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

[Emme]

Ok Good morning all!! We are seriously thinking of staying at the GF for this August (great rate too) and I am really not that familiar with the layout. Our go to resort has always been the Poly. We have eaten many times in the main bldg. but are completely unfamiliar with the rest of the resort. The rate is for a standard room. I see the layout of the outer bldgs. on the map but is there a post that explains which standard locations are better? Is there a link that has all pics of the different bldgs.? Sorry for so many beginner questions but this is the one resort I'm so unsure about. I read the beginning of the thread but looking for more of the pros and cons of each bldg. that has standard rooms. Thank you so so much for any info you can share!

 

[bcarey2k]

Any idea when the Villas for a late December through early January stay might become bookable?

Brian

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Any idea when the Villas for a late December through early January stay might become bookable?

Brian

I believe it is at 11 months out of your check in date that they release the cash rooms at DVC.

 

[dina7]

Ok Good morning all!! We are seriously thinking of staying at the GF for this August (great rate too) and I am really not that familiar with the layout. Our go to resort has always been the Poly. We have eaten many times in the main bldg. but are completely unfamiliar with the rest of the resort. The rate is for a standard room. I see the layout of the outer bldgs. on the map but is there a post that explains which standard locations are better? Is there a link that has all pics of the different bldgs.? Sorry for so many beginner questions but this is the one resort I'm so unsure about. I read the beginning of the thread but looking for more of the pros and cons of each bldg. that has standard rooms. Thank you so so much for any info you can share!

We stayed at the GF in August for the first time since our honeymoon, which was 24 yrs ago. So it was like staying there for the first time too, lol. People on this thread kept saying that it didn't matter which bldg. you stayed in & I was a little nervous about that. After our trip, I saw that they were right. All of the bldgs are so close to the main bldg, literally a short, couple minutes walk. Sugar Loaf is the only bldg that is not standard, it's Club Level. So that's not an option if you're booking std. Outer Bldg. There is a slight chance of being in a room that could possibly have a view of the back of the pool house if you stay in Big Pine Key. We stayed in Conch Key & were thrilled with our view of the marina & monorail. This bldg is also the closest to the boat dock, so just steps away when returning from the boat ride back from MK.

What ever bldg you end up in will be wonderful!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Ok Good morning all!! We are seriously thinking of staying at the GF for this August (great rate too) and I am really not that familiar with the layout. Our go to resort has always been the Poly. We have eaten many times in the main bldg. but are completely unfamiliar with the rest of the resort. The rate is for a standard room. I see the layout of the outer bldgs. on the map but is there a post that explains which standard locations are better? Is there a link that has all pics of the different bldgs.? Sorry for so many beginner questions but this is the one resort I'm so unsure about. I read the beginning of the thread but looking for more of the pros and cons of each bldg. that has standard rooms. Thank you so so much for any info you can share!

Here is the map which is also found on the first page of this GF thread. Standard rooms are always garden or pool view. If we weren't staying at Sugar Loaf (concierge), I'd ask for Sago Cay. It's close to the main building, Gasparilla's, and also a very short walk to both the boat dock and bus stop. The only downside to this building might be the conference crowd. Big Pine might be my second choice. It's tucked right by both pools.
Overall, each building is a quick walk to the main building.

 

[dina7]

Emme, these are photos of our view from our Standard room in the Conch Key Building.

 

[bcarey2k]

I believe it is at 11 months out of your check in date that they release the cash rooms at DVC.

Thanks!

Brian

 

[Emme]

View attachment 214470 View attachment 214468 Emme, these are photos of our view from our Standard room in the Conch Key Building.View attachment 214469

THANK YOU!!!! OK I wasn't sure how close the outer bldgs. were to the main bldg. Your pics are beautiful! Being that it's just hubby and I hoping for a king bed

 

[Lisann]

Speaking of coffee on the balcony.....

View attachment 214222


OK that's an awful picture, but it was a lovely morning. While hubby and son snoozed away.

