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

[adriawest]

Hi! We also just jumped ship from 8 days at the Polynesian. We arrive in 17 days. (As my 6 year old daughter says..."We're Poly people"). :-(. However, we are SUPER excited to try out the Grand Floridian for the first time. Any recommendations on rooms? Thanks!

 

[kirsangel]

Is Mizner's Lounge an adults only kind of lounge or are there families hanging out? I'm not talking loud, rambunctious kids running around but well mannered ones who will sit and just hang out. It would be nice to find a place to sit and have an adult beverage(for me, not the kids) at day's end. If kids are not allowed, I guess the lobby will have to do. But there goes my adult beverage idea.

 

[lala5176]

Hello there. I just switched our upcoming stay next month to Grand Floridian. We are super excited to be trying a new deluxe especially GF. We are staying standard room club level outer building. Are there any recommendations for room location or configuration I should know about?( We are a family of 5. Three kids under 11.) Also any other useful info or tips would be much appreciated. I have so much to catch up on this thread in such a short time frame!!! Thanks in advance for any of your help!!!!

 

[lala5176]

Bump... sorry too excited need info!!

 

[lala5176]

Hello there. I just switched our upcoming stay next month to Grand Floridian. We are super excited to be trying a new deluxe especially GF. We are staying standard room club level outer building. Are there any recommendations for room location or configuration I should know about?( We are a family of 5. Three kids under 11.) Also any other useful info or tips would be much appreciated. I have so much to catch up on this thread in such a short time frame!!! Thanks in advance for any of your help!!!!

BUMPING UP.... sorry, too excited... need info

 

[baler31]

Not sure what is going on but the whole month of June just opened up today for SL. We have a reservation that was made before the refurb schedule for July 4th week. Months ago they called and changed us from RPC to SL for part of the reservation as RPC was closed for the last part and SL for the first part.

So, I am constantly checking to see if RPC is available for our whole trip and while it has not popped up SL opened up today for the whole month of June where it was previously blocked out for the refurb.

I am a little hesitant as we have never stayed in SL and am worried about the lounge size. We had been told the lounge was being enlarged but now I wonder what is happening. I sent an email today and will see what response I get.

 

[HairyChest]

Just got back from the grand

My first stay there
Always stay at the Polynesian but tried the grand since the Polynesian construction

Long story short, the grand is my favorite now

It's like livin in Main Street. Beautiful grounds pool and beach. Not stuffy like It seemed during quick visits

I made a thread with pix and a full review.

Also uploading video on YouTube username hairychest if anyone's interested

Can't wait to go back!

 

[lala5176]

Not sure what is going on but the whole month of June just opened up today for SL. We have a reservation that was made before the refurb schedule for July 4th week. Months ago they called and changed us from RPC to SL for part of the reservation as RPC was closed for the last part and SL for the first part.

So, I am constantly checking to see if RPC is available for our whole trip and while it has not popped up SL opened up today for the whole month of June where it was previously blocked out for the refurb.

I am a little hesitant as we have never stayed in SL and am worried about the lounge size. We had been told the lounge was being enlarged but now I wonder what is happening. I sent an email today and will see what response I get.

I was able to book Sugar Loaf today and just noticed that it WAS scheduled for a refurb. I'm confused too.I would love to know what the response is from concierge. TIA.

 

[Lisann]

Just got back from the grand

My first stay there
Always stay at the Polynesian but tried the grand since the Polynesian construction

Long story short, the grand is my favorite now

It's like livin in Main Street. Beautiful grounds pool and beach. Not stuffy like It seemed during quick visits

I made a thread with pix and a full review.

Also uploading video on YouTube username hairychest if anyone's interested

Can't wait to go back!

Oh, yippee!! Another convert!!! Glad you love the Grand. It IS special, isn't it? Am going right now to look at your review!

