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

[BlueSkies]

Hi Stefy I agree lots of good info and helpful posters around here!

Congrats on your first GF stay..lots of other Poly peeps here..I bet you will see a few familiar posters...

I do think that your thoughts on Sago being just what you are looking for are spot on...just be careful if asking for the top floor.. those rooms do tend to be dormer rooms..with the enclosed balcony..I would suggest requesting Sago Cay...upper floor..non dormer room...

Happy planning! The GF is especially beautiful at Christmas... I am sure you will have a magical trip!

~ Forgot to mention this earlier... there are some new tours available at WDW...one is called Ultimate Day of Thrills- a VIP Tour Experience...there is one for young families as well... Although pricey at $299 per person ..plus TP admission...You visit MK DHS and AK..ride a variety of thrill rides...and also have lunch at one of the resorts..not sure which though...there are discounts available to DVC Disney Visa and AP...and its 6-7 hours...Sounds very interesting..and a fun way to spend the day...especially if you don't have many days at the the world....

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

Hello everyone. We are going to be in WDW for 13 days in August and I'm considering doing laundry half way thru our stay rather than packing 13 days worth of clothes for 4 people. We are staying RPC and I read on the first page that there is only one washer machine and one dryer in the main building. Is this still accurate? Do you know if the other buildings also only have one washer and one dryer? I really hate doing laundry and have never done it at WDW but like I said, there will be 4 of us and we will be there for almost 2 weeks, we take breaks in the afternoon, shower/change before heading back out most days so that would be a lot of clothes to pack. I usually wake up very early so I figure that the laundromat wouldn't be busy at 5/5:30 in the morning. :laundry: P.S. Any word on if the main building is still on target to start the refurb on the 29th?

we did a split stay last year and we were also there 13 days. We did laundry half way through our vacation. We were staying in sugar loaf which does not have a laundry facility. So I utilized the machines in conch key. They had two washers and two dryers and they were coin operated.

 

[Sue M]

Baler thanks for the pics!! Can't wait for August!

 

[Sue M]

Thank you!!
I have a room booked at the suites AOA but I think I want to move to sugar loaf. What do you guys think?

in a heart best!!

 

[Sue M]

I posted more photos on twitter while waiting for my kids to ride space multiple times. Getting ready to get in line for A&E

I can't seem to find them. I'm not on twitter but did a search and nothing came up. Is there a link?

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut Not liking the blue in the new lounge..*gasp* ... I actually was expecting a different hue of blue..more like Gaspies...but I do think that its the bold carpet colors that are throwing things off...who picked that anyway!!!!!?????????????? lol....I like the benches though..still bistro looking to me... I guess SL will not be on the list of choices for our next trip..huh????

Hope that all of my fellow GF groupies..(that phrase always make me think of you pas !!! lol) are having a super Sunday... preppy GF gal who is now considering adding adding the Luau to her list of ADRs....

I know....not what I expected either (although it goes right along with the rest of the refurbs with nothing matching/going together, so I guess they just carried that through to the SL lounge .). Work on RPC is scheduled to start tomorrow and I'm afraid to see what they do there .

You are right about SL not being on the list of choices for our next trip...that is if my vote counts for anything and I don't get overruled .

I think the luau is a good idea . It gets mixed reviews and while we've only done it once, we really enjoyed it. The show is a little cheesy in parts, but the fire dancers at the end were amazing. I think it's worth it to go at least once .

Hi there

My hubby has already posted a few questions on here, but thought I might add some too

First off can I say thank you for this thread, just been through the whole thing from start to finish and some really great info and posters as well

Me and DH are staying at the GF for the first time (we are Poly Peeps) after switching from WL. Am so so excited as it has always been my dream to stay at the GF for Christmas as I can't think of any other resort to celebrate in

We've been watching YouTube vids and scouring the Dis for info, but I wanted to get everyones opinion on what Building they think is best suited for what we (well me ) are looking for.

Reading some of the more recent posts about snakes, I have to say I am with the majority and ever since reading that thread about Disney creatures I cannot stay in any room that isn't on the top floor.

We have booked a Lagoon View and I have this perfect picture in my head of basically walking out onto our balcony (railings not walled) and looking out at the lagoon. There's no people below or resort ground, just water, quiet and greenery. Does this view exist and does it exist in Sago Cay? As from looking at the resort map, that seems to be perhaps the quietest of the buildings?

Your help is greatly appreciated

Welcome to the GF thread and congrats on booking your first GF stay .

I agree with BlueSkies that Sago would be a good request .

~ Forgot to mention this earlier... there are some new tours available at WDW...one is called Ultimate Day of Thrills- a VIP Tour Experience...there is one for young families as well... Although pricey at $299 per person ..plus TP admission...You visit MK DHS and AK..ride a variety of thrill rides...and also have lunch at one of the resorts..not sure which though...there are discounts available to DVC Disney Visa and AP...and its 6-7 hours...Sounds very interesting..and a fun way to spend the day...especially if you don't have many days at the the world....

Thanks for the info on this new tour....it sounds kind of cool .

 

[yolie912]

I can't seem to find the twitter. Can anyone post the link?

