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

[mickeynut1]

During our last visit ..on an evening that the lounge was pretty busy...there was a young girl....sprawled across one of the sofas..on her belly...playing on her tablet...with bare dirty feet also on the sofa!!! .... ...just awful...

MickeyNut Dd you have to exchange your flip flops from snow boots this week!!

That is very rude what that girl did. I experienced the same thing on a past trip......there were a few kids laying all over the sofas with bare feet.....just not acceptable behavior.....like you said, it's a homey atmosphere, but it's not your home .

I wasn't able to wear my flip flops yesterday ......but they are still handy for later this week/weekend when temps are supposed to climb back into the 60s .

Hey MickeyNut I see that we were posting at the same time...

I of course was editing...and removing extra smilies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol....

Yes, we were . I thought I was going to have to edit my post too, but I made it without going over the smilie limit .

 

[happymomof1]

Sorry-accidentally posted a quote to the wrong thread ! Oops!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

As WishesQueen posted, Gasparillas has been redone. I am one who is glad the arcade was moved. We found the noise from the arcade games to very annoying when we sat in there to eat. Plus I think the new Gasparillas is much nicer as it was in need of an update .

....
I'm sure you and DD will have a great trip . The GF will always be there for a later trip (although with a new room ).

Thanks - you are right, we will have a great time together! Can't wait.

We were glad about the arcade, too, it was very noisy in there. And agree about the refurb in general, it is very pretty.

I have seen a general decline in lounge manners in the last few years... I really think there needs to be a big sign indicating proper attire..maybe even a suggestion or two on lounge etiquette..

Maybe a good idea - but you and I both know, that will never happen!

I would say given the close proximity of all of the outer buildings to the main building your grandma will be fine no matter what building that you are in...but I would recommend as others have BPK as it really is the closest to the main building..and all it has inside... the walk from the monorail at the CR to the garden wing is quite a bit longer of a walk than from the monorail at the GF to any outer building... How nice that you and going to be spending time with her at the GF...Enjoy!

Thanks for giving insight for the Garden Wing distance - I only have a general idea in my head from the times we have walked past on the way to/from the boat. Good point about the total distance from the monorail, it is a long walk through the Tower.

Enjoy your beach vacation...I am sure that no matter where you are just spending the time with your DD will be wonderful... Of course...mother daughter time at Disney ..and especially at the GF is always nice...sounds like there will be another trip to plan in the future...

LOL - what makes you say that?!

~ I just read about an interesting event at Epcot on the Disney Food Blog...Its an after hours separate ticket event....more bye bye $$$...lol...sounds like fun...Its called "After Hours Wind Down"..and will be hosted at La Cava, Rose & Crown Spice Road and Tutto Gusto...it includes drinks and small plates of different dishes ..sounds kind of like a cocktail hour ...anyway wanted to share that will my fellow GF fans...its always fun to find some thing new to do at the world!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!

Sounds interesting, thanks for the update. LOL about more bye bye money, they are very good at it.

Sorry-accidentally posted a quote to the wrong thread ! Oops!

 

[BC1836]

Pet peeve of mine is others who don't clean up after themselves... I understand that the CL CMs are so attentive....and often come over to the tables to clean up...but to get up and leave mess...just plain rude to me....

I have seen a general decline in lounge manners in the last few years... I really think there needs to be a big sign indicating proper attire..maybe even a suggestion or two on lounge etiquette.. I am sure you have seen the occasional guest who doesn't get it that they are not at home despite the homey atmosphere..lol..and wanders into the lounge in a robe.. looking like..and maybe might have... just rolled out of bed....lol..

During our last visit ..on an evening that the lounge was pretty busy...there was a young girl....sprawled across one of the sofas..on her belly...playing on her tablet...with bare dirty feet also on the sofa!!! .... ...just awful...

Coinciding with the decline of manners at the GFR is management's decision to curb the authority of the CMs. We know of at least one CM who transferred because of "the guests can do no wrong" policy.

For inappropriate deportment at the GFR (especially at the RPC), we suggest the technique used in the film Braveheart in which Longshanks responds to Prince Edward's choice of Phillip as a high counselor. If you are familiar with the film's scene, you will understand.

All the best.

 

[Lisann]

As I sit here for the fourth day straight home from work with this horrible flu and "stuffy" nose...here's a question...

Speaking of stuffy...why is it that people automatically assume that the GF would be stuffy and pretentious? I've never understood that.

Even though the prices of the rooms are outrageous, quite honestly, I've always thought of this resort as quite casual in it's atmosphere, vibe, sunny cheerfulness, decor, etc.

The Grand is refined, yes, but I've never experienced an uppity attitude from any of the guests or cast members (now maybe in Victorian times there would have been more of a class structure ). We're all walking around in flip flops here just like the other resorts.

I'm so bored.

Okay...back to bedrest.

 

[abk96]

Does anyone know if they still sell the painted prints of GF in the gift shop, like the ones hanging in the rooms?

When we were on our honeymoon we bought one of a wedding in a gazebo with the GF in the background. It still hangs in my home after almost 18 years.