Whoosh....the monorail just went by....

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Here is the map which is also found on the first page of this GF thread. Standard rooms are always garden or pool view. If we weren't staying at Sugar Loaf (concierge), I'd ask for Sago Cay. It's close to the main building, Gasparilla's, and also a very short walk to both the boat dock and bus stop. The only downside to this building might be the conference crowd. Big Pine might be my second choice. It's tucked right by both pools.
Overall, each building is a quick walk to the main building.
View attachment 214467

HEY!!!!!! In 3 weeks, I'll be there at a conference -- I'm not a bad neighbor, lol!!!!! We've stayed in all the buildings except CL. When staying "garden view," I desperately try to stay away from Big Pine Key as I have gotten the dreaded view of the back of the poolhouse building. For garden view, we prefer to stay in Sago, not only for all the reasons @CRSNDSNY mentioned, but also because the marina view is considered to be garden view. We've had several stays where our balcony overlooked both the courtyard in front of Gaspys but also of the marina. Nothing beats, imho, staying in Boca Chica and waking up to that view -- Castle to the left, Space Mountain in the left center, Contemporary in the middle, and the ferry boats going back and forth to the right -- hopefully I will be waking up to that on February 1!

Tom

 

[MommyGina]

I agree with Tom. We like Sago for Garden View. It's close to the main building and to the bus. We like the marina side of the building.

 

[Allie B]

HEY!!!!!! In 3 weeks, I'll be there at a conference -- I'm not a bad neighbor, lol!!!!! We've stayed in all the buildings except CL. When staying "garden view," I desperately try to stay away from Big Pine Key as I have gotten the dreaded view of the back of the poolhouse building. For garden view, we prefer to stay in Sago, not only for all the reasons @CRSNDSNY mentioned, but also because the marina view is considered to be garden view. We've had several stays where our balcony overlooked both the courtyard in front of Gaspys but also of the marina. Nothing beats, imho, staying in Boca Chica and waking up to that view -- Castle to the left, Space Mountain in the left center, Contemporary in the middle, and the ferry boats going back and forth to the right -- hopefully I will be waking up to that on February 1!

Tom

I am going to a conference this year at GF. What building and rooms are usually blocked off for conference?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I am going to a conference this year at GF. What building and rooms are usually blocked off for conference?

Generally Sago and BPK have been the buildings we've been in -- with a few exceptions here and there.

Tom

 

[Emme]

Me again!! Just curious...does anyone know what buildings with a garden view have King Beds? I know it's not a guarantee to get a king bed but if I could ask for the building that has a king bed in it that might help...lol. Thanks so much again!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hello and Happy New Year fellow GF fans!

The youngest of our crew discovered that at a young age -- I think she was 11 when she made herself a cup of tea, put on GF robe and went out onto the balcony and curled up on a chair. When we asked her what she was doing, she said "soaking up all the early magic." She'll be doing it shortly -- but now at 18, it won't be at 6am!

Tom

Love it..and so well said... Isn't that how we all feel when we are vacationing at the world...

So the ADRS we have so far are, well the ones the family knows about anyhow -- Friday - Tutto Italia for lunch and Shula's for dinner, Saturday lunch Tokyo Dining and Narcossees for dinner, Sunday The Jungle Navigation Company for lunch and California Grill for dinner. Can you tell it is all about the food?

Of course we will be have breakfast at Kona's Café and the Grand Floridian Café and will probably be grabbing dinner or lunch in Mexico as well as the opposite at either the Brown Derby or Coral Seas. Any other suggestions?

@BlueSkies - I can't pack - the suitcase exploded and I need a new one!

Tom

Definitely all about the food...great list of ADRs...enjoy...
As for the packing...you are killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buy a new suitcase ...and hurry!!

While there was no greeter for our December stay, once we arrived at the front desk and gave our name a CM escorted us upstairs to our room and check in was completed. We arrived at a relatively quiet time of the evening, so I don't know if each RPC arrival occurs in the same manner now.

