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

[mickeynut1]

Wow! They have really reduced the discount availability. We did the winter special earlier this year and had plenty of dates/resorts from which to choose! Same thing for Spring 2013. They must have high occupancy this fall.

Disney has been cutting back on discounts, but I think with the construction and pool closures at both the Poly and WL that other deluxe resorts are booking up that otherwise wouldn't be (just my opinion). That could be one of the reasons availability is very limited with this discount .

Even with your MB..you can still request and receive a key card for use during your stay..Although I heard they were discontinuing the gold cards..in favor of just the generic blue ones..on our last stay they were still gold...and linked to all the same info that is in your MDE account... so don't hesitate to ask if you would like one...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Thursday... preppy GF gal who just re personalized the MBs for her trip..wont DD and DH be surprised!

I hope the (gold) cards are still available on our next CL stay as I would love to have that to add to my collection of room keys, especially since it won't be long before no cards are available .

LOL on personalizing the MBs .

We'll be at the GF October 18-24 and when the Late Fall Discount was released yesterday I called WDTC and there were no discounts available at the GF for our dates. Boo!

This morning I went online to check again and the website was showing LV available with the discount. I called WDTC right away and was able to upgrade from GV to LV with the discount and saved over $600! Yeah!

Congrats on upgrading your room view AND on the great savings .

The moral of the story is...if at first you don't succeed..try and try again!

I agree .

 

[Aurora0427]

Are the pools at the GF heated? We'll be there in early December. If we get the average high of around 75, will it be warm enough to swim? Sorry if this has been asked before!

 

[Raya]

I just checked too...and as MickeyNut said although there is limited availabilty..the GF is included in those dates for a RO discount... I think a call back to your TA is in order!

Let me tell you how grateful I am to you ladies this morning! I was on the phone with the TA until 10 last night, and there was *nothing* nothing! she could do. No discounts no FD. I was bummed and debating canceling the whole trip over how it went down... then this morning I read this board and decided to try on my own. I GOT it! Saved $750. Of course I wasn't allowed to change the TA reservation, so I made a new one. I'll cancel her reservation and use the one I just made. Thank you all so much!

 

[dansdad]

Are the pools at the GF heated? We'll be there in early December. If we get the average high of around 75, will it be warm enough to swim? Sorry if this has been asked before!

Yes, all the pools on WDW property are heated to 82. Whether it's warm enough to swim is up to the individual. Our family is swimming if it's anywhere above 50 outside.

 

[Sue M]

Same here! When in August will you be there?

Check in Aug 20. We have SL for first 2 nights as a special surprise for my (adult)daughters, then we move to a GV outer building for remaining 12 nights.

 

[trishadono]

Check in Aug 20. We have SL for first 2 nights as a special surprise for my (adult)daughters, then we move to a GV outer building for remaining 12 nights.

I just read your post on another thread. Not to worry, you will love SL

The building location is great. The remodel will be fresh and new!

The Teatime

Nice views too! Marina or pool, how can ya go wrong.

Also on last day you should be able to access lounge all day even though you transfer to another room. We used the lounge on our check out day even though we moved to VGF. It surely made transfer day more enjoyable

Having both your girls together I'm sure they will have fun CL. You will be glad you did it.

 

[A Pirates Mom]

Check in Aug 20. We have SL for first 2 nights as a special surprise for my (adult)daughters, then we move to a GV outer building for remaining 12 nights.

We will be in SL that week as well. Cheers!!

 

[wumfuzzle]

Hi everyone. Thanks for this thread, I've read it cover to cover!

My boyfriend and I will be heading to the GF for the first time in late Sept. The resort was originally going to be a surprise, but I ended up having to spill the beans for work reasons. BUT, he still doesn't know that we are booked CL (SL), and I'm definitely keeping that as a surprise!! So, all that said, I have a few questions:

- How does check in work? We've stayed CL at WL in the past and someone met us downstairs to take us to the room. But since SL is a separate building, do we just check in at the main lobby and head over there ourselves? We'll be coming in on DME, and I'm wondering when it will dawn on him that we are CL! I don't think he even knows that SL is CL only, so we could theoretically get all the way to the pastries before he realized!!!

