HAVING A GRAND OLD TIME! The 2013 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ

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:surfweb: k&a&c'smom What do you know..we were posting at the some time....;)

What's up with you two?? Are you both telepathic? :teleport: (hello, Blue... been gone a few days and I'm catching up also; and BTW, you are among the multi-quoting legends on here! ;) :worship: ) Me too...sorry our trips aren't overlapping! :sad2:

Ahcupcake, LOL on your "fantasy trip"!! Now, that's some luxury... :)
 
No changes so far.....I'm staying strong with that deluxe room :thumbsup2. As much as I want to try Poly CL, the volcano pool being refurbed is a deal breaker for me and the CR isn't available for our dates (at least not the room category I want :rolleyes1.....and you know my Epcot resort dilemma :sad2:). Plus the thought of all of that extra space in the GF room is very appealing.....not that the standard rooms are small, but the extra room in the deluxe will be very nice to have :goodvibes.



I guess I'm in that category then :rotfl::rotfl:. I thought I was the only crazy one who kept those......good to see I'm not :rotfl2:.

Add me to the list of crazies....:lmao:
 
What's up with you two?? Are you both telepathic? :teleport: (hello, Blue... been gone a few days and I'm catching up also; and BTW, you are among the multi-quoting legends on here! ;) :worship: ) Me too...sorry our trips aren't overlapping! :sad2:

Ahcupcake, LOL on your "fantasy trip"!! Now, that's some luxury... :)
Yes it is...You're welcome to join us as we'll be there at the same time ;) Actually we would have done that if we were to have won the giant Powerball over the summer.........Back to actual trips...I see that you're going soon get packing! Sad that you and Blue won't be able to meet up

My youngest is pretty easy going and even if he says not to stay at an Epcot resort, he would go with the flow and be fine with it if that's what we did. My oldest, however.....nothing doing....he's a little more difficult :rotfl: :rotfl:. I do love the MK area and you can't beat the GF, so it's all good. We have stayed at the BC and while we did like SAB, we can take it or leave it. Our favorite is the volcano pool at the Poly, followed by the WL and AKL pools. We are not in the "SAB is the best pool on property" group :rolleyes1.


Hi ahcupcake :goodvibes....glad you're feeling better. I hope you're having a relaxing evening of tv watching :flower3:. I always want to book the YC (or BWI) as we've only tried the BC on that side, but we do love the MK area so I have to admit that even if my DS gave the go ahead, I would second guess myself....LOL. I would probably go with it just to try something new, but I would wish I was on the monorail. LOL on booking the YC and then switching to RPC......the GF is an amazing resort and there really isn't anything like RPC :cloud9:.
Glad your youngest DS can just go with the flow...At the ripe old age 29 ;););)I'm still an MK kind of girl.......My only complaint about BC was the size of the lounge, plus it didn't help the was one guy hogging every chair waiting for the rest of his group to show up which almost an hour after we asked for 1 chair...How Rude!...........Thanks..Yep relax by watching tv or reading some trashy book or some equally trashy fan fiction written about one of my fave tv shows :happytv:......We did 2 nights at BWI 3 yrs ago of course that trip was lots of moving then on F&G trip we had 2 nights at BC followed by 3 nights at the GF with another fab upgrade.......Yeah can't get away from the GF fell in love with it 25 years ago....Guess the only way for mom & I to try new resorts is a split stay

ahcupcake Hey girl! :wave2: Glad you are feeling better. Off topic :p .Saw DWTS too...What an upset in the ballroom! :confused3 Ok back on...Very nice fantasy trip..I hope that you can get back to your fave ..the GF soon!


Don't know how I forgot to mention this yesterday....doing the single digit dance!!!!!!! :dance3: woohoo!!!
Hey! Off topic I was happy with who went home............I know it is fab, hope that we get to spend time you, Flora or is it Fauna & Merryweather ;);););)........Happy Dance :dance3: get packing
 
Hi! I have enjoyed reading this thread lately! We are about to book our trip tomorrow and having never stayed at the GF I am trying to figure out which building would be best for us. There are nine of us going, so we will be booking two rooms. I am booking a lagoon view room for my mom and I. We would like to be close to the pools and the main building, but my mom is worried about noise at night. Is the lagoon view side of Big Pine Key very noisy? Any other suggestions for the perfect spot to request? TIA :)
 


Hi everyone!
I also have a similar question as bama_belle.

