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

[followthatmouse]

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! We arrive tomorrow! Staying for the third time at GF RPC! This year we're taking a cousin with us. Should really be a lot of fun for my 13 year old son! Can't wait! First time staying in a Queen Deluxe room in RPC. I requested room 4422. I really hope our request is granted. I'm so, so looking forward to this trip! Believe it or not, the thing the boys are most looking forward to is playing ping-pong by the pool! lol

That is our favourite room, too! Apart from being a decent-sized and conveniently placed room, it has the added attraction of a wrap-around balcony. You have lagoon views, the fun of watching the goings on at the splash pool and the Beach Pool and even sunsets over the monorail line and distant golf courses! You'll never feel claustrophobic. You'll even have your own hallway. Have a wonderful stay!

 

[amw]

From post #1 of this thread.

Laundry

• 24-hour self-service laundry rooms are located in each building (except Sugar Loaf) with a couple washers/dryers each. (one washer, one dryer in the main building, second floor)
• Dry cleaning & valet laundry service available for a fee, call Housekeeping from your in-room phone for details & pick-up.

Yes, I had seen that. But it's also from 2014 and included out-of-date info that you edited out of your quote (coin prices for the machines). I assume they would have been either updated in the last re-do or removed. I haven't seen any info, pics, or reports of noise etc. I just wanted first-hand confirmation.

 

[dansdad]

Yes, I had seen that. But it's also from 2014 and included out-of-date info that you edited out of your quote (coin prices for the machines). I assume they would have been either updated in the last re-do or removed. I haven't seen any info, pics, or reports of noise etc. I just wanted first-hand confirmation.

The info I quoted is still accurate.

 

[Dispro1]

That is our favourite room, too! Apart from being a decent-sized and conveniently placed room, it has the added attraction of a wrap-around balcony. You have lagoon views, the fun of watching the goings on at the splash pool and the Beach Pool and even sunsets over the monorail line and distant golf courses! You'll never feel claustrophobic. You'll even have your own hallway. Have a wonderful stay!

Wow! That balcony sounds amazing! I've often been tempted to try that room, but I always end up going with the garden tub...plus I'm not sure I'd like the different layout of that room?? Perhaps Marlaine8 will post some room pics! I have a few to post. They've moved the sofa since we were last in the room, and I think I prefer it this way! I love the huge entry hall in this room! It works wonderfully as a dressing room!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi all! I've been reading on this board for a couple of years now. My husband and I stayed at wilderness Lodge in 2013 and have been putting off a trip for a few years due to some health issues he has... this may sound silly but I did not want to stay at the GF until I was sure we could afford it every year but thankfully my business has taken off and it looks like it's going to be a permanent tradition! We are just waiting for a discount to come out.

So I haven't stayed there since I was 10 years old ! Do you think that Sugarloaf is worth the upgrade from an outer building?

 

[WishesQueen]

Hi all! I've been reading on this board for a couple of years now. My husband and I stayed at wilderness Lodge in 2013 and have been putting off a trip for a few years due to some health issues he has... this may sound silly but I did not want to stay at the GF until I was sure we could afford it every year but thankfully my business has taken off and it looks like it's going to be a permanent tradition! We are just waiting for a discount to come out.

So I haven't stayed there since I was 10 years old ! Do you think that Sugarloaf is worth the upgrade from an outer building?

Good Morning! Congratulations on your business! Your smart because we used to go to the Wilderness Lodge too and once we tried the GF we did a split stay we never turned back.

I think your going to get mixed responses to that question, I think it depends on how important it is for you to find breakfast and offerings in your building versus going to Gasperilla's or Miznors. Either way, and room any category or building your going to have a great time.

 

[lala5176]

Hi all! I've been reading on this board for a couple of years now. My husband and I stayed at wilderness Lodge in 2013 and have been putting off a trip for a few years due to some health issues he has... this may sound silly but I did not want to stay at the GF until I was sure we could afford it every year but thankfully my business has taken off and it looks like it's going to be a permanent tradition! We are just waiting for a discount to come out.

So I haven't stayed there since I was 10 years old ! Do you think that Sugarloaf is worth the upgrade from an outer building?

Good for you! What better way to celebrate your business taking off then going to Disney World.
I agree with pp that upgrading to sugar loaf really depends on what is important to you. We like to have breakfast in the lounge and not have to go to a quick service location. We also like having beverages available throughout the day and snacks in the evening. We have been staying club level every trip for quite some time now and can't seem to switch back to a non club level room. Just got spoiled I guess So keep that in mind too. Whatever you choose, the GF is a beautiful resort and I'm sure you will love it. It is one of my favorites!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi all! I've been reading on this board for a couple of years now. My husband and I stayed at wilderness Lodge in 2013 and have been putting off a trip for a few years due to some health issues he has... this may sound silly but I did not want to stay at the GF until I was sure we could afford it every year but thankfully my business has taken off and it looks like it's going to be a permanent tradition! We are just waiting for a discount to come out.

So I haven't stayed there since I was 10 years old ! Do you think that Sugarloaf is worth the upgrade from an outer building?

