HAVING A GRAND OLD TIME! The 2013 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ

[mickeynut1]

The vanity mirror is still there, I must have missed it in the pictures! It is on the bathroom wall adjacent to the entryway.

And yes, that is a folding luggage holder!

Glad to hear it's still there . And thanks for confirming about the luggage holder .

 

[HairyChest]

DisneyDreamingInMI how do you like the room yourself? How do you like the resort compared to the others

 

[DisneyDreamingInMI]

DisneyDreamingInMI how do you like the room yourself? How do you like the resort compared to the others

We love the room! To us, the colors and finishes make the room feel very luxurious, but calm and serene at the same time. It feels like a modern twist to a traditional style. My husband said it might be because it is similar to our own decorating style and reminds him of home. But since this is our first stay at the Grand, I don't have anything to compare it too!

We LOVE the resort compared to the others we have stayed at. The Grand is probably our new favorite. The level of service and friendliness of the staff is outstanding. The resort is beautiful and the amenities that we have used so far - pool and health club - are just wonderful. The views, layout of the resort, and level of service are the best we have experienced at Disney! I think you'll really love it! As I said to my husband shortly after we checked in, there is no going back now!!!!!

 

[Koh1977]

We love the room! To us, the colors and finishes make the room feel very luxurious, but calm and serene at the same time. It feels like a modern twist to a traditional style. My husband said it might be because it is similar to our own decorating style and reminds him of home. But since this is our first stay at the Grand, I don't have anything to compare it too! We LOVE the resort compared to the others we have stayed at. The Grand is probably our new favorite. The level of service and friendliness of the staff is outstanding. The resort is beautiful and the amenities that we have used so far - pool and health club - are just wonderful. The views, layout of the resort, and level of service are the best we have experienced at Disney! I think you'll really love it! As I said to my husband shortly after we checked in, there is no going back now!!!!!

Where else have you stayed? I loved the feel and decor of the BC but the convenience of the Poly couldn't be beat. I'm hoping the Grand somehow combines the things I love about both resorts in it's own way. . Also looking forward to having a marina/water view without paying extra!

Thanks again for all the pics! This will be our first stay at the grand as well, so nothing to compare it to IRL, but I do like the style as a whole. too bad about the chair, bench, and hamper though... :-/

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Mousemommy1]

Everyone is welcome for the pictures!

I'm glad I could help!

Just woke up to bathroom pictures!!! Thank you! You're the best!!!

 

[dad2bkcs]

Did online check in last night. After seeing pictures, my two requests were: Conch Key, upper level floor. Thanks for refurb pics!

 

[grannyminnie]

After having looked at all the pictures, I have to say I'm not a fan of the new decor. I agree with whoever said that they've removed the whimsy out of the room and made it more generic. And yes, the armoire looks cheap! I will also miss the benches.

I just don't get why the powers-that-be chose to eliminate the Disney touches~

 

[jecon]

Everyone is welcome for the pictures!

I'm glad I could help!

Thank you for the pics!

Still think I like the old rooms better but that may just be me. Also - the VGF decor and colors are much better. Oh well! Still beautiful.

 

[MommyGina]

Thanks for the pictures! By looking at them, it is not giving me the warm and fuzzy Grand Floridian feel as pictures I've seen in the past have. Maybe once I'm there, I'll feel differently.

So where are you leaving the wet towels? On the floor? Does the vanity area have carpet? Looks like a wood floor to me. I can't imagine leaving wet towels on carpet.

Hi Blue and k&a&c's mom

 

[grannyminnie]

Thank you for the pics!

Still think I like the old rooms better but that may just be me. Also - the VGF decor and colors are much better. Oh well! Still beautiful.

Nope, it's not just you!

 

[Lisann]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE PICTURES. MUCH APPRECIATED!

I like the new decor, and it's pretty, but I'm not sure how I feel about the jolt of brick red/red/coral. I'm sure, though, that in person it is very luxurious.

