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

[k&a&c'smom]

mommyrosa - sorry I missed your post, I was busy amusing myself with old room photos. Sorry about another layer of snow, it's got to end sometime, right?

There were no gummy bears at SL. The mid-day offerings included crudites with an assortment of dips and spreads, sometimes a tomato/mozzarella salad, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, breadsticks and cookies. The vegies were better than average - there were carrots and celery sticks, but also asparagus, broccoli and grilled zucchini. The offerings were more substantial than at the Poly CL for mid-day, but fewer of the little munchies like gummy bears.


k&a&c'smom - Thanks for the trip in the way back machine! I am really going to miss the topiary wallpaper too.

Thanks for the info on the mid-day offerings. We are there fairly often at mid-day, but I could not remember everything. We mostly eat the crudites and dips, so good. We really love the long, thin cracker chips and the breadsticks.

The topiary paper was a lot of fun, I was so glad they didn't remove it last time. I knew we wouldn't get so lucky this go 'round.

These room photos remind me of Laura Ashley fabric designs. I've always loved her fabrics and have a lot of her curtains in my house.

Even though many young people like a more contemporary design now, it doesn't mean everyone wants it in there home.

I have a BFA degree from Mass College of Art. We were taught to have our own ideas of what we like.

The classics are and will always be in style! Actually Audrey Hepburn always said " If you decorate with classical furniture you will always be in style."

Ralph Lauren is another designer I love. I have many elements of his equestrian designs in my home.

Thank you for putting up these beautiful photos!!

We really loved these room designs - so fun, whimsical and just Disney!! It was always a fun surprise to see which theme you would get; even if the overall theme was the same as your last room, the individual details might be different.

We don't have a lot of florals in our house, but DD has tiny rosebud paper in her room, and a pretty floral quilt. I've always thought in the bedrooms you could be more playful with pattern and color, show a little personality. Like you, I'm not a fan of the mod or retro mod style of furnishings. I can appreciate it when it is done well, but I wouldn't put it in my home.

We don't want to walk into our Disney resort room and feel like we're in the Holiday Inn, or even the Marriott or Westin, as nice as those hotels may be. We want Magic.

 

[Mousemommy1]

mommyrosa - sorry I missed your post, I was busy amusing myself with old room photos. Sorry about another layer of snow, it's got to end sometime, right?



Thanks for the info on the mid-day offerings. We are there fairly often at mid-day, but I could not remember everything. We mostly eat the crudites and dips, so good. We really love the long, thin cracker chips and the breadsticks.

The topiary paper was a lot of fun, I was so glad they didn't remove it last time. I knew we wouldn't get so lucky this go 'round.



We really loved these room designs - so fun, whimsical and just Disney!! It was always a fun surprise to see which theme you would get; even if the overall theme was the same as your last room, the individual details might be different.

We don't have a lot of florals in our house, but DD has tiny rosebud paper in her room, and a pretty floral quilt. I've always thought in the bedrooms you could be more playful with pattern and color, show a little personality. Like you, I'm not a fan of the mod or retro mod style of furnishings. I can appreciate it when it is done well, but I wouldn't put it in my home.

We don't want to walk into our Disney resort room and feel like we're in the Holiday Inn, or even the Marriott or Westin, as nice as those hotels may be. We want Magic.

I will admit that I love the pastels in the old decor!

Although I really like the new decor, the current "old" decor (does that make sense?) is soooooo blaaaaah compared to those pre 2007 pics and the newest GF 2014 decor....just my opinion of course.

 

[BlueSkies]

Even here in Ga. our kids had a week out due to the ice and snow! Nowhere near a foot of it, but 4 inches in my yard is considered alot! And that was the second round of it. I think we had about half a foot in total. My "grands" enjoyed the snow days, I'm sure!

I don't recall gummy bears in SL, but not being with kids, I didn't pay that close attention either.