Also does anyone have a menu of the SL Club Level night offerings?

Thank you!!!

 

[akpetz]

Hello All!

We just booked our first stay at GF for early Sept. I'm SO, SO excited. Especially after browsing this thread. You all are so sweet, and informative!!

We have stayed off property for our last 4 stays after our first and only on-property experience was a not so great stay at WL several years back (small kids, so DH and I were crammed on a tiny balcony overlooking a parking lot and loud service area when our kids fell asleep so we wouldn't have to sit in the dark. Add to that ridiculously long waits for buses and we were underwhelmed with the experience). So, after several years off-property in a condo with room to spread out, I convinced him to give it another shot. I'm hoping staying on-property on the monorail will allow me to quickly head back to the hotel for nap with the baby, and DH and bigger kids can stay out and about.

I have 3 small kids (7, 5, & almost 2). The 2 year old will probably come back for naps, and they all definitely go to sleep before DH and myself. SO, priority for us is a nice balcony area we can sit out and enjoy an adult beverage and have some down time after the kiddos fall asleep. My husband is already nervous about sacrificing the space we have gotten used to, so I want to make it the best experience possible within our budget!

What room/building should I request?? We have an outer building Garden View. I don't think I want a dormer room at all because of the enclosed balcony, and I was pondering requesting ground floor until the snake mentions completely freaked me out. I'm terrified. So, a nice roomy balcony sounds like the right thing for us. I want it all to be perfect so DH becomes an on-property fan!! I read somewhere that not all rooms have a balcony? is this right? Should I specifically request one? I've never even walked on GF property so I truly cannot wait!!!

 

[trishadono]

I can't seem to find the twitter. Can anyone post the link?

Also does anyone have a menu of the SL Club Level night offerings?

Thank you!!!

Sorry, I have the menu for poly but not gf. This is a great video of both RPC and SL to give you an idea of what is offered.

http://youtu.be/IeGvQarl2r4

Here is twitter :

https://mobile.twitter.com/TFW1965

Click on one of the links to see pics.

 

[yolie912]

Sorry, I have the menu for poly but not gf. This is a great video of both RPC and SL to give you an idea of what is offered. http://youtu.be/IeGvQarl2r4 Here is twitter : https://mobile.twitter.com/TFW1965 Click on one of the links to see pics.

thank you!!!

 

[trishadono]

thank you!!!

Welcome

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello All!

We just booked our first stay at GF for early Sept. I'm SO, SO excited. Especially after browsing this thread. You all are so sweet, and informative!!

We have stayed off property for our last 4 stays after our first and only on-property experience was a not so great stay at WL several years back (small kids, so DH and I were crammed on a tiny balcony overlooking a parking lot and loud service area when our kids fell asleep so we wouldn't have to sit in the dark. Add to that ridiculously long waits for buses and we were underwhelmed with the experience). So, after several years off-property in a condo with room to spread out, I convinced him to give it another shot. I'm hoping staying on-property on the monorail will allow me to quickly head back to the hotel for nap with the baby, and DH and bigger kids can stay out and about.

I have 3 small kids (7, 5, & almost 2). The 2 year old will probably come back for naps, and they all definitely go to sleep before DH and myself. SO, priority for us is a nice balcony area we can sit out and enjoy an adult beverage and have some down time after the kiddos fall asleep. My husband is already nervous about sacrificing the space we have gotten used to, so I want to make it the best experience possible within our budget!

What room/building should I request?? We have an outer building Garden View. I don't think I want a dormer room at all because of the enclosed balcony, and I was pondering requesting ground floor until the snake mentions completely freaked me out. I'm terrified. So, a nice roomy balcony sounds like the right thing for us. I want it all to be perfect so DH becomes an on-property fan!! I read somewhere that not all rooms have a balcony? is this right? Should I specifically request one? I've never even walked on GF property so I truly cannot wait!!!

Welcome to the Dis and to the GF FAQ .

Congrats on booking your first GF stay. You are going to love the GF. It's a great resort with beautiful grounds and a lot of shopping/dining options. The rooms are much larger than at the WL (I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience there), so you will have plenty for room to spread out with a good sized balcony for relaxing .

My favorite buildings for GV are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are close to the main building and beach pool, with neither one too far from Gasparillas. With that said, the GF isn't that spread out, so while some of the buildings are a few steps closer to the main areas, none of them are very far. There are no bad views, IMO, at the GF, but there are some rooms in BPK that have a "less desirable" view as they overlook the back of the pool house. If you requested that building, you could also add "upper floor, 4th or above". The majority of rooms have a balcony, with the exception of a few deluxe/lodge tower rooms, so requesting a balcony isn't really needed (IMO), but you could always add that as well.

HTH. Don't hesitate to ask any other questions you might have .

