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

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, everyone! Thanks for the welcome back. This is going to be a long one, I hope I don't miss anyone.

Welcome back....you have been missed around here. I know how it is sometimes when things get so busy you don't have much time for anything, let along computer time. I hope things are settling down and you have more down time for yourself.

Thanks, I've missed all my GF friends, too. Now that things are starting to get back to normal, I'll try to post more often.

....
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!

Thanks, it's good to be back! We don't smoke so haven't had to look for the best SAs, but just from a logistics standpoint I would think getting in and out of the SL building would be easier to access a smoking area? Could be wrong about that, but it seems like walking out the back door and down the marina side to the SA near Conch would be easy and pleasant. Or around to the one near Sago.

LOL about the DD loving Summer Lace - there's a lot to love in that shop!

So happy to hear your trip was wonderful!! Your comment regarding Christmas lights reminded me to ask how long the GF Christmas decorations remain each year. It would be interesting to see the GF decorations if they are still around when we arrive on January 5 (or maybe earlier, but for now, it's January 5!)

Last year our trip was 1/1-1-8. Lights and gingerbread house came down before we left GF on 1/5. Lights were down at CR when we arrived there on 1/5.

For parks I think they were up until that Sunday 1/5.

The Osborne lights were up I believe until the 5th too. We saw them on the 4th.

This year sunday falls on 1/4 so unfortunately you will probably miss them

This has been my experience, too, on our one trip in early January. Similar dates, though I think each year is slightly different.

I didn't get too much info but that there will just be one desk with a CM, and one of the CMs will stand at a podium near the entryway to the lounge. And I believe the kids' area is to be moved into the "large" (I use the term loosely as compared to the RPC lounge... ) room. I don't see how this is gonna work!

Good to see you! Huh. Me, either, that would make the "large" room very crowded! Maybe due to the desk area changing it will be better than it sounds?

glad to see you back! You were such a help last year with our first stay at GF! Loved it so much, returning this Aug for 14 nights . Was orig booked at Poly, but construction was getting a bit much, so switched to GF. Can't wait to be back!

Thanks, glad to be back! I don't blame all you Poly lovers for switching to the Grand, construction can be a downer. Not always, of course, but the kind of major building that is going on over at the Poly would make me switch, too.

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!

Maybe not a wacko, but I understand the second guessing. Rack rate in RPC would make me cringe, especially near Christmas!

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

O.M.G. Fourteen days. I'm so envious.

We love early December, too, but have not gone in that time period lately.

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

As others posted, BPK does face the Poly and most of the lagoon view rooms seem to be in this building. A very pretty view.

Boca Chica has a wonderful panoramic view of the lagoon, with Space Mtn., CR, and the Poly all within view. There are a lot of big trees on the lagoon side of this building, which may be why there are still lagoon view category rooms after the category split from "theme park view".

There has been some question as to whether any of the Sago or Conch rooms on the MK end are still designated "lagoon view". Some posters have said they were placed in obstructed views even with a TPV paid room, so it's possible they are all marked as TPV. The rooms that are over the marina are mostly designated garden view.

HTH! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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

Welcome! Sorry to hear about your dad's passing, and your mother's health issues. WDW is a great place to vacation for anyone with mobility issues.

As far as I know, all areas are accessible. BCV23 is our resident expert, though, she would know much more about that aspect. As others posted, the courtyard pool, at least, has an accessible lift into the pool, not sure about a water wheelchair. I may have a photo somewhere to illustrate - if I find it, I'll post a link.

LOL about the head banging. I can relate, as I do a lot for my elderly mother. Whether the CL is worth it is relative, but it sounds like that might be a good way for your family to add some comfort and security for your mother. Having the lounge area to escape to would be a relief, I think, and the ease of breakfast and snacks will be helpful. ETA: be sure to look for discounts, though, as the CL rooms have gotten sooo expensive! We're nearly priced out of them.

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!!!

Hey, you! Good to "see" you, sounds like you've had another great stay at the Grand! Can't wait to hear all about it after you rest up. Sorry about your long flight delay, seems that happens more and more, right?!

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

Congratulations -- I admit once you stay GF, it is really hard to stay anywhere else -- although my ticker indicates I do cheat on the Grand - but I feel bad about it.

Tom

LOL! No need to feel bad, many of us cheat on our favorite resort!