Worth is very subjective obviously and as the PP noted you'll get a variety of opinions. It really depends on your touring style and what you "want" out of a CL stay, to some extent. I generally like to say that if you're a total park commando that's never around the resort, then CL doesn't seem to make a lot of sense for some folks. But if you like being around the resort, think you'll be around for some of the offering times, like the little extra conveniences that come with it, then sure, CL can be worth it.

From my personal opinion having stayed at pretty much all of the MK resort/CL options over the last few years, SL was the only place where I found myself questioning if it was "worth it" for our family. The experience there overall was just OK for us, not great. On some level I came to the conclusion that for us, it would be RPC/main building or bust! Or alternatively go to the other extreme and do a non-CL outer building, although like @lala5176 said I can't seem to shake CL either.

All of that being said, SL usually has a pretty attractive rate when compared to the main building or even other MK resort CL options, so that's a big plus. The SL building is a great location for the way we do Disney - I actually preferred it over being in the main building. The convenience of breakfast, coffee, and the various daytime/evening offerings is certainly a nice luxury. I would stay in SL again, it may just not be my personal first choice.

Whatever you decide, I don't think you can really go wrong. It's still the GF! Happy planning!

 

[WishesQueen]

Being home stinks! How does it go so fast after all the waiting?

Now that I am home all I think about it is this pretty cover up/tunic dress a lady was wearing in Gasperilla's. I am the type of person that totally goes up to people and compliments clothing, shoes etc and if I really love it I'll ask where I can get it. My DH hates when I do this, so one morning while sitting outside Gasperilla's I noticed the woman and my DH knowing me so well was like....NO! I didn't think much of it I was thinking I'll just google it well......NOPE can't find it. I actually can't find any cover ups I like, I like dresses and everything is a caftan (makes me look huge) or a cold shoulder dress. I knew I shouldn't listen to him.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Good for you! What better way to celebrate your business taking off then going to Disney World.
I agree with pp that upgrading to sugar loaf really depends on what is important to you. We like to have breakfast in the lounge and not have to go to a quick service location. We also like having beverages available throughout the day and snacks in the evening. We have been staying club level every trip for quite some time now and can't seem to switch back to a non club level room. Just got spoiled I guess So keep that in mind too. Whatever you choose, the GF is a beautiful resort and I'm sure you will love it. It is one of my favorites!!

Thank you for all your responses ... I still don't know how to multi "so my apologies i'm in the middle of working but wanted to respond really quick. My husband and I are a young couple without children but he is legally blind and has some health issues (as I said) so takes a lot of medication has issues with his stomach/appetite...and I thought it would be good for him to have a little bit closer access to food throughout the day. That was actually my main motivation, to make it easier for him. With that being said, I don't know if he is too happy about the price difference so if I do it I'm just not going to tell him LOL and he will be surprised

 

[WishesQueen]

Thank you for all your responses ... I still don't know how to multi "so my apologies i'm in the middle of working but wanted to respond really quick. My husband and I are a young couple without children but he is legally blind and has some health issues (as I said) so takes a lot of medication has issues with his stomach/appetite...and I thought it would be good for him to have a little bit closer access to food throughout the day. That was actually my main motivation, to make it easier for him. With that being said, I don't know if he is too happy about the price difference so if I do it I'm just not going to tell him LOL and he will be surprised

Hey MaggiesMomNJ - my DD is legally blind too, but she doesn't take any medications. She has albinism, so we love the cabanas at the pool so she can get out of the sun when she needs a break. Make sure you visit Guest Services at any of the parks and get a DAS pass. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to help but there are some great people on the Disability threads.

 

[lala5176]

Thank you for all your responses ... I still don't know how to multi "so my apologies i'm in the middle of working but wanted to respond really quick. My husband and I are a young couple without children but he is legally blind and has some health issues (as I said) so takes a lot of medication has issues with his stomach/appetite...and I thought it would be good for him to have a little bit closer access to food throughout the day. That was actually my main motivation, to make it easier for him. With that being said, I don't know if he is too happy about the price difference so if I do it I'm just not going to tell him LOL and he will be surprised

I definitely think you would benefit from the club lounge. You will have access to beverages whenever needed for your husbands medication. The staff in the lounge could also be of assistance if you need anything specific to your husbands needs or at least point you in the right direction. The "quiet" pool is right across from sugar loaf and the quick service and main building are a short walk away. I say go for it, your husband will thank you later!! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Dispro1 - Thank you so much for the gf food info. I am REALLY looking forward to the gf pizza at Gaspies. I also decided to cancel my ressie at Kona as I am not as keen on the new menu and I am super curious about Jungle Skipper Canteen over in MK since I read a great review over on GF & DF at WDW blog. Sooooo........I booked it for lunch Also excited to try Raglan Road and Frontera Cucina for TS and Satu'li Canteen.

GADisneyDad14 - I had to laugh when I read your observations about the toilet paper stamp. It is silly but sometimes those are the adorable touches that make us get warm and fuzzy inside. And yes.....I can't believe I just mentioned toilet paper and warm and fuzzy .... I might be in the same camp as you because I always notice if housekeeping doesn't fold the toilet paper into a point because I secretly really like it with the point

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Thank you! We actually went last time and did not use the DAS but he has lost more vision so I think we need it this time.

