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

[trishadono]

Everyone fixing to go have an amazing time!!! Send pics!!

we will be single digit dancing in about 2 weeks...

Different note, I feel more comfortable here asking you ladies and gentleman...

I need to start walking, I wont be able to do it everyday bc I work 3 days on and 4 days off but I need to walk to get use to it. Thanks to Hashimotos and
Addison disease my body is completely out of shape and weak. Do you think if I walk 3x a week starting next week that by the time Sept 7 rolls around Ill be ok to walk the parks? I really dont want a scooter..

Do any of you start walking to prepare for Disney Vacations? I never had to before I use to work out 3 to 5 times a week but that stopped 3 yrs ago when I started getting sick..Anyone have a walking plan they use?

I did order croc flip flops and asics tennis shoes to walk in at home and the park, I hope that will help lol

I use a fit bit and before that the app on my iphone.

What i do is set a goal for each day. When I get up from my desk I try to do 100 steps until I can set back down( i do work for my husband so i can do this without inconvenience). At home it is easier. I always clean on commercials.

I started with 1000 steps a day years ago and just kept increasing my goal. If you cant do everyday try 3 or 4 days a week a bigger goal but still have a small goal everyday. IT ADDS UP!

I literally pace the room and watch tv some snowy nights!

I used to get so so tired at WDW. Now I walk more at home so the trips are much easier on the body.

Also I try not to use monorail but use boat to /from gf for less hills which helps alot! (when I am with mom etc)

 

[mrsap]

Everyone fixing to go have an amazing time!!! Send pics!!

we will be single digit dancing in about 2 weeks...

Different note, I feel more comfortable here asking you ladies and gentleman...

I need to start walking, I wont be able to do it everyday bc I work 3 days on and 4 days off but I need to walk to get use to it. Thanks to Hashimotos and
Addison disease my body is completely out of shape and weak. Do you think if I walk 3x a week starting next week that by the time Sept 7 rolls around Ill be ok to walk the parks? I really dont want a scooter..

Do any of you start walking to prepare for Disney Vacations? I never had to before I use to work out 3 to 5 times a week but that stopped 3 yrs ago when I started getting sick..Anyone have a walking plan they use?

I did order croc flip flops and asics tennis shoes to walk in at home and the park, I hope that will help lol

Doesn’t hurt to walk in place a little each day!!! It’s just SO much walking!! Just to give you an idea... here’s my step counter from one of our Park days last trip!!

 

[bluejasmine]

I use a fit bit and before that the app on my iphone.

What i do is set a goal for each day. When I get up from my desk I try to do 100 steps until I can set back down( i do work for my husband so i can do this without inconvenience). At home it is easier. I always clean on commercials.

I started with 1000 steps a day years ago and just kept increasing my goal. If you cant do everyday try 3 or 4 days a week a bigger goal but still have a small goal everyday. IT ADDS UP!

I literally pace the room and watch tv some snowy nights!

I used to get so so tired at WDW. Now I walk more at home so the trips are much easier on the body.

Also I try not to use monorail but use boat to /from gf for less hills which helps alot! (when I am with mom etc)

Thanks I really like the idea of daily goals, I am a dispatcher so I cant go much further than the bathroom about once an hour when Im working but out two doors, around corner and down the hall so I can set an alarm to remind me to walk it each hour and then on my days off try to walk atleast 3 or the four days and set goals for the time I walk..

I feel better hearing Im not the only one, I always see pooh sized ppl and they appear to getting around just fine, yesterday hubby and I went to Target to get some of the new Mickey stuff they have and then went grocery shopping and my feet and back hurt and I was wiped out and I thought Oh no, I better do something or this big expensive trip Ive been planning for 11 months will be absolutely miserable..

So next week I will start when my shoes come in..

 

[auntfrannie]

Everyone fixing to go have an amazing time!!! Send pics!!

we will be single digit dancing in about 2 weeks...

Different note, I feel more comfortable here asking you ladies and gentleman...

