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

[Dispro1]

I think you'll like the Hyatt. We have stayed there several times on the back end of our trips when we have a very early flight out of MCO and we liked it. It's not the GF, but it's also not nearly as expensive, and it's so conveniently located, too. Was IPO able to help you with your FP+? Asking since we have an upcoming CL trip and I don't know anything about FP+.

Glad to hear another vote for the Hyatt- for convenience! To answer your FP question, IPO did help me!! I had already booked my FPs 60 days out, but since we found out DH has to fly down a day later, we needed to switch some things around. I honestly didn't know they could help me with FPs before arrival (although DH knew this). I'm not sure if it's just because of the situation...it wouldn't allow me to see what was available at MK on Wednesday until I cancelled the ones at Epcot, and I didn't want to cancel Epcot unless I could get Soarin for Thursday. IPO is able to see that first before actually making changes. We always make our FP+ reservations ourselves at the 60 day mark, but we have always had to make a few adjustments to the schedule once we have arrived, and the CL concierge has always been able to adjust it for us It's so much easier for them to see everything that's available, IMO! I'm not sure whether or not the IPO can make the initial FP reservations or not since we've always done it ourselves, but DH thinks they can. However, IPO wouldn't book them until they get in the next morning and get around to your FPs (assuming they can book them) so you could have fewer choices. It never hurts to call and ask them about it, but I would book my own and then have them help you if you need to change something. HTH

 

[mmmears]

Glad to hear another vote for the Hyatt- for convenience! To answer your FP question, IPO did help me!! I had already booked my FPs 60 days out, but since we found out DH has to fly down a day later, we needed to switch some things around. I honestly didn't know they could help me with FPs before arrival (although DH knew this). I'm not sure if it's just because of the situation...it wouldn't allow me to see what was available at MK on Wednesday until I cancelled the ones at Epcot, and I didn't want to cancel Epcot unless I could get Soarin for Thursday. IPO is able to see that first before actually making changes. We always make our FP+ reservations ourselves at the 60 day mark, but we have always had to make a few adjustments to the schedule once we have arrived, and the CL concierge has always been able to adjust it for us It's so much easier for them to see everything that's available, IMO! I'm not sure whether or not the IPO can make the initial FP reservations or not since we've always done it ourselves, but DH thinks they can. However, IPO wouldn't book them until they get in the next morning and get around to your FPs (assuming they can book them) so you could have fewer choices. It never hurts to call and ask them about it, but I would book my own and then have them help you if you need to change something. HTH

Thanks so much. I can book them initially, but it's great to know that they can help if we need to switch things around.

 

[Maxie86]

Thanks so much. I can book them initially, but it's great to know that they can help if we need to switch things around.

You can also text them to make changes while you are there. A few days before your trip you will get a an email from IPO with the number to text, they'll ask for your name, arrival date and time. They will be able to help you even before you check in. They will even text you to remind you of your upcoming FP and ADR times.

Dispro, Glad you made a decision, I don't think you will be disappointed in the Hyatt.

 

[Purple & Pink Mommy]

Hi! My family and I are staying at GF SL (our first visit at GF) soon (in 20 days but who's counting?). I have a question regarding check in. I've tried searching, but can't find much. Due to flight schedules, I decided it would be best for my family if we flew in a day early. We are doing a "split stay" with AoA. Our reservation at AoA is room only for one night. Our package with dining and tickets is on the bands for the GF beginning the following day. My plan is to go to MK as early as we can make it and return to GF around 2-ish if I receive a text room is ready. I have already completed online check in. My question is this: since we are not arriving to GF by DME, instead coming from MK, do I stop at the front desk? Will they know we are coming? Will I be greeted by anyone? Do I go straight to the room? I hope our room is ready around 2, but will stay in the park until I receive a text.

Last time we went to WDW was 12/2013 and we stayed CR. We were greeted by a CM directly off DME even though we weren't staying CL. I completed online check in then as well but still was escorted to the front desk by a CM with an ipad. This is our first split stay and I was curious how CL checkin would be different since we were coming from a park instead of DME.

