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

[pas130]

Wanted to second what pas130 mentioned. I was able to book GF at a great discount....paying apx $300 a night including taxes. We got a room only general public discount that was pulled in thru Orbitz and used an Orbitz discount code on top of that. Sweet deal Only caveat is you must pay for the whole reservation at the time of booking. You can do the same thing with Cheaptickets as they are both under the same ownership. Just use the website that offers the best discount code when you are looking to book.

Best of luck!!

Hi Sue

I don't have an AP but sometimes wish I did, because those 35% discounts are about gone!

It's one of the reasons I am trying to hold strong with OKW, there is so little availability with even rack rates for my dates!

Hey there....nice to "see" you back .

Thanks about the WL thread . I don't post there too often, but do pop in occasionally as I do love the lodge .

Sounds like you have a great trip planned to OKW . I'm sure you will have a great time with a lot of peace and quiet .

I love it too!! And I changed right before the pool closure...I saw those other threads...it's such a shame. If you are that concerned about the pool/construction just change, all good! No need for negativity, to each their own...I am not happy with the décor in the refurbs for GF or BWI..but a minor thing like that doesn't stop me from booking or wanting to.... GF is so pretty

Good to see YOU, my friend! It's been too long, hasn't it?! Love to see you here more often, but I certainly understand, it's hard to keep up sometimes.

Enjoy your OKW planning, it looks like a very peaceful and pretty resort. I'll be with you in spirit on your visit in memory of Sarah.

It's been awhile since we've done villa, I am really excited, I've yet to hear anyone of my friends who didn't love it there! Heck our villa has more square footage than my first house I always miss my friends here

Pas, I agree on the pool mania over on the WL thread bringing out the venting! I have been reading some and it's been a little crazy over there! One problem apparently was the different dates that were given out as to the beginning and ending of the work. I wonder if some of those who have given up booking the WL have also gone over to the Poly or CR for their next trip? I have seen several mention booking their next trip at the GF instead.

I know it's sad. I don't mind the pool closure as much as I dislike construction..that's why I cancelled Poly. I recall the VGF construction when I cried seeing it from the Main building...I am such a sap

You know that I am a GF Gal through and through!! Or as our lovely friend pas would say..a GF Groupie!!! ...so you are not getting rid of me....

NEVER getting rid of you!!! You can't escape the groupies NEVER EVER!!

Its always nice to stop to and chat with him for a bit....

My daughters LOVE him!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I don't have an AP but sometimes wish I did, because those 35% discounts are about gone!

Hi grannyminnie .

I was considering APs for our next trip, until I saw the cost ......and I would have to buy 4 of them .

Does anyone happen to know if the Courtyard pool is open 24 hours or does it close at a certain time?

Yes, the courtyard pool is open 24/7, weather permitting .

I love it too!! And I changed right before the pool closure...I saw those other threads...it's such a shame. If you are that concerned about the pool/construction just change, all good! No need for negativity, to each their own...I am not happy with the décor in the refurbs for GF or BWI..but a minor thing like that doesn't stop me from booking or wanting to.... GF is so pretty

I agree....very sad about some of those threads and all of the nasty comments from some people . The best thing is, most of the people posting alot of those nasty comments are those that aren't even staying at the WL during that time and are just coming in to blast those that are upset......not very nice, IMO .

I agree about the GF decor, but the overall resort is so beautiful that the new rooms won't stop me from booking there, either . BWI, on the other hand, is a different story. We've never stayed there and although it was on my list to try, I think the new rooms are just hideous.....no Disney touches and nothing seems to match, so those rooms are a big turn off to me.

