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

[ErinsMommy]

What are you asking about the std. rooms? Do you mean views, or room layout/decor?

The wifi was pretty good our last stay, but we were in the Main Bldg. The previous stay was in Boca, and I'll be honest, the wifi stunk. But, then again, it had just been installed; maybe it has gotten better, hopefully someone can confirm.

I'll post a photo of the safe - I think there is one on the first page, but if not, I'll link or post one.

Hi . Yes if you or anyone has pics of just the room (beds, bathroom, balcony a
views) that would be super. Hoping the wifi is good - not going to be hugely dependent on it, but hope it's somewhat decent.

 

[Sue M]

Who did I promise pool shower soap dispenser photos to? I've forgotten. Anyway, here they are.

I'm unclear whether the white dot means there is something there, or just the label?

Notice there are 2 labels on this dispenser - for what it's worth, lol

I think for Scott! I would just grab the shampoo & conditioner from my room to use, who knows what shampoo is in there but I also realize women are pickier then men

 

[Sue M]

2 daystill we leave for Florida and I'm in packing hell

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....

I'm right there with you......I'm not liking the changes and sadly, I don't think it will be any better in person . Not sure what Disney is thinking with taking the couches away .
....


Glad I'm not the only one . I'm trying to figure out the reasoning behind all of these drastic changes and I'm coming up with nothing . It makes no sense at all to have chairs for kids covered in fabric while the chairs for adults are vinyl .

I agree with what you said about the couch switch and them maybe not wanting people to become too comfortable, but it definitely does not have the same relaxed feeling it had before .



I couldn't agree more.....nothing matches and there are too many colors/patterns that don't go together at all .

I thought the same thing about the velour chairs...what on earth??? Definitely not what I was expecting......this makes me very sad .

I know. It really saddens me. I was so hoping the RPC lounge would remain in keeping with the overall Main Bldg. look. For example, here are some photos of the VGF lobby I grabbed from the interwebs - this is more what I was expecting (without the fountain, of course, lol). Notice the carpet.

So good to see you as well! I'm enjoying all your pictures!

I totally hear you on the pricing for the RPC...I'm priced out of it now and can't imagine doing a week long stay there ever again. My best chance will be at a special occasion long weekend trip in a few years.

Now that I'm headed to the GF next month (how did the months pass by so quick?!) its time to freshen up on all the happenings at the resort. I'm getting very excited to try the villas; they look fantastic! I hate to admit that I'm really starting to like the resort renovations, maybe its all the corporate training I've recently gone through about accepting and living with change.

I just did my FP+, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train just not on the day that I wanted it. I guess I'll still keep checking but at least we will get to ride it once. Also have my ADR's for Citricos and Narcoossees (as well as California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Flying Fish Cafe). Was able to snag a Be Our Guest ADR but the more reviews I read, I'm really starting to question this one. We had lunch there last year so maybe we don't really need the dinner experience. Hoping we can make some time for a nice lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe as well.

And hopefully there will be plenty of time to relax around the resort too. Looking forward to spending lots of time by the pools. And at Mizners and the Citricos bar.

Oh, your plans sound heavenly. YAY for the 7DMT score! We were able to snag it, too, but late in the evening. If we are able to hop on in the very early a.m., we may let that one go.

Love all the restaurants you've chosen, the cream of the crop! And Mizner's, of course. You know, we've never thought of grabbing a drink at Citricos, thanks for the tip.

I think it was BCV23 who told me she wasn't all that excited about the BOG food, but going just to see the restaurant was worth one visit, at least. Love GF Cafe for lunch.

LOL about the corporate training - I guess I need some, I'm not accepting these changes very well at all.

Hi . Yes if you or anyone has pics of just the room (beds, bathroom, balcony a
views) that would be super. Hoping the wifi is good - not going to be hugely dependent on it, but hope it's somewhat decent.

There are photos of the rooms posted on the first page, in the Guest Room Photos post, #4.

The wifi is usable, we just had trouble with it dropping our connection. I'm sure it is better by now, as I haven't heard anyone complaining lately. There is supposed to be wifi in the pool area, but I haven't tried it.

HTH!

 

[followthatmouse]

Hi . Yes if you or anyone has pics of just the room (beds, bathroom, balcony a
views) that would be super. Hoping the wifi is good - not going to be hugely dependent on it, but hope it's somewhat decent.

