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

[mommyrosa2]

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU to everyone on this thread. You are all so very helpful and I truly appreciate all the advice and information you have provided...we truly cannot wait to check-in tomorrow for our very first GRAND stay .

Going to try and get things wrapped up by a decent time tonight since we have an early flight tomorrow morning (I LOVE to travel but I HATE to pack ). Can't believe only 1 more sleep ...

If there's anything that anyone would like me to check on while I'm there, please let me know.

 

[TxTiggergal]

Transportation: I was told at checkin that buses and boats would begin running one and a helf hours before park opening to accomodate for the limited monorail hours. We found this to be true although never tested the outer limits. There were lots of morning buses to each park including MK and TTC (which was also used to get between monorail resorts in the morning) and we only had 3 instances the whole week where we did not walk up and just literally hop on the bus with no waiting. One morning we waited about 10 minutes for the DHS bus. One morning we walked up to the boat dock and had just missed the boat. Then, something happened to the second boat running causing a back-up across at MK and they ended up sending the WL boat over to our dock to pick us and Poly folk up. That morning, between the boat wait times and the route taken, it took us 45 minutes to get to MK. Not typical and problems do happen. In retrospect, we should have just taken a bus but it was near the end of our trip and our feet were already so tired even first thing in the morning The other transportation issue happened in the evening using the boats to go to FW for TE. Took an hour and a half..... It was all bad timing and turned out OK in the end. TE was very understanding and we got a table right away when we finally arrived So, in the end, we felt transportation was great here.


Any questions, Just ask!!!

Thanks for the great review! We are heading down to the GF one week from today One question/clarification I do have, if you don't mind, is regarding morning transportation. We were hoping to take advantage of the a.m. EMH at MK. Is the monorail running early for that? Or would we need to take the bus or boat? I remember reading the revised monorail hours & people discussing it in regards to making an ADR before park opening, but I wasn't clear on the EMH situation.

 

[cattywampus]

If there's anything that anyone would like me to check on while I'm there, please let me know.

I would like you to check on how to have the best possible time and report back!!!

...and pics of the new rooms.

Have an awesome time!!

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm here, Blue...ready to play......are you?? I've had company the last few days and am getting over that....

Hi, Wishes! Good to "see" you again! Glad you had such a "Grand" summer!

MommyRosa, enjoy your stay at the Grand! You'll see why we are all in love with it!

Sue, you too...have a wonderful stay!

I'm with those who have expressed thanks for the excellent information that is provided here...it's so much easier to plan a good visit with all of that at our disposal!

 

[BlueSkies]

Blue - How's the wedding plans??? Whens the big day (for both)??? Regarding snacks...I have to have a coca cola concoction at Hollywood studios, I have to have a Grey Goose Slush in EPCOT (they discontinued my Red Stag in the US

The plans are coming along..Thank you for asking! I'll send more pics along the way! Not familiar with the coca cola concoction at DHS..is it a slushine?? DD and I love slushies...Ohh that GG slushie..already on the list!!! lol...

Is Monday half-over or is there still half of Monday to get through Whether a pessimist or an optimist, I hope everyone is having a great Disney Planning Day.

I'm late with posting my OCI information, but your fine hostess has posted for me in my absence. I asked a WL Room Assignor once about OCI room requests Vs. those that are called in or emailed to the IPO when staying CL. He assured me that ALL requests are seen by the Room Assignor. The way it works is that the reservation is dropped into the resort about a week prior to arrival. At about the 3-5 day mark, the Room Assignor assigns your room, taking into consideration the requests in your reservation. This is why all requests need to be in about a week prior to arrival.

Helpful hints: Brevity and specificity help and not having conflicting requests is a plus! Try to describe room features or locations or specific buildings instead of asking for specific room numbers. If the specific room number isn't available, the RA won't know why you requested the room and will have a hard time finding a similar room.

Disclaimer: I have no experience with GF RAs, but I assume they all function the same way. Also, in my experience, some resorts do a much better job than others in trying to fulfill guests' requests.

