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

[Scott MC]

Good morning, GF pals... I'm back and definitely doing the "Floridian frown"! We did have a Grand time...it's just never long enough!!

My sister was not feeling totally up to par so we spent much more time at the resort, which is not altogether a bad thing.. It was hot, so staying in meant we got to get in more piano and orchestra time. (Chris is still not back, for those who are interested)

We did get to ride the new mine train, but only once...the day before it's public opening, and we had a FP, which meant we walked right in! And believe me, seeing those standby lines, I was very happy we had that FP!
I loved the ride, and will definitely book it more than once when we go again! It is 90 seconds of fun, and so bright and colorful.

To be continued...(it's early, and I need more coffee!)

Welcome back! I'm sorry you're experiencing the "Grand Glums."
So...tell us about your room? How did you feel about the renovations in person?

 

[BlueSkies]

Morning....

We had the sea salt last August. I was sure we had the body lotion! Has it changed since last. August . Love the foot cream, so nice after a day on your feet. I kept it in the bedside table so I could put it on before bed.

I had to check my small stash..lol...which I use when I am needing a GF fix..and the body lotion..which I called hand lotion..oops..cause thats what it feels like..is indeed sea salt hydrating body lotion..and while it is nice..as a hand lotion..it is nothing like the hydrating body butter that they had for years...I think they replaced this with the newer lotion about a year ago..it was available in May but not for our our August trip..as you had mentioned..... ... As for that mint foot rub...I agree..so nice after a day on your feet...

What do you guys think i should pick for this christmas? I loved the grand this past trip but my fam wants to save some money so i narrowed it down to 3 places: wilderness lodge, beach club, and contemporary.
Im leaning towards the wilderness lodge but the contemporary rooms and monorail sound good too.

Look at who you are asking HairyChest!! lol...but since the GF is not in the equation....from what I have heard and read here on the boards many time..sounds like the WL is a great resort choice for the holidays! And of course stopping by the GF to see that beautiful Christmas tree..and get some gingerbread ...

Totally silly questions... does anyone know what brand/type of yogurt is sold at Gasparilla's? How about yogurt that's available in the SL lounge? I'm sure it can vary and isn't guarenteed to always be the same but I'd just like to know if you remember!

Our first GF SL stay is NEXT MONTH! We realized at AKL CL that DD3 doesn't like the light n' fit kind ... and I was just trying to plan ahead. Thanks!!! We are so excited!!

I'm pretty sure that the yogurt available is Dannon...but there are so many other breakfast options..breakfast pastries!! .. oh and healthy stuff..lol..like oatmeal...and fresh fruit...that I have not paid much attention to the yogurt...

I am sure that the next month will fly by!!!

Good morning, GF pals... I'm back and definitely doing the "Floridian frown"! We did have a Grand time...it's just never long enough!!

My sister was not feeling totally up to par so we spent much more time at the resort, which is not altogether a bad thing.. It was hot, so staying in meant we got to get in more piano and orchestra time. (Chris is still not back, for those who are interested)

We did get to ride the new mine train, but only once...the day before it's public opening, and we had a FP, which meant we walked right in! And believe me, seeing those standby lines, I was very happy we had that FP!
I loved the ride, and will definitely book it more than once when we go again! It is 90 seconds of fun, and so bright and colorful.

To be continued...(it's early, and I need more coffee!)

Welcome Home Grannieminnie Happy to hear that you had your usual GRAND vacation...sorry about your sister being under the weather though...

Afternoon and evening relaxing while listening to the orchestra and the pianist playing...ahhh... Sad that Christian is still not back...he is hands down our favorite....

We will be riding the 7DMT in just a few days!!! Have FP+ for a few different days...

Drink that coffee girl... And hurry back.. Looking foward to hearing more about your trip!

Welcome back! I'm sorry you're experiencing the "Grand Glums."
So...tell us about your room? How did you feel about the renovations in person?

The Grand Glums..love it ...well not the glums..but the saying ...thats what comes after the floridian frown...Take that Poly peeps...lol..JK!!

Sparkly Lots of discussion here about the new room decor..I would say its about 50/50 on the likes and don't like...

jmskinner You're welcome! As for the Metro on the 4th of July..Yikes!

Hope that everyone is having a super Sunday... preppy GF gal who is done packing and repacking..I think???

 

[Sue M]

Morning....



