First trip as owners of VGF is coming up! What should we include on our "must do" list?

[MamaBear12]

Our first trip to VGF is coming up in October and it's our first trip as DVC owners (so excited)!!! We're staying in a 2-bedroom villa and taking our kiddos (10 and 8) and my parents along. We've never been to VGF before, so I would love to hear all your favorite things to do (and eat) at and around the resort! Since we know there will be more trips to come (likely checking out other resorts), we want to focus on enjoying and getting to know our home resort when we're not enjoying the parks.

 

[Disney Spaz]

We are VGF owners and love making S'mores at the fire pit off the beach area in the evening. Listening to the pianist in the lobby is relaxing. Gasparilla Grill is one of the best quick service places to eat on property to us. Also riding the monorail and visiting Contemporary and Poly is fun.

 

[pinkxray]

Our family really enjoyed the breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe. (Think it’s the same menu for lunch time too).

I went to spa for a massage while DH and the kids headed to the pool.

We tend to have short trips so haven’t been able to do much outside of park/ pool time. My favorite thing is getting my coffee and drinking it while looking at the castle. I love when it’s a beautiful morning and families are getting ready to start their Disney day. Its such a happy time.

 

[stwaldman]

A couple of quick hit thoughts:

1. Check the resort activities board, it's a good way to keep busy during a resort day, especially if weather is iffy. We did ceramic painting with our daughter last trip, they do other crafts and things which I know aren't unique to VGF but are still nice.

2. We did citricos two trips ago as a date night while we had some child coverage, and loved our experience. Food and service were both worth it, and we didn't have a reservation, we just waited out the walk up line with one drink at enchanted rose which was also top notch. That said there were kids in there and there was enough spacing and ambient noise in the restaurant that I don't think having kids should be a concern. I can't speak to the quality of the kids eating experience since it was just adults, but our food and drink was top notch. Narcooses was still closed at the time so we haven't tried that yet (our one trip since was only a weekend before a cruise so we mostly ate in parks).

3. October is likely warm enough to still have a pool day and the DVC pool is pretty fun. Typical pool activities (slide, games, guess that song, etc) but also a good pool bar and the service to our seats has always been good too. The splash area is nice, but probably a bit young for yours at least for more than a few minutes.

4. To be honest, I found out experiences with grand Floridian cafe to be pretty mid. You will probably eat there for convenience sake, but I'd caution expectations, weve eaten a few times and always felt it was just fine.

5. On day 1, go stock up in Basin on some bath bombs or shower steamers. With a 2BR, you will have a nice bathroom and usually the master has a good tub to make the most of their best products.

6. Like others note, don't be totally afraid to visit the other bay lake resorts. It won't kill your VGF vibe to walk to poly or take the monorail to contemporary. Gasparilla is nice, but depending on how long you are there, it can get old, so going to poly is a nice chance to grab a different quick service or cocktail. I know the community hall at BLT is supposed to be for BLT guests, but I'm not sure how closely they monitor that if you try to sneak in, maybe someone else out there has tried, but we've spent time there before too and had fun.

7. If you are able, leverage the walking path. The walk to MK is super pleasant, especially at night of you stay until park close. This was such a great addition and honestly is fun by itself, we occasionally have gotten out the stroller and just walked to BLT and back for the atmosphere on a slow night. Also generally just explore the grounds and enjoy them in your down time

8. Caution that there is a lot of active construction that VGF and at least in July, it definitely was noticeable. I don't know if by October it will be more contained to the lobby and less outside, but he patient and knows that it's temporary. It didn't impact sleeping hours or the pool area, but you noticed it during the day while roaming the grounds. Don't be discouraged by it!

 

[MamaBear12]

Our family really enjoyed the breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe. (Think it’s the same menu for lunch time too).

I went to spa for a massage while DH and the kids headed to the pool.

We tend to have short trips so haven’t been able to do much outside of park/ pool time. My favorite thing is getting my coffee and drinking it while looking at the castle. I love when it’s a beautiful morning and families are getting ready to start their Disney day. Its such a happy time.

Nice! Where do you go to sip coffee and gaze at the castle? Is there a particular balcony or area outside you would recommend?