Thanks KOOK!!

Can't RPC guests still access Sugar Loaf's lounge, but not vice versa? That's the way it was last time we were there in 2011, though we never really took advantage as we spent most time at the beach pool.

Speaking of which ... Last time we were there the villas were under construction and the beach was said to be in jeopardy. Any recent beach pictures so I can compare and see what's left?

As I think MickeyNut mentioned with the advent of MBs (actually I think that it was the swipe cards??) you can no longer access SL if you are staying in RPC...

With the construction of the VGF..and the addition of the Alice themed childrens splash area the beach is now much smaller...No hammocks..but there are still a few of those lovely covered lounges...

*Blinks at 5 pages to catch up on since Friday! The Grand folks have been busy this weekend!

Hope everyone has had a Grand Monday! (Is that possible without being at WDW?)

Back to catching up!

Liz

Lots of GF info to chat about...lol... Hope that you had a grand Monday too.... of course..any day is much grander at the Grand! :

Liz, I concur with WishesQueen - a cabana day is wonderful! The fruit is fresh and delicious, the cold drinks are welcome and the ambience is fun yet private. And all with a good view of all the action. The lunch menu is available with some tasty offerings. Their salads are fresh and crisp and the sandwiches - at least the citrus-marinated chicken sandwich that I devoured - delicious. There is something about lunch in a cabana that heightens the experience!

As to Monday, I find it is quite possible to have a good Monday and even a fine Monday, but a Grand Monday only comes during a stay at the GF! :

I agree! Wishing I could have a citrus marinated chicken sandwich right now....yum! And sitting in a cabana while doing so would be the icing on the cake!

Hello fellow Grand fans. I'm starting to get a twitch because we are heading to WDW for a long weekend before school starts but didn't book the GF. Staying at BC for SAB and access to Epcot and DHS but I'm starting to second guess my decision. Made the choice because we are going to be at VGF for Christmas this year and thought we should change it up a bit. But still.....

OMG jd99..I have the same problem...booking remorse...lol...no matter where we book..we either end up changing to the GF...or recently did a split stay to end out trip at the GF..I think it might be called GF Fever...lol... And many of your fellow posters here have it!

Hi GF friends . I've been lurking for months now as our first VGF stay approaches, just 12 days away!

Plans for one of our days just changed -- a day we were supposed to go to AK was switched to MK. Now I'm thinking of throwing the park morning overboard in favor of a pool/resort day at GF. We're two adults, are there any thing any of you do during a GF resort day that have made things special? I thought about a cabana, but I think we'd rather sleep in and grab breakfast at GFC that morning rather than set the alarm to be out at the cabana by a certain time.

Thanks for all the wonderful information you share on this thread!

HI Missyrose Nice to see you here! A down day at the resort is always so nice...You can reserve a cabana for the afternoon 3 to 7 I believe...but summer time showers might just interfere with that..??? The pools both have nice umbrella tables ( I would recommend the courtyard pool though) ..so you could elect to order lunch from the pool bar..(where they will serve it to your table)...there is a good selection...and just pass the time enjoying the ambiance of the pretty pool..back ground music.. and the swaying palm trees...maybe a fluffy drink...an overall very nice way to spend a grand afternoon!

Hope that you will come back and share some of the lovely pics that you and Pixel take with us...

BlueSkies - I almost forgot your snacks question - here goes!

MK - anything at Main St. Bakery; ice cream at the Plaza ice cream parlor; love the waffle sandwiches at Sleepy Hollow, and the funnel cakes; Dole Whip, of course, and I just heard about the chocolate-covered pineapple spears - yum!; citrus swirl; Casey's corn dog nuggets & fries with cheese sauce (not a fan of the newer, non-beef hot dogs)

AK - jalapeno pretzel (all time fave!); tea slushes from, I think, Royal Anandapur

Epcot - Oh, my! jalapeno pretzel in America; kaki gori in Japan; tea slush & pork buns in China; anything at Tangierine Cafe, Morocco; pretty much anything in the Boulangerie in France, but especially the fruit & cheese plate, with bread (not sure if this is still available, I read they have expanded and changed offerings); Grey Goose/Gran Marnier slushes in France; gelato, pastries, wine in Italy; margaritas, guacamole and churros in Mexico; pastries at Sunshine Seasons! Love to grab a beer(DD) and cheese plate in the R&C pub.