- Going through the thread, I've read some not great reviews about SL. They mostly seem to pertain to overcrowding in the lounge, which I wasn't worried about since our dates (28Sep - 04Oct) are typically the "slow" season. But now I've been reading about the WL and Poly refugees and am getting a bit more concerned with a full GF. Is it really bad enough that I should consider upgrading to the main building?

Thanks!!

 

[trishadono]

Hi everyone. Thanks for this thread, I've read it cover to cover!

My boyfriend and I will be heading to the GF for the first time in late Sept. The resort was originally going to be a surprise, but I ended up having to spill the beans for work reasons. BUT, he still doesn't know that we are booked CL (SL), and I'm definitely keeping that as a surprise!! So, all that said, I have a few questions:

- How does check in work? We've stayed CL at WL in the past and someone met us downstairs to take us to the room. But since SL is a separate building, do we just check in at the main lobby and head over there ourselves? We'll be coming in on DME, and I'm wondering when it will dawn on him that we are CL! I don't think he even knows that SL is CL only, so we could theoretically get all the way to the pastries before he realized!!!

- Going through the thread, I've read some not great reviews about SL. They mostly seem to pertain to overcrowding in the lounge, which I wasn't worried about since our dates (28Sep - 04Oct) are typically the "slow" season. But now I've been reading about the WL and Poly refugees and am getting a bit more concerned with a full GF. Is it really bad enough that I should consider upgrading to the main building?

Thanks!!

When you get off MDE someone should be there to walk you to the SL building. If not grab a valet and let them know you are staying CL and they will call for your escort. This is available 7am-10pm. Otherwise you can use the regular check in desk.

I have stayed in SL twice. Sometimes it was crowded but our room and balcony are so beautiful we preferred to take our stuff up to our room sometimes. They have trays available, just ask!

What else is nice at gf is that if the room is ready you skip check in and they walk you right to your room.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Hi everyone! I stayed up til 1:30am last night reading all about the GF.

I booked yesterday with the RO discount for a GV room 11/30-12/8. We have had many wdw trips, but this is our 1st GF trip. Loved the BC and easy access to Epcot last year. Looking forward to easy MK access and all the gorgeous Christmas decor at GF this year!

What is your favorite date night restaurant at GF, or on the monorail line? I don't think V&A is of interest to us, but any others? Also, anyone know if the never land club is open or closed for remodel? Does CR have a kids club?

 

[Anne5555]

That cute pool with the Alice in Wonderland play structure and slides, what ages can play there? Is it only for toddlers or for children under 10 or so? I think my kids would love it, but I want to find out if they are too big for it before I show it to them. They are not the best swimmers yet, and they may need kick boards for anything too deep, if those are allowed in the big pool.

Thanks,
Anne

 

[mickeynut1]

Let me tell you how grateful I am to you ladies this morning! I was on the phone with the TA until 10 last night, and there was *nothing* nothing! she could do. No discounts no FD. I was bummed and debating canceling the whole trip over how it went down... then this morning I read this board and decided to try on my own. I GOT it! Saved $750. Of course I wasn't allowed to change the TA reservation, so I made a new one. I'll cancel her reservation and use the one I just made. Thank you all so much!

Congrats on the savings . Glad this thread was helpful and you were able to take advantage of the discount .

Hi everyone. Thanks for this thread, I've read it cover to cover!

My boyfriend and I will be heading to the GF for the first time in late Sept. The resort was originally going to be a surprise, but I ended up having to spill the beans for work reasons. BUT, he still doesn't know that we are booked CL (SL), and I'm definitely keeping that as a surprise!!

What a great surprise . Enjoy the GF, it's an amazing resort!!

