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

[trishadono]

Wait - your BC got move to Poly during Labor Day? I thought YC/BC open back up on august 24? We're at BC end of august into September so that's why I'm asking.

By the way, in looking at your sig, we literally just miss each other AGAIN!

They must have needed the rooms or something because the block was moved.

Rats! How do we keep missing each other? You need to go 10/1/21!

 

[mickeynut1]

At least it's comforting to know that there are so many of us who feel what you are describing. Yes to the planning being so much a part of the fun! Not right now... I still have a November trip planned (after 3 cancelled ones) and have an AP, but right now, I'm unable to get tickets for my sister. Soooo, we don't know what's going to happen with that trip!

It's just very frustrating! We are booked at WL CL for Dec and as of right now, the WL is not opening this year (and from what I'm reading, may not even be open next year). We also don't have park tickets yet, so we'll most likely cancel. I'm just not very confident too many park options will be available if/when 2020 ticket sales resume. Plus with no parades, fireworks, etc., I really don't want to spend all that money to have half the experience....especially at Christmas time .

Now I really hope that my October trip goes off without a hitch. I need to smell the Grand....lol and hear the boats and piped in music.....SOON!!!!

I hope your trip goes as planned .

Well, we’re keeping our May 2021 reservation for now. However, down here they are threatening to keep our national borders closed until at least July 2021. While I certainly agree that my island nation is wise to remain isolated for the time being, the day will come when reopening is necessary ... hopefully. So, my ticker may be extending its life as a move to December 2021 is definitely on the cards. Any later and I fear that my DM will no longer be fit to travel internationally, or even locally for that matter. Though not entirely mobile, she remains sharp, feisty and mostly healthy. Add another 18 months and I can’t guarantee that will be the same situation. WDW is her favourite destination. If I can’t return her to her prime haunt I fear her heart (and mine) would break and more than a little.

I hope everything works out and you are able to get back next year .

It took our TA literally all day but she was able to add tickets to our basic 2021 package the day they became available and we got ourselves all the park days for our GF/Poly trip. Honestly I just picked stuff at random except MK on arrival and departure day. I also don’t know which park I want to be in for my birthday so I just picked whatever.

I remain optimistic that hopping will return by the time we go next May so we can have more spontaneity.

Glad your TA was able to add tickets. I hope things do change and hopping returns for next year .

 

[DisneyFanJenn]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/06/fenc...jiE4gS2RWP6MbzQ2yOj4JrUXZaN9-hPlEFdHIC0MrYk6Q

 

[mrsap]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/06/fenc...jiE4gS2RWP6MbzQ2yOj4JrUXZaN9-hPlEFdHIC0MrYk6Q

Eww. Hope they’ll take it back down when they’re done.

 

[mickeynut1]

Eww. Hope they’ll take it back down when they’re done.

My thought exactly! Not very appealing .

 

[WishesQueen]

My thought exactly! Not very appealing .

Ditto!!

 

[ALDSMD]

What does that mean for DVC people staying there? No dining or stores??

 

[nekonekoneko]

What does that mean for DVC people staying there? No dining or stores??

Someone on Twitter said that it looks like Buildings 5 and 6 are getting fenced off (Sago Cay and Sugarloaf). Conch Key and Narcoossee's may be part of the lockoff, as well, because Narcoossee's was not listed as one of the restaurants reopening. They'll probably be eating at The Convention Center or Narcoossee's.

The Main Building will be open for guests to eat at, but no one will be staying there overnight.

 

[grannyminnie]

mickeynut, I just have noticed that the WL is not listed as opening. Do you know why? I've passed it over in the last several visits because it's never easy to get a reservation there!

 

[KDee]

What does that mean for DVC people staying there? No dining or stores??

The Grand Floridian Cafe and Gasparilla‘s will be open.

 

[mickeynut1]

mickeynut, I just have noticed that the WL is not listed as opening. Do you know why? I've passed it over in the last several visits because it's never easy to get a reservation there!

Unfortunately I do not. I've read that not only is WL not reopening this year, but it may not be open next year either (along with AKL). I've tried to do a mock reservation for next year but to no avail.....WL isn't showing any availability for next year at all. I agree that it is a tough resort to book and it's sometimes tough to get a good discount as well. I'm trying to stay up to date with it, so I'll report back should I see a reason why it's closed .

