Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA Information & Questions + Construction Updates

[GADisneyDad14]

The reason I ask is....we have an upcoming AKL/GF split-stay (with 8 nights in a regular GF room that sleeps 5). We love GF, but we've always been interested in WL too, and I've begun wondering if we would be better off staying in a 2-bedroom Boulder Ridge Villa at WL for the additional space. We are a family of 5 with 3 daughters ages 7, 9, & 11.

Thank you!

@Wood Nymph said what I'd say about transportation. So I'll do the good DIS thing and provide an opinion on something you didn't ask. (Sorry)

So 8 nights in a GF standard room? That's sort of a long stay for a party of 5, IMO. Maybe y'all are used to all being cozy in a single room for so long, but I can definitely see how a WL 2BR villa would be more appealing for the space, not to mention convenient laundry.

We're a party of four and keep a tidy hotel room - but with Disney's limited every other day light housekeeping we have found room cleanliness quickly gets out of control a bit when in a standard room. The space of the villa helps in that regard - bigger trash cans, easier to tidy up yourself, etc.

But then I think about the feel of a AKL / WL split. AKL and WL and both pretty similar resorts, IMO - both in physical attributes (hugely impressive lobby, tranquil/relaxing vibe) and in transportation (other than the MK boat at WL, both depend on buses for everything). With that in mind, I would personally prefer to split AKL with GF as to me it adds some welcome elements to the trip - monorail access, fireworks views, a different resort vibe, etc.

So that's a tough one for sure!

 

[blabadie]

@Wood Nymph said what I'd say about transportation. So I'll do the good DIS thing and provide an opinion on something you didn't ask. (Sorry)

So 8 nights in a GF standard room? That's sort of a long stay for a party of 5, IMO. Maybe y'all are used to all being cozy in a single room for so long, but I can definitely see how a WL 2BR villa would be more appealing for the space, not to mention convenient laundry.

We're a party of four and keep a tidy hotel room - but with Disney's limited every other day light housekeeping we have found room cleanliness quickly gets out of control a bit when in a standard room. The space of the villa helps in that regard - bigger trash cans, easier to tidy up yourself, etc.

But then I think about the feel of a AKL / WL split. AKL and WL and both pretty similar resorts, IMO - both in physical attributes (hugely impressive lobby, tranquil/relaxing vibe) and in transportation (other than the MK boat at WL, both depend on buses for everything). With that in mind, I would personally prefer to split AKL with GF as to me it adds some welcome elements to the trip - monorail access, fireworks views, a different resort vibe, etc.

So that's a tough one for sure!

Yes, this is exactly the conundrum I am considering. Especially after recently experiencing the joys of us all sharing a bathroom while visiting family over the holidays. Trying to weigh the space vs. convenience vs. ambiance of each resort. Thank you for your insights!

 

[WishesQueen]

Yes, this is exactly the conundrum I am considering. Especially after recently experiencing the joys of us all sharing a bathroom while visiting family over the holidays. Trying to weigh the space vs. convenience vs. ambiance of each resort. Thank you for your insights!

Hate to throw something else on your plate...but I am traveling with 5 women plus myself. I couldn't get a villa and honestly GF was too expensive for two rooms since I am treating everyone for my DD's 25th birthday. So I grabbed two standard rooms at the WL, I hope there connecting for the fun of it but either way we have two bathrooms and a little more space...and the price was right even if a discount doesn't pop up.

I just have to go back with hubby and get my GF fill later this year

Good luck planning

 

[trishadono]

Hate to throw something else on your plate...but I am traveling with 5 women plus myself. I couldn't get a villa and honestly GF was too expensive for two rooms since I am treating everyone for my DD's 25th birthday. So I grabbed two standard rooms at the WL, I hope there connecting for the fun of it but either way we have two bathrooms and a little more space...and the price was right even if a discount doesn't pop up.

