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

[BlueSkies]

Currently here at the Grand RPC and loving it - there's something so decadent lounging in bed (having an early night) whilst eating a mini dessert and listening to band music drifting into my room

The only negative has been the parks seem busier than normal this time of year and the monorail has been standing room only, irrespective of time of day, when it reaches the GF. I've just caught taxis instead to get to Epcot

I cannot fault the GF at all, my room was even ready when I checked in at 10.30 am

Thanks for checking in Clare... Sorry about the extra busy monorail and parks... So nice though to be able to go back to the Grand to relax... Have a great vacation!

I just lived vicariously through you at this moment and enjoyed every second . We have 98 more days to go until GF RPC. Can't wait!!!

Me too ... as for the 98 days...

Hi my friends! Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.

Ah, RPC. I can picture myself there right now.

Wow! Standing room only on the monorail! Yikes. I wonder why? I can stand or sit. Doesn't matter as long as I am at Disney!

Hope everyone has a great day and hope that you all enjoy the warmer weather like I have been doing the last few days!

Hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day too MommyGina.. I think that spring has finally arrived..and is here to stay..for a while!???

abk Congrats to you and to your husband..what an accomplishment! Now you have a terrific vacation to look forward to to celebrate!

scottmel Sorry no VGF help from me on villa locations...But another poster CandyOrlando might be able to help you out..she already has a few trips under her belt...

pas Hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day too...

jmskinner Congrats on booking your first GF trip....If you would like a room with a king bed you should be sure to have that listed on your ressie...

The grounds at the GF are so very nice..that just taking the time to enjoy them would be a recommendation ....also spending some time in the lobby in the late afternoon to evening...listening to the pianist and the GF Society Orchestra...

A few morning during the week there is a parasol parade through out the courtyard as the housekeepers head out for the day...Something else that is just one of those extra nice Grand touches... Happy planning..and have a wonderful trip...

to all of my fellow GF fans...hope that you are having a magical Monday!

 

[pas130]

pas Hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day too...

It was GRAND to have a day off yesterday. I'm holding strong to WL CL, although a RPC/WL CL split was in the works. The less I move DH around the better....miss my Grand friends. Haven't been on the DIS much thanks to homework So glad to "see" my friends

Clare Enjoy!!!! Sorry for the crowds, seems there is no longer a slow season at WDW

 

[Candy Orlando]

Hi I have a 2 night stay at GFV 1 bedroom during our MK portion of the trip. What is best room location to have? Is corner room better here? We have standard view. I was going to do online check in here and didn't know what to select for ideal room/view /location Thanks!

There is a thread that shows views. "VGF Villas and Views."

If you ask for 1427 you will be able to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your room.

All of the VGF views are beautiful. It's a very small building and it's close to everything.

Candy

 

[DT83097]

Have been enjoying this thread over the last few days. We were originally going in June and originally at POR - but DH really wanted to go back to the Poly but they didn't have any availability. We then decided to switch our dates also to July 5-12 - still no Poly availability so we booked GF so we would have the dates locked in and then keep checking for rooms at the Poly. We've since decided (or I convinced him) to go ahead and stay at GF. While I absolutely love the Poly, I like the idea of trying someplace new and the more I looked at GF the more it grew on me My MIL is traveling with us again this trip so the bigger the room I can get the better - plus I like having sinks outside of the bathroom which makes getting ready in the morning a little easier.

Anyway - looking forward to our first stay here. May have some questions as we get closer but still lots of reading to do!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Back home from our weekend visit to Va. for a graduation. Missed you guys! Hope all you mothers had a lovely day yesterday.
Mine was bittersweet, having lost my mom about two and a half months ago. For you others with a recent loss, I hope you made it thru the day with happy memories in the forefront of your mind.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled GF chat!

 

[A Pirates Mom]

Currently here at the Grand RPC and loving it - there's something so decadent lounging in bed (having an early night) whilst eating a mini dessert and listening to band music drifting into my room The only negative has been the parks seem busier than normal this time of year and the monorail has been standing room only, irrespective of time of day, when it reaches the GF. I've just caught taxis instead to get to Epcot I cannot fault the GF at all, my room was even ready when I checked in at 10.30 am

Totally living vicariously through you at the moment! So glad you are having a relaxing stay at the Grand . I'm waiting (impatiently, I may add) to hear from my TA re: availability in RPC during our stay (currently booked in SL). Hope you continue to have a fabulous time!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi everyone! Just booked 9/22-26 theme park view at the Grand Floridian. It will just be me and the hubby. Many trips to WDW but first time staying here. Any tips on special things around the resort we should do? And how far out should I call to request a king bed or is that how that works?