 

[Sue M]

What a load lifted!! I got the Hyatt booked and made an open reservation for DME so we can take it whenever! Check-out isn't until 12pm, so we can sleep in and have breakfast (I may be eating alone since they sleep forever, but at least I know the food is good)! Thanks to everyone who gave input...I'm very indecisive and I plan things really far in advance, so this really had me rattled!! I talked to Will with IPO three times today, and he was awesome! He switched my Epcot and MK days around so DH doesn't miss out on Epcot, and he got FPs for all three mountains for me and the girls for Wednesday night....so sleeping in, an afternoon by the GF pool, enjoying some appetizers while listening to the band, and the evening at MK....poor DH At least if he only takes a carry-on, he can just grab the rental car and head straight to GF! Of course, I didn't look to see how the crowd calendars look switching my parks around, but at this point, I really don't care-LOL!

Almost there!! You must feel good getting plans settled.
We land in Ft Lauderdale first to spend some time there seeing family so I pick up rental at the Fll airport. But we never use rental for wdw, so after check in I return car to the CCC. So handy, they're right across from the TTC and will return you to your resort or any park. Great service. I've found car rental rates are the best about 3-4 weeks before travel dates. They fluctuate prices like a yo yo.

I'd still leave 3 hrs before Florida floor flight! You never know about traffic delays, and security lines at mco are horrendous. Our last flight in early Sept ( was it just a few weeks ago?) we weren't at the gate too long before boarding. It wasn't a busy time of year, but security was still awful. And I love just checking luggage in at resort airline desk and not seeing it again until home airport!

Have a great trip. I'll have to live vicariously thru all of you until August, ugh. Seems so far away.

 

[Sue M]

Hi! My family and I are staying at GF SL (our first visit at GF) soon (in 20 days but who's counting?). I have a question regarding check in. I've tried searching, but can't find much. Due to flight schedules, I decided it would be best for my family if we flew in a day early. We are doing a "split stay" with AoA. Our reservation at AoA is room only for one night. Our package with dining and tickets is on the bands for the GF beginning the following day. My plan is to go to MK as early as we can make it and return to GF around 2-ish if I receive a text room is ready. I have already completed online check in. My question is this: since we are not arriving to GF by DME, instead coming from MK, do I stop at the front desk? Will they know we are coming? Will I be greeted by anyone? Do I go straight to the room? I hope our room is ready around 2, but will stay in the park until I receive a text.

Last time we went to WDW was 12/2013 and we stayed CR. We were greeted by a CM directly off DME even though we weren't staying CL. I completed online check in then as well but still was escorted to the front desk by a CM with an ipad. This is our first split stay and I was curious how CL checkin would be different since we were coming from a park instead of DME.

I can't say as we've never come from a park. I would think you'd have to say something to someone. When we've come in a day early, and booked a 1 night at another resort, we just got up early, and took a cab with our luggage to new resort and checked in early. Last year our GF room was ready when we arrived at 9:00am. They knew we were there and was greeted with someone with an iPad who escorted us up to RPC. Then we were off to a park.

 

[Purple & Pink Mommy]

I can't say as we've never come from a park. I would think you'd have to say something to someone. When we've come in a day early, and booked a 1 night at another resort, we just got up early, and took a cab with our luggage to new resort and checked in early. Last year our GF room was ready when we arrived at 9:00am. They knew we were there and was greeted with someone with an iPad who escorted us up to RPC. Then we were off to a park.

Thanks for your response! I would actually prefer to take a taxi and transport the luggage ourselves the following morning, but we have 2 girls (ages 4 & 5) and DH doesn't want them in a taxi without car seats. I know we can request a taxi with car seats, but I was unsure the odds of a taxi having 2 seats. I've looked at car seat laws in Florida and I think our 5 year old would be ok without one, but DH doesn't want to risk it. I even thought of going to the GF myself with the luggage and meeting up with the rest of the family when I'm finished, but DH would be lost (I'm the planner of the vacations). So I thought our next option is just to go to MK early, be at the mercy of Disney's luggage transport services and look like lost tourists when we get to GF. As it gets closer, I'll talk to DH again about a taxi.

