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

[abk96]

We decided to split our stay and do 4 nights BWI followed by 4 nights GF. I booked garden view and requested Boca Chica pool view room upper floor. Do you think this was a wise request or am I fooling myself thinking I'd actually get it? When we were on our honeymoon we stayed in BPK garden view and had no view at all.

Also, I read that the Boca Chica building was due for refurb in the beginning of Feb. Does anyone know if it was completed? The rooms look fabulous and I can't wait to stay in one. Also the BWI is going to be refurbed this summer so maybe we'll get a newer room here also.*fingers crossed*

 

[mickeynut1]

We just booked our vacation and we are doing a split
Stay (gf and YC) as well!!!! We are so excited and counting down to our stay!!!

Great split.....the best of both worlds .

There's another excited party here!

We are just three weeks from the start of our vacation and a month away from Mickey's Place. The thought of the GF in the Spring is just gorgeous. We have had several days of rain - steady, grey rain. So, with thoughts of the trip in my head, I ventured forth to buy new swimwear. I actually found two things that didn't make me look ridiculous! The next item on my list is to book a cabana day! You can't have the trial of trying on swimwear without a rainbow at the end.

Your trip will be here before you know it. The GF is gorgeous any time of year, but especially so during spring time .

Also staying at GF for first time after a few stays at Poly. We were originally booked at Poly again, but we found out the volcano pool would be closed during our time there so we switched it up. I've heard nothing but great things about this resort- but part of me is afraid it will be too "fancy" for my boys. Please tell me it's as kid friendly as Poly?!?

Congrats on booking your first GF stay. The Poly is our favorite resort, but the GF runs a very close second. I think you made a great choice going with the GF . The GF is beautiful and although it does have a "fancy" look/feel to it, it is just as kid friendly as all of the other resorts, so I'm sure you will feel very comfortable .

We are doing AKL next month, GL SL in July and then a split between YC and WL in the fall!

You have some great resorts booked. We've never stayed at the YC, but the others are amazing, so I'm sure you'll have a great time all around .

YES!! So glad to get the taxes finished - I had 9 returns, counting Fed & State (one kid had 2 state returns, ick).

I'm with you, I usually end up wearing flops or other sandals before I get a pedicure, I'm just too anxious to get the party started. Speaking of pedicures - I lost my nail lady a couple years ago, she moved away, and I have yet to find anyone who does as good a job. First world problems, right?!

LOL! We need to start a club. Not the "He Man, Woman Haters Club" - we need an equally great title.

That's a lot of returns .....glad they're finished.

I think the flip flops are out for good now....lol. We reached 60s today and although they are predicting temps in the mid to high 40s next week, the flip flops are staying as I refuse to go back to socks and tennies .

I hope you find a new nail lady that's good.....a nail lady and hair stylist are the worst to have to look for as a good one is sometimes hard to find .

LOL on the club......I thought I was the only one who wasn't into all of the social media accounts .

 

[mickeynut1]

We decided to split our stay and do 4 nights BWI followed by 4 nights GF. I booked garden view and requested Boca Chica pool view room upper floor. Do you think this was a wise request or am I fooling myself thinking I'd actually get it? When we were on our honeymoon we stayed in BPK garden view and had no view at all.

Also, I read that the Boca Chica building was due for refurb in the beginning of Feb. Does anyone know if it was completed? The rooms look fabulous and I can't wait to stay in one. Also the BWI is going to be refurbed this summer so maybe we'll get a newer room here also.*fingers crossed*

That's a nice split as splitting with an Epcot resort and MK resort is the best of both worlds. I think your requests are fine. When we stayed at the Poly, my requests were "Samoa, first floor, facing volcano pool" and the first 2 were met, with the 3rd being met if we wanted to change rooms the next day. So, even though nothing is guaranteed, they will do what they can to accommodate your requests .

I don't know the answer about Boca Chica, but hopefully someone else will be able to give some insight as to whether or not it's complete .