We've stayed at the GF before, but never a lagoon view room. What is everyone's favorite lagoon view location, and why?

We are thinking requesting Conch Key for the location, and ability to hear MK sounds.

Where is our best chance of getting a Lagoon View that is actually obstructed MK view?

(and bama_belle- in my experience, Big Pine Key is lovely and quieter than the rest of the resort!)
 
We'll be checking in on Sunday afternoon. I requested big pine key upper floor as I wanted mama and daddy to be close to the restaurants and rail line. Can someone advise what to do if we get to our room and we're looking at the back of that proverbial building? Should I say something when we check in?

I've never been there and don't know what to say or ask for or request at checkin. I hope we are given a nice room but am clueless as to any requests.

I mentioned it earlier, but has anyone been getting any upgrades lately?
 
I guess you can say it's a good kind of crazy :goodvibes (if there is such a thing :rotfl2:).

:goodvibes

Add me to the list of crazies....:lmao:

:thumbsup2

This has been a great conversation regarding the deluxe room categories. I'm so glad that it's here for the future. I had been in a whirl of confusion. Thank you for clearing it all up-you guys are the best!!!!! :thumbsup2

It's a great group, isn't it?:grouphug:

Hi! I have enjoyed reading this thread lately! We are about to book our trip tomorrow and having never stayed at the GF I am trying to figure out which building would be best for us. There are nine of us going, so we will be booking two rooms. I am booking a lagoon view room for my mom and I. We would like to be close to the pools and the main building, but my mom is worried about noise at night. Is the lagoon view side of Big Pine Key very noisy? Any other suggestions for the perfect spot to request? TIA :)

We've been on the lagoon side of BPK and it was very quiet, but that was prior to the DVC construction. Now that the building is nearly complete, I think it will likely return to its serene atmosphere.

None of the buildings at the GF are very far away from anything else, it's a fairly compact resort. Do you prefer to look at the Poly, or have a more panoramic view of the lagoon, including some of the MK, CR and Poly? If the latter, you would be better off to request Boca Chica.:flower3:

Hi everyone!
I also have a similar question as bama_belle.

We've stayed at the GF before, but never a lagoon view room. What is everyone's favorite lagoon view location, and why?

We are thinking requesting Conch Key for the location, and ability to hear MK sounds.

Where is our best chance of getting a Lagoon View that is actually obstructed MK view?

(and bama_belle- in my experience, Big Pine Key is lovely and quieter than the rest of the resort!)

We don't book lagoon, as we feel the garden view is nicer for a cheaper price.;) We love looking at the courtyard and/or other GF buildings, and if you prefer to look at water you can ask for a marina view - it is considered a "garden view"!

As I mentioned to bama belle, Boca Chica is a good all around location and many posters seem to get great lagoon view rooms there. Often, they end up with a partial view of the MK.:thumbsup2

We love Conch Key, but I'm not sure how many of the rooms in that building are still considered lagoon view.:scratchin

We'll be checking in on Sunday afternoon. I requested big pine key upper floor as I wanted mama and daddy to be close to the restaurants and rail line. Can someone advise what to do if we get to our room and we're looking at the back of that proverbial building? Should I say something when we check in?

I've never been there and don't know what to say or ask for or request at checkin. I hope we are given a nice room but am clueless as to any requests.

I mentioned it earlier, but has anyone been getting any upgrades lately?

Almost there, woohoo!!:yay: You can certainly ask about the location of the room at check in, and the last time we were there, the CM was able to see the room view on their computer monitor. Even so, you could get to the room and have a view you do not like - in which case, I would tell the bellman and/or call the front desk right away. Try not to use anything in the room, as they will need to have housekeeping return if anything is changed.:flower3:

I haven't heard about upgrades recently.
 


Hi everyone!
I also have a similar question as bama_belle.

We've stayed at the GF before, but never a lagoon view room. What is everyone's favorite lagoon view location, and why?

We are thinking requesting Conch Key for the location, and ability to hear MK sounds.

Where is our best chance of getting a Lagoon View that is actually obstructed MK view?

