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

[morgan98]

I arrive at the Grand on Sunday morning for what has become an annual work function. I am starting to get excited! Was there two years ago, at the Yacht Club last year and now back at the Grand!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you for responding. Big Pine Key is the building I requested but honestly I'll be tickled wherever we end up.

You're welcome! You will love the GF .

I arrive at the Grand on Sunday morning for what has become an annual work function. I am starting to get excited! Was there two years ago, at the Yacht Club last year and now back at the Grand!

Have a great time .

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

I arrive at the Grand on Sunday morning for what has become an annual work function. I am starting to get excited! Was there two years ago, at the Yacht Club last year and now back at the Grand!

Hmmm.....must be rough, not sure I could handle your kind of Monday’s

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

We are down to 28 days! I feel the same way. I did switch up a dining reservation tonight for our arrival day. We were going to eat at Disney Springs because we were originally staying at SSR. Since we are at VGF now, I got a reservation for Narcoossee’s. We’ve never eaten there, so we’re are looking forward to that, too.

We are having arrival dinner at Citricos. We have to have “The Talk” with SIL and BIL (they can’t do everything so they can pick their must dos at dinner!) Everything is flexible except meals (and even those are the day before), tours and MSSSHP!

I arrive at the Grand on Sunday morning for what has become an annual work function. I am starting to get excited! Was there two years ago, at the Yacht Club last year and now back at the Grand!

DH has work trips a couples times per year to Tampa. I’ve given up going with him and staying at Disney. When I mention it I get the sad puppy face with “you’d go to Disney without me?” Disney is an fantastic place for work trips!

 

[Sajchinook2015]

Just booked a 4 nite at GF in the Sugarloaf building. This will be my 3 rd time staying club level. But I am wondering what it is like staying in the main building. Has anyone done both. What do you prefer. Is there any real difference.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Just booked a 4 nite at GF in the Sugarloaf building. This will be my 3 rd time staying club level. But I am wondering what it is like staying in the main building. Has anyone done both. What do you prefer. Is there any real difference.

I wonder also!!

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Thank you for responding. Big Pine Key is the building I requested but honestly I'll be tickled wherever we end up.

We loved BPK, it was perfect for us!

 

[mickeynut1]

Just booked a 4 nite at GF in the Sugarloaf building. This will be my 3 rd time staying club level. But I am wondering what it is like staying in the main building. Has anyone done both. What do you prefer. Is there any real difference.

The main difference is the lounge. The food offerings are the same, but the lounges are worlds apart. I didn't care for SL as I found the lounge small/chaotic and not very relaxing and since it's located in the center of the SL building, there are no windows/views. The RPC lounge, however, is large and spacious and overlooks the lobby below. There are also several large windows to sit near with beautiful views of the grounds. I will say that SL is great in the summer or anytime you will be spending a lot of time at the courtyard pool as it's very convenient for grabbing snacks/drinks throughout the day while relaxing poolside. RPC, on the other hand, is great for a relaxing/enjoy the lounge and resort kind of trip.

 

[gulliesmom]

Congratulations! We have 36 more days to go I feel kind of lost since all the planning is done.

What do you mean??? I thought the planning was never done?!

 

[gulliesmom]

How far in advance do you check in? Staying CL in SL building. Arriving in 60 days...any downside to just checking in now?

 

[Rachel GB]

Just booked a 4 nite at GF in the Sugarloaf building. This will be my 3 rd time staying club level. But I am wondering what it is like staying in the main building. Has anyone done both. What do you prefer. Is there any real difference.

@Sajchinook2015 , to add to @mickeynut1 ’s input, I felt the service in RPC was better, and the food presentation was a bit fancier as well. It was quieter than SL and the fireworks view from the RPC lounge is amazing! The two are really worlds apart in terms of service, views, noise level, and size and comfort of CL lounge. Being right in the main building is also very convenient. I would definitely stay at SL again, but between the two, I’d choose RPC hands down!

