GF Vets

[Leota]

Turns out I'll be staying at the GF this Oct. I have visited it to eat at Park Fare before & did a little wandering around. But I really don't know much about this resort.
Please tell me your likes, dislikes, favorite things, tips, hints - just anything you can about the Grand Floridian.....

Thanks!

 

[GeekChic]

here's a link to my trip report from last fall, extensive GF info!



LOVED the resort, you'll have a fabulous time. ENJOY! GeekChic's GF adventure 9/03

geek

 

[samnbilly]

Does anyone have the e-mail address for the IPO at Grand Floridian?

 

[Leota]

Thanks Geek Chic! I'm enjoying your report!

 

[TammiMcMan]

samnbilly, here you go WDWGFPlanning@disney.com For whatever reason, I've always had better luck via e-mail with them.

Leota,

There are some very nice things at the GF. I love spending some quiet time on their beach in the canopy lounge chairs. At the theme pool, they have a couple of cabanas that are available on a first come, first serve basis. It's a great spot if you're going to be spending a morning or afternoon at the pool. You can order lunch at the poolside gazebo and they'll deliver right to you.

Now that the healthclub's are free for resort guests, you should definitely check out the GF's. Even if you don't work out, they have a wonderfully relaxing lounge with whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Both the men and women have their own.

The pathway between the GF and the Poly is very nice. I've seen turtles, bunnies and an alligator once while taking a stroll.

Visit Mizners lounge in the evening when the orchestra is playing or relax on one of the many sofa's available in the main lobby. Grab a late night snack at Gasparilla's Grill and an outside patio table for a wonderful view of the fireworks. Stroll along the beach to see the Electric Water Parade.

The theme pool is only open for limited hours, but the larger pool in the center of the resort is always open for a late night swim or hot tub.

For quick travel to and from the MK, take the monorail going over and the resort boat coming back.

The GF is also home to Cinderella's delicious white chocolate slipper. If you want to do something special, you can order this through the bakery and have it delivered to one of the restaurants or to your room.

Gasparilla's grille offers surprisingly good food for a 24 hour counter service restaurant. The GF Cafe is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a great casual spot and if Izzy is available, ask for him.

Have a wonderful time.
Tammi

 

[samnbilly]

Thank You so much TammiMcMan.

 

[GeekChic]

glad the trip report is enjoyable, leota! hope it helps.

"Now that the healthclub's are free for resort guests"

It's free now! I remember last year people were griping about it costing to use it even if you stayed there. I didn't use it (i'm disabled) but i did think that it was excessive to charge extra for it in addition to the room rates. Glad to hear its not that way anymore!

geek

 

[Leota]

Thanks Tammi! I agree Geek Chic - I was a little put off when you said it was an additional fee on top of the room rates.

I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to stay there. At first I wasn't too sure (it is part of a package thing that I upgraded for other reasons)

One more silly question - I'm NOT a dressy person on vacation. Will I feel remotely out of place being in shorts & tees?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Leota,

You will see all ranges of fashion at the GF. People will be very dressed up for dinner at Victoria & Alberts and of course there is the wedding guests you might see in the main lobby or walking through the resort. For the folks that are there on vacation, it's definitely a shorts and sandals type of place.

That's why I enjoy the GF so much, it can be as casual or as elegant as you want it to be.

Tammi

 

[kpossible]

Where was the alligator? Is that something you need to watch out for on Disney property? I now picture one chasing you down the path.

 

[TammiMcMan]

kpossible,

No, the alligator wasn't on the path, I would have flipped out had I seen that. He was right at the edge of the lake though. I'd guess maybe 3 feet long. He was eating some watermelon.

 

[Leota]

I never pictured a gator eating watermelon before! That just strikes me as so funny for some reason......

 

[kpossible]

That is funny. I wonder where he got the watermelon. Do these alligators crawl out of the lakes onto the beach at the GF.