I need to start walking, I wont be able to do it everyday bc I work 3 days on and 4 days off but I need to walk to get use to it. Thanks to Hashimotos and
Addison disease my body is completely out of shape and weak. Do you think if I walk 3x a week starting next week that by the time Sept 7 rolls around Ill be ok to walk the parks? I really dont want a scooter..

Do any of you start walking to prepare for Disney Vacations? I never had to before I use to work out 3 to 5 times a week but that stopped 3 yrs ago when I started getting sick..Anyone have a walking plan they use?

I did order croc flip flops and asics tennis shoes to walk in at home and the park, I hope that will help lol

Definitely! I remember my very first trip trip to Disney (back when there was only the Magic Kingdom and all info came from Birnbaum's guide ) I used to do laps in the backyard to get ready. Any little bit you can do before your vacation will help you get ready. Good luck!

 

[followthatmouse]

Everyone fixing to go have an amazing time!!! Send pics!!

we will be single digit dancing in about 2 weeks...

Different note, I feel more comfortable here asking you ladies and gentleman...

I need to start walking, I wont be able to do it everyday bc I work 3 days on and 4 days off but I need to walk to get use to it. Thanks to Hashimotos and
Addison disease my body is completely out of shape and weak. Do you think if I walk 3x a week starting next week that by the time Sept 7 rolls around Ill be ok to walk the parks? I really dont want a scooter..

Do any of you start walking to prepare for Disney Vacations? I never had to before I use to work out 3 to 5 times a week but that stopped 3 yrs ago when I started getting sick..Anyone have a walking plan they use?

I did order croc flip flops and asics tennis shoes to walk in at home and the park, I hope that will help lol

It really is a good idea to build up to a WDW vacation with a walking regime. You literally walk miles and miles, especially in a park like Epcot. But, there is no need to go crazy and start training in marathon lengths!

Start slowly, perhaps a walk around the block and build.from there. Your body will adjust, just don't shock it at the start. You will also find that when you walk in the parks, you are making frequent stops for rides, entertainment, meals. While there are not as many seats in the parks as in the past, there are still many spots where you can stop and watch the world go by with a drink or a Dole Whip.

Having said that, my DM always has a scooter at WDW. She is an energetic woman, but she knows her limitations and now loves her scooters in the parks. It gives her the freedom to see everything comfortably without exhaustion or injury. The bonus is that she is treated wonderfully by the CMs, who ensure she sees all she wants to see and do, often with her own entrance to attractions that save hassle and time!

I'm sure you will have a great time! Just take care of yourself first!

 

[MaskedRose86]

So I remember earlier this year the pool was getting a bit of a redo? How is it now? Did they change anything or just clean it up a bit? I am hoping my 6 year olds like it....we have 3 days at the Yacht Club (Stormalong Bay) so I hope this pool isn’t too much of a let down. (Haven’t been to DW since 2000 and we stayed at the Poly....that was pre-Lava pool. In fact didn’t even use it since they were constructing it and I don’t think a pool was available...)

 

[Sarahslay]

I am so excited! I have been switching my first solo trip around like crazy because nothing felt right, but I finally have landed on GF and I'm not switching now! I'm going August 12-17 and will be staying in a main building deluxe king room, RPC here I come! I have two other trips over the summer, one with each kid, which will be go-go-go with tons of rides, but I wanted this one to be relaxing and able to go to the parks when I please and relax when I don't. Knowing that now I can partake in the CL offerings I've canceled all but one ADR that I had (and EMM, which I don't really count as an ADR even though you get food lol). I'm so looking forward to it since this is one of the resorts my husband never wants to stay at (he says it's too stuffy looking, he loves WL). Can't wait!!! Also pretty happy that I snagged a significant AP discount, that didn't hurt lol

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Hi all! Is the arcade still at the GF? Seems like they have been removed from several resorts this year. Also does anyone know if the movies under the stars has chairs? Thanks.

 

[caribbeandream]

Wait-What! When I stayed at Sugarloaf in April 2016, they didn’t have Mickey waffles. Has something changed in Sugarloaf for food offerings. I am going to be there 2019 and would love to upgrade to club level.

We stayed at the RPCL the second week in January. My son had them three out of the four breakfasts we had during our stay.

