Grand Floridian Studio Comparison?

[hilltopper152]

It's a simple question but a hard one for some reason. Which Grand Floridian studio is better? Comparing deluxe rooms versus the new resort ones. For ease of comparison I am focusing on standard view. Personally we own BLT but thought it was a good time to try this resort the first week of Feb23 and have a 2 year old.

 

[Her Dotness]

For economy, DS = deluxe studio in original VGF building, RS = resort studio in BPK = Big Pine Key outer lodge.

Be aware there are substantially fewer DS than RS, less than 50 DS, 200 RS. That can be a significant factor when booking. It may be very difficult to get a DS at busiest seasons unless you own VGF and use that 11-mo. advantage ASAP your window opens.

BPK is closer to the big courtyard pool, QS entrance at main building and GF TS restaurants, also nearer to GF front desk check-in and GF valet/self-park used by BPK. GF bell services in GF main building serves BPK. No covered walkway to main building or amenities.

VGF/DS will probably be quieter because more distant from GF amenities (until Poly Tower construction begins, that is). Canopied walkway most of the distance to main building from back door of VGF, very nice when raining. A bit of a hike, though, to main building amenities and pools. Has check-in desks and concierge aides in the VGF lobby. Bell services bag drop and storage available at bell stand outside main VGF entrance. Small parking lot shared with nearby wedding chapel (which can get crowded/full when there's a wedding).

DS has two bathrooms-sorta--one with built-in tub/shower and toilet, the other with sink and walk-in shower. (ETA to correct--I hope. Sorry! we've had only accessible DS with single bathroom.)

DS kitchenette dimensions and arrangement might be slightly different in regular DS. I'm describing accessible DS kitchenette. DS kitchenette has countertop microwave (on overhead shelf in regular DS), toaster, Mr. Coffee coffeemaker, squareish kitchenette sink with gooseneck faucet, above-counter cupboards for food and provided dinnerware storage (paper plates, bowls, foam cups and lids, plastic utensils), mini-fridge below about 3 ft. long counter space.

There's a regular queen bed and a queen-sized Murphy bed over the sofa which sit along the wall opposite the tv. A twin bed with bottom sheet pulls down below the wall-mounted tv. Pillows and additional bedding for the pulldown and Murphy are in the closet which usually also contains a Pac-N-Play.

RS has 2 regular queen beds along one wall, a twin-size convertible sofa on opposite wall--not facing tv which is weird. I guess the sofa is for reading, not tv watching. More square footage than DS so slightly more floor space for the Pac-N-Play should you be sleeping five and an under-3 in the RS.

RS has one full bathroom--toilet, double sinks, tub/shower combo.

RS kitchenette is still in-progress currently with microwaves being installed on a shelf above an extremely small food prep surface containing an ice bucket, Keurig and ceramic mugs. You can request a toaster and Mr. Coffee if desired. Perhaps a toaster will be provided in all RS eventually but will render the food prep surface still more cramped. No cupboard for food or dinnerware storage. K-cups, paper plates, bowls and plastic utensils are stashed in a sizable drawer above the beverage cooler below food prep surface.

There is a desk/table with bench stored beneath along the wall opposite the food prep area, so possibly toaster and Mr. Coffee could be set on it?

Extremely limited food prep area compared with DS. Also no kitchenette sink, requiring use of bathroom sinks. The concern about food safety of the RS "beverage cooler" appears to be less than was feared as initial reports are that these cool as well as DS mini-fridges. The mini-fridges, however, have in-door storage compartments which the beverage cooler door lacks. We've gotten a lot of use from those shaped compartments.

I strongly recommend watching YouTube video tours of the DS and RS to determine which will be more convenient for your family. The differences may be huge for you.

Also, there's a ton of info--floorplan for each, 360-view "tour" and photos--along with similar details for the multi-bedroom villas in VGF-original on this tremendous thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...owners-lovers-group-vgf2-is-now-open.3813125/ (Many, many thanks to mrsap, the thread founder, for this detailed resource.)

 

[ZerasPride]

Great description Her Dotness and yes many many thanks to mrsap!! I do not have much to add but as a new VGF owner I will say what will make the big difference for me as to which studio to book is whether I am traveling with me and DH (we will almost always choose the DS) or if it will be a girl's trip (RS for the two "real" queen beds). So I think traveler dynamic as well as amenities might come in to play - at least for some of us.

 

[Her Dotness]

Whew! Thanks for the compliment.

I hope I got all the features correct. Someone please correct any errors, as it was rather a scramble to discern what is located differently in the accessible DS vs. regular one.

We've never stayed in BPK, so I've no idea what either RS may be like there.

I have heard that room-to-room noise can be particularly annoying in BPK. We've rarely heard any next door noise in a DS, mostly hallway noise.