 

[Three cats]

Thank you Mickeynut for the info about the pool, that is great news

 

[Gitts2008]

So we are staying at the grand Floridian for the first time in August!! We used to feel like the Grand Floridian was to expensive too "snobby", and just not for us. But last June when we had dinner at Citricos and 1900 parks are and honestly, we became interested in staying there. It felt a lot more laid backt than ever before. So we had originally booked 5 nights at CR but yesterday decided because of medical bills that we can't swing the $2300 for ONLY the hotel. So we were going to switch to POR. I mean, seriously, who can argue with 5 nights for less than $1000. But we decided to do a split stay....3 nights at POR and 2 nights at GF. The 2 days we are staying at the GF will be resort days. We are only going to the parks for 1 day (day before switching to GF). I have some questions though (sorry in advance....kind of long) 1. We reserved a garden view room. For less than $100 more we can get a lagoon view. If we are going to spending a lot of time at the resort and on the balcony, is it worth the extra for the lagoon view? I'm just afraid of getting a less than desirable view with the garden view room. 2. What building should we request? We would like the be close to the QS restaurant because we will be taking our breakfast back to our room both days and same with any late night snacks or lunches. 3. Does anyone have experience with the QS and food allergies? I have 17 food allergies, including all of the Top 8 allergens. I've also been able to get some pretty good meals at POP, All Star Sports, and CBR. I know the deluxe QS are more limited in space than the values and moderates but would they accommodate something like burger no bun, sauted veggies (I can't eat raw veggies), or just a simple chicken breast with some veggies? I'm very easy to please with my food, as long as it is safe I'm very okay with simple food. If I am limited to just the chicken tenders and fries that's fine. In reality, what I care about the most is getting allergy free waffles! 4. we have an 8pm reservation at Citrics our first night there and the next night we have an 8pm at 1900 Park Fare. I am trying for earlier times but nothing has come up yet. If th fireworks are at 10pm, do you think we would be done with either meal in time to see them? Meals usually take an additional 20 minutes or so because of my allergies but I would like to hear other peoples experiences regarding length of meals so I can get an idea of what to expect 4. Finally, What are some "must do" things at the GF. I really wanted a massage but it's not going to be possible because of my chemical/contact allergies. Just too risky. I know we're going to spend time at the pool, and want to rent a speed boat. We're going to walk to the Poly because we've never actually walked around that resort. We have reservations at both 1900 Park Fare and Citricos. This trip is very different from past trips. Usually we go to parks everyday and we are exhausted by the end but this time, we just want to relax at the hotels and swim, play mini golf, boat rentals, etc. only 1 day at MK. And the reasons this trip is different: My mom is currently undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer (luckily only stage 1 so surgery and radiation only, but the cancer found was very aggressive....so ladies, GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!) At the same time, my grandma was diagnosed 2 weeks after my mom with a recurrence of her breast cancer from 30+ years ago. But by the time they found it, it had spread to her ribs and lungs. And I've been dealing with my own medical issues that have just slowly been getting worse regardless of what we do. And I need a break from juggling 15 doctors and these 2-3 week Hospitalizations I've been dealing with. And my dad....well he just needs a break. He is responsible for taking care of both me and my mom. He's also working, 1 income household, so he has all of that stress on top of the medical situations. But we will be celebrating 5 things while there: My moms birthday (June) My dad's birthday (June) My birthday (June) My parents anniversary (3 days after we get home) End of radiation treatments for my mom!! I want to order something special for my parents for their anniversary to be waiting in the room when we check in. Is that possible? I was thinking maybe the chocolate covered strawberries with the chocolate Mickey. I saw the price on the first page of this thread but can I arrange for it to be in the room when we get there? And can the personalize just to at least say "Happy Anniversary"? Any other suggestions for something special for my parents? I am limited to about $125 total and I am open to any and all suggestions! So if you made it this far thank you! We are so excited to be staying at the GF even if it is only 2 nights. I don't expect this trip to be "perfect". Nothing is perfect....I just want to do whatever I can to make it special and relaxing for myself, and more importantly, my parents.

. I can't tell you much about GF but wanted to wish you a great trip!