DHS - Starring rolls desserts; pretzel dog or Italian sausage at Min & Bill's; PB&J milkshake at Tune In Lounge (all time fave!); baked goods & coffee at Writer's Stop

Many thanks my fellow foodie...or would we say snackie!!??? LOL... Added lots of your suggestions to the list..

WOW! Chocolate Covered Pineapple Spears and Citrus Swirl?
Where in Magic Kingdom are these incredible snacks????
Thanks! YUM!

Inquiring mind here too....I don't think that I've ever seen the chocolate covered pineapples...Citrus swirl can be found at the Sunshine Tree Terrace... its super refreshing...

That's really unfortunate. It was very convenient to run into Sugar Loaf for a soda while poolside, versus going all the way back to the main building. With the price of the main building being so much greater than Sugar Loaf, and anywhere else on property, it seems odd that they're eliminating so many of the RPC only perks/extra services.

I don't think access to SL was a perk...but more of a glitch...??? Being pools peeps in the warmer weather and the convenience of all that SL has to offer is the reason why we choose to book that in the summer months..

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU to everyone on this thread. You are all so very helpful and I truly appreciate all the advice and information you have provided...we truly cannot wait to check-in tomorrow for our very first GRAND stay .

Going to try and get things wrapped up by a decent time tonight since we have an early flight tomorrow morning (I LOVE to travel but I HATE to pack ). Can't believe only 1 more sleep ...

If there's anything that anyone would like me to check on while I'm there, please let me know.

Safe travels..and have a magical vacation!

MickeyNut I think that your niece is one lucky little soon to be "MickeyNut Jr"... I know that you have been grooming her since birth....lol...Love to know some of the things that you are planning for your extra special family trip...

~ I agree so sad about Robin Williams..what a loss for the entertainment community and all of his fans....

Hope that every one is having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal..who is thinking of crashing MickeyNut and Wishes super summer WDW vacations...

 

[BlueSkies]

grannyminnie Well there you are! Missed you around here...I see that you posted while I was composing my novel...lol...

Now that your company is gone I am expecting that you will be back to having fun chatting with your GF pals!

 

[disney meema]

Good Afternoon Everyone : ) I have a packing question that I think is best to ask to you ladies since I think we have several fashionista's on this thread like me. All our 30 years of visits have been between April and August so I have no idea what to pack for our November trip? Our trip is November 9 - 23 so I'll need two weeks of clothes, shoes, purses ect. ( I won't be washing clothes but instead on day 12 or 13 I'll get a box from mousekeeping and ship our laundry and some purses and shoes home ... Yeah I do that and then pack my souvenirs in our suitcases ) Just got back a few weeks ago from a 2 week vacation to Disneyland, Southern California and Vegas but we drove so the souvenirs got squeezed in the car ... Definitely can't do that to Florida on a plane so a shipping I will do : )
So for November weather what clothes should I bring? Can I wear a dress with a cardigan? Or will I need all jeans & leggings with sweaters? Or a mix of both? Will I need a jacket or coat? Also always want to know what shoes others wear and like best for the parks and then for non park days ect. Basically what do you pack in November for WDW?

Off topic kinda but I just bought several dresses from a place I never shop at Hot Topic. Yeah crazy me was in the mall with my twin grandsons who like hot topic and they had a frozen & tangled dresses that don't look like a full on disney dresses ... Like a hidden theme so very cute and fun : ) only $34 with the second one being 50 percent off at $17. I thought I could toss on a cardigan sweater and it's a pretty fun look. So go take a peek if you want a cute disney theme dress and it's nice fabric as well

 

[skibum25]

Will be staying at the Grand in 2015. I am a runner who prefers to run outdoors rather than on a treadmill. Anyone have a good route that is at least 4 miles preferably closer to six miles starting at the Grand? It appears the most likely direction option is to ticket and transportation center through the Poly. Anybody know approximately how for the ticket and transportation center is from the Grand?