 

[WishesQueen]

Hi all! Is the arcade still at the GF? Seems like they have been removed from several resorts this year. Also does anyone know if the movies under the stars has chairs? Thanks.

Morning

As of last June the arcade in still in Gasperilla's. Its small and in its own space in the back of the restaurant which I personally like so much more. I am sure someone else will be by to confirm that has been there more recent, but honestly I'll be surprised if its been removed.

Also, the movies under the stars did not have chairs that I saw and we passed by several times in June.

 

[BlueSkies]

Good morning fellow GF fans...

We recently had a wonderful stay at the GF and I wanted to do a mini TR...sort of an update...

Arrival...We were actually greeted upon arrival and taken up stairs to check in...as you all know..this has been very spotty these days....and I'm guessing it still is...lol..same thing happened during our summer trip...but this winter..no greeter..had to check in at the front desk..and wait to be escorted to the room..even tho we assured them we knew where we were going and they had activated our MBs????..In any case..being greeted and escorted upstairs much a much nicer way to start the trip....

Room... We were assigned a room with a view that we requested..and it was ready at about 1pm... ..room looked great..clean and fresh ...as for the toiletries....here they stepped things up once again...last two trips there was a decrease in the variety, just soaps ( face and bath) shampoo, conditioner and body wash..and some hand cream..this time there were in addition to what I just listed.. a shower bonnet, sun screen, FOOT RUB ..yes its back...lol...tooth brushes, a vanity kit and a shaving kit ( aka a razor and a small shaving cream)..so really a lot more... I am going to attribute this to maybe the new GM...?? well whoever...good job...we really appreciated having such a nice variety of things...

and...since its always about the food....lol...

Lounge offerings...

Mornings seemed pretty much the same variety...( I will try and post pics...have been recently having difficulty with this for some reason... ) fresh cut up fruit including nice plump black berries, blueberries too..yogurt (2 varieties ..plain and strawberry I think?)..a nice granola mix ..orange, apple and cranberry juice..hot mini fritatas (some days with sun dried tomato and some with ham or cheese..)..and of course..the sinfully delicious pecan sticky buns...they are soooo delicious..and are now served warm..heavenly...lol...there were also deviled eggs..fresh turkey slices..ham too and prosciutto...cheddar and maybe swiss cheese..and croissant the usual variety of breakfast pastries... also the toasting station ..with bagels..a few different selections of bread..along with butter and cream cheese....aaaannnddd...if that not enough...fresh made Mickey waffles..which I believe are now offered 4 days a week...definitely both Saturday and Sunday...and at least one other weekday....which you can top with the usual butter and syrup..and also a very nice strawberry compote and a cream topping too....

Afternoons...This has been the same for as long as I can remember....veggies...ranch dip..also both a tomato pesto and a spinach spread and a new cheese it was called St Pat nettle wrapped organic cheese ..some breads.. tomato salad with feta cheese and olives and those super delicious home made potato chips! .. and cookies... ( sugar and chocolate chip and coconut macaroons) (plenty for Trishadono's cookie purse)..lol....gummy bears and gold fish..but...yes..there is something new!! Soup..every day..rotating between a tasty tomato bisque..served with croutons..of a New England clam chowder...we enjoyed them both! and it was nice to see something different... .. don't want to forget the beverages...lemonade, unsweetened tea and that wonderful tropical juice...(which by the way..mixes very well with champagne...just saying....(thanks to Dispro for that idea..lol..which she calls a grand splash! )

And let me not forget the scones...crumbly and delicious..served with clotted cream or a very nice jam..there was also banana bread...and some days mini red velvet cakes...didn't try them..but they looked good!

Evenings Ok..epic fail here for information ...we had some very wonderful dinner reservations (so many wonderful GF restaurants...but we enjoyed both the GF Cafe and Narcoosees this trip) ...which is why I'm not really sure what offerings there were...lol....but there is still a chef doing hot appetizers some of the evenings...ok..ok..thats the best I can do.....lol...

also later in the evening..desserts....nothing new that I noticed..the usual chocolate mousse cups,key lime tarts, fruit tarts and rice crispy treats...and some cookies too..along with coconut macaroons...

