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

[trishadono]

The suites wing on the fifth floor (where we are now) consists of three two-bedroom suites (4008, which includes a turret room; 4005 and 4002 (both of which include three balconies) and the Presidential/Grand Suite (4001).

Alas, we are not sure about the "numbering weirdenss" that you noted. Please advise.

All the best.

Thanks for the info!

Have you been to HS to see the frozen parade at 11am? Dd and I loved that! Snowing in August was delightful and seeing A&E was great too

Hope you and your family are having a grand time.

 

[coopersmom]

Sounds pretty expert to me.

I'm going soon, too, with the same room category and here's what I pieced together from the helpful people in this thread, regarding "deluxe" rooms in the main building (RPC) ...

KING (see floor plans below)

Six "turret" or "octagon" rooms, roughly 648 sq. ft. each. No balconies. Three these rooms with monorail views and three with listed "lagoon" views from which you can see fireworks. The room numbers of the king turret deluxe rooms that have at least some castle view has been listed here as: 4021, 4421, 4321.

The rest of the king "deluxe" designated rooms, which I've seen listed as either six or nine, king "deluxe" rooms are all on the "hidden" second floor, accessible by the bird cage elevator, and feature "theme park views." These used to be called the honeymoon suites and are basically the same size as the standard Grand rooms. All feature a jacuzzi tub, something not in a regular room, and a balcony, in addition to the view.

QUEEN (see floor plans below)

Six queen deluxe rooms, on the third and fourth floors, all roughly the same size (634 feet), though they come in two different configurations. All have either lagoon (can not see the parks) or pool views.

The more triangle shaped rooms have a large double balcony with a view of the beach and pool, and a large, separate "foyer" area that has a wet bar (sink, fridge), along with the closet, which separates the sleeping area from the bathroom. These are rooms 4322 and 4422*.

*Note we stayed in room 4422 and liked it. Lots of space and loved the large balcony. Plenty of room for a rollaway, if needed, either in the foyer area or along the wall next to the sliding balcony door.

The squarer-shaped Queen deluxes have the wet bar in the sleeping area, standard-sized balcony and an over-sized garden tub (non jacuzzi). They are much wider, but not as deep as the others, and can actually fit a rollaway bed NEXT to the two queen beds. Those room numbers are: 4319,4419,4320,4420.

-A recent poster noted that, post-renovation, RPC deluxe rooms now have fold-out sofa beds. In the past they just had non-covertible loveseats.

If any of the above ^^^^ information is inaccurate or incorrect I'm hoping some of you Grand experts will correct me. I've tried to assemble the above from various sources, mostly this board, and could easily have botched it.

Some of the room numbers I have above--again, culled from here and other sources not my own experience, per se--don't jibe with this Touring Plans room map , so I'm a bit concerned.

It would be just my luck to finally get a room request granted only to have requested the wrong thing. LOL!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

TinkerBellLiz - thanks for that link, the Cake cups look yummy! Adding to my snacks list.

BC1836 - the fifth floor rooms are not numbered in the same way as the other rooms in the GF (first number for building, second number for floor, third and fourth denote room numbers). Instead, for the fifth floor, the second number is "0".

If any of the above ^^^^ information is inaccurate or incorrect I'm hoping some of you Grand experts will correct me. I've tried to assemble the above from various sources, mostly this board, and could easily have botched it.

Some of the room numbers I have above--again, culled from here and other sources not my own experience, per se--don't jibe with this ...., so I'm a bit concerned.

It would be just my luck to finally get a room request granted only to have requested the wrong thing. LOL!

What do you find does not jibe with your written descriptions and room numbers? I followed the link, and found all those rooms numbers just as described. Your link did take me to the 5th floor layout - you have to click on the 3rd and 4th floors to get the rooms for those floors, if that's the problem, 5th being mostly suites as BC1836 described.

ETA: the second floor king deluxe rooms are 9, not 6.

 

[coopersmom]

What do you find does not jibe with your written descriptions and room numbers? I followed the link, and found all those rooms numbers just as described. Your link did take me to the 5th floor layout - you have to click on the 3rd and 4th floors to get the rooms for those floors, if that's the problem, 5th being mostly suites as BC1836 described.

