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

[trishadono]

Hi trishadono - This will be our first stay at the GF, we normally stay at one of the other MK resorts. Is there a building preference we should request(Knowing nothing is guaranteed)? We too will be there for 7 nights in early November. Any insight on do's/dont's would be greatly appreciated

Do ride the boat back from MK. It's so much faster!

Do try room service if weather is bad and you stuck in the room, it's always a treat!

Do take time to listen in the lobby to the music.

The resort is fine with you walking around with adult beverages, I might have done that . So take a stroll with the kiddos and explore. They sell lots of good stuff in Sandy Cove , lobby 1st floor.

You can enter all buildings except SL and each has a different view from the lobby. BC has a nice view of EWP from its doors out towards the lagoon.

The beverages and food at the pool are good. Lots of options! I even order food to go from pool when getting ready to go back to room and then carry it back and relax in room. More fun waiting in pool or hotttub while someone prepares your meal

Don't be so busy you don't enjoy this lovely resort!

 

[MommyGina]

Prayers and good thoughts to Richard at the GF. He is an icon there!

 

[trishadono]

I keep forgetting to show this cute Cinderellas Carriage left for Mom in December.




I took these of Richard in December . I thought he looked cute in his Christmas Red.

Prayers and good thoughts to Richard at the GF. He is an icon there!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hello Hello

Unfortunately I am back!!! That was way too quick and very very wet, but we had a great time! Coming home is sooooo difficult, I feel like there was so much we never got around to. We usually stay much longer, this was only 4 nights and I guess I am not used that.

We never arrived on such a wash out rainy day in all the years I've been going to WDW and thats been since 1972. The first two days were rainy, but the second two were beautiful.

Housekeeping was beyond HORRIBLE, I actually just sent an email!!!! But still love every minute and can't wait to go back.

Used the minnie van service many times especially during the rain. It was awesome and drivers were fantastic...we loved the stories, the history and information on whats coming.

The Grand won't be the same without Richard. I had a feeling something was up, he wasn't there any of the 5 days we were I keep meaning to ask for him.

Hope everyone well and I look forward to next group to go!!

 

[trishadono]

Hello Hello

Unfortunately I am back!!! That was way too quick and very very wet, but we had a great time! Coming home is sooooo difficult, I feel like there was so much we never got around to. We usually stay much longer, this was only 4 nights and I guess I am not used that.

We never arrived on such a wash out rainy day in all the years I've been going to WDW and thats been since 1972. The first two days were rainy, but the second two were beautiful.

Housekeeping was beyond HORRIBLE, I actually just sent an email!!!! But still love every minute and can't wait to go back.

Used the minnie van service many times especially during the rain. It was awesome and drivers were fantastic...we loved the stories, the history and information on whats coming.

The Grand won't be the same without Richard. I had a feeling something was up, he wasn't there any of the 5 days we were I keep meaning to ask for him.

Hope everyone well and I look forward to next group to go!!

I'm so sorry! Our cleaning lady was great, I even asked for service as I was heading out one day and she knew which room I was in and said go there next. I had 4327 so maybe my floor had a good one?

Our stuff was restocked both day and night. Yikes I'd be disappointed with horrible too.

I agree I really like the Minnie van, the drivers are not "taxi' drivers but personal disney knowledgeable people that drive you where you want to go!

Did you all like the soup?

 

[Fantasia79]

Seeing a lot of Facebook postings that Richard passed at 12:28am this morning surrounded by loved ones.

Will truly be missed.

 

[dansdad]

Seeing a lot of Facebook postings that Richard passed at 12:28am this morning surrounded by loved ones.

Will truly be missed.

Oh man.

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Seeing a lot of Facebook postings that Richard passed at 12:28am this morning surrounded by loved ones.

Will truly be missed.

Sad to hear this. He will always be remembered as a TRUE Gentleman.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I was so sad to see about Richard this morning.