Cordials..I recall seeing Kahlua and Baileys ...

All day beverages..there were sodas in the lounge fridge..coke, diet coke, ginger ale, sprite diet sprite and water too.. coffee..regular and decaf in the urns and of course the machine..and there are flavorings too...usually 3 of 4 different ones...

Pools Both pools were open and the cabanas have been replaced at the at the beach pool...and while there are not any cabanas at the courtyard pool...there is now a "reserve" section..which is cordoned off and has a variety of seating..including a sun bed with an awning..and an umbrella table..this can be reserved for the day for $150.... Its an interesting little area..and a pool bargain at $150 for the day IMO...I never did find out if this also provides an attendant like at the cabanas????

The grounds were lovely as usual..and I did notice there were some new trees..and for those fans of SL who were not fans of the big tree in front of the wing closest to the main building..pool facing... that tree is gone.... and speaking of trees and views..those of you who have been in these rooms know....the infamous tree that blocked the view from the 01 and 02 rooms in RPC is also gone...not sure if this was a result of the hurricane..or not....

Last but not least..I know this is getting looooong...lol...

Transportation...We did use both the monorail and water launches with ease..no delays..no issues..no modified operating hours....and one evening returning from the MK they did change out the usual water launch for a large boat...it was not a Friendship...it was large with open sides..I've never seen one before ...but it made returning to the resort a whole lot quicker..and am glad someone thought to implement this at park closing time.... ..We did not use the buses this trip although we do use them...and have almost always had a very positive experience...really like that they have the time board to keep you informed of the bus arrival times....but instead used Lyft...which was both not costly and very time efficient for our particular itinerary....due to the heat..and it was hot for May..we tended to do Epcot and DHS later in the day...and for shorter periods of time...also when staying CL its nice to be back at the resort some evening for desserts and fireworks!

Overall another Grand stay at a very grand resort!

For those of you with trips coming up....enjoy!!

Hope that you are all having a terrific Thursday....

PS..Pictures to follow...I hope!

ETA..The arcade is still there and operating....

 

[bluejasmine]

Does anyone have any experience with checking into the villas? I know you pull up there and check in on the left where the CMs are, is it normally pretty quick? Do DVC rooms take longer to get cleaned and be available? Can they store a few bags if not or will it be taken to the main building to bell services?

 

[trishadono]

Good morning fellow GF fans...

We recently had a wonderful stay at the GF and I wanted to do a mini TR...sort of an update...

Arrival...We were actually greeted upon arrival and taken up stairs to check in...as you all know..this has been very spotty these days....and I'm guessing it still is...lol..same thing happened during our summer trip...but this winter..no greeter..had to check in at the front desk..and wait to be escorted to the room..even tho we assured them we knew where we were going and they had activated our MBs????..In any case..being greeted and escorted upstairs much a much nicer way to start the trip....

Room... We were assigned a room with a view that we requested..and it was ready at about 1pm... ..room looked great..clean and fresh ...as for the toiletries....here they stepped things up once again...last two trips there was a decrease in the variety, just soaps ( face and bath) shampoo, conditioner and body wash..and some hand cream..this time there were in addition to what I just listed.. a shower bonnet, sun screen, FOOT RUB ..yes its back...lol...tooth brushes, a vanity kit and a shaving kit ( aka a razor and a small shaving cream)..so really a lot more... I am going to attribute this to maybe the new GM...?? well whoever...good job...we really appreciated having such a nice variety of things...

and...since its always about the food....lol...

Lounge offerings...

Mornings seemed pretty much the same variety...( I will try and post pics...have been recently having difficulty with this for some reason... ) fresh cut up fruit including nice plump black berries, blueberries too..yogurt (2 varieties ..plain and strawberry I think?)..a nice granola mix ..orange, apple and cranberry juice..hot mini fritatas (some days with sun dried tomato and some with ham or cheese..)..and of course..the sinfully delicious pecan sticky buns...they are soooo delicious..and are now served warm..heavenly...lol...there were also deviled eggs..fresh turkey slices..ham too and prosciutto...cheddar and maybe swiss cheese..and croissant the usual variety of breakfast pastries... also the toasting station ..with bagels..a few different selections of bread..along with butter and cream cheese....aaaannnddd...if that not enough...fresh made Mickey waffles..which I believe are now offered 4 days a week...definitely both Saturday and Sunday...and at least one other weekday....which you can top with the usual butter and syrup..and also a very nice strawberry compote and a cream topping too....