The main difference is the lounge. The food offerings are the same, but the lounges are worlds apart. I didn't care for SL as I found the lounge small/chaotic and not very relaxing and since it's located in the center of the SL building, there are no windows/views. The RPC lounge, however, is large and spacious and overlooks the lobby below. There are also several large windows to sit near with beautiful views of the grounds. I will say that SL is great in the summer or anytime you will be spending a lot of time at the courtyard pool as it's very convenient for grabbing snacks/drinks throughout the day while relaxing poolside. RPC, on the other hand, is great for a relaxing/enjoy the lounge and resort kind of trip.

@mickeynut1 , totally agree!

 

[trishadono]

Just booked a 4 nite at GF in the Sugarloaf building. This will be my 3 rd time staying club level. But I am wondering what it is like staying in the main building. Has anyone done both. What do you prefer. Is there any real difference.

Yep its different but for the price SL is a great value. You get all the same food and drinks. The building location for SL is great especially for pools.

I like rpc if I am actually going to have time to relax. However for trips with a lot of plans sl is great.

If price the same I would do RPC every time. However sometimes its not worth the extra price. Some seasons its $$$$. I just got a great deal with AP last weekend so RPC worked for that trip.

YEPPERS PIX will be coming!!!

 

[trishadono]

Ds and I arrived 10am on Sunday. I was happy to have my sticky buns! There was no one outside to escort. MY MB didn't work on elevator so I had to wait in line. I didnt feel very special lol. However I explained I wanted an escort for breakfast before it ended and they got me up quick ( a mgr standing near by offered).

Text around noon room ready. 4202.Nope not happy not to get a turret. Dan called but no other rooms were available.This was the view. Overall it worked out fine for DD and I . The view made up for the longer walk to the lounge. Also it was super quiet on this floor.


Some random views from the lounge. Its so pretty from up there.

Too hot one afternoon so I put the desk rolling table in front of the sliders and had my afternoon tea with that view.

 

[Sajchinook2015]

Thanks for the reply’s. I am going to discuss the differences between SL and RPC with my sister. She has never stayed at GF. So the adding bonus of club level will be awesome. Something for us to consider is she has MS and will have her scooter. This trip is 13 days due to her MS and we slow it way down. She needs to rest her body more otherwise she gets so worn out she ends up getting sick and possible hospital visits. I am really leaning to switching to RPC.

Love this thread and all the pics.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

What do you mean??? I thought the planning was never done?!

I’m one of the lucky people experiencing the MDE “Magical Enhancement” so no changes for me! I’m actually happy with everything for once We’ll decide on a resort day and a Disney Springs day / 2nd resort day and cancel those FPS on arrival day. Even partially pack! I’m hoping the heat breaks before we go...105 heat index here today.

How far in advance do you check in? Staying CL in SL building. Arriving in 60 days...any downside to just checking in now?

You can call in requests any time but if you do online check after it overrides the first requests. I usually call and give my requests and arrival time instead of online.

Thanks for the reply’s. I am going to discuss the differences between SL and RPC with my sister. She has never stayed at GF. So the adding bonus of club level will be awesome. Something for us to consider is she has MS and will have her scooter. This trip is 13 days due to her MS and we slow it way down. She needs to rest her body more otherwise she gets so worn out she ends up getting sick and possible hospital visits. I am really leaning to switching to RPC.

Love this thread and all the pics.

I found SL really convenient but it seemed busier and louder since it’s a smaller area. It’s also right at the entrance so everyone stops by on their way in and out.

RPC, as everyone has said, is more relaxing. It’s really nice to sit and listen to the piano and orchestra in the afternoons. If you’re looking for a nice place to unwind I’d pick RPC over SL anytime.

Ds and I arrived 10am on Sunday. I was happy to have my sticky buns! There was no one outside to escort. MY MB didn't work on elevator so I had to wait in line. I didnt feel very special lol. However I explained I wanted an escort for breakfast before it ended and they got me up quick ( a mgr standing near by offered).