 

[grannyminnie]

Unfortunately I do not. I've read that not only is WL not reopening this year, but it may not be open next year either (along with AKL). I've tried to do a mock reservation for next year but to no avail.....WL isn't showing any availability for next year at all. I agree that it is a tough resort to book and it's sometimes tough to get a good discount as well. I'm trying to stay up to date with it, so I'll report back should I see a reason why it's closed .

Thank you! I also didn't know that AKL was included in this.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you! I also didn't know that AKL was included in this.

You're welcome

I can't come up with any logical reason why those 2 resorts are excluded from opening. Some people have speculated that it could be to cut down on the number of guests for transportation with DVC being open, but that doesn't really make sense since all of the other resorts with DVC have opening dates .

 

[ALDSMD]

Someone on Twitter said that it looks like Buildings 5 and 6 are getting fenced off (Sago Cay and Sugarloaf). Conch Key and Narcoossee's may be part of the lockoff, as well, because Narcoossee's was not listed as one of the restaurants reopening. They'll probably be eating at The Convention Center or Narcoossee's.

The Main Building will be open for guests to eat at, but no one will be staying there overnight.

The Grand Floridian Cafe and Gasparilla‘s will be open.

Thank you so much for the information. That makes me feel so much better!

 

[mrsap]

I would have checked into the Grand this morning if we kept our original trip. So sad

 

[trishadono]

I have VGF in August, resort opens 9/21.

I have a lake view so I won’t see the ugly fences.

Beach pool will be quiet!

We have lobby access.

No boat access tho.

Overall I am happy, it’s just me and dd25 and have stayed at grand so many times this looks like a new fun thing.

However my last stay was in RPC. Nothing compares to that

 

[BlueSkies]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans...
Wow..lots going on moving towards the opening of the GF/VGF and the parks...so much uncertainty...but hopefully soon either more concise info will be released...doubtful.. or...Trish will arrive and share the details with us...my bet is on you @trishadono !!

Meant to post this yesterday..Happy Birthday/ Anniversay GF..it opened on June 28th 1988....

At least it's comforting to know that there are so many of us who feel what you are describing. Yes to the planning being so much a part of the fun! Not right now... I still have a November trip planned (after 3 cancelled ones) and have an AP, but right now, I'm unable to get tickets for my sister. Soooo, we don't know what's going to happen with that trip!

grannieminnie Just chiming in to say..altho hope that you are already aware...tickets are once again available for purchase...so get shopping and get those APRs booked....

GM everyone!!!

I am sure I don't stand alone but all this planning and watching some new videos on the DIS is starting to get me excited. I knew I missed knowing that the parks and hotels weren't open but I didn't realize it this much.

Now I really hope that my October trip goes off without a hitch. I need to smell the Grand....lol and hear the boats and piped in music.....SOON!!!!

How are everyone's plans going? Did everyone get their park days?

Hey Wishes... Good to "see" you...I couldn't agree more...we're doing..back to planning..hoping for a trip...sure is making me hopeful....
Sure hope that you get to take your trip...Sorry that we won't be overlapping.... I have an AP and DD has a ticket..so we were able to pretty much get our park days booked....but not with great ease...lol..surprise......but its done for our fall winter and spring trips thankfully...hoepfully..we get to go on atleast one or two of those!

Good morning to you! We were successful making park reservations for both our summer trip and our fall trip at the Grand!! I’m SO excited to get back there! Were you able to make yours as well? It would be great if the path is completed by then!!

Yay that's great news!!!! Looking forward to hearing all about your summer trip..fall one too...We all are missing Disney alot...It would be terrific if the path were to be completed by then...would solve some transportation quandries for sure... I might be willing to be at WDW..but much prefer transportation that makes me feel more comfortable...like the water launches and walking....

Yes, I did better then expected after reading all the problems here on the dis. I booked all the dates for my October trip, but I struggled a little with my June 2021 because I didn't have tickets. I actually was on hold 3 hours and it took an additional hour and half to make changes to reservation and add tickets. Secretly I had no problem listening to the Disney music...lol

I would love if the path is open, I would assume since I heard a rumor their working on it again that it will be. It looked pretty close to done the last time someone posted some pics.

