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

[MommyGina]

Hi Blue and k&a&c's mom and the rest of my GF friends. I have been keeping up on all the posts here. It's getting closer and closer to our July vacation.

DS finally made his college decision just a few hours ago. Now I can concentrate on vacation at the Grand. How many of you will be at the GF from 7/15 to 7/23? I know of one family so far that will be there at the same time that we will be there

Happy Easter!

 

[pixarmom]

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 .

Our first stay at GF is coming up in January, but I entirely agree with mickeynut regarding visiting a resort vs. staying at a resort. Entirely different perspective, and I tend to like resorts much more when actually staying there!

 

[yce22princess]

Hi Blue and k&a&c's mom and the rest of my GF friends. I have been keeping up on all the posts here. It's getting closer and closer to our July vacation. DS finally made his college decision just a few hours ago. Now I can concentrate on vacation at the Grand. How many of you will be at the GF from 7/15 to 7/23? I know of one family so far that will be there at the same time that we will be there Happy Easter!

We are there 7/16-7/25!

 

[Ferrentinos]

We are there 7/16-7/25!

We are there July 15-23!

I've been away from the boards for a few days - even with a flu shot I came down with H1N1 strand of flu on my week off!!! Boo!!! Starting to feel more human again but DD3 has it too and an upper respiratory infection so we are having a bit of a tough week. July can't get here soon enough! This was not how I planned to spend my spring break!

 

[yce22princess]

We are there July 15-23! I've been away from the boards for a few days - even with a flu shot I came down with H1N1 strand of flu on my week off!!! Boo!!! Starting to feel more human again but DD3 has it too and an upper respiratory infection so we are having a bit of a tough week. July can't get here soon enough! This was not how I planned to spend my spring break!

Oh no! Sorry to hear you've been sick.....especially on your break! We went through a round of nasty colds/coughs almost the entire month of Feb. into March! Ick! You're right, July can't come soon enough!

 

[aprilbabes]

We'll be heading there at the end if the month and I know they started refurb in that building last month. Just wondering if anyone knew if they were finished as that's the building we requested.

 

[Ferrentinos]

Oh no! Sorry to hear you've been sick.....especially on your break! We went through a round of nasty colds/coughs almost the entire month of Feb. into March! Ick! You're right, July can't come soon enough!

Thanks - I've never had the flu before so this was certainly not how I planned to spend my break! We were all sick too many times this winter - I need to have my windows open and air it all out!

On a fun note - my Magic Bands for our May trip arrived yesterday! So now I have 3 colors (one from Jan, one for AP and one for May) - I should be able to accessorize nicely!

 

[ClareH37]

Getting excited, only another couple of weeks until my RPC trip I really wanted to extend my trip at the beginning as I was originally staying at the Waldorf but no availability at the GF so I'm now spending my first couple of days at the WL OFC before moving over to the RPC for the rest of my time.

I'm still undecided about whether to try Citricos, I've never eaten there but part of me thinks it'll be a shame not to eat there as it's just a short ride down in the elevator lol (I'm dining solo).

 

[mickeynut1]

I've been away from the boards for a few days - even with a flu shot I came down with H1N1 strand of flu on my week off!!! Boo!!! Starting to feel more human again but DD3 has it too and an upper respiratory infection so we are having a bit of a tough week. July can't get here soon enough! This was not how I planned to spend my spring break!

I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well and also that your DD is sick. I hope everyone starts feeling better soon .

We'll be heading there at the end if the month and I know they started refurb in that building last month. Just wondering if anyone knew if they were finished as that's the building we requested.

I don't know for sure, but so far the refurb seems to be right on schedule, so if they started early March like it was scheduled, I would say your chances are pretty good to get that building (just my guess, though). Hopefully someone else will be able to give some more insight as to the status .

Getting excited, only another couple of weeks until my RPC trip I really wanted to extend my trip at the beginning as I was originally staying at the Waldorf but no availability at the GF so I'm now spending my first couple of days at the WL OFC before moving over to the RPC for the rest of my time.

I'm still undecided about whether to try Citricos, I've never eaten there but part of me thinks it'll be a shame not to eat there as it's just a short ride down in the elevator lol (I'm dining solo).

Your trip will be here before you know it . Congrats on adding a few nights at WL CL. WL CL was our first CL stay and although RPC is my favorite, WL CL follows a close second for me .

We've never eaten at Citricos, but it's on our list of restaurants to try as I've heard great things about it. I would give it a try, especially since it's right there in the resort .

