(2014-2020) Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA + VILLAS Information & Questions

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I hadn't though of that, but I'll look into that for sure, he's got an appointment Monday so maybe something will work out!

I hope everything works out :).

1 week! Woot!

:mickeyjum:mickeyjum:mickeyjum:mickeyjum:mickeyjum

:cool1::cool1::cool1:

I sure miss staying at the Poly, but I don't have any construction tolerance because my city is under constant tortuous construction. Must have peace and quiet!

We also love the Poly and miss it when we don't stay there, but I think the GF is a great alternative for peace and quiet :cloud9:.

We loved the vet where we lived last and his daughter did pet sitting at her house. We left our dogs with her a few times. On one occasion one of our dogs ate some fringe off a carpet she had where she left them during the day. It caused some stomach issues and our vet ended up treating him for free, without us even saying anything!

I doubt your vet would do that if a vet tech was watching them LOL but thought it was just a fun story to share. But the vet techs are usually young, love animals, understand how to take care of animals, have easy access to the vet, and probably could use the money! Hopefully you get a spot at the boarding center though, because that still sounds like the best option!! Good luck!!

It's hard leaving animals, but when you have somewhere to take them that you know will take very good care of them (or have someone come to your house to watch them), it makes it a little easier ;).

My trip is for mid-nov and haven't started packing yet. But I started a list of the things I need to pack. I'm getting more excited especially when I read this thread.

Does anyone know if the running path from GF to Poly is lit up? I like to run in the early morning, before the sunrise and wondering if I need to bring a headlamp.

I can't answer your question (hopefully someone else will be able to help), but wanted to say I hope you have a great trip :wizard:.
 


My trip is for mid-nov and haven't started packing yet. But I started a list of the things I need to pack. I'm getting more excited especially when I read this thread.

Does anyone know if the running path from GF to Poly is lit up? I like to run in the early morning, before the sunrise and wondering if I need to bring a headlamp.
I only run during the day, but one night I decided to act like a 16 year old, and DD16 and I ran from GF to Poly (in our dresses, carrying our heels LOL) to sit on the Poly beach. Neither of us can remember seeing lights, but there must have been something?? I don't remember having trouble seeing, but I do remember that we stumbled upon two people getting cozy in the grass right next to the path between GF chapel and Poly! We didn't see them until we were right next to them, so it couldn't have been very well lit...pretty funny for DD and me but pretty embarrassing for them (FYI, it was pretty late...close to midnight). Sorry that I can't answer your question any better than that. There must be some lighting because I don't remember it being scary, but it must only light up the path a bit and not the surrounding areas.
 
VGF people.: another coffee option is to bring a can or bag from home. I like simple 8oclock or maxwell house but you could get a bag of dunkin or Starbucks. The key is to not use the Florida tap water. I buy the half gallon water at the resort and that works fine.

Of course somebody willing to fetch is great too!

For BLT /VGF stays I do bring a few items from home. I like juicy juice boxes, gold fish crackers, cashews or almonds etc for snacks. We buy eggs, butter, bagels oj, milk etc at the resort for quick breakfasts.

I found the links I donated on page one helpful. It's nice to see the different view choices.

It is a beautiful resort and wish we could go back but it's always sold out:(
 
I only run during the day, but one night I decided to act like a 16 year old, and DD16 and I ran from GF to Poly (in our dresses, carrying our heels LOL) to sit on the Poly beach. Neither of us can remember seeing lights, but there must have been something?? I don't remember having trouble seeing, but I do remember that we stumbled upon two people getting cozy in the grass right next to the path between GF chapel and Poly! We didn't see them until we were right next to them, so it couldn't have been very well lit...pretty funny for DD and me but pretty embarrassing for them (FYI, it was pretty late...close to midnight). Sorry that I can't answer your question any better than that. There must be some lighting because I don't remember it being scary, but it must only light up the path a bit and not the surrounding areas.
Lol! Cute story! I agree I know I have been on the path bar hopping with dh or beach/shop hopping with dd and I don't remember lights yet I don't remember being scared either. I'll be there soon and will check!!
 
Lol! Cute story! I agree I know I have been on the path bar hopping with dh or beach/shop hopping with dd and I don't remember lights yet I don't remember being scared either. I'll be there soon and will check!!
Thanks because now it's driving me crazy that I can't remember!
 
...I do remember that we stumbled upon two people getting cozy in the grass right next to the path between GF chapel and Poly!
:scared1:


Lol! Cute story! I agree I know I have been on the path bar hopping with dh or beach/shop hopping with dd and I don't remember lights yet I don't remember being scared either. I'll be there soon and will check!!
Thanks!

I like to run first thing in the morning before sunrise so it's still semi-dark. I just need to see about 20 feet in front of me so I don't trip on anything. I'm not worried about being scared...should I be?
 
