2014 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ: Vacationing in Grand Style!

[scottmel]

Hi everyone! I've stayed at the Grand in the past and now I'm trying to stay at VGF.

For those booking the villas, are you owners? Or were you able to rent points from a 3rd party? My arrival date isn't until November and it's almost impossible to find a one bedroom through a broker. I think owners either don't want to rent their points out, and who can blame them, or very few people have enough points for one bedrooms. I've never seen anything like this.

I am a renter and rented a 1 bedroom in June at the villas...

 

[Lisann]

I stayed in a one bedroom at the VGF for a week in Dec and a week in Jan. The mattress was the best I've ever had in all the villas. They must not be using the same mattress.

Candy

I agree, when we toured the villas, the beds seemed much firmer and more luxurious.

I did have a good night's sleep, but even my sister noticed the mattresses were not as good as previous visits. Some of you might like them, and some may not.

Just got back tonight after a 13-hour drive.

It was SO DIFFICULT TO LEAVE THE GRAND!! We had such a good time. The weather was gorgeous, just gorgeous!! We can't wait to go back!

 

[OfTheWind]

I am a renter and rented a 1 bedroom in June at the villas...

Thank you for that information. I guess I'll just have to keep checking with the brokers. Maybe something will come up later.

 

[scottmel]

Thank you for that information. I guess I'll just have to keep checking with the brokers. Maybe something will come up later.

I rent privately with someone I met online for much fewer points than a broker...Have you tried private forums?

 

[grannyminnie]

I agree, when we toured the villas, the beds seemed much firmer and more luxurious.

I did have a good night's sleep, but even my sister noticed the mattresses were not as good as previous visits. Some of you might like them, and some may not.

Just got back tonight after a 13-hour drive.

It was SO DIFFICULT TO LEAVE THE GRAND!! We had such a good time. The weather was gorgeous, just gorgeous!! We can't wait to go back!

I sure do hate hearing that about those wonderfully comfy mattresses being replaced! That's one thing we just loved about the GF rooms....having a nice bed to rest in each night. Another perk taken away...

Welcome back, Clare, tho I know you'd rather not be!! Thanks for posting the pics!

 

[OfTheWind]

I rent privately with someone I met online for much fewer points than a broker...Have you tried private forums?

No. I wasn't aware there were forums dedicated to renting points. Do you have a link? I'd really appreciate it.

And not to derail this thread but we're booked at a regular room at GF. I'm concerned about the cream, leather headboards and missing desk they used for room service. Has anyone seen any scuffs or tears on the headboards yet? Where are the room service trays and dishes placed now?

 

[jcjen519]

less than two weeks before our next trip! can't wait I'll admit I do have my 4 year olds suitcase out already but I never start packing for myself until a day or two before we leave. This is going to be a great trip, we haven't been with my entire extended family in many years. We've got a lot of special things planned since this trip is in honor of my grandmother's 100th birthday.

 

[BlueSkies]

All...

My huge super duper multi quoted post went poof.... ..

Here's all that I have the energy and recollection to re type..for the moment....

grannyminnie You lovey you.. Single digits !!!

jcjen What an incredible milestone...Happy Birthday to your grandma!! Have a magical family vacation!!

Such great ideas to match that Poly pout!! You are all creatve..but Floridian frown is my fave!! LOL...

I am almost all packed ...DD has a totally empty suitcase.... lol...

Hope that everyone is having a super Sunday!!

 

[pas130]

Good Morning everyone!!

To say the last few weeks have been a complete blur would be an understatement. No sooner I commented on my last post that this year hadn't been the best for me, my beloved father took ill and passed away two weeks ago...still can't believe it .

Trying to keep busy and slowly coming back to the boards...Disney truly is my happy place. I started skimming thru these pages and I have a lot of catching up to do.

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day! For those who are in Disney now, hope you have a wonderful trip and for those who are just starting to pack...so excited for you!

I am SO sorry for the loss of your father

To my Grand peeps Trying to say hello. I am rarely on the Dis anymore, but I do think of you and GF and smile!

 

[AliceIn]

We are booked for one night at the GF in a standard club room in Sugar Loaf. This will be our first time ever at the resort. We're heading out on a Disney Cruise the following morning, so we'll have just under 24 hours to enjoy the resort. I'm thinking the pools are a safe bet for some afternoon fun. What other things shouldn't we miss while we're there?

Anybody have experience with the Disney Cruise Line transfers? What time do they pick up, and do they take your luggage ahead of time for you?

 

[abk96]

Hello to all my GF friends! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

I'm in single digits!!!

6 days to go! That's so awesome and exciting!