You will love the GF . One of my favorite things to do is just walking around the resort taking in the beautiful surroundings. Have a great trip.

Happy Mother's Day to the GRAND Moms and lots of to those who have lost their mothers recently, extra today !

Hi pas .....nice to "see" you back. Hope you had a great Mother's Day .

Currently here at the Grand RPC and loving it - there's something so decadent lounging in bed (having an early night) whilst eating a mini dessert and listening to band music drifting into my room

Glad you're having a good time. RPC is amazing .

We have 98 more days to go until GF RPC. Can't wait!!!

It will be here before you know it .

My husband received his degree over the weekend with highest honors so I'm very proud of him. He has worked so hard doing school and work and everything else he does for us. He's awesome!

Congratulations to your DH on his accomplishments .

The grounds at the GF are so very nice..that just taking the time to enjoy them would be a recommendation ....also spending some time in the lobby in the late afternoon to evening...listening to the pianist and the GF Society Orchestra...

I agree .

It was GRAND to have a day off yesterday. I'm holding strong to WL CL, although a RPC/WL CL split was in the works. The less I move DH around the better....miss my Grand friends. Haven't been on the DIS much thanks to homework So glad to "see" my friends

We have missed you here . I'm sorry things are so busy for you, but I hope things lighten up a little for you and you are able to pop in here more often . Glad you had a nice Mother's Day .

Have been enjoying this thread over the last few days. We were originally going in June and originally at POR - but DH really wanted to go back to the Poly but they didn't have any availability. We then decided to switch our dates also to July 5-12 - still no Poly availability so we booked GF so we would have the dates locked in and then keep checking for rooms at the Poly. We've since decided (or I convinced him) to go ahead and stay at GF. While I absolutely love the Poly, I like the idea of trying someplace new and the more I looked at GF the more it grew on me My MIL is traveling with us again this trip so the bigger the room I can get the better - plus I like having sinks outside of the bathroom which makes getting ready in the morning a little easier.

Anyway - looking forward to our first stay here. May have some questions as we get closer but still lots of reading to do!!

You are going to love the GF . The Poly is our favorite resort and while I never thought I would stay at the GF let alone like it, I fell in love with it on my first stay. The Poly will always be my favorite resort, but the GF runs a very close second .

Back home from our weekend visit to Va. for a graduation. Missed you guys! Hope all you mothers had a lovely day yesterday.
Mine was bittersweet, having lost my mom about two and a half months ago. For you others with a recent loss, I hope you made it thru the day with happy memories in the forefront of your mind.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled GF chat!

I'm waiting (impatiently, I may add) to hear from my TA re: availability in RPC during our stay (currently booked in SL).

I hope your TA is able to get you into RPC. The GF is a great resort overall, but RPC is .

 

[davale4]

Me too ... as for the 98 days...:

It will be here before you know it

For some reason, this year it can't get here fast enough . I guess it has been this horrible winter we had over here. I feel like I'm obsessing like never before . All I keep thinking is "I can't wait!" .

 

[abk96]

BlueSkies and mickeynut1...Thank you!! This is definitely a vacation he has earned and needs.

Back home from our weekend visit to Va. for a graduation. Missed you guys! Hope all you mothers had a lovely day yesterday.
Mine was bittersweet, having lost my mom about two and a half months ago. For you others with a recent loss, I hope you made it thru the day with happy memories in the forefront of your mind.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled GF chat!

For some reason, this year it can't get here fast enough . I guess it has been this horrible winter we had over here. I feel like I'm obsessing like never before . All I keep thinking is "I can't wait!" .

I'm right there with you on this one. Although I do obsess over vacation every year. It's what I do best.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I tried searching this thread for answers under DME & Magical Express, but couldn't find what I was looking for - tho I know it's been addressed. So please pardon the redundancy, but can someone please tell me the approximate time it takes to get from MCO the GF & what we can expect in the way of stops along the way? Just trying to get my ducks in a row...
Thanks!

