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

[mickeynut1]

Hi everyone! I'm so excited for our upcoming trip to the Grand Floridian. I'm taking my mom for her birthday along with my 2 year old DD. We are going to be their the last week of October - so we will be there for Halloween.

I was planning on staying at the CR but when the fall rates came out, it ended up being less for CL at GF so I made the switch. I think its going to be great.

Does anyone have experience being at the GF for Halloween? I was planning on having my DD dress up and do a little trick or treating at CR but if they have something similar at GF - I may stay here. If so, I was thinking of stalking a reservation for 1900 Park Fare for Halloween night. I was planning to do Akerhaus the night before but maybe Park Fare would be a better choice especially if my DD will be dressed as a Princess. (Up in the air - she's a pretty big fan of pirates but also loves Pocahontas) After reading through much of this board, everyone seems so lovely - I thought you'd have some insight. Thanks in advance.

Congrats on booking the GF . Our first Halloween trip was quite some time ago, but I do remember it being a lot of fun . I see KonaKaiTom answered your question, but I wanted to say that I hope you have a great trip. Disney in October over Halloween is a great time to go .

MickeyNut KTTK tour...hmmmm..think that we are going to have to add this to our things we want to do on our trip list!

~ I am thinking there are alot of Disney shoppers around here.... ..and I did wanted to mention that The Yankee Trader shop in the MK is being turned into a Haunted Mansion merchandise location...and carry clothing..home goods..and lots of other spooky stuff...lol...I am sure it will be worth looking into!

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Thursday.. preppy GF gal who cannot just be a Poly and needs to do a split stay.....lol...

Over on my smilies yet again...wonder if I hold a record..lol...

That tour does sound fun.....definitely something I'd like to do .

Thanks for the info on The Yankee Trader shop....will be an interesting shop to go through .

 

[jacknsally19]

Thanks KonaKaiTom! Sounds likes lot of fun....would you recommend skipping a dinner reservation for the evening since there is a lot of fun going on at the resort?

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks KonaKaiTom! Sounds likes lot of fun....would you recommend skipping a dinner reservation for the evening since there is a lot of fun going on at the resort?

We did dinner, at Tony's Town Square, took the ferry boat across and did the late MNSSHP parade. Awesome evening.

Tom

 

[davale4]

Our paths may cross.

All the best.

Thanks! We are really looking forward to this vacation . This is our happy place!

 

[trishadono]

Hi GF Family!
We will be at GF for 2 nights after 8 nights at Beach & Yacht. We are thinking of spending our last day around the resort and getting in some good pool time. Is there a convenient place to shower and change after the pool, but before the flight? Our flight isn't until evening and check-out will be by 11.
Thanks!

The pool with the water slide has a bathroom/changing area with showers. Also has blow dryers for us girls I believe there was shower gel and shampoo but that was years ago. I will be there 8/13 and we also have a late flight so I will let you know what is current.

Sounds like a lovely trip

 

[coopersmom]

Thanks again for the queen deluxe room numbers. I've been told (we'll see if it's true) that the deluxe category is EITHER king or two queens, and that's left to the discretion of room assigners based on party size. Also, that the only deluxe rooms with the theme park view are on the, quote, "hidden second floor." Are those all the regular-sized rooms with whirlpool tubs, formerly known as "honeymoon suites"? Just wondering since I'd love a theme park view, but prefer extra space to the view. Need to know whether to request view or, conversely, anything BUT the second-floor rooms if we want one of the larger deluxe options.

 

[baler31]

Thanks again for the queen deluxe room numbers. I've been told (we'll see if it's true) that the deluxe category is EITHER king or two queens, and that's left to the discretion of room assigners based on party size. Also, that the only deluxe rooms with the theme park view are on the, quote, "hidden second floor." Are those all the regular-sized rooms with whirlpool tubs, formerly known as "honeymoon suites"? Just wondering since I'd love a theme park view, but prefer extra space to the view. Need to know whether to request view or, conversely, anything BUT the second-floor rooms if we want one of the larger deluxe options.

Unless it has changed very recently, that is not correct. You either book a King Deluxe or a Queen Deluxe. The reservation code for King Deluxe is BP and for Queen Deluxe it is BO. If reservations cannot locate the room type (I have had that happen a lot) give them the codes. Only the King Deluxe can be booked online, you must call to book the queen deluxe.

It is correct that the only deluxe rooms with a TPV are King Deluxes on the 2nd floor that are the same size as a standard room with a whirlpool tub. Personally, we will always choose extra space.

I will try to report back on what happens for the queen deluxe after our stay for the Villians Party. We have a short 2 night stay booked in a queen deluxe then.

 

[baler31]

Thanks KonaKaiTom! Sounds likes lot of fun....would you recommend skipping a dinner reservation for the evening since there is a lot of fun going on at the resort?

Also, wanted to add that all the deluxe resorts and some of the others will have characters in special costumes at the resorts for M&G's(at least the last several years but things can change). We have had lots of fun resort hopping and meeting as many of the characters as we could as well as the candy at each resort.

Here is a link for Halloween resort activities. http://kennythepirate.com/2013/11/07/characters-at-walt-disney-world-resorts-for-halloween-2013/

 

[Aurora0427]

I'm shamelessly bumping this in hopes of getting an answer.

