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

[marlaine8]

We've stayed at The Poly the last 8 trips--last 4 Club Level. When I booked our trip for this year, I decided that the projected construction going on in September was just too much for us and I happily made our reservation at the Grand Floridian! As much as we love The Poly, I'm really excited about our first Grand stay!
I was kind of concerned about the extra people that sharing the Grand pool would be because of additional Poly guests. I'm happy they decided to comp them Blizzard Beach instead of using the Grand Floridian pool.
How will they know which pool guests are actually Grand Floridian guests? We always go during the slower season in September, and I've never seen them checking room keys (or MagicBands) in the past. I've read that eventually all pools will be fenced and require a MagicBand swipe, but I don't know if it's already in place.

 

[kirsangel]

So excited to book our family's first stay at the Grand. I was hoping this thread would have some more information on activites around the resort. Our kids are 11, 8 and, 3 and we will be spending some time in the resort in the afternoon so the youngest can take a nap. I know many of the deluxes have activities such as cookie decorating at WL, storytelling and animal related things at AKL, etc. I have heard of the parasol parade and ladybug release at the GF. What time do these take place? Are there other activities?

What time is the health club open? DH likes to workout daily(no thanks for me!). Is it true there is no restroom in the health club building? How about towels and a water dispenser or drinking fountain?

Approximately what time is the turndown service? Is this automatic or by request? Can I call to request a certain time?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to the GF!!

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon fellow GF lovers

All...

My huge super duper multi quoted post went poof.... .

I am almost all packed ...DD has a totally empty suitcase.... lol...

Hope that everyone is having a super Sunday!!

Sorry your post went poof, hate when that happens.........Packed, well almost packed already .... My feet finally stopped hurting next time I need to wear shoes with arch support for all that walking

less than two weeks before our next trip! can't wait I'll admit I do have my 4 year olds suitcase out already but I never start packing for myself until a day or two before we leave. This is going to be a great trip, we haven't been with my entire extended family in many years. We've got a lot of special things planned since this trip is in honor of my grandmother's 100th birthday.

Happy Birthday to your Grandmother, hope she has many more!

So excited to book our family's first stay at the Grand. I was hoping this thread would have some more information on activites around the resort. Our kids are 11, 8 and, 3 and we will be spending some time in the resort in the afternoon so the youngest can take a nap. I know many of the deluxes have activities such as cookie decorating at WL, storytelling and animal related things at AKL, etc. I have heard of the parasol parade and ladybug release at the GF. What time do these take place? Are there other activities?

What time is the health club open? DH likes to workout daily(no thanks for me!). Is it true there is no restroom in the health club building? How about towels and a water dispenser or drinking fountain?

Approximately what time is the turndown service? Is this automatic or by request? Can I call to request a certain time?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to the GF!!

kirsangel, Yay for your family's first stay at the GF ......I hope this helps as far as I know the GF hasn't done the ladybug release for 10yrs, why they stopped I have no clue..The parasol parade with the mousekeepers is at approximately 8am. They have pin trading at M. Mouse Merchantile(2nd floor near the monorail platform). Not a kid specific activity but there are a pianist & The GF Society Orchestra and they alternate starting at 3pm(I think) in the lobby of the main building, always nice just to sit and listen to the music!.....Health Club should be open at 7am(someone correct me if I'm wrong!). I think they have a restroom & towels in the locker room part of the health club, double check when you check in for you stay ........No matter what category (reg or cl) you stay in at the GF you will receive turn down service and they start around 5pm-ish...

Hope this helps you and maybe someone will pop in with more info..Happy planning and enjoy your stay!

 

[grannyminnie]

Well, yeah Blue...I just MAY have been thinking about you and the "packing, re-packing dance"! Whatever gets the job done.... I am doing good. Have not packed shoes yet, but most clothes, and incidentals (Minnie hat, MBs, etc.) 5 days to go!!

 

[Raya]

The parasol parade with the mousekeepers is at approximately 8am.

Umm, what's the parasol parade?

I'm planning my first GF stay for this fall, and am utterly clueless. (I am working my way through this thread a little at a time.)

 

[BlueSkies]

We've stayed at The Poly the last 8 trips--last 4 Club Level. When I booked our trip for this year, I decided that the projected construction going on in September was just too much for us and I happily made our reservation at the Grand Floridian! As much as we love The Poly, I'm really excited about our first Grand stay!
I was kind of concerned about the extra people that sharing the Grand pool would be because of additional Poly guests. I'm happy they decided to comp them Blizzard Beach instead of using the Grand Floridian pool.
How will they know which pool guests are actually Grand Floridian guests? We always go during the slower season in September, and I've never seen them checking room keys (or MagicBands) in the past. I've read that eventually all pools will be fenced and require a MagicBand swipe, but I don't know if it's already in place.

The courtyard pool at the GF is now fenced in...Not sure how they know who are guests and who are not... but I do believe there are periodic checks??