 

[coopersmom]

That's really unfortunate. It was very convenient to run into Sugar Loaf for a soda while poolside, versus going all the way back to the main building. With the price of the main building being so much greater than Sugar Loaf, and anywhere else on property, it seems odd that they're eliminating so many of the RPC only perks/extra services.

I don't think access to SL was a perk...but more of a glitch...??? Being pools peeps in the warmer weather and the convenience of all that SL has to offer is the reason why we choose to book that in the summer months..

It was definitely a perk, not an accident. Cast members* advertised it and actively told guests going to the pool that they could visit the Sugar Loaf lounge ... That's how we knew about it. They also put it in our introductory email the first time we stayed in the main building.

EDITED TO NOTE: That that info was accurate as of 2011. I have no idea what they've done/told since, obviously.

 

[BC1836]

It was very convenient to run into Sugar Loaf for a soda while poolside, versus going all the way back to the main building. With the price of the main building being so much greater than Sugar Loaf, and anywhere else on property, it seems odd that they're eliminating so many of the RPC only perks/extra services.

Sometimes our RPC card works at Sugar Loaf and sometimes it doesn't. It seems to vary over the last twelve months.

Go figure

We'll check it out on the weekend.

All the best.

 

[mickeynut1]

That's really unfortunate. It was very convenient to run into Sugar Loaf for a soda while poolside, versus going all the way back to the main building. With the price of the main building being so much greater than Sugar Loaf, and anywhere else on property, it seems odd that they're eliminating so many of the RPC only perks/extra services.

Disney has been eliminating perks/extra services at all deluxe resort CLs, not just RPC.

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU to everyone on this thread. You are all so very helpful and I truly appreciate all the advice and information you have provided...we truly cannot wait to check-in tomorrow for our very first GRAND stay .

Going to try and get things wrapped up by a decent time tonight since we have an early flight tomorrow morning (I LOVE to travel but I HATE to pack ). Can't believe only 1 more sleep ...

If there's anything that anyone would like me to check on while I'm there, please let me know.

Have a great trip and I hope you enjoy the GF .

We are heading down to the GF one week from today

You will be there before you know it .

...and pics of the new rooms.

There are links to pics of the new rooms on the first page of this thread .

I'm with those who have expressed thanks for the excellent information that is provided here...it's so much easier to plan a good visit with all of that at our disposal!

Me too . I also agree it's so much easier to plan a good visit with all of the helpful information that is posted here .

MickeyNut I think that your niece is one lucky little soon to be "MickeyNut Jr"... I know that you have been grooming her since birth....lol...Love to know some of the things that you are planning for your extra special family trip...

Hope that every one is having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal..who is thinking of crashing MickeyNut and Wishes super summer WDW vacations...

LOL on the "MickeyNut Jr".....but I think you're right .

Let the planning begin, Blue....the more the merrier next July .

Will be staying at the Grand in 2015. I am a runner who prefers to run outdoors rather than on a treadmill. Anyone have a good route that is at least 4 miles preferably closer to six miles starting at the Grand? It appears the most likely direction option is to ticket and transportation center through the Poly. Anybody know approximately how for the ticket and transportation center is from the Grand?

I can't answer about the distance to the TTC from the Grand, but hopefully someone else will be able to help .

 

[tinydancer312]

Hi blueskies I have to suggest the brioche ice cream sandwiches and Halles de glacé in the France pavilion. It was to die for. The boulangerie also doubled in size and is amazing!

I read this every day to get my daily dose of disney. You ladies are delightfully grand

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK - thanks for the post, you are always so knowledgeable!! Very good tips for making requests, I need to get that up on the first page, in the rooms section.