I had to check my small stash..lol...which I use when I am needing a GF fix..and the body lotion..which I called hand lotion..oops..cause thats what it feels like..is indeed sea salt hydrating body lotion..and while it is nice..as a hand lotion..it is nothing like the hydrating body butter that they had for years...I think they replaced this with the newer lotion about a year ago..it was available in May but not for our our August trip..as you had mentioned..... ... As for that mint foot rub...I agree..so nice after a day on your feet...



Look at who you are asking HairyChest!! lol...but since the GF is not in the equation....from what I have heard and read here on the boards many time..sounds like the WL is a great resort choice for the holidays! And of course stopping by the GF to see that beautiful Christmas tree..and get some gingerbread ...



I'm pretty sure that the yogurt available is Dannon...but there are so many other breakfast options..breakfast pastries!! .. oh and healthy stuff..lol..like oatmeal...and fresh fruit...that I have not paid much attention to the yogurt...

I am sure that the next month will fly by!!!



Welcome Home Grannieminnie Happy to hear that you had your usual GRAND vacation...sorry about your sister being under the weather though...

Afternoon and evening relaxing while listening to the orchestra and the pianist playing...ahhh... Sad that Christian is still not back...he is hands down our favorite....

We will be riding the 7DMT in just a few days!!! Have FP+ for a few different days...

Drink that coffee girl... And hurry back.. Looking foward to hearing more about your trip!



The Grand Glums..love it ...well not the glums..but the saying ...thats what comes after the floridian frown...Take that Poly peeps...lol..JK!!

Sparkly Lots of discussion here about the new room decor..I would say its about 50/50 on the likes and don't like...

Hope that everyone is having a super Sunday... preppy GF gal who is done packing and repacking..I think???

Can I be a Grand AND a Poly peep? thanks, good to know there's still body lotion stuff, and glad I'm not the only one who comes back with a bag full of stuff, lol. I was eatting GF choc squares for months!

 

[BlueSkies]

Sure you can Sue So you can do both the Poly pout and the Floridian frown..LOL...

Yum..that creamy delicious Belgian chocolate..I hoard it...lol...yep...stick pieces in the night stand drawer before my family can gobble it up ...and like you enjoy it once I get home... another way to get the GF fix ...

 

[mariamouse]

Well, it's my 25th birthday today (quarter century... eek!) and, naturally, the first thing I had to do this morning was get caught up on my favorite FAQ on the DIS. I've been away for a few weeks since work has been absolutely nuts lately, but finally have some time to breathe and reminisce about my happiest place on earth.

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!

So sorry for the delay in responding to this!

We were in a GV room in Boca Chica on our last trip (facing Narcoosee's and a sliver of SSL/the Contemporary) and the EWP was *very* audible and visible off to the side. We could only glimpse certain parts of the parade since we did not have an actual frontal view of the lagoon, but I would imagine that the Boca Chica LV rooms (especially those closer to the Narcoossee's side of the building) would have the best EWP view at the GF. This assumes, though, that a tree is not blocking your view of the lagoon, which I believe is the case for a few rooms on that side of Boca Chica. You could probably see the EWP from Conch Key MK view rooms, but it would be farther off to the side. I'm sure that you would be able to see it from the Big Pine Key LV rooms, although it would be farther off in the distance since it would be closer to the Poly.

My best guess is that a Boca Chica MK view would provide the best EWP viewing opportunity, although someone please correct me if I am wrong.

What do you guys think i should pick for this christmas? I loved the grand this past trip but my fam wants to save some money so i narrowed it down to 3 places: wilderness lodge, beach club, and contemporary.
Im leaning towards the wilderness lodge but the contemporary rooms and monorail sound good too.

The Wilderness Lodge has the coziest Christmas decor of those three, but not sure how big your family is. The rooms are significantly smaller here than at the CR or GF. If you're a smaller family, though, I would definitely go for WL (assuming decor is a big priority). The Beach Club would definitely be the runner-up for Christmas decor of those three options. The resort has a fully edible carousel in the lobby with a Christmas theme and the "beachy" Christmas trees and decorations are adorable. The Contemporary holiday decor didn't really do much for us at all, so I wouldn't pick that resort if the decor is important to you.

I say pick the WL if the room size won't be an issue and pick the BC if it will! The BC rooms aren't as big as those at the CR, but are likely big enough to suit your needs. The BC is our favorite resort in WDW along with the GF and Poly.

We will be riding the 7DMT in just a few days!!! Have FP+ for a few different days...

Hope that everyone is having a super Sunday... preppy GF gal who is done packing and repacking..I think???