I think it is very pretty, but I still miss the theme tied in with a disney character. Mary Poppins? Alice in Wonderland? Something?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Oh, no! No hamper, gaaah! The loss of the bench and chair are bad enough, but no hamper... I had a feeling they were gone, as the wicker wouldn't fit in with the...well, I guess you can call it a theme. Rather loose one, to my mind, DD said it looks like an assignment for design students, with each in the group tasked with one element and no one sees anyone's work until the end.

mickeynut - couldn't agree more. I'm devastated, to be honest. I agree with you and Circusgirl and others, they seem to be taking all the Disney out of the resorts and making the rooms very generic.

And yes, way too dark!!! The light and airy rooms were the biggest charm, and quite in keeping with the Victorian design elements of pattern and romance. Color, too, for that matter, as the Victorians often had darker colors in their public rooms, but the bedrooms DID look very Laura Ashley, as someone put it. Light, with lots of pattern, especially floral. I was so hoping for something floral and romantic, light, airy luxury.

I thought they would try to compete with the new Four Seasons Orlando, which is on property and set to open in August of this year. Maybe they are, but this won't cut it. FS puts a lot of thought into their design, I don't always like the palette or the emphasis on retro mod, but their attention to detail is amazing. For anyone wondering, here are their new rooms, scroll through for more views.

DisneyDreamingInMI - thanks so much for all the photos, and taking the time to answer questions. Sorry they weren't met with squeals of joy from many of us - I hope that doesn't detract from your enjoyment of the rooms and resort.

Do you mind if I post a couple of these on the first page, so anyone looking there can see what the new rooms look like?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Nope, it's not just you!

This made me laugh out loud!

 

[Figment1990]

Mind if I jump into the décor commentary? It's been a while since I've posted here,. I've been mostly focused on the run part of my upcoming vacation and hanging out on the WISH boards with other "princesses." Anyhow - I am not thrilled with the new décor either. Unlike the new décor of the Poly, which I absolutely adore, I'm not digging this. I don't mind the red and blue and tan combo so much, but I will miss the lighter "rose" color. To me, that blue/rose/yellow/tan combo was one of my favorite things of the Grand. I wonder what the carpet land walls look like in the hallway.

A lot of the old décor I would probably not pick out for my house either - the chair, the wallpaper in the bathrooms, etc. But I will miss those Disney characters in the wall paper - DS loved that. And I much preferred the old dresser and I can't believe there's NO Nesting Table!!!! That was one of my favorite parts of the Grand rooms. So useful! A little touch, but still made my life easier. The new one looks quite.... not impressive. I agree I don't like the sconces or mirror from first impression.

Overall though, I will wait and reserve final judgment until we see it in person in a few weeks (if we get a new room).

I do LOVE the VGF décor though. Wish they had gone that direction.

 

[JoBird]

DisneyDreamingInMI-- Thank you so much for taking the time to post the pictures. It's time consuming and we all appreciate it so much that you'd do it for us while on your vacation.






Now I shall say how I feel. Thanks to k&a&c'smom for saying she is devastated---- because that's just about how I feel. And I feel like such a brat but the renovations are just so----- cheap looking. To me it looks like a run of the mill Marriott property if I'm being honest. Where is the plushness that the Grand should exude? It's their Flagship Resort, it shouldn't be stripped down, and frankly, it is.

None of the furniture seems to go together. It's just sort of a mish-mash of stuff and the modern silver embellishments does not go with it. Even the GF on the pillows is gold; the GF emblem has ALWAYS been gold. The silver looks out of place and modern-ish in what should be a gilt Victorian setting.

It's just honestly really disappointing to see. What they have done to the Grand is simply…. Not GRAND.