Afternoons...This has been the same for as long as I can remember....veggies...ranch dip..also both a tomato pesto and a spinach spread and a new cheese it was called St Pat nettle wrapped organic cheese ..some breads.. tomato salad with feta cheese and olives and those super delicious home made potato chips! .. and cookies... ( sugar and chocolate chip and coconut macaroons) (plenty for Trishadono's cookie purse)..lol....gummy bears and gold fish..but...yes..there is something new!! Soup..every day..rotating between a tasty tomato bisque..served with croutons..of a New England clam chowder...we enjoyed them both! and it was nice to see something different... .. don't want to forget the beverages...lemonade, unsweetened tea and that wonderful tropical juice...(which by the way..mixes very well with champagne...just saying....(thanks to Dispro for that idea..lol..which she calls a grand splash! )

And let me not forget the scones...crumbly and delicious..served with clotted cream or a very nice jam..there was also banana bread...and some days mini red velvet cakes...didn't try them..but they looked good!

Evenings Ok..epic fail here for information ...we had some very wonderful dinner reservations (so many wonderful GF restaurants...but we enjoyed both the GF Cafe and Narcoosees this trip) ...which is why I'm not really sure what offerings there were...lol....but there is still a chef doing hot appetizers some of the evenings...ok..ok..thats the best I can do.....lol...

also later in the evening..desserts....nothing new that I noticed..the usual chocolate mousse cups,key lime tarts, fruit tarts and rice crispy treats...and some cookies too..along with coconut macaroons...

Cordials..I recall seeing Kahlua and Baileys ...

All day beverages..there were sodas in the lounge fridge..coke, diet coke, ginger ale, sprite diet sprite and water too.. coffee..regular and decaf in the urns and of course the machine..and there are flavorings too...usually 3 of 4 different ones...

Pools Both pools were open and the cabanas have been replaced at the at the beach pool...and while there are not any cabanas at the courtyard pool...there is now a "reserve" section..which is cordoned off and has a variety of seating..including a sun bed with an awning..and an umbrella table..this can be reserved for the day for $150.... Its an interesting little area..and a pool bargain at $150 for the day IMO...I never did find out if this also provides an attendant like at the cabanas????

The grounds were lovely as usual..and I did notice there were some new trees..and for those fans of SL who were not fans of the big tree in front of the wing closest to the main building..pool facing... that tree is gone.... and speaking of trees and views..those of you who have been in these rooms know....the infamous tree that blocked the view from the 01 and 02 rooms in RPC is also gone...not sure if this was a result of the hurricane..or not....

Last but not least..I know this is getting looooong...lol...

Transportation...We did use both the monorail and water launches with ease..no delays..no issues..no modified operating hours....and one evening returning from the MK they did change out the usual water launch for a large boat...it was not a Friendship...it was large with open sides..I've never seen one before ...but it made returning to the resort a whole lot quicker..and am glad someone thought to implement this at park closing time.... ..We did not use the buses this trip although we do use them...and have almost always had a very positive experience...really like that they have the time board to keep you informed of the bus arrival times....but instead used Lyft...which was both not costly and very time efficient for our particular itinerary....due to the heat..and it was hot for May..we tended to do Epcot and DHS later in the day...and for shorter periods of time...also when staying CL its nice to be back at the resort some evening for desserts and fireworks!

Overall another Grand stay at a very grand resort!

For those of you with trips coming up....enjoy!!

Hope that you are all having a terrific Thursday....

PS..Pictures to follow...I hope!

ETA..The arcade is still there and operating....

It was nice getting picture updates while you were there! Cant wait to try the soups!Thanks!!!

Cookies??? In my purse?????