ETA: the second floor king deluxe rooms are 9, not 6.

Thanks, I updated the original post to correct the second floor number of rooms.

At the room map link--and yes, I knew how to go between floors with the drop down menu, but you can only link to one--some of the rooms numbers, for instance those of the octagon kings, didn't match what we've written here. When you click on the room, it lists a different number. I'm betting on the folks here being right over that map, but just wanted to call attention to it again, in case it was my screw up and I miscopied or misunderstand something. Don't want to post incorrect information for the next guest to find and be confused by.

 

[Missyrose]

Hi ladies, back with another quick question. Since it's going to be super hot on our arrival day (Saturday, so soon!), we may spend a few hours at the pool before going to Villains Unleashed at DHS. Since we plan to leave for DHS around 3, our VGF villa may not be ready beforehand. Is there somewhere for us to shower and change before the party?

 

[BlueSkies]

That is what I heard about The Wave in July. We were waiting for the launch at CR chatting with a couple who raved about it! We considered it for a dinner but chose Kona instead and replaced one of the GF Café breakfasts with The Wave. (Have a couple more I can switch out!) We had originally taken Kona off our list because we had heard "the wall" barrier didn't extend to the ceiling. After visiting in July and seeing it did indeed to all the way up, it has been added back!

I added a 1900 Park Faire but I am thinking about replacing it too but not because of the food. I'm weighing the food vs excitable kids and characters vs grumpy DH Might do him good though!

Liz

I say keep 1900...just for your DH! ...As for Kona..we visited too in June...and as I have said I didnt find the construction walls bad at all..as a matter of fact I think they did a nice job with the pictures..and plants and seating too...

Oh BlueSkies Key lime eggs benedict jumped off the iPad at me ... Oh my goodness must head to the wave for breakfast Thanks for the recommendation even if it wasn't for me I'm taking it : )

And sorry everyone the non multi quoting challenged poster continues on ....yikes! ((( hanging my head in shame here )))

The key lime adds such a nice flavor to the hollandaise sauce...I really can't wait to have breakfast there again!

Thank you so much BlueSkies, k&a&c'smom and TinkerBellLiz! With the actual room numbers, I can find them on the map and figure out the lay of the land! I really appreciate how helpful all of you are! I'm sure I'll have more questions before we leave, but when we get back I'll be sure to report back! I will be looking at the resort with new eyes as we've never stayed there before. I'm sure it'll be pure AWESOMENESS!!!

Yuo are very welcome! Ask away..that what we are all here for!

We just got back from Disney last night and we spent our last 2 nights at GF. OMG....I am in love with that place!!

We started our trip at POR for 4 nights. The 2 nights at GF were a splurge but we all left wishing we could have done all 6 nights there.

Check-in: amazing. We did online check-in and we were met outside the front entrance by a CM who walked us to the registration desk. Extremely nice and helpful CMs. Our room was ready when we got there around 10am (transferred from POR that morning) and they were able to meet our building request. Registration was quick, efficient, and very very nice. At that point I just could not believe we were actually there!

Side note: we used the luggage transfer service from POR to GF. We were told the bags would be there by 3. What we were told was that if it rains it can slow down luggage transfer. Luckily we all brought our clothes for Citricos with us because we did not get our bags until about 1:30am when we got from EMH at MK because someone has to be in the room. All we know is that when we left for MK around 8, our bags were still not there. So just a warning about that if you plan to transfer bags if you do a split stay.

Room: I had requested Boca Chica or Sago Cay (I think). We paid for a garden view and our view was amazing. We got our request of Boca Chica, 4th floor, room 8426. We had an amazing view of the courtyard, pool, and the other lodge buildings. Completely unobstructed view. The room was very clean and very nice. We did have a problem with the bathroom door sticking a little bit but we called to tell them and they sent someone to fix it while we went to lunch. Just an amazing room. Very classy but not over the top.