I just have to go back with hubby and get my GF fill later this year

Good luck planning

You can visit gf! ER and Citricos bar are great places to celebrate a birthday. I have pix of C’s bar from 12/31.
Also I posted about RPC on the CL thread if anyone is interested,

It was awesome! They decorated the lounge with balloons, and tables with table clothes and fun lights on the tables.
Food was great and they added food and desserts at 11pm-12a! Chicken wings, chocolate covered strawberries etc! FUN!

 

[trishadono]

Citricos bar area! Very roomy!

 

[trishadono]

Lobby, room view 4408 rpc TPV. Pool was nice too !

 

[trishadono]

NYE @ rpc 5p!
and activities

 

[trishadono]

11pm and view ! It was amazing!

 

[trishadono]

I did not get pix of the fun decor or the food. I was celebrating! We had the best time. It was fun sitting in the lobby, riding the boat at 6:30 with HEA going on, going into MK for pix, ER and Citricos because we could and it was close! The cheering from Marina made watching the works so special. I have rewatched my vids many times!
I was annoyed with the price tag but felt they stepped up the game that night

Lots of different appies and I made sure to express my approval.
Happy New Year to us, let 2022 be a good year!

 

[Falconfree]

Wow, Sago Cay (potentially the whole resort) just went dark. No power, no lights, no internet. Just as I was about to place a mobile food order to Gasparilla's too.

 

[WishesQueen]

You can visit gf! ER and Citricos bar are great places to celebrate a birthday. I have pix of C’s bar from 12/31.
Also I posted about RPC on the CL thread if anyone is interested,

It was awesome! They decorated the lounge with balloons, and tables with table clothes and fun lights on the tables.
Food was great and they added food and desserts at 11pm-12a! Chicken wings, chocolate covered strawberries etc! FUN!

Thanks

Absolutely in our plans a couple of nights!! We have a few cast member friends that go visit, but I usually make sure the days their working.

Never went to the Citrico's lounge yet, but I can't wait!!!

 

[trishadono]

Wow, Sago Cay (potentially the whole resort) just went dark. No power, no lights, no internet. Just as I was about to place a mobile food order to Gasparilla's too.

Mobile order polys capn cooks and walk over lol.

 

[Falconfree]

Mobile order polys capn cooks and walk over lol.

100% would, but the baby is thoroughly done with everything right now. The lights came back on after about half an hour, and Gasparilla's just opened back up a few minutes ago.

Spoke too soon! We got our food, and not 2 minutes later the fire alarm is going off at Gasparilla's.

 

[sdk1231]

11pm and view ! It was amazing! View attachment 635844View attachment 635845View attachment 635846View attachment 635847View attachment 635849View attachment 635850View attachment 635851View attachment 635852View attachment 635853

Wow!!! Great photos! Super jealous of your RPC NYE! How cool! Happy New Year to you! Those little treats are adorable.

On 12/30, I was part of that group watching from in front of Gaspy's. Gaspy's NYE fireworks viewing is nice - you have sound, a seat, access to bathroom and food and drink. IMO the view from the boat dock is better since it's unobstructed. But it's cold, crowded, no chairs, no sound.

On 12/31 I was one of the crazies in the park. I once swore that I would never go into the parks on NYE again. After dinner at GF Cafe and fun at the Glow Party, my husband and girls said "Let's go to the MK!" I was like "Uh... I hadn't really planned on that..." but then went along. We ended up having a total blast. The crowd level was nowhere near the madness of "the old days" - it felt like 1/2 of what it used to be. You could walk, move, dance, no waits for bathrooms, 5 min for drinks/snacks, etc. We rode Pirates and HM with 10/20 min waits. At 10:30pm we walked up and found a fireworks spot on the bridge near the VIP viewing area in front of Casey's/Crystal Palace. We had our backs against the rail with the water behind us (no people) and a walkway in front of us (no people). I didn't want to be "penned in" in the main part of the hub and I was looking for quick access to exit, bathroom and food/drink. The view was excellent.

Of course, I'm sure the BEST (and most comfortable) view was the one you had from your RPC TPV room! Thanks again for sharing your photos and Happy New Year!

