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

[mickeynut1]

Just got back to reality after a great week in SL, room 6419. It was a nice marina view room which I had requested. Dormer and liked the high ceilings. I definitely know what everyone means when they talk about the "feel" of the GF being so special. It just has a much more "resort" feel to it than the other Deluxes we have stayed at (AKL, BC). We really enjoyed the Club Level access, made a huge difference in being able to grab breakfast every day, snacks, and we even made dinner out of it for two nights which was great. Sadly, we did not try any of the hotel restaurants, other than Gasparilla's, just too many other things going on. We loved how easy the boat launch and monorail were, and we lucked out with busses that arrived quickly and not full, which I know is not always the case. I enjoyed walking to the Poly to grab a Dole whip one evening for dessert. The four of us rented two searay boats which was a lot of fun. It was great watching the fireworks from the dock as well.

I would say the only "negatives" we that we got a text while on the DME that our room was ready. I stopped in the front to ask if we can go to the room and he said yes, go right over. There was no offer to help us or send a golf cart or anything and we had to locate the building on our own. That was a little disappointing since I assumed staying CL we would get escorted to the room.

The other thing is totally NOT a GF issue, but a parenting issue. The number of kids who walked around the club lounge and touched the food with their bare hands made me not want to eat it. One little boy, about 6 put his entire palm onto the platter of sliced turkey and started squeezing it- gross. I saw a lot of little ones picking stuff up and putting it back, etc. Very little supervision from the parents. I was also hugely turned off by the number of guests who would come into the lounge in there PJs for breakfast. Messy hair, tank tops and little shorts, barefoot...just not what I want to see as I am sitting enjoying my breakfast. Lots of people coming from the pool soaking wet in a bathing suit, no shoes, no coverup also a huge turn off. I just wish the hotel would have a sign and have the staff who stay at the podium in the entryway tell people they need to be clothed to enter. Makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Overall, I loved the resort and would go back in heartbeat. My two kids (11,13) want to try Yacht Club for our next trip. We shall see if they can convince me

Thanks for your review. Aside from the lounge issues with the kids and people in swimsuits soaking wet, etc, glad you had a great time and enjoyed the GF .

 

[Rob Troxel]

Just got back to reality after a great week in SL, room 6419. It was a nice marina view room which I had requested. Dormer and liked the high ceilings. I definitely know what everyone means when they talk about the "feel" of the GF being so special. It just has a much more "resort" feel to it than the other Deluxes we have stayed at (AKL, BC). We really enjoyed the Club Level access, made a huge difference in being able to grab breakfast every day, snacks, and we even made dinner out of it for two nights which was great. Sadly, we did not try any of the hotel restaurants, other than Gasparilla's, just too many other things going on. We loved how easy the boat launch and monorail were, and we lucked out with busses that arrived quickly and not full, which I know is not always the case. I enjoyed walking to the Poly to grab a Dole whip one evening for dessert. The four of us rented two searay boats which was a lot of fun. It was great watching the fireworks from the dock as well.

I would say the only "negatives" we that we got a text while on the DME that our room was ready. I stopped in the front to ask if we can go to the room and he said yes, go right over. There was no offer to help us or send a golf cart or anything and we had to locate the building on our own. That was a little disappointing since I assumed staying CL we would get escorted to the room.

The other thing is totally NOT a GF issue, but a parenting issue. The number of kids who walked around the club lounge and touched the food with their bare hands made me not want to eat it. One little boy, about 6 put his entire palm onto the platter of sliced turkey and started squeezing it- gross. I saw a lot of little ones picking stuff up and putting it back, etc. Very little supervision from the parents. I was also hugely turned off by the number of guests who would come into the lounge in there PJs for breakfast. Messy hair, tank tops and little shorts, barefoot...just not what I want to see as I am sitting enjoying my breakfast. Lots of people coming from the pool soaking wet in a bathing suit, no shoes, no coverup also a huge turn off. I just wish the hotel would have a sign and have the staff who stay at the podium in the entryway tell people they need to be clothed to enter. Makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Overall, I loved the resort and would go back in heartbeat. My two kids (11,13) want to try Yacht Club for our next trip. We shall see if they can convince me

What a great account of your stay! I wish more folks would consider what a stinky situation they cause by showing up undressed and sweaty..kind of like "I just worked out badge"and to hell with what you think as a fellow guest. The GF staff needs to be pleasant but firm when it comes to diverting this Yahoo behavior in the lounge. After all this is not the Fairfield Inn!

