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

[ClareH37]

Bell services have just collected my luggage and I'm now stamping my feet as I don't want to leave the beautiful GF

I've a spa appointment followed by lunch at the GF Cafe and then off to the airport.

This trip has been the best experience in many Disney trips, RPC is beyond wonderful, the service and CMs amazing.

I'll post some photos when I get home (UK so tomorrow), thank you to everyone for this great thread, it helped me so much.

 

[grannyminnie]

Bell services have just collected my luggage and I'm now stamping my feet as I don't want to leave the beautiful GF

I've a spa appointment followed by lunch at the GF Cafe and then off to the airport.

This trip has been the best experience in many Disney trips, RPC is beyond wonderful, the service and CMs amazing.

I'll post some photos when I get home (UK so tomorrow), thank you to everyone for this great thread, it helped me so much.

We all know THAT feeling....the "I don't want to leave this place" sadness!

 

[maiapapaya]

We all know THAT feeling....the "I don't want to leave this place" sadness!

Over at on the Poly forum we call it the "Poly pout". I was hoping the GF wouldnt' have an equivalent. No such luck I guess.

 

[BlueSkies]

I had a couple of questions regarding the rehab.

Which buildings are done? Any pictures of the new rooms?

Which building is currently being worked on?

Is there any type of schedule for the rest of the buildings? We have December booked for outer theme park view and we usually request Sago Kay (because tha'ts where we have stayed for our wedding/honeymoon and 1st year anniversary last year). Should all the rehab on rooms be done by December?

As MickeyNut said there is a renovation schedule at the beginning of this thread...so far everything has been progressing according to schedule..so you should be able to celebrate your anniversary in a newly refurbished room! BTW what a nice tradition you have started celebrating your honeymoon and now 1st anniversary at the GF...

Classyabk...I like it!

I already bought so many things for our trip and they're stored in the corner of my bedroom so if I dare to put suitcases there I think my husband will flip.

Hey classyabk I am sure that everything that you bought for the trip were things that you "needed"...

Can somebody point me to the page where the reference is made to that 7DMT survey? (Blue?) I want to take it to see if I'm CLASSY! I have always suspected I was...... And on another note, I am so excited to report that my daughter told me this past weekend that she has ordered me a Midnight Mickey VB bag and hopes it arrives in time for my trip!! She wowed me with the news! Was not expecting it!!

What a thoughtful DD that you have...those Midnight Mickey bags are so nice!! As for the 7DMT survey...

At the top of the WDW home page there are several categories..
Go to Things To Do category..
Then scroll down to Activities...
Choose Attractions...
Look for7DMT... rides are listed in alphabetical order...
Once you choose 7DMT you will see a box in the lower left corner..
Click on that box...then on Join the Crew... and take the survey..and presto...You will have your crew name too!!! Cant wait to hear what it is!

Bell services have just collected my luggage and I'm now stamping my feet as I don't want to leave the beautiful GF

I've a spa appointment followed by lunch at the GF Cafe and then off to the airport.

This trip has been the best experience in many Disney trips, RPC is beyond wonderful, the service and CMs amazing.

I'll post some photos when I get home (UK so tomorrow), thank you to everyone for this great thread, it helped me so much.

Glad that you had such a wonderful stay at the GF... Sounds like you have the perfect last day planned too..what a nice send off...some Spa time and lunch at the GFC....Safe travels home....Looking forward to seeing your pics...

Lisann Thank you so much for checking in!! Enjoyed reading your report...lots of great details! Dinner at Citricos sounded delicious... making me rethink our ADRs...as I didn't have that planned for our next trip...lol... .... Hope that you had a comfy nites rest (waiting for the mattress feedback...lol...)... and will continue to have a Grand stay!!

mommyrosa So sorry for your sudden loss.... What a thoughtful DD that you have ..and a nice tradition..I am sure that picture made you smile..made me smile too..thanks for sharing ...

MickeyNut, k&a&c'smom and all the rest of my fellow GF fans...

~ Thinking of having a little something extra in the room to surprise DD with... We have done Disney Florist ..and Flower Power (very cute and original floral arrangements..) ..thinking maybe something from private dining??? Cause its always about the food....lol...Any ideas welcome... ....

Hope that everyone has a terrific Tuesday! Preppy GF Gal...