Its not my fault ds eats his weight of them I need to bring some from lounge all day for him. Luckily he doesnt mind sharing with my hungry friends.

 

[trishadono]

Oh @BlueSkies I think I have been on that boat a few times. Usually it is the very fun captain too, telling jokes and pranking the whole way.

He told me it was the pirate and princess boat thingy and they use it at nights when its busy.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Morning

As of last June the arcade in still in Gasperilla's. Its small and in its own space in the back of the restaurant which I personally like so much more. I am sure someone else will be by to confirm that has been there more recent, but honestly I'll be surprised if its been removed.

Also, the movies under the stars did not have chairs that I saw and we passed by several times in June.

Happy to hear the arcade is survived. Too bad there are no chairs for the movies anymore, it used to be so nice to watch on the loungers.

ETA..The arcade is still there and operating....

Thank you, good to know!

 

[pepperandchips]

Does anyone have any experience with checking into the villas? I know you pull up there and check in on the left where the CMs are, is it normally pretty quick? Do DVC rooms take longer to get cleaned and be available? Can they store a few bags if not or will it be taken to the main building to bell services?

I have only physically checked in there once, but did not have to wait and yes it was quick but nice to sit at the desk with the CM. Other times I did online check in so no need to visit the desk. I have never seen people waiting to check in, probably because there are relatively few villas and many people do online check in, plus the arrivals are staggered throughout the day.

Expect to wait until 4:00 for your villa to be ready. We have rarely had a DVC villa ready for us early, and it's better to set your expectations low and have them exceeded than expect to get in early and not be able to until 4:00. DVC is especially hard to get an early room due to nearly full occupancy at all times. You may get lucky! We have a few times.

I believe all bags still go to the bell services holding area at the main building but they will send a CM to get them for you from the Villas building, probably on a golf cart.

VGF is my "home" and my absolute favorite place to stay. Absolutely cannot be beat! Rooms are perfectly gorgeous, location is convenient to the GF main building as well as the Poly, and the views from nearly all villas have something to marvel at. (Photos attached from my last stay, I had a view straight on of the Porte cochere roof but monorail and Poly views to the sides!)

 

[bluejasmine]

Thank you @pepperandchips! I will just have to pack a bag with our swimsuits, makeup, our MNSSHP clothes if we aren't going to be able to get In the room all day and are going to MNSSHP at 4. Since it will be late when we get back from the party and we will want to go straight to bed it would be easier to keep our bags in our car so we can grab them our selves when we come in from the party.
Ill try not to get my hopes up to get in the room earlier.. Im hoping some tho..lol Our plans were to check in VGF, hop on monorail and have brunch at CG at 10 and then spend the rest of the day at the resort and pool and go over to MK for MNSSHP.

My son and daughter will be staying out side WDW that night but can I get them a visiting parking pass to come visit us and go to MNSSHP? They check into their resort the next morning. Ive done this in 2014 at the Boardwalk so I figured it should be same at GF?

 

[Sue M]

@BlueSkies nice review! For my DL trip the other week I brought some GF foot rub and it sure felt great after averaging 20,000 steps a day! No Solar Gel?

We’ve had that large boat too, a few years ago. I think monorail was down? It is the Pirate Cruise boat. I wish they used it more at park closing. At park closing it’s impossible to get on monorail. 99% of the people using resort monorail are going to TTC and can be a 3 boat wait.

 

[gulliesmom]

What are the room options in Sugarloaf? I am trying to figure out what to put in as a request for out trip in November. What are the two view options? We booked a standard CL room. I know I don't want to be right off the lounge as I am worried about noise early mornings and late evenings, but other than that, not sure what the options are. Thanks for any insight to those who know the building well

 

[bluejasmine]

What are the room options in Sugarloaf? I am trying to figure out what to put in as a request for out trip in November. What are the two view options? We booked a standard CL room. I know I don't want to be right off the lounge as I am worried about noise early mornings and late evenings, but other than that, not sure what the options are. Thanks for any insight to those who know the building well

I cant fully answer the question but when I stayed in SL I had a marina view as part of my standard room, it was very nice