 

[disney meema]

Hello All! We just booked our first stay at GF for early Sept. I'm SO, SO excited. Especially after browsing this thread. You all are so sweet, and informative!! We have stayed off property for our last 4 stays after our first and only on-property experience was a not so great stay at WL several years back (small kids, so DH and I were crammed on a tiny balcony overlooking a parking lot and loud service area when our kids fell asleep so we wouldn't have to sit in the dark. Add to that ridiculously long waits for buses and we were underwhelmed with the experience). So, after several years off-property in a condo with room to spread out, I convinced him to give it another shot. I'm hoping staying on-property on the monorail will allow me to quickly head back to the hotel for nap with the baby, and DH and bigger kids can stay out and about. I have 3 small kids (7, 5, & almost 2). The 2 year old will probably come back for naps, and they all definitely go to sleep before DH and myself. SO, priority for us is a nice balcony area we can sit out and enjoy an adult beverage and have some down time after the kiddos fall asleep. My husband is already nervous about sacrificing the space we have gotten used to, so I want to make it the best experience possible within our budget! What room/building should I request?? We have an outer building Garden View. I don't think I want a dormer room at all because of the enclosed balcony, and I was pondering requesting ground floor until the snake mentions completely freaked me out. I'm terrified. So, a nice roomy balcony sounds like the right thing for us. I want it all to be perfect so DH becomes an on-property fan!! I read somewhere that not all rooms have a balcony? is this right? Should I specifically request one? I've never even walked on GF property so I truly cannot wait!!!

Hi and Welcome!! Your going to have a fabulous stay at the Floridian ... And the most memorable trip at disney world with the perfect location, incredible restaurants, excellent service and an incredible room : )

 

[akpetz]

Welcome to the Dis and to the GF FAQ .

Congrats on booking your first GF stay. You are going to love the GF. It's a great resort with beautiful grounds and a lot of shopping/dining options. The rooms are much larger than at the WL (I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience there), so you will have plenty for room to spread out with a good sized balcony for relaxing .

My favorite buildings for GV are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are close to the main building and beach pool, with neither one too far from Gasparillas. With that said, the GF isn't that spread out, so while some of the buildings are a few steps closer to the main areas, none of them are very far. There are no bad views, IMO, at the GF, but there are some rooms in BPK that have a "less desirable" view as they overlook the back of the pool house. If you requested that building, you could also add "upper floor, 4th or above". The majority of rooms have a balcony, with the exception of a few deluxe/lodge tower rooms, so requesting a balcony isn't really needed (IMO), but you could always add that as well.

HTH. Don't hesitate to ask any other questions you might have .

Thank you so much! Are there any GV rooms that provide a glimpse of MK fireworks from the balcony? Or, do you have to for sure upgrade to Lagoon or Theme Park view for that?

 

[yce22princess]

Hi everyone! Wow! I've been so busy running my kids around I've missed quite a bit here! With the new monorail time changes, is anyone there right now who can confirm, or does anyone know, how early the boats are taking people to MK? We want to rope drop twice and another day we have an 8:00 breakfast reservation with a 9:00 park opening. Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you so much! Are there any GV rooms that provide a glimpse of MK fireworks from the balcony? Or, do you have to for sure upgrade to Lagoon or Theme Park view for that?

You're welcome .

I think I've read that there might be one or two of the outer buildings where some rooms have a glimpse of MK (maybe in Boca Chica??), although I'm not positive as I'm not that familiar with those views, but I'm sure some of the others will be able to answer that for you .

Hi everyone! Wow! I've been so busy running my kids around I've missed quite a bit here! With the new monorail time changes, is anyone there right now who can confirm, or does anyone know, how early the boats are taking people to MK? We want to rope drop twice and another day we have an 8:00 breakfast reservation with a 9:00 park opening. Thanks!

I can't answer for sure, but I would imagine boats would be running early for RD. Hopefully someone else will be able to help with that and give a definite time .

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

I think I like the new room décor but I'll reserve judgment until I see it in October. Is the food area in SL lounge larger/smaller/the same? It looks smaller but then I remember it being smallish when we stayed there.

Thanks the pictures and also for the links. I'm not a twitter person and couldn't find the pictures either!

Liz

 

[davale4]

Just saw on a different thread that The Garden View Tea Room will be closed for refurb from Jun 30th through Aug 29th .

 

[Raya]

1st question: Is Cabana rental worth it? We'll have time Sunday morning to sleep late & play by the pool. We'd be outside after breakfast (say 9 or 10) until lunch. We like to swim but need to stay out of the sun. A lounge chair in the shade would be fine but I don't know how possible that is.

2nd question: Going to the HDDR on Saturday night. About how long will it take to get there? What's the best route (boat, bus, or monorail + boat)? Would it make more sense to go to DTD and travel from there than to travel from GF?

3rd: How hard is it to get a table at Citricos without a reservation? We don't want dinner, just the Boston Creme Pie dessert. We're willing to eat it at the bar, take it back to the room, or eat at an odd hour. I just hate to make a reservation (and risk a cancellation fee is something comes up) just to get a piece of pie.

Thanks for all the great info in this thread. I'm really looking forward to our first Grand Vacation!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Just saw on a different thread that The Garden View Tea Room will be closed for refurb from Jun 30th through Aug 29th .

The Room is closed but tea is being held in Citricos. We have a ressie on the 24th of July at 12:20. It is my understanding the service ends by 1:30 during the refurb but I could be mistaken about this.

Liz