Hi everyone! I stayed up til 1:30am last night reading all about the GF.

I booked yesterday with the RO discount for a GV room 11/30-12/8. We have had many wdw trips, but this is our 1st GF trip. Loved the BC and easy access to Epcot last year. Looking forward to easy MK access and all the gorgeous Christmas decor at GF this year!

What is your favorite date night restaurant at GF, or on the monorail line? I don't think V&A is of interest to us, but any others? Also, anyone know if the never land club is open or closed for remodel? Does CR have a kids club?

Congrats on your first GF stay . Disney during the holidays is amazing and the GF is absolutely gorgeous when it's all decorated .

It's not on the monorail, but one of our favorite signature restaurants is Artist Point at the WL. We loved the quiet, relaxing atmosphere and the food was great (both the filet and salmon were amazing). Narcoossee's and Citricos are good choices if you want to stay at the GF. We haven't eaten at either one, but they both get great reviews .

I can't answer about the kids clubs as we've never used them, but hopefully someone else will be able to give some information on them .

That cute pool with the Alice in Wonderland play structure and slides, what ages can play there? Is it only for toddlers or for children under 10 or so? I think my kids would love it, but I want to find out if they are too big for it before I show it to them. They are not the best swimmers yet, and they may need kick boards for anything too deep, if those are allowed in the big pool.

Thanks,
Anne

I want to say the splash area has a maximum height restriction, but I'm not positive. Hopefully someone who is there now or has been there since it opened will be able to answer your questions .

 

[twoolle]

Let me tell you how grateful I am to you ladies this morning! I was on the phone with the TA until 10 last night, and there was *nothing* nothing! she could do. No discounts no FD. I was bummed and debating canceling the whole trip over how it went down... then this morning I read this board and decided to try on my own. I GOT it! Saved $750. Of course I wasn't allowed to change the TA reservation, so I made a new one. I'll cancel her reservation and use the one I just made. Thank you all so much!

We also used a TA and when the free dining and RO discounts were released in May it was as if she didn't want to apply it for us. First she told us it would not apply because we are going during Food and Wine Festival. I don't think we will ever use a TA again for Disney. I realize they work on commission and when our package price goes down so does their pay...but still it is their job. I am curious to see what your TA says when you cancel.

 

[twoolle]

Let me tell you how grateful I am to you ladies this morning! I was on the phone with the TA until 10 last night, and there was *nothing* nothing! she could do. No discounts no FD. I was bummed and debating canceling the whole trip over how it went down... then this morning I read this board and decided to try on my own. I GOT it! Saved $750. Of course I wasn't allowed to change the TA reservation, so I made a new one. I'll cancel her reservation and use the one I just made. Thank you all so much!

And so happy you got the discount!

 

[twoolle]

What a wonderful family trip..what wonderful parents!! Enjoy! There we no "special" discounts to peeps staying a the GF during the construction either.. just the usual BB.. AP.. RO etc...but these were available..and easy it was easy to book a room...lol...I guess there was such an uproar at the WL that the powers that be over there decided to handle things differently??? Or maybe they just thought that given the shorter notice of refurbs that they should do something about it..?? No rhyme or reason as far as I can tell with this stuff...lol.. In any case so glad that you were able to get a RO discount..and able to switch resorts too...

Yes we are blessed indeed with wonderful parents. It will be my parents and us 3 girls and our families. I was a little nervous when they chose GF...we have DS4, DS3, and DD1. DS3 is our mischief, rough, and tough child. He once thought our 6 Disc CD player in the car was a slot machine and started inserting quarters. Needless to say we had to buy a new one. so we were afraid the boys might break something at the GF. But we do keep a close eye on them. And after reading this forum I am really excited about it!

 

[twoolle]

Is there any reason we should bring our own beach towels? We are staying 8 nights and plan to spend a few days at the pool. I know they have towels there at the pool

 

[twoolle]

Oops hit send too soon...I would rather not pack beach towels but we are driving and will have room if necessary. Just want to make sure there is easy access to towels for our family of 5.