Just an FYI, it is now being reported that guest staying at the Poly will NOT have use of the GF pool. They will have their one day at Blizzard Beach and then be able use the East Pool for the remainder of their stay.

So, that's goodness for those of us staying at GF.

That's great to know. I was keeping this one quiet from my husband in fear that he would want to switch resorts.

Yesterday was a hard day, arrived back in the UK early morning after a very bumpy flight and then of course the realisation that I was in the UK and not the Grand Floridian

As promised here are some photos, unfortunately once I've resized them they're not as sharp but hopefully they come through OK, although for some reason they're still too large.

My room was 4424, on the 4th floor opposite the lounge with a great view of the lagoon/Polynesian/GFV and the monorail, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect view.

Thanks for the great pictures. Everything looks so nice.

Last week was my family's 1st stay at GF. I planned and planned....scoured the Dis for tips and tricks in the parks and learned all I could about the GF. We arrived early, around 10:30, and an upgraded room was available immediately - Garden View to a Lagoon View. WOO HOO! We were in Big Pine Key with a view of the Villas, Wedding Pavilion and Poly - lovely! We were able to get a FP+ to meet Anna & Elsa, and for Be Our Guest as well. My girls were in their glory! While we spent most of our days in the parks, just being able to hop on the monorail or boat and quickly be at the resort swimming with our girls, dinner at Beaches Pool Bar, roasting marshmallows and sipping on coconut mojitos, made it the most relaxing vacation ever. I had no idea Disney with kids could be RELAXING! We can't wait to return to GF again in Fall 2015! It truly is a magical resort. So magical, that my dear husband who thought I was a Disney freak, is officially a convert and doesn't want to stay anywhere else...love it!

Congrats on the upgrade! I'm glad you all had a relaxing time. How was the wait with FP+ to see Anna & Elsa? I'm hoping to get one too.

less than two weeks before our next trip! can't wait I'll admit I do have my 4 year olds suitcase out already but I never start packing for myself until a day or two before we leave. This is going to be a great trip, we haven't been with my entire extended family in many years. We've got a lot of special things planned since this trip is in honor of my grandmother's 100th birthday.

to your grandmother! What a great way to celebrate.

 

[davale4]

We are booked for one night at the GF in a standard club room in Sugar Loaf. This will be our first time ever at the resort. We're heading out on a Disney Cruise the following morning, so we'll have just under 24 hours to enjoy the resort. I'm thinking the pools are a safe bet for some afternoon fun. What other things shouldn't we miss while we're there?

Anybody have experience with the Disney Cruise Line transfers? What time do they pick up, and do they take your luggage ahead of time for you?

We did the Fantasy cruise in 2012 and DCL transfer was great. We always stay at GF RPC, but for this trip we were traveling with family and they wanted to stay at BWI instead. We were picked up around 11:30am and checking into the ship was fast and smooth. No worries about the luggage, they will take care of it. If we do it again I would stay at GF instead, we just love it there.

 

[dansdad]

No. I wasn't aware there were forums dedicated to renting points. Do you have a link? I'd really appreciate it.

Here you go. Owners post here if they are looking to rent points.

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

 

[BlueSkies]

Tried this yesterday..and my post poofed...here hoping today will be a better posting day...lol...

I will be checking into the Grand in 17 days!!! So excited!

The time will fly by!

I'm in single digits!!!

Are you packed!!??

Just an FYI, it is now being reported that guest staying at the Poly will NOT have use of the GF pool. They will have their one day at Blizzard Beach and then be able use the East Pool for the remainder of their stay.

So, that's goodness for those of us staying at GF.

Thanks for that info Mousemommy ..This makes sense to me..when the courtyard pool was being renovated the only alternative GF guests had was to use the beach pool...and since there is another pool at the Poly I really didn't understand why they were offering guests there that option..Not to mention with the addition of VGF the pools at the GF already have a lot more people using them... I do think that offering a day at BB is a nice option too...

It's very sad being home, but that just means it's time to start planning the next trip .

I'm glad you had a great time and the pics are great, thanks for posting them . Seeing them makes me wish I was sitting in RPC enjoying the Grand .

I agree mickeynut with both!!! ..as always!!

Thanks from me too Clare for posting those pics... they are the next best thing to being at the GF! that is such a pretty view..and there is a nice bit of extra space in those rooms on the atrium side...