Glad that the Grands (love that nick name.. ) enjoyed the novelty of the snow days!!

No recollection of any gummy bears at the GF...have seen them offered at BWI I believe...

mariamouse,

We have been going to Disney three times a year for the past ten years. Dec, Jan and May. We take our daughter and granddaughter with us so we go when they are available.
This year we booked Dec and Jan only because our 500 VGF points only covered two trips. Plus when we were there this May the yellow flies bit me all over my legs. I don't think I want to go in May again.

We want to go three times a year so we have to try a different time of year for our third trip and we just bought 125 more VGF points. We thought maybe we should try Oct for our third trip.

What do all of my Grand friends think about an Oct trip?

Congrats on getting more DVC points..and being able to enjoy your 3 stays per year! And how nice that your DD and DGD get to join you too... We will be looking forward to more of your wonderfully descriptive trip reviews!!

As for October..one of the best times of year to visit the world IMO...beautiful weather...and of course the bonus of MNSSHP...nothing more fun that Trick or Treating in the MK!

Another snow day! Uncle!!! 9 days until GF!

There were no gummy bears at SL. The mid-day offerings included crudites with an assortment of dips and spreads, sometimes a tomato/mozzarella salad, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, breadsticks and cookies. The vegies were better than average - there were carrots and celery sticks, but also asparagus, broccoli and grilled zucchini. The offerings were more substantial than at the Poly CL for mid-day, but fewer of the little munchies like gummy bears.


k&a&c'smom - Thanks for the trip in the way back machine! I am really going to miss the topiary wallpaper too.

Its always about the food...I am getting hungry just reading your post! Lots of good stuff..and much more of a variety than the other CLs on property that we have tried...

Add me to the list of going to miss the topiary wall paper...always thought it so novel...and cheerful in a very Disney way !

k&a&c'smom Thank you for that trip down room décor memory lane...Sure did love those rooms...from the wallpaper right down to the carpeting... We were always in rooms with the cameo decor... but I do recall that every building had different décor....Just lovely.. ~sigh~

MickeyNut There really is something about just getting on that plane and finally being in vacation mode...and then arriving on property...driving thru the MK arches!!

DisneyMomChristine Not sure if there is a rest room on the bus...but there are restrooms right near the area where you board DME...so maybe a quick visit there would be good! There is Disney entertainment on the bus in the form of a "what to do" type video that I am sure will keep your little ones occupied too...

Hope that everyone is keeping warm and having a terrific Tuesday!

 

[michlyn]

hi, GF newbie here - our first trip and we are able to stay at the GF. SO EXCITED!!!

made my ADRs today. Question about travel time to epcot - how long does it take? We would like to come back to the GF if possible during the afternoon and go back to epcot for our ressies at 6pm.

Thanks!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Wow, some renovated resort room pictures! Glad I decided to stop in to see what's going on... I was a bit surprised at first to see them, but I guess the design isn't entirely unexpected considering the other resort refurbs.

I just booked my September trip and ended up with a 1 bedroom in the Villas wing. Looking forward to return to the GF this year and try something new!

 

[grannyminnie]

These room photos remind me of Laura Ashley fabric designs. I've always loved her fabrics and have a lot of her curtains in my house.

Even though many young people like a more contemporary design now, it doesn't mean everyone wants it in there home.

I have a BFA degree from Mass College of Art. We were taught to have our own ideas of what we like.

The classics are and will always be in style! Actually Audrey Hepburn always said " If you decorate with classical furniture you will always be in style."

Ralph Lauren is another designer I love. I have many elements of his equestrian designs in my home.

Thank you for putting up these beautiful photos!!

Oh, so that's why I like the older room decor....it does remind one of Laura Ashley, and that has always been pretty to me!

Yes, Blue, for sure the "grands" had a blast! Mostly just the "missing school" part! LOL

k&a&c'smom, I really enjoyed "touring" the rooms from the past! Thanks for the photos!