Dining: we dined at gasparilla Grill 6 times and Citricos 2 times. All the food was wonderful. The food at Gasparilla was definitely better than usual QS food. I have a list of about 21 food allergies and the 2 managers who helped me there (1 during breakfast, another during lunch/dinner) were outstanding. They remember me after the first meeting and were so nice and helpful. And the food was wonderful.
Now Citricos....this is just another level all together. Same chef both nights and the food was beyond amazing. The first night I got the ribeye filet with sautéed carrots and an olive oil and garlic potato mash. Mouthwatering! The nod night I got the chicken with the same potato mash and sautéed mushrooms with a sauce that the chef just came up with because none of the other sauces were safe. I told him that sauce should be on the regular menu! I left pleasantly stuffed from both meals! And the service was amazing in general!

Pools: we only used the courtyard pool and it was crowded but nothing to bad. We were always able to find lounge chairs and it always seemed so peaceful even when it was crowded. Did get cleared out both days we were there because of thunder but it was wonderful and so relaxing.

General resort grounds: we've visited the hotel before but never really walked to grounds. AMAZING!! I can't believe how well kept everything is. It really did feel like a top notch resort with the Disney service. Everyone we encountered there (bell hops, maintenance, managers, grounds keep, etc) were all so nice. The service was just way beyond expectations. And we also did the walk from the GF to the Poly who he as amazing. Never realized how close they were to each other!

Side note: speaking of the Poly. We walked through the resort and it is honestly not that bad. The construction (at least to us) was not very noticeable. If we had not really be interested in spending a lot of time at the pool. We would have been very happy staying there. And the new Capt Cooks is very very nice. I think when it's all done it will look great.

Overall, we had an amazing trip. POR was great but GF really was above and beyond what we ever expected and it is definitely my new favorite resort.

Disfan Thanks for your review! So ahppy to hear that you had such a grand experience!!!

I downloaded the Ears and Beers app for DH on his iPad so when he got me a sub to Disney Food Blog which I'm reading now! Linky for Cake Cup:

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/07/28/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate-in-disney-snacks-vol-ii/

I'm devouring it right now (and wiping drool off my iPad!)

Hope everyone has a Grand evening!

Liz

More food talk.... ..lol.. Liz..cake cups are added to the list!! I am a fan of the DFB too...( bet tha't's not a surprise..lol..)

k&a&c'smom My posting buddy and fellow room number tracker... I like you just used to keep the number with every trip "folder"....no there is an official list...

BC1836 & Davale Hope that you are both enjoying your Grand vacations!

~Speaking of food... ... I am contemplating changing our Narcoosees ressie to Citricos...lol...Love em both...but only have so many nites alotted for resort dining...on our other resort night we have a ressie for CG...Sooooo...what do you'll think???

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! preppy GF gal who is always tinkering with those ADRs!!

 

[famy27]

We're checking in a week from tomorrow for our first GF stay! So very excited!!!

Any last minute tips or tricks we should know about? Also, has anyone done any of the kids' spa treatments? I'm debating about taking DD for pedicures before MNSSHP.

 

[trishadono]

Hi ladies, back with another quick question. Since it's going to be super hot on our arrival day (Saturday, so soon!), we may spend a few hours at the pool before going to Villains Unleashed at DHS. Since we plan to leave for DHS around 3, our VGF villa may not be ready beforehand. Is there somewhere for us to shower and change before the party?

There are showers stocked with liquid soap and shampoo. Blow dryers are there too and just get towels from pool. This is the bath area at the beach pool.

Also dd and I were surprised how cool the water is. However it is so warm out now that it was actually refreshing.

 

[twoolle]

We are back from out trip to Tulsa where we let the grandparents tell our kids that they are taking us all to Disney! DS4 was excited, DS3 was excited because he has no idea what Disney World is, but was excited because big bro was excited. DD1 was screaming the whole time and clearly has no clue! (We are hoping to have our stubborn little red hair, blue eye baby girl walking by then...she will be 15 months in a few days). Anyhow, we made a countdown poster today. 29 days until we leave (driving) with stops in Tennesse, Georgia, then arrival at GF!