We had the pleasure of chatting with him during our stay in 2016 and our girls loved that he was from our home state of NH!! He was such a nice man, I'm sad we won't get to visit with him again in August.

Speaking of our August trip - we are finally PAID IN FULL!!!!!! I am so ready to make our FP selections (2 more weeks!!!!). We need a vacation so badly!!! I keep forgetting that DH and I were just there in February - life moves so fast.

 

[Maxie86]

Seeing a lot of Facebook postings that Richard passed at 12:28am this morning surrounded by loved ones.

Will truly be missed.

I am so sad to read this. It just won't be the same without him there. We have been staying at the Grand for more than 20 years and he has always been there to greet us.

 

[mrsap]

Seeing a lot of Facebook postings that Richard passed at 12:28am this morning surrounded by loved ones.

Will truly be missed.

Aww he was so friendly and sweet!! So sad to hear this.

 

[DespinaVictoria]

Will surely miss Richard's smiling face as greeter at the Grand! Just won't be the same <3

 

[caribbeandream]

I am so sad about Richard but so grateful I got to meet him this past January.

 

[Sue M]

Hello Hello

Unfortunately I am back!!! That was way too quick and very very wet, but we had a great time! Coming home is sooooo difficult, I feel like there was so much we never got around to. We usually stay much longer, this was only 4 nights and I guess I am not used that.

We never arrived on such a wash out rainy day in all the years I've been going to WDW and thats been since 1972. The first two days were rainy, but the second two were beautiful.

Housekeeping was beyond HORRIBLE, I actually just sent an email!!!! But still love every minute and can't wait to go back.

Used the minnie van service many times especially during the rain. It was awesome and drivers were fantastic...we loved the stories, the history and information on whats coming.

The Grand won't be the same without Richard. I had a feeling something was up, he wasn't there any of the 5 days we were I keep meaning to ask for him.

Hope everyone well and I look forward to next group to go!!

You weren’t in Orlando for Tropical Storm Fay! Rain & wind for a week straight. We were at Universal HRH, never got to use pool, and lockers where you have to store bags before getting in attractions are finger print operated. Only no one had finger prints, everyone’s hands were all water logged! Chaos.

That’s awful about housekeeping. I would have delt with it while there. Hope you got turn down?

It sure won’t be the same without Richard. I miss Ranger Stan too at WL. And miss Teena at BC, but she’s well, just not living in Florida anymore. The Greeters are so much a part of their resort.

 

[rteetz]

Richard is one of those people that made Walt Disney World a place I wanted to come back too. Its not about the rides, or hotels. Its about the people and experiences we have. Richard may have just been a greeter at one resort but he was so much more to many people and impacted hundreds if not thousands of vacations in a positive way. While no one will replace Richard I hope cast members follow in the way he impacted others.

 

[Happiest.Haunt_999]

I was so sad to read about Richard earlier. Such a sweet man and looked forward to seeing him when there. He'll be missed.

 

[MommyGina]

May Richard's soul rest in peace. He was a treasure to the GF. I will always remember how he helped the brides with their dresses for pictures and while walking around the lobby. Always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.

 

[followthatmouse]

Seeing a lot of Facebook postings that Richard passed at 12:28am this morning surrounded by loved ones.

Will truly be missed.

Truly, a very sad day. Richard was an integral part of the Grand. He will be greatly missed by those he greeted in such a charming and warm manner.

Vale, Richard.

 

[Rob Troxel]

Richard embodied the Grand Floridian Experience. I was one of the first guests at GF in August of 88 before Richard came on board. When he started some years later, it was like he was always there. My mental image of him standing near the classic Cadillac will forever stay with us. So the earlier posters have it right. Richard was more than a greeter. He was part of the Disney experience. Hopefully Walt will seek him out and tell him "Well done, Richard"! We will miss him.

 

[Susiej7776]

Waiting outside for the magical express bus and noticed that the Grand Floridian flag is lowered to half-mast. We are assuming it is to honor Richard. Such a nice tribute.