Advise please......
On a side note, I am so annoyed that a cast member made me cancel my June 2020 reservation when I thought I needed to make final payment 30 days out. I asked if it was extended to 7 days out and she was positive that wasn't the case. The next day I learned from trusty disboards I was right and I should have just left the reservation. I called instantly and was told that my new reservation had the same confirmation number as the old reservation and I would be entitled to whatever Disney offered. So now everyone is getting 35% off from rebooking and they are not giving me the discount and know nothing about the reservation numbers etc etc. I sent an email to Guest Services and I never heard back. Every morning I sleep a little passed 7am and can't get through the phone lines.

Honestly what do you guys think? Should I try? If so, any suggestions on how?

Gee that is a long time on hold.....but at least you got it all sorted out and have your package! That's a whole lot of Disney music to enjoy....

I wish I could get excited about this trip. We were supposed to go to BWV in May. I switched when they were closed to a VGF Grand villa for the end of August. I have lots of poi
nts investEd in this trip.
I know the villas are beautiful, we stayed in a one bedroom last September. I wonder how having the NBA there will effect the resort. Being from NY,we also have the quarantine (from both ends now) to stress over.

sixcats So many unknowns..but you are booked at a great resort..and by the time that your trip comes around a lot more will be known about the ins and outs there...and..VGF is so nice and close to the Poly..so you can just stroll that lovely path over there to enjoy a dole whip, shopping and the Kona Cafe..so some nice alternative choices too.... and hopefully no more quarantine by that time...

Yes, and honestly that chat is good for nothing...lol. They never can help you, but they did give me a phone number. I just have to get up early and call one day.



I know this uncertainty stinks, usually with Disney I just worry about the weather. We're just going to have to take this one day at a time like it or not. Hopefully after July 11th more information and more positive changes will start. Just know we here understand!!!

Exactly!!!

See my signature for upcoming stays!

Seems that you missed November and December....I kid I kid....lol...

Well, we’re keeping our May 2021 reservation for now. However, down here they are threatening to keep our national borders closed until at least July 2021. While I certainly agree that my island nation is wise to remain isolated for the time being, the day will come when reopening is necessary ... hopefully. So, my ticker may be extending its life as a move to December 2021 is definitely on the cards. Any later and I fear that my DM will no longer be fit to travel internationally, or even locally for that matter. Though not entirely mobile, she remains sharp, feisty and mostly healthy. Add another 18 months and I can’t guarantee that will be the same situation. WDW is her favourite destination. If I can’t return her to her prime haunt I fear her heart (and mine) would break and more than a little.

follow ..big hugs and I sure hope that things work out.....

It took our TA literally all day but she was able to add tickets to our basic 2021 package the day they became available and we got ourselves all the park days for our GF/Poly trip. Honestly I just picked stuff at random except MK on arrival and departure day. I also don’t know which park I want to be in for my birthday so I just picked whatever.

I remain optimistic that hopping will return by the time we go next May so we can have more spontaneity.

Great plan @kylenne ...I think that things definitely will....GF/Poly is going to be a fun split...two very different vibes...I've done CR/GF..and many GF/BWI splits...all so enjoyable....

Eww. Hope they’ll take it back down when they’re done.

me too!!!!

Someone on Twitter said that it looks like Buildings 5 and 6 are getting fenced off (Sago Cay and Sugarloaf). Conch Key and Narcoossee's may be part of the lockoff, as well, because Narcoossee's was not listed as one of the restaurants reopening. They'll probably be eating at The Convention Center or Narcoossee's.

The Main Building will be open for guests to eat at, but no one will be staying there overnight.

Thanks for sharing that info......I wish that they would have at least open signature open as it seems there will be more resort time during the opening months...
C'mon disney...We like our dining...

Unfortunately I do not. I've read that not only is WL not reopening this year, but it may not be open next year either (along with AKL). I've tried to do a mock reservation for next year but to no avail.....WL isn't showing any availability for next year at all. I agree that it is a tough resort to book and it's sometimes tough to get a good discount as well. I'm trying to stay up to date with it, so I'll report back should I see a reason why it's closed .

Wow had no idea about WL..wonder why ??