 

[Sandisw]

I think the only thing to add is that the RS at BPK connect...well most of them do...and you can request that. DS at the original building only connect to one bedrooms.

Staying one night with friends in July before moving for 2 nights to our 1 bedroom at RIV, and we requested to be connected.

 

[DVacationer]

I’ve stayed at the studio and toured the new resort rooms. I’d go with the new resort rooms 100%. They look absolutely STUNNING in person. In addition, the original DVC building didnt feel part of the resort to me, it felt removed and I didn’t like that. The Big Pine Key building that is now the new resort rooms is in the middle of the action and actually the building I’d always request when I’d stay at the Grand.
On top of that, having 2 queen beds and a sofa converting to a twin vs the little trundle bed under the tv is a big win.

The only thing I hate is the shower/tub combo. The split bathrooms with a walk in shower in the studios is much better.

 

[hilltopper152]

For economy, DS = deluxe studio in original VGF building, RS = resort studio in BPK = Big Pine Key outer lodge.

Be aware there are substantially fewer DS than RS, less than 50 DS, 200 RS. That can be a significant factor when booking. It may be very difficult to get a DS at busiest seasons unless you own VGF and use that 11-mo. advantage ASAP your window opens.

BPK is closer to the big courtyard pool, QS entrance at main building and GF TS restaurants, also nearer to GF front desk check-in and GF valet/self-park used by BPK. GF bell services in GF main building serves BPK. No covered walkway to main building or amenities.

VGF/DS will probably be quieter because more distant from GF amenities (until Poly Tower construction begins, that is). Canopied walkway most of the distance to main building from back door of VGF, very nice when raining. A bit of a hike, though, to main building amenities and pools. Has check-in desks and concierge aides in the VGF lobby. Bell services bag drop and storage available at bell stand outside main VGF entrance. Small parking lot shared with nearby wedding chapel (which can get crowded/full when there's a wedding).

DS has two bathrooms-sorta--one with built-in tub/shower and toilet, the other with sink and walk-in shower. (ETA to correct--I hope. Sorry! we've had only accessible DS with single bathroom.)

DS kitchenette dimensions and arrangement might be slightly different in regular DS. I'm describing accessible DS kitchenette. DS kitchenette has countertop microwave (on overhead shelf in regular DS), toaster, Mr. Coffee coffeemaker, squareish kitchenette sink with gooseneck faucet, above-counter cupboards for food and provided dinnerware storage (paper plates, bowls, foam cups and lids, plastic utensils), mini-fridge below about 3 ft. long counter space.

There's a regular queen bed and a queen-sized Murphy bed over the sofa which sit along the wall opposite the tv. A twin bed with bottom sheet pulls down below the wall-mounted tv. Pillows and additional bedding for the pulldown and Murphy are in the closet which usually also contains a Pac-N-Play.

RS has 2 regular queen beds along one wall, a twin-size convertible sofa on opposite wall--not facing tv which is weird. I guess the sofa is for reading, not tv watching. More square footage than DS so slightly more floor space for the Pac-N-Play should you be sleeping five and an under-3 in the RS.

RS has one full bathroom--toilet, double sinks, tub/shower combo.

RS kitchenette is still in-progress currently with microwaves being installed on a shelf above an extremely small food prep surface containing an ice bucket, Keurig and ceramic mugs. You can request a toaster and Mr. Coffee if desired. Perhaps a toaster will be provided in all RS eventually but will render the food prep surface still more cramped. No cupboard for food or dinnerware storage. K-cups, paper plates, bowls and plastic utensils are stashed in a sizable drawer above the beverage cooler below food prep surface.

There is a desk/table with bench stored beneath along the wall opposite the food prep area, so possibly toaster and Mr. Coffee could be set on it?

Extremely limited food prep area compared with DS. Also no kitchenette sink, requiring use of bathroom sinks. The concern about food safety of the RS "beverage cooler" appears to be less than was feared as initial reports are that these cool as well as DS mini-fridges. The mini-fridges, however, have in-door storage compartments which the beverage cooler door lacks. We've gotten a lot of use from those shaped compartments.

I strongly recommend watching YouTube video tours of the DS and RS to determine which will be more convenient for your family. The differences may be huge for you.

Also, there's a ton of info--floorplan for each, 360-view "tour" and photos--along with similar details for the multi-bedroom villas in VGF-original on this tremendous thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...owners-lovers-group-vgf2-is-now-open.3813125/ (Many, many thanks to mrsap, the thread founder, for this detailed resource.)