Last week was my family's 1st stay at GF. I planned and planned....scoured the Dis for tips and tricks in the parks and learned all I could about the GF. We arrived early, around 10:30, and an upgraded room was available immediately - Garden View to a Lagoon View. WOO HOO! We were in Big Pine Key with a view of the Villas, Wedding Pavilion and Poly - lovely! We were able to get a FP+ to meet Anna & Elsa, and for Be Our Guest as well. My girls were in their glory! While we spent most of our days in the parks, just being able to hop on the monorail or boat and quickly be at the resort swimming with our girls, dinner at Beaches Pool Bar, roasting marshmallows and sipping on coconut mojitos, made it the most relaxing vacation ever. I had no idea Disney with kids could be RELAXING! We can't wait to return to GF again in Fall 2015! It truly is a magical resort. So magical, that my dear husband who thought I was a Disney freak, is officially a convert and doesn't want to stay anywhere else...love it!

So happy to hear that your trip was all that you had hoped it would be..and then some! The GF really is such a magical resort ...and the perfect place to return and relax after a busy day in the theme parks!

The GF is our place to go every year now and we all enjoy it and look forward to it

Us too!

Thank you for that information. I guess I'll just have to keep checking with the brokers. Maybe something will come up later.

Just keep checking...hopefully something will open up soon!

To my Grand peeps Trying to say hello. I am rarely on the Dis anymore, but I do think of you and GF and smile!

Hey pas..Its always nice to "see" you!

We are booked for one night at the GF in a standard club room in Sugar Loaf. This will be our first time ever at the resort. We're heading out on a Disney Cruise the following morning, so we'll have just under 24 hours to enjoy the resort. I'm thinking the pools are a safe bet for some afternoon fun. What other things shouldn't we miss while we're there?

Anybody have experience with the Disney Cruise Line transfers? What time do they pick up, and do they take your luggage ahead of time for you?

No cruise line transfer experience here...we used a town car...(not my idea..I would have enjoyed the bus I am sure...love being immersed in the total Disney experience...lol..)

As for things to do at the GF in a limited amount of time...I agree the pools are wonderful for an afternoon of relaxation...I would also highly recommend spending some time in the main building..just browsing in many the shops... grabbing a nice beverage from the SL lounge and bringing it back over and sitting in the lobby listening to the evening music.(.there is a wonderful orchestra..and pianist each evening)...finally.. watching the fireworks and Electrical Water Pagent from the boat dock...

Here you go. Owners post here if they are looking to rent points.

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

Thanks for sharing that info!

phyllis I love that pic of your DD...and I think that so many of us here all share your love of that particular room décor..that refurb was my absolute favorite....so many whimsical touches...loved that all of the different buildings had different comforters..and fabric patterns... But.. I do like the new décor as well...just not what I was expecting...well except for that mirror over the day bed...very 60's looking to me...LOL...

Sure hope this post does not poof!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think that I have typed enough ...lol...I am surely over on my smilies...

Hope that everyone is having a magical Monday!!! Preppy GF gal who wants her DD to get packing... lol...

 

[trishadono]

Hey BLUE,
I am packed too yet my dd insists on waiting until day before.

I HATE that. One time she forget a bathing suit, once her phone charger, once her favorite sweatshirt.

Seems like each trip there is something and you know who she takes it out on.

Then for our January trip her suitcase was so full I snuck out some things I didn't think she would wear based on past trips.

Yep, she ended up needing those shorts and boy did I pay.... Had to buy at Disney and not cheap

Can't wait to play on the monorail line. Gonna eat, drink, shop and explore without the guys asking if we are done yet.

Grannyminnie must be doing the happy dance too!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hey BLUE,
I am packed too yet my dd insists on waiting until day before.

I HATE that. One time she forget a bathing suit, once her phone charger, once her favorite sweatshirt.

Seems like each trip there is something and you know who she takes it out on.

Then for our January trip her suitcase was so full I snuck out some things I didn't think she would wear based on past trips.

Yep, she ended up needing those shorts and boy did I pay.... Had to buy at Disney and not cheap

Can't wait to play on the monorail line. Gonna eat, drink, shop and explore without the guys asking if we are done yet.

Grannyminnie must be doing the happy dance too!

I am....! I'm not all packed yet, but then, like SOME peeps on here, I usually don't do the "pack and then re-pack" dance!
I didn't know you were so close to a trip!! Yay for you!

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

I haven't read through this entire thread yet, so I apologize if this information is already in here. We currently have a garden view room booked and are debating upgrading to a lagoon view. I'm trying to determine which building to request for the best chance of a good view of the Electrical Water Pageant each night. Does the water pageant stop in between the DVC Villas and Big Pine Key? Or is it better viewed from Boca Chica (not sure if those rooms are even Lagoon view or if they're all theme park view?)

