Hidden Nuances of Grand Floridian

[hopeful4fl]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have visited GF just once for dinner at the V&A earlier this year, but this next trip will be staying there. There are some things that we are aware of (Pool and beach area, Narcoosee's, Citricos, V&A) and have heard of things like live music, etc. (but do not know the times)
Could I please request people who are intimately familiar with the GF to give some tips (our trip will be in Jan) for enjoying some of the hidden gems of the resort?
There will be 5 Adults and 2 kids (Ages 5 yrs and infant).
Thanks in advance and just to let you know, I am already doing my happy dance

 

[DVC Doctor]

The Grand Floridian Cafe is an awesome place for lunch

The Mizner bar at night is a great hidden pub behind the live band on the second floor

You can try free hand soap scrubs in the soap shop on the second floor

The chocolate crown dessert at Citricos is awesome

There are not that many lounge chairs near the sand of the lake, but it is a nice place to relax

There is a great piano player at night in the main lobby

The Gingerbread house may still be there in early January

 

[DenLo]

Gasperillas island Grille is sort of hidden as it can only be reached from the outside of the main building on the northwest side. There is a nice view of the castle at MK from the outside seating area. It would be a wonderful place to watch the fireworks.

There two shops in GF. The one on the first floor has a small number of groceries. The shop on the second floor only has souvenirs, although it is a nice place to shop.

There is a Publix north of the MK area off Reams Rd. that you reach by driving through the back areas on MK via World Drive and Center Road. The front desk folks at VGF will give you directions.

The fastest walk to the GF monorail station is through the beach pool area and kiddie splash area through the side doors of GF's main building. Then it is up the stairs to the second floor. There is a small elevator there that is often dominated by strollers. You can also use the room elevators across the lobby to get the second level. The higher floors require a KTTW entry.

Narcoosees Restaurant has great food and a nice view of the lake and castle. It is at the opposite end of the resort but not much different than walking from the standard view end of Boardwalk out to the restaurants on the Boardwalk except you have a constant view.

The ferry from GF is shared with the Poly so you cannot always get onboard because there are so many Poly guests onboard from MK returning to their resort. Disney needs to rethink the sharing of such a small ferry between the two resorts during busy seasons IMO. However, VGF is about 5 - 8 minutes walk to the Poly Ferry dock.

 

[disneynutz]

There is a tea and a child parade at the resort, don't know anything about them maybe someone else can help.

The boat dock at the GF has rentals and specialty cruses.

Bill

 

[hopeful4fl]

Thanks for the replies.

What time does the Piano player start/end?

I glanced at the shops prior to our dinner this past Jan. Anything unique/special (the Soap shop sounds like it is and should have cool souvenirs).

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks for the replies.

What time does the Piano player start/end?

I glanced at the shops prior to our dinner this past Jan. Anything unique/special (the Soap shop sounds like it is and should have cool souvenirs).

I would check the daily schedule or talk to a CM at concierge for the current schedule. The hours change with the seasons.

Bill

 

[Greg K.]

Years ago, you used to be able to see the "Floridian Ladies" heading to work every morning around 8 o'clock. These are the housekeepers, in their peach-colored uniforms, twirling their parasols as they fan out to different buildings. Don't know if they still do that, but it was something special.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for brides. The GF is hugely popular for weddings, and it seems they have them almost every day. (Many of them, curiously, are Asian.) Very often, they will hire Mickey and Minnie to attend, so you may see them wandering through the lobby, too.

 

[rlovew]

The piano player trades off with a small orchestra at nights playing, each playing for about an hour and then the other plays- I believe it starts by 5 and goes as late as 10 when we last stayed there but as mentioned earlier check with concierge or your times guide.

They do nightly movies at the GF beach like many of the other resorts.