 

[abk96]

That's a nice split as splitting with an Epcot resort and MK resort is the best of both worlds. I think your requests are fine. When we stayed at the Poly, my requests were "Samoa, first floor, facing volcano pool" and the first 2 were met, with the 3rd being met if we wanted to change rooms the next day. So, even though nothing is guaranteed, they will do what they can to accommodate your requests . .

Thanks. That's good to know. Just wanted to make sure my requests weren't too specific.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks. That's good to know. Just wanted to make sure my requests weren't too specific.

You're welcome . Actually, your requests are perfect as it tells the room assigner exactly what you're looking for. If you don't get what you want, you can always ask if a different room is available. If something isn't available right away that meets your requests and you are willing to wait, they are usually very accommodating in switching your room .

 

[happymomof1]

The in-room coffee makers in all the regular rooms (non-suites) are Cuisinart 2-cup models; photo on the first page, in the "Guest Room Photos" post (post #4).
There are links to photos and video of the CL lounges on the first page, I will add it for you
here.

Thank you k&a&c'smom! about no Nespresso machines in guest rooms, but, that's okay, we 'll just have to make a fun trip to the lounge in the early am. I'm always an early riser.
Is there a water dispenser for very late night drinks left out in the lounge? Or, should we just plan ahead and ask for a bottle or a few cups to store in our refrigerator?

Thanks again for the photo links. It's so fun to scroll through them. I see a lot of seasoned GF guests really miss the old decor, but the new rooms really do seem pretty.

Looking forward to setting foot, for the first time EVER in the GF!

 

[BethieTink]

What great plans for a quick visit! Enjoy! and congrats on the vow renewal .. How exciting!! ..Will that be at the GF too...??

Thanks! Really looking forward to the trip and nice relaxing time at the GF.

Our VR was in November 2012. We had 7 events in total over the course of 3 days. All of the events had a Disney character associated with it. I held an Alice themed Ladies Tea at the Asbury Patio at the YC Convention Center. While we were doing that, the guys had a Grumpy lunch at Raglan Road. That evening we held a Lady & the Tramp welcome dinner over the BW Convention Center. The next morning, bright and early, we had our ceremony in the Rose Garden in the UK in Epcot. Our reception was in the American Adventure Parlor upstairs in Epcot, both of these events featured Donald and Daisy (who were at the reception). We had a dessert party that evening in the UK with a Think theme. Then in the morning we did a Farewell Breakfast back at the Asbury Patio with a Mickey Mouse Club Theme.

It was an absolutely incredible weekend.

 

[yce22princess]

For those of you who have rented a cabana at the GF, what types of food were you able to order that they'll bring for you? None of us are really picky eaters, just curious as to what our options might be. Thanks!!

 

[Ferrentinos]

For those of you who have rented a cabana at the GF, what types of food were you able to order that they'll bring for you? None of us are really picky eaters, just curious as to what our options might be. Thanks!!

Great question! I want to know too!

 

[WishesQueen]

For those of you who have rented a cabana at the GF, what types of food were you able to order that they'll bring for you? None of us are really picky eaters, just curious as to what our options might be. Thanks!!

Morning Everyone!!

k&a&c'smom - has the menu on page 1 post 14!! We like it because its different from Gaspie's, so its a nice change.

 

[WishesQueen]

Its also listed on WDW site...I think it was Beach Pool Bar at the GF. They change things around too, not limited how items are made

 

[grwrn]

Our Spring Break vacation is here. Driving to Atlanta tonight after work to stay and park at the airport Hilton. Our flight is at 8:30am. Hoping for an early check in and can't wait to experience the GF! I also requested the buildings with the new decor so we shall see if we get one.

 

[mickeynut1]

Looking forward to setting foot, for the first time EVER in the GF!

You're going to love it .

Thanks! Really looking forward to the trip and nice relaxing time at the GF.