 

[Sue M]

BlueSkies & Mousemommy I think the main difference is that Poly pool closing is the Feature Pool, not the quiet pool. And the East Pool is a lot smaller then the GF Courtyard Pool.
We have 14 days booked at Poly, so 1 BB day just doesn't cut it for us!! Since hearing the news of no GF pool option for us I'm considering jumping ship to GF. We really loved our stay last August. Will see.

I think WDW could have made better options to us at Poly for Feature pool closure. Maybe an option of GF OR CR, and run a shuttle boat between them. That would take the strain off GF of having all Poly guests at GF pools. However with half the long houses closed there won't be many left

 

[MommyGina]

Hi BlueSkies and trishadono Your trips are coming up soon! I'm so excited for you.

mommyrosa2 I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs your way: grouphug:

Hi k&a&c'smom I was away in Baltimore this weekend with the high school marching band and I am trying to catch up here. I have to say, you get what you pay for in a hotel. We stayed at a big name hotel that starts with an "H" and it was no GF! The atmosphere was blah, the rooms were small and boring. There were also ant issues in the rooms. All I could think of was "8 1/2 weeks to the Grand." We have been spoiled!!!

Have a Grand day my friends.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hey BLUE,
I am packed too yet my dd insists on waiting until day before.

I HATE that. One time she forget a bathing suit, once her phone charger, once her favorite sweatshirt.

Seems like each trip there is something and you know who she takes it out on.

Then for our January trip her suitcase was so full I snuck out some things I didn't think she would wear based on past trips.

Yep, she ended up needing those shorts and boy did I pay.... Had to buy at Disney and not cheap

Can't wait to play on the monorail line. Gonna eat, drink, shop and explore without the guys asking if we are done yet.!

Hey Trish Aint it the truth about our kids...lol..if they would just follow our lead!

We are looking forward to doing the same..lots of monorail resort fun...oh and lets not forget riding on that 7DMT!

Grannieminnie is next, then you,,and soon after we will be on our way too!!

BlueSkies & Mousemommy I think the main difference is that Poly pool closing is the Feature Pool, not the quiet pool. And the East Pool is a lot smaller then the GF Courtyard Pool.
We have 14 days booked at Poly, so 1 BB day just doesn't cut it for us!! Since hearing the news of no GF pool option for us I'm considering jumping ship to GF. We really loved our stay last August. Will see.

I think WDW could have made better options to us at Poly for Feature pool closure. Maybe an option of GF OR CR, and run a shuttle boat between them. That would take the strain off GF of having all Poly guests at GF pools. However with half the long houses closed there won't be many left

Sue You do have a good point about the only pool option for Poly guests is their non feature pool...Not fun for a long trip like the one you have planned (lucky you btw!!! 14 days!!!! )..But with some of the long houses closed due to the change over to DVC I do think that the pool will be a lot less crowded..

The GF on the other hand already has a lot more going on at the pools due to the fact that the DVC did not get a dedicated pool as they have at BLT and some of the other DVCs... So I do think that it is better for those staying and paying for GF and VGF if they aren't adding any more guests into the mix...

No matter what..hope that you have a terrific trip!

Hi BlueSkies and trishadono Your trips are coming up soon! I'm so excited for you.

We stayed at a big name hotel that starts with an "H" and it was no GF! The atmosphere was blah, the rooms were small and boring. There were also ant issues in the rooms. All I could think of was "8 1/2 weeks to the Grand." We have been spoiled!!!

Have a Grand day my friends.

Hi there MommyG Yep..we are counting down!!! Thanks for sharing in our excitement! We will be sharing in yours too!!

As for a non GF hotel..*gasp*...you just cant expect them to compare... but sometimes you just have to stay in other places..lol...as for the visiting ants!! We have been spoiled!

for 81/2 weeks...the time will fly!

grannyminnie aka Lovey to the 7 Dwarfs Mine crew... ...lol... Its almost time!!!!!! Packing and re packing??? Hmmm....are you referring to me!!!!???? LOL...Did someone tell you that I am a notorious re packer...lol...

OnThisMagicNight I think that your best opportunity for watching the EWP would be a lagoon view room in Conch... or even Boca Chica..MariaMouse is our resident expert BC with recent stays there..so hopefully she will pop in ...There might be a side view of it from Big Pine when it is over at the Poly..I'm not really sure about that tho...MickeyNut has a few stays in BPK will probably be able to better answer...actually lots of repeaters/experts around here that hopefully will have a more definitive answer for you!

MickeyNut, k&a&c'smom and all the rest of my fellow GF fans!!

~ Still no BOG lunch ressie available???? Oh well I guess that wasn't meant to be...


Hope that you all have a terrific Tuesday... Preppy GF gal who is almost completely packed!