 

[trishadono]

Wow!!! Great photos! Super jealous of your RPC NYE! How cool! Happy New Year to you! Those little treats are adorable.

On 12/30, I was part of that group watching from in front of Gaspy's. Gaspy's NYE fireworks viewing is nice - you have sound, a seat, access to bathroom and food and drink. IMO the view from the boat dock is better since it's unobstructed. But it's cold, crowded, no chairs, no sound.

On 12/31 I was one of the crazies in the park. I once swore that I would never go into the parks on NYE again. After dinner at GF Cafe and fun at the Glow Party, my husband and girls said "Let's go to the MK!" I was like "Uh... I hadn't really planned on that..." but then went along. We ended up having a total blast. The crowd level was nowhere near the madness of "the old days" - it felt like 1/2 of what it used to be. You could walk, move, dance, no waits for bathrooms, 5 min for drinks/snacks, etc. We rode Pirates and HM with 10/20 min waits. At 10:30pm we walked up and found a fireworks spot on the bridge near the VIP viewing area in front of Casey's/Crystal Palace. We had our backs against the rail with the water behind us (no people) and a walkway in front of us (no people). I didn't want to be "penned in" in the main part of the hub and I was looking for quick access to exit, bathroom and food/drink. The view was excellent.

Of course, I'm sure the BEST (and most comfortable) view was the one you had from your RPC TPV room! Thanks again for sharing your photos and Happy New Year!

2018 we had FP’s and tried to go to MK in the evening. We could not even get to the ride! We turned around and left.

We went to MK around 6:30 and I agree it was manageable. We just walked Main Street and left buI was glad we could.

I have picked Gaspies for viewing when staying at GF vs boat dock. It’s a great spot.

Oh Saturday night I was on my balcony at 10pm ish. Then I HEARD IT.

MY EWP!

I was out of pjs and yes I jogged out to the boat dock and caught it from the boat dock. Lol my short was inside out with rush. Luckliy it was dark.

Lights on SL, I enjoyed them

 

[sdk1231]

2018 we had FP’s and tried to go to MK in the evening. We could not even get to the ride! We turned around and left.

We went to MK around 6:30 and I agree it was manageable. We just walked Main Street and left buI was glad we could.

I have picked Gaspies for viewing when staying at GF vs boat dock. It’s a great spot.

Oh Saturday night I was on my balcony at 10pm ish. Then I HEARD IT.

MY EWP!

I was out of pjs and yes I jogged out to the boat dock and caught it from the boat dock. Lol my short was inside out with rush. Luckliy it was dark.

Lights on SL, I enjoyed themView attachment 635955View attachment 635956View attachment 635957View attachment 635958View attachment 635959

I enjoyed those lights too! I saw some on Sago as well and thought "how fun". On NYE when my family decided to go into the MK, we took the walking path. I am not sure of the time... it was between 8:30 and 9. We were stopped at the green bridge because the EWP had just gone through. Then, as we were walking, it started up. Whoo-hoo! We stood on the walking path and watched it. Always fun. - And yes, in 2017 or 2018 we had the same thing happen! We had the TT seated Dessert Party for the 6:30 show of Fantasy in the Sky with FP for 7DMT afterwards. We made it over to 7DMT but had 30min to wait for our FP time. We blew off the FP and left! We literally said "Get us out of here!" and got on the train in Storybook Circus and rode it to Main Street and left! That was the day I said "Never again on will I go into the park on NYE". This year - entering the park at about 9pm was no problem. It was busy, but not bad at all. Of course we avoided the hub, which looked pretty crazy. As I basically walked on Pirates with a 10min wait, I thought "I think I like the Park Reservation system after all"...

 

[Wood Nymph]

The cheering from Marina made watching the works so special. I have rewatched my vids many times!

I love the fireworks view from the marina area in front of Gaspy's. We were at a July 4th fireworks viewing party a few years ago and it was lots of fun.