We leave on 10/31 for our 1st stay at VGF!!!! Is it too early to start packing????? :rolleyes1

Nope! :thumbsup2 Not a all....;)

We will be checking in to SL on 8/17. I emailed IPO asking for connecting rooms but when I went to do online check-in - under preferences adjoining rooms was checked and couldn't be unchecked. There was no connecting rooms preference. Should I continue with online check in or wait til we arrive? Also any hints as to what rooms we should be requesting. Thanks in advance

As Dispro suggested..contacting IPO via phone or email would probably be best...As for room suggestions...it really depends on what you prefer..courtyard or marina view..there are a lot of rooms that do connect with both views...We have found that the room assignors at the GF are very accommodating with regards to requests...:wizard:

I've never bothered with online check in since we stay CL and I always want to make sure I am happy with the room they've given us. I would call IPO to make sure it was noted on your reservation (even though you emailed). They assign rooms 3-5 days ahead of your arrival ( at least that's what I've been told) so maybe you can call a couple of days before you arrive to see if you were assigned connecting rooms, if you are concerned. I know they are not allowed to tell you the room numbers for security reasons, but maybe they can at least tell you that the rooms are connecting??

:thumbsup2 ...Omg..who knew that the walking path could be a romantic rendezvous spot...:earseek:..well we all do now!!! lol...

Hope MIL has a fast recovery.

I'm packing this weekend too! Prob Sunday as Saturday we're going to our friends grand baby's 2nd birthday party.

I wanted to get Tonga Toast last Aug while at GF, but like you, didn't want to miss rope drop and limited monorail service in the morning couldn't do it. And it was just too dang hot to walk!! Been checking Accuweather, glad to see this summer isn't as hot as the insane temps last year!! And this trip, no prob getting Tonga Toast :-) lol

Happy packing Sue...Glad the weather predictions are better that last years...After our last August trip we decided to forego summer and wait for the fall..but..sometimes the fall is just as hot! :eek: lol...Glad you will get your tonga toast..and for your food loving pals...a pic or two would be appreciated! :flower3:

Wow! All of you that do rope drop are making me feel really guilty/lazy! There's NO WAY my kids will get up that early, but maybe DH and I should try it...it's been SO many years!

Editing to add that my kids will be 17 and almost twelve for our October trip...I wouldn't leave little kids asleep in a hotel room!

Don't feel guilty..we are not RD peeps either ...That's the nicest thing about FPP...you can get those hard to get FPs without having to be in a park early! :goodvibes

I'm super concerned about trying to get our dog boarded, we are on the wait list with our vet where we normally board him (they had half our dates availble so I'm just waiting and praying they get an opening for the first part of our trip). If we can't get him boarded with our vet we may not be able to go on our trip (he has some special medical needs, so we only like to board him with our vet), so anyone who feels so inclined please pray an opening comes along for our sweet little dog so he can stay at the doggy resort while we stay at the GF!

Best of luck with the dog boarding BabyFu Hope that you get it all worked out soon....::yes:: As for the MB arriving...:woohoo:..gotta love Mickey mail!

Yep, it's our first time going as DVC members! I thought about getting the instant Starbucks coffee. I already did my Garden Grocer order and forgot to add coffee. But DH promised to go to Gasparilla Grill every morning and fill my thermos with coffee :)

:thumbsup2 What a good DH :drinking1..Gasparilla's has quite a nice selection of breakfast items too...fresh cut fruit platter...and the of course Mickey waffles...

My trip is for mid-nov and haven't started packing yet. But I started a list of the things I need to pack. I'm getting more excited especially when I read this thread.

Does anyone know if the running path from GF to Poly is lit up? I like to run in the early morning, before the sunrise and wondering if I need to bring a headlamp.

Packing lists are the best IMO...:thumbsup2 I always have one too...keeps me in the zone...lol..no matter how far out my trip is...And this is def the best place for GF excitement! :goodvibes Lots of GF groupies..I mean fans..lol...around here....My recollection of the lighting on the path from the GF to the Poly is that it is dimly lit..with small low lights intermittently along the sides of the walk...looked for pics...but unfortunately I don't have any.... There seems to be a lot of early morning hustle bustle at the resorts...so I don't think that I would be worried about being out and about early for a run...but you might want to being your headlamp....

I read that as Macadamia Pineapple cupcakes at breakfast and was about to ask which restaurant server cupcakes for breakfast! Then I reread it and was sad... Haha
On vacation cupcakes is perfectly acceptable for breakfast and really should be a staple on most restaurant menus! Disney vacation logic! :wizard:

Follow Another wonderful pic! :goodvibes Remember when those beach loungers were blue and white striped???? They were so much more beachy looking...