 

[BlueSkies]

I'm the same way, Blue...I like BTMRR (my sis does not, so I ride it alone sometimes!), not the drop on Splash Mtn. Yes, shoes are in!

Great minds!! Glad that the shoes are packed.. lol..

After much deliberation this weekend, DH & I decided we won't be trying V&A's in October for our anniversary . Instead.... we decided to book a trip to Florida to spend Christmas with my siblings that live in New Smyrna Beach and since we fly into Orlando...

We took the V&A budgeted money and booked a 3 day stay at CSR for the beginning of the trip . Everyone is very excited...this will be our first visit in December! !

Sounds like a great plan..enjoy the family time and the Disney time...

Hi! We also just jumped ship from 8 days at the Polynesian. We arrive in 17 days. (As my 6 year old daughter says..."We're Poly people"). :-(. However, we are SUPER excited to try out the Grand Floridian for the first time. Any recommendations on rooms? Thanks!

Welcome to the GF thread! and Congrats on your first GF stay! Everything is in pretty close proximity on the grounds..not sure what category that you booked..If you want a room with a great Mk view I would recommend Conch Key..if you have a garden view booked I think that Boca Chica is an excellent choice..with a pretty courtyard view..and very close to the boat dock and courtyard pool...Big Pine Key also has nice garden and lagoon views...and is closer to the main building and both pools...Decisions decisions! All lovely..IMO..have a grand first stay! BTW we will be there in 2 1/2 weeks!

Is Mizner's Lounge an adults only kind of lounge or are there families hanging out? I'm not talking loud, rambunctious kids running around but well mannered ones who will sit and just hang out. It would be nice to find a place to sit and have an adult beverage(for me, not the kids) at day's end. If kids are not allowed, I guess the lobby will have to do. But there goes my adult beverage idea.

Mizners definitely has an adult atmosphere..and I don't recall seeing families in there during the times we have visited..Just adults...No reason though why you cant order a nice adult beverage and take it out to the lovely lobby to enjoy...??

Hello there. I just switched our upcoming stay next month to Grand Floridian. We are super excited to be trying a new deluxe especially GF. We are staying standard room club level outer building. Are there any recommendations for room location or configuration I should know about?( We are a family of 5. Three kids under 11.) Also any other useful info or tips would be much appreciated. I have so much to catch up on this thread in such a short time frame!!! Thanks in advance for any of your help!!!!

Hi lala and congrats on your first GF stay..lots of first timers around here recently! I personally think that the nicest GVs are from Boca Chica...It has a lovely view of the courtyard area..including the courtyard pool..and of the main building...which is especially pretty all lit up at night..it is also nice and close to the boat dock..the boats are a great option when leaving the MK to return to the resort...

Lots of Big Pine Key fans around here too ...as a matter of fact Hairychest just posted some pics of his view..he was in a deluxe room though which is a separate booking category..BPK is closer to the main building...and to both the beach and courtyard pools..and to the childrens splash area to...so just depends on what your particular preferences are...Have a wonderful trip..I am sure you will enjoy your grand stay!

Not sure what is going on but the whole month of June just opened up today for SL. We have a reservation that was made before the refurb schedule for July 4th week. Months ago they called and changed us from RPC to SL for part of the reservation as RPC was closed for the last part and SL for the first part.

So, I am constantly checking to see if RPC is available for our whole trip and while it has not popped up SL opened up today for the whole month of June where it was previously blocked out for the refurb.

I am a little hesitant as we have never stayed in SL and am worried about the lounge size. We had been told the lounge was being enlarged but now I wonder what is happening. I sent an email today and will see what response I get.

I just checked after reading the posts here and saw that too...very strange Baler...wonder what is going on..?? Please keep us posted...

What I had heard is that the SL lunge is being redone...and more seating added..not sure how they could make it bigger as its set up in the lobby area of that building..??

The lounge in SL is very different from RPC..as I have said before it reminds me of a small bistro...small marble topped tables..there is also a children's area with child sized tables and chairs and a TV too...