The Wi-Fi during our May stay in the main building could be described as patchy. It was at its best in the early to mid-afternoons and even then it wasn't earth-shatteringly great. Some evenings and early mornings I couldn't connect my iPad to the internet at all. It wasn't disastrous by any means, just annoying. It did seem faster in the lounge area than in our room.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I think for Scott! I would just grab the shampoo & conditioner from my room to use, who knows what shampoo is in there but I also realize women are pickier then men

LOL! I've known some guys who were awfully picky about their hair products. Good idea, I think I would snag some extras from the room, too.

2 daystill we leave for Florida and I'm in packing hell

Good luck with your packing, I can relate. I'm notorious for waiting 'til the last minute.

 

[trishadono]

2 daystill we leave for Florida and I'm in packing hell

Well if you didn't make us so jealous for going to Florida for so long we might feel bad for you!!

You are going to make some good memories. Even if you forget something!

Did I read some where your brother is visiting mom too? I took my mom to visit my brother last year, almost the same

It's been a long time planning so enjoy your trip!

 

[garada3]

trishadono - thanks for posting more photos, and thanks, garada3, for providing them! This is in no way a reflection on either of you, I so appreciate the photos - but, ugh! All those patterns mixed together is just plain ugly.

The couch and settee, set against the wild carpet, hideous. Looks like they've added some chairs, is that the TV area? What in the world...not even close to the same style as the settee. I'm at a loss as to what they are going for with it. The chairs look almost exactly like the velour chairs my MIL has in her front room, I think she bought them in the 70s. Good grief.

It is my pleasure to finally be giving back to the great group of people on this thread after after all the information and advice I have gathered here.

The group of photos that includes the concierge desk image were all taken on the third floor. The velour chair seating area is just to the left of the desks. The sofa is on the wall opposite the chess tables.

I wish the interior design team from the Grand Villas had been in charge of the resort rehab.

Anyway, life is good, and our vacation is great

 

[k&a&c'smom]

It is my pleasure to finally be giving back to the great group of people on this thread after after all the information and advice I have gathered here.

The group of photos that includes the concierge desk image were all taken on the third floor. The velour chair seating area is just to the left of the desks. The sofa is on the wall opposite the chess tables.

I wish the interior design team from the Grand Villas had been in charge of the resort rehab.

Anyway, life is good, and our vacation is great

You know it is - even my dislike of the refurb couldn't kill my grin if we were there right now! Have a Grand vacation.

Thanks for the details, it helps to place everything. I agree, it's a real shame they didn't use the same team as the VGF. I'm starting to wonder if this is purposeful, to force some of us old timers into purchasing at the villas.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

The last I checked they did but it's been a while.

Grab the provided stuff from the room and put in your carryon. ???

I think I will to be safe myself.

If need extra just ask Mousekeeping

When is your trip? I will be there 8/13 and will check it out. If you before me let me know?

Thanks!

Thanks for the head's up. We're staying at the Villas Aug 29 - Sept 1, so guess you'll be there first.
I will definitely save some of the room amenities - just in case...

And thanks for the pics, k&a&c'smom!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

It is my pleasure to finally be giving back to the great group of people on this thread after after all the information and advice I have gathered here.

The group of photos that includes the concierge desk image were all taken on the third floor. The velour chair seating area is just to the left of the desks. The sofa is on the wall opposite the chess tables.

I wish the interior design team from the Grand Villas had been in charge of the resort rehab.

Anyway, life is good, and our vacation is great

I wanted to add my thanks to you and trishadono for the pictures. It is hard to post pictures when you're enjoying all of WDW! Planning is much easier with the help of the all the experts and recent info here. Thanks again for taking time out of your day.

Wishing all those with stays coming up a magical time at the GF!



Liz

 

[mickeynut1]

Now that I'm headed to the GF next month (how did the months pass by so quick?!) its time to freshen up on all the happenings at the resort. I'm getting very excited to try the villas; they look fantastic! I hate to admit that I'm really starting to like the resort renovations, maybe its all the corporate training I've recently gone through about accepting and living with change.

I just did my FP+, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train just not on the day that I wanted it. I guess I'll still keep checking but at least we will get to ride it once. Also have my ADR's for Citricos and Narcoossees (as well as California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Flying Fish Cafe). Was able to snag a Be Our Guest ADR but the more reviews I read, I'm really starting to question this one. We had lunch there last year so maybe we don't really need the dinner experience. Hoping we can make some time for a nice lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe as well.

