First Time Grand Floridian Stay

[Steve G]

We are scheduled for a six-night studio stay at the Big Pine Key building (lagoon view) in January. Long time DVC members but first time staying at GFR. We've visited for dinner and general walkarounds before, but if anyone has any specific advice/ideas/favorite things you like to do when staying on site, we'd appreciate it. Thank you

 

[kgou]

We are scheduled for a six-night studio stay at the Big Pine Key building (lagoon view) in January. Long time DVC members but first time staying at GFR. We've visited for dinner and general walkarounds before, but if anyone has any specific advice/ideas/favorite things you like to do when staying on site, we'd appreciate it. Thank you

You will have a lovely time! We just checked out from our first stay here earlier this week. We stayed for 5 nights and we loved the resort. The good at Gasparilla Island Grill is really decent for quick service. There is outside seating available there with a great view of the castle. I saw a few families that had ordered food to eat outside while watching the fireworks. Definitely on the list for our next visit.

The walking path over to Poly reopened the day that we left, so if you're interested in resort hopping and checking out the new Tower, it's an easy walk back over.

We enjoyed both pools but if you are traveling without children you will probably enjoy the Courtyard Pool. I believe this is closer to the Big Pine Key building than the Beach Pool is. If you venture to the Beach Pool, the server we had a few days in a row at the Beach Pool Bar was awesome. He's also a fellow DVC owner and was really attentive and friendly. I believe his name is Barry.

Enjoy the ambiance in the main lobby as by that time the Christmas crowds for the decor will be gone.

Things that we did not do that are on our list for next time: breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe and enjoying a beverage in the Enchanted Rose.

Enjoy your visit!

 

[HairyChest]

We are scheduled for a six-night studio stay at the Big Pine Key building (lagoon view) in January. Long time DVC members but first time staying at GFR. We've visited for dinner and general walkarounds before, but if anyone has any specific advice/ideas/favorite things you like to do when staying on site, we'd appreciate it. Thank you

Be prepared to experience and fall in love with the most beautiful and spacious deluxe studio of the DVC properties. I believe the Polynesian is a bit larger, but the bathroom takes up more real estate there. Here, the living space is larger. What other resorts have you stayed at?
-Try the mac n cheese at Gasparilla’s its the best
-sit in the lobby and listen to the live piano
-courtyard pool has an amazing vibe
-realize you are living in an extension of Main Street for the days you are there

 

[kgou]

-Try the mac n cheese at Gasparilla’s its the best

Agree. The mac and cheese is delish!

 

[ZerasPride]

Love our Grand Floridian stays and you will too! I would also recommend room service for dinner one night. It was such a treat that we indulged 2 or 3 times during our stay this past September. I do not believe too many other deluxe resorts have brought back room service other than the Grand. It is certainly a treat for a DVC stay!

 

[CarolynFH]

Love our Grand Floridian stays and you will too! I would also recommend room service for dinner one night. It was such a treat that we indulged 2 or 3 times during our stay this past September. I do not believe too many other deluxe resorts have brought back room service other than the Grand. It is certainly a treat for a DVC stay!

GF is the only one with room service currently.

 

[Steve G]

You will have a lovely time! We just checked out from our first stay here earlier this week. We stayed for 5 nights and we loved the resort. The good at Gasparilla Island Grill is really decent for quick service. There is outside seating available there with a great view of the castle. I saw a few families that had ordered food to eat outside while watching the fireworks. Definitely on the list for our next visit.

The walking path over to Poly reopened the day that we left, so if you're interested in resort hopping and checking out the new Tower, it's an easy walk back over.

We enjoyed both pools but if you are traveling without children you will probably enjoy the Courtyard Pool. I believe this is closer to the Big Pine Key building than the Beach Pool is. If you venture to the Beach Pool, the server we had a few days in a row at the Beach Pool Bar was awesome. He's also a fellow DVC owner and was really attentive and friendly. I believe his name is Barry.

Enjoy the ambiance in the main lobby as by that time the Christmas crowds for the decor will be gone.

Things that we did not do that are on our list for next time: breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe and enjoying a beverage in the Enchanted Rose.

Enjoy your visit!

Thanks for the thoughtful reply and good advice, we will take you up on several of these ideas....

 

[Steve G]

Be prepared to experience and fall in love with the most beautiful and spacious deluxe studio of the DVC properties. I believe the Polynesian is a bit larger, but the bathroom takes up more real estate there. Here, the living space is larger. What other resorts have you stayed at?
-Try the mac n cheese at Gasparilla’s its the best
-sit in the lobby and listen to the live piano
-courtyard pool has an amazing vibe
-realize you are living in an extension of Main Street for the days you are there

Thanks for the reply. After this trip, we will have been to all the DVC resorts except the two in California and Riviera, gradually checking them all off the list....

 

[Steve G]

Love our Grand Floridian stays and you will too! I would also recommend room service for dinner one night. It was such a treat that we indulged 2 or 3 times during our stay this past September. I do not believe too many other deluxe resorts have brought back room service other than the Grand. It is certainly a treat for a DVC stay!

Was not aware of that, thanks for the tip!

 

[kgou]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply and good advice, we will take you up on several of these ideas....

I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Jonnnyap]

Hope you enjoy your stay at GFR - it's lovely! The Grand Floridian Cafe is a wonderful option for a relaxing lunch. Best item in the menu imho is the heirloom apple salad with chicken. Highly recommended - fresh with a great combo of tart, sweet, and salty flavors. I'd also recommend fireworks from the boat dock; we've done that while staying at GFR, and it's a nice way to end an evening. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy your time!

 

[Cfabar1]

Hope you enjoy your stay at GFR - it's lovely! The Grand Floridian Cafe is a wonderful option for a relaxing lunch. Best item in the menu imho is the heirloom apple salad with chicken. Highly recommended - fresh with a great combo of tart, sweet, and salty flavors. I'd also recommend fireworks from the boat dock; we've done that while staying at GFR, and it's a nice way to end an evening. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy your time!

Agreed! Every time I don't order it, I regret it!

The Avocado Toast is also a very nice side.