 

[BlueSkies]

Over at on the Poly forum we call it the "Poly pout". I was hoping the GF wouldnt' have an equivalent. No such luck I guess.

The" Poly pout"! lol.. great description.. Wish we had a clever name for it on this forum too...Hmmm.... Never the less..same feeling.... Its never fun to see a Disney vacation end....

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon Nothing much going on here in my part of the world.....

Can somebody point me to the page where the reference is made to that 7DMT survey? (Blue?) I want to take it to see if I'm CLASSY! I have always suspected I was...... And on another note, I am so excited to report that my daughter told me this past weekend that she has ordered me a Midnight Mickey VB bag and hopes it arrives in time for my trip!! She wowed me with the news! Was not expecting it!!

Fingers crossed the tote arrives for your trip, get packing and safe travels .........Here ya go grannyminnie, I took it and I'm Funny wonder how they came up with that name.......
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/a...VAN-WDWFY14Q3MineTrain0001#detailsMediaPlayer

Good Morning everyone!!

To say the last few weeks have been a complete blur would be an understatement. No sooner I commented on my last post that this year hadn't been the best for me, my beloved father took ill and passed away two weeks ago...still can't believe it .

Trying to keep busy and slowly coming back to the boards...Disney truly is my happy place. I started skimming thru these pages and I have a lot of catching up to do.

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day! For those who are in Disney now, hope you have a wonderful trip and for those who are just starting to pack...so excited for you!

Sorry for you loss, sending my condolences to you and your family

Bell services have just collected my luggage and I'm now stamping my feet as I don't want to leave the beautiful GF

I've a spa appointment followed by lunch at the GF Cafe and then off to the airport.

This trip has been the best experience in many Disney trips, RPC is beyond wonderful, the service and CMs amazing.

I'll post some photos when I get home (UK so tomorrow), thank you to everyone for this great thread, it helped me so much.

Thanks for the mini review ClareH37, looking forward to more pics..Have fun at the spa and safe travels back to the UK

MickeyNut, k&a&c'smom and all the rest of my fellow GF fans...

~ Thinking of having a little something extra in the room to surprise DD with... We have done Disney Florist ..and Flower Power (very cute and original floral arrangements..) ..thinking maybe something from private dining??? Cause its always about the food....lol...Any ideas welcome... ....

Hope that everyone has a terrific Thursday***** helpfully edited ! Preppy GF Gal...

Hi Blue....Hmmm how about some of those delicious chocolate covered strawberries, a cake or maybe a dinner at my fave restaurant?............See ya Saturday

 

[DT83097]

The" Poly pout"! lol.. great description.. Wish we had a clever name for it on this forum too...Hmmm.... Never the less..same feeling.... Its never fun to see a Disney vacation end....

How about the Grand Floridian Funk

 

[grannyminnie]

Blue and Ahcupcake, took the survey and I'm not Classy, I'm Lovey! Thought sure I was Classy, and for sure, I am definitely Funny, but "survey says", I'm Lovey!

 

[mariamouse]

How about the Grand Floridian Funk

Or the Grand Gloom?

 

[abk96]

Bell services have just collected my luggage and I'm now stamping my feet as I don't want to leave the beautiful GF

I've a spa appointment followed by lunch at the GF Cafe and then off to the airport.

This trip has been the best experience in many Disney trips, RPC is beyond wonderful, the service and CMs amazing.

I'll post some photos when I get home (UK so tomorrow), thank you to everyone for this great thread, it helped me so much.

Safe travels home. Can't wait to see pics!

 

[Mousemommy1]

How about the Grand Floridian Funk

Or the Grand Gloom?

Or the G. Flo Sorrow

 

[davale4]

Good Morning everyone!!

To say the last few weeks have been a complete blur would be an understatement. No sooner I commented on my last post that this year hadn't been the best for me, my beloved father took ill and passed away two weeks ago...still can't believe it .

Trying to keep busy and slowly coming back to the boards...Disney truly is my happy place. I started skimming thru these pages and I have a lot of catching up to do.

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day! For those who are in Disney now, hope you have a wonderful trip and for those who are just starting to pack...so excited for you!

So sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[Scott MC]

Or the Grand Gloom?

Or the G. Flo Sorrow

How about The Grand Glums?

Hello, ladies! I'm at The Grand right now. Yes, I know that I was going to stay at the Beach Club, and my sister and I did stay there, but we just couldn't be away from the GF. We moved this morning to finish out our vacation here at the Grand.