 

[JulieT3]

Hello, all! My family stayed at the Grand Floridian about 6 years ago, and we are considering another stay in 2016. I might be going crazy, but I thought that, when we stayed in a garden view room back in 2009, the bathroom had the sink area separated by a door from the toilet/shower (similar to Wilderness Lodge, Beach & Yacht Club, Boardwalk, etc.). Having looked over the 1st page, it looks like the sink, toilet, and shower are all in the same room. Am I crazy (I won't be offended if you say yes), or do some of the rooms have the separate sink area? Thanks for your help!

 

[mandy200587]

The sink area in the sugarloaf building was separated with a door.

 

[Dispro1]

Hello, all! My family stayed at the Grand Floridian about 6 years ago, and we are considering another stay in 2016. I might be going crazy, but I thought that, when we stayed in a garden view room back in 2009, the bathroom had the sink area separated by a door from the toilet/shower (similar to Wilderness Lodge, Beach & Yacht Club, Boardwalk, etc.). Having looked over the 1st page, it looks like the sink, toilet, and shower are all in the same room. Am I crazy (I won't be offended if you say yes), or do some of the rooms have the separate sink area? Thanks for your help!

I'm pretty sure all the rooms have a door separating the toilet area from the sink area, so you're not going crazy

 

[Dispro1]

Hi! My family and I are staying at GF SL (our first visit at GF) soon (in 20 days but who's counting?). I have a question regarding check in. I've tried searching, but can't find much. Due to flight schedules, I decided it would be best for my family if we flew in a day early. We are doing a "split stay" with AoA. Our reservation at AoA is room only for one night. Our package with dining and tickets is on the bands for the GF beginning the following day. My plan is to go to MK as early as we can make it and return to GF around 2-ish if I receive a text room is ready. I have already completed online check in. My question is this: since we are not arriving to GF by DME, instead coming from MK, do I stop at the front desk? Will they know we are coming? Will I be greeted by anyone? Do I go straight to the room? I hope our room is ready around 2, but will stay in the park until I receive a text.

Last time we went to WDW was 12/2013 and we stayed CR. We were greeted by a CM directly off DME even though we weren't staying CL. I completed online check in then as well but still was escorted to the front desk by a CM with an ipad. This is our first split stay and I was curious how CL checkin would be different since we were coming from a park instead of DME.

We have gone to the park while we waited for our room to be ready on a couple of trips, but like Sue, we have always taken our luggage to the hotel first. In your situation, I would probably do exactly what you plan, but I would let IPO know what you are planning so that they can send someone to greet you when you return to the hotel. I don't know who sends the text that your room is ready (maybe it's automated?) so you may need to call the concierge folks to let them know you are on your way to GF from MK.

 

[Dispro1]

Almost there!! You must feel good getting plans settled.
We land in Ft Lauderdale first to spend some time there seeing family so I pick up rental at the Fll airport. But we never use rental for wdw, so after check in I return car to the CCC. So handy, they're right across from the TTC and will return you to your resort or any park. Great service. I've found car rental rates are the best about 3-4 weeks before travel dates. They fluctuate prices like a yo yo.

I'd still leave 3 hrs before Florida floor flight! You never know about traffic delays, and security lines at mco are horrendous. Our last flight in early Sept ( was it just a few weeks ago?) we weren't at the gate too long before boarding. It wasn't a busy time of year, but security was still awful. And I love just checking luggage in at resort airline desk and not seeing it again until home airport!

Have a great trip. I'll have to live vicariously thru all of you until August, ugh. Seems so far away.

It does feel good to have things settled! You are definitely right about rates fluctuating. I'll have to check into the CCC for a later trip since we are so close to our trip now! Sorry you have to wait so long for your next trip. We'll have to cut back our number of trips next year due to the whole college search thing...DD is a junior in high school right now, but until then, I'll post as many pics as I can because I know it helps pass the time for other people!

