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

[dansdad]

Thanks for the info...as for the FPP info disappearing... I have a printed copy of all of ours...and I reprint any time that we make any changes..just to be sure...

They've only been disappearing from view, they are still there. But it's always good to have paper backup.

 

[mariamouse]

I just got attacked on the CL FAQ board for asking if we could request greek yogurt.

I think I need to stick to this FAQ more often.

Good luck to all of you trying to book SDMT FP+s for your upcoming trips! Sending pixie dust your way.

 

[baler31]

I just got attacked on the CL FAQ board for asking if we could request greek yogurt.

I think I need to stick to this FAQ more often.

Good luck to all of you trying to book SDMT FP+s for your upcoming trips! Sending pixie dust your way.

I saw that, I am so sorry. FWIW before they began stocking a certain soda I requested it and it was provided, I had told them I would pay for it but was never charged on many visits they just stocked it in my fridge. I noticed a couple of years ago they began stocking it in the lounge.

I would ask about the yogurt all they can say is no. Sorry, I was too chicken to stand up for you on the other thread. I dislike any kind of confrontation. I stick to this thread and a few others trying to help out where I know there will not be controversy. Although I am very surprised that the yogurt got a negative response.

 

[mariamouse]

I saw that I am so sorry. FWIW before they began stocking a certain soda I requested it and it was provided, I had told them I would pay for it but was never charged on many visits they just stocked it in my fridge. I noticed a couple of years ago they began stocking it in the lounge.

I would ask about the yogurt all they can say is no. Sorry, I was too chicken to stand up for you on the other thread. I dislike any kind of confrontation. I stick to this thread and a few others trying to help out where I know there will not be controversy. Although I am very surprised that the yogurt got a negative response.

Haha you are too sweet, baler31! No worries at all! I have been on the DIS long enough to not be phased. Plus, I wouldn't really call myself a particularly sensitive person. The DIS just baffles my mind sometimes.

And good point about offering to pay for them to stock it. We're flying down and don't necessarily want to make a grocery run, so paying them to stock it for us in advance could be a lot easier if they are willing. Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience!

 

[baler31]

Haha you are too sweet, baler31! No worries at all! I have been on the DIS long enough to not be phased. Plus, I wouldn't really call myself a particularly sensitive person. The DIS just baffles my mind sometimes.

And good point about offering to pay for them to stock it. We're flying down and don't necessarily want to make a grocery run, so paying them to stock it for us in advance could be a lot easier if they are willing. Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience!

I cannot imagine going to the grocery store on vacation. We use CL to save time and that would certainly defeat that. If they cannot assist you I would try one of the grocery delivery services. While I have not used one I hear them mentioned all the time.

 

[A Pirates Mom]

We are currently booked CL in SL for our trip this August. This is our first stay at GF (usually stay at POLY). There is a possibility that there might be availability in RPC. Is it really worth the extra $ to stay RPC vs. SL? I have heard the views are nicer, but what else warrants the added price? Thanks in advance!

 

[baler31]

We are currently booked CL in SL for our trip this August. This is our first stay at GF (usually stay at POLY). There is a possibility that there might be availability in RPC. Is it really worth the extra $ to stay RPC vs. SL? I have heard the views are nicer, but what else warrants the added price? Thanks in advance!

I have never stayed in SL, but have stayed in RPC many times and not once have I regretted the expense. However, we spend large amounts of time at the resort, enjoy the CM's in RPC that we have come to regard as friends over the years and love the atmosphere and expansiveness of the lounge.

The food in SL is no different nor would I assume the service. The views and lounge area are the primary difference. When I expressed concerns about SL (our reservation for July was changed from RPC to SL due to RPC's refurb closure) I was the told the lounge was going to be enlarged.

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for the heads up Trish...

But...I haven't been able to get FPP to work on MDE on the computer or my phone....

What the heck!!!!!????????????

Were you able to get yours...

Preppy GF Gal who cannot get her SDMT FPP....

I got 3.. 5/30,6/1,6/3!!!

I did not even realize that the TTA was supposed to be down while we are there! If it's not closing until 6/2, then we'll have a chance to ride it our first night there(5/31)! I'm so glad I saw your post!

My dd was so upset when I told her about it last month. I read a post today about new dates and looked around. Allears doesn't have it corrected yet but disney site will show times for ride on the 1st and before but the 2nd and after says not available. Phew that is our fav!

I just got attacked on the CL FAQ board for asking if we could request greek yogurt.

I think I need to stick to this FAQ more often.

:

Ya I saw that too. we got ya!

 

[BlueSkies]

I just got attacked on the CL FAQ board for asking if we could request greek yogurt.

I think I need to stick to this FAQ more often.

Good luck to all of you trying to book SDMT FP+s for your upcoming trips! Sending pixie dust your way.

Yikes...Its no fun getting flamed....This is a nice friendly place to hang out!

We are currently booked CL in SL for our trip this August. This is our first stay at GF (usually stay at POLY). There is a possibility that there might be availability in RPC. Is it really worth the extra $ to stay RPC vs. SL? I have heard the views are nicer, but what else warrants the added price? Thanks in advance!