I have always wanted to stay at the Grand. After looking through this thread and seeing the newer room refurbs, I want to stay even more. They look beautiful. When we head to WDW next June, I was debating on staying our first night at the Grand (the rest of the trip would be at BC). Would it be worth it, or do you think it's a hassle to just stay one night and then move to another resort?? We plan on getting into town between 3 and 4 pm and will just have dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's or O'hana and don't plan on going to a park! Any advice, suggestions would be great!!

It all depends on your family and their style of travel. For many, it is a hassle to stay one night at a resort, then pack up and move over to another. We have done it a few times, and if you plan well, it isn't too much of a hardship. We usually pack one bag for the first night, so we don't have to unpack our larger suitcase(s). Just throw the used clothing into that bag, grab your toiletries and go.

If one night at the beginning is the only way you can give the GF a try, and you think your family is up for it, more power to you!

Hey, love your new avatar photo!

....



Mickeynut, pixarmom, SueM, Trish and all my Grand Groupies I am unintentionally leaving out

Hello, my good friend!

Hello !! We're finally planning our next trip to Disney! (even though it's June 2016, I'm still excited....) At first I was settled on the YC or BC, but it's hard not to come back to the GF. So I'm totally unsure at this point.....

So I think I'll hop back on this thread and peek in on all the pictures and trip reviews. Our last trip to the GF was not the best at all.... our first trip was a dream come true trip then the second one kind of stunk. But we all loved the GF so much.... there's a part of me that keeps hearing "pick me!!". I know it's the ONLY one my DH loves....

So, for the next 1 1/2 years, I'm going to drive myself insane overthinking this.... but in the meantime, it's going to be SO much fun to see everyone's pictures!!

Welcome back, and enjoy your planning; good luck on your choice. It's so hard to choose, so many great resorts!

Can't believe I forgot to check in here with you guys after my early June GF stay!

We had an awesome time; I've decided GF is undoubtedly the best hotel at WDW by far. When we checked in, we had booked a Garden View room, but I asked if our room could face the castle. The young man at check-in spent some time looking and upgraded us to a room that I guess you could call a really awesome lagoon view. While you couldn't really see the castle from inside the room, you stepped out on the balcony, turned your head to the left just a tad and had an outstanding, unobstructed view of MK. I got a picture and will try to upload it. It was room 8103 in Boca Chica. I loved that it was on ground floor and you could hear the Main Street entrance loop, stream train, and even MK welcome show from the room. I also faintly saw Celebrate the Magic and got an outstanding view of Wishes from the room. Love that hotel!

In fact, we're trying to get back to the GF for a special birthday in the family in August but of course the night before is all booked up due to some intern convention. I'm holding out hope though and am checking constantly. Hopefully something will open up.

Kudos on your upgrade! Glad you had a magical stay, thanks for the review. Good luck snagging the extra day in August - just keep checking, it may open up as you get closer.

This is our first time staying at GF. YEAH!!!! Always stay at Poly but with all the changes don't want to be in the middle of that. We are arriving in Sat. January 3rd and there till the 10th. Will the Christmas decorations still be up at GF? How about MK and HS. Hoping to catch some before they start to come down.

As others have posted, the decorations are often up through that week, in various stages. I would think at least the 3rd you will see most of them, as the holiday pricing often runs through that date.

I've ask the same questions about when they go up in Nov. so I did read also info. on when they start coming down as well. From what I've read around the 5th of January the take down starts ... I've been at Disneyland during this time and anytime around that first Monday depending on when it falls I'd say your good to see Christmas decorations during your first several days : )
( someone please correct me if I'm mistaken )

Your first stay at GF ... That will be so special and you'll fall on love with the resort for certain

Agreed and agreed.

Hi Blue and welcome back. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip and, of course, the food. I think I plan more around our dining than our actual vacation.

HAHA! Isn't that the truth?!

 

[Candy Orlando]

K&a&c'smom, welcome back! I've missed you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

K&a&c'smom, welcome back! I've missed you!

Thanks! I've missed you all, too.

....
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?....

I haven't found the photo I was looking for, but I did a search on the disABILITIES forum and found this question and answer about pool wheelchairs (I'll provide the text below). Both pools at the Grand are now zero entry.

Resort with Beach Wheelchairs?

We would like to have some professional family photos done while we are at WDW. Ideally we would like a beach backdrop, but one member of our party can't handle walking through sand. Do any of the resorts have beach wheelchairs that go through sand that we could use? Does anyone have any recommendations on the best spot to do this? Or spots to avoi? He can walk a step or two to transfer but that's it. Thanks!