Thank you very much!!! This was a great summary! As of recent viewings there seems to be decent availability for both room types for the dates we are looking at as we approach our window and we have watched a few videos on both rooms. I must say I prefer the look of the new rooms but both seem nice. With a toddler the fridge keeping milk cool was are biggest concern between the two rooms along with location of the building. I will look for a map but more concerned about proximity to the walking path for easier access to park and transportation. I do think I will miss not having a sink if I opt for RS instead but maybe not that big of a deal as we plan to just have snacks and no cooking.

In general I was considering trying Grand out as I never thought much of it far as "needing" to stay but maybe 5 nights there instead of BLT would be nice. We do use the pool still some even in late Jan so that would be nice potentially and heard that BLT/Contemporary may have pool area construction.

 

[Her Dotness]

I think the only thing to add is that the RS at BPK connect...well most of them do...and you can request that. DS at the original building only connect to one bedrooms.

Staying one night with friends in July before moving for 2 nights to our 1 bedroom at RIV, and we requested to be connected.

Thanks, Sandisw, for that important addition. Quite right.

We expect your expert assessment in a detailed report, comparing and contrasting the DS and RS, upon your return.

JOKING!

Go safely and let us know if the RS wins you over more than we might expect it to.

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks, Sandisw, for that important addition. Quite right.

We expect your expert assessment in a detailed report, comparing and contrasting the DS and RS, upon your return.

JOKING!

Go safely and let us know if the RS wins you over more than we might expect it to.

Can do that for sure! All I know is that adding the micro made me one very happy VGF owner. Knowing I can get my full coffee pot and toaster is all the better. I have a feeling the toaster will come and worst case for coffee....I find a way to make Keurig taste well..and to be honest, my Owner's Locker currently has things in it that can do just that!!! LOL

 

[hilltopper152]

I’ve stayed at the studio and toured the new resort rooms. I’d go with the new resort rooms 100%. They look absolutely STUNNING in person. In addition, the original DVC building didnt feel part of the resort to me, it felt removed and I didn’t like that. The Big Pine Key building that is now the new resort rooms is in the middle of the action and actually the building I’d always request when I’d stay at the Grand.
On top of that, having 2 queen beds and a sofa converting to a twin vs the little trundle bed under the tv is a big win.

The only thing I hate is the shower/tub combo. The split bathrooms with a walk in shower in the studios is much better.

I think the newness of the RS is appealing and we love marry poppins. The tub is handy with our daughter anyway too. Noise has never bothered us before but I can see where a hallway of studios could maybe get loud. As long as we have decent space to tuck a pack n play in the space and keep milk cold... we are generally happy. My wife cares less than I do because her mind is on location and access to the parks hence why we bought BLT. I am hoping Grand is a fun trip as we have done BLT, POLY, BC, BW, and SS. All were great in their own ways and sure the same is for Grand.

 

[Her Dotness]

Thank you very much!!! This was a great summary!

Delighted you appreciate it.

I will look for a map but more concerned about proximity to the walking path for easier access to park and transportation.

BPK is closer to the GF-to-MK walkway but not by an awful lot as much as we all walk while there.

BPK is also closer to the GF main building veranda door which would get you to the Grand Staircase or elevator to Floor 2 where the monorail station is.

Bus station is roughly equidistant, maybe a bit closer to VGF1 as the covered walkway from it to the GF main entrance is a straight shot to the bus station just beyond the main entrance.

In general I was considering trying Grand out as I never thought much of it far as "needing" to stay but maybe 5 nights there instead of BLT would be nice.

The Grand is a very seductive resort. It will sneak into your hearts with its elegance and charm and may never let go.

More importantly: Beware the 1 bedroom villas particularly. I'm not kidding.

Especially with a "Little Mouse" in the family, their spaciousness, the washer-dryer in the villa and that gorgeous full kitchen will hook you the first time you stay in one.

I know. We bought 200 more points to further enable our 1 bedroom fixation. And, we love it!

 

[hilltopper152]

Delighted you appreciate it.

BPK is closer to the GF-to-MK walkway but not by an awful lot as much as we all walk while there.

The Grand is a very seductive resort. It will sneak into your hearts with its elegance and charm and may never let go.

More importantly: Beware the 1 bedroom villas particularly. I'm not kidding.

Especially with a "Little Mouse" in the family, their spaciousness, the washer-dryer in the villa and that gorgeous full kitchen will hook you the first time you stay in one.

I know. We bought 200 more points to further enable our 1 bedroom fixation. And, we love it!

We are young so we try not to complain about walking but carrying a toddler is a different story. ha My wife had her first experience in a villa that was 2 bedrooms at BC and it was very nice. I like the laundry and kitchen space but value wise love what studios give us for now until we feel like we are forced to have more space. My wife use to be happy with Pop because she was in the parks all day everyday but I have shown her the "power" of just relaxing sometimes. She now understands and we have learned what rest days are all about! We have been around the Grand many times in different seasons and enjoy it. But we felt funny being so young like we were not part of the family there but I am past that now. Being a dad made me care a lot less about not fitting into the environment... but it would be nice to sneak into Enchanted Rose with our daughter and not fear a melt down as we grab a drink. It has been so much fun reliving these resorts with her though.