 

[bama belle]

DisneyDreamingInMI-- Thank you so much for taking the time to post the pictures. It's time consuming and we all appreciate it so much that you'd do it for us while on your vacation. Now I shall say how I feel. Thanks to k&a&c'smom for saying she is devastated---- because that's just about how I feel. And I feel like such a brat but the renovations are just so----- cheap looking. To me it looks like a run of the mill Marriott property if I'm being honest. Where is the plushness that the Grand should exude? It's their Flagship Resort, it shouldn't be stripped down, and frankly, it is. None of the furniture seems to go together. It's just sort of a mish-mash of stuff and the modern silver embellishments does not go with it. Even the GF on the pillows is gold; the GF emblem has ALWAYS been gold. The silver looks out of place and modern-ish in what should be a gilt Victorian setting. It's just honestly really disappointing to see. What they have done to the Grand is simply…. Not GRAND.

So thankful for the pictures!

I too noticed the gold/silver clash. I've never stayed at the GF and am definitely looking forward to a newly refurbished room in June, but it sounds like I'll be missing out on some of the small unique touches that used to be there
For some silly reason, I was really excited about that hamper!

 

[Mousemommy1]

While no one has ever accused me of having good taste, I am starting to think I must have really horrible taste now, lol!

I do feel terrible for the Grand lovers that don't like the refurb though.

 

[JoBird]

While no one has ever accused me of having good taste, I am starting to think I must have really horrible taste now, lol!

I do feel terrible for the Grand lovers that don't like the refurb though.

awww, NO!!!

Your taste is perfectly fine!

I have a lot of things going against me for how I feel about the changes. First of all, I don't adapt to change easily. My first reaction is always to not like it and be slow to warm up- that goes for anything!!

The second is that I grew up with a mother who was an antiques dealer who specialized in Victorian Furniture. From the time I was two I slept in a massive 1800's Mahogany Four Poster bed with all the trimmings and curtains and tie backs. So I am really hard to please when it comes to what is considered "Victorian". And while the last refurb wasn't truly Victorian, it wasn't modern and that's how I feel they are taking the rooms with this latest change. Victorian was overstuffed, and ornate and luxurious and splendid-- it was borderline tacky!

This is more sleek and I'm not sure what look they are going for with it.
In another Hotel it works, but they classify it as a "Victorian" hotel and with the change, it isn't.

It just doesn't suit me, but I know that there are tons of people that will love it.

 

[BC1836]

Although seeing the new rooms in person is the best way to assess the new decor, it appears that the refurbishment has fallen short of our expectations.

The debate over its new look has concentrated just on the room. That's not enough. All the reasons mentioned by those who approve of the new decor are valid; however, the new look doesn't add to the Disney experience. Unlike the former decor, guests knew they were in a room that reflected the architecture, design and decor of the building, a structure modeled after a late 19th century/early 20th century Victorian beach resort (for example, the look of Hotel del Coronado). But the new rooms have been essentially decorated in isolation, save a wall hanging or two. A more elegant look? Certainly. A room that reflects the "magic?" Unfortunately, not. Ironically, the new rooms' look would be more appropriate for the Contemporary.

No matter, though: we'll be back for our 26th stay in April.

All the best.

 

[pas130]

To all that love the refurb That is fantabulous! And I hope none of my grumpy comments have offended or will offend. It's that I expected similar to VGF décor. The Grand should be luxurious...BUT I prefer more whimsy. The Grand makes you feel like royalty, now it's a room. Again JMHO, I felt similar about the Poly refurb. I didn't love the old décor, but it felt Poly (if that makes sense).

That said, the rooms are less Victorian so maybe my DH won't kill me for CHANGING OUR RESERVATION TO THE GRAND

Thanks for the pictures! By looking at them, it is not giving me the warm and fuzzy Grand Floridian feel as pictures I've seen in the past have. Maybe once I'm there, I'll feel differently.

So where are you leaving the wet towels? On the floor? Does the vanity area have carpet? Looks like a wood floor to me. I can't imagine leaving wet towels on carpet.

The hamper was the best!!!!! I feel like once I am there, it won't matter we will be swimming or chilling on the balcony

Oh, no! No hamper, gaaah! The loss of the bench and chair are bad enough, but no hamper... I had a feeling they were gone, as the wicker wouldn't fit in with the...well, I guess you can call it a theme. Rather loose one, to my mind, DD said it looks like an assignment for design students, with each in the group tasked with one element and no one sees anyone's work until the end.

mickeynut - couldn't agree more. I'm devastated, to be honest. I agree with you and Circusgirl and others, they seem to be taking all the Disney out of the resorts and making the rooms very generic.