The resorts that have zero entry pools have pool wheelchairs, but those are designed for going into water, not with wide, big tires for going in sand.

I don't know offhand of any resorts that do have beach wheelchairs. If there are any that do, my guesses would be Beach Club or one of the resorts around Bay Lake because they have larger beaches.
Your photographer should be able to find out for you if you really want to some beach pictures. The photographer might also be able to do some other things with depth of field to make it look like you are closer to the beach than you are.

HTH!

 

[ahcupcake]

Good (almost) Afternoon

It's a little soggy here again, hope it dries out soon. Last week it was soooooooo humid UGH.

Hi, ahcupcake...thanks for that restaurant info! Sounds yummy! Italian food is my fave! Wish we had known about it when DH and I were in NYC last November!

I know I'm a little behind but you're welcome. File the info away for another trip to NYC

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!)

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing trip & oh no about you sister hope she is feeling better now

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

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

Hi Maxie My candy stash is long gone I keep forgetting you're a Poly Peep,I might have to give it another try after the construction is done (haven't stayed there since Full House was down there filming their WDW episode)

Hello, Grand friends! Sorry I've been out of touch for so long, it has been a busy spring in my house. I'll try to get back into posting mode!

Welcome back! Hope everything is/was ok

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 Blue sounds like you had a fab trip can't wait to "hear" more...Did they get new mattresses in the refurb? The last ones they had killed my back

This is our first time staying at GF. YEAH!!!! Always stay at Poly but with all the changes don't want to be in the middle of that. We are arriving in Sat. January 3rd and there till the 10th. Will the Christmas decorations still be up at GF? How about MK and HS. Hoping to catch some before they start to come down.

Yay for you first GF stay. My mom & I were hooked on the GF after our first stay way back in 1988.......Hmm not too sure about the Christmas decorations sometimes they come down on Jan 2nd and sometimes the 5th(maybe thats the parks decs I'm thinking about)

Count us in as more displaced Poly guests. We were going to do Poly for DH's 40th in August, but after seeing the most recent posts about the pool closure and not being able to get from one side of the resort to the other, we decided to switch to GF for the first time.

Looking at the pictures in this thread is convincing me we made the right choice, especially the updated room décor. I was always afraid it would seem too old-fashioned, but the new bedding looks great.

We'll be there Aug 29-Sept 2. Can't wait!

Woo Hoo congrats on your first stay at the GF......I really like the new decor too was so not a fan of those flammable yellow beadspreds

 

[Lisann]

Can't believe I forgot to check in here with you guys after my early June GF stay!

We had an awesome time; I've decided GF is undoubtedly the best hotel at WDW by far. When we checked in, we had booked a Garden View room, but I asked if our room could face the castle. The young man at check-in spent some time looking and upgraded us to a room that I guess you could call a really awesome lagoon view. While you couldn't really see the castle from inside the room, you stepped out on the balcony, turned your head to the left just a tad and had an outstanding, unobstructed view of MK. I got a picture and will try to upload it. It was room 8103 in Boca Chica. I loved that it was on ground floor and you could hear the Main Street entrance loop, stream train, and even MK welcome show from the room. I also faintly saw Celebrate the Magic and got an outstanding view of Wishes from the room. Love that hotel!

That is one of my main reasons for loving GF.

Glad you had a great time! It's kind of difficult not to!

 

[Lisann]

k&a&c'smom....Hey, love your new avatar photo!

Thanks!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hey, ahcupcake!! Any trips on the horizon for you and your mom??

 

[mommyrosa2]

Popping in to say hello

I finally got a moment to catch up on the thread...been so busy at work these days (this is my busiest time of year). Unfortunately for me, I won't get a break now till the end of July and in the midst of work insanity, I have both girls celebrating birthdays soon with one Sweet 16 birthday bash to finish planning and get thru . Oh, and did I mention that even though my DD's are 4 years apart, their actual birthdays are only 3 days apart...yeah, that was some poor planning on my part .

I've enjoyed reading about everyone's recent trips and all those who are excited about their upcoming stays. I, for one, CANNOT wait for our first stay at the Grand... August won't come fast enough!!!

 

[PixieJenna]

Hi Everyone! I am new to the DIS but not to Disney. My family of three will be at GF in Late September. I am so excited!!! Has anyone ever ordered the Tiara in their room for their arrival? If anyone has, do you have an image of it?!

Much appreciated

 

[BlueSkies]

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.

Awesome!!

