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

[abk96]

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

I thought it was only the Princess Tea that was being held at Citricos?

I tried to get a reservation but was told that they are closed for refurb and no other location was being used.

 

[davale4]

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

Thanks! I thought only the Princess Tea party was being held.

 

[dansdad]

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?

I would monorail to MK then boat to Ft. Wilderness. Avoid using DTD as a hub at all costs.

4th: Does the marshmallow roast have s'more fixings? At YC they only had the marshmallows and sticks. It was free, which was nice, but I'd have been happy to pay for chocolate to go with them.

All the marshmallow roasts include marshmallows and sticks only. However every resort we've stayed at had Hershey bars and Graham Crackers for sale in the gift shop/snack store.

 

[Raya]

All the marshmallow roasts include marshmallows and sticks only. However every resort we've stayed at had Hershey bars and Graham Crackers for sale in the gift shop/snack store.

Tragically YC did not. Just one of the many reasons why we're switching to GF this year.

Thanks for the FYI on DTD, I didn't realize it could be problematic.

 

[DonnaDuck333]

It looks like they expanded the lounge to more seating, last time I was there was 2010 and that section here I don't recognize. Did the resort actually give more seating in the lounge eating area when the renovated ? Because I may consider this if they do. Last time we stayed it was a full house and it was crowded and people eating on the floor near the pool exit. I never returned since...

 

[dansdad]

Tragically YC did not. Just one of the many reasons why we're switching to GF this year.

That's odd, Beach Club had them.

 

[mickeynut1]

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!

Congrats on booking your first GF stay. The GF is an amazing resort and I'm sure you'll have a great time .

1. We've never rented a cabana, but a lot of people rave about them. If you want to be by the pool but need to stay out of the sun, I think a cabana is a good idea .

2. I agree with dansdad that I wouldn't use DTD as a hub for getting to FW as going to DTD from just about any resort could take some time. Taking the monorail to MK and then boat to FW is a good option .

3. We've never eaten at Citricos, but most of the time it seems to be one that pops up with availability whenever I make our ADRs. With that said, you could try doing a walk up since you're just looking for dessert. I'm not sure if carry out for dessert is an option, but maybe someone else more familiar with Citricos will be able to give some suggestions .

HTH

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

I thought it was only the Princess Tea that was being held at Citricos?

I tried to get a reservation but was told that they are closed for refurb and no other location was being used.

I couldn't book anything online but WL CL staff were able to do it with no issues. I would call if you don't have CL. Ressie is all linked in MDE so unless the take it away we're so there!

This was requested by DH who loves the tea (after the first trip where I dragged him kicking and screaming into the place!) We go at least once every visit and sometimes multiple times!

Liz

WooHoo I reached my post count and can link tickers!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Clarifying the Afternoon Tea: If you look under Afternoon Tea at the Garden View you can book times online. You cannot book anything through the Garden View Tea Room.

There is an availability for July 24 at 1pm currently! Hope that helps.

Liz

 

[abk96]

I couldn't book anything online but WL CL staff were able to do it with no issues. I would call if you don't have CL. Ressie is all linked in MDE so unless the take it away we're so there!

This was requested by DH who loves the tea (after the first trip where I dragged him kicking and screaming into the place!) We go at least once every visit and sometimes multiple times!

Liz

WooHoo I reached my post count and can link tickers!

Thanks. I am staying CL at GF so I'm going to look into this and see what I can get.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

baler31 - thanks for the SL photos, very much appreciated!

I have to admit - I don't care much for the new look. As I think BlueSkies posted, perhaps had they put in a neutral carpet it would look much better, but the clash of the swirls with the striped chair backs is awful, IMO, very much like the new BWI Innkeeper's Club.

The style of the walls & floor seem out of place with the furnishings, and I don't like the various blues mixed together. Maybe my computer is deceiving me, but it looks like a deep turquoise on the chairs, while the walls have a shiny powder blue. Weird.

I laughed out loud when I saw the dreaded blue chair and ottoman has returned to the resort rooms!! The one item I hoped they had gotten rid of, still there. It is better than no chair at all, and with all the new items I despise, I'm feeling a little nostalgic.