So excited to book our family's first stay at the Grand. I was hoping this thread would have some more information on activites around the resort. Our kids are 11, 8 and, 3 and we will be spending some time in the resort in the afternoon so the youngest can take a nap. I know many of the deluxes have activities such as cookie decorating at WL, storytelling and animal related things at AKL, etc. I have heard of the parasol parade and ladybug release at the GF. What time do these take place? Are there other activities?

What time is the health club open? DH likes to workout daily(no thanks for me!). Is it true there is no restroom in the health club building? How about towels and a water dispenser or drinking fountain?

Approximately what time is the turndown service? Is this automatic or by request? Can I call to request a certain time?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to the GF!!

Congratulations on your first stay at the GF! There is a wealth of information on the very first page of this thread with regards to the activities and the health club as well complete with pictures...

As ahcupcake said there is no longer a lady bug release..hasn't been for quite some time...The parasol parade is done a few mornings each week..but not every morning...

There are lots of poolside activities every day....Goofy Bingo ,Rubber Ducky races to name a few...a pool party bash...dance party on the beach.. these generally start at 1pm and end about 6...

There is also the campfire on the beach..followed by Movies Under the Stars...that's all I can think of at the moment..lol...

Happy planning..I bet this wont be your last GF stay!

ahcupcake What a fun day!Really enjoyed all of the window shopping and that wonderful lunch..and getting to catch up with you and your Mom...I had some sore feet too..we sure did cover a lot of ground...

grannieminnie Minnie hat..magic bands...sounds like you are good to go!! FIVE days!!!!

 

[Sue M]

After a lot of thought, I decided to switch to GF. Taking away the pool hopping was the last straw. Can't do 14 days with just East Pool so we have 2 nights Sugar Loaf, then 12 nights regular view room. I'm going to request Boca again. We loved our room there last August. Very central, and liked pool view.
I'm going to keep it a secret from my daughter. Last Aug we only stayed at GF 2 nights before our 12 at YC just to see if we liked GF. We loved it. Daughter (adult) didn't want to leave

Villas weren't open yet when we stayed. What can we expect? Is it very different now? Odd they didn't add a Villa pool. Only DVC not to.

 

[trishadono]

After a lot of thought, I decided to switch to GF. Taking away the pool hopping was the last straw. Can't do 14 days with just East Pool so we have 2 nights Sugar Loaf, then 12 nights regular view room. I'm going to request Boca again. We loved our room there last August. Very central, and liked pool view.
I'm going to keep it a secret from my daughter. Last Aug we only stayed at GF 2 nights before our 12 at YC just to see if we liked GF. We loved it. Daughter (adult) didn't want to leave

Villas weren't open yet when we stayed. What can we expect? Is it very different now? Odd they didn't add a Villa pool. Only DVC not to.

Can't blame you. No pool in August is not fun.

Can't wait to hear about new rooms AND you will get to see the new SL lounge

 

[kirsangel]

Thanks for the info! I had read somewhere that the health club did not a restroom so I wanted to check on that.

 

[grannyminnie]

Blue and ahcupcake, did you guys eat anyplace really good this weekend?? Inquiring minds want to know, and besides, it's all about the food!!

 

[Sue M]

Can't blame you. No pool in August is not fun.

Can't wait to hear about new rooms AND you will get to see the new SL lounge

The new room pics look great. All though I really liked the rooms last Aug, the new rooms look fresh!
Didn't know they refurbed SL!! Woohoo

 

[Candy Orlando]

After a lot of thought, I decided to switch to GF. Taking away the pool hopping was the last straw. Can't do 14 days with just East Pool so we have 2 nights Sugar Loaf, then 12 nights regular view room. I'm going to request Boca again. We loved our room there last August. Very central, and liked pool view. I'm going to keep it a secret from my daughter. Last Aug we only stayed at GF 2 nights before our 12 at YC just to see if we liked GF. We loved it. Daughter (adult) didn't want to leave Villas weren't open yet when we stayed. What can we expect? Is it very different now? Odd they didn't add a Villa pool. Only DVC not to.

I think they didn't add a pool because the beach pool is so close to the villas.

The Contemporary, the Polynesian and the Wilderness Lodge have two pools.

Maybe they wanted all of the Magic Kingdom resorts to be the same.

Candy

 

[trishadono]

The new room pics look great. All though I really liked the rooms last Aug, the new rooms look fresh!
Didn't know they refurbed SL!! Woohoo

Rats I can't remember the details but I believe SL starts 6/1 and the lounge getting expanded. Mousemommy may know more since she has planned for GF in August on and off for months

I'm gonna need pics!

 

[Ferrentinos]

Good morning! We are back from a short 4 night visit to the AKL CL and are looking forward to our first GF SL stay in July! Just had a question about the lounge - Does SL have to-go cups/bowls? We've stay Poly CL a few times and they had tons of to-go stuff for the pool and to take back to our room but the AKL CL didn't. I wish I would've realized it ahead of time - I would've brought some stuff from home for DD3! I am just trying to be better prepared for our GF SL stay!
Thanks!