 

[Sue M]

It does feel good to have things settled! You are definitely right about rates fluctuating. I'll have to check into the CCC for a later trip since we are so close to our trip now! Sorry you have to wait so long for your next trip. We'll have to cut back our number of trips next year due to the whole college search thing...DD is a junior in high school right now, but until then, I'll post as many pics as I can because I know it helps pass the time for other people!

Yes, life sometimes gets in the way! With me, it's work. New department at school & bye bye semester break :-(

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for your response! I would actually prefer to take a taxi and transport the luggage ourselves the following morning, but we have 2 girls (ages 4 & 5) and DH doesn't want them in a taxi without car seats. I know we can request a taxi with car seats, but I was unsure the odds of a taxi having 2 seats. I've looked at car seat laws in Florida and I think our 5 year old would be ok without one, but DH doesn't want to risk it. I even thought of going to the GF myself with the luggage and meeting up with the rest of the family when I'm finished, but DH would be lost (I'm the planner of the vacations). So I thought our next option is just to go to MK early, be at the mercy of Disney's luggage transport services and look like lost tourists when we get to GF. As it gets closer, I'll talk to DH again about a taxi.

I have no idea about car seats, but because of amount of luggage with 2 adult daughters plus me, we got a taxi Van, and I seem to remember noticing a car seat in the back cargo area. When you check into your first resort, lobby concierge prob would know.

 

[VbChristy]

 

[VbChristy]

That would be a picture of the crib inside the closet of the deluxe king in The main bldg- my child is currently sleeping there!

 

[VbChristy]

The deluxe King room in the main bldg

 

[Maxie86]

Hi! My family and I are staying at GF SL (our first visit at GF) soon (in 20 days but who's counting?). I have a question regarding check in. I've tried searching, but can't find much. Due to flight schedules, I decided it would be best for my family if we flew in a day early. We are doing a "split stay" with AoA. Our reservation at AoA is room only for one night. Our package with dining and tickets is on the bands for the GF beginning the following day. My plan is to go to MK as early as we can make it and return to GF around 2-ish if I receive a text room is ready. I have already completed online check in. My question is this: since we are not arriving to GF by DME, instead coming from MK, do I stop at the front desk? Will they know we are coming? Will I be greeted by anyone? Do I go straight to the room? I hope our room is ready around 2, but will stay in the park until I receive a text.

Last time we went to WDW was 12/2013 and we stayed CR. We were greeted by a CM directly off DME even though we weren't staying CL. I completed online check in then as well but still was escorted to the front desk by a CM with an ipad. This is our first split stay and I was curious how CL checkin would be different since we were coming from a park instead of DME.

You will have to tell someone that you are checking in CL. They will not know who you are if arriving from a park. They only would know when you get on ME or go through the gate if driving. I'm not sure they will text you your room number before you physically check in...I know some resorts do but it hasn't been our experience with CL at the Grand. Maybe you or DH could run over to the Grand and check in while the other stays in the MK with the kids??? You may even get lucky and your room will be ready early. We've had rooms as early as 7 AM and as late as 4 PM, it all depends on how busy the resort is.

Hello, all! My family stayed at the Grand Floridian about 6 years ago, and we are considering another stay in 2016. I might be going crazy, but I thought that, when we stayed in a garden view room back in 2009, the bathroom had the sink area separated by a door from the toilet/shower (similar to Wilderness Lodge, Beach & Yacht Club, Boardwalk, etc.). Having looked over the 1st page, it looks like the sink, toilet, and shower are all in the same room. Am I crazy (I won't be offended if you say yes), or do some of the rooms have the separate sink area? Thanks for your help!

The bathroom and sink is separated by a door except for the handicap accessible rooms. You are not going crazy, you may just have seen a pic of the HA room.

That would be a picture of the crib inside the closet of the deluxe king in The main bldg- my child is currently sleeping there!

Love it, we always say you could put a small bed in there...it's perfect for a crib.

 

[pas130]

VbChristy- great room!! Enjoy the Grand!

 

[Dispro1]

View attachment 126260

Perfect! That should work out well...nice, quiet spot for the little one and you don't have to tiptoe around! I love the turret rooms! Enjoy!!