(2014-2020) Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA + VILLAS Information & Questions

[mickeynut1]

11 days until we check in...

Have a great time!

My first stay at the Grand Floridian is coming up in a few months! Me and my bf are going for 6 nights to celebrate my birthday. We originally booked the Contemporary but I changed it because I just really really wanted to say in the GF, only downside is at the Contemporary we were in main building and the GF only had an outer building room without doubling the price. How are the outer buildings and are they close to the main one? I'm sure it will still be wonderful, just looking for reassurance.

As others have said, the GF isn't that big/spread out, so nothing is a long walk. Some outer buildings are closer to the main areas than others, but none of them are far away. The GF is a beautiful resort no matter which outer building you are in, IMO. Enjoy the planning. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy the GF .

be there saturday for 8 nights. cant wait!

Have a great trip!

We have heard that Boca Chica is a good building.

I think anywhere at the GF is nice, but Boca Chica is one of my favorite outer buildings as it overlooks the courtyard pool and is just a few steps from the main building .

Thank you all for the reassurances. I know I'll enjoy being close to the main lobby because it's such a nice place to hang out in. But I've never really walked around the grounds of the GF so I'll have to make sure to take time to do that.

Definitely take some time to walk around. The GF is beautiful and I find it nice to sometimes just sit and take in the beautiful surroundings .

 

[gulliesmom]

Can you walk to MK from the GF?

 

[dina7]

Can you walk to MK from the GF?

No you can't...monorail or boat only

 

[HappyMomma]

They were working on it last week when we were there.

Thank you! I'm so glad. I was sweating it. Hopefully they'll stay on time.

 

[HappyMomma]

I check in there on Friday if have any pic requests.

If you end up on an upper floor can you please post a room view pic?

 

[gulliesmom]

For you veteran GF people, what are some "must do's/must see's" at GF? We will be there the week of Thanksgiving 11/20-11/26. I am counting down the days. This is a special trip. My DH is not a "Disney" guy, but my father unexpectedly passed away in November and I had always wanted to do a Disney trip with him and the kids together. DH wanted to make a Disney trip happen anyway, to do something special for the kids, as our travel dates will overlap the one year anniversary of his passing. I chose the GF for how "grand" it looks, the location, and just the overall feeling of extra special. I know it is a super busy week to do WDW, but it is what it is. In the past I have stayed at AK and YC, which were wonderful in their own special way. Anyway, if you have any tips specific to the GF, I would appreciate it. We have booked Outer Building Theme Park View. My kids will be 13 and 11 when we travel. My 13 year old loves sports, fishing, arcades...hoping to do stuff around the resorts as well

 

[Rob Troxel]

Do the rooms have full balconies and a Day bed?

Yes for sure on the balconies with the exception of the dormer rooms. In the dormer rooms you still have a walkout area with chairs which we always found to be adequte for watching over the grounds plus you are on the top floor. I believe there are also day beds in all rooms but I will defer to anyone staying there recently.

 

[Rob Troxel]

For you veteran GF people, what are some "must do's/must see's" at GF? We will be there the week of Thanksgiving 11/20-11/26. I am counting down the days. This is a special trip. My DH is not a "Disney" guy, but my father unexpectedly passed away in November and I had always wanted to do a Disney trip with him and the kids together. DH wanted to make a Disney trip happen anyway, to do something special for the kids, as our travel dates will overlap the one year anniversary of his passing. I chose the GF for how "grand" it looks, the location, and just the overall feeling of extra special. I know it is a super busy week to do WDW, but it is what it is. In the past I have stayed at AK and YC, which were wonderful in their own special way. Anyway, if you have any tips specific to the GF, I would appreciate it. We have booked Outer Building Theme Park View. My kids will be 13 and 11 when we travel. My 13 year old loves sports, fishing, arcades...hoping to do stuff around the resorts as well

Sorry to hear of your loss. You will be there at a special time and I like your comment "It is what it is". My family and I have been regular guests of the Grand Floridian since its opening in 1988 and I can tell you it never gets old. One idea is to ask at the front desk to see if they will give you a tour of the building and grounds. (Tell them you want to understand better the room offerings and views for another trip) Certainly worth a tip to the cast member who escorts you so you can view various buildings and the resturants. They can tell you where best to be during fireworks and other events at the property. We always liked the boat rentals there for a fun day at the resort. It is also my understanding there is a walking path to the Magic Kingdom from the GF. Don't forget to take the boat home from the MK to the GF. A one stop trip! There is also a walking path to the Polynesian from the GF. A far better way to get there than the monorail.
Inside the GF you will be amazed by the "Curier & Ives" type of holiday decorations as well as the bands there. Take the grand staircase to the 2nd level and enjoy the happenings in the lobby. As mentioned by others, the trip is great if you never set foot in any of the parks. One final thought. We often lobby hop to the Wilderness lodge to enjoy the rustic ambiance and the fine food there though I believe the best way to get there is by boat from the MK via the Contemporary hotel. Don't forget to let us know what you do .

 

[trishadono]

If you end up on an upper floor can you please post a room view pic?

 

[Sue M]

So jealous! Have a great time.

 

[trishadono]

So jealous! Have a great time.

I talked to Mom today, she loved loved her RPC stay last month. I was worried it might be too fancy but the staff was so kind to her. The cm at the bar area made cute little turtles from the champagne caps/top thingy. She loved em so much he made her a few.

This trip with my kids I am looking forward to. At these ages I know my days are numbered.......

Ahhh this time tomorrow I shall arrive...And walk behind and follow my kids shoulder to shoulder squabbling as to which ride is next just like when they were little.

