New Blog: A Step Inside the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

[*NikkiBell*]

Take a look at the new Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa by clicking below! Full details and over 20 pictures included! It'll leave you saying, "Isn't life grand?"

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2013/07/14/a-step-inside-the-villas-at-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-spa/

 

[OKW Lover]

Enjoyed the review. I know this was based on the model units (obvious since the resort wasn't open yet) and it does look nice.

In the review there is an overview of the entire GF/VGF site but I couldn't tell if there is any kind of sheltered walkway between the GF main building and the VGF building. Thinking that might be important during the typical FL rain storms. Also, it looks like self parking is minimal at VGF - right?

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Enjoyed the review. I know this was based on the model units (obvious since the resort wasn't open yet) and it does look nice.

In the review there is an overview of the entire GF/VGF site but I couldn't tell if there is any kind of sheltered walkway between the GF main building and the VGF building. Thinking that might be important during the typical FL rain storms. Also, it looks like self parking is minimal at VGF - right?

It's my understanding that the walkway will have a roof over it to shelter from the weather. You can actually see it on the map as a brownish trail leading from one building to the other. As far as parking goes, I was told that there will be parking very close to the units, but I don't have any other information.

 

[librarygeek]

I got to visit the model rooms on my last trip, I think they are just gorgeous! I really love the pull down beds and the lovely artwork hiding in there.

 

[OKW Lover]

Thanks Nikki. I do see that brown-ish trail. I'm hoping its more than just a canopy though since those afternoon thunderstorms tend to be accompanied by sideways rain.

 

[wdwscout]

Oooh- they look very nice! Better than I imagined.

I have stayed in a couple of the larger units (at Grand Californian, Bay Lake and Animal Kingdom Lodge) and we like the use of space is much better. We especially like the addition of a 2nd bathroom in the 1 bedroom units. But am I missing something- do these units have the 2nd full bath in the 1 bedrooms?

I suspect the walkway will just be covered and not enclosed- as it is at the Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club. Still a covering is better than nothing. This walk though, is much longer than at the other resorts.

The Grand is the only deluxe we have not stayed in. It's never been high on our list, and just about the time we were ready to book there- we started doing Disapalooza and couldn't beat the special pricing at the Swolphin! So, these new villas may be the way we finally get to stay at the Grand Flo!!

Looking forward to it! Thanks for the review Nikki!

 

[OKW Lover]

I suspect the walkway will just be covered and not enclosed- as it is at the Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club. Still a covering is better than nothing. This walk though, is much longer than at the other resorts.

Probably right Linda. I hope its the broader covered walkway like at WL/VWL than what goes between the Swan and Dolphin though.

 

[wiigirl]

Great review!

 

[MrsScroogeMcDuck]

Gorgeous! I would never want to leave!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Oooh- they look very nice! Better than I imagined.

I have stayed in a couple of the larger units (at Grand Californian, Bay Lake and Animal Kingdom Lodge) and we like the use of space is much better. We especially like the addition of a 2nd bathroom in the 1 bedroom units. But am I missing something- do these units have the 2nd full bath in the 1 bedrooms?

Technically, the 1 BRs at VGF only have "one" bathroom, but, like in the studio, it's broken up into two sections: one with a toilet, walk-in shower, and sink/vanity and the other with the freestanding tub and sink/vanity. They both have doors on them and are separate rooms next to one another. Essentially then, you have two bathrooms with this configuration. The 2BRs have two of these which makes it four separate rooms.

 

[wdwscout]

Technically, the 1 BRs at VGF only have "one" bathroom, but, like in the studio, it's broken up into two sections: one with a toilet, walk-in shower, and sink/vanity and the other with the freestanding tub and sink/vanity. They both have doors on them and are separate rooms next to one another. Essentially then, you have two bathrooms with this configuration. The 2BRs have two of these which makes it four separate rooms.

The previous configuration (at OKW, Boardwalk, Beach Club, WL, Saratoga) was already a split bath- the toilet, shower and sink in one room and a sink and jacuzzi in the other. With all the doors it's just confusing. Sounds like they went back to the old design instead of keeping their improved version.

What was great about the addition of another "real" bathroom in the newer villas was that if you had 2 couple staying in a 1 bed- they each had a bathroom of their own.

That part is kind of disappointing. But we will still try them out!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

The previous configuration (at OKW, Boardwalk, Beach Club, WL, Saratoga) was already a split bath- the toilet, shower and sink in one room and a sink and jacuzzi in the other. With all the doors it's just confusing. Sounds like they went back to the old design instead of keeping their improved version.

What was great about the addition of another "real" bathroom in the newer villas was that if you had 2 couple staying in a 1 bed- they each had a bathroom of their own.

That part is kind of disappointing. But we will still try them out!

Interesting. I've only stayed in multi-bedroom units at AKLV and OKW, but don't remember it very well. I remember at OKW there was the jacuzzi tub and sink in one room and the toilet, shower, and sink in the other but they were connected through the doors. I'm not seeing the difference at VGF though with the exception of the 3BR. There's two separate doors - one from the master bedroom and the other from the hallway. That is close to what I remember from OKW. At AKLV, I vaguely remember two separate rooms that weren't connected by doors. Is that what you were referring to?

 

[wdwscout]

Yep- AKLV (Kidani) has 2 full baths in the 1 bedroom (so does Grand Californian and Bay Lake). One has the jacuzzi and a stall shower and the other (off the living room) has a tub/shower combo (like a regular hotel room).
We thought that was a great improvement in the newer villas. Especially when you have have up to 5 people- that extra bathroom is really nice.

So that's why I am surprised that they are returning to the "old" version here.

I will say that the split bath in the studio is a nice touch though! Adding a shower stall in the studio is a great idea- and adds a level of distinction from a "regular hotel room."

 

[Dreams0308]

WOW This looks awesome!!! Also the MEDIA ROOM with a home entertainment system in the Grand Villa!!! Amazing!