One question - did you have any conversation with the assignor about the old rumor that if you tamper with your reservation within that week after it drops to the resort, you will(might) knock off your requests? Just curious, we get the question often as to whether guests are "too late" to call.

Thanks again!

Tamper, huh? Is that what you call it over on 7SL

Even if a reservation has been dropped into the resort's system, it doesn't mean the RA has actually assigned your room. I really can't tell you what would happen if your room's been assigned and you call after that to have your request amended/added. The room is usually assigned a few days prior to arrival so if you're outside that window, I say go ahead and call.

I always recommend to guests with requests that they ask at check-in if their request(s) were met. Describe your requests to the CM: "high floor," "corner room," "close to the marina" "no connecting door…" because often the CM doesn't see your requests, but they do know the room number, even if your room isn't available yet. They have a (proprietary) room map they can look at to see if your room matches your type/location request. You may have to wait longer for the room or they may have to get a manager, but they may be able to fulfill your request upon check-in or even the next day, if you're willing to switch.

See, you're not the only novel writer

WOW! Chocolate Covered Pineapple Spears and Citrus Swirl?
Where in Magic Kingdom are these incredible snacks????
Thanks! YUME!

The spears are a must-do favorite of DH's and they are available at the Main Street Confectionary "behind the glass."

The Citrus Swirl is available here and it's a favorite treat of Orange Bird:

Thanks KOOK!!

You're welcome

Will be staying at the Grand in 2015. I am a runner who prefers to run outdoors rather than on a treadmill. Anyone have a good route that is at least 4 miles preferably closer to six miles starting at the Grand? It appears the most likely direction option is to ticket and transportation center through the Poly. Anybody know approximately how for the ticket and transportation center is from the Grand?

When we've stayed at the Poly, we would jog to the TTC. In the early morning, the parking lot is empty and a great place to jog safely. It's been a while though since we've done it, but I assume you can still jog around the TTC parking lot. It's better than trying to go around the resorts and on paths with golf carts and guests.

I agree . It's a tough job and very time consuming to keep an FAQ updated, but I think k&a&c'smom does a great job .

Thanks for this information. WDWKOOK is a wealth of information for many resorts, but especially when it comes to the WL .

You're always so thoughtful and you're right about your thread hostess doing a great job answering questions and keeping the thread up to date

k&a&c'smom Thanks for sharing that info that Kook provided you with ( and thatnks to you Kook for sharing the info! )... Good to know that doing OCI and making requests will go right along with requests that are on the ressie thru CRO...

~ Calling all foodies...lol...Love to know what everyones "must" have snack is in each park ..or at the resorts...At the GF..since this is the GF thread...the almond crusted cheese cake at Narcoosees is sooo delicious!

You're also very thoughtful. We just LOVE Karamell-Küche and Les Halles for snacks at Epcot.

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Afternoon Everyone : ) I have a packing question that I think is best to ask to you ladies since I think we have several fashionista's on this thread like me. Basically what do you pack in November for WDW?

I always generally check accuweather for historic weather averages... and then follow up a week before to adjust aka repack..lol...mid November temps hare usually 78 to 80 during the day and a low of 58 to 62 in the evening...so I think a dress and a cardigan will be just fine... You might want to bring some capris along too for the evenings..

It was definitely a perk, not an accident. Cast members* advertised it and actively told guests going to the pool that they could visit the Sugar Loaf lounge ... That's how we knew about it. They also put it in our introductory email the first time we stayed in the main building.

EDITED TO NOTE: That that info was accurate as of 2011. I have no idea what they've done/told since, obviously.

I find that so interesting...I have had a considerable amount of RPC stays over the years and only heard about the dual access right here on the DIS..and when in fact I mentioned it..because I was surprised.. to a few CMs in RPC they did't seem to be aware of it either... ....

Since the swipe cards were implemented..maybe 2012?? I did try and access SL to take some pics..and wasn't able to..also tried more recently with my MB..for curiosities sake ...lol..and still no go...

Sometimes our RPC card works at Sugar Loaf and sometimes it doesn't. It seems to vary over the last twelve months.