I remember reading about the cabanas but cannot remember how much they were... that is great you are able to work with your daughter's disability.

thank you, I would love your advice.

Ps - I actually just remembered that he cannot be in the heat for a very long time/has to take measures to keep himself cool and hydrated with one of his medications so that might actually come in handy ... we need to talk to the pharmacist because this is something new especially with the Florida heat .

Hey MaggiesMomNJ - my DD is legally blind too, but she doesn't take any medications. She has albinism, so we love the cabanas at the pool so she can get out of the sun when she needs a break. Make sure you visit Guest Services at any of the parks and get a DAS pass. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to help but there are some great people on the Disability threads.

 

[FelisLachesis]

Wow! That balcony sounds amazing! I've often been tempted to try that room, but I always end up going with the garden tub...plus I'm not sure I'd like the different layout of that room?? Perhaps Marlaine8 will post some room pics! I have a few to post. They've moved the sofa since we were last in the room, and I think I prefer it this way! I love the huge entry hall in this room! It works wonderfully as a dressing room!View attachment 242458View attachment 242459 View attachment 242460View attachment 242461 View attachment 242462

Hello, I'm not a spy floating in from Port Orleans Riverside >.>

I'm just curious about something, regarding your bed. Was it always white? We seem to be running into an issue at Port Orleans where the bed runners and bolster pillows were removed from the rooms; supposedly, people were stealing them and either keeping them as "free" souvenirs, or selling them on ebay. So, Port Orleans were just taking them out. Our sheets have been replaced with the same white sheets you have. But since our rooms are all warm colors like oranges and blues and deep greens, that white is a complete clash.

I noticed your bed had a bolster pillow, but the sheets are white. Were the beds always like this, or was that a recent change?

 

[dansdad]

Hello, I'm not a spy floating in from Port Orleans Riverside >.>

I'm just curious about something, regarding your bed. Was it always white? We seem to be running into an issue at Port Orleans where the bed runners and bolster pillows were removed from the rooms; supposedly, people were stealing them and either keeping them as "free" souvenirs, or selling them on ebay. So, Port Orleans were just taking them out. Our sheets have been replaced with the same white sheets you have. But since our rooms are all warm colors like oranges and blues and deep greens, that white is a complete clash.

I noticed your bed had a bolster pillow, but the sheets are white. Were the beds always like this, or was that a recent change?

Recent change. It's a change that's happening at every WDW resort, not jut POR.

 

[FelisLachesis]

Recent change. It's a change that's happening at every WDW resort, not jut POR.

Bleargh. It just looks so... undone.

Thanks.

 

[Dispro1]

Bleargh. It just looks so... undone.

Thanks.

I agree! I noticed that the runners were missing too! On the bright side, the GF got super comfy new mattresses!!

 

[WishesQueen]

Thank you! We actually went last time and did not use the DAS but he has lost more vision so I think we need it this time.

I remember reading about the cabanas but cannot remember how much they were... that is great you are able to work with your daughter's disability.

thank you, I would love your advice.

Ps - I actually just remembered that he cannot be in the heat for a very long time/has to take measures to keep himself cool and hydrated with one of his medications so that might actually come in handy ... we need to talk to the pharmacist because this is something new especially with the Florida heat .

We love the cabanas and usually do the morning hours which are 10 - 2. It comes with water and coke products and if you run out of anything, they are happy to replace them, it also come with a fruit basket. The cabana staff is very nice, they also will get lunch for you and use your meal plan if you have one. I believe the cost with tax for a half day is $211, we actually got a credit this year because a child pooped in the pool and they had to clear everyone out for over an hour and the cabana person got a credit for us since we only got less then a couple of hours at the pool that day. Otherwise I would have forgotten the price, they make you pay in advance now, years ago you paid when you showed up.

The DAS pass is very helpful for sitting close and getting a couple of extra FP passes during the day. We usually grab one on our way in, you can only have one at a time. That way you can ride the advance FPs while you wait for that return time. I also make sure we arrive at the tail end of our first FP return time, so I can get in right in to the second with hopes that the DAS FP time is ready when we're done. We sometimes get a second, but not that often because we usually go into the parks the later part of day and I plan dinner in whatever park we're in too to help get her out of the sun and heat, so there's not too much time. She is a girl, so worst comes to worst she always loves popping into stores and going for snacks..lol.

We usually get the cabana every other day and for the in between days we monorail hop and grab lunch at the Contempo Cafe or the Poly. We also usually go shopping around Disney Springs its slow moving and she pops in and out of the stores to get out of the sun and heat.

If there is anything else I can help you please don't hesitate to ask. I have been taking my DD to WDW since she's 2 and to be honest its easier then going to an island or pretty much anywhere else. I can manage an island vacation with her, but WDW is definitely more flexible and fun for her.

 

[kpmdjm]

9 days till we leave for the grand Floridian 10 till we arive. We can't wait. If we can survive the ride down.