 

[trishadono]

Getting excited, only another couple of weeks until my RPC trip I really wanted to extend my trip at the beginning as I was originally staying at the Waldorf but no availability at the GF so I'm now spending my first couple of days at the WL OFC before moving over to the RPC for the rest of my time.
I'm still undecided about whether to try Citricos, I've never eaten there but part of me thinks it'll be a shame not to eat there as it's just a short ride down in the elevator lol (I'm dining solo).

I say try Citricos and then let me know how it is. Dd and I want to do a dinner but she wants to try CG, however the menu doesn't impress me.

Sounds like a lovely trip

 

[ClareH37]

Your trip will be here before you know it . Congrats on adding a few nights at WL CL. WL CL was our first CL stay and although RPC is my favorite, WL CL follows a close second for me .

We've never eaten at Citricos, but it's on our list of restaurants to try as I've heard great things about it. I would give it a try, especially since it's right there in the resort .

Thanks, that's good to hear WL CL follows a close second for you to RPC

I currently have Jiko booked (which I love) but as I have to get a taxi to AKL it would be more convenient to eat at Citricos.

I say try Citricos and then let me know how it is. Dd and I want to do a dinner but she wants to try CG, however the menu doesn't impress me.

Sounds like a lovely trip

Thank you, if I eat there I'll let you know - I wasn't impressed with the CG menu either so am giving that one a miss this trip.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks, that's good to hear WL CL follows a close second for you to RPC

I currently have Jiko booked (which I love) but as I have to get a taxi to AKL it would be more convenient to eat at Citricos.

I wasn't impressed with the CG menu either so am giving that one a miss this trip.

I hope you like the OFC. One of the things I love about OFC is the lounge and how it over looks the lobby, which is one of the things I love most about RPC . Plus the CMs are amazing, as they are in RPC, so I guess I see a lot of the same qualities in both clubs .

Jiko is another signature I want to try. CG was on that list, but like you, the menu doesn't appeal to me. I have also read some not-so-good reviews since the refurb, so I'm hesitant to try it.

 

[abk96]

Hi Blue and k&a&c's mom and the rest of my GF friends. I have been keeping up on all the posts here. It's getting closer and closer to our July vacation.

DS finally made his college decision just a few hours ago. Now I can concentrate on vacation at the Grand. How many of you will be at the GF from 7/15 to 7/23? I know of one family so far that will be there at the same time that we will be there

Happy Easter!

We are there 7/16-7/25!

We are there July 15-23!

I've been away from the boards for a few days - even with a flu shot I came down with H1N1 strand of flu on my week off!!! Boo!!! Starting to feel more human again but DD3 has it too and an upper respiratory infection so we are having a bit of a tough week. July can't get here soon enough! This was not how I planned to spend my spring break!

We will just miss all of you. We arrive on July 25th. Have a great time! And glad to hear you are feeling better Ferrentinos.

Getting excited, only another couple of weeks until my RPC trip I really wanted to extend my trip at the beginning as I was originally staying at the Waldorf but no availability at the GF so I'm now spending my first couple of days at the WL OFC before moving over to the RPC for the rest of my time.

I'm still undecided about whether to try Citricos, I've never eaten there but part of me thinks it'll be a shame not to eat there as it's just a short ride down in the elevator lol (I'm dining solo).

How exciting! I've heard some great reviews about OFC at WL. Hope to hear all about your trip. Enjoy!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

We will just miss all of you. We arrive on July 25th. Have a great time!

I will catch the tail and see YOU there We will be at GF July 23 - 29 We are all so excited and this never ending winter isn't helping. Every day my oldest daughter asks "Is it July yet?" And....these are my thoughts as well. I can't wait to be hangin' with Mickey, screaming on EE, singing on SM, dreaming on Soarin, shootin 'em up on TSM.....and sipping adult beverages poolside at GF (BTW...WHY is there no smiley for a tropical drink??? )

 

[jcjen519]

We just found out that my husband is going to be on a business trip over mother's day so I decided that I'd take our 4 year old to Disney for a short trip. It will be just the 2 of us staying in the main building. I did the deluxe dining plan so that we could do signature dinners.

I'm trying to plan a dinner for our ak day. we have rainforest lunch reservations and then currently have fultons booked for dinner. I had originally booked narcoosee but we've been there so much i changed it. with transportation issues I'm thinking the best idea is just taking the bus back to the resort and having dinner at the hotel. I'm thinking about citrocos or narcoosee. what would you all do and why?

 

[pixarmom]

We just found out that my husband is going to be on a business trip over mother's day so I decided that I'd take our 4 year old to Disney for a short trip. It will be just the 2 of us staying in the main building. I did the deluxe dining plan so that we could do signature dinners.