And hopefully there will be plenty of time to relax around the resort too. Looking forward to spending lots of time by the pools. And at Mizners and the Citricos bar.

Sounds like you have a great trip planned . Congrats on getting a FP+ for SDMT, although sorry it isn't for the day you wanted. But I agree to keep trying for the day you want .

2 daystill we leave for Florida and I'm in packing hell

Happy packing and I hope you have a great trip .

I know. It really saddens me. I was so hoping the RPC lounge would remain in keeping with the overall Main Bldg. look. For example, here are some photos of the VGF lobby I grabbed from the interwebs - this is more what I was expecting (without the fountain, of course, lol). Notice the carpet.

I think it was BCV23 who told me she wasn't all that excited about the BOG food, but going just to see the restaurant was worth one visit, at least. Love GF Cafe for lunch.

It saddens me, too. I was also hoping the RPC lounge would stay in line with the lobby and VGF, but sadly that hope diminished as more refurbs pics came out . It seems like things went in a totally different direction with a lot of it being so mismatched . I love the pics of the VGF and can't wait to actually see the lobby in person when we get back to Disney next year .

We've never eaten at BOG and not sure we ever will as the menu has no appeal to us. We may try for lunch or dessert (I hear the cupcakes are amazing) just to see the restaurant, but I can't see spending so much on dinner if there's not much any of us would eat .

It is my pleasure to finally be giving back to the great group of people on this thread after after all the information and advice I have gathered here.

Anyway, life is good, and our vacation is great

The pics are great, thanks again for sharing .

Glad you are having a great time .

I agree, it's a real shame they didn't use the same team as the VGF. I'm starting to wonder if this is purposeful, to force some of us old timers into purchasing at the villas.

I agree, how great it would be if the RPC lounge resembled the VGF . That's an interesting thought about all of this being done on purpose to sell VGF .

We're staying at the Villas Aug 29 - Sept 1

Hope you have a great trip .

Planning is much easier with the help of the all the experts and recent info here.

I agree .

 

[Sue M]

Well if you didn't make us so jealous for going to Florida for so long we might feel bad for you!!

You are going to make some good memories. Even if you forget something!

Did I read some where your brother is visiting mom too? I took my mom to visit my brother last year, almost the same

It's been a long time planning so enjoy your trip!

Yes, my brother is flying down for a 4 day weekend to see mom, and meet up with us. He hasn't seen my youngest daughter in a few years! Between school & summer camp job she hadn't been able to get away at the same time! So happy she's able to join us for this trip (even though it made my costs soar )
Moms Alzheimer's is quite advanced, so sadly she prob won't even know we're all there.

What's the process with shipped luggage pick up? Is the pick up location separate from the check in area? How far away is it? etc. etc.

Example: When we stayed at YC we had to walk from the check in desk to another building, to a business center quite far away. We then had to wait for someone to come help us - about 20 minutes. We paid a fee ($20? $25?) before getting our luggage. The whole process took about an hour.

I'm trying to decide if we should ship our trunk or go with DME luggage transport. We arrive on a Saturday around 10.

I'd go with DME!! Much easier. And it gets delivered to your room. I just had my AP magic bands shipped to GF, we live in Canada and Disney won't ship outside the U.S. I put on address GF Front Desk, so sure hope it gets there and not the Convention Centre business centre

 

[disney meema]

It is my pleasure to finally be giving back to the great group of people on this thread after after all the information and advice I have gathered here. The group of photos that includes the concierge desk image were all taken on the third floor. The velour chair seating area is just to the left of the desks. The sofa is on the wall opposite the chess tables. I wish the interior design team from the Grand Villas had been in charge of the resort rehab. Anyway, life is good, and our vacation is great

Thank you so much for sending the pictures our way through trishadoo ... So very wonderful of you to take the time during your vacation to help all of us with curious minds on the new interior design : ) I do love the Villas decor as well much better more toned down and coordinating for my taste. Once thing is for certain give it a few years and they will make changes once again to the resorts rooms and CL ect.
Have a fabulous, fun and relaxing vacation and I hope you will give us a travel report about RPC's Eats & Treats ( it's all about the food lol ) CL service and actually everything Floridian as you get home and rested or have the time. Thank you again so very appreciated!!!

