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

[Sue M]

I haven't seen this asked before so here it goes.

My mom has only been onsite at Disney once at CSR in 2010.

I asked her if she wanted to go on a trip with me and she said yes. I think GF is the best option for her tastes. I also want to do CL.

Here's the question. If you or a member in your party smokes is it easier/more convenient at SL or RPC?

We will probably do November or early December to see Christmas lights so weather should be decent. We live up north so it will be warm to us.

Thanks!

Good to see you back K&A&C's mom

Dd and I had a great time at poly and spent a lot of time at gf. That girl loves to shop in Summer Lace. Have to say the lounge chairs with cushions at GF are better than Cr and Poly!

Looking at the map, it seems there are more smoking areas around the main building.

I have to agree, those lounge chairs are wonderful!

 

[trishadono]

Looking at the map, it seems there are more smoking areas around the main building.

I have to agree, those lounge chairs are wonderful!

Ya I looked at map and then I remembered there is a patio on floor 3 so now I have to find disney 30 % with orbitz additional 15% for nov or dec!!! I can find RPC for sept but ds will be a senior and running XC and I don't don't want to miss it. Moms bday is 3/1 so spring is another option too. I just can't imagine doing RPC at rack rate

FYI rates in sept on orbitz for Gf are very low with GOGOGO additional 15%.

 

[grannyminnie]

Ya I looked at map and then I remembered there is a patio on floor 3 so now I have to find disney 30 % with orbitz additional 15% for nov or dec!!! I can find RPC for sept but ds will be a senior and running XC and I don't don't want to miss it. Moms bday is 3/1 so spring is another option too. I just can't imagine doing RPC at rack rate

FYI rates in sept on orbitz for Gf are very low with GOGOGO additional 15%.

Trish...I think the more appropriate smiley for RPC at rack rate is ...or ...or !!

 

[lunapnp]

I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but there are soooo many posts to try and read through. Has anyone stayed in the studio that can give me a comparison with the bunk bed? How does it compare to the fold down bed at Port Orleans...bigger, smaller, same size???? Appreciate any info anyone would pass along!

Thanks!

 

[disney meema]

Trish...I think the more appropriate smiley for RPC at rack rate is ...or ...or !!

I'm one of those crazies paying rake rate for RPC ... The worse part is I know I'm nuts and then I'm justifying it with that it's only for 3 days and celebrating our 35th anniversary but still I feel like a wacko! Staying 11 days at WL first before our RPC stay and the plan is the enjoy the club offerings, the pool and Christmas decorations. Still I keep second guessing myself yikes!

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm one of those crazies paying rake rate for RPC ... The worse part is I know I'm nuts and then I'm justifying it with that it's only for 3 days and celebrating our 35th anniversary but still I feel like a wacko! Staying 11 days at WL first before our RPC stay and the plan is the enjoy the club offerings, the pool and Christmas decorations. Still I keep second guessing myself yikes!

Been there, done that, girl! (second-guessing myself, never paying rack rate) But when you are there at RPC, you will be so in heaven, you won't even think price!!!

 

[trishadono]

I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but there are soooo many posts to try and read through. Has anyone stayed in the studio that can give me a comparison with the bunk bed? How does it compare to the fold down bed at Port Orleans...bigger, smaller, same size???? Appreciate any info anyone would pass along!

Thanks!

We stayed in the VGF 2br in January. The bed under the tv is the same for both. My ds 5"11 slept on it one night. I would say similar to the single beds at gf/cr/poly.

The only downside is that the head room is smaller. We however loved it. I hung out in it one afternoon during a break.

The POR ones are more for kids under 12 and shorter in length.

FYI we loved the villas

 

[trishadono]

Trish...I think the more appropriate smiley for RPC at rack rate is ...or ...or !!

So funny you would say that. Dd peeked over my shoulder as I typed that and she laughed at me! She doesn't understand our humor I guess

I'm one of those crazies paying rake rate for RPC ... The worse part is I know I'm nuts and then I'm justifying it with that it's only for 3 days and celebrating our 35th anniversary but still I feel like a wacko! Staying 11 days at WL first before our RPC stay and the plan is the enjoy the club offerings, the pool and Christmas decorations. Still I keep second guessing myself yikes!

Well I have been guilt of rack rate craziness too.

I paid rack rate for the 1 and 2 bedroom villa at BLT and the 2bedroom lake view we just had at VGF!

When my husband goes we need a room with a king and space for a teen boy and girl who are not into "sharing"!

However when I do "my any excuse to go " trips then a sale is required to ease my guilt

A 3 day finale at RPC sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary and the holidays.

 

[Sue M]

Ya I looked at map and then I remembered there is a patio on floor 3 so now I have to find disney 30 % with orbitz additional 15% for nov or dec!!! I can find RPC for sept but ds will be a senior and running XC and I don't don't want to miss it. Moms bday is 3/1 so spring is another option too. I just can't imagine doing RPC at rack rate

FYI rates in sept on orbitz for Gf are very low with GOGOGO additional 15%.