 

[mickeynut1]

9 days until GF!

Your trip will be here before you know it .

Hopping into the way back machine!

Great pics.....very cute and whimsical .

Isn't it sunny and fun and delightfully tacky?!

I think so .

We don't want to walk into our Disney resort room and feel like we're in the Holiday Inn, or even the Marriott or Westin, as nice as those hotels may be. We want Magic.

I couldn't agree more .

nothing more fun that Trick or Treating in the MK!

MickeyNut There really is something about just getting on that plane and finally being in vacation mode...and then arriving on property...driving thru the MK arches!!

I totally agree about Trick or Treating in MK . Our first October trip was actually over Halloween and it was so cool being in MK on Halloween night. We came home with so much candy that year because it was the last party (this was back before they extended parties to 11/1) and the CMs were giving out handfuls of candy at the exits just to get rid of it . It was also when they had the really good candy (full size) as we came home with about 50 big rolls of Sprees .

Yes, getting on the plane is when vacation mode hits and it doesn't get any better than driving through the MK arches .

hi, GF newbie here - our first trip and we are able to stay at the GF. SO EXCITED!!!

The GF is a beautiful resort.....you're going to love it .

Wow, some renovated resort room pictures! Glad I decided to stop in to see what's going on... I was a bit surprised at first to see them, but I guess the design isn't entirely unexpected considering the other resort refurbs.

I just booked my September trip and ended up with a 1 bedroom in the Villas wing. Looking forward to return to the GF this year and try something new!

Congrats on getting back to the GF. I hope you have a great stay in the villas .

As much as I don't think the new decor goes with the GF, I think you're right that it should have been somewhat expected going by what has been done to other resorts .

Yes, Blue, for sure the "grands" had a blast! Mostly just the "missing school" part! LOL

I remember those days ......there was nothing better than getting a day off school due to snow . Although the town that I grew up in was so on top of things that we didn't get that many snow days, so when we did get one, we were ecstatic .

 

[mickeynut1]

You know, I think the reason it seems cheap (to me, anyway) is that I can't wrap my head around them putting wood in a resort room. So, in my subconscious, it must be fake. We were in a Slumber Inn or Sleep Inn on our way back from Chicago, and the entry was fake wood - it did look cheap.

That was an element I hoped would stay with the VGF - it makes more sense to me there, as they are supposed to look homey.

I meant to comment on this in my post above, but somehow it got left out of my multi-quote . My thoughts on the wood flooring are the same as you. Wood flooring (IMO) doesn't belong in a resort hotel room. It seems out of place to me and just doesn't go. It's not just at the GF because I feel it doesn't belong at the WL either. Now putting it in the villas at the WL (or VGF, like you said) makes more sense because that is more of a homey atmosphere, but not a resort room (just my opinion).

 

[Mousemommy1]

Would it be silly to do a few of our 10 nights (like maybe 3) in RPC and just keep the rest at SL?? Just to get a taste of RPC? There's no way I could do it for 10 nights -- too pricey.

 

[bethclayton]

Would it be silly to do a few of our 10 nights (like maybe 3) in RPC and just keep the rest at SL?? Just to get a taste of RPC? There's no way I could do it for 10 nights -- too pricey.

yes. rpc is amazing.

 

[maiapapaya]

We are considering changing our October reservation from the Poly to the GF due to the construction. Are all of the room renos still expected to be done by July? DH hates the old décor, but likes the new rooms.

 

[grannyminnie]

Would it be silly to do a few of our 10 nights (like maybe 3) in RPC and just keep the rest at SL?? Just to get a taste of RPC? There's no way I could do it for 10 nights -- too pricey.

I like the idea...one problem with it is that you have to put down two deposits tho!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I like the idea...one problem with it is that you have to put down two deposits tho!

My 10 nights in Sugarloaf is almost paid in full, so if I shave off some nights, there will be $$ left over and that can just go on the RPC reservation.