(and bama_belle- in my experience, Big Pine Key is lovely and quieter than the rest of the resort!)

:goodvibes



:thumbsup2



It's a great group, isn't it?:grouphug:



We've been on the lagoon side of BPK and it was very quiet, but that was prior to the DVC construction. Now that the building is nearly complete, I think it will likely return to its serene atmosphere.

None of the buildings at the GF are very far away from anything else, it's a fairly compact resort. Do you prefer to look at the Poly, or have a more panoramic view of the lagoon, including some of the MK, CR and Poly? If the latter, you would be better off to request Boca Chica.:flower3:



We don't book lagoon, as we feel the garden view is nicer for a cheaper price.;) We love looking at the courtyard and/or other GF buildings, and if you prefer to look at water you can ask for a marina view - it is considered a "garden view"!

As I mentioned to bama belle, Boca Chica is a good all around location and many posters seem to get great lagoon view rooms there. Often, they end up with a partial view of the MK.:thumbsup2

We love Conch Key, but I'm not sure how many of the rooms in that building are still considered lagoon view.:scratchin



Almost there, woohoo!!:yay: You can certainly ask about the location of the room at check in, and the last time we were there, the CM was able to see the room view on their computer monitor. Even so, you could get to the room and have a view you do not like - in which case, I would tell the bellman and/or call the front desk right away. Try not to use anything in the room, as they will need to have housekeeping return if anything is changed.:flower3:

I haven't heard about upgrades recently.

Thank you for the insight! I suppose we would rather have a more panoramic view of the lagoon, especially since there will be construction going on at the Poly. Do you think it is still pretty quiet at night on the lagoon side of Boca Chica? Do you get much noise from the boats? Is this building still pretty close to the main building and pools? Sorry for so many questions! I appreciate everyone's replies:goodvibes
 
Thank you for the insight! I suppose we would rather have a more panoramic view of the lagoon, especially since there will be construction going on at the Poly. Do you think it is still pretty quiet at night on the lagoon side of Boca Chica? Do you get much noise from the boats? Is this building still pretty close to the main building and pools? Sorry for so many questions! I appreciate everyone's replies:goodvibes

No worries, that's why we're here!:goodvibes If there were no questions, it would be a couple pages of text and photos.;)

We've been on the lagoon side of Boca and did not feel it was at all noisy. The boats do not run all night long, only until an hour after park closing. Most of the noises are pleasant, soothing type things, anyway, like water lapping and birds. If you have the door closed, I don't think you will even hear much of anything!

The courtyard pool is within steps of the entry to Boca, can't get much closer unless you camped out on the pool deck.:laughing: The beach pool is a short walk away - 3-4 minutes, maybe?

All outer buildings are within a few minutes walk of the main bldg. Take a look at the map in the first post on the first page - from the door of Boca to the back door of the main bldg. is about 3 minutes, tops. It used to be even shorter when you could cut through the pool area, but it is still a short walk.

HTH! If you have any further questions, or need clarification, don't hesitate to ask.:thumbsup2
 
This has been a great conversation regarding the deluxe room categories. I'm so glad that it's here for the future. I had been in a whirl of confusion. Thank you for clearing it all up-you guys are the best!!!!! :thumbsup2

:goodvibes I agree ..great thread for GF info...and a rally helpful bunch of gals...

What's up with you two?? Are you both telepathic? :teleport: (hello, Blue... been gone a few days and I'm catching up also; and BTW, you are among the multi-quoting legends on here! ;) :worship: ) Me too...sorry our trips aren't overlapping! :sad2:

Ahcupcake, LOL on your "fantasy trip"!! Now, that's some luxury... :)

Thank you for your kind words grannyminnie...You know that I need to multiquote to remember what I wanted to post!!! LOL...:flower3: k&a&c and I have been on a roll..LOL..

So are you starting to pack..are you ready for a new GF/WDW adventure!!:dance3: Its almost time!!