A few more questions...anyone know how tall the sinks are in the rooms? Just curious if we should bring a little stool so we don't have to help the boys wash their hands. Boys are 44 and 40 inches tall.

Last, would you recommend driving or taking the bus to DHS and AK from GF? We were thinking about driving as DH likes to be in control...however I have heard the GF parking lot can be quite a ways from the rooms?

Thanks all!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks, I updated the original post to correct the second floor number of rooms.

At the room map link--and yes, I knew how to go between floors with the drop down menu, but you can only link to one--some of the rooms numbers, for instance those of the octagon kings, didn't match what we've written here. When you click on the room, it lists a different number. I'm betting on the folks here being right over that map, but just wanted to call attention to it again, in case it was my screw up and I miscopied or misunderstand something. Don't want to post incorrect information for the next guest to find and be confused by.

I must not be seeing what you are seeing, unless I'm misunderstanding you. I just clicked on it again - for octagon deluxe king, I got 4321/4421/4021. Unless you are looking at those at the other end of the hall, over the front entrance? Those are 4330/4430/4030.

If I'm still not getting it, please help me out.

Oh - maybe you are looking at the turrets where the suites are located? For instance, 4311? (rooms ending in 11 are the Walt, Roy and Grand Suites) The octagon king deluxe rooms are found on the right hand side of the linked diagram, south facing.

....
The key lime adds such a nice flavor to the hollandaise sauce...I really can't wait to have breakfast there again!


More food talk.... ..lol.. Liz..cake cups are added to the list!! I am a fan of the DFB too...( bet tha't's not a surprise..lol..)

k&a&c'smom My posting buddy and fellow room number tracker... I like you just used to keep the number with every trip "folder"....no there is an official list...


~Speaking of food... ... I am contemplating changing our Narcoosees ressie to Citricos...lol...Love em both...but only have so many nites alotted for resort dining...on our other resort night we have a ressie for CG...Sooooo...what do you'll think???

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! preppy GF gal who is always tinkering with those ADRs!!

Oh, I get the key lime benedict now - lime hollandaise instead of lemon. Right? Yum!

LOL about the DFB.

Hard choice between Narcoossee's and Citricos. On the one hand, N's has been a favorite of ours since waaay back, and has a more extensive menu; on the other, Citricos does a great job with what they do have on the menu, and I think their wine list is better. Tough one.

We're checking in a week from tomorrow for our first GF stay! So very excited!!!

Any last minute tips or tricks we should know about? Also, has anyone done any of the kids' spa treatments? I'm debating about taking DD for pedicures before MNSSHP.

Woohoo! Nearly there! Wish I could help with the kids' spa treatments, but we didn't do any when DD was a nipper.

There are showers stocked with liquid soap and shampoo. Blow dryers are there too and just get towels from pool. This is the bath area at the beach pool.

Also dd and I were surprised how cool the water is. However it is so warm out now that it was actually refreshing.

Thanks for the tip about the cool water. Somehow, I'm not surprised, as we've always thought the Beach Pool was colder. Not that one has anything to do with the other.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We are back from out trip to Tulsa where we let the grandparents tell our kids that they are taking us all to Disney! DS4 was excited, DS3 was excited because he has no idea what Disney World is, but was excited because big bro was excited. DD1 was screaming the whole time and clearly has no clue! (We are hoping to have our stubborn little red hair, blue eye baby girl walking by then...she will be 15 months in a few days). Anyhow, we made a countdown poster today. 29 days until we leave (driving) with stops in Tennesse, Georgia, then arrival at GF!

A few more questions...anyone know how tall the sinks are in the rooms? Just curious if we should bring a little stool so we don't have to help the boys wash their hands. Boys are 44 and 40 inches tall.

Last, would you recommend driving or taking the bus to DHS and AK from GF? We were thinking about driving as DH likes to be in control...however I have heard the GF parking lot can be quite a ways from the rooms?

Thanks all!

Aww, thanks for sharing your story! Adorable. Hey, I have a red haired, blue eyed baby girl, too! Mine is 25.