There is not the openness...or ambiance of the lounge area in RPC...but lovely none the less... I alternate between both..preferring SL during the warmer months...love its proximity to the courtyard pool...and that when staying there I think there is more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors...JMO...

It IS special, isn't it? Am going right now to look at your review!

True!!

Great review...thanks again HC

~ So many first timers here and looking forward to their GF stays..I think that you are in for a treat..and as HairyChest has just said in his review..his first stay certainly wont be his last....Cant wait to hear what you all think after your GF stays..hope you will come back and share your thoughts and experiences...

 

[mickeynut1]

Yay, indeed!! Very excited and ready to rock the mine train!! Even if we don't get a better time, we have decided that we will just get in line and enjoy exploring the attraction...to keep us out of 90 degree temps! Plus, that way we will have 2 rides on it!

Sounds like you have a great plan .

~ Was reading on the Theme Park boards that some guests have been able to ride on the 7DMT...guess a sort of soft opening !! And the reviews are good!...Sounds like lots of attention was paid to detail..and while the ride is fast and fun...its not TOO fast... I am was very happy to read this... while I enjoy BTMRR I am not a fan of the drop in Splash Mountain..Cant wait!!

Glad the reviews sound good .

Good morning! Well my daughter's team is going to try for Cheer Nationals next year. So I will be one of those "Cheer People" that everyone dreads here on the DIS. I'm happy for my daughter since it's been her dream for awhile now. Not so happy about staying at a value. I've never been so I'm trying to keep an open mind. Another trip to plan and it will be over my birthday weekend so that's a nice added bonus. Maybe we'll stay for a little longer then and transfer to the Grand after....*fingers crossed*

How fun for your DD.....I hope she makes it to the competition . I also hope you are able to add on a few days at the Grand .

After much deliberation this weekend, DH & I decided we won't be trying V&A's in October for our anniversary . Instead.... we decided to book a trip to Florida to spend Christmas with my siblings that live in New Smyrna Beach and since we fly into Orlando...

We took the V&A budgeted money and booked a 3 day stay at CSR for the beginning of the trip . Everyone is very excited...this will be our first visit in December!

I'm sorry you won't be trying V&A, but it sounds like the funds will be going toward a great trip for the holidays . Congrats on booking a few nights at Disney.....I can't think of a better way to start your trip .

Hi! We also just jumped ship from 8 days at the Polynesian. We arrive in 17 days. (As my 6 year old daughter says..."We're Poly people"). :-(. However, we are SUPER excited to try out the Grand Floridian for the first time. Any recommendations on rooms? Thanks!

You will love the Grand. We are Poly peeps as well, but I also love the GF. Not sure what room category you booked, but I don't think there is a bad room/view at the Grand as they are all great (IMO). With that said, for a GV, I think Big Pine Key and Boca Chica are great choices. Both are convenient to the courtyard pool, but aren't far from the main building or Gasparillas. I think Sago and Conch might be a little quieter as they are over by the marina and kind of away from the pools and main areas, but are still great locations, IMO.

Is Mizner's Lounge an adults only kind of lounge or are there families hanging out? I'm not talking loud, rambunctious kids running around but well mannered ones who will sit and just hang out. It would be nice to find a place to sit and have an adult beverage(for me, not the kids) at day's end. If kids are not allowed, I guess the lobby will have to do. But there goes my adult beverage idea.

I can't answer as we've never gone to Mizners, but hopefully some others will be able to give some insight .

Hello there. I just switched our upcoming stay next month to Grand Floridian. We are super excited to be trying a new deluxe especially GF. We are staying standard room club level outer building. Are there any recommendations for room location or configuration I should know about?( We are a family of 5. Three kids under 11.) Also any other useful info or tips would be much appreciated. I have so much to catch up on this thread in such a short time frame!!! Thanks in advance for any of your help!!!!