And yes, way too dark!!! The light and airy rooms were the biggest charm, and quite in keeping with the Victorian design elements of pattern and romance. Color, too, for that matter, as the Victorians often had darker colors in their public rooms, but the bedrooms DID look very Laura Ashley, as someone put it. Light, with lots of pattern, especially floral. I was so hoping for something floral and romantic, light, airy luxury.

I thought they would try to compete with the new Four Seasons Orlando, which is on property and set to open in August of this year. Maybe they are, but this won't cut it. FS puts a lot of thought into their design, I don't always like the palette or the emphasis on retro mod, but their attention to detail is amazing. For anyone wondering, here are their new rooms, scroll through for more views.

DisneyDreamingInMI - thanks so much for all the photos, and taking the time to answer questions. Sorry they weren't met with squeals of joy from many of us - I hope that doesn't detract from your enjoyment of the rooms and resort.

Do you mind if I post a couple of these on the first page, so anyone looking there can see what the new rooms look like?

Of course I emailed my TA before seeing the pics...BUT it's the resort I love. So it's all good. My heart sunk when I saw the pictures, but I know when we pull up to the Grand this August all the butterflies will return and I'll be at my happy place

DisneyDreamingInMI-- Thank you so much for taking the time to post the pictures. It's time consuming and we all appreciate it so much that you'd do it for us while on your vacation.






Now I shall say how I feel. Thanks to k&a&c'smom for saying she is devastated---- because that's just about how I feel. And I feel like such a brat but the renovations are just so----- cheap looking. To me it looks like a run of the mill Marriott property if I'm being honest. Where is the plushness that the Grand should exude? It's their Flagship Resort, it shouldn't be stripped down, and frankly, it is.

None of the furniture seems to go together. It's just sort of a mish-mash of stuff and the modern silver embellishments does not go with it. Even the GF on the pillows is gold; the GF emblem has ALWAYS been gold. The silver looks out of place and modern-ish in what should be a gilt Victorian setting.

It's just honestly really disappointing to see. What they have done to the Grand is simply…. Not GRAND.

I couldn't agree more

My DD isn't very happy, she said we'll have to stay at YC or AKL more now. Or, club level, as we will be out in the lounge as much as in the room. What a sacrifice!

My daughters are not happy the pink couch is gone, they said it's not a castle anymore BUT when looking at the grounds, and pool pics..they (and me) decided we would rather give up BC CL to stay at a non-CL GF room. So there you have it! I thought about saving up to do CL, but we have so much we want to experience this trip...CRT, Fantasmic, Illuminations...we will miss evening and dessert offerings. No one will want to leave the pool for afternoon snacks. And cereal and fruit in the morning...I'll pick that stuff up at Publix easy peasy...wait, who is this sensible person... I got that great TA rate and the less I spend on vacation the less hours I have to work to pay for it

mickeynutYour quote disappeared I am with you, my first experience at GF was 2011, and I LOVED the décor, time to insert at HRH pic...she's so little

Everyone is welcome for the pictures!

I'm glad I could help!

You are awesome for taking time out to share those pics. Thanks again!

Thanks, I will PM you. Everyone has been so kind, as I knew they would be - I just hated to post until I had some good news to share.

LOL - I think you are right, everyone was afraid we would try to tag along.

Good luck with your August trip, it's hard to resist the Grand!

I should have never tried to resist....

Hi. I just booked a theme park view room in the main building for my 40th birthday this summer.
We MAY be doing a three night cruise prior to our stay at the Grand. (Disney Dream). Would we get to the resort by the afternoon to make a 1/2 day cabana rental worthwhile?

Also, how is the main building? We have stayed at the WL club level. Love the convenience....especially for breakfast.

Would love opinions.
Thanks!

Happy 40th (mine is in August) The GF offerings are very expansive. WL CL is fantastic, and so is GF