 

[MommyGina]

I tried searching this thread for answers under DME & Magical Express, but couldn't find what I was looking for - tho I know it's been addressed. So please pardon the redundancy, but can someone please tell me the approximate time it takes to get from MCO the GF & what we can expect in the way of stops along the way? Just trying to get my ducks in a row... Thanks!

If my memory is correct, it's about 45-50 minutes including the stops at WL, Poly, and for us, sometimes the CR.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, MommyGina.
Our plane arrives at 10:45 AM, so we'll plan on lunch & adult beverages at the pool bar or GF Café - depending on weather.

 

[BlueSkies]

If my memory is correct, it's about 45-50 minutes including the stops at WL, Poly, and for us, sometimes the CR.

I agree .....we have always had that exact loop..WL CR Poly GF..altho..IMO GF should be the first stop!!

Thank you, MommyGina.
Our plane arrives at 10:45 AM, so we'll plan on lunch & adult beverages at the pool bar or GF Café - depending on weather.

Sounds like a wonderful plan!

Have been enjoying this thread over the last few days. We were originally going in June and originally at POR - but DH really wanted to go back to the Poly but they didn't have any availability. We then decided to switch our dates also to July 5-12 - still no Poly availability so we booked GF so we would have the dates locked in and then keep checking for rooms at the Poly. We've since decided (or I convinced him) to go ahead and stay at GF. While I absolutely love the Poly, I like the idea of trying someplace new and the more I looked at GF the more it grew on me My MIL is traveling with us again this trip so the bigger the room I can get the better - plus I like having sinks outside of the bathroom which makes getting ready in the morning a little easier.

Anyway - looking forward to our first stay here. May have some questions as we get closer but still lots of reading to do!!

WELCOME I think the rooms at the GF are about 400 sf...Def large enough for having a MIL along!! LOL..... I agree about the bathrooms..great functionality...If you have any questions just ask away..wew love all things Grand around here!!

Back home from our weekend visit to Va. for a graduation. Missed you guys! Hope all you mothers had a lovely day yesterday.
Mine was bittersweet, having lost my mom about two and a half months ago. For you others with a recent loss, I hope you made it thru the day with happy memories in the forefront of your mind. And now, back to our regularly scheduled GF chat!

Missed you too grannyminnie You know that I was thinking about you and your family...

So..are you packed..packing...you will be doing the singledigit dance SOON!!!

For some reason, this year it can't get here fast enough . I guess it has been this horrible winter we had over here. I feel like I'm obsessing like never before . All I keep thinking is "I can't wait!" .

This was the longest winter ever everywhere I think! Glad that spring has finally arrived! As for the "I can't wait sentiment" Me too me too!!!!

MickeyNut How is everthing going my friend??? OT but..I have to say..what the heck is going on over at our fave resort... Makes all of the GF construction of the las few years look minor....

Candy Thanks for jumping in with the answer to the VGF question...I knew that you would have the information!

k&a&c'smom We need to to get back on posting track!

pas Always glad to "see" you..Sorry that homework has kept you so busy..oou need a vacation girl!

~Luggage is out here...packing has begun..repacking will follow...

Hope that everyone is having a terrifc Tuesday... preppy GF gal who now cannot stop checking to see if I can get a BOG lunch ADR... ( BTW did anyone else get a 7DMT name...lol.. I am liking mine...think I'll have DH take the survey and see what name he gets????? I have some ideas..lol...wonder if they have "bossy" as one...)

OMG..over on my smilies..yet again!

 

[grannyminnie]

Packing to begin shortly!!! Hubby needs to get the big suitcase down for me!!

 

[MommyGina]

Packing to begin shortly!!! Hubby needs to get the big suitcase down for me!!

I'm so excited for you! Did hubby bring down that suitcase yet? I usually make DH bring ours up a month before vacation time! That way, every time I look at the suitcase, I know vacation is just around the corner.

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm so excited for you! Did hubby bring down that suitcase yet? I usually make DH bring ours up a month before vacation time! That way, every time I look at the suitcase, I know vacation is just around the corner.