*** adding any info. on the current 2015 bounce back offer would be appreciated as well : )

 

[disney meema]

I read last night that the new in room bounce back offer for 2015 is free dining. Can anyone confirm this? During our upcoming November trip I plan on booking another trip with my twin granddaughters for next summer. I just took their twin brothers on a two week Disneyland, universal and California vacation so it's the girlies turn next summer.
Normally a room discount would be better but the twin girls 13 yrs old love to dine out and eat most everything so free dining would be great : )
Any info on 2015 bounce back would be wonderful. Also do I still have to book during your 2014 vacation? Or has that changed?

 

[Sue M]

I prefer the room discount now!! We booked our last Jan trip on free dining. Although we had some fabulous ADRs, more & more I'm just finding it too much food, much of it I just don't want but feel compelled to order, like the desserts at lunch, and so half the time I'd give them away. And can't use all those snack credits so end up buying stuff at end if trip to take home. Used to be able to get sides of eggs or sausage with snack credit, so I'd use it for breakfast. Now you can only get bagels, muffins or pastry for snack credit.

 

[disney meema]

I prefer the room discount now!! We booked our last Jan trip on free dining. Although we had some fabulous ADRs, more & more I'm just finding it too much food, much of it I just don't want but feel compelled to order, like the desserts at lunch, and so half the time I'd give them away. And can't use all those snack credits so end up buying stuff at end if trip to take home. Used to be able to get sides of eggs or sausage with snack credit, so I'd use it for breakfast. Now you can only get bagels, muffins or pastry for snack credit.

Oh yeah I'm concerned it's going to be too much for us this November too ... But I booked before free dining came out and so of course I added it once I knew it was during our stay. We are staying 10 nights at AKL CL and then 4 nights at GF RPCL so I'm a bit worried since I don't want to blow up during the trip! My plan is just not get dessert or order a cheese platter if available. I did book dining where there are healthier options but still it's more than we can eat I am certain. Plus I drink only water and morning coffee so the drink part and the dessert part I'll have to just let it go. But then you add it the CL offerings and it's a lot and I mean a lot more than I eat. But quality over quantity is my thought so will see how that goes : ) I did book mostly 2 dining credit meals to try to balance out the quantity part except for BOG and a few others in Epcot.
With the 2 girls they still will want a few character meals with buffets so I think the free dining bounce back would be a savings. Worse part is I'm not a fan of buffets but I would want the girls to have the experience they would like. Also the snack credits they would like to bring home candy ect. I did read a FD snack thread and there are some healthy options out there as well. If it was just me and my husband I would certainly prefer the room discount for sure : )

 

[BlueSkies]

It is my pleasure to finally be giving back to the great group of people on this thread after after all the information and advice I have gathered here.

The group of photos that includes the concierge desk image were all taken on the third floor. The velour chair seating area is just to the left of the desks. The sofa is on the wall opposite the chess tables.

I wish the interior design team from the Grand Villas had been in charge of the resort rehab.

Anyway, life is good, and our vacation is great

Thanks again garada for taking the time to take pics to be shared here.. I knew that has to the the 3rd floor ..what I call the concierge "livingroom"..lol...thought that the other sofa was on the 5th floor...surprised that they would add one in that hallway on the 3rd floor...that used to be all game tables on both sides...they need to move that sofa on up to the 4th floor TV viewing area!! ..lol..

Glad that you are enjoying your trip!!

I agree with you blueskies on the upside of the grand it's always been about the serene grounds, the music, the restaurants and the incredible CM from grounds keepers to CL staff and well everyone who works there are so amazing! Decor will come and go, be loved and not so loved but the people working at this beautiful resort and the gorgeous resort itself is what has guests coming back year after year. I fell on love with the resort in the late 80's during our first stay when it opened and still it's my favorite resort today. I may have taken a break and tried other resorts through our 30 years of visits to WDW, but I always come back home to the Grand Floridian like so many of us here.

We fell in love with the resort at about the same time as you did...I grew up staying at the CR...and was a huge fan..until..lol..that first GF stay ...then subsequent stays there with my own children...although we do still go back to the CR from time to time... GF..like so many here.. is our "home" resort...

Hi all - now that we got our MBs things are getting closer and we can start to get really excited!

3 - Is the safe big enough for a couple of ipads and a portable dvd player?

TIA!!

on getting your MB's!!!

I don't think that the safe is big enough for all of those electronics...but I have never had any issue just tucking things into a drawer at the GF...