A stool would probably be a good idea. I think the sinks are normal height, so if they need them at home, they will need one at the Grand.

The self parking is now located in front of the resort again. For a few years, it was relocated across Floridian Way, in the employees parking, so valet could have the entire front parking lot. Guests must have made enough noise, lol. I have a link on the first page to an aerial map of the GF, brb.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

twoolle - here is the aerial map, the self park is again located in the big parking lot just in front the Grand. It was located in the lighter grey, smaller lot on the far left of this view, across Floridian Way, which is why DISers always referred to it being such a hike!

Hard for me to advise on bus vs. driving. We always drive to other resorts when we have a car, or take a cab. Always take buses to the parks, as we prefer not to have to park and take a tram, then reverse in the evening to a hot car.

I would probably try the buses first, just to gauge how they are running. If you are able to make it in decent time, I'd stick with the buses. If not, switch to driving yourselves.

 

[cattywampus]

Yes, on the stool for the little ones. My 48" one can barely reach and I remember trying to hold him up, so he could wash his hands.

Another tip: pack an unopened pump liquid handsoap. Not having to deal with a slimy bar soap is so much better and easier for everyone! I saw that tip on this board and thought "oh, that would be nice". Nope... it's GREAT!! Everything feels cleaner and a little more homey!

 

[Sue M]

Just checked into GF after 3 amazing days at Portofino! I booked SL but got upgraded to RPC!! Wow. I'm not going to want to leave. But only booked. 2 nights CL then moving to Boca Chica if I get request.
TL day now just relaxing on beach but dessert is calling!
Tomorrow is a resort day sadly one daughter leaves tomorrow to go home. Which is main reason I booked CL.
I also think we got a deluxe room. They are going to have to pry my cold dead hands off the door to get me out !!!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Enjoy every minute, SueM!! Congrats!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Just checked into GF after 3 amazing days at Portofino! I booked SL but got upgraded to RPC!! Wow. I'm not going to want to leave. But only booked. 2 nights CL then moving to Boca Chica if I get request.
TL day now just relaxing on beach but dessert is calling!
Tomorrow is a resort day sadly one daughter leaves tomorrow to go home. Which is main reason I booked CL.
I also think we got a deluxe room. They are going to have to pry my cold dead hands off the door to get me out !!!

Aww, that's awesome!! Enjoy!

 

[BC1836]

Just checked into GF after 3 amazing days at Portofino! I booked SL but got upgraded to RPC!! Wow. I'm not going to want to leave. But only booked. 2 nights CL then moving to Boca Chica if I get request.
TL day now just relaxing on beach but dessert is calling!
Tomorrow is a resort day sadly one daughter leaves tomorrow to go home. Which is main reason I booked CL.
I also think we got a deluxe room. They are going to have to pry my cold dead hands off the door to get me out !!!

Welcome to the RPC! Greetings from the fifth floor.

All the best.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks everyone!! And hi 5th floor lol!!

 

[disney meema]

Just checked into GF after 3 amazing days at Portofino! I booked SL but got upgraded to RPC!! Wow. I'm not going to want to leave. But only booked. 2 nights CL then moving to Boca Chica if I get request. TL day now just relaxing on beach but dessert is calling! Tomorrow is a resort day sadly one daughter leaves tomorrow to go home. Which is main reason I booked CL. I also think we got a deluxe room. They are going to have to pry my cold dead hands off the door to get me out !!!

Sooooo nice !!! Enjoy and have a fabulous vacation

 

[cattywampus]

Just checked into GF after 3 amazing days at Portofino! I booked SL but got upgraded to RPC!! Wow. I'm not going to want to leave. But only booked. 2 nights CL then moving to Boca Chica if I get request.
TL day now just relaxing on beach but dessert is calling!
Tomorrow is a resort day sadly one daughter leaves tomorrow to go home. Which is main reason I booked CL.
I also think we got a deluxe room. They are going to have to pry my cold dead hands off the door to get me out !!!

Yay!!!! Enjoy!