It's down, and I am "officially" starting to pack!! I would have no problem getting it out a month early, by the way!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

YAY for packing!!!! That gets my adrenaline pumping as it means vacation is starting. For me, it means EVERYTHING that happens between packing and leaving for the airport is just annoying because in my mind vacation should have already started since my bags are packed

Yesterday was interesting. I had DH take down our luggage to see if it would fit into our car. We just got the car last summer and haven't been on vacay since acquiring the vehicle. As I suspected, 4 large suitcases and 3 carryons will not fit along with 4 passengers. DARN.....we will need a car service to get to the airport.... Looks like vacation will start as soon as the driver pulls up at our house instead of when we park at the airport this year

Also made the plunge and rebooked our PBH stay thru cheaptickets and saved $375 over the SMSM rate I had already booked directly thru Uni. Guess that will pay for the to/from home airport car service and some extra room service

I had a good laugh reading a recent tripadvisor report on GF that mentioned the quality of the new room furnishings was good but that much of the décor did not seem to "go together." No duh! We have been chirping about that for a few months now!

 

[abk96]

( BTW did anyone else get a 7DMT name...lol.. I am liking mine...think I'll have DH take the survey and see what name he gets????? I have some ideas..lol...wonder if they have "bossy" as one...)

Sounds like my husband would have the same name.

I did it and I got the name "Classy".

I usually make DH bring ours up a month before vacation time! That way, every time I look at the suitcase, I know vacation is just around the corner.

I bought new luggage the other day and set it down in my foyer and had to move it. It was making my dogs anxious. They have a different reaction to seeing suitcases.

 

[mickeynut1]

For some reason, this year it can't get here fast enough . I guess it has been this horrible winter we had over here. I feel like I'm obsessing like never before . All I keep thinking is "I can't wait!" .

We've had the same horrible winter here.....hopefully spring is here to stay .

BlueSkies and mickeynut1...Thank you!! This is definitely a vacation he has earned and needs.

I'm sure it will be a fantastic trip for everybody .

MickeyNut How is everthing going my friend??? OT but..I have to say..what the heck is going on over at our fave resort... Makes all of the GF construction of the las few years look minor....

Not sure just what Disney is thinking, but I'm not liking the changes that are being made at my beloved Poly .

 

[BlueSkies]

It's down, and I am "officially" starting to pack!! I would have no problem getting it out a month early, by the way!!

Almost time!!!!!

YAY for packing!!!! That gets my adrenaline pumping as it means vacation is starting. For me, it means EVERYTHING that happens between packing and leaving for the airport is just annoying because in my mind vacation should have already started since my bags are packed

Yesterday was interesting. I had DH take down our luggage to see if it would fit into our car. We just got the car last summer and haven't been on vacay since acquiring the vehicle. As I suspected, 4 large suitcases and 3 carryons will not fit along with 4 passengers. DARN.....we will need a car service to get to the airport.... Looks like vacation will start as soon as the driver pulls up at our house instead of when we park at the airport this year

Also made the plunge and rebooked our PBH stay thru cheaptickets and saved $375 over the SMSM rate I had already booked directly thru Uni. Guess that will pay for the to/from home airport car service and some extra room service

I had a good laugh reading a recent tripadvisor report on GF that mentioned the quality of the new room furnishings was good but that much of the décor did not seem to "go together." No duh! We have been chirping about that for a few months now!

On getting a better vacation package.... and using that surplus towards the car service...

Sounds like my husband would have the same name.

I did it and I got the name "Classy".

I bought new luggage the other day and set it down in my foyer and had to move it. It was making my dogs anxious. They have a different reaction to seeing suitcases.

Hey there classyabk... Like that one... even better than preppy....another friend and I were comparing..and she got "Lucky" .... all very cute... As for the DH's...lol...I bet many of them would have the same one!!!! Poor pups..hide the suitcases..in your room so that you can start packing them....we have under a month to go...my ticker is off??? lol... and I have lots of stuff in my suitcase...as for DD..she will be packing the nite before...

MickeyNut I know..and I am going to try reserve judgement until we see it completed... We have an Ohana ressie during our trip..so I will be sure to take pics while we are there and send them to you....

k&a&c'smom, wishes, mommygina , ahcupcake Candy, and all the rest of my fellow GF fans...

~Packing is coming along....and now I have begun my ritual of checking the weather...altho I don't know why..June weather is basically HOT or HOTTER ....lol...

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!