I would love to buy another this summer.

 

[happymomof1]

About a month ago or so, someone staying at Conch Key had taken photos of the new rooms and someone (maybe same person) had photos of crew hauling boxes into the building that was getting rooms redone. There was some discussion regarding one of the boxes saying "Nesting Table" or "Nesting Desk". But nothing nesting was shown in the updated room photo. Are these being used in the rooms yet?

 

[GFmom]

All-
We are headed down in November. My Husband is a huge Fan on the Redskins and will NEED to see the game. Schedule is NOT posted yet, I just want to be prepared. Is there anywhere he can see the game at the Grand? We have previously come on by weeks OR in the summer. Thanks for suggestions!

 

[BC1836]

About a month ago or so, someone staying at Conch Key had taken photos of the new rooms and someone (maybe same person) had photos of crew hauling boxes into the building that was getting rooms redone. There was some discussion regarding one of the boxes saying "Nesting Table" or "Nesting Desk". But nothing nesting was shown in the updated room photo. Are these being used in the rooms yet?

Yes, the small table with an accompanying chair and table lamp (positioned under a wall mirror) is in use...at least in the room we visited last week.

Whether one favors the new look or prefers the former appearance of the rooms, one thing is awkward: the bathrooms have not been redone. To be sure, there's new wallpaper and a new shower curtain but the counter top is the same as it was, and it clashes with the look of the new marble top on the dresser/TV stand. Go figure.

All the best.

 

[BC1836]

All-
We are headed down in November. My Husband is a huge Fan on the Redskins and will NEED to see the game. Schedule is NOT posted yet, I just want to be prepared. Is there anywhere he can see the game at the Grand? We have previously come on by weeks OR in the summer. Thanks for suggestions!

Unless it's a nationally broadcast game that he could view from his room, he will have to travel to the ESPN Club next to the BWI or the ESPN Zone in DTD where multiple TVs carry most, if not all, NFL games.

All the best.

 

[happymomof1]

Yes, the small table with an accompanying chair and table lamp (positioned under a wall mirror) is in use...at least in the room we visited last week.

Whether one favors the new look or prefers the former appearance of the rooms, one thing is awkward: the bathrooms have not

been redone. To be sure, there's new wallpaper and a new shower curtain but the counter top is the same as it was, and it clashes with the look of the new marble top on the dresser/TV stand. Go figure.



All the best.

Thanks for the update! Hope the rest of your stay was magical. Anything else to report? New menu items, something you ordered that you had not had before that was good, any surprises, new merchandise in gift shops ??

 

[BC1836]

Thanks for the update! Hope the rest of your stay was magical. Anything else to report? New menu items, something you ordered that you had not had before that was good, any surprises, new merchandise in gift shops ??

We stayed at the RPC again and benefitted from some of WDW's best CMs. We acknowledge their efforts by name in either an e-mail or a letter to Norm Noble. First rate service must be not be ignored or unappreciated. And we always go beyond mere letter writing.

There are always a few new menu items that appear (we dined at California Grill, Jiko, Narcoosees and V&A for dinner) but did not pay attention to the merchandise offerings. Most of the time we are caught up in the overall feel of the GFR and Disney "magic."

It was so enjoyable that we are counting the months until we return.

All the best.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

About a month ago or so, someone staying at Conch Key had taken photos of the new rooms and someone (maybe same person) had photos of crew hauling boxes into the building that was getting rooms redone. There was some discussion regarding one of the boxes saying "Nesting Table" or "Nesting Desk". But nothing nesting was shown in the updated room photo. Are these being used in the rooms yet?

We are still waiting to hear/see pictures from more refurbed rooms to see if the nesting table shows up. From the pictures that have been posted, the desk with chair still does not have the nesting table underneath. Crossing fingers that it shows up in some photos from the Spring break crowd!

Yes, the small table with an accompanying chair and table lamp (positioned under a wall mirror) is in use...at least in the room we visited last week.

Whether one favors the new look or prefers the former appearance of the rooms, one thing is awkward: the bathrooms have not been redone. To be sure, there's new wallpaper and a new shower curtain but the counter top is the same as it was, and it clashes with the look of the new marble top on the dresser/TV stand. Go figure.

All the best.

Did you actually see the illusive nesting table under the desk? I would be SUPER happy if that is the case!

With the refurb, there are many items that are clashing and/or look odd and off scale. Not sure what these designers were thinking I am happy that the room has new carpet, linens, wallpaper, etc. but, IMO, the design seems very amateur.

 

[happymomof1]

BC1386-did you have a keurig coffee maker in your room, or was it cuisinart?
I thought I saw an updated photo with the keurig type as standard in CL rooms, but someone pointed me to it bring a suite amenity. I see the same question is being brought up again on another thread. Just wondering... Thanks!

 

[BC1836]

Did you actually see the illusive nesting table under the desk? I would be SUPER happy if that is the case!

Indeed! And we even took a photo of it. Alas, we need a quick course in how to post photos here.

All the best.