I take care of my sick mom so I understand the importance and value of going to Disney for a break from reality.
I do have some tips:
1. Ensure that any meds taken do not have photosensitive issues.
2. Take breaks and lots of pictures. Those memories are priceless.
3. My mom takes blood thinners so she can not eat certain foods. I always put the "allergy" on our ADR and at QS locations I ask to speak with the chef. Everyone has gone above and beyond to assist my mom. She has even had meals specially prepared for her. We usually wait an extra 5-10 mins to speak with the chefs. But everything has always been in a timely manner. If time is of the essence for you, at TS request the check shortly after ordering.
4. I've requested that my room be specially cleaned. No Lysol products and I've never had an issue.
5. I've always felt that wdw did their best to make our vacations good. If you encounter an issue talk to a CM.

Give your parents all the love you can give. I've always wanted to take my dad to wdw but he got sick and recently passed away. Give your dad a hug from me.
All the best!
Feel better!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I was so confused til I saw you waving!!

Thanks to everyone who offered orbitz....the only thing is, we can't pay in full because we still have the WL reservation (waiting a little bit to make sure it's going to be that bad)....also, how is orbitz with cancellations? My husband has some medical issues (and I have chronic migraines too - shouldn't blame it all on him!) and I know Disney has let us reschedule the morning of but I worry about an outside site.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

The pool is open 24 hours!!! OMG that is insane

Yes, those people on the WL threads are terrible...and I did notice most of them are not staying there. Just awful.

I know some of you said Big Pine Key ( I think that's what it's called!) is a good building bec it's close...any way to avoid the rooms with the obstructed view? Or should we just request Boca Chica?

Thanks.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Yes they do forget their manners, but not here! At least not yet LOL.

I'm sure you won't have any issues here, great group.

k&a&c'smom Second floor sounds very nice..while I do love a balcony..this trip will have lots of different experiences...If a room dosent open up at the GF before our trip!!! LOL...

....
~ Heads up to AP holders...read on mousesavers that there is a RO discount available from 7/20 thru 9/27...up to 35% off on deluxe resorts... The nice thing about these offers is that you can book the RO and add dining any time along the way....so tempting...lol...dont think a summer trip is in the cards for us though...lol... lol...

Good luck snagging the GF room. Thanks for the info on the AP discount - I gave up the APs a couple years ago, they just got tooo expensive for us. But good to know, as the GP discount for the next couple months is over.

Since we switched to GF garden view we have decided to roll the dice and take whatever location they give us. Since it's our first stay we are all about just seeing what's there.

ADRs are another matter! We are having to switch around several plans as GF area has got such fantastic options. So some opinions....

Based On food alone would you go for 1900 PF, GF Cafe, Kona, or Ohana breakfast? Feel free to rate in your preference

How long is the walk to Poly?

Anyone a fan of the shrimp and grits at GF Cafe? (If this dish is on the menu I order it!)

Is the Afternoon Tea filling or should I plan a dinner later that evening?

Thanks!

Afternoon tea is very filling, we always consider it a meal. If we book early, we count it as lunch; late, it counts as dinner.

We adore GFC for breakfast, we try to make it at least once per trip, sometimes twice. Kona is a good second choice, love the mac nut pancakes, the eggs benedict, the lilikoi juice and press pot of Kona coffee. We almost never go to 1900 PF for b'fast (only with a newbie who wants to see the characters!), and have never done Ohana for b'fast. If we want a buffet in the MK area, we prefer CP for an early entry into Main Stree.

Shrimp and grits, love them! but I have a hard time finding a good representation, sad to say. I get lured in whenever I see them on a menu, only to be disappointed. Have not had them at GFC, I did not know it was available, must be a new addition since our last visit.

It's one of the reasons I am trying to hold strong with OKW, there is so little availability with even rack rates for my dates!

I love it too!! And I changed right before the pool closure...I saw those other threads...it's such a shame. If you are that concerned about the pool/construction just change, all good! No need for negativity, to each their own...I am not happy with the décor in the refurbs for GF or BWI..but a minor thing like that doesn't stop me from booking or wanting to.... GF is so pretty

It's been awhile since we've done villa, I am really excited, I've yet to hear anyone of my friends who didn't love it there! Heck our villa has more square footage than my first house I always miss my friends here

I know it's sad. I don't mind the pool closure as much as I dislike construction..that's why I cancelled Poly. I recall the VGF construction when I cried seeing it from the Main building...I am such a sap

I didn't realize you had stayed at OKW before, sounds very nice.