 

[DVacationer]

I am hoping Grand is a fun trip as we have done BLT, POLY, BC, BW, and SS. All were great in their own ways and sure the same is for Grand.

My family and I actually disliked the Grand when we’d visit a couple times (we were Poly & Wilderness Lodge lovers) but I once got an unbelievable rate to stay there so we did and from that trip on we fell in love with it. It felt like an extension of Mainstreet USA and the white/bright colors are easy on the eyes, with the victorian era music playing around the grounds.

You wake up in the morning and look out the balcony, bright clean white with red roofs and clear blue pool, the trees and gardens, it all accumulates to a wonderful feeling.

 

[hilltopper152]

My family and I actually disliked the Grand when we’d visit a couple times (we were Poly & Wilderness Lodge lovers) but I once got an unbelievable rate to stay there so we did and from that trip on we fell in love with it. It felt like an extension of Mainstreet USA and the white/bright colors are easy on the eyes, with the victorian era music playing around the grounds.

You wake up in the morning and look out the balcony, bright clean white with red roofs and clear blue pool, the trees and gardens, it all accumulates to a wonderful feeling.

I could see that and felt it was charming, Poly is relaxing and a vibe within itself, and contemporary felt like I was on a Disney park mission. I think grand will make us feel stuck in main street like you said.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

My family and I actually disliked the Grand when we’d visit a couple times (we were Poly & Wilderness Lodge lovers) but I once got an unbelievable rate to stay there so we did and from that trip on we fell in love with it. It felt like an extension of Mainstreet USA and the white/bright colors are easy on the eyes, with the victorian era music playing around the grounds.

You wake up in the morning and look out the balcony, bright clean white with red roofs and clear blue pool, the trees and gardens, it all accumulates to a wonderful feeling.

This is good to hear. I am going to be trying the resort studios next year, and most of our stays in the past have been poly and wilderness. It still hurts a little to know we are trying GF instead of going back to Poly this time, so I am glad to know you actually ended up enjoying the Grand. lol I am worried I will stare at the poly saying " I wish I was there " lol

 

[Her Dotness]

But we felt funny being so young like we were not part of the family there but I am past that now. Being a dad made me care a lot less about not fitting into the environment...

I think it's too bad that people so often say The Grand is where middle-aged and old people stay, which may put off young adults and younger families who might enjoy its amenities a great deal. Also, it's probably that rooms there are high-priced, so not many young families feel they want to or can spend that much.

We've seen quite a few couples with young kids there during our stays but not as many as at Poly or BRV/CCV, for instance.

That water play area is so cute that I keep saying it's not fair adults can't play on the slides, etc. I would! Reason enough to stay there, IMO, although there certainly are others.

 

[kanerf]

I really think the resort studio's should be fewer points though.

 

[hilltopper152]

I think it's too bad that people so often say The Grand is where middle-aged and old people stay, which may put off young adults and younger families who might enjoy its amenities a great deal. Also, it's probably that rooms there are high-priced, so not many young families feel they want to or can spend that much.

We've seen quite a few couples with young kids there during our stays but not as many as at Poly or BRV/CCV, for instance.

That water play area is so cute that I keep saying it's not fair adults can't play on the slides, etc. I would! Reason enough to stay there, IMO, although there certainly are others.

We used the pool when at Poly last time... walked over for a portion of the day and enjoyed it. Honestly find the pools more wide open as many of the adults are just sitting or tanning. The cash price is not good value there imo and there is a level of wealth there that can come off as pretentious but over time I have felt the stereotype is not warranted. I plan to book there in a couple days and excited to spend considerable time there. I think actually staying there will add to the "magic" feel the resort can offer.

 

[ZerasPride]

I really think the resort studio's should be fewer points though.

I agree. We added on to mostly stay in the resort studios when I go solo or for girls trips but I cannot shake the feeling the RS should be a few less points as well. But I will reserve judgment until I stay in one. They are so pretty so there is that!! My niece called them Disney Princess Rooms when I showed her pics.

I don't know if everyone has received the latest Disney files magazine yet but there is a nice side by side comparison complete with photos of both the DS and RS. I do not usually keep the magazine once I have read it but will definitely keep this one to refer to the comparison as needed.

 

[Sandisw]

I really think the resort studio's should be fewer points though.

With the addition of the microwave, it makes more sense now they are the same....for me, that was a big missing piece to have them priced the same.