When did Grand Floridian open?

[Disney loving Iowan]

DH and I were having a discussion yesterday about the WDW resorts and when they were built. My DH thinks that the GF was the 3rd resort (not including the ones around Disney Village/DTD). I think it is newer than that. Does anyone know where we could find a listing of when the different resorts were opened? Or could someone at least tell us when GF opened?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

It opened on June 28, 1988.

Plus here is an intresting fact I found. When it opened it was called the Grand Floridian Beach Resort and during the fall of 1997 it's name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As for a list of all of Resort openings, on this Wikipedia link it lists when all the regular WDW Resorts were opened and the DVC Resorts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

It opened on June 28, 1988.

Plus here is an intresting fact I found. When it opened it was called the Grand Floridian Beach Resort and during the fall of 1997 it's name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As for a list of all of WDW openings, I found a list on Wikipedia that has all the Theme Parks and Resorts in a timeline of the years they opened. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World

Thanks for the quick reply!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You're welcome.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

It opened on June 28, 1988.

Plus here is an intresting fact I found. When it opened it was called the Grand Floridian Beach Resort and during the fall of 1997 it's name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As for a list of all of Resort openings, on this Wikipedia link it lists when all the regular WDW Resorts were opened and the DVC Resorts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World

Just checked out that website. It was very helpful! Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just checked out that website. It was very helpful! Thanks!

Once again you're welcome.

 

[sotoalf]

I always like threads devoted to WDW's early days. It's difficult to remember that there was a time when WDW wasn't divided into theme park/resort locations. With the exception of the Disney Village Resort, all Disney resorts were in the MK area. The Contemporary was the unofficial flagship resort. Since WDW offered fewer rooms, fewer guests could find rooms -- it wasn't uncommon then to get put on a waiting list for a room at the Contemporary, Polynesian, or the Golf Resort/Disney Inn. I was too young then, but if I recall correctly, resort restaurants were quite adventurous with cuisine.

 

[johnsonet]

I remember going on my senior trip in high school in April of '88 to WDW. My friends and I were on the monorail to MK and saw the GF, which was nearing completion. I was in awe of how gorgeous it was. My family had stayed twice at the Contemporary already and I'd LOVED it but the GF was a girl's fairytale of a hotel. I remember telling my friends that I couldn't WAIT to stay at the GF one day. I got my first chance in 1994 and have been going back ever since. It really is a beautiful place in a very Magical setting

 

[paras4ri]

I have a picture taken from the Poly beach while on our honeymoon in 1986 with the land for the GF being cleared in the background.

 

[DisneyFan83]

I wasn't sure exactly when GF opened, but I knew it was around in the late 80's early 90's because that's where they stay on Full House when they go to Disney World!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I would love to stay there one day. I think we will do the photo shoot there on our next trip. Of all the times I have been to WDW we have never explored GF.