 

[sdk1231]

I love the fireworks view from the marina area in front of Gaspy's. We were at a July 4th fireworks viewing party a few years ago and it was lots of fun.

One thing I thought worth mentioning as it was a "lesson learned" for me - on 12/30 we planned to leave the MK and take the walking path back to the Grand to view the 11:50 fireworks from Gaspy's. We left the MK at about 10:30 and.... the walking path was closed! The security officers said that the walking path was closed to block off fireworks launch areas including one by the green bridge Electrical Water Pageant docking area. We went to the boat area only to be told at first that boats had also stopped running. Everyone in the boat area let out a collective "oh no". By now, lots of people who had hoped to take the walking path joined the already large group. We were all told to take the monorail - which had massively long lines. I told my daughters that we were just going to go back into the park. I didn't think I'd make it on the monorail and back to the GF before fireworks time. We started to head back into the park when the boat captain called out "Okay! They're letting us take one more big ferry to the Grand and Poly". The crowd let out a whoop and we boarded. My "note to self" was in future on 12/30 and 12/31 - remember that the walking path to the Grand closes before 10:30.

 

[trishadono]

One thing I thought worth mentioning as it was a "lesson learned" for me - on 12/30 we planned to leave the MK and take the walking path back to the Grand to view the 11:50 fireworks from Gaspy's. We left the MK at about 10:30 and.... the walking path was closed! The security officers said that the walking path was closed to block off fireworks launch areas including one by the green bridge Electrical Water Pageant docking area. We went to the boat area only to be told at first that boats had also stopped running. Everyone in the boat area let out a collective "oh no". By now, lots of people who had hoped to take the walking path joined the already large group. We were all told to take the monorail - which had massively long lines. I told my daughters that we were just going to go back into the park. I didn't think I'd make it on the monorail and back to the GF before fireworks time. We started to head back into the park when the boat captain called out "Okay! They're letting us take one more big ferry to the Grand and Poly". The crowd let out a whoop and we boarded. My "note to self" was in future on 12/30 and 12/31 - remember that the walking path to the Grand closes before 10:30.

FYI you can walk to Cr and grab mono there. I think dd and I have seen mono line at MK and did this stead post Covid a few times. There will be people getting off at Cr and few getting on.

 

[sdk1231]

FYI you can walk to Cr and grab mono there. I think dd and I have seen mono line at MK and did this stead post Covid a few times. There will be people getting off at Cr and few getting on.

Yes, you're right - walking to the Contemporary and grabbing the monorail from there is usually a very good option when MK mono lines are long. However, on 12/30 at 10:40 my CM daughter was just leaving the MK. She had been waiting there for her CM boyfriend to join her. He had gotten off work at 10pm with plans to drive to the Grand, park and meet her in the MK. He phoned her at 10:30 saying that he couldn't make it to the Grand or to anywhere near the MK because all of the roads around the MK were closed. Dejected because her boyfriend couldn't join her for the fireworks, she was on her way to join me at the Grand. She phoned me to wait for her and I had her run over to check the path to the Contemporary. She said the path was a solid crowd of people who had given up on the massive MK monorail line and/or had been turned away from the boats/GF walking path. So that option was a no-go. By then we'd gotten the word that one more large ferryboat would be allowed to go to the Grand. My daughter *ran* and barely made it onto the boat. So.... my "note to self" was threefold:
1. If you're leaving the MK to watch the midnight fireworks - get to where you're going before 10:30pm.
2. If you're heading to a resort by car at 10pm, you won't make it.
3. The walking path to the GF was closed before 10:30pm - and there was no signage or notification of that closure anywhere at the resort. I checked the sign in front of the path when I got back. There is a sign in front of the walking path that says "Path is closed between...." and the times were blank. It made me think that the GF staff were unaware of the closure. If my memory serves me correctly, this was the first New Years fireworks since the opening of the walking path from the GF, so maybe the GF staff weren't aware. I don't know. There were lots of GF guests on that last ferryboat who were aggravated about the walking path being closed with no notification.