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

[trishadono]

I'm still sitting here thinking about the incredible focus on customer service at The Grand Floridian! I don't think I've ever stayed anywhere with such helpful employees! One of my favorite things? The little basket they put by the doors in the mornings with fresh linens!

I love that too.

They also put similar baskets with dry towels by the lobby doors on rainy days. I can tell you in August getting caught in one of those showers those can be very helpful.

 

[VWLLover]

Longtime lurker but prompted to post on this thread because I recently won a trip to WDW!!

I was given the choice of any deluxe resort and we picked the Grand Floridian (we have never stayed there). They have booked it for us and I notice we have a lagoon view. Is there anything particular or any building I should request when I do online check in?

I've read the first few pages of this thread but I just can't go through every page.

Thank you for any advice or tips for a great stay at GF!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Longtime lurker but prompted to post on this thread because I recently won a trip to WDW!!

I was given the choice of any deluxe resort and we picked the Grand Floridian (we have never stayed there). They have booked it for us and I notice we have a lagoon view. Is there anything particular or any building I should request when I do online check in?

I've read the first few pages of this thread but I just can't go through every page.

Thank you for any advice or tips for a great stay at GF!

Congratulations on the wonderful prize. I think almost every one of the buildings has a least 1 room that is "lagoon view." I've stayed Sago and Big Pine Key, in February I asked for Boca Chica. The resport is so small that even if you are in the furthest building you have no more than a 5 minute walk to anywhere.

Tom

 

[gottalovepluto]

Re: the patches, what kind of horror stories?? We have used them several time for cruises and the only problem has been dry mouth! Now, as for attractions, I don't know if they would be as useful. Welcome back, Marlaine.....sounds like you had a GRAND trip!

Dry mouth seemed most common. What scared me off was some people experience double vision as a side effect from scopolamine patches that continues for a couple weeks in severe cases after they went off them. I know that stuff is rare but as someone whose had vision problems in the past I just shudder too much at the thought. Do understand I am one of those people though who reads all side effects of everything *paranoid* haha

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Dry mouth seemed most common. What scared me off was some people experience double vision as a side effect from scopolamine patches that continues for a couple weeks in severe cases after they went off them. I know that stuff is rare but as someone whose had vision problems in the past I just shudder too much at the thought. Do understand I am one of those people though who reads all side effects of everything *paranoid* haha

My older brother is a board certified anesthesiologist, he used to get seasick on my boat, so he decided to try the patch as it seemed to be the perfect solution. He said the double vision was worse than being sea sick "at least when I got off the boat I didn't feel sick after a couple of hours, the damn patch took weeks to get better."

He never wore the patch, nor my boat again.

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Hello All....

We just got back late last night from our first stay at The Grand Floridian! We were there 6 nights in the RPC. All I can say is WOW! We stepped off Magical Express and were met by Dan who took us on a quick tour of the building and took us to our room. At first I was a little upset because I had requested 4th floor, closest to lounge, no dormer. We got 5th floor, directly across the lounge and a dormer. I cannot say how much I loved this room! (Room 4026) It was absolutely perfect! Loved the balcony and the view was spectacular! We were directly across from the kid's splash area and the main pool. EVERY cast member at The GF was amazing! The Lounge attendants were wonderful. I spent a few evenings just hanging out talking with them. I absolutely loved the resort! The only problem we had was with the buses in the mornings, but I had some friends staying the same time at a different resort and they had problems too. Seems it was a site-wide problem. We've stayed at The Polynesian for the last 8 years and always loved it there. After this last week, I think we've found a new favorite resort in the GF!
Thank you to all of you that answered my questions prior to our trip. I really appreciate it! If anyone has any questions, please ask away!

Welcome Back! Glad that your GF stay was so Grand!!! And thanks for sharing your experience...I agree about the CMs too...top notch Really adds to the magical feel of the resort!

GF Merchandise in resort shops? I've read on a thread on another board that few resorts have items with their logos anymore. I would love to buy a tote/beach bag or something with the resort logo. What might I find in the resort shops and where should I look? I never have much time to shop on vacation, unfortunately.