We have and will book a different resort based on the room decor, we spend far too much time in the room to stay anywhere we really dislike. Sadly, that now includes the Grand. We may end up booking one or two nights at the beginning of a split stay, but I doubt we do a whole visit until the next refurb. Bummer.

Many WDW resort construction projects are easy to work around, but having the main pool completely torn apart would be a deal breaker for us, too. For some people, they don't spend much time at the resort or the pool, so it doesn't bother them. As you say, to each his/her own!

I was considering APs for our next trip, until I saw the cost ......and I would have to buy 4 of them .



Yes, the courtyard pool is open 24/7, weather permitting .
....
I agree about the GF decor, but the overall resort is so beautiful that the new rooms won't stop me from booking there, either . BWI, on the other hand, is a different story. We've never stayed there and although it was on my list to try, I think the new rooms are just hideous.....no Disney touches and nothing seems to match, so those rooms are a big turn off to me.

Ugh, you said it! Hideous is a good word. We don't book BWI very often, anyway, but we will hold off now for quite some time. Yeesh.

IS the courtyard pool still open 24 hours a day after the refurb and fencing? I thought there was some discussion the hours were shortened, but I don't remember for sure.

Sounds like I'm not the only one who has been priced out of the APs.

....
Thanks to everyone who offered orbitz....the only thing is, we can't pay in full because we still have the WL reservation (waiting a little bit to make sure it's going to be that bad)....also, how is orbitz with cancellations? My husband has some medical issues (and I have chronic migraines too - shouldn't blame it all on him!) and I know Disney has let us reschedule the morning of but I worry about an outside site.

We have only used Orbitz once and didn't have to cancel, but I've read they are easy to get a refund. I've forgotten how many days cancellation you get (should be the same as Disney, 5 days), I'll have to go look. Not sure what happens if you need to reschedule close to check in.

 

[Sue M]

The pool is open 24 hours!!! OMG that is insane

Yes, those people on the WL threads are terrible...and I did notice most of them are not staying there. Just awful.

I know some of you said Big Pine Key ( I think that's what it's called!) is a good building bec it's close...any way to avoid the rooms with the obstructed view? Or should we just request Boca Chica?

Thanks.

I like Big Pine location marginally better, but with that pool house, you do run a big chance of being behind it, so I requested Boca last trip, and did so again for Aug trip. Boca is still a great location!

Sad to hear about WL thread nasty posts. It's always been a friendly place and Kook is a wonderful hostess! Sadly for some reason Dis seems to get a lot of snarky people, and guess moderators can't keep up! I think they try. ESP if nasty people are reported to them.

 

[Lisann]

Does anyone know how far Boca Chica is from the Main Building compared to Big Pine Key....someone recommended Big Pine Key because it is so close, but I noticed some of the view are obstructed. Any thoughts?

Just my humble opinion, but honestly, this resort is NOT very spread out. It does not take but a couple of minutes to walk to the main building. Maybe it's just me, , but I find this the most compact of all the resorts. Very well designed.

Unless you have mobility issues, pick a building that works for you based on the views, or CL, or room type, etc.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Just my humble opinion, but honestly, this resort is NOT very spread out. It does not take but a couple of minutes to walk to the main building. Maybe it's just me, , but I find this the most compact of all the resorts. Very well designed.

Unless you have mobility issues, pick a building that works for you based on the views, or CL, or room type, etc.

Ok, thank you! I think either Boca or Big Pine are fine...I guess there is no way to avoid those rooms with the blocked view

Excited about the 24 hour pool...

I don't think we will use Orbitz just because I am concerned about cancelling/rescheduling last minute. I certainly hope not!

As for mobility issues, not exactly - but my husband is legally blind so it does make it harder for him. He has some vision but not great and uses a cane.

(Btw we are both young - in our 30s)

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

O and I forgot...is there a GF ticker marker? I saw every other hotel!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....