Hi! I have enjoyed reading this thread lately! We are about to book our trip tomorrow and having never stayed at the GF I am trying to figure out which building would be best for us. There are nine of us going, so we will be booking two rooms. I am booking a lagoon view room for my mom and I. We would like to be close to the pools and the main building, but my mom is worried about noise at night. Is the lagoon view side of Big Pine Key very noisy? Any other suggestions for the perfect spot to request? TIA :)

Congratulations on booking the GF for the very first time!! :thumbsup2 Sounds like you have made a very good choice..Big Pine is close to both pools and the main building...as for noise..I dont think you really will hear any in the room at night..its never been an issue for us...I think that the rooms are pretty well insulated?? Happy planning..Have a GRAND trip!

Hi everyone!
I also have a similar question as bama_belle.

We've stayed at the GF before, but never a lagoon view room. What is everyone's favorite lagoon view location, and why?

We are thinking requesting Conch Key for the location, and ability to hear MK sounds.

Where is our best chance of getting a Lagoon View that is actually obstructed MK view?

(and bama_belle- in my experience, Big Pine Key is lovely and quieter than the rest of the resort!)

I dont really have that much experience with LV rooms...I thought Conch was considered TPV?? But I am not sure..Maybe some else here has more info on this?? I would say that Boca Chica would have more of a possiblilty of having a room in th LV category that would have a partial MK view?? Or maybe BPK?? I sure do love those MK sounds too...and enjoy sitting out on the balcony just listening to them...:cloud9:

Hey k&a&c'smom! Slept in a bit today...otherwise I know we would have been posting at the same time! ;)

I didnt realize that you could ask the CMs to check the view before you get to the room..thats great...:thumbsup2 Probably saves them from having to move peeps after they are all checked in...

I do think tho that if you are not happy with a particular room..going right back to the desk is the best way to have it changed...

Mickeynut It was great catching up with you last night :goodvibes ...I thing we were burning up the airwaves..LOL...:hyper2: I know that you and your family will enjoy your next stay at the GF...

Speaking of food..cause its always about the food..and the QS options..cause I know thats important to your fellas.. Have you seen the refurbed Gasparillas yet?? Lots more seating...and much quieter now that the moved all of the games into a game room...:thumbsup2

The only thing I noticed was that they stopped printing that nice little daily menu..it was printed on paper that coordinated with the pretty GF stationary.. listed what you what you could get from the general menu..and I think some specials too?? Not positive on that tho... I asked about it last trip and they told me they are not printing them any longer...:upsidedow Was nice to have one in the room to decide what you wanted even before getting to Gaspies... or to send someone..**DH** :rolleyes1..LOL..with a list of things to pick up for the gang!!! Gosh I really do not like change...!

hisgirl As k&a&c pointed out..you can ask about the locations/view right at check in...If it turns out that you are not happy with your room once you get there.. just head on back to the desk and ask for another...the CMs are always very helpful...

ah :wave2:

And a big hello to the rest of my fellow GF fans! Have a grand Thursday! :flower3:
 
Here are some photos to help visualize the distances in the courtyard. This was taken from the 3rd (4th? can't remember) floor of Boca Chica, garden view. The entry to the building is to the left of this photo - the entry to the main bldg. is past the pool.

Courtyard pool (prior to 2013 refurb)
IMG_1045-1_zpsfed295d7.jpg

Entry path
IMG_1050_zpsabc2a52a.jpg

Looking right, dormer balconies next door, fire exit stairwell & end of Conch Key beyond
IMG_1051_zpsae56274d.jpg

Sugar Loaf in center, windows and large turret of Main Bldg. sort of left of top of photo
IMG_1046-1_zps0e851ee5.jpg

Path between Sugar Loaf & Conch Key
IMG_1048_zps2b14e151.jpg


This photo is from the club lounge in the main bldg. You can see Boca past the pool.
IMG_0915.jpg
 
Nope, not packing yet, Blue, but itching to!! :yay: Gosh, you're down to a week!!!! :cheer2: I KNOW you must have started on your packing....
 
Looks like GF is our top contender for our trip next December. I stayed at the GF in 2000 and walked through on our 2012 trip, but I'm guessing a lot has changed in 13 years.

Our travel group includes: me, DH, DD (will be 4 at the time), mom, step-dad, 28 year old brother. Step-dad is pretty insistent on club level after our wonderful experience at the Poly last year. We stayed CL in an exterior building in 2000, but I don't remember it looking anything like the pictures look now. Should we splurge for RPC, or stick with SL?
 
Ground level of the paths, taken from the back entry to main bldg. Boca is past the pool.