Congrats on booking the GF. I don't have any suggestions on room location, but you can request a courtyard view or marina view if you have a preference for one over the other. With that said, I don't think you can go wrong with either one as they are both pretty views, IMO .

Not sure what is going on but the whole month of June just opened up today for SL. We have a reservation that was made before the refurb schedule for July 4th week. Months ago they called and changed us from RPC to SL for part of the reservation as RPC was closed for the last part and SL for the first part.

So, I am constantly checking to see if RPC is available for our whole trip and while it has not popped up SL opened up today for the whole month of June where it was previously blocked out for the refurb.

I am a little hesitant as we have never stayed in SL and am worried about the lounge size. We had been told the lounge was being enlarged but now I wonder what is happening. I sent an email today and will see what response I get.

That is strange, I wonder what's going on . Please update us when you receive a response.

Just got back from the grand

My first stay there
Always stay at the Polynesian but tried the grand since the Polynesian construction

Long story short, the grand is my favorite now

It's like livin in Main Street. Beautiful grounds pool and beach. Not stuffy like It seemed during quick visits

I made a thread with pix and a full review.

Also uploading video on YouTube username hairychest if anyone's interested

Can't wait to go back!

Glad you had a great stay and enjoyed the GF . We love the Poly and that will always be our favorite, but the GF runs a very close second.

I was able to book Sugar Loaf today and just noticed that it WAS scheduled for a refurb. I'm confused too.I would love to know what the response is from concierge. TIA.

I just posted on your thread regarding SL . When I read your thread I wasn't sure how you were able to book as I was under the impression no guests would be in there during the refurb, but I thought maybe they were doing floor by floor and keeping some open . I, too, will be waiting for baler31 to tell us what IPO says.

 

[trishadono]

Just got back from the grand

My first stay there
Always stay at the Polynesian but tried the grand since the Polynesian construction

Long story short, the grand is my favorite now

It's like livin in Main Street. Beautiful grounds pool and beach. Not stuffy like It seemed during quick visits

I made a thread with pix and a full review.

Also uploading video on YouTube username hairychest if anyone's interested

Can't wait to go back!

I will check out your stuff tomorrow!

I love all monorail resorts. Maybe you'll end up like us and just bounce from one to another.

We did a split gf/VGF/cr in January and loved that. However I am looking forward to the updates at poly too.

I have to say though the grand thread has the best peeps.

 

[bethclayton]

Is Mizner's Lounge an adults only kind of lounge or are there families hanging out? I'm not talking loud, rambunctious kids running around but well mannered ones who will sit and just hang out. It would be nice to find a place to sit and have an adult beverage(for me, not the kids) at day's end. If kids are not allowed, I guess the lobby will have to do. But there goes my adult beverage idea.

children are allowed but are not the norm. it is not typical to see kids in there. i would say that if your children are not old (or mature) enough to be left alone in the room or to go shop together while the adults go to the bar, then they may be too young to bring to mizner's. with all that said, on our most recent trip last august, we did actually bring my 11 & 13 year olds in there for about an hour and there were no issues. it was very un-crowded and the wait staff didn't bat an eye. it was at the end of a long day, we were all exhausted, they sat and hung and chatted with the adults, they (for lack of a better way to put it) behaved just like adults. i have some great memories (and pics) of that time, as a matter of fact. so i would say if your kids are old enough to understand why they need to act a certain way in that environment, then you could probably bring them. i do think that adults rightfully expect that "zone" to remain an adult sanctuary (so few areas of disney are), so be sure that the kids can understand that, i.e., no whining, etc.

 

[garada3]

I just finished reading HC's review of the Grand and noticed that in the pictures of the deluxe room, that the bed scarves had gold borders rather than just being the big plain "bricks" of red. Thought they looked better. Would still prefer a floral pattern, but thought the gold edge was an improvement and a better tie in to the striped (???) accent pillow.