 

[caribbeandream]

After all this is not the Fairfield Inn!

Yeah, even in the Fairfield Inn I still think that anyone over the age of six should be fully dressed for breakfast. I know my own son would see other kids (and teens!) dressed in their PJs at the hotel breakfast (Disney or otherwise) but I always made him get dressed.

 

[TJA]

We are back from our mini-split between GF LV and GF RPC. Though RPC was our main objective this holiday trip (and it did NOT disappoint!), we feel like Boca Chica was a highlight definitely worth posting about.

First, this was one of the best balconies and views we've ever had in Disney! No people traffic, just the water, some boats, close-up and clear view of Castle, monorail, and Space Mountain. CR was obstructed by a tree, which didn't bother us. The room itself was immaculate - we hated to leave it. We felt so fortunate to have this room and a "new to us" experience in WDW!

Boca Chica room 8203, booked as LV:



View laying down in sofa bed:


Full view slight left/straight ahead:


View slight right showing tree obstructing CR:


View to the right:


View to extreme right:


Boca Chica lobby:


Fun games set-up on grounds:

 

[Rob Troxel]

Thanks for sharing this great view as well as the room number. We could be very happy at this place and building! The ambiance you enjoyed is something beyond the pictures and it makes for relaxation with a capital "R"

 

[calismic]

Just secured my first booking at the Villas in a Deluxe Studio for October 2019! So very excited to be returning to the Grand. We haven't been since our wedding in 2008, so returning with two children will be quite the experience. Does anyone have any room recommendations for standard view that will give us a good vantage point of the Monorail? My son is absolutely obsessed!

 

[Rob Troxel]

Shoot for an upper level room facing the Grand Floridian main building. Your view show include the mono rail trains as well as the pool grounds. You will not be disappointed! Welcome back!

 

[trishadono]

Just got back to reality after a great week in SL, room 6419. It was a nice marina view room which I had requested. Dormer and liked the high ceilings. I definitely know what everyone means when they talk about the "feel" of the GF being so special. It just has a much more "resort" feel to it than the other Deluxes we have stayed at (AKL, BC). We really enjoyed the Club Level access, made a huge difference in being able to grab breakfast every day, snacks, and we even made dinner out of it for two nights which was great. Sadly, we did not try any of the hotel restaurants, other than Gasparilla's, just too many other things going on. We loved how easy the boat launch and monorail were, and we lucked out with busses that arrived quickly and not full, which I know is not always the case. I enjoyed walking to the Poly to grab a Dole whip one evening for dessert. The four of us rented two searay boats which was a lot of fun. It was great watching the fireworks from the dock as well.

I would say the only "negatives" we that we got a text while on the DME that our room was ready. I stopped in the front to ask if we can go to the room and he said yes, go right over. There was no offer to help us or send a golf cart or anything and we had to locate the building on our own. That was a little disappointing since I assumed staying CL we would get escorted to the room.

The other thing is totally NOT a GF issue, but a parenting issue. The number of kids who walked around the club lounge and touched the food with their bare hands made me not want to eat it. One little boy, about 6 put his entire palm onto the platter of sliced turkey and started squeezing it- gross. I saw a lot of little ones picking stuff up and putting it back, etc. Very little supervision from the parents. I was also hugely turned off by the number of guests who would come into the lounge in there PJs for breakfast. Messy hair, tank tops and little shorts, barefoot...just not what I want to see as I am sitting enjoying my breakfast. Lots of people coming from the pool soaking wet in a bathing suit, no shoes, no coverup also a huge turn off. I just wish the hotel would have a sign and have the staff who stay at the podium in the entryway tell people they need to be clothed to enter. Makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Overall, I loved the resort and would go back in heartbeat. My two kids (11,13) want to try Yacht Club for our next trip. We shall see if they can convince me

I was at WL cl this weekend. I was chatting with a few cms . One girl said it was her first year. I was telling her how much I love WL cause everyone, staff and guests are both so friendly. She looked confused so I explained GF cl.

The guests there can just ruin it. CLUELESS

I think the cm's get burned out too. I have found a few really good ones but WL all were nice.

Isn't gonna stop me tho I am going back to GF soon lol.

Sorry about the escort. Some guests want and others (me) do not. Next time just request and escort/say its my first time or prefer one.