I'm trying to plan a dinner for our ak day. we have rainforest lunch reservations and then currently have fultons booked for dinner. I had originally booked narcoosee but we've been there so much i changed it. with transportation issues I'm thinking the best idea is just taking the bus back to the resort and having dinner at the hotel. I'm thinking about citrocos or narcoosee. what would you all do and why?

I love this, because I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one who considers a husband's business trip a potential opportunity for a little more Disney time with the kids. Just love your plans!

As for the dinner ADR, I'm not sure why we've never been to Citricos, but something else always wins out. (Last time, Artist Point trumped it, and before that, California Grill did - it's a pattern.) I really do love Narcoossee's, so I'd go with that. I'm planning Narcoossee's again in January when I'll be on my own with the kids for at least part of the trip. I think the menu appeals to all of us, and I'm all about a good view. But again, probably not qualified to answer this as we've not been to Citricos. Interested to hear thoughts from others!

 

[yce22princess]

We love Narcoossees! We go every trip. This July we've decided to try Citricos too!

 

[jcjen519]

I love this, because I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one who considers a husband's business trip a potential opportunity for a little more Disney time with the kids. Just love your plans!

As for the dinner ADR, I'm not sure why we've never been to Citricos, but something else always wins out. (Last time, Artist Point trumped it, and before that, California Grill did - it's a pattern.) I really do love Narcoossee's, so I'd go with that. I'm planning Narcoossee's again in January when I'll be on my own with the kids for at least part of the trip. I think the menu appeals to all of us, and I'm all about a good view. But again, probably not qualified to answer this as we've not been to Citricos. Interested to hear thoughts from others!

haha! it makes perfect sense to me

We're going to do citricos in june with the whole family and narcoosee too...have never been to citricos before but i'm not sure why. I would take california grille but can't get an adr. I'm not complaining since we've gotten most every reservation we wanted and our trip is about 3 weeks away. very lucky! I love narcoosee but am very tempted to try citricos. I do think I'm going to give up the fultons reservation and eat at the GF just not sure which yet.

 

[BlueSkies]

BC1836 Thanks again for all of the updated info...As for the "guest is always right" rule...not sure if thats such great idea...there truly are some people who need some "help" being considerate of others and their surroundings....

MickeyNut I always enjoy reading your input and your insight on things!! Great comparison on RPC and WL OFC..BTW..I did not realize that 2010 was your first GF stay..So glad that we were there together! That was such a fun girls trip!! BTW...love the siggie..Go Bulls! LOL...

MommyGina Congrats on your DS picking his school...You must be so relieved!

aprilbabes I do believe that the refurbs are happening right according to schedule..

Clare37 Congrats on booking WL and getting to stay on property for your entire trip! I will be looking foward to hearing your thoughts on both CLs after staying at them back to back...As for Citricos...we have dined there many times...and always enjoyed the food atmosphere and service... We hadnt eaten there in a long time...since Narcoosees is a family fave..and another GF veteran BCV23 recommended it ..and we havent looked back...As for convenience..it cant be beat..especially if you are stying in RPC..lol.. Lots of good dishes..but I will say..the short ribs are sooo good...

yce22princess As I posted above..I dont think you will be disappointed in with your Citricos ressie...we usually do one or the other..Narcoosees..or Citricos...and always enjoy both...

jcjen Some of our most memorable trips have been those last minute ones...Enjoy your mother daughter vacation time! On another dining note..if you are planning a trip to DTD to dine..as opposed to Fultons..I would highly recommend Portobello's....delicious Italian food...

As I have said recently...I really do think that having to guarantee ADRs with a CC has made a big difference in availibilty...we had to move our spring trip to early summer..and at 2 months out were able to almost everything that we wanted...and then...after checking daily..even got that elusive BOG dinner ressie...

pixarmom Add me to the list of "Any excuse to plan a Disney trip!!" lol..

k&a&c'smom,grannyminnie,Wishes,Candy,Beth (hope all is well) and all the rest of my fellow GF fans!

Hope that everyone that has been under the weather is on the mend..

What a long winter it has been...lots of yucky viruses and flu going around... Lets hope that spring is finally here to stay!

~ On the look out now ...cant wait for FPP to open for the Mine Train...Sure hope that I dont miss the window once it opens..lol...

Wishing all who celebrate a HAPPY EASTER

 

[trishadono]

~ On the look out now ...cant wait for FPP to open for the Mine Train...Sure hope that I dont miss the window once it opens..lol...

Us too!!! I keep stalking Mesaboy2. He usually on the ball with that stuff

Wishing all who celebrate a HAPPY EASTER

Just finished setting the table for dinner tomorrow and just checked in here for a few. HAPPY EASTER