It looks like they expanded the lounge to more seating, last time I was there was 2010 and that section here I don't recognize. Did the resort actually give more seating in the lounge eating area when the renovated ? Because I may consider this if they do. Last time we stayed it was a full house and it was crowded and people eating on the floor near the pool exit. I never returned since...

It was reported they have removed one of the CM desks and added tables & chairs to that area, so yes, the dining area has been expanded.

 

[DonnaDuck333]

baler31 - thanks for the SL photos, very much appreciated!

I have to admit - I don't care much for the new look. As I think BlueSkies posted, perhaps had they put in a neutral carpet it would look much better, but the clash of the swirls with the striped chair backs is awful, IMO, very much like the new BWI Innkeeper's Club.

The style of the walls & floor seem out of place with the furnishings, and I don't like the various blues mixed together. Maybe my computer is deceiving me, but it looks like a deep turquoise on the chairs, while the walls have a shiny powder blue. Weird.

I laughed out loud when I saw the dreaded blue chair and ottoman has returned to the resort rooms!! The one item I hoped they had gotten rid of, still there. It is better than no chair at all, and with all the new items I despise, I'm feeling a little nostalgic.



It was reported they have removed one of the CM desks and added tables & chairs to that area, so yes, the dining area has been expanded.

This is wonderful news, I liked everything about it last we stood except the people standing up and eating and sitting on the floors from lack of tables and chairs. Made me feel bad when my family got one and another did not. So this looks like a fair amount of space and seating added. Although I must say at the Beach Club lounge during evening offerings, we experienced the same problem, that's why the Wilderness, Animal kingdom and Grand Floridian Main building Club level is our go too... I like a spacious lounge, but that's just our preference... Thank you for sharing

 

[kids1617]

Have a question. When it came to online check in and room request, one option was corner room. Does this have any advantages?? Thanks

 

[famy27]

I'm interested in ideas for room requests as well.

Our travelling party is me, DH, and DD(8).

We've never stayed at GF before, and I know nothing at all about what would be the most desirable area. We have a garden view outer bldg room booked.

 

[trishadono]

Have a question. When it came to online check in and room request, one option was corner room. Does this have any advantages?? Thanks

Some corner rooms (only a few) have a second balcony.

Also logically a corner could be more quiet (if needed).

I'm interested in ideas for room requests as well.

Our travelling party is me, DH, and DD(8).

We've never stayed at GF before, and I know nothing at all about what would be the most desirable area. We have a garden view outer bldg room booked.

Me for a GV room I would rather have an upper floor than a specific building.

If dd will be at pool a lot maybe that would be more important for your family?

We liked sago (first time) because it was quick to main building, food, and busses. That meant getting to/from parks was convenient. Also ds eats small meals ALL DAY LONG It was nice to run to Gaspies and grab him a to-go order without to much walking.

Best part is that there isn't a bad view

 

[Gitts2008]

Since we are talking about room locations

Any suggestions for someone staying in SL CL ? My reservation is for a roll in shower room so I know this limits where we can be placed. But, I'd love to hear any tips?

76 days

 

[Raya]

We have an outer bulding lagoon view room. Any ideas what building that might be? I'd love to have a sunny balcony, but my big request was quiet.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Some corner rooms (only a few) have a second balcony.

Also logically a corner could be more quiet (if needed).



Me for a GV room I would rather have an upper floor than a specific building.

If dd will be at pool a lot maybe that would be more important for your family?

We liked sago (first time) because it was quick to main building, food, and busses. That meant getting to/from parks was convenient. Also ds eats small meals ALL DAY LONG It was nice to run to Gaspies and grab him a to-go order without to much walking.

Best part is that there isn't a bad view

I thought Sago was father from things? I think I was told Big Pine for proximity. Should I ask for the other?

 

[yolie912]

Since we are talking about room locations

Any suggestions for someone staying in SL CL ? My reservation is for a roll in shower room so I know this limits where we can be placed. But, I'd love to hear any tips?

76 days

Would love to know this as well!

 

[Lisann]

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.

My sister and I rented a cabana for 1/2 day the first year they were available. It was wonderful! I liked the extra bit of pampering and the ability to get out of the sun when needed. Cold drinks and fruit were nice, too. And we had lunch delivered.

I would do it again in a heartbeat, but it has gone up in price quite a bit since we rented years back.