~ So I got a notification earlier about the AP previews..by the time I saw it...it was sold out....heard that it sold out in 30 minutes..thanks for that info @Maxie86 ...

My long time mantra is.. its always about the food...lol....and now that we are all past the frenzy for APRs...really no frenzy for me..lol...I tried first day a few times to no avail..and decided to wait and did the bulk of that planning a few days later..with no issues..figured let the folks with up coming summer trips book first...but..I want to book dining...I need to book dining....It's always about the food....lol...wonder when that will open..says on the Disney site that will happen tomorrow for guests that had dining ressies before 9/2 that were cancelled..makes sense...well all of our fall dining was cancelled too... so is it going to be at 60 days....??? lol...Keep you all posted....

Another post..another novel........
Hope that you are all having a magical Monday!

 

[trishadono]

Good aternoon fellow GF fans...
Wow..lots going on moving towards the opening of the GF/VGF and the parks...so much uncertainty...but hopefully soon either more concise info will be released...doubtful.. or...Trish will arrive and share the details with us...my bet is on you @trishadono !!

Meant to post this yesterday..Happy Birthday/ Anniversay GF..it opened on June 28th 1988....




grannieminnie Just chiming in to say..altho hope that you are already aware...tickets are once again available for purchase...so get shopping and get those APRs booked....




Hey Wishes... Good to "see" you...I couldn't agree more...we're doing..back to planning..hoping for a trip...sure is making me hopeful....
Sure hope that you get to take your trip...Sorry that we won't be overlapping.... I have an AP and DD has a ticket..so we were able to pretty much get our park days booked....but not with great ease...lol..surprise......but its done for our fall winter and spring trips thankfully...hoepfully..we get to go on atleast one or two of those!



Yay that's great news!!!! Looking forward to hearing all about your summer trip..fall one too...We all are missing Disney alot...It would be terrific if the path were to be completed by then...would solve some transportation quandries for sure... I might be willing to be at WDW..but much prefer transportation that makes me feel more comfortable...like the water launches and walking....



Gee that is a long time on hold.....but at least you got it all sorted out and have your package! That's a whole lot of Disney music to enjoy....

sixcats So many unknowns..but you are booked at a great resort..and by the time that your trip comes around a lot more will be known about the ins and outs there...and..VGF is so nice and close to the Poly..so you can just stroll that lovely path over there to enjoy a dole whip, shopping and the Kona Cafe..so some nice alternative choices too.... and hopefully no more quarantine by that time...




Exactly!!!



Seems that you missed November and December....I kid I kid....lol...



follow ..big hugs and I sure hope that things work out.....




Great plan @kylenne ...I think that things definitely will....GF/Poly is going to be a fun split...two very different vibes...I've done CR/GF..and many GF/BWI splits...all so enjoyable....



me too!!!!


Thanks for sharing that info......I wish that they would have at least open signature open as it seems there will be more resort time during the opening months...
C'mon disney...We like our dining...



Wow had no idea about WL..wonder why ??

~ So I got a notification earlier about the AP previews..by the time I saw it...it was sold out....heard that it sold out in 30 minutes..thanks for that info @Maxie86 ...

My mantra long time is its always about the food...lol....and now that we are all past the frenzy for APRs...really no frenzy for me..lol...I tried first day a few times to no avail..and decided to wait and did the bulk of that planning a few days later..with no issues..figured let the folks with up coming summer trips book first...but..I want to book dining...I need to book dining....It's always about the food....lol...wonder when that will open..says on the Disney site that will happen tomorrow for guests that had dining ressies before 9/2 that were cancelled..makes sense...well all of our fall dining was cancelled too... so is it going to be at 60 days....??? lol...Keep you all posted....

Another post..another novel........
Hope that you are all having a magical Monday!

Of course the queen of multi-quote knows GF Birthday!

I’ll sneak over to gf from BLT......if I can lol!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi Blue!! Tickets for 2020 are now on sale or next year??

 

[mickeynut1]

Wow had no idea about WL..wonder why ??

It's a mystery! I was going to move our Dec WL trip to next Dec once bookings opened up for Dec 2021, but it looks like (at least for now) WL won't be open next year at all. It's just frustrating to not know much of what's going and to get bits and pieces of information little by little .