Thanks!

While the most resort specific merchandise..including clorthing.. can be found in Sandy Cove..nice resort specific clothing can also be found in Commander Porters (mens shop on the 2nd floor of the main building..and Summer Lace (womens shop on the first floor same building) ...Happy shopping!!

I saw some logo merchandise at Sandy Cove on the Main floor.

Longtime lurker but prompted to post on this thread because I recently won a trip to WDW!!

I was given the choice of any deluxe resort and we picked the Grand Floridian (we have never stayed there). They have booked it for us and I notice we have a lagoon view. Is there anything particular or any building I should request when I do online check in?

I've read the first few pages of this thread but I just can't go through every page.

Thank you for any advice or tips for a great stay at GF!

Congratulations!!! LV's are lovely..and as Tom said...with the resort being on the more compact side..and things in close proximity to each other you really have many good options ...Boca Chica is a personal fave of ours...close to courtyard pool, boat dock, and with lovely views...just a suggestion!

Wishes There was a recent thread about the scent used in the GF lobby..and how to go about purchasing it.... I know that you have the system at your house..and was hoping that you could share the info again here for those that are interested!!! Thanks!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday!!

 

[EnviroChick]

Hi GF fans,

DH and I will be staying at the GF for the first time at the end of October. I have a few questions that I was hoping you could help me with.

We've booked a LV and based on my research have decided to request Boca Chica. We do not want a dormer room. Which floors are best to request and might there be an opportunity to see the castle or space mountain from Boca Chica being booked in a LV? How about the water parade? Does a request for a certain building often get honored?

How many days before we leave should I make the request? Should I simply call the hotel?

Thanks for such a fun and informative thread!

 

[PixieJenna]

NINE DAYS until my first GRAND stay!!! I am so excited! I wanted to thank you all for all of your amazing knowledge and advice. Planning would not have been as easy without you all!

Hugs to all!!!

 

[ksks11]

I'd go Bonine. I too suffer from severe motion sickness (though mostly airplanes and mountain roads, only Star Tours gets me ride wise). I did a lot of research earlier this summer. I tried Bonine flying to/from Hawaii and it worked great! Ginger never worked for me and neither did Dramamine. The only side effect I found online was drowsiness if consuming alcohol but I did not test that. People reported the patches working but the side effects read like horror stories to me, absolutely not worth the risk in my book if they go wrong. I was nervous to take medication for my motion sickness so I tested it a couple weeks before I left to check for side effects (like drowsiness). Hope this helps, keep doing your research so you feel fully informed. Have a wonderful time at the Grand & WDW!

Thanks for replying
Some people who wrote about Bonine said they would take it the night before they go to bed and since it was 24 hours- they would not take it until the next night... don't know if this helped with drowsiness.
I think that you had a good idea to try it before my trip to see how it affects me. I didn't know there were side effects to the patch b/c I really didn't look into that yet. Thanks for the warning.

 

[threelilbears]

Hi GF fans,

DH and I will be staying at the GF for the first time at the end of October. I have a few questions that I was hoping you could help me with.

We've booked a LV and based on my research have decided to request Boca Chica. We do not want a dormer room. Which floors are best to request and might there be an opportunity to see the castle or space mountain from Boca Chica being booked in a LV? How about the water parade? Does a request for a certain building often get honored?

How many days before we leave should I make the request? Should I simply call the hotel?

Thanks for such a fun and informative thread!

You'll be able to see the water parade form any of the lagoon view rooms. I would ask for 1st, 2nd or 3rd floor to avoid a dormer room (they are on the 4th & 5th floors)

 

[cattywampus]

60 days!! Did our Fastpasses tonight at 9 pm (west coasters) from the Disneyland Hotel! Tagged along with sister who had a conference and we had crazy hot weather above 100 degrees with humidity. Crazy!

Something ironic about doing FPP from here. I spent two hours checking, double checking and adjusting. Exhausting but I got everything! Blessedly didn't need frozen characters but did get 7DMT last two days.

Thanks for everyone's help in DIS boards!