Hi there! Welcome back...so eager to hear your report! Don't keep us in suspense long ...you said you needed to book a bounceback, but did not say you DID!

Welcome back and sooo looking forward to reading how fabulous your trip was ... And yes it is about the food too : )

Welcome back Blue. Sounds like you had a magical time!

I booked VGF and Jet Blue for Dec and Jan so we are all set for those two trips this year. I also booked VGF for March but Jet Blue hasn't put those flights up yet.

Love to hear all about your Grand vacation!!

Hi Blue and welcome back. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip and, of course, the food. I think I plan more around our dining than our actual vacation.

Hey, you! Good to "see" you, sounds like you've had another great stay at the Grand! Can't wait to hear all about it after you rest up. Sorry about your long flight delay, seems that happens more and more, right!

Welcome Back Blue sounds like you had a fab trip can't wait to "hear" more...Did they get new mattresses in the refurb? The last ones they had killed my back

Thank you.. thank you friends... for the warm welcome back!!!

Getting back to reality is never any fun..and I am currently having lounge withdrawl!!! lol....

I am not sure where to start.... Maybe do a mini TR ..in segments...

~ The GF.... Our stay was just wonderful... the resort after so many renovations over the last few years is looking lovely...and spring and summer have sprung..lots of beautiful folliage... As in our last stay..while there are turndown chocolates..there are no longer those turn down cards with the little sayings on them...so I am thinking they are gone for good...

~SL renovation is in full swing...not that I could see anything other than the construction walls...lol... I did hear similar to what grannieminnie has heard with regards to what is going on with the lounge refurbs..it is not being made larger..rather being re arranged....and from what I understand should have a look color wise similar to Gasparilla's!! To me that is good news..as Gaspies has that same blue and green palette that is on the walls in the pool elevator lobby...I only hope this is accurate info....

~The food...lol...I know that many of you are all about the food too!!! But...I have a lot of errands to run..and need to look through my photos to give some specifics....so...I will be back later or tomorrow to fill you in!!

Hope that everyone is having a fabulous Friday!! Which btw is Friday the 13!! preppy GF gal who is happy that she booked a BB!!

 

[vcb]

Hello! New here!

We're doing a switch from Contemporary (which would have been our first time, we've always stayed at the WL) to the Grand (need a room for 5). I've been very behind in planning his trip for some reason and I'm 5 days out!

My travel agent made all the specific room requests I have (Conch, upper floor), but I just want to make sure she did it. Is there a specific # I call. I just tried call Disney and they tell me to call her...do I call the Grand itself? and I've seen some people know what building then are going to be in before they go? Am I reading that correctly? How did you do that??

I'm very overwhelmed with this trip! We've always stayed at the WL and I'm not big on change and we usually go at the end of summer -- I teach, so I usually have more time to get things under control!! Freaking out!!

And I have friends texting me that we'll never get on the Seven Dwarfs ride! AGH!

 

[Ferrentinos]

I have about a month until our first GF SL stay!!!!!

I noticed the monorail summer schedule plans - does anyone know what time the boat will start operating in the mornings? I just want to make sure I allow plenty of time to reach RD. An estimate to MK via boat?

Also, is the bus stop area for park buses going to be near where ME drops us off when we arrive? I just want to get a lay of the land!

Thanks!!! We are so excited for our first (but I'm sure not last) stay at the Grand!

 

[solana131]

I have about a month until our first GF SL stay!!!!! I noticed the monorail summer schedule plans - does anyone know what time the boat will start operating in the mornings? I just want to make sure I allow plenty of time to reach RD.

We are 11 days away from our first GF stay. I was booked at POFQ, but then decided that my 86 yr old Gram deserved something special for her first trip and I switched to the Grand. The driving force behind this change was the monorail because she gets car sick and I thought the buses would be too much for her. Now we find out we won't be able to take the monorail to either rope drop at either MK or EP.......not happy I know they have closed it down midday before, and I understand that...but Rope Drop??? What are they thinking??