 

[Circusgirl]

Did you actually see the illusive nesting table under the desk? I would be SUPER happy if that is the case!

With the refurb, there are many items that are clashing and/or look odd and off scale. Not sure what these designers were thinking I am happy that the room has new carpet, linens, wallpaper, etc. but, IMO, the design seems very amateur.

Yay for the nesting table!

I agree with your impressions of the decor. I love Disney's usual deep theming and amazing touches and details but this decor is almost completely generic. I am hoping to like it more in person, but I don't get the feeling I'm going to be thrilled with it.

I've been super busy with not much time to post, but I always appreciate all my grand friends and this lovely thread!

 

[BC1836]

Yay for the nesting table!

I agree with your impressions of the decor. I love Disney's usual deep theming and amazing touches and details but this decor is almost completely generic. I am hoping to like it more in person, but I don't get the feeling I'm going to be thrilled with it.

I've been super busy with not much time to post, but I always appreciate all my grand friends and this lovely thread!

We appreciate the new style and admire its color-scheme balance and upscale feel; however, as we have said, it is devoid of anything Disney. Even a simple MM lamp would have salvaged the entire look without compromising the new decor's overall appearance.

All the best.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Indeed! And we even took a photo of it. Alas, we need a quick course in how to post photos here.

All the best.

So happy to hear this Would love to see that photo but I too am photo challenged on the DIS. I know it involves uploading pics to a website like photobucket and copying/pasting the pic urls? IDK, maybe someone who is more computer literate will come along with the step-by-step tutorial for you. I know there are a few stickys on different boards regarding this subject as well.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Yay for the nesting table!

Indeed! Now, left on our list is the armchair, padded bench, clothes hamper, and.....let's see.....ummm....removal of the weird mirror above the daybed, a mickey lamp, new light fixtures above the beds, larger headboards, .... At least we got one item marked off the list!!!

Glad to see you posting again. Life gets so busy sometimes but it is great when we can escape to our secret DIS society


Lisann Hope you are feeling better today. We are all so tired of being sick this year. The supercold winter seems to have trapped all these germs and viruses inside and they keep recycling over and over. I am getting over a 21 to 28 day virus that involves lots of mucus and coughing. UGH....I am on day 29...sucks big time.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks - you are right, we will have a great time together! Can't wait.

We were glad about the arcade, too, it was very noisy in there. And agree about the refurb in general, it is very pretty.

I know you will....and it will be here before you know it .

Ya I think a Gasparillas refurb was long overdue and taking out the arcade was a good move, IMO .

As I sit here for the fourth day straight home from work with this horrible flu and "stuffy" nose...here's a question...

Speaking of stuffy...why is it that people automatically assume that the GF would be stuffy and pretentious? I've never understood that.

Even though the prices of the rooms are outrageous, quite honestly, I've always thought of this resort as quite casual in it's atmosphere, vibe, sunny cheerfulness, decor, etc.

The Grand is refined, yes, but I've never experienced an uppity attitude from any of the guests or cast members (now maybe in Victorian times there would have been more of a class structure ). We're all walking around in flip flops here just like the other resorts.

I'm so bored.

Okay...back to bedrest.

I hope you're feeling better soon .

I will admit that I was one who always felt the GF was "stuffy". We visited every trip since our first trip in 2001 and while I always wanted to like the GF and stay there, each visit pushed that stay farther and farther away as the "feeling" we got wasn't a welcoming one. Fast forward to January 2010 when I had my first stay. As soon as I experienced actually staying at the resort, my views completely changed as I quickly found out that visiting a resort vs actually staying there gives you (or at least it did me) a different perspective. I'm glad I gave the GF a try because it is now one of my favorites (after the Poly ). With that said, I can see the "stuffy" feeling that others get when visiting the GF, so my suggestion for those that see a resort in a certain light from just visiting is to actually stay there to see if you feel any different because it could possibly change your view .

Does anyone know if they still sell the painted prints of GF in the gift shop, like the ones hanging in the rooms?

When we were on our honeymoon we bought one of a wedding in a gazebo with the GF in the background. It still hangs in my home after almost 18 years.

I would love to buy another this summer.

I don't know the answer, but hopefully others will be able to help (or someone going there soon could possibly check on it for you and let you know ).

With the refurb, there are many items that are clashing and/or look odd and off scale. Not sure what these designers were thinking I am happy that the room has new carpet, linens, wallpaper, etc. but, IMO, the design seems very amateur.

I love Disney's usual deep theming and amazing touches and details but this decor is almost completely generic.

as we have said, it is devoid of anything Disney. Even a simple MM lamp would have salvaged the entire look without compromising the new decor's overall appearance.

I agree with all 3 posts .

We are all so tired of being sick this year. The supercold winter seems to have trapped all these germs and viruses inside and they keep recycling over and over. I am getting over a 21 to 28 day virus that involves lots of mucus and coughing. UGH....I am on day 29...sucks big time.

Not a lot of sickness here, but I am so tired of this weather . Temps are starting to climb here, so hopefully we've seen the last of winter and spring is finally here to stay.

I hope you're feeling better soon .