 

[trishadono]

Oops hit send too soon...I would rather not pack beach towels but we are driving and will have room if necessary. Just want to make sure there is easy access to towels for our family of 5.

There are tall enclosed racks of towels at the pools.

Honestly I often take one or two dry ones when I leave the pool so I have enough for showers in our room. With a family of 4 that showers in morning and again before dinner/after swimming we often ran out. This saves time vs calling housekeeping.

Short answer , leave your towels at home!

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes we are blessed indeed with wonderful parents. It will be my parents and us 3 girls and our families. I was a little nervous when they chose GF...we have DS4, DS3, and DD1. DS3 is our mischief, rough, and tough child. He once thought our 6 Disc CD player in the car was a slot machine and started inserting quarters. Needless to say we had to buy a new one. so we were afraid the boys might break something at the GF. But we do keep a close eye on them. And after reading this forum I am really excited about it!

Sounds like a great family vacation . I wouldn't worry about your little ones....the GF is just as kid-friendly as any other resort .

Is there any reason we should bring our own beach towels? We are staying 8 nights and plan to spend a few days at the pool. I know they have towels there at the pool

I would rather not pack beach towels but we are driving and will have room if necessary. Just want to make sure there is easy access to towels for our family of 5.

There are plenty of towels available at the pool, so unless you want/need to have your own, there's really no need to bring them .

 

[Sue M]

I just read your post on another thread. Not to worry, you will love SL

The building location is great. The remodel will be fresh and new!

The Teatime

Nice views too! Marina or pool, how can ya go wrong.

Also on last day you should be able to access lounge all day even though you transfer to another room. We used the lounge on our check out day even though we moved to VGF. It surely made transfer day more enjoyable

Having both your girls together I'm sure they will have fun CL. You will be glad you did it.

Thanks Trishadono! I love tea time. We had it at AKL CL. Very nice. It's too bad all the CLs don't have it.
I requested a marina view in SL because I'll have a pool view in Boca ( if I get my request). I am looking forward to it

We will be in SL that week as well. Cheers!!

Say hi if you see us! I'll be the blond with two 20 something daughters! Lol.

Hi everyone! I stayed up til 1:30am last night reading all about the GF.

I booked yesterday with the RO discount for a GV room 11/30-12/8. We have had many wdw trips, but this is our 1st GF trip. Loved the BC and easy access to Epcot last year. Looking forward to easy MK access and all the gorgeous Christmas decor at GF this year!

What is your favorite date night restaurant at GF, or on the monorail line? I don't think V&A is of interest to us, but any others? Also, anyone know if the never land club is open or closed for remodel? Does CR have a kids club?

Well I don't have date night, as husband stays home, but I like Narccoosse.

That cute pool with the Alice in Wonderland play structure and slides, what ages can play there? Is it only for toddlers or for children under 10 or so? I think my kids would love it, but I want to find out if they are too big for it before I show it to them. They are not the best swimmers yet, and they may need kick boards for anything too deep, if those are allowed in the big pool.

Thanks,
Anne

I don't believe they allow kick boards, but they have life jackets available.

We also used a TA and when the free dining and RO discounts were released in May it was as if she didn't want to apply it for us. First she told us it would not apply because we are going during Food and Wine Festival. I don't think we will ever use a TA again for Disney. I realize they work on commission and when our package price goes down so does their pay...but still it is their job. I am curious to see what your TA says when you cancel.

I think if you use a Disney specialized TA that is Ear Marked (recognized by Disney) you wouldn't have that problem. This is what they do, and often they will contact you about upcoming discounts. Sometimes they know when one is coming out a couple of days before release. They will automatically apply discount without even asking you. I'm surprised that you had this experience. It's not typical of Disney Authorized Vacation Planners. Which is why I'm thinking the one you used wasn't.
I've used some super TAs for Disney travel.