Trish :dance3:Only a few more days!!! Doing the happy dance for you...Hope that your MIL is recovering well...and that you are packing!! ::yes::

MickeyNut Thanks for the text yesterday!!! :goodvibes

Shout out to our fellow GF groupie...grannyminnie Hope all is well...:)

~ For all of you BoG fans..read that breakfast there has become a permanent offering! :thumbsup2 We have not tried it yet....but am adding to the list of things that we want to try during a future trip..another reason to book that next trip...lol...a fine example of Disney logic at work! :cool2:

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans have a super Sunday! :earsgirl: ADR booking GF gal..who is now all set for our winter trip!! Note to Dispro...get booking girl! :surfweb:
 
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:scared1:


Thanks!

I like to run first thing in the morning before sunrise so it's still semi-dark. I just need to see about 20 feet in front of me so I don't trip on anything. I'm not worried about being scared...should I be?
I have always felt completely safe at Disney resorts. Plus, you will be running when a lot of staff will be out preparing for the day, I would think. But after seeing an alligator in the water by Narcoossee's late one night in February, I would definitely want to see what's in front of me! I would guess that Disney has those things professionally trapped and removed periodically because I had never seen one at Disney before!
 
Hope that all of my fellow GF fans have a super Sunday! :earsgirl: ADR booking GF gal..who is now all set for our winter trip!! Note to Dispro...get booking girl! :surfweb:
Thanks for yet another reminder...I booked Narcoossee's for our February trip this morning:)
 
I don't remember having trouble seeing, but I do remember that we stumbled upon two people getting cozy in the grass right next to the path between GF chapel and Poly!

:eek: :faint:

I'll be there soon and will check!!

Have a great trip :wizard:.

MickeyNut Thanks for the text yesterday!!! :goodvibes

:)

I have always felt completely safe at Disney resorts. Plus, you will be running when a lot of staff will be out preparing for the day, I would think. But after seeing an alligator in the water by Narcoossee's late one night in February, I would definitely want to see what's in front of me! I would guess that Disney has those things professionally trapped and removed periodically because I had never seen one at Disney before!

Me too. I know Disney is just like any other place where anything can happen, but I do feel safe when I'm there.

:scared1: on the alligator!!
 
I have always felt completely safe at Disney resorts. Plus, you will be running when a lot of staff will be out preparing for the day, I would think. But after seeing an alligator in the water by Narcoossee's late one night in February, I would definitely want to see what's in front of me! I would guess that Disney has those things professionally trapped and removed periodically because I had never seen one at Disney before!

I've asked different CMs that question before about how in the middle of FL do they keep alligators off the property - the lakes, rivers by PORS/FQ, and even just ponds you see randomly going between parks. They said they do look for them and remove them when they are found! I still always try to spot one...so far I've never seen any at Disney. Although, one time when I was a kid, I was at Typhoon Lagoon I saw a dead duck on the water and when I told the lifeguard he didn't believe me! Haha - I had to convince him to follow me to show him.
 
I have always felt completely safe at Disney resorts. Plus, you will be running when a lot of staff will be out preparing for the day, I would think. But after seeing an alligator in the water by Narcoossee's late one night in February, I would definitely want to see what's in front of me! I would guess that Disney has those things professionally trapped and removed periodically because I had never seen one at Disney before!

An alligator! :guilty: I would have a heart attack if I trip over one while running in the dimly lit path.
 
I have always felt completely safe at Disney resorts. Plus, you will be running when a lot of staff will be out preparing for the day, I would think. But after seeing an alligator in the water by Narcoossee's late one night in February, I would definitely want to see what's in front of me! I would guess that Disney has those things professionally trapped and removed periodically because I had never seen one at Disney before!
I have! There was a gator hanging out in the lake by Flametree BBQ! They have those lakeside pavilion seating areas over the water! Love sitting there. Prettiest seating area in WDW.
 
I have a question about self-parking. On the first page of this forum it says self-parking is across the street from the Grand Floridian but on the map it shows it in front of the GF next to valet parking. Can someone help? :confused3
 
I have a question about self-parking. On the first page of this forum it says self-parking is across the street from the Grand Floridian but on the map it shows it in front of the GF next to valet parking. Can someone help? :confused3
The parking lot that is adjacent to the GF was expanded sometime around the completion of the GF villas. We are almost always able to find a spot in that parking lot. My DH only remembers having to park in the lot across the street once since the expansion of the adjacent lot...and we drive the car often to the other parks (not MK and sometimes not Epcot).
 
The parking lot that is adjacent to the GF was expanded sometime around the completion of the GF villas. We are almost always able to find a spot in that parking lot. My DH only remembers having to park in the lot across the street once since the expansion of the adjacent lot...and we drive the car often to the other parks (not MK and sometimes not Epcot).

Thanks. We like to drive to the other parks also.
 
Thanks. We like to drive to the other parks also.
I was actually only telling you that we drive to the parks so you'd know we do a lot of coming and going with the car and don't normally have an issue with parking...now that they have the new parking lot. But I'm glad you like to drive too. It seems that most people like to use Disney transportation so they don't have to worry about driving, but we don't like waiting for buses or standing on a bus when our feet hurt...and the buses can sometimes take forever to get you somewhere if they make multiple stops!
 
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