Go figure

We'll check it out on the weekend.

All the best.

As I said previously..we haven't had any luck with accessing SL with the swipe card or the MB....Wasn't aware that it varied from visit to visit..thought that the encryption was always the same.. There are always new things to learn around here...

Seems you have an upcoming stay...enjoy!

Hi blueskies I have to suggest the brioche ice cream sandwiches and Halles de glacé in the France pavilion. It was to die for. The boulangerie also doubled in size and is amazing!

I read this every day to get my daily dose of disney. You ladies are delightfully grand

Thanks tinydancer for the snack suggestion ...sounds so delicious! (closest thing I could get to an ice cream sandwich..lol.. )and for your kind words too This is a nice place to hang around and share the Disney love..aka obsession!! Lol.. Hope to see you posting more often!

ETA Hi KOOK More snack ideas.. thank you! And for your kind words too.. ... The list is growing... Its always about the food...especially the snacks...lol...BTW I am another fan of the citrus swirl....YUM!

ETA..again to say...MickeyNut I will consider that an invite and give it serious consideration!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Monster multi-quote coming up, enter at your own risk!! LOL!

WOW! Chocolate Covered Pineapple Spears and Citrus Swirl?
Where in Magic Kingdom are these incredible snacks????
Thanks! YUME!

I'll have to ask my friend about the chocolate pineapple spears, she's there now. I kind of assumed they are at Aloha Isle, with all the other pineapple treats, but I forgot to ask. I'm hoping to snag some of those on our trip, too! *drool*

As BlueSkies posted, the citrus swirl is at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland - it IS very refreshing! It is similar to our old fave, the stawberry swirl at the Enchanted Grove over by the tea cups, but alas, that disappeared several years ago.

We have stayed club at the BC before and not really loved it because it's so small. I'm looking forward to seeing the Presidential Suite!

Oh, yes - good plan!! It would be kind of nice to sit in the Pres. Suite while having b'fast!

That's really unfortunate. It was very convenient to run into Sugar Loaf for a soda while poolside, versus going all the way back to the main building. With the price of the main building being so much greater than Sugar Loaf, and anywhere else on property, it seems odd that they're eliminating so many of the RPC only perks/extra services.

It was definitely a perk, not an accident. Cast members* advertised it and actively told guests going to the pool that they could visit the Sugar Loaf lounge ... That's how we knew about it. They also put it in our introductory email the first time we stayed in the main building.

EDITED TO NOTE: That that info was accurate as of 2011. I have no idea what they've done/told since, obviously.

Well, that's interesting! We have never been given anything in RPC with the caveat to head to the SL lounge, nor been told by a CM, but that's not unusual - so often, guests get told different info. I knew about it from way back on the first GF FAQ, I think it was originally a perk for the suites (since so many of them are in outer bldgs.).

As mickeynut posted, so many club perks are going by the wayside, unfortunately. RPC is, indeed, a costly stay and getting more so by the week, it seems. We may be priced out, except in very special circumstances, which is a shame, we do love being in the Main Bldg. and the spread out lounge area.

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU to everyone on this thread. You are all so very helpful and I truly appreciate all the advice and information you have provided...we truly cannot wait to check-in tomorrow for our very first GRAND stay.

Going to try and get things wrapped up by a decent time tonight since we have an early flight tomorrow morning (I LOVE to travel but I HATE to pack ). Can't believe only 1 more sleep ...

If there's anything that anyone would like me to check on while I'm there, please let me know.

Tomorrow!! Safe travels, and have a Grand vacation! (I hear you on the packing, I don't care for it, either, lol)

Thanks for the great review! We are heading down to the GF one week from today One question/clarification I do have, if you don't mind, is regarding morning transportation. We were hoping to take advantage of the a.m. EMH at MK. Is the monorail running early for that? Or would we need to take the bus or boat? I remember reading the revised monorail hours & people discussing it in regards to making an ADR before park opening, but I wasn't clear on the EMH situation.