I don't know, still thinking about it... DH wants to just stay in the same room and thinks it would be silly to move for a couple of nights. But it's just the building next door SHEESH!

 

[BlueSkies]

Would it be silly to do a few of our 10 nights (like maybe 3) in RPC and just keep the rest at SL?? Just to get a taste of RPC? There's no way I could do it for 10 nights -- too pricey.

As a big fan of both ..I know many peeps prefer one or the other....with many stays in each...in the summer (and especially with children)..we always choose SL...its proximity to the pool cant be beat...and to the water launch ..which we tend to use a lot more particularly during that time of year...You cant go wrong with either one..but I don't think I would do a split stay just for tha sake of trying RPC...

We are considering changing our October reservation from the Poly to the GF due to the construction. Are all of the room renos still expected to be done by July? DH hates the old décor, but likes the new rooms.

According to the rehab schedule the only building that will not be refurbed in July is RPC...I believe it will be under rehab during that month...

 

[maiapapaya]

According to the rehab schedule the only building that will not be refurbed in July is RPC...I believe it will be under rehab during that month...

Great! I just wanted to make sure everything would be done by the fall.

A few more questions ... could someone explain to me the differences between the outer building GV and the outer building deluxe GV? The price difference/night seems to be quite a bit.

Also, I know you can watch the fireworks from around the marina area and Narcoossee's. If the view from the resort fairly good? Also, is it correct that they do not pipe in the Wishes music to the marina area, just Narcoosee's?

Thanks so much. Just trying to wrap our heads around trying out a new resort!

 

[rosiegmendez]

How comfortable are the sleeper sofas in the studio's at VGF?

We are thinking of booking a week there but would reconsider if the pull-out sofa bed is uncomfortable.

My daughter will have to sleep on it and want to make sure she wont be uncomfortable the whole time.

We recently stayed at a Residence Inn (I know, different than the GF but still) and the sofa sleeper was awful. You could feel every single coil.

TIA!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I will admit that I love the pastels in the old decor!

Although I really like the new decor, the current "old" decor (does that make sense?) is soooooo blaaaaah compared to those pre 2007 pics and the newest GF 2014 decor....just my opinion of course.

The old, old decor was really fun!

As for October..one of the best times of year to visit the world IMO...beautiful weather...and of course the bonus of MNSSHP...nothing more fun that Trick or Treating in the MK!
....

Add me to the list of going to miss the topiary wall paper...always thought it so novel...and cheerful in a very Disney way!

k&a&c'smom Thank you for that trip down room décor memory lane...Sure did love those rooms...from the wallpaper right down to the carpeting... We were always in rooms with the cameo decor... but I do recall that every building had different décor....Just lovely.. ~sigh~
....

Hope that everyone is keeping warm and having a terrific Tuesday!

The topiary paper was a huge favorite, I was hoping for something with character to replace it. Didn't expect it, though, they removed the cute paper in WL and replaced it with a generic one.~sigh~

We are warm here in mid-MO!! It was 65 degrees here yesterday!! Upper 50s through the rest of the week, woohoo!! I hope everyone gets some sunny weather this week.

We have had all different styles and room configurations, it's been a lot of fun seeing what room we would get. One of the reasons we love the Grand so much - such variety, we like the odd room shapes.

Love T-or-T in the MK! DD and I feel kind of silly, as we have no little ones with us, but it is fun!

hi, GF newbie here - our first trip and we are able to stay at the GF. SO EXCITED!!!

made my ADRs today. Question about travel time to epcot - how long does it take? We would like to come back to the GF if possible during the afternoon and go back to epcot for our ressies at 6pm.

Thanks!!

Congrats on your first stay, and first Grand stay! You're going to love it.

If you travel by monorail, it will take a little while as you have to transfer at the TTC - you go from one monorail line to the other. Expect 30-40 minutes per trip.