I also thought that having the giant brick of a sofa farther from the bed scarves reduced the red factor in the room. Distance, plus the light blue chair left over from before (I think that is what I see in the alcove) makes the red less dominant.

Can you tell I do not like the RED? It just raises it voice at me, like caps in an email. I feel like the color is too bold/ too much in the rooms.

We arrive at RPC on 3 August. Hopefully rehab will be complete and I can report back on updates to the lounge and rooms.

 

[grannyminnie]

Not sure what is going on but the whole month of June just opened up today for SL. We have a reservation that was made before the refurb schedule for July 4th week. Months ago they called and changed us from RPC to SL for part of the reservation as RPC was closed for the last part and SL for the first part.

So, I am constantly checking to see if RPC is available for our whole trip and while it has not popped up SL opened up today for the whole month of June where it was previously blocked out for the refurb.

I am a little hesitant as we have never stayed in SL and am worried about the lounge size. We had been told the lounge was being enlarged but now I wonder what is happening. I sent an email today and will see what response I get.

This does sound odd ...given the fact that they have announced that June is the month for the SL rehab. I will be there in a few days and will surely check this out with a CM, who may or may not know the whole truth!

 

[MommyGina]

I'm confused too. I just put in random dates for June for SL and there are no rooms there or in RPC. I entered 6/17-6/24. I was hoping that we would bet a refurb room in July in SL.

 

[BlueSkies]

Morning fellow GF fans!

abk Not sure how I forgot to respond yesterday!!??? lol...Visiting with a cheer group!!!!??..lol.. Best of luck to your DDs team..hope that they make it to Nationals...

I have to say though the grand thread has the best peeps.

I agree! Just saw your ticker...One more week for you!!!!

I just finished reading HC's review of the Grand and noticed that in the pictures of the deluxe room, that the bed scarves had gold borders rather than just being the big plain "bricks" of red. Thought they looked better. Would still prefer a floral pattern, but thought the gold edge was an improvement and a better tie in to the striped (???) accent pillow.

I also thought that having the giant brick of a sofa farther from the bed scarves reduced the red factor in the room. Distance, plus the light blue chair left over from before (I think that is what I see in the alcove) makes the red less dominant.

Can you tell I do not like the RED? It just raises it voice at me, like caps in an email. I feel like the color is too bold/ too much in the rooms.

We arrive at RPC on 3 August. Hopefully rehab will be complete and I can report back on updates to the lounge and rooms.

I am not a fan of red decor either...but the gold boarder does give the bed scarf a softer look....I think that is interesting that in the sitting area of the refurbed rooms that they have reused some of the old furnishings..the TV cabinet..and I noticed after you mentioned the blue chair??? wonder why they didnt change them...Its looks all pulled together tho...and I am all for any blue accents...lol...

This does sound odd ...given the fact that they have announced that June is the month for the SL rehab. I will be there in a few days and will surely check this out with a CM, who may or may not know the whole truth!

Yes you will be.... ...looking foward to you getting the "scoop"..and filing us all in grannyminnie.

I'm confused too. I just put in random dates for June for SL and there are no rooms there or in RPC. I entered 6/17-6/24. I was hoping that we would bet a refurb room in July in SL.

So strange....every date was available yesterday in SL..which I though was very odd...given the refurb schedule..and that they really have been going right on schedule so far....

Thanks Blueskies!

You are very welcome!

Hey Beth..Nice to see you!

MickeyNut I was really happy about the 7DMT too....was hoping that it would be a ride that I would like to ride more than ONE time...lol...

Now if they would just do something in the MK about adding more greenery...like in days of old..and more sitting areas...

~Pre trip I always spend alot of time checking the weather (hence the packing..and re packing dance...as my friend grannieminnie has refered too! lol..)....really more necessary during the winter months..since the weather can vary so much...here are the temps for June...91...90..90..91...90...92...91..90...93!...90.... Get the picture...lol... ....I need to remember to pack my little hand held fan...lol...even that slight breeze that it creates helps...BTW..sure is better than snow!!! lol....