Only one week to go, woohoo!! We had a discussion of the morning transportation options just a few pages back, and found a quote from johnsonet regarding her chat with a CR bus driver regarding morning bus service.

Essentially, he said they are running extra buses to get guests to their a.m. reservations, including EMH. I'll see if I can find the page for you.

I would like you to check on how to have the best possible time and report back!!!
....

Have an awesome time!!

x 2!!

I'm here, Blue...ready to play...are you?? I've had company the last few days and am getting over that....

....
I'm with those who have expressed thanks for the excellent information that is provided here...it's so much easier to plan a good visit with all of that at our disposal!

Ahhh, winding down from company. I love company, but it is nice to get back to your normal routine after a great visit!

It's a great group of DISers here, so many knowledgeable Grand lovers.

....
With the construction of the VGF..and the addition of the Alice themed childrens splash area the beach is now much smaller...No hammocks..but there are still a few of those lovely covered lounges...

....

I agree! Wishing I could have a citrus marinated chicken sandwich right now....yum! And sitting in a cabana while doing so would be the icing on the cake!



OMG jd99..I have the same problem...booking remorse...lol...I think it might be called GF Fever...lol... And many of your fellow posters here have it!

....
Many thanks my fellow foodie...or would we say snackie!!??? LOL... Added lots of your suggestions to the list..
....

The mental image of lying by the pool with a chicken sandwich made me sigh! What a life!

HAHA - fellow snackie, funny!

Booking remorse is a way of life for me. I like Grand Fever - very appropriate!

Thanks for those details about the beach, I couldn't remember if they had added hammocks back or not. DD misses them so!

Good Afternoon Everyone : ) I have a packing question that I think is best to ask to you ladies since I think we have several fashionista's on this thread like me. All our 30 years of visits have been between April and August so I have no idea what to pack for our November trip? Our trip is November 9 - 23 so I'll need two weeks of clothes, shoes, purses ect. ....
So for November weather what clothes should I bring? Can I wear a dress with a cardigan? Or will I need all jeans & leggings with sweaters? Or a mix of both? Will I need a jacket or coat? Also always want to know what shoes others wear and like best for the parks and then for non park days ect. Basically what do you pack in November for WDW?

....

Glad you found some themed dresses, thanks for the tip! And for the one about shipping dirty clothes home, several readers will probably like that idea!

November is not very cold at the World, in general. I think average high is 78, ave low is 58. Pretty warm! I think we mostly bring the same clothes as summer, but just add some layering pieces to our suitcase. Which is why it is so hard to pack for the off season! LOL!

Will be staying at the Grand in 2015. I am a runner who prefers to run outdoors rather than on a treadmill. Anyone have a good route that is at least 4 miles preferably closer to six miles starting at the Grand? It appears the most likely direction option is to ticket and transportation center through the Poly. Anybody know approximately how for the ticket and transportation center is from the Grand?

There are several maps of running paths, I think they all include mileage - I'll have to look for them. Is it runDisney that has so many? I know allears has some, brb.

Hi blueskies I have to suggest the brioche ice cream sandwiches and Halles de glacé in the France pavilion. It was to die for. The boulangerie also doubled in size and is amazing!

I read this every day to get my daily dose of disney. You ladies are delightfully grand

Brioche ice cream sandwiches?! That's gonna go right on the list! haha Are they inside Boulangerie or an outside kiosk?

Thanks for the update on Boulangerie, I read a bit about it on the food blog, but couldn't remember much, probably tired when I read it. Yeah, that's the ticket!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU to everyone on this thread. You are all so very helpful and I truly appreciate all the advice and information you have provided...we truly cannot wait to check-in tomorrow for our very first GRAND stay .

Going to try and get things wrapped up by a decent time tonight since we have an early flight tomorrow morning (I LOVE to travel but I HATE to pack ). Can't believe only 1 more sleep ...

If there's anything that anyone would like me to check on while I'm there, please let me know.

Safe travels and have a wonderful trip!!!!!