I know some of you said Big Pine Key ( I think that's what it's called!) is a good building bec it's close...any way to avoid the rooms with the obstructed view? Or should we just request Boca Chica?

Thanks.

The best advice for avoiding the pool house view is to request an upper floor, 4th or above. I have some photos on the first page of the view over the pool house, 4th floor, and one from ground level behind the pool house. I'll post them so you can see the difference. Keep in mind, this will make it more likely you'll get a dormer room.

If you prefer a lower floor, request the end closest to the Main Building, these rooms are further out.

Just my humble opinion, but honestly, this resort is NOT very spread out. It does not take but a couple of minutes to walk to the main building. Maybe it's just me, , but I find this the most compact of all the resorts. Very well designed.

Unless you have mobility issues, pick a building that works for you based on the views, or CL, or room type, etc.

We think the Grand is the most compact resort, too, which is what first led us to book there. Then, of course, we were hooked!

I do have some mobility issues (pinned ankle, bad knee) and have not found any building to be difficult to navigate to or from.

Ok, thank you! I think either Boca or Big Pine are fine...I guess there is no way to avoid those rooms with the blocked view

....
As for mobility issues, not exactly - but my husband is legally blind so it does make it harder for him. He has some vision but not great and uses a cane.

(Btw we are both young - in our 30s)

For what it's worth, the walk from the furthest outer building to the Main Bldg. is probably no more than a 4 minute walk, less than that for most people. I'm a slow walker and it doesn't take me much time at all to get from any outer building to the Main Lobby.

O and I forgot...is there a GF ticker marker? I saw every other hotel!

Can't help with this, I rarely use a ticker any more. Hopefully, someone will be able to answer.

 

[pas130]

Just my humble opinion, but honestly, this resort is NOT very spread out. It does not take but a couple of minutes to walk to the main building. Maybe it's just me, , but I find this the most compact of all the resorts. Very well designed.

Unless you have mobility issues, pick a building that works for you based on the views, or CL, or room type, etc.

I like Big Pine location marginally better, but with that pool house, you do run a big chance of being behind it, so I requested Boca last trip, and did so again for Aug trip. Boca is still a great location!

Sad to hear about WL thread nasty posts. It's always been a friendly place and Kook is a wonderful hostess! Sadly for some reason Dis seems to get a lot of snarky people, and guess moderators can't keep up! I think they try. ESP if nasty people are reported to them.

Usually the snarky people do fade away eventually....it's easiest to ignore them IMO

I didn't realize you had stayed at OKW before, sounds very nice.

We have and will book a different resort based on the room decor, we spend far too much time in the room to stay anywhere we really dislike. Sadly, that now includes the Grand. We may end up booking one or two nights at the beginning of a split stay, but I doubt we do a whole visit until the next refurb. Bummer.

Many WDW resort construction projects are easy to work around, but having the main pool completely torn apart would be a deal breaker for us, too. For some people, they don't spend much time at the resort or the pool, so it doesn't bother them. As you say, to each his/her own!

It is sad with the décor....and BWI was a décor that actually reminded me of GF

We haven't stayed at OKW yet, but many DIS friends have and rave about it. And it looks so pretty!! We used to own at SSR and we loved it there so it's all good!

I agree about the GF decor, but the overall resort is so beautiful that the new rooms won't stop me from booking there, either . BWI, on the other hand, is a different story. We've never stayed there and although it was on my list to try, I think the new rooms are just hideous.....no Disney touches and nothing seems to match, so those rooms are a big turn off to me.

It really is all mish-mosh there right??? I am nervous to see the new BC décor now I miss the Grand so much Walking the manicured grounds....I will miss the beach though it got very small....

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you Mickeynut for the info about the pool, that is great news

You're welcome, although I'm going to have to look for some info on that to make sure it's still open 24 hours as I forgot about the courtyard pool being fenced in after the refurb until k&a&c'smom posted it. I will come back and post what I find.

Give your parents all the love you can give. I've always wanted to take my dad to wdw but he got sick and recently passed away.