They will escort if needed.

Glad you had a nice stay!

 

[Rob Troxel]

I was at WL cl this weekend. I was chatting with a few cms . One girl said it was her first year. I was telling her how much I love WL cause everyone, staff and guests are both so friendly. She looked confused so I explained GF cl.

The guests there can just ruin it. CLUELESS

I think the cm's get burned out too. I have found a few really good ones but WL all were nice.

Isn't gonna stop me tho I am going back to GF soon lol.

Sorry about the escort. Some guests want and others (me) do not. Next time just request and escort/say its my first time or prefer one.

They will escort if needed.

Glad you had a nice stay!

Not sure I follow you on the "clueless" part. Elaborate? Welcome back! Did you write up your WL experiences?

 

[gulliesmom]

Sorry about the escort. Some guests want and others (me) do not. Next time just request and escort/say its my first time or prefer one.

I didn't need an escort, but it was more the lack of any type of welcome or recognition as a guest. He was just like " you are in room 6419. Need anything else"? That was it. Just underwhelmed by the welcome I guess. Even at the Holiday Inn I was welcomed as an IHG rewards member by staff upon arriving, given a little welcomed bag, asked if there was anything I needed, etc. Escorted me up to my rom, even though I had ONE bag, LOL. Holiday Inn. Just amazing the difference. And I was paying almost $1,000/night at GF and less than $100 at the Holiday Inn.

 

[gulliesmom]

Not sure I follow you on the "clueless" part. Elaborate? Welcome back! Did you write up your WL experiences?

My guess is she just means in general, like people have no clue that it isn't appropriate not to wander around the public spaces in pajamas, barefoot, etc.

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Love this room!!!

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Just got back to reality after a great week in SL, room 6419. It was a nice marina view room which I had requested. Dormer and liked the high ceilings. I definitely know what everyone means when they talk about the "feel" of the GF being so special. It just has a much more "resort" feel to it than the other Deluxes we have stayed at (AKL, BC). We really enjoyed the Club Level access, made a huge difference in being able to grab breakfast every day, snacks, and we even made dinner out of it for two nights which was great. Sadly, we did not try any of the hotel restaurants, other than Gasparilla's, just too many other things going on. We loved how easy the boat launch and monorail were, and we lucked out with busses that arrived quickly and not full, which I know is not always the case. I enjoyed walking to the Poly to grab a Dole whip one evening for dessert. The four of us rented two searay boats which was a lot of fun. It was great watching the fireworks from the dock as well.

I would say the only "negatives" we that we got a text while on the DME that our room was ready. I stopped in the front to ask if we can go to the room and he said yes, go right over. There was no offer to help us or send a golf cart or anything and we had to locate the building on our own. That was a little disappointing since I assumed staying CL we would get escorted to the room.

The other thing is totally NOT a GF issue, but a parenting issue. The number of kids who walked around the club lounge and touched the food with their bare hands made me not want to eat it. One little boy, about 6 put his entire palm onto the platter of sliced turkey and started squeezing it- gross. I saw a lot of little ones picking stuff up and putting it back, etc. Very little supervision from the parents. I was also hugely turned off by the number of guests who would come into the lounge in there PJs for breakfast. Messy hair, tank tops and little shorts, barefoot...just not what I want to see as I am sitting enjoying my breakfast. Lots of people coming from the pool soaking wet in a bathing suit, no shoes, no coverup also a huge turn off. I just wish the hotel would have a sign and have the staff who stay at the podium in the entryway tell people they need to be clothed to enter. Makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Overall, I loved the resort and would go back in heartbeat. My two kids (11,13) want to try Yacht Club for our next trip. We shall see if they can convince me

I read your post then went down for desserts and a couple of “relaxers” and noticed a family letting there kids do as they please, literally grabbing things and standing there eating it then grabbing more, one time grabbing a pbj uncrustable and dropping jelly on the floor then grabbing pieces of cheese off the platter with his hands and eating them. My wife said something to them and they seemed to “contain” them momentarily. A CM at one point surprisingly scolded them also, didn’t matter within 5 minutes right back at it.


I don’t care if it hurts anyone’s feelings I find this disgusting and totally disrespectful to other guests.

 

[trishadono]

Not sure I follow you on the "clueless" part. Elaborate? Welcome back! Did you write up your WL experiences?