 

[MamaBear12]

A couple of quick hit thoughts:

1. Check the resort activities board, it's a good way to keep busy during a resort day, especially if weather is iffy. We did ceramic painting with our daughter last trip, they do other crafts and things which I know aren't unique to VGF but are still nice.

2. We did citricos two trips ago as a date night while we had some child coverage, and loved our experience. Food and service were both worth it, and we didn't have a reservation, we just waited out the walk up line with one drink at enchanted rose which was also top notch. That said there were kids in there and there was enough spacing and ambient noise in the restaurant that I don't think having kids should be a concern. I can't speak to the quality of the kids eating experience since it was just adults, but our food and drink was top notch. Narcooses was still closed at the time so we haven't tried that yet (our one trip since was only a weekend before a cruise so we mostly ate in parks).

3. October is likely warm enough to still have a pool day and the DVC pool is pretty fun. Typical pool activities (slide, games, guess that song, etc) but also a good pool bar and the service to our seats has always been good too. The splash area is nice, but probably a bit young for yours at least for more than a few minutes.

4. To be honest, I found out experiences with grand Floridian cafe to be pretty mid. You will probably eat there for convenience sake, but I'd caution expectations, weve eaten a few times and always felt it was just fine.

5. On day 1, go stock up in Basin on some bath bombs or shower steamers. With a 2BR, you will have a nice bathroom and usually the master has a good tub to make the most of their best products.

6. Like others note, don't be totally afraid to visit the other bay lake resorts. It won't kill your VGF vibe to walk to poly or take the monorail to contemporary. Gasparilla is nice, but depending on how long you are there, it can get old, so going to poly is a nice chance to grab a different quick service or cocktail. I know the community hall at BLT is supposed to be for BLT guests, but I'm not sure how closely they monitor that if you try to sneak in, maybe someone else out there has tried, but we've spent time there before too and had fun.

7. If you are able, leverage the walking path. The walk to MK is super pleasant, especially at night of you stay until park close. This was such a great addition and honestly is fun by itself, we occasionally have gotten out the stroller and just walked to BLT and back for the atmosphere on a slow night. Also generally just explore the grounds and enjoy them in your down time

8. Caution that there is a lot of active construction that VGF and at least in July, it definitely was noticeable. I don't know if by October it will be more contained to the lobby and less outside, but he patient and knows that it's temporary. It didn't impact sleeping hours or the pool area, but you noticed it during the day while roaming the grounds. Don't be discouraged by it!

So helpful! Thank you!

 

[MamaBear12]

We are VGF owners and love making S'mores at the fire pit off the beach area in the evening. Listening to the pianist in the lobby is relaxing. Gasparilla Grill is one of the best quick service places to eat on property to us. Also riding the monorail and visiting Contemporary and Poly is fun.

Our kids love s'mores! Definitely adding that to our list! Thanks!

 

[RoseGold]

There's a photo spot by the monorail entrance in the big lobby. If you go off-peak, they'll spend a ton of time with you with the props, like a glass slipper and stuff. If you have kids, these can really be incredible photos. If you get lucky on timing, this can be awesome.

 

[MamaBear12]

There's a photo spot by the monorail entrance in the big lobby. If you go off-peak, they'll spend a ton of time with you with the props, like a glass slipper and stuff. If you have kids, these can really be incredible photos. If you get lucky on timing, this can be awesome.

Nice! Do we need the photo package, or do we just buy the digitals that we like?

 

[CarolynFH]

the other bay lake resorts

I’m sure the above is just a slip of the fingers. Some geographic clarification for those unfamiliar with WDW:

Bay Lake is the natural lake that Wilderness Lodge/CCV/BRV and Ft. Wilderness sit along. CR and BLT also back up to Bay Lake.

Seven Seas Lagoon is the man-made lake that GF/VGF and Poly sit along. CR/BLT also face the lagoon.

 

[stwaldman]

Yes, correct. Whoops.

I’m sure the above is just a slip of the fingers. Some geographic clarification for those unfamiliar with WDW:

Bay Lake is the natural lake that Wilderness Lodge/CCV/BRV and Ft. Wilderness sit along. CR and BLT also back up to Bay Lake.

Seven Seas Lagoon is the man-made lake that GF/VGF and Poly sit along. CR/BLT also face the lagoon.