 

[Sue M]

I talked to Mom today, she loved loved her RPC stay last month. I was worried it might be too fancy but the staff was so kind to her. The cm at the bar area made cute little turtles from the champagne caps/top thingy. She loved em so much he made her a few.

This trip with my kids I am looking forward to. At these ages I know my days are numbered.......

Ahhh this time tomorrow I shall arrive...And walk behind and follow my kids shoulder to shoulder squabbling as to which ride is next just like when they were little.

Yes, once they join the “real world” it gets harder. I still am able to get some trips with Katie. Although she may have to leave earlier than us, WDW makes it easy with DME.
Mine still squabble to, with placement of “their” ornament on the Christmas Tree, lol. They each have a First Christmas ornament and squabble trying to get theirs closest to the top
Glad your mom enjoyed RPC!

 

[PrincessHeather92]

Hey everyone!

We just booked our first ever stay at GF and are incredibly excited. We booked a lagoon view to save some money in relation to a theme park view. While not a deal breaker, obviously, we would like to have partial views of the park and fireworks. Anyone know if there is a way to make a request that would have the best opportunity of being fulfilled? Should I right out ask for a partial theme park view or request a certain building?

Thanks for any input!

 

[LMO429]

Is the monorail on a modified schedule?

Can anyone post a recent timesguide?

Have to admit I’m a little nervous about our May stay. Our last trip at the grand was October 2015 and the monorail was on a modified schedule and it was a monster headache

I’m considering switching resorts because of this.

What has your experience been recently. We love the grand and I was so exited about staying again just so unsure what to do.

Wish they used the bigger boats like wilderness lodge does I have to say it was a pleasure using that boat. The boat the grand uses is just so tiny and not having to fold up the stroller for the wl was a pleasure too so unsure what to do now any input appreciated

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Is the monorail on a modified schedule?

Can anyone post a recent timesguide?

Have to admit I’m a little nervous about our May stay. Our last trip at the grand was October 2015 and the monorail was on a modified schedule and it was a monster headache

I’m considering switching resorts because of this.

What has your experience been recently. We love the grand and I was so exited about staying again just so unsure what to do.

Wish they used the bigger boats like wilderness lodge does I have to say it was a pleasure using that boat. The boat the grand uses is just so tiny and not having to fold up the stroller for the wl was a pleasure too so unsure what to do now any input appreciated

No, no modified schedules like a few years ago. Here's a link to the this week's Times Guide that has monorail hours: http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/p/weekly-walt-disney-world-times-guides.html

The only "odd" time on this particular week is the 9AM start on Monday for the Epcot line.

Overall hours have been pretty normal lately.

I did see the "bigger boat" used a 'few' of times during 2017. We rode it one night in April from MK to GF and I saw it again around NYE. Definitely wasn't common though.

 

[grannyminnie]

I talked to Mom today, she loved loved her RPC stay last month. I was worried it might be too fancy but the staff was so kind to her. The cm at the bar area made cute little turtles from the champagne caps/top thingy. She loved em so much he made her a few.

This trip with my kids I am looking forward to. At these ages I know my days are numbered.......

Ahhh this time tomorrow I shall arrive...And walk behind and follow my kids shoulder to shoulder squabbling as to which ride is next just like when they were little.

Hi Trish! Have a Grand visit! I'm jealous too! (hi Sue!).

 

[Rob Troxel]

Hey everyone!

We just booked our first ever stay at GF and are incredibly excited. We booked a lagoon view to save some money in relation to a theme park view. While not a deal breaker, obviously, we would like to have partial views of the park and fireworks. Anyone know if there is a way to make a request that would have the best opportunity of being fulfilled? Should I right out ask for a partial theme park view or request a certain building?

Thanks for any input!

Depending on the building, like say Conch Key, you are looking at the monorail with a lagoon view. Better to be on the courtyrd side at Conch Key. You might study the Disney app which give you access to the layouts of each building so you know just what to ask for. If you can - search for another app that actually gives you views from each room by room number! Sorry I can't find it right now. At GF you are really choosing from great and outstanding.

 

[Rob Troxel]

Well all of our days are numbered but you certainly have the right idea Grannie! You can't take it with you except for the great memories you are now sharing with your family.

 

[trishadono]

Hi Trish! Have a Grand visit! I'm jealous too! (hi Sue!).

Thanks!

On plane and land within the hour

 

[trishadono]

For you veteran GF people, what are some "must do's/must see's" at GF? We will be there the week of Thanksgiving 11/20-11/26. I am counting down the days. This is a special trip. My DH is not a "Disney" guy, but my father unexpectedly passed away in November and I had always wanted to do a Disney trip with him and the kids together. DH wanted to make a Disney trip happen anyway, to do something special for the kids, as our travel dates will overlap the one year anniversary of his passing. I chose the GF for how "grand" it looks, the location, and just the overall feeling of extra special. I know it is a super busy week to do WDW, but it is what it is. In the past I have stayed at AK and YC, which were wonderful in their own special way. Anyway, if you have any tips specific to the GF, I would appreciate it. We have booked Outer Building Theme Park View. My kids will be 13 and 11 when we travel. My 13 year old loves sports, fishing, arcades...hoping to do stuff around the resorts as well

Sorry I missed your post and sorry for your loss. I lost my dad last year which is why I took my mom in December .

We loved the Grand. It's so beautiful and a great place for all ages.

I do remember at those ages my kids liked to rent a mouse boat . My dh took ds out on the water .

It's fun to boat from gf past cr to bay lake. There are lots of activities listed on disney site. You'd be surprised all they have like horseback riding at FW.

Family time at Disney is a great way to spend time, Happy planning.