I guess if you are trying to find a positive spin on this, maybe RD crowds won't be as bad with the monorail not running. Epcot opens at 9. The monorail starts running at 9. So if we can catch a bus, or taxi before that, we will be ahead of the people who don't know about the monorail. Fingers are crossed

I was very upset yesterday when I saw this news on FB. But after stewing about it all day...and tossing and turning all night....I just keep repeating my mantra "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip". We are still staying at the gorgeous Grand Floridian for the first time ever. It is still my grandmother's first and probably last trip. I will make sure she has a magical vacation! We will figure out RD without a monorail....somehow.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

We are 11 days away from our first GF stay. I was booked at POFQ, but then decided that my 86 yr old Gram deserved something special for her first trip and I switched to the Grand. The driving force behind this change was the monorail because she gets car sick and I thought the buses would be too much for her. Now we find out we won't be able to take the monorail to either rope drop at either MK or EP.......not happy I know they have closed it down midday before, and I understand that...but Rope Drop??? What are they thinking??

I guess if you are trying to find a positive spin on this, maybe RD crowds won't be as bad with the monorail not running. Epcot opens at 9. The monorail starts running at 9. So if we can catch a bus, or taxi before that, we will be ahead of the people who don't know about the monorail. Fingers are crossed

I was very upset yesterday when I saw this news on FB. But after stewing about it all day...and tossing and turning all night....I just keep repeating my mantra "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip". We are still staying at the gorgeous Grand Floridian for the first time ever. It is still my grandmother's first and probably last trip. I will make sure she has a magical vacation! We will figure out RD without a monorail....somehow.

With your wonderful attitude and generous heart you WILL have a magical trip!

Sending tons of transportation pixie dust your way!

 

[Candy Orlando]

We are 11 days away from our first GF stay. I was booked at POFQ, but then decided that my 86 yr old Gram deserved something special for her first trip and I switched to the Grand. The driving force behind this change was the monorail because she gets car sick and I thought the buses would be too much for her. Now we find out we won't be able to take the monorail to either rope drop at either MK or EP.......not happy I know they have closed it down midday before, and I understand that...but Rope Drop??? What are they thinking?? I guess if you are trying to find a positive spin on this, maybe RD crowds won't be as bad with the monorail not running. Epcot opens at 9. The monorail starts running at 9. So if we can catch a bus, or taxi before that, we will be ahead of the people who don't know about the monorail. Fingers are crossed I was very upset yesterday when I saw this news on FB. But after stewing about it all day...and tossing and turning all night....I just keep repeating my mantra "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip". We are still staying at the gorgeous Grand Floridian for the first time ever. It is still my grandmother's first and probably last trip. I will make sure she has a magical vacation! We will figure out RD without a monorail....somehow.

I've been going to Disney three times a year for ten years and have never done rope drop. My family likes to do everything at a slow pace. We love going to MK on the boat. We always rent a car to go everywhere.

About two years ago I got very sick and had to use a wheelchair. That might help with your grandmother. Ask the GF if they have one.

The Grand is so beautiful and the music in the foyer is so nice, you will enjoy the slower pace.

Relax and enjoy the best hotel at Disney.

Candy

 

[abk96]

What monorail schedule? Where do I find it? And it doesn't sound good.

ETA Found the schedule and I guess we'll be taking the boat most mornings to MK.
Epcot Monorail: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Resort Monorail: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Express Monorail: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m

 

[abk96]

Good morning everyone! It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day. No more rain...yay!

I have about a month until our first GF SL stay!!!!!

I noticed the monorail summer schedule plans - does anyone know what time the boat will start operating in the mornings? I just want to make sure I allow plenty of time to reach RD. An estimate to MK via boat?

Also, is the bus stop area for park buses going to be near where ME drops us off when we arrive? I just want to get a lay of the land!

Thanks!!! We are so excited for our first (but I'm sure not last) stay at the Grand!

You'll be there right before us and I hope I get to hear all about your SL stay before we leave. If I remember correctly the buses are out the front door of the lobby(where ME drops off) to the right and you have to walk down a bit to get to the bus stop.

I'm also wondering about boats and how long. Was looking forward to hopping on the Monorail in the morning but that's not going to be possible most of the time now.

We are 11 days away from our first GF stay. I was booked at POFQ, but then decided that my 86 yr old Gram deserved something special for her first trip and I switched to the Grand. The driving force behind this change was the monorail because she gets car sick and I thought the buses would be too much for her. Now we find out we won't be able to take the monorail to either rope drop at either MK or EP.......not happy I know they have closed it down midday before, and I understand that...but Rope Drop??? What are they thinking??