IMG_0296.jpg


Taken on the path around the pool, you can see Boca in the background
IMG_0163.jpg


Standing on grassy lawn in front of Boca, you can see main bldg. in background
IMG_0127.jpg


Still in front of Boca, turned so you can see Sugar Loaf on right and main bldg. in the center - see how close the buildings are to each other?
IMG_0126.jpg
 
k&a&c Thanks for posting those beautiful pics...what a view! That courtyard view is just my fave..from any direction! Well I did like it a bit better before the fence! :upsidedow Still lovely...

Our responses are often the same or similar...:goodvibes But I like to add my 2 cents..LOL... ;)
 
I have a lot more photos of the paths around the courtyard if anyone wants to see them, I can post later today. My Photobucket connection is running pretty slow this morning.

Looks like GF is our top contender for our trip next December. I stayed at the GF in 2000 and walked through on our 2012 trip, but I'm guessing a lot has changed in 13 years.

Our travel group includes: me, DH, DD (will be 4 at the time), mom, step-dad, 28 year old brother. Step-dad is pretty insistent on club level after our wonderful experience at the Poly last year. We stayed CL in an exterior building in 2000, but I don't remember it looking anything like the pictures look now. Should we splurge for RPC, or stick with SL?

It really just depends on what you want from club level. RPC is pretty special, no doubt about that, but if you plan to spend most of your time at the parks or in the pool, SL is a good choice and you can save some cash for dinners, room service, special tours, etc. You get all the same food service and IPO/onsite services as with RPC, you just don't get to be in the main bldg.:flower3:

Nope, not packing yet, Blue, but itching to!! :yay: Gosh, you're down to a week!!!! :cheer2: I KNOW you must have started on your packing....

Just over two weeks to go, you'll be on your way before you know it!:banana:
 
k&a&c Thanks for posting those beautiful pics...what a view! That courtyard view is just my fave..from any direction! Well I did like it a bit better before the fence! :upsidedow Still lovely...

Our responses are often the same or similar...:goodvibes But I like to add my 2 cents..LOL... ;)

Absolutely!:goodvibes I think it's great when more than one person agrees, I think the OP gets a sense that the info is accurate and up to date.::yes::

I love the courtyard view, too, which is why we never book lagoon. For us, the views of the GF are prettier, more special than those of the lagoon - but that's just us, I know lots of people like looking over the water.

I should have reminded everyone, those photos of the courtyard are from before the fence around the pool.:sad: Well, the pool refurb in general.
 
Nope, not packing yet, Blue, but itching to!! :yay: Gosh, you're down to a week!!!! :cheer2: I KNOW you must have started on your packing....

Morning my friend! :hug: Half packed...will likely finish up today..then check the weather..and repack stuff..LOL...

Looks like GF is our top contender for our trip next December. I stayed at the GF in 2000 and walked through on our 2012 trip, but I'm guessing a lot has changed in 13 years.

Our travel group includes: me, DH, DD (will be 4 at the time), mom, step-dad, 28 year old brother. Step-dad is pretty insistent on club level after our wonderful experience at the Poly last year. We stayed CL in an exterior building in 2000, but I don't remember it looking anything like the pictures look now. Should we splurge for RPC, or stick with SL?

SL has always been the outer CL building...maybe you are remembering one side of the building over the other...the marina side is a much more compact look.. no big lawns compared to the courtyard side..

The thing that has changed in the last 13 years is that now both club level have the exact same offerings and ammenities...used to be that SL was more of a modified CL..Desk closed earlier..and there were not evening offerings...But all that has changed...

There is a significant difference in the lounge areas though..RPC being very open airy and in the main building..with an atrium view of the lobby..you can also listen to the pianist and band in the evening...there is also a significant price difference in the room rates..LOL...of course!

SL IMO..(and there are varying opinions on this).. is a great building..centrally located..has a small bistro like feel to it..with all of the ammenities of CL that make a vacation all the more relaxing... The lounge is in the lobby of the building..makes grabbing a quick bite or beverage while coming or going very easy to do...It is a good CL value...Did I just use CL and value in the same sentence???

Either way..CL at the Grand is simply Grand! Best of luck choosing...and enjoy your family vacation! :)
 
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