Although both CLs offer the same amenities ... .the biggest difference is the lounge area...RPC is in the main building ..has 3 floors of lounge seating...and overlooks the atrium to the lobby..and enables you to listen to the orchestra and pianists in the evening...which is very nice...SL has a lounge situated in the lobby of the SL building..and is kind of like a small bistro..with small round tables for most of the seating and no views...or music..but..it is close to the courtyard pool...and super convenient in the warmer months if you are planning on spending lots of pool time...also the lounge being in the lobby makes it very convenient to grab a drink or snack while coming and going...and bringing drinks and snacks out to the pool...

I too heard that the SL lounge was being refurbished..and more seating added..??? Hopefully those of you that will be staying there in July will share some pics with us...

I am a fan of both CLs...and much prefer SL in the summer...and RPC in the winter... they are both wonderful tho...and you really cant go wrong with either...

I got 3.. 5/30,6/1,6/3!!!

We got them too!!! For two days of our trip!!! DD is very excited! Me too...

TGIF fellow GF fans...Hope you all have a nice weekend... :

Preppy GF Gal who finally got her FPP for the SDMT!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Well, I didn't... Just got back into town this afternoon, saw the posts about it, and tried and failed to book us FPs for the Mine Train...
Already a standby situation! Of course, I will hasten to add that we are there the day it opens so it will be super crowded that week, I know ~
I sure hope we can get on it!

 

[A Pirates Mom]

[QUOTE="] Although both CLs offer the same amenities ... .the biggest difference is the lounge area...RPC is in the main building ..has 3 floors of lounge seating...and overlooks the atrium to the lobby..and enables you to listen to the orchestra and pianists in the evening...which is very nice...SL has a lounge situated in the lobby of the SL building..and is kind of like a small bistro..with small round tables for most of the seating and no views...or music..but..it is close to the courtyard pool...and super convenient in the warmer months if you are planning on spending lots of pool time...also the lounge being in the lobby makes it very convenient to grab a drink or snack while coming and going...and bringing drinks and snacks out to the pool... I too heard that the SL lounge was being refurbished..and more seating added..??? Hopefully those of you that will be staying there in July will share some pics with us... I am a fan of both CLs...and much prefer SL in the summer...and RPC in the winter... they are both wonderful tho...and you really cant go wrong with either... [/QUOTE]

Thank you!! I appreciate the feedback! Still waiting to hear about availability from our TA, but good to know that it's all good either way!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Well, I didn't... Just got back into town this afternoon, saw the posts about it, and tried and failed to book us FPs for the Mine Train...
Already a standby situation! Of course, I will hasten to add that we are there the day it opens so it will be super crowded that week, I know ~
I sure hope we can get on it!

I think I saw somewhere that 50,000 FP+ were given out today for it???

I don't know how true that is, but it's going to be a hot ticket for quite some time!

I hope we get one for August....

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut I was happy that the mirror is not gone... ... DD and I always put it to good use! And I see many other do too... it really is a nice amenity...

I agree that it's a very nice amenity and I'm glad it wasn't taken away .

A little after 9am the whole system crashed. I saw an announcement that in just a bit over 2 hours that 50,000 7DMT FP's had been booked.

MDE has been a wreck all morning. You can thank the Disney Visa Free Dining released this AM for that. Some people have had all their FP+s disappear from their account, incorrect info, unable to make FP+ reservations, etc. I have heard it is slowly getting better but still acting wonky every once in a while.

Sounds like a mess .

I have a printed copy of all of ours...and I reprint any time that we make any changes..just to be sure...

I'm the same way when it comes to confirmations.....you can never have too many copies .

I just got attacked on the CL FAQ board for asking if we could request greek yogurt.

I just came from that thread and saw that and I'm sorry .

I have been on the DIS long enough to not be phased. Plus, I wouldn't really call myself a particularly sensitive person. The DIS just baffles my mind sometimes.

Me too.....I have learned over the years what threads to post on and which posts to respond to and sometimes I just have to shake my head because I can't believe what I'm reading .

We are currently booked CL in SL for our trip this August. This is our first stay at GF (usually stay at POLY). There is a possibility that there might be availability in RPC. Is it really worth the extra $ to stay RPC vs. SL? I have heard the views are nicer, but what else warrants the added price? Thanks in advance!

Congrats on your upcoming GF stay . Having stayed both RPC and SL, if the extra cost is doable, I think RPC is definitely worth it (just my opinion). The food offerings are the same, but the lounges are worlds apart. As BlueSkies mentioned, the RPC lounge is spacious with great views and the ability to listen to the orchestra play. The SL lounge, on the other hand, isn't nearly as spacious and has no views as it's located in the center of the lobby as you walk into the SL building. With that said, SL is conveniently located right next to the courtyard pool, which is great for grabbing snacks and drinks while sitting poolside.

This is a nice friendly place to hang out!