 

[sndral]

I like to catch the boat from the GF over to the Poly for lunch at Captain Cook’s. I’ve walked over to the Poly too, but I enjoy boat rides. I also prefer taking the boat back from MK at closing because the monorails can be swamped, or if I’m not walked out it’s a beautiful stroll too. Here’s a pix taken on a walk from the MK to the GF on the path

Since I like boat rides I also boat to the MK & walk over to catch the boat to the WL for lunch at Geyser Pt. & to see the Christmas tree - we go during the holidays.
We also monorail over to the Contemporary for dinner at the Grand Californian.
The patio in front of Gasparillas is a nice quiet area to watch the MK fireworks & they play the music too. If you have a standard view some of those villas have MK fireworks views as well.

A first night tradition for us is to swing by the Basin store in the lobby to stock up on bath bombs to use in the bubbler tub.
The kids might enjoy the movies which they play at night on the grass near the courtyard pool & as already mentioned the marshmallow roasting by the beach pool is fun.
My favorite restaurant is V&A - but I haven’t been since they reopened it, most trips I like to splash out for one extravagant experience & V&A’s has been that experience a couple of times. I’m also a fan of Narcoossees because I love the waterfront location. We tried Citricos last trip after years of avoiding it & I was happy w/ that dinner, so it’s back on our rotation. I usually schedule the GF cafe for breakfast on our check out day, the food is fine & the ambiance pleasant, but nothing exceptional (altho’ I did sit at a table near Whoopi Goldberg surrounded by plaids one Dec. there.)
I usually spend a little time in the main lobby listening to the grand piano player (miss the band) & stop by the Enchanted Rose as well.
To me the resort grounds have a relaxed serene vibe & I try to time my visits to the lobby during less ’popular’ times. W/ Park Fare still closed the lobby seems a little less hectic to me.

 

[MamaBear12]

I like to catch the boat from the GF over to the Poly for lunch at Captain Cook’s. I’ve walked over to the Poly too, but I enjoy boat rides. I also prefer taking the boat back from MK at closing because the monorails can be swamped, or if I’m not walked out it’s a beautiful stroll too. Here’s a pix taken on a walk from the MK to the GF on the path
View attachment 783957
Since I like boat rides I also boat to the MK & walk over to catch the boat to the WL for lunch at Geyser Pt. & to see the Christmas tree - we go during the holidays.
We also monorail over to the Contemporary for dinner at the Grand Californian.
The patio in front of Gasparillas is a nice quiet area to watch the MK fireworks & they play the music too. If you have a standard view some of those villas have MK fireworks views as well.
View attachment 783959
A first night tradition for us is to swing by the Basin store in the lobby to stock up on bath bombs to use in the bubbler tub.
The kids might enjoy the movies which they play at night on the grass near the courtyard pool & as already mentioned the marshmallow roasting by the beach pool is fun.
My favorite restaurant is V&A - but I haven’t been since they reopened it, most trips I like to splash out for one extravagant experience & V&A’s has been that experience a couple of times. I’m also a fan of Narcoossees because I love the waterfront location. We tried Citricos last trip after years of avoiding it & I was happy w/ that dinner, so it’s back on our rotation. I usually schedule the GF cafe for breakfast on our check out day, the food is fine & the ambiance pleasant, but nothing exceptional (altho’ I did sit at a table near Whoopi Goldberg surrounded by plaids one Dec. there.)
I usually spend a little time in the main lobby listening to the grand piano player (miss the band) & stop by the Enchanted Rose as well.
To me the resort grounds have a relaxed serene vibe & I try to time my visits to the lobby during less ’popular’ times. W/ Park Fare still closed the lobby seems a little less hectic to me.

So helpful! Thank you!

 

[ande2428]

You probably already know this but just in case, once arriving ask a cast member what time the Electrical Water Pageant can be seen at night. One of our families traditions is to watch it night one on our trips to get the excitement started.

 

[pinkxray]

I usually refill my mug at Gasparilla and have a seat outside there to watch the MK boats moving around.

 

[E2ME2]

Our first trip to VGF is coming up in October and it's our first trip as DVC owners (so excited)!!! We're staying in a 2-bedroom villa and taking our kiddos (10 and 8) and my parents along. We've never been to VGF before, so I would love to hear all your favorite things to do (and eat) at and around the resort! Since we know there will be more trips to come (likely checking out other resorts), we want to focus on enjoying and getting to know our home resort when we're not enjoying the parks.