I guess if you are trying to find a positive spin on this, maybe RD crowds won't be as bad with the monorail not running. Epcot opens at 9. The monorail starts running at 9. So if we can catch a bus, or taxi before that, we will be ahead of the people who don't know about the monorail. Fingers are crossed

I was very upset yesterday when I saw this news on FB. But after stewing about it all day...and tossing and turning all night....I just keep repeating my mantra "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip". We are still staying at the gorgeous Grand Floridian for the first time ever. It is still my grandmother's first and probably last trip. I will make sure she has a magical vacation! We will figure out RD without a monorail....somehow.

11 days!!! You are going to have a fantastic time. No worries.

Thank you.. thank you friends... for the warm welcome back!!!

Getting back to reality is never any fun..and I am currently having lounge withdrawl!!! lol....

I am not sure where to start.... Maybe do a mini TR ..in segments...

~ The GF.... Our stay was just wonderful... the resort after so many renovations over the last few years is looking lovely...and spring and summer have sprung..lots of beautiful folliage... As in our last stay..while there are turndown chocolates..there are no longer those turn down cards with the little sayings on them...so I am thinking they are gone for good...

~SL renovation is in full swing...not that I could see anything other than the construction walls...lol... I did hear similar to what grannieminnie has heard with regards to what is going on with the lounge refurbs..it is not being made larger..rather being re arranged....and from what I understand should have a look color wise similar to Gasparilla's!! To me that is good news..as Gaspies has that same blue and green palette that is on the walls in the pool elevator lobby...I only hope this is accurate info....

~The food...lol...I know that many of you are all about the food too!!! But...I have a lot of errands to run..and need to look through my photos to give some specifics....so...I will be back later or tomorrow to fill you in!!

Hope that everyone is having a fabulous Friday!! Which btw is Friday the 13!! preppy GF gal who is happy that she booked a BB!!

Oh I hope they use Gasparilla's color scheme. I love those colors together.
Can't wait to hear about the food!

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

 

[scottmel]

we leave in 2 days. Staying at GFV for our MK days....I need to be at MK at 8 AM. From what I am reading monorail schedule changes on 22nd. So I am ok on the 17th thru 20th. Correct? If so, what is the monorail schedule during THIS time

 

[mamabellefortwo]

We are 11 days away from our first GF stay. I was booked at POFQ, but then decided that my 86 yr old Gram deserved something special for her first trip and I switched to the Grand. The driving force behind this change was the monorail because she gets car sick and I thought the buses would be too much for her. Now we find out we won't be able to take the monorail to either rope drop at either MK or EP.......not happy I know they have closed it down midday before, and I understand that...but Rope Drop??? What are they thinking?? I guess if you are trying to find a positive spin on this, maybe RD crowds won't be as bad with the monorail not running. Epcot opens at 9. The monorail starts running at 9. So if we can catch a bus, or taxi before that, we will be ahead of the people who don't know about the monorail. Fingers are crossed I was very upset yesterday when I saw this news on FB. But after stewing about it all day...and tossing and turning all night....I just keep repeating my mantra "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip" "this will NOT ruin our trip". We are still staying at the gorgeous Grand Floridian for the first time ever. It is still my grandmother's first and probably last trip. I will make sure she has a magical vacation! We will figure out RD without a monorail....somehow.

I was also bummed when I saw this and, like you, have settled down a little. Here are my thoughts fwiw: 1). I see that the resort monorail to MK will begin at 830 (some sites day later but wdw magic.com says 830) and if this is correct, you should be able to do MK rope drop via monorail from GF. 2). While we like taking the monorail to Epcot, taking a taxi there is far and away the fastest and easiest way to get there. We utilized taxis to Epcot from GF a few times because you can just take a 10 minute drive vs monorail to TTC, down & up long ramps to monorail to EPCOT (which often took 30-45 minutes). 3). I don't know if you're taking breaks to go back to your resort (we do) but I was happy that the Monorail would be up and running during the day to facilitate breaks. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[mamabellefortwo]

we leave in 2 days. Staying at GFV for our MK days....I need to be at MK at 8 AM. From what I am reading monorail ISN;T running then? If this is the case how do I get to MK then? First stay at GFV...THANKS!

My suspicion is that they will run the yellow flag boat launch early, but that hasn't been announced. They've just said extra boats and buses will be available. I'd just let them know the night before about your 8:00 ADR and ask them how you will be able to get there. We have multiple 8:00am ADR's and I'm not worried. Last year we took the resort monorail to TTC to get to Epcot for an 8:00 ADR. Apparently the Epcot monorail doesn't run that early. The people at TTC were very nice and arranged a van to drive us and another family over to Epcot. Don't worry- just communicate what you need and they will help you out.