Well, I didn't... Just got back into town this afternoon, saw the posts about it, and tried and failed to book us FPs for the Mine Train...
Already a standby situation! Of course, I will hasten to add that we are there the day it opens so it will be super crowded that week, I know ~
I sure hope we can get on it!

I hope you had a nice time away . I'm sorry you didn't get FP for the Mine Train, but here's hoping you will be able to get on it .

 

[mariamouse]

Ya I saw that too. we got ya!

Yikes...Its no fun getting flamed....This is a nice friendly place to hang out!

I just came from that thread and saw that and I'm sorry . Me too.....I have learned over the years what threads to post on and which posts to respond to and sometimes I just have to shake my head because I can't believe what I'm reading .

Just wanted to say that you guys are the best!

 

[cattywampus]

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post in this thread, though I have been lurking for some time (when it was still 2013!). I'm a West Coast DLR vet taking first trip to WDW and staying at GF.

A couple of quick questions for you GF experts: 1) Are there DVD players in the room? When staying at Grand Californian at DLR, I always have The classic Winnie the Pooh or other Disney DVD playing for 6 year old, particularly at bed time.

2) I saw on page one that "personal fans" are available upon request. Are those the standard box fan types you can buy at Walmart, etc.? I sleep with one at home and actually bring one to DLR in the car for the white noise, so I'm hoping that's what it is.

Thank you so much! I look forward to learning everything I need to know from you all and if you ever decide to come west, I've got those answers!

 

[cattywampus]

I also found this website with pictures of the refurbished rooms: http://http://www.wdwluxuryguide.com/experience/walt-disney-world-resort/accommodations/magic-kingdom-resort-area/disneys-grand-floridian-resort-spa

It looks like there is an arm chair in the third picture. Caption says it is a standard room and going by the floorplan others have posted, it looks to be in the same location as the door for connecting rooms so maybe the chairs only appear in non-connecting rooms?

 

[BlueSkies]

Thank you!! I appreciate the feedback! Still waiting to hear about availability from our TA, but good to know that it's all good either way!!

You are very welcome! Im sure that you will have a Grand vacation!!

Well, I didn't... Just got back into town this afternoon, saw the posts about it, and tried and failed to book us FPs for the Mine Train...
Already a standby situation! Of course, I will hasten to add that we are there the day it opens so it will be super crowded that week, I know ~
I sure hope we can get on it!

Oh no!! Keep trying grannyminnie..FPP open up all the time... The website was a disaster yesterday..I tried on and off most of the day to get our FPP...was worth it tho..my DD is so excited..

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post in this thread, though I have been lurking for some time (when it was still 2013!). I'm a West Coast DLR vet taking first trip to WDW and staying at GF.

A couple of quick questions for you GF experts: 1) Are there DVD players in the room? When staying at Grand Californian at DLR, I always have The classic Winnie the Pooh or other Disney DVD playing for 6 year old, particularly at bed time.

2) I saw on page one that "personal fans" are available upon request. Are those the standard box fan types you can buy at Walmart, etc.? I sleep with one at home and actually bring one to DLR in the car for the white noise, so I'm hoping that's what it is.

Thank you so much! I look forward to learning everything I need to know from you all and if you ever decide to come west, I've got those answers!

WELCOME!! and congrats on your first GF stay and your visit to WDW...

I believe there are only DVD players in the CL rooms...but you might be able to request one...

No help on the fan info from me..sorry...I am sure someone will be able to jump in and answer this tho...

The GF is such a lovely resort..

Would enjoy hearing your comparisons between DL and WDW and resorts after your visit...

Happy planning!

k&a&csmom Hope all is well..miss you around here...

MickeyNut With the SDMT opening you might have to plan a park day in your next trip... I have a feeling your boys would enjoy that!!

mariamouse Right back atcha!!

Hope that everyone has a super Saturday!

 

[abk96]

That's good to know about the SL lounge being refurbed as well. I will try to get some pics to share here with all of you after our July stay.

 

[baler31]

Well, I didn't... Just got back into town this afternoon, saw the posts about it, and tried and failed to book us FPs for the Mine Train...
Already a standby situation! Of course, I will hasten to add that we are there the day it opens so it will be super crowded that week, I know ~
I sure hope we can get on it!

If you get a chance try again today. I was booking our FP's for SWW and there were 7DMT FP's available on the 28th just a few minutes ago. Keep checking.

 

[mickeynut1]

Just wanted to say that you guys are the best!

Right back atcha .

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post in this thread, though I have been lurking for some time (when it was still 2013!). I'm a West Coast DLR vet taking first trip to WDW and staying at GF.

Thank you so much! I look forward to learning everything I need to know from you all and if you ever decide to come west, I've got those answers!

Welcome to the GF FAQ . Congrats on your first WDW/GF trip. The GF is a beautiful resort.....you're going to love it .

MickeyNut With the SDMT opening you might have to plan a park day in your next trip...

Our plans are all over the place, so there's no telling what we'll do .

That's good to know about the SL lounge being refurbed as well. I will try to get some pics to share here with all of you after our July stay.

Thanks for offering pics of the lounge after it's redone . I can't wait to see what they end up doing with it.