We joined friends for a fireworks "cruise" on the pontoon boats, which departed from VGF.
We ate at the Gasparilla Grill, then boarded the boats.
It was a Nice Evening, and they provide blankets, drinks, and snacks.
After the MK Fireworks, you get an up-close view of the Electrical Water Pageant.
We scored a bonus the night we went, as we also witnessed a Launch from the Cape

 

[RnP]

A couple of quick hit thoughts:

1. Check the resort activities board, it's a good way to keep busy during a resort day, especially if weather is iffy. We did ceramic painting with our daughter last trip, they do other crafts and things which I know aren't unique to VGF but are still nice.

2. We did citricos two trips ago as a date night while we had some child coverage, and loved our experience. Food and service were both worth it, and we didn't have a reservation, we just waited out the walk up line with one drink at enchanted rose which was also top notch. That said there were kids in there and there was enough spacing and ambient noise in the restaurant that I don't think having kids should be a concern. I can't speak to the quality of the kids eating experience since it was just adults, but our food and drink was top notch. Narcooses was still closed at the time so we haven't tried that yet (our one trip since was only a weekend before a cruise so we mostly ate in parks).

3. October is likely warm enough to still have a pool day and the DVC pool is pretty fun. Typical pool activities (slide, games, guess that song, etc) but also a good pool bar and the service to our seats has always been good too. The splash area is nice, but probably a bit young for yours at least for more than a few minutes.

4. To be honest, I found out experiences with grand Floridian cafe to be pretty mid. You will probably eat there for convenience sake, but I'd caution expectations, weve eaten a few times and always felt it was just fine.

5. On day 1, go stock up in Basin on some bath bombs or shower steamers. With a 2BR, you will have a nice bathroom and usually the master has a good tub to make the most of their best products.

6. Like others note, don't be totally afraid to visit the other bay lake resorts. It won't kill your VGF vibe to walk to poly or take the monorail to contemporary. Gasparilla is nice, but depending on how long you are there, it can get old, so going to poly is a nice chance to grab a different quick service or cocktail. I know the community hall at BLT is supposed to be for BLT guests, but I'm not sure how closely they monitor that if you try to sneak in, maybe someone else out there has tried, but we've spent time there before too and had fun.

7. If you are able, leverage the walking path. The walk to MK is super pleasant, especially at night of you stay until park close. This was such a great addition and honestly is fun by itself, we occasionally have gotten out the stroller and just walked to BLT and back for the atmosphere on a slow night. Also generally just explore the grounds and enjoy them in your down time

8. Caution that there is a lot of active construction that VGF and at least in July, it definitely was noticeable. I don't know if by October it will be more contained to the lobby and less outside, but he patient and knows that it's temporary. It didn't impact sleeping hours or the pool area, but you noticed it during the day while roaming the grounds. Don't be discouraged by it!

Dumb question… are the pools at VGF closed during the winter months? Or are any of them heated?

 

[stwaldman]

Dumb question… are the pools at VGF closed during the winter months? Or are any of them heated?

The pool was open during our last trip in December. I don't know if it's ever heated but it wasn't that warm during that trip so I wouldn't have found out regardless. The splash pad I think was closed for maintenance at the time but I don't know if they frequently choose to do maintenance during winter months, someone more knowledgeable can fill in on that perhaps (it's been open for my spring and summer visits).

 

[CarolynFH]

Dumb question… are the pools at VGF closed during the winter months? Or are any of them heated?

All Disney resort pools are heated to 82 F during cooler months and remain open unless the outdoor temperature drops below a certain figure, I think maybe 50 F. Even in wintertime, outdoor temperatures at WDW are unpreidictable - January and February tend to be coldest but tend to have high temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s, although it can occasionally be much colder or much warmer than that. It's fun to guess where people are from by who's in the pool and who's wearing sweaters on a winter day at WDW!

Pools do close periodically for maintenance and refurbishment but not on any regular schedule.

 

[Shellyred8]

We found that we enjoy Gasparilla's for any meal. The last time we were there I got a chicken bowl of some sort for dinner and it was excellent! I also like going over to the Poly to capt cooks for breakfast, as they have my favorite breakfast burrito there.