Hi BlueSkies! You leave in a week, right?! So exciting! Are you going with your DD? I hope you have a fantastic time and make lots of happy new Disney memories!


Thinking of k&a&c'smom today and hoping you are doing great! Miss seeing you around here, although I must admit I'm not "around" as often as I would like to be!

 

[BlueSkies]

mariamouse HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY!!!! Wishing you all the best today and the whole year through!!! :

Thank you for the Boca Chica view info..I knew that you would be able to provide lots of info about that!!

For some reason my ticker is off... lol..maybe because we changed our dates a few time...but in just a few days my DD and I will be on our way!!! Can't wait!

 

[Maxie86]

Sure you can Sue So you can do both the Poly pout and the Floridian frown..LOL...

Yum..that creamy delicious Belgian chocolate..I hoard it...lol...yep...stick pieces in the night stand drawer before my family can gobble it up ...and like you enjoy it once I get home... another way to get the GF fix ...

Now I know where your stash is...better find a new hiding place. I wondered where all my chocolate went.

Can I be a Grand AND a Poly peep? thanks, good to know there's still body lotion stuff, and glad I'm not the only one who comes back with a bag full of stuff, lol. I was eatting GF choc squares for months!

I am a Poly peep also, we can be the Grand Poly Peeps. I am sure mickeynut will join.

mariamouse, Happy Birthday.

grannyminnie, Welcome back, looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Sorry your sister wasn't feeling well. What did you think of the new rooms?

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm back....after church, lunch, and getting started on the laundry...and I did skim thru the posts that I had missed from last week. Lots of good folks hanging around!

Well, after seeing the new decor in person (we were in Conch Key), I still feel as if it is not "Disney" enough, but there are a couple of things I liked: funny thing is, like a previous poster (might have been Lisann), I like the hallways and lobby better than the rooms! I like that hallway carpet, and also the blue in the entryway. (a nod to you, Blue!)
I still do not like the red, or that awful silver mirror (seems to be totally out of sync with the decor). While we were there, a new hamper, ice bucket and tray, and trash can and recycle can were placed in the room. We heard that things were on back-order, so therefore the delay. Also, we noticed a load of nesting tables headed to one of the buildings...not sure which. No doubt another back-order. Our room was a dormer room, and did have a daybed, for those who have asked about that. The chair in the room that has replaced the comfy armchair of before) is USELESS!! I mean, it's as hard as a brick to sit on!! Makes me wonder why it's there!

More to come....

 

[lynredles]

Good morning, GF pals... I'm back and definitely doing the "Floridian frown"! We did have a Grand time...it's just never long enough!! My sister was not feeling totally up to par so we spent much more time at the resort, which is not altogether a bad thing.. It was hot, so staying in meant we got to get in more piano and orchestra time. (Chris is still not back, for those who are interested) We did get to ride the new mine train, but only once...the day before it's public opening, and we had a FP, which meant we walked right in! And believe me, seeing those standby lines, I was very happy we had that FP! I loved the ride, and will definitely book it more than once when we go again! It is 90 seconds of fun, and so bright and colorful. To be continued...(it's early, and I need more coffee!)

Do you know the height requirement for the mine train? My grandson is 3 but 40 inches.

 

[abk96]

mariamouse!!

grannyminnie...Sounds like you had a relaxing time at the Grand. I'm glad you had fun riding the 7DMT. I got 3 FP+'s for our July trip. I can't wait to ride it. Sounds like fun.

Only a few more days BlueSkies...how exciting!!! It will be here before you know it. Did your daughter pack anything yet?

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Do you know the height requirement for the mine train? My grandson is 3 but 40 inches.

I believe it's 35":

http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/seven-dwarfs-mine-train

 

[BlueSkies]

Now I know where your stash is...better find a new hiding place. I wondered where all my chocolate went.

Funny thing is..on our trips they never seem to leave chocolates at turn down on your bed??? lol... I don't know why....They probably heard that you don't like sweets!!

Lots of Poly peeps hanging around here these days! And I am thinking that after their first GF stays..they are gonna be GF groupies... Or like you and MickeyNut and Sue and be Grand Poly peeps!

I'm back....after church, lunch, and getting started on the laundry...and I did skim thru the posts that I had missed from last week. Lots of good folks hanging around!

