. A quick pool report. We’re at the “quiet” pool today and it’s busy, but not over crowded. There are some spots available but we’ve only been here for an hour. My son made some fast friends Sunday and the little guys have been playing together the last few days. It’s so nice because all we have in our neighborhood are girls his age. He’s having a blast rough housing some. I also got a bouquet of flowers from my husband today. I will attach a pic of those as well. Disney floral did a really nice job based on his requests. Have a great day
!

 

[trishadono]

So here are a few pictures from yesterday. A quick pool report. We’re at the “quiet” pool today and it’s busy, but not over crowded. There are some spots available but we’ve only been here for an hour. My son made some fast friends Sunday and the little guys have been playing together the last few days. It’s so nice because all we have in our neighborhood are girls his age. He’s having a blast rough housing some. I also got a bouquet of flowers from my husband today. I will attach a pic of those as well. Disney floral did a really nice job based on his requests. Have a great day
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Looks good! My ds loved making friends. SO fun for them.

 

[Marianm]

We are staying at the GF for the first time on 5/26-6/02. We rented a cabana for one of the days so all these cabana photos make me excited! I’m getting nervous about some of the bad reviews! We have a lagoon view room. Traveling with my husband and 3 kids- 9-7-1 year olds. I haven’t made any specific room or location requests since I’m not familiar with the resort. Usually stay at Contemporary or Poly but since Poly is closed giving Gf a try this time.

 

[jbock]

FWIW - the room I had there last I went in 2019, a "lagoon view", seemed like it could be counted as a TPV... It was only--- I think maybe $6 or $8 / night more than standard so I said "sure why not" (since the nightly was $400 something it didn't seem to matter)... Definitely glad I did. Great views!!

 

[mrsap]

FWIW - the room I had there last I went in 2019, a "lagoon view", seemed like it could be counted as a TPV... It was only--- I think maybe $6 or $8 / night more than standard so I said "sure why not" (since the nightly was $400 something it didn't seem to matter)... Definitely glad I did. Great views!!




View attachment 571085

WOW!! Beautiful view!!!!!! Do you know what room number it was?

 

[trishadono]

We are staying at the GF for the first time on 5/26-6/02. We rented a cabana for one of the days so all these cabana photos make me excited! I’m getting nervous about some of the bad reviews! We have a lagoon view room. Traveling with my husband and 3 kids- 9-7-1 year olds. I haven’t made any specific room or location requests since I’m not familiar with the resort. Usually stay at Contemporary or Poly but since Poly is closed giving Gf a try this time.

The biggest thing is balcony size. For that many people you may want a full balcony. The dormer rooms have a smaller enclosed balcony.

Look at a picture of any GF building. You can see the upper floors vs lower floor have different size. I generally don't care but for 5 people you would not fit on the smaller balcony.
If this matters simply ask at check in if a full balcony or dormer size? You think your family might need the bigger one because you have 5 ppl. They will check inventory for you. Big Pine Key is a good location for LV. It faces Poly and in between both pools.

 

[leannak]

The biggest thing is balcony size. For that many people you may want a full balcony. The dormer rooms have a smaller enclosed balcony.

Look at a picture of any GF building. You can see the upper floors vs lower floor have different size. I generally don't care but for 5 people you would not fit on the smaller balcony.
If this matters simply ask at check in if a full balcony or dormer size? You think your family might need the bigger one because you have 5 ppl. They will check inventory for you. Big Pine Key is a good location for LV. It faces Poly and in between both pools.

Can you still do this if you do online check-in? or are you saying to skip all that and go to the front desk to do all the check in things?

 

[mrsap]

Can you still do this if you do online check-in? or are you saying to skip all that and go to the front desk to do all the check in things?

I know you didn’t ask me, but I’d do both! First, call and ask to put your request onto your reservation. Then, when you arrive, head over to the desk and mention your request and ask if there’s anyway it could be honored. Hopefully the can accommodate your request, if they have the inventory. Also, you can still do the online check-in, just do not put in a request there. Good luck!!!!

 

[jbock]

WOW!! Beautiful view!!!!!! Do you know what room number it was?

I dug up the receipt for the room. Boca Chica / 8315. The rooms 8F13,8F15,8F17,8F19 and 8F21 (F=floor#) all are at the center and bumped out from the building and all should have similarly nice views. Interestingly, according to Touringplans 8317 (centered in the bump out between 13/15 and 19/21) is actually a TPV. I can't possibly imagine wanting to pay any more for 17 than the other 4 around them... I have a lagoon view coming up this June and I have to assume I won't get that view again, but hey, you never know, eh?


Also, moving one room over to 8F11- all you can see is BLT/CR, part of the GF (the part that bumps out), and a tree. It's still a nice view but not like that bumped out part.

Also, lest anyone think I have all of this in my head-- I take no credit - I got all of that info from touringplans. (The photo's mine though I didn't steal that from TP, internet police.)

 

[mrsap]

I dug up the receipt for the room. Boca Chica / 8315. The rooms 8F13,8F15,8F17,8F19 and 8F21 (F=floor#) all are at the center and bumped out from the building and all should have similarly nice views. Interestingly, according to Touringplans 8317 (centered in the bump out between 13/15 and 19/21) is actually a TPV. I can't possibly imagine wanting to pay any more for 17 than the other 4 around them... I have a lagoon view coming up this June and I have to assume I won't get that view again, but hey, you never know, eh?


Also, moving one room over to 8F11- all you can see is BLT/CR, part of the GF (the part that bumps out), and a tree. It's still a nice view but not like that bumped out part.

Also, lest anyone think I have all of this in my head-- I take no credit - I got all of that info from touringplans. (The photo's mine though I didn't steal that from TP, internet police.)

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate it! If it’s ok, I’m going to link your view to page 1 to help out others! Thank you again for all the great info!

 

[disneyfan150]

I have a lagoon view coming up this June and I have to assume I won't get that view again, but hey, you never know, eh?

We are going in June, too. Maybe we will be neighbors! We are so excited that we may explode.

Thank you for this information!

 

[chocolateblanco]

Super comprehensive....

 

[Marianm]

I dug up the receipt for the room. Boca Chica / 8315. The rooms 8F13,8F15,8F17,8F19 and 8F21 (F=floor#) all are at the center and bumped out from the building and all should have similarly nice views. Interestingly, according to Touringplans 8317 (centered in the bump out between 13/15 and 19/21) is actually a TPV. I can't possibly imagine wanting to pay any more for 17 than the other 4 around them... I have a lagoon view coming up this June and I have to assume I won't get that view again, but hey, you never know, eh?


Also, moving one room over to 8F11- all you can see is BLT/CR, part of the GF (the part that bumps out), and a tree. It's still a nice view but not like that bumped out part.

Also, lest anyone think I have all of this in my head-- I take no credit - I got all of that info from touringplans. (The photo's mine though I didn't steal that from TP, internet police.)

Thanks for this info!