Some thoughts: While I adore the YC/BC, we were just a little overwhelmed with so many kids running around like crazy over there. I'll save my "out of control kids" speech for another time.

We are settled into room 9332, Big Pine Key, facing the pool (the back of the pool house, which is a nice buffer to the pool noise). We are glad that we got the room, because the resort is booked.

We are in a re-furbished room and building. The lobby area of the bldg is very pretty, and the hallways are so nice and clean now. Beautiful carpet (just like the villas) and pretty light sconces lining the hallways.

Our room: I'm not so sure what to make of it. There is very little room for clothes. The curtains and sheers are beautiful. The room is all new, but I'm not feeling any real certain time period or style here. To me, not really Victorian feeling, not really modern feeling, sort of traditional but not entirely...very bizarre actually. Still pretty, but I'm not wowed at all.

Love the wood floor entry. There are robes in our closet. The toilet/shower room has dim lighting. It's just ivory/beige color scheme. The toilet paper holder keeps falling off the little holder....very poor design.

We had to request a trash can (the new ones are on back order, so we have the old type, which doesn't matter to us). There is a hamper. We are part of an adjoining room, so there is no chair in our room (except at the desk).

The drawers are very, very small in the furniture/refrig combo. In my opinion, not enough room for clothes. We used the night stand drawer space as well. The refrig is nice, but doesn't have a temp control, which I thought was odd. The Beach Club refrigerator froze everything we had in it, not fun.

The beds are comfy, but don't seem to be as good as the ones that were here about seven years ago. It's a shame, but the platform that holds the bed is already scuffed all the way around. It's either from the vacuum or from shoes, not sure. But it does not look good. Maintenance will need to look into that and make some changes.

The wallpaper is pretty behind the beds, the desk with marble top is pretty, too. The sofa is very firm when you are sitting on it. The bed will probably be comfortable since it is firm and feels well supported for your back.

We ate at Gasparillas...had a wonderful salad with chicken and mandarin orange dressing. yum.. my sister had the margarita flatbread. yum.

We got to visit a two bdrm lockoff at the villas and a grand villa. truly stunning. not sure if I want to be away from the main bldg though. I'm still not sure I would purchase at the Grand. Have to think on that one.

Overall, I love the Grand and it is so nice to be back, but I truly wish the rooms were more fussy Victorian and over-the-top themed. I like my vacation to Disney to have some fantasy.

Citricos tonight at 6:25. Can't wait. Oh, and I've already done some damage at the shops...bought a dress...a tea set....bath salts...

Full report later...the train whistle and boat sounds are lulling me to sleep...the rain is pouring outside....the sounds of the Magic Kingdom are so nice. This is my happy place.

Thanks for your review! I don't hate the pics of the new rooms as much as I did when I first saw them, but still really missing the clear Victorian theme of GF rooms of the past. I think the daybed, and the sconce over it are what is really killing it. Plus I'd like some more Alice...Mary Poppins.....Dumbo....SOMETHING motif! The VGF are loaded with Disney touches. Why couldn't these new rooms?

 

[Lisann]

Lisann Thank you so much for the detailed mini-report. So sweet of you to take so much time to post on your vacation so that we can all live vicariously thru you! Does the desk have the nesting table underneath yet?

Oh--and that dinner you had sounds YUMMERS

In our room, there is no nesting table under the desk.

Another thing...would it have killed them to put some whimsical fabric on the bed bolster pillow?? I mean, it's plain red/gold stripe. Maybe an Alice and Wonderland nod? Or a Mary Poppins nod? Or a nod to Mickey other than the curtain sheers? Nope. The only nod is just a pic in the (boring) bathroom of the tea party.

Please understand that I"m not trying to be negative by any means, just trying to let you all know the good and the bad, in my opinion.

 

[Lisann]

mommyrosa2....so sorry. hugs.

 

[mickeynut1]

Bell services have just collected my luggage and I'm now stamping my feet as I don't want to leave the beautiful GF

I've a spa appointment followed by lunch at the GF Cafe and then off to the airport.

This trip has been the best experience in many Disney trips, RPC is beyond wonderful, the service and CMs amazing.

I'll post some photos when I get home (UK so tomorrow), thank you to everyone for this great thread, it helped me so much.

I'm sorry your Grand trip has come to an end . The best way to get rid of those post Disney blues is to start planning your next trip .