Hope that everyone one has a fab Friday...and a terrific Memorial Day weekend... preppy GF gal who is sweating just thinking about 90 degree temps at WDW!

 

[pas130]

Many congratualtions on that pas..not an easy feat..no less doing that while being a working mom!

Thanks, I really feel badly I take so much time away from the family...that's why I vacation obsess so much I think!

Congrats on your GPA! My husband just completed his a few weeks ago Summa Cum Laude and we couldn't have been more proud. I know how tough it is because I've seen it first hand. Keep up the great work...it really does pay off in the end.

Thank you!! And I couldn't do it without my DH's support (kids too) I am sure your DH feels the same. BIG congrats to him as well.

Been reading about you studying for it seems like forever. So glad all that hard work is paying off

IT IS FOREVER! I am taking a bridge type program dual degree BSN/MSN. So basically it's my RN (I have an AS) straight up to my Master's. With the kids and work, I have been dropping to part time and taking 8 weeks off here and there. So I was initially going to graduate this winter...but it will most likely be next Summer. There's no urgency, it's a dream of mine to be a Professor in Nursing so if I need to slow down and take care of the family, I do Life is easier now that I am only doing one fulltime job

WTG on the Masters degree and congrats on the awesome GPA . Things might be a little hectic with school, but it looks like it's paying off and will be totally worth it in the end .

Your vacation sounds great . WL CL is amazing (as you already know) and it ranks a very close second to RPC for me, so I think it's a great choice .

Thank you SO HARD to resist the Grand, but I also LOVE WL so it's all good!

I didn't know Candace will be at GF! Can't keep up with all our RCers lol!
Did you see my post about swapping Trails End breakfast to 1900?

MickeyNut & Trish thanks!! It did take me a long time thinking about it. Was taking the wait & see attitude. I really wanted to stay at Poly. But, when they pulled out the GF pool, that did it. And looking at new construction pics at GCH, ugh.
We stayed at GF last summer before YC and really love GF. So now very excited to return!!

LOVED HairyChest's review

grannyminnie So close

 

[abk96]

Just got back from the grand

My first stay there
Always stay at the Polynesian but tried the grand since the Polynesian construction

Long story short, the grand is my favorite now

It's like livin in Main Street. Beautiful grounds pool and beach. Not stuffy like It seemed during quick visits

I made a thread with pix and a full review.

Also uploading video on YouTube username hairychest if anyone's interested

Can't wait to go back!

Thanks for the review. I'm happy you loved it so much! Can't wait to check out your video. I've already looked at everyone I could find on youtube so it will be nice to have a new one.

I'm confused too. I just put in random dates for June for SL and there are no rooms there or in RPC. I entered 6/17-6/24. I was hoping that we would bet a refurb room in July in SL.

I'm confused too. I was really looking forward to a nicely refurbed room in July. I need to know what is going on too.

mickeynut1 and BlueSkies....Thanks for the well wishes on daughter's cheer team.

grannyminnie...Have a great time and I hope you get some answers for all of us obsessed GF people here.

Thanks pas130

 

[baler31]

Not sure what is going on but the whole month of June just opened up today for SL. We have a reservation that was made before the refurb schedule for July 4th week. Months ago they called and changed us from RPC to SL for part of the reservation as RPC was closed for the last part and SL for the first part.

So, I am constantly checking to see if RPC is available for our whole trip and while it has not popped up SL opened up today for the whole month of June where it was previously blocked out for the refurb.

I am a little hesitant as we have never stayed in SL and am worried about the lounge size. We had been told the lounge was being enlarged but now I wonder what is happening. I sent an email today and will see what response I get.

Very glad I did not change my RPC to SL to try and pick up the days we are missing. SL will still be down for the month of June.