Wow, some renovated resort room pictures! Glad I decided to stop in to see what's going on... I was a bit surprised at first to see them, but I guess the design isn't entirely unexpected considering the other resort refurbs.

I just booked my September trip and ended up with a 1 bedroom in the Villas wing. Looking forward to return to the GF this year and try something new!

Hey, good to see you!! I wondered if you had seen the new room photos yet.

We expected something similar to the VGF rooms, but what we ended up with was not that, at least to me. What I really hoped for was a return to more Disney theming, but I guess we'll have to wait another 6 years.~sob~

Congrats on your September booking, enjoy the Villas!

Oh, so that's why I like the older room decor....it does remind one of Laura Ashley, and that has always been pretty to me!

Yes, Blue, for sure the "grands" had a blast! Mostly just the "missing school" part! LOL

k&a&c'smom, I really enjoyed "touring" the rooms from the past! Thanks for the photos!

LOL about the kids enjoying their snow day.

You are welcome, I hesitated to post them as I'm constantly boring everyone with my longing for the old decor.

Great pics.....very cute and whimsical.


I totally agree about Trick or Treating in MK. Our first October trip was actually over Halloween and it was so cool being in MK on Halloween night. We came home with so much candy that year because it was the last party (this was back before they extended parties to 11/1) and the CMs were giving out handfuls of candy at the exits just to get rid of it. It was also when they had the really good candy (full size) as we came home with about 50 big rolls of Sprees .


As much as I don't think the new decor goes with the GF, I think you're right that it should have been somewhat expected going by what has been done to other resorts .



I remember those days ......there was nothing better than getting a day off school due to snow . Although the town that I grew up in was so on top of things that we didn't get that many snow days, so when we did get one, we were ecstatic.

We got almost no snow days, if the country kids couldn't make it to town, we had school anyway for the town kids. I was a town kid who lived just 2 blocks from school.

What a fun Halloween memory. We've been to MNSSHP a couple times, but not sure we've been on the actual day. Hmmm, I'll have to ask DD. Anyway, it's been years as her school schedule didn't work, not to mention the discounts often skip over the only days off in October.

I meant to comment on this in my post above, but somehow it got left out of my multi-quote . My thoughts on the wood flooring are the same as you. Wood flooring (IMO) doesn't belong in a resort hotel room. It seems out of place to me and just doesn't go. It's not just at the GF because I feel it doesn't belong at the WL either. Now putting it in the villas at the WL (or VGF, like you said) makes more sense because that is more of a homey atmosphere, but not a resort room (just my opinion).

x2!

We are considering changing our October reservation from the Poly to the GF due to the construction. Are all of the room renos still expected to be done by July? DH hates the old décor, but likes the new rooms.

By October, you should be in the clear. As far as I'm aware, they are right on schedule.

My 10 nights in Sugarloaf is almost paid in full, so if I shave off some nights, there will be $$ left over and that can just go on the RPC reservation.

I don't know, still thinking about it... DH wants to just stay in the same room and thinks it would be silly to move for a couple of nights. But it's just the building next door SHEESH!

In my experience, they won't transfer that money over to the new reservation, they will refund (takes 3-5 days, usually) and you will need to put down a separate deposit. If that's not an issue, no worries.

It's not a problem to move over to the Main Bldg., you just pack up before 11 a.m. and give your bags to the bellman; when you get to your new room, call and they will bring up your bags. Keep in mind, it may take a few hours in between without a room, but other than that it's not that hard.

RPC and Sugar Loaf have exactly the same food service, but the lounge in RPC is much more spread out. We love them both.

As a big fan of both ..I know many peeps prefer one or the other....with many stays in each...in the summer (and especially with children)..we always choose SL...its proximity to the pool cant be beat...and to the water launch ..which we tend to use a lot more particularly during that time of year...You cant go wrong with either one..but I don't think I would do a split stay just for tha sake of trying RPC...