 

[ratdog9]

I requested Boca Chica when I did online check in. I would like an unconstructed pool view on a higher floor ( not dormer room). Any suggestions?

 

[trishadono]

60 days!! Did our Fastpasses tonight at 9 pm (west coasters) from the Disneyland Hotel! Tagged along with sister who had a conference and we had crazy hot weather above 100 degrees with humidity. Crazy!

Something ironic about doing FPP from here. I spent two hours checking, double checking and adjusting. Exhausting but I got everything! Blessedly didn't need frozen characters but did get 7DMT last two days.

Thanks for everyone's help in DIS boards!

It does take long !!!

However when you get there and it all works out you will be glad you did it

My 60 days on Thursday! Staying at poly this one but will be in your lobby for the gingerbread house!!!

I have been working on my times and choices and if anyone else going(Blue) fantasmic closed 11/19-21 MK closes at 7pm on mvmcp, that week both 11/20 and 21. If that is not enough the annual disney cast member appreciation is 11/20 so HS closes at 4pm.

Not to worry! I will give my mom the best trip ever

It just took a little finagling but I got in everything I wanted. Now I just need to get it from paper to DME

 

[kirstenh]

Wishes There was a recent thread about the scent used in the GF lobby..and how to go about purchasing it.... I know that you have the system at your house..and was hoping that you could share the info again here for those that are interested!!! Thanks!!

I would be VERY interested in this. Our stay is in two weeks and I'm sure I will love the smell and want to buy it! I'm very olfactory and "collect" scents that remind me of places.

 

[VWLLover]

Congratulations on the wonderful prize. I think almost every one of the buildings has a least 1 room that is "lagoon view." I've stayed Sago and Big Pine Key, in February I asked for Boca Chica. The resport is so small that even if you are in the furthest building you have no more than a 5 minute walk to anywhere.

Tom

Thank you!

Hello All....

Congratulations!!! LV's are lovely..and as Tom said...with the resort being on the more compact side..and things in close proximity to each other you really have many good options ...Boca Chica is a personal fave of ours...close to courtyard pool, boat dock, and with lovely views...just a suggestion!

[

Thanks! It sounds like Boca Chica is what I will request.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I would be VERY interested in this. Our stay is in two weeks and I'm sure I will love the smell and want to buy it! I'm very olfactory and "collect" scents that remind me of places.

We've observed/discovered/experienced (?) the GF scent in several non-WDW locations! (also BC!)

I don't know what it is, but it must be a scent that is commercially available! We discovered it on one hotel lobby, once in a frozen yogurt shop, and once in a public restroom. (also at a hotel)

 

[EnviroChick]

You'll be able to see the water parade form any of the lagoon view rooms. I would ask for 1st, 2nd or 3rd floor to avoid a dormer room (they are on the 4th & 5th floors)

Thanks much for that. Do 1st floor rooms have obstructions? From trees, for example? How about the opportunity to see some of the MK from Boca Chica LV rooms?

 

[grannyminnie]

We've observed/discovered/experienced (?) the GF scent in several non-WDW locations! (also BC!)

I don't know what it is, but it must be a scent that is commercially available! We discovered it on one hotel lobby, once in a frozen yogurt shop, and once in a public restroom. (also at a hotel)

Wow, I've never found that wonderful GF scent anywhere else... But it IS wonderful, isn't it? Our first entry into that lobby produces a delighted "Ahhhhhhh"! Someone mentioned the scent pumped into the AKL lobby...I've always thought that was food from Boma or Mara!

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

We are 31 days away from our first GF stay. Yeah!

In regards to the modified monorail schedule - I'd be interested in hearing from recent GF guests about how the early morning bus & boat transportation has been working.

TIA!
Debbie

 

[twoolle]

We are 31 days away from our first GF stay. Yeah!

In regards to the modified monorail schedule - I'd be interested in hearing from recent GF guests about how the early morning bus & boat transportation has been working.

TIA!
Debbie

We will be there starting saturday. Plan to do rope drop to MK on sunday and on next wed we have 8 am ADR at Crystal Palace. Will let u know how it goes!