Text around noon room ready. 4202.Nope not happy not to get a turret. Dan called but no other rooms were available.This was the view. Overall it worked out fine for DD and I . The view made up for the longer walk to the lounge. Also it was super quiet on this floor.
View attachment 352804
View attachment 352803View attachment 352810View attachment 352808
Some random views from the lounge. Its so pretty from up there.
View attachment 352805 View attachment 352807 View attachment 352809 View attachment 352811
Too hot one afternoon so I put the desk rolling table in front of the sliders and had my afternoon tea with that view.
View attachment 352806

LOVE the pics! Thanks for taking the time to post. Was that the (in)famous 2nd Floor View? Looks like ya had a great time!

 

[mrsap]

Ds and I arrived 10am on Sunday. I was happy to have my sticky buns! There was no one outside to escort. MY MB didn't work on elevator so I had to wait in line. I didnt feel very special lol. However I explained I wanted an escort for breakfast before it ended and they got me up quick ( a mgr standing near by offered).

Text around noon room ready. 4202.Nope not happy not to get a turret. Dan called but no other rooms were available.This was the view. Overall it worked out fine for DD and I . The view made up for the longer walk to the lounge. Also it was super quiet on this floor.
View attachment 352804
View attachment 352803View attachment 352810View attachment 352808
Some random views from the lounge. Its so pretty from up there.
View attachment 352805 View attachment 352807 View attachment 352809 View attachment 352811
Too hot one afternoon so I put the desk rolling table in front of the sliders and had my afternoon tea with that view.
View attachment 352806

Love your pictures! I hope you're having an amazing time! Wish we were there too!

 

[mrsap]

Thanks for the reply’s. I am going to discuss the differences between SL and RPC with my sister. She has never stayed at GF. So the adding bonus of club level will be awesome. Something for us to consider is she has MS and will have her scooter. This trip is 13 days due to her MS and we slow it way down. She needs to rest her body more otherwise she gets so worn out she ends up getting sick and possible hospital visits. I am really leaning to switching to RPC.

Love this thread and all the pics.

I 100% vote RPC. Love how peaceful and relaxing it is up there, especially when the band is playing. It's so nice and roomy too. Love how it overlooks the main lobby, especially at Christmas! Never had trouble finding tables and the staff up there was just incredible.

SL is extremely convenient, especially for Pool days. Great for running in and grabbing a drink or snack. Same food as RPC, which is great. Definitely less expensive than RPC. The lounge itself is just small, CM's not as friendly (at least in my experience), and you feel like you're in school with the 'teachers desk' right in the middle of the lounge.

Depends on what kind of trip you're looking to have. If you feel you will be spending a lot of time at the resort and in the lounge, definitely RPC. If you feel it will be more of an in and out trip, at parks every day and not really getting to enjoy it type situation, then definitely Sugarloaf. Good luck deciding!

 

[Wood Nymph]

How far in advance do you check in? Staying CL in SL building. Arriving in 60 days...any downside to just checking in now?

There isn’t any downside to checking in early.

 

[trishadono]

Got champagne at check in for me and dd!

Afternoon treats for ds.


Ya know we make Pogmosas right? Mix the tropical juice with sparking for a lovely afternoon treat.


Dd loves the scones but me , I want soup!!! I had it at noon and again 2:30 . They alternate corn chowder and tomato Florentine . Yummy with champagne !


5pm I’m full from soup so some shrimp and fruit n veggies . Also a nice Pinot noir


Oh a chef is making pineapple creme brûlée. 2 please !!!


Wait what ? Chef making donuts at breakfast . If I must .....

 

[tvsdisney]

We just got back from RPC...it was so wonderful and relaxing. I wasn’t overly impressed with the CM’s and didn’t think they were any more attentive than anywhere else though.