This has been our most recent experience also...It seems to be very variable these days though...with no set check in protocol....unfortunately....

Ok Good morning all!! We are seriously thinking of staying at the GF for this August (great rate too) and I am really not that familiar with the layout. Our go to resort has always been the Poly. We have eaten many times in the main bldg. but are completely unfamiliar with the rest of the resort. The rate is for a standard room. I see the layout of the outer bldgs. on the map but is there a post that explains which standard locations are better? Is there a link that has all pics of the different bldgs.? Sorry for so many beginner questions but this is the one resort I'm so unsure about. I read the beginning of the thread but looking for more of the pros and cons of each bldg. that has standard rooms. Thank you so so much for any info you can share!

As you can see from the responses....everyone has a favorite outer building..and for different reasons...truly the property is not spread out at all...and everything is in pretty close proximity.....that being said...here's my 2 cents...lol...our fave outer building is Boca Chica...we enjoy the proximity of that building to the courtyard pool and pool bar (where you can refill a beverage mug if you've purchased one..and order some light dining too)...the boat dock...which is great for water craft transportation and watching Wishes or the Electrical Water Pageant......and....lol...has very lovely views across the courtyard and pool area and of the main building......This building as well as all of the other outer buildings does offer king beds.... HTH..I bet it won't be your last grand stay!

CRNDSNY Many thanks for sharing your lovely pictures! and for your review too!

dina7 Thanks to you too for sharing your beautiful pictures!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!

 

[Sue M]

So the ADRS we have so far are, well the ones the family knows about anyhow -- Friday - Tutto Italia for lunch and Shula's for dinner, Saturday lunch Tokyo Dining and Narcossees for dinner, Sunday The Jungle Navigation Company for lunch and California Grill for dinner. Can you tell it is all about the food?

Of course we will be have breakfast at Kona's Café and the Grand Floridian Café and will probably be grabbing dinner or lunch in Mexico as well as the opposite at either the Brown Derby or Coral Seas. Any other suggestions?

@BlueSkies - I can't pack - the suitcase exploded and I need a new one!

Tom

Boma?

 

[Sue M]

Hello and Happy New Year fellow GF fans!



Love it..and so well said... Isn't that how we all feel when we are vacationing at the world...



Definitely all about the food...great list of ADRs...enjoy...
As for the packing...you are killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buy a new suitcase ...and hurry!!



This has been our most recent experience also...It seems to be very variable these days though...with no set check in protocol....unfortunately....



As you can see from the responses....everyone has a favorite outer building..and for different reasons...truly the property is not spread out at all...and everything is in pretty close proximity.....that being said...here's my 2 cents...lol...our fave outer building is Boca Chica...we enjoy the proximity of that building to the courtyard pool and pool bar (where you can refill a beverage mug if you've purchased one..and order some light dining too)...the boat dock...which is great for water craft transportation and watching Wishes or the Electrical Water Pageant......and....lol...has very lovely views across the courtyard and pool area and of the main building......This building as well as all of the other outer buildings does offer king beds.... HTH..I bet it won't be your last grand stay!

CRNDSNY Many thanks for sharing your lovely pictures! and for your review too!

dina7 Thanks to you too for sharing your beautiful pictures!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!

Hi Blue! Happy New Years.

 

[grannyminnie]

From me too! Been unable to log in for the longest time, and finally found my way back (with the help of the techies on here).

 

[KonaKaiTom]

From me too! Been unable to log in for the longest time, and finally found my way back (with the help of the techies on here).

@grannyminnie - nice to see you back and Happy New Year to you too!

@Sue M - great suggestion!

I can't for the life of me remember, what is the name of the shop that sells all of the soaps and bath bombs....I believe it is on the second floor?

Tom

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I see that not only is Gaspy's reopen - but they have gone more upscale too.....

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/new-artisanal-items-on-the-menu-at-gasparilla-island-grill/

Tom