Our VR was in November 2012. We had 7 events in total over the course of 3 days. All of the events had a Disney character associated with it. I held an Alice themed Ladies Tea at the Asbury Patio at the YC Convention Center. While we were doing that, the guys had a Grumpy lunch at Raglan Road. That evening we held a Lady & the Tramp welcome dinner over the BW Convention Center. The next morning, bright and early, we had our ceremony in the Rose Garden in the UK in Epcot. Our reception was in the American Adventure Parlor upstairs in Epcot, both of these events featured Donald and Daisy (who were at the reception). We had a dessert party that evening in the UK with a Think theme. Then in the morning we did a Farewell Breakfast back at the Asbury Patio with a Mickey Mouse Club Theme.

It was an absolutely incredible weekend.

Sounds like an amazing weekend .

Our Spring Break vacation is here. Driving to Atlanta tonight after work to stay and park at the airport Hilton. Our flight is at 8:30am. Hoping for an early check in and can't wait to experience the GF! I also requested the buildings with the new decor so we shall see if we get one.

Safe travels. Have a great trip and enjoy the GF .

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi, GF pals... Been MIA (to use ahcupcake's phrase) because my dad took us three "girls" to Richmond, Va. for a "memories" trip. He and my mom have a history there. It was such a special time; I'll never forget it!

I tried to skim thru the last several pages; it's been a week since I've been here.

Blue, I have not yet made any ressies. Just got the chance to ask my sister what color MB she wanted, so at least now I can order those. We also talked about fastpasses, and I will make those as well. (except for the new Snow White mine train, which has yet to appear as a choice). Wonder when it will?

ahcupcake, sorry to hear about your "run-in" with the lid of the trunk! I bet that stunned you!

Mickeynut, is it a capris and flip-flop day for you today?? We are getting into those nice spring days here in Ga. when the temps can get into the upper 70s. I guess you'd be ready to don your swimsuit at that!!

I think we're in the mid-40s in our countdown. Sooo ready!

 

[Ferrentinos]

And I think I may have truly lost my mind... just emailed IPO to try to add a second cabana day to our July trip... and I REALLY hope that one is available!

 

[yce22princess]

And I think I may have truly lost my mind... just emailed IPO to try to add a second cabana day to our July trip... and I REALLY hope that one is available!

Haha! That's great! Btw, when are your Citricos and 1900 ADR's?

 

[yce22princess]

Morning Everyone!! k&a&c'smom - has the menu on page 1 post 14!! We like it because its different from Gaspie's, so its a nice change.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

 

[abk96]

I just read that the Garden View Tea Room will be closed when I'm there this July. One of my daughters and I were planning on doing this while staying at the GF. It says the Princess Tea will be served at Citrico's but I guess they aren't moving the afternoon tea.

So sad now.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

For anyone wondering about GF dining info and menus, there is a whole post on the first page - post #11! Any info needed, we have a "Table of Contents" with direct links, located near the top of the first post, first page.

mickeynut - YES! Finding a new manicurist or stylist is the worst.

grannyminnie - glad to see you, good luck with your WDW planning. What a sweet thing your Dad did for you.

grwrn - Safe travels, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a new room. Nearly all the outer buildings should be finished by now, except Sago and SL.

happymomof1 - I do not think there are drinks out 24 hours a day any longer at any of the CL lounges. I believe I read they have now switched to a water dispenser, rather than the bottles of Evian (BlueSkies, jump in here - you were just in CL! ), so I'm not sure if you can still get a bottle for the room or not. Ask when you arrive; if not, just run down to Sandy Cove and buy a large bottle - it's pricey for water, but not that much in the scheme of things, I always do it when in a non-CL room.

If you are pop drinkers you can grab a few cans from the CL coolers early in the day to keep in your fridge for late night drinks.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I just read that the Garden View Tea Room will be closed when I'm there this July. One of my daughters and I were planning on doing this while staying at the GF. It says the Princess Tea will be served at Citrico's but I guess they aren't moving the afternoon tea.

So sad now.

AWWW! They have been expecting a renovation in the Tea Room for so long, can't believe it is finally happeneing. Don't be too discouraged yet, maybe they are simply not ready to reveal their full plans for the afternoon tea. Here's some pixie dust for everyone going this summer, that it will be available in some form.