According to the rehab schedule the only building that will not be refurbed in July is RPC...I believe it will be under rehab during that month...

A good point about SL in the summer, I know you prefer it in the hot months for its proximity to the pool and boat dock.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Great! I just wanted to make sure everything would be done by the fall.

A few more questions ... could someone explain to me the differences between the outer building GV and the outer building deluxe GV? The price difference/night seems to be quite a bit.

Also, I know you can watch the fireworks from around the marina area and Narcoossee's. If the view from the resort fairly good? Also, is it correct that they do not pipe in the Wishes music to the marina area, just Narcoosee's?

Thanks so much. Just trying to wrap our heads around trying out a new resort!

The outer bldg. garden view rooms are a standard sized room, the outer bldg. deluxe rooms are a little larger, with a sitting area with sofa, chair, TV, etc. There are some photo links on the first page, here's the link . Keep in mind, the deluxe garden views do not have a daybed, nor does the sofa fold out - but you can request a rollaway.

The Wishes music should be played in the marina area, but isn't always. Don't know why, maybe the speakers cut out or something, but we've been many times and not heard the music in the marina area or the boat dock. Others have reported hearing it lately, so...

The view of the fireworks is very nice, but not the dead on, over the castle view of the Poly. Kind of like watching from Adventureland vs. the hub inside the MK, if you get me. Still beautiful.

How comfortable are the sleeper sofas in the studio's at VGF?

We are thinking of booking a week there but would reconsider if the pull-out sofa bed is uncomfortable.

My daughter will have to sleep on it and want to make sure she wont be uncomfortable the whole time.

We recently stayed at a Residence Inn (I know, different than the GF but still) and the sofa sleeper was awful. You could feel every single coil.

TIA!

We have absolutely no experience with any DVC rooms, but from what I hear the sofa beds are often uncomfortable. Hopefully, someone will read who has tried them in VGF specifically.

As the VGF is so new, you might get more answers on the DVC forums. Here is the link to the VGF homeowners thread.

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks k&a&c'smom! Waiting for an email now from our TA as to what our options might be (we booked on BB, so are worried about availability, but are hoping they take pity on us because of the Poly construction!)

 

[mickeynut1]

We are warm here in mid-MO!! It was 65 degrees here yesterday!! Upper 50s through the rest of the week, woohoo!! I hope everyone gets some sunny weather this week.

We expected something similar to the VGF rooms, but what we ended up with was not that, at least to me. What I really hoped for was a return to more Disney theming, but I guess we'll have to wait another 6 years.~sob~

We got almost no snow days, if the country kids couldn't make it to town, we had school anyway for the town kids. I was a town kid who lived just 2 blocks from school.

What a fun Halloween memory. We've been to MNSSHP a couple times, but not sure we've been on the actual day. Hmmm, I'll have to ask DD. Anyway, it's been years as her school schedule didn't work, not to mention the discounts often skip over the only days off in October.

Great temps . We are in mid 40s with sunshine, which feels like a heat wave compared to what we've been getting . The snow is starting to melt pretty quickly, so hopefully by the weekend we could see grass....LOL.

Interesting on waiting another 6 years. Is that the time frame for refurbs? I wonder if AKL will be next in line after BC/YC . When the time does come for AKL, I can't help but wonder what they will do there .

LOL on having school without the country kids. You knew the weather was pretty bad in our town when we had a snow day .

Yes, being there on Halloween was so much fun. I just love the parties, both Halloween and Christmas .

We have absolutely no experience with any DVC rooms, but from what I hear the sofa beds are often uncomfortable. Hopefully, someone will read who has tried them in VGF specifically.

We don't have any experience with the sofa beds either, but I have heard the same thing about them not be the most comfortable to sleep on .

Waiting for an email now from our TA as to what our options might be (we booked on BB, so are worried about availability, but are hoping they take pity on us because of the Poly construction!)

Good luck with changing. I hope you are able to change to the GF and you get the room type you want .