Check out the resort section on touring plans. You can pick your room on the resort locator map. For example, I requested a room in Sago Key, facing the monorail, upper floor, away from the elevators. My TA said all the requests fit. So, yes, you can! Reiterate what you want when you check in. We've always been accommodated. I think the toughest request to get is connecting rooms- but they've always accommodated us on that request as well.

 

[davale4]

Hope you both have great trips .

Thanks Mickeynut1! I've been trying to catch up on the thread. We've been away at Ohio at a National Fine Arts competition. Finally sometime to relax and read the Dis .

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks Mickeynut1! I've been trying to catch up on the thread. We've been away at Ohio at a National Fine Arts competition. Finally sometime to relax and read the Dis .

You're welcome . Hope the arts competition went well.

It won't be long before you will be checking into the Grand .

 

[trishadono]

Unless it has changed very recently, that is not correct. You either book a King Deluxe or a Queen Deluxe. The reservation code for King Deluxe is BP and for Queen Deluxe it is BO. If reservations cannot locate the room type (I have had that happen a lot) give them the codes. Only the King Deluxe can be booked online, you must call to book the queen deluxe.

It is correct that the only deluxe rooms with a TPV are King Deluxes on the 2nd floor that are the same size as a standard room with a whirlpool tub. Personally, we will always choose extra space.

I will try to report back on what happens for the queen deluxe after our stay for the Villians Party. We have a short 2 night stay booked in a queen deluxe then.

I'll post pics of the deluxe king if you post pics of the deluxe queens!!!

 

[jacknsally19]

Thanks baler31! I can't wait

 

[MommyGina]

Hi all!! Anyone book for next year yet at the GF?

 

[grannyminnie]

I just watched that interview with Richard the GF greeter and did indeed find it charming! (thanks, Kook for bringing that to our attention) He is such a special part of our GF stays...

Mickeynut, I had to smile when you mentioned those sugar cookies in the GF lounges. Reminded me of how ahcupcake always mentions them! I love 'em too. Not a choc. chip cookie person, so they fit the bill for me!

 

[AlixaLock]

20 days and counting until we arrive! Deluxe dining ... all kinds of cool stuff planned ... I am over the moon excited!!!

Just wanted a few quick opinions from the experts.

We are staying at the Villas on a Disney reservation/package, not DVC. We will arrive around 11 am via car service. Do we check in at the Villas or at main GF check in area? I haven't stayed at a DVC resort in a while and can't remember the protocol? If we do check in at the Villas, can the car service drive straight there and pull in front?

Also, whats the conventional wisdom on the quickest way from the Villa's to the Monorail? Past the pool and through the resort to enter through the back or going around the front and entering the front entrance of the main resort and going upstairs??

Thanks in advance!!

 

[trishadono]

20 days and counting until we arrive! Deluxe dining ... all kinds of cool stuff planned ... I am over the moon excited!!!

Just wanted a few quick opinions from the experts.

We are staying at the Villas on a Disney reservation/package, not DVC. We will arrive around 11 am via car service. Do we check in at the Villas or at main GF check in area? I haven't stayed at a DVC resort in a while and can't remember the protocol? If we do check in at the Villas, can the car service drive straight there and pull in front?

Also, whats the conventional wisdom on the quickest way from the Villa's to the Monorail? Past the pool and through the resort to enter through the back or going around the front and entering the front entrance of the main resort and going upstairs??

Thanks in advance!!

We checked in at the villas. There were valets waiting outside to help.

Quickest way is along the road under the covered path that goes right to main entrance of the GF resort. Then in those doors, up stairs to monorail or continue along front to the bus stop.

It is prettier to go the other way but sometimes in a hurry or too tired.

The villas were amazing! You will love it

 

[Sue M]

Hi GF Family!
We will be at GF for 2 nights after 8 nights at Beach & Yacht. We are thinking of spending our last day around the resort and getting in some good pool time. Is there a convenient place to shower and change after the pool, but before the flight? Our flight isn't until evening and check-out will be by 11.
Thanks!

Hi Scott as Trish said there's the bathroom by pool, and also there's the Healthclub/Spa you could prob use too. I've never been in it though!

 

[AlixaLock]

We checked in at the villas. There were valets waiting outside to help.

Quickest way is along the road under the covered path that goes right to main entrance of the GF resort. Then in those doors, up stairs to monorail or continue along front to the bus stop.

It is prettier to go the other way but sometimes in a hurry or too tired.

The villas were amazing! You will love it

Thank you thank you! I am marshaling a group of 7 who have left all the planning to me and I want to be able to direct everyone when it's 7am and we are trying to get out the door for an early breakfast ADR!!

 

[Scott MC]

The pool with the water slide has a bathroom/changing area with showers. Also has blow dryers for us girls I believe there was shower gel and shampoo but that was years ago. I will be there 8/13 and we also have a late flight so I will let you know what is current.

Sounds like a lovely trip

Hi Scott as Trish said there's the bathroom by pool, and also there's the Healthclub/Spa you could prob use too. I've never been in it though!

Thanks a lot! Good to know!
My fingers are twitching to book FP+ for our last day, but my gut says, "It'll be day 11...you're gonna be tired...relax!"