Now that I'm headed to the GF next month (how did the months pass by so quick?!) its time to freshen up on all the happenings at the resort. I'm getting very excited to try the villas; they look fantastic! I hate to admit that I'm really starting to like the resort renovations, maybe its all the corporate training I've recently gone through about accepting and living with change.

I just did my FP+, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train just not on the day that I wanted it. I guess I'll still keep checking but at least we will get to ride it once. Also have my ADR's for Citricos and Narcoossees (as well as California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Flying Fish Cafe). Was able to snag a Be Our Guest ADR but the more reviews I read, I'm really starting to question this one. We had lunch there last year so maybe we don't really need the dinner experience. Hoping we can make some time for a nice lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe as well.

And hopefully there will be plenty of time to relax around the resort too. Looking forward to spending lots of time by the pools. And at Mizners and the Citricos bar.

Sounds like a wonderful trip...enjoy your VGF stay ...oh and lots of great dining...cause it ALWAYS about the food...lol... As for BOG..we really enjoyed our dinner there.. and had a variety of the dishes..the steak..chicken provencal and the pork chops which came with a yummy side called macaroni augratin...a fancy name for mac and cheese..lol...but the very best part of the meal was those deleicous cupcakes for dessert...I would say lemon meringue cup cake is not to be missed...My mouth is watering fro just thinking about them...lol...

Hi . Yes if you or anyone has pics of just the room (beds, bathroom, balcony a
views) that would be super. Hoping the wifi is good - not going to be hugely dependent on it, but hope it's somewhat decent.

k&a&c'smom Has pics of everything!!..lol...

I read last night that the new in room bounce back offer for 2015 is free dining. Can anyone confirm this? During our upcoming November trip I plan on booking another trip with my twin granddaughters for next summer. I just took their twin brothers on a two week Disneyland, universal and California vacation so it's the girlies turn next summer.
Normally a room discount would be better but the twin girls 13 yrs old love to dine out and eat most everything so free dining would be great : )
Any info on 2015 bounce back would be wonderful. Also do I still have to book during your 2014 vacation? Or has that changed?

How nice to be able to take the grand kids on such special trips... did I read right..TWO sets of twins.... ...lol..as the mother of one set..I cannot even imagine two sets!!!

As far as the BB go...A BB ressie has to be booked by the day that you check out of the resort...Typically there is an offer for both and the info is included in the packet that you receive at check in...If you don't see it listed just ask the CM on the phone if there are any other BB offers available...

k&a&c'smom More wonderful pics..that you for sharing all of the "details" vis picture for us..as you know they are worth a thousand words!!

MickeyNut Get your sunglasses ready... Cause you know that next trip you will need them...lol...

to all of my fellow GF fans....hope that you are having a terrific Tuesday! preppy GF gal who is over on her smilie count yet again!!!!!

 

[disney meema]

Yep you read it right my oldest daughter had boy twins in 2000, girl twins in 2001 ( 15 months and a day apart ... Crazy town ) and then that wasn't enough she had a singleton boy 14 months after the twin girls were born. ( he was a twin Pregnancy early on as well ) that's 5 kiddos in 29 months so she had a nanny full time and my husband and I were always available to help and loved it. My younger daughter had a daughter a few months after her sisters twin girls were born ... So I went from no grandchildren to 6 grandchildren in 29 months and of course I was and am thrilled. Then happily the babies continued with my younger daughter having boy/girl twins in 2010, they are 4 years old now. ( sorry so long but with you having twins I know you can appreciate how crazy it was and how incredibly wonderful it was and still is )
I've booked bounce backs a few times so it seems to still be the same. I'm hoping the poly so put back together if so we may stay there. Of course CR and my beloved GF are on my radar but the two girls have been to GF multiple times so I'm open on what looks fun for them. We've never stayed at WL of all the deluxe so maybe there?

 

[ErinsMommy]

There are photos of the rooms posted on the first page, in the Guest Room Photos post, #4.

The wifi is usable, we just had trouble with it dropping our connection. I'm sure it is better by now, as I haven't heard anyone complaining lately. There is supposed to be wifi in the pool area, but I haven't tried it.

HTH!

Thank you so much - I dont know why, but we thought the pics that are in post #4 were of a deluxe or club room? Those are the standard room beds/decor? If so I may never check-out!!

And that view of the monorail would be so awesome...if we have marina view/top floor request, is there a specific building to see the monorail?

Thanks again!!