Well, after seeing the new decor in person (we were in Conch Key), I still feel as if it is not "Disney" enough, but there are a couple of things I liked: funny thing is, like a previous poster (might have been Lisann), I like the hallways and lobby better than the rooms! I like that hallway carpet, and also the blue in the entryway. (a nod to you, Blue!)
I still do not like the red, or that awful silver mirror (seems to be totally out of sync with the decor). While we were there, a new hamper, ice bucket and tray, and trash can and recycle can were placed in the room. We heard that things were on back-order, so therefore the delay. Also, we noticed a load of nesting tables headed to one of the buildings...not sure which. No doubt another back-order. Our room was a dormer room, and did have a daybed, for those who have asked about that. The chair in the room that has replaced the comfy armchair of before) is USELESS!! I mean, it's as hard as a brick to sit on!! Makes me wonder why it's there!

More to come....

Thanks for your review grannieminnie... Looking foward to hearing more...

Interesting that so many items were on back order...What do the new hamper and trash cans look like?? Inquiring mind as always here...

I agree about the nice blues in the hall and carpet...such a lovely color!

Only a few more days BlueSkies...how exciting!!! It will be here before you know it. Did your daughter pack anything yet?

Thanks abk!!! Cant wait... as for DD..that kid doesn't have a darn thing in her suitcase!!!! lol...

~ Would love some new suggestions on hiding places for that yummy GF chocolate....cause someone is gonna be trying to find it...lol...

 

[mmkenn]

we're staying in a deluxe room, main building this coming week. I've noticed that online when a main building deluxe room is listed its always a king room. queens do exist though because we're booked in one and so is my grandmother. I've also never seen the main building suites listed although its my understanding the 5th floor alone is all suites.

take this for what its worth, I can confirm next week. We have a total of 6 rooms RPC booked for next week. IPO was amazing working with me on the rooms. going so far as stating room numbers (and of course not guaranteeing) what rooms we will be in. I think this was done to simplify discussions about how to work out the rooms and it wasn't a request of mine...i didn't ask about my room number I mean. apparently room 4419 (and i could have that second 4 wrong) is a handicapped roll in shower queen deluxe room and 4420 next door (or vice versa) is a regular queen deluxe. I got the impression that handicap accessible or not the rooms on the 3rd floor so what 4319 and 4320 (?) would be deluxe rooms...perhaps queen perhaps king. I gathered (could be wrong) that there are about 5 deluxe rooms on the 4th floor. I think the 5th floor is suites and I think there are another 5 deluxe rooms on the 3rd floor. I AM NOT STATING ANY OF THIS AS HARD COLD FACTS. Just passing along my limited understanding based pretty much solely on a map I pulled on touring plans as well as my conversations with IPO.

I'm not sure what was meant about the main building deluxes not having the separate seating area but I asked to peek at the room that was discussed with me through IPO when we stayed RPC for a mini-trip earlier this month and there is in fact a separate seating area, at least in the room I viewed. maybe the poster meant based on the layout of the room there isn't really a SEPARATE sitting area but just a part of the main room?

my understanding has been that the deluxes do not have day beds which is why they are listed as sleeping 4 and not 5. However like a pp pointed out it appears that the updated deluxe rooms will have a daybed and not just a couch. If that is the case I'm guessing the rooms will begin to be bookable for parties of 5?

anyways..... I'll be happy to share pictures, room numbers, and view images from all of the rooms in our group when I get back. currently we have 4 theme park view std rpc rooms booked and 2 deluxe rooms which do not have tpv...in fact I don't think any of them do but could be wrong. I'll check out the daybed situation and report back as well Although I'm sure someone else on here will be able to provide more details and sooner! I always thought I was pretty knowledgeable about disney until joining the dis. learn something new every day

Staying in one of the Q/Q Deluxes in Octobers, so looking forward to any new information on these rooms! Enjoy your stay and thanks for posting!

 

[Sue M]

Sure you can Sue So you can do both the Poly pout and the Floridian frown..LOL...

Yum..that creamy delicious Belgian chocolate..I hoard it...lol...yep...stick pieces in the night stand drawer before my family can gobble it up ...and like you enjoy it once I get home... another way to get the GF fix ...

yup, everything goes in that drawer for me too! And won't be long before you get to re-stock on everything, hope you post lots of pics!!

mariamouse HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY!!!! Wishing you all the best today and the whole year through!!! :

:

Happy Birthday Mariamouse!!!

I'm back....after church, lunch, and getting started on the laundry...and I did skim thru the posts that I had missed from last week. Lots of good folks hanging around!