Early Dec I think would be perfect! Low crowds & I think one of the value seasons for price! And Christmas Gingerbread House & all the decorations!!!
Rack rate ack! I won't even pay rack rate for POR
I got a very magical deal for GF for August and 14 days will be

Trish...I think the more appropriate smiley for RPC at rack rate is ...or ...or !!

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

All this "rack rate" talk makes me

 

[grannyminnie]

And what about Trish and her "any excuse to go" trips??
I could be guilty of those!! But never at rack rate!!

No word yet from Blue. Guess that means she's having a ball!!

 

[trishadono]

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!

I was on my trip so I missed this. Where are you going in Oct?

Did you have a good time?

 

[Three cats]

We have a lagoon view room booked and I was wondering....looking at a map, it looks like Big Pine Key is facing the Poly? What about Boca Chica? Is the view from there strictly the lagoon? I am just trying to get an idea what building to request as we'd most prefer to just see the lagoon. Also, are Sago Cay and Conch Key mostly reserved for TPV on the lagoon side?

Sorry for so many questions!
Thanks

 

[Gitts2008]

First thanks for putting together such a great informative thread.

We are surprising my mom with a stay a GF. I am thinking about doing club level. It's been rough for all of us since my dad passed and my mom has chronic health issues so I want to really make this trip special. Any tips for taking a handicapped person to GF?

She uses a walker but will use a wheelchair in the parks and maybe at the resort. I will be booking handicapped room. Are all areas of the resort wheelchair accessible? Does the pool have a water wheelchair?

And of course is club level worth it?? I know that's a trick question. I'm thinking that since my mom can only handle 1/2 days at the parks that she can hang out in the lounge. Anyone who has traveled with a parent who complains too much will understand why I want to keep her safe and happy. This is our fourth time to wdw. We usually stay at CBR but I want our last trip special and mostly free of my wanting to bang my head against the wall. Thanks

 

[grannyminnie]

I was on my trip so I missed this. Where are you going in Oct?

Did you have a good time?

We sure did....except that my sister is experiencing some health problems at this time and got a cold right before we left....so she had to rest a little more than normal. What better place to do that, tho, huh?
We're booked Oct. 20 thru 24, but I am still kind of looking to move that to the first week of Nov., if a better rate comes available.

 

[disney meema]

We have a lagoon view room booked and I was wondering....looking at a map, it looks like Big Pine Key is facing the Poly? What about Boca Chica? Is the view from there strictly the lagoon? I am just trying to get an idea what building to request as we'd most prefer to just see the lagoon. Also, are Sago Cay and Conch Key mostly reserved for TPV on the lagoon side? Sorry for so many questions! Thanks

You can ask for conch key building for a lagoon view and you may get both TPV and lagoon view. It's happens to us more than once .... It's my favorite building for sure : )
Yep Big Pine would be facing the poly. Be sure when you make request you say what you want, and not what you don't want and on and on ... Simple is better I have found since it glanced at and assigned.

 

[Three cats]

You can ask for conch key building for a lagoon view and you may get both TPV and lagoon view. It's happens to us more than once .... It's my favorite building for sure : )
Yep Big Pine would be facing the poly. Be sure when you make request you say what you want, and not what you don't want and on and on ... Simple is better I have found since it glanced at and assigned.

Thank you so much. Yes, I agree. Simple is best

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Morning fellow GF fans!

Back from another grand stay at our fave resort!! Bet there has been lots of planning going on around here....

Lots going on at the GF...SL is in the midst of its renovation...saw workmen checking things in RPC...for its upcoming rehab I suppose...

Will be back later or tomorrow with food news...lol..its always about the food...and renovation details...after a looooong flight delay I am still catchin up on getting back to reality!

Hope that you are all having a terrific Thursday! preppy GF gal who "needed" to book a bounce back!!!

 

[bhyer]

Sooooo excited!! Just changed our reservation from CR over to Grand Floridian. Did I mention I'm excited!! Can not wait to stay at this beautiful resort for the first time

 

[abk96]

Good Morning fellow GF fans!

Back from another grand stay at our fave resort!! Bet there has been lots of planning going on around here....

Lots going on at the GF...SL is in the midst of its renovation...saw workmen checking things in RPC...for its upcoming rehab I suppose...

Will be back later or tomorrow with food news...lol..its always about the food...and renovation details...after a looooong flight delay I am still catchin up on getting back to reality!

Hope that you are all having a terrific Thursday! preppy GF gal who "needed" to book a bounce back!!!

Welcome Back! I can't wait to read all about your trip and the food.

Everyone "needs" a bounce back. Rest up and I'll be waiting to hear all about it.