I'm so sorry .

I know some of you said Big Pine Key ( I think that's what it's called!) is a good building bec it's close...any way to avoid the rooms with the obstructed view? Or should we just request Boca Chica?

Thanks.

Like k&a&c'smom posted, if you request BPK, also request upper floor, 4th or above .

Ugh, you said it! Hideous is a good word. We don't book BWI very often, anyway, but we will hold off now for quite some time. Yeesh.

IS the courtyard pool still open 24 hours a day after the refurb and fencing? I thought there was some discussion the hours were shortened, but I don't remember for sure.

Sounds like I'm not the only one who has been priced out of the APs.

Hideous is a strong word, but I couldn't come up with anything else to express the way I feel about it . I think that decor is worse than the GF decor (and I don't like the GF decor at all ).

You make a good point about the courtyard pool. I'm off to try and find some info about it .

O and I forgot...is there a GF ticker marker? I saw every other hotel!

I use *********************** and they have a GF ticker marker, but not sure about other sites.

 

[mickeynut1]

It is sad with the décor....and BWI was a décor that actually reminded me of GF

It really is all mish-mosh there right??? I am nervous to see the new BC décor now I miss the Grand so much Walking the manicured grounds....I will miss the beach though it got very small....

I always thought the same thing that the BWI decor very closely resembled the GF....now they don't match at all, other than both are very unappealing, IMO .

Yes, I think the BWI decor is very mish-mosh....nothing like I thought it would be (but then again, neither is the GF). I am very interested to see what they do to the BC and YC.....it will be very disappointing if that refurb follows what they've done to the last few resorts .

I'm with you on missing the Grand .....wish I was headed there soon.

 

[abk96]

Hello everyone! Hope you all are enjoying the beginning of summer. I can't believe it's only one month now until we are home again. Can't wait!!

O and I forgot...is there a GF ticker marker? I saw every other hotel!

If you click on my ticker it will take you to the site where I made my countdown.

ETA Oh maybe you meant the little slide thingy. Sorry, I'm not sure if there is one.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I think we want a lower floor so I guess it will be Boca Chica or I will ask for the rooms closer to the main building...

Ok, now don't laugh....

On our last trip I flew with a migraine (never again) so I was non-functional for the first two days. We spent a lot of time at the WL hotel and I found the "charm buffet" in the gift shop.

Does M. Mouse Mercantile have the charms? I want to finish my bracelet LOL

 

[mickeynut1]

Three Cats ~ I apologize about giving a definite answer about the courtyard pool being open 24/7, when I actually don't know for sure now as I forgot about the recent refurb.

According to WDWmagic.com, the courtyard pool hours are 7am-12am:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa.htm

Then according to All Ears, it's open 24/7:

http://allears.net/acc/faq_gf.htm

Neither website seems to be updated with the changes that were made to each pool (courtyard becoming zero entry, being fenced in/beach pool having a new splash pad area), so I'm not really sure which one is correct. I would say call Disney and ask, but we all know that there is alot of incorrect information given out by alot of CMs. Hopefully someone who has been recently (BlueSkies....did you notice the courtyard pool hours???) or who is going soon could check on that and report back.

Again, I apologize for not having concrete information before answering .

 

[tinydancer312]

I've been reading the forum forever but have yet to post! I was there in January and the concierge said the pool closes at midnight but let me know they don't lock the gate with a wink wink. Sounds like they are keeping them open 24/7 on the down low. HTH!

 

[Aurora0427]

Hi Everyone! My husband and I are staying at the Grand in December with our 3 year old daughter. We are so excited! It's been 14 years since I've stayed at the GF, so I am thrilled about finally staying again, especially around the holidays! I've been looking at the rooms on touring plans. Has anyone stayed in Sago Key? My daughter loves the monorail, and these rooms seem to look out onto the monorail and some of the lagoon, but they are still considered garden view. Any input? I am leery of staying in Big Key Pine because the pool can be loud and I do not want a room with a view of the pool house. Thanks!