Thanks for the great review! We are heading down to the GF one week from today One question/clarification I do have, if you don't mind, is regarding morning transportation. We were hoping to take advantage of the a.m. EMH at MK. Is the monorail running early for that? Or would we need to take the bus or boat? I remember reading the revised monorail hours & people discussing it in regards to making an ADR before park opening, but I wasn't clear on the EMH situation.

Regarding morning transportation while monorail is on limited hours, the resort monorail does not start running until apx 8:30am. A few mornings we saw it begin around 8:20am but we didn't want to chance it given GF is the last stop before MK making it very crowded anyway. Definintely take the bus or boat to morning EMH. For evenings, the resort monorail shuts down promptly at 12midnight.

I forgot to mention on my quick review, we had some pixie dust our first evening. We were at MK and decided to leave before the fireworks. We had hoped to get back to the resort before the show so that we could watch from the marina but the crowds along the route were massive. When we got to the boat launch, a boat captain pulled up in a different looking boat and said they were doing a special fireworks cruise for all who wanted to board and would then drop everyone off at GF and Poly after the fireworks. We were so excited. We got an impromptu fireworks cruise that parked in the lagoon with a perfect view of the fireworks coupled with the music soundtrack to complete the experience. It was magical. We all agreed we wouldn't be able to top that fireworks location the rest of our vacation!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BlueSkies, we were posting at the same time again, and with much the same info! Spooky. Could it be we've all been reading in the same place for years, or what?!?

Tamper, huh? Is that what you call it over on 7SL

Even if a reservation has been dropped into the resort's system, it doesn't mean the RA has actually assigned your room. I really can't tell you what would happen if your room's been assigned and you call after that to have your request amended/added. The room is usually assigned a few days prior to arrival so if you're outside that window, I say go ahead and call.

I always recommend to guests with requests that they ask at check-in if their request(s) were met. Describe your requests to the CM: "high floor," "corner room," "close to the marina" "no connecting door…" because often the CM doesn't see your requests, but they do know the room number, even if your room isn't available yet. They have a (proprietary) room map they can look at to see if your room matches your type/location request. You may have to wait longer for the room or they may have to get a manager, but they may be able to fulfill your request upon check-in or even the next day, if you're willing to switch.

See, you're not the only novel writer


The spears are a must-do favorite of DH's and they are available at the Main Street Confectionary "behind the glass."

The Citrus Swirl is available here and it's a favorite treat of Orange Bird:

....

When we've stayed at the Poly, we would jog to the TTC. In the early morning, the parking lot is empty and a great place to jog safely. It's been a while though since we've done it, but I assume you can still jog around the TTC parking lot. It's better than trying to go around the resorts and on paths with golf carts and guests.

WE on 7SL probably call it "alter" but you know, I'm from the Midwest - I might say "fiddle" or "mess with".

Thanks for the detailed answer, much appreciated.

Thanks, too, for the running path info, I'll go look for those maps unless you beat me to it. You're so good at finding obscure WDW details!

AND, for the chocolate pineapple spears!! I have never noticed them in the Confectionery, but now it all makes sense. Can't wait to give those a try, they sound yummy.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

You guys are too quick for me! Nice!

Amanda, that IS some magic, for sure!! Awesome! Don't you love when things like that happen?!

Looks like you answered the question about the transportation, I won't look for it, unless the OP would like to see the conversation.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Going thru the pics on my phone and found this from our anniversary dinner last fall. Look familiar?

 

[tinydancer312]

Brioche ice cream sandwiches?! That's gonna go right on the list! haha Are they inside Boulangerie or an outside kiosk?

Thanks for the update on Boulangerie, I read a bit about it on the food blog, but couldn't remember much, probably tired when I read it. Yeah, that's the ticket!

They are where the Boulangerie used to be. It's now a homemade ice cream shop. They coat the brioche in your choice of sauce and then you pick the ice cream and they put it in a nifty panini press thing that crimps the edges. I got one with chocolate sauce and profiterole ice cream. It was heavenly