The kids squeezing the turkey with his hands because the parents don't watch the kids. Also gf has far more people with bare feet, or wet suits etc vs others.

I also see many complaining at the cm desk. Truly it's a constant. No one ever likes the room they get. Which is fine to request another, I've don't that myself. It's the yelling /loud angry voice I don't get.

Truly the unruly kids are usually at gf. The parents act like since they on vacation they don't need to mind the littles.

 

[trishadono]

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Love this room!!!

I had a deluxe room in sl before and loved it too!

Enjoy your trip and thanks for pix!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are back from our mini-split between GF LV and GF RPC. Though RPC was our main objective this holiday trip (and it did NOT disappoint!), we feel like Boca Chica was a highlight definitely worth posting about.

Glad you had a great time! I've stayed both RPC and standard GV (Big Pine Key) and I, too, think the outer buildings are great (especially BPK & BC as both overlook the courtyard pool). I've also stayed SL and while I didn't care for that, I'd have no trouble staying outer building GV if RPC wasn't doable/available .

Just secured my first booking at the Villas in a Deluxe Studio for October 2019! So very excited to be returning to the Grand. We haven't been since our wedding in 2008, so returning with two children will be quite the experience.

Congrats on booking! Hope you have a great return trip to the GF .

I read your post then went down for desserts and a couple of “relaxers” and noticed a family letting there kids do as they please, literally grabbing things and standing there eating it then grabbing more, one time grabbing a pbj uncrustable and dropping jelly on the floor then grabbing pieces of cheese off the platter with his hands and eating them.

The kids squeezing the turkey with his hands because the parents don't watch the kids.

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

I might fall asleep in this chair.

 

[followthatmouse]

I read your post then went down for desserts and a couple of “relaxers” and noticed a family letting there kids do as they please, literally grabbing things and standing there eating it then grabbing more, one time grabbing a pbj uncrustable and dropping jelly on the floor then grabbing pieces of cheese off the platter with his hands and eating them. My wife said something to them and they seemed to “contain” them momentarily. A CM at one point surprisingly scolded them also, didn’t matter within 5 minutes right back at it.


I don’t care if it hurts anyone’s feelings I find this disgusting and totally disrespectful to other guests.

There was some appalling behavior by adults during our last RPC stay. The worst was the man who insisted on taking turkey slices to make a sandwich. 'What's wrong with that?', I hear you say. Well, he was making the sandwich with bare hands. Replacing slices he didn't like. Tearing slices he considered too large. A long-serving CM, who is also a crew trainer, told him politely to refrain from touching the food. He yelled at her. Swore at her and said that he had every right because he paid for it and she can't do a thing about it. We spoke to the CM later and she said that she would be the one in trouble if the rude guest complained to a supervisor. Ugh! People take the wonderful Disney thoughts of customer service and turn them to dross. The 'Me' generation is now generations and behavior towards service staff, even in such a happy place as Disney, can be shocking. We have seen people who should know better throw temper tantrums because the lounge didn't have their favorite cereal or toasting bread or preserves. Also, it seems that people can't take a vacation without behaving as they would at home. One fella came to breakfast in just his jammies (bottoms only) and stood at the coffee machine scratching himself. A woman came in her robe and fluffy slippers, hair all over the place. In past stays, the welcome pack had clear dos and don't for RPC guests to follow. Perhaps they don't provide welcome packs any more, or the guests are unwilling to follow rules if they think rules will crimp their vacation and ego.

The kids squeezing the turkey with his hands because the parents don't watch the kids. Also gf has far more people with bare feet, or wet suits etc vs others.

I also see many complaining at the cm desk. Truly it's a constant. No one ever likes the room they get. Which is fine to request another, I've don't that myself. It's the yelling /loud angry voice I don't get.

Truly the unruly kids are usually at gf. The parents act like since they on vacation they don't need to mind the littles.

Oh, we have seen them, too. Ugh! We would have been kicked into the middle of next week if we even considered behaving as these cretins behave. Perhaps their parents never told them that sometimes you don't get what you want. Suck it up and enjoy being at Disney. Gosh, we are incredibly fortunate to be there in the first place. Yelling at a CM is just pathetic and, unfortunately, the rotten behavior will be seen and copied by the next generation. Gee, isn't that something to look forward to?!

View attachment 367488

I might fall asleep in this chair.

Ooh, is there another chair or chaise lounge for me, too?! Aah, just gorgeous!