I agree that RPC is hard to top and is just outright amazing .

Safe travels home.....can't wait to see pics and hear all about your trip .

MickeyNut, k&a&c'smom and all the rest of my fellow GF fans...

Good Afternoon Nothing much going on here in my part of the world.....

Hi ahcupcake.....nice to "see" you back . Hope things are well with you .

Another thing...would it have killed them to put some whimsical fabric on the bed bolster pillow?? I mean, it's plain red/gold stripe. Maybe an Alice and Wonderland nod? Or a Mary Poppins nod? Or a nod to Mickey other than the curtain sheers? Nope. The only nod is just a pic in the (boring) bathroom of the tea party.

Please understand that I"m not trying to be negative by any means, just trying to let you all know the good and the bad, in my opinion.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't think you're being negative at all, you're just giving your opinion . I haven't even seen the new rooms yet and I don't like them (and I know I won't feel any different when I do see them in person). There are not enough Disney touches, IMO, and while I still love the GF, the rooms are just too plain/generic .

 

[Lisann]

About seven years ago, my sisters and I stayed in an Alice in Wonderland -themed room, it was great. We had an amazingly comfortable bed then...firm with a comfy pillow-top on it.

I hate to say it guys....don't like the mattresses this time. When I sat on them they sort of sunk. Basically, it feels like a cheaper mattress with a cheaper/thinner pillow top.

We went to Artist Point tonight. Had a great filet. I also had the mushroom soup and for dessert, the pistachio cheesecake. Delicious...all of it!

Overall, the GF room is nice, yes. And I love staying at this resort (each bldg is only a 2 minute walk to the main bldg). The smells, the feel, the elegance...love it all! It truly does feel a complete step up from all the other resorts, in every way. But I just wish Disney would have consulted all of us here before they started their re-decorating.

Personally, I would have pulled out the beautiful robin's egg blue and golden yellows out of the curtains and gone with that, and made it prissy Victorian all the way!!

Think about this...every resort on property...don't you know exactly what you are getting when you walk into the rooms? Bay Lake...feels modern. Port Orleans...feels bayou. Poly...feels South Pacific. WL...feels lodge-like. Grand Floridian...uh...Deco? Victorian? Traditional room? You catch my drift.

Oh, almost forgot...the makeup mirror has a light! Woo hoo!

Oh, and here's another thing I can't believe I forgot! When we had our tour of the villas, the cast member explained why they went with the new decor (both the villas, and the main resort) and said that they wanted to "tone down the fussiness of the Victorian feel, so that you felt more like you were at home...we didn't think our guests would want Victorian when they were on vacation". WHAT??? My sister and I couldn't wrap our heads around that statement, on any level. I thought we were at a Victorian-era beach resort. Uh...I don't want to feel like I'm at home. I want the fantasy package of what I can't get at home! Personally, I would never decorate my home in the Victorian style, but I want it all when I'm at the GF!

We leave in two more nights...and I'm sure I"ll have on the Floridian Frown!

 

[mickeynut1]

About seven years ago, my sisters and I stayed in an Alice in Wonderland -themed room, it was great. We had an amazingly comfortable bed then...firm with a comfy pillow-top on it.

I hate to say it guys....don't like the mattresses this time. When I sat on them they sort of sunk. Basically, it feels like a cheaper mattress with a cheaper/thinner pillow top.

We went to Artist Point tonight. Had a great filet. I also had the mushroom soup and for dessert, the pistachio cheesecake. Delicious...all of it!

Overall, the GF room is nice, yes. And I love staying at this resort (each bldg is only a 2 minute walk to the main bldg). The smells, the feel, the elegance...love it all! It truly does feel a complete step up from all the other resorts, in every way. But I just wish Disney would have consulted all of us here before they started their re-decorating.

Personally, I would have pulled out the beautiful robin's egg blue and golden yellows out of the curtains and gone with that, and made it prissy Victorian all the way!!

Think about this...every resort on property...don't you know exactly what you are getting when you walk into the rooms? Bay Lake...feels modern. Port Orleans...feels bayou. Poly...feels South Pacific. WL...feels lodge-like. Grand Floridian...uh...Deco? Victorian? Traditional room? You catch my drift.

Oh, almost forgot...the makeup mirror has a light! Woo hoo!