Well, after seeing the new decor in person (we were in Conch Key), I still feel as if it is not "Disney" enough, but there are a couple of things I liked: funny thing is, like a previous poster (might have been Lisann), I like the hallways and lobby better than the rooms! I like that hallway carpet, and also the blue in the entryway. (a nod to you, Blue!)
I still do not like the red, or that awful silver mirror (seems to be totally out of sync with the decor). While we were there, a new hamper, ice bucket and tray, and trash can and recycle can were placed in the room. We heard that things were on back-order, so therefore the delay. Also, we noticed a load of nesting tables headed to one of the buildings...not sure which. No doubt another back-order. Our room was a dormer room, and did have a daybed, for those who have asked about that. The chair in the room that has replaced the comfy armchair of before) is USELESS!! I mean, it's as hard as a brick to sit on!! Makes me wonder why it's there!

More to come....

Funny you should mention the hampers! When I saw some of the new room pics I was wondering why there was no hamper! Or Mickey Lamp! I think I was most upset about that I don't get the silver mirror either
Hope you post some pics!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Good morning, GF peeps... I see I'm waking up the group this morning!

Back to the details...

The trash can and recycle can are both contained in a larger container (?) and are blue and black! Again, no tie to the decor, in my opinion... The hamper is a nice color...a brown, which seems to go ok with the wallpaper in the bathroom. It seems a little smaller too, but that might not be the case. I counted maybe 4 appearances of Mickey in the room, for those of us who NEED those touches!

Oh, and the picture someone posted earlier showing the green sofa in the lobby (of an outer building) is out of date, at least in Conch Key. The new furniture in the Conch lobby really caught my eye! It's the reason I mentioned above that I liked the lobby and hallways better than the room!

We got to visit some CM friends in the lounge, and it looked like the offerings were a bit pared down. Those of you going soon might check this out and validate. Hopefully, I am mistaken. (and I hope we can stay concierge next time...)

I was really sorry not to be able to get back into MK and ride the mine train again. I wanted to see the details better. The ride is just over so quickly, it's hard to see much on one pass!

 

[MommyGina]

I don't like what I'm reading here about what has been taken away at the GF. No more "good night" cards, no more body butter (I really, really liked that), no more chocolate covered strawberries in CL, and now less offering in the lounge overall, not to mention the less than attractive décor in the rooms! UGH!

Has anything been added? I know it is a beautiful resort on the outside. However, IMO, something needs to be put back or added inside to this Grand resort. 43 days until I see it in person.

mariamouse - Happy Belated Birthday!!!

Have a Grand day my friends. Enjoy the warm weather.

 

[Ferrentinos]

We are 43 days away as well! Hopefully it will be as magical as I have planned!!! We will have to compare notes while we are there!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Does anyone know if you can still get the "body butter" in the bath shop?
TIA

 

[grannyminnie]

Does anyone know if you can still get the "body butter" in the bath shop?
TIA

I didn't notice that, but in Summer Lace, there was none of that wonderful shampoo for sale! I love that stuff!

As for the removing of "perks", I agree. Seems like each time we visit, something is gone. At least the turndown chocolates are still there! (and I also put them in the drawer, Blue!)

There are no more benches at the end of the bed, but one luggage rack. And I have to add that our toilet paper holder did not "misbehave" as someone said theirs did!

The coffee machine seems the same. I did have some on my visit to the SL lounge. Now that is one thing I do really enjoy!

We booked a bounceback for late Oct. but wanted early Nov. Nothing but suites available, and not sure why almost 6 months out!

 

[Sue M]

I didn't notice that, but in Summer Lace, there was none of that wonderful shampoo for sale! I love that stuff!

As for the removing of "perks", I agree. Seems like each time we visit, something is gone. At least the turndown chocolates are still there! (and I also put them in the drawer, Blue!)

There are no more benches at the end of the bed, but one luggage rack. And I have to add that our toilet paper holder did not "misbehave" as someone said theirs did!

The coffee machine seems the same. I did have some on my visit to the SL lounge. Now that is one thing I do really enjoy!

We booked a bounceback for late Oct. but wanted early Nov. Nothing but suites available, and not sure why almost 6 months out!

That was another thing I noticed missing, the bench at end of bed that was so handy for getting shoes on in the morning, or laying clothes out at night for the next day. Maybe those are on back order too!!! Wishful thinking. We should all do a writing campaign so maybe they'll know these things are important to people!!

good morning all!