Oh, and here's another thing I can't believe I forgot! When we had our tour of the villas, the cast member explained why they went with the new decor (both the villas, and the main resort) and said that they wanted to "tone down the fussiness of the Victorian feel, so that you felt more like you were at home...we didn't think our guests would want Victorian when they were on vacation". WHAT??? My sister and I couldn't wrap our heads around that statement, on any level. I thought we were at a Victorian-era beach resort. Uh...I don't want to feel like I'm at home. I want the fantasy package of what I can't get at home! Personally, I would never decorate my home in the Victorian style, but I want it all when I'm at the GF!

We leave in two more nights...and I'm sure I"ll have on the Floridian Frown!

I'm sad to hear about the beds . Along with the Poly, the GF was one of the most comfortable beds I've slept on at Disney. It will be interesting to see what they're like now. I may just have to book a trip soon to try it out myself .

Glad you had a nice dinner at Artist Point. We tried AP a few years ago and it was amazing. The filet was so tender you could cut it with a butter knife. I also loved the atmosphere and the waitstaff was amazing .

I agree about the GF.....everything from the smells, surroundings, etc are just heavenly .

That is interesting about the reason you were given for the new decor. I'm with you on not wanting to feel like I'm at home......if that was the case, I'd stay home . You're not alone in not being able to wrap your head around that statement .

 

[scottmel]

About seven years ago, my sisters and I stayed in an Alice in Wonderland -themed room, it was great. We had an amazingly comfortable bed then...firm with a comfy pillow-top on it.

I hate to say it guys....don't like the mattresses this time. When I sat on them they sort of sunk. Basically, it feels like a cheaper mattress with a cheaper/thinner pillow top.

We went to Artist Point tonight. Had a great filet. I also had the mushroom soup and for dessert, the pistachio cheesecake. Delicious...all of it!

Overall, the GF room is nice, yes. And I love staying at this resort (each bldg is only a 2 minute walk to the main bldg). The smells, the feel, the elegance...love it all! It truly does feel a complete step up from all the other resorts, in every way. But I just wish Disney would have consulted all of us here before they started their re-decorating.

Personally, I would have pulled out the beautiful robin's egg blue and golden yellows out of the curtains and gone with that, and made it prissy Victorian all the way!!

Think about this...every resort on property...don't you know exactly what you are getting when you walk into the rooms? Bay Lake...feels modern. Port Orleans...feels bayou. Poly...feels South Pacific. WL...feels lodge-like. Grand Floridian...uh...Deco? Victorian? Traditional room? You catch my drift.

Oh, almost forgot...the makeup mirror has a light! Woo hoo!

Oh, and here's another thing I can't believe I forgot! When we had our tour of the villas, the cast member explained why they went with the new decor (both the villas, and the main resort) and said that they wanted to "tone down the fussiness of the Victorian feel, so that you felt more like you were at home...we didn't think our guests would want Victorian when they were on vacation". WHAT??? My sister and I couldn't wrap our heads around that statement, on any level. I thought we were at a Victorian-era beach resort. Uh...I don't want to feel like I'm at home. I want the fantasy package of what I can't get at home! Personally, I would never decorate my home in the Victorian style, but I want it all when I'm at the GF!

We leave in two more nights...and I'm sure I"ll have on the Floridian Frown!

I booked the one bedroom GFV for June and LOL when I showed DD the pictures she said "hey I feel like I am at home, that is our bathroom!". I totally get what the CM says. I do want to feel like I am at home!! I am not a Victorian person at all and honestly that is why I loved BWI but haven't returned either...If furnishings aren't my thing I can't stay at the resort. Weirdo I know!!! Did you like the GFV though? I cant wait to see them in person but now I am worrying about the mattress.....

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm sad to hear about the beds . Along with the Poly, the GF was one of the most comfortable beds I've slept on at Disney. It will be interesting to see what they're like now. I may just have to book a trip soon to try it out myself .

Glad you had a nice dinner at Artist Point. We tried AP a few years ago and it was amazing. The filet was so tender you could cut it with a butter knife. I also loved the atmosphere and the waitstaff was amazing .

I agree about the GF.....everything from the smells, surroundings, etc are just heavenly .

That is interesting about the reason you were given for the new decor. I'm with you on not wanting to feel like I'm at home......if that was the case, I'd stay home . You're not alone in not being able to wrap your head around that statement .

In total agreement here...