 

[trishadono]

Good morning! We are back from a short 4 night visit to the AKL CL and are looking forward to our first GF SL stay in July! Just had a question about the lounge - Does SL have to-go cups/bowls? We've stay Poly CL a few times and they had tons of to-go stuff for the pool and to take back to our room but the AKL CL didn't. I wish I would've realized it ahead of time - I would've brought some stuff from home for DD3! I am just trying to be better prepared for our GF SL stay!
Thanks!

Poly has the best to go stuff! I was just in SL in January and I don't remember to go bowl but they do have cups.(coffee).

How I adjust is I bring those plastic stretchy bowl covers(look like shower caps) in asst sizes. I use those with bowls and keep stuff in room and frig. If I want to take to the park then I try to fit into coffee cup with a lid.

Examples. For fruit I prefer a bowl with cover for in my room but if I want some fruit for in the park (waiting in a line, etc) I put some in the coffee cup with lid and took a fork or 2 with me. I did the same with the breakfast muffins/pastries and afternoon cookies.

It seems like I am never hungry for the food when it is out

I also grab a glass of wine or juice and put a cover on it and put in my frig for later too.

I also bring baggies for cookies

For SL dd loved the scones and would make up a plate with cream and jam and I would cover and save for later too! I think she would only eat scones for all meals if I wasn't watching her I'm a good mom so first thing I booked for our poly stay was a lunch time Tea Room reservation.

 

[abk96]

Umm, what's the parasol parade?

I'm planning my first GF stay for this fall, and am utterly clueless. (I am working my way through this thread a little at a time.)

The parasol parade is when the mousekeepers parade around the GF grounds carrying parasols. Looks very cute and I can't wait to see it.

Happy planning!

After a lot of thought, I decided to switch to GF. Taking away the pool hopping was the last straw. Can't do 14 days with just East Pool so we have 2 nights Sugar Loaf, then 12 nights regular view room. I'm going to request Boca again. We loved our room there last August. Very central, and liked pool view.
I'm going to keep it a secret from my daughter. Last Aug we only stayed at GF 2 nights before our 12 at YC just to see if we liked GF. We loved it. Daughter (adult) didn't want to leave

Villas weren't open yet when we stayed. What can we expect? Is it very different now? Odd they didn't add a Villa pool. Only DVC not to.

I would have switched long ago. Too much construction for me. I'm glad you were able to get GF. We are headed there near the end of July and I'm going to take as many pics as I can or until my family tells me to put the camera away now. I think I embarrass them sometimes.

How I adjust is I bring those plastic stretchy bowl covers(look like shower caps) in asst sizes. I use those with bowls and keep stuff in room and frig. If I want to take to the park then I try to fit into coffee cup with a lid.

Examples. For fruit I prefer a bowl with cover for in my room but if I want some fruit for in the park (waiting in a line, etc) I put some in the coffee cup with lid and took a fork or 2 with me. I did the same with the breakfast muffins/pastries and afternoon cookies.

For SL dd loved the scones and would make up a plate with cream and jam and I would cover and save for later too! I think she would only eat scones for all meals if I wasn't watching her I'm a good mom so first thing I booked for our poly stay was a lunch time Tea Room reservation.

Great idea for covering bowls and plates. I'm going to look for them now.

I love those scones too. I will definitely be eating them everyday.

What a good mom you are for booking the Tea Room. Enjoy!

 

[wdwlver]

Quick question: I have a pre RD ADR for crystal palace for 8 am. What time does monorail or boat start running? TIA

 

[mickeynut1]

less than two weeks before our next trip! can't wait I'll admit I do have my 4 year olds suitcase out already but I never start packing for myself until a day or two before we leave. This is going to be a great trip, we haven't been with my entire extended family in many years. We've got a lot of special things planned since this trip is in honor of my grandmother's 100th birthday.

Your trip will be here before you know it . How exciting to have your entire extended family to celebrate your grandmother's 100th birthday .

My huge super duper multi quoted post went poof...

I am almost all packed...DD has a totally empty suitcase....lol...

Sorry about your post going poof.....I hate when that happens .

Yay for being (almost) packed . LOL on DD's suitcase still being empty .....I'm sure she'll get packing soon as your trip gets closer.

To my Grand peeps Trying to say hello. I am rarely on the Dis anymore, but I do think of you and GF and smile!

Good to "see" you back. I hope you will come back more often, even if it is just to say "hello" .

We are booked for one night at the GF in a standard club room in Sugar Loaf. This will be our first time ever at the resort. We're heading out on a Disney Cruise the following morning, so we'll have just under 24 hours to enjoy the resort. I'm thinking the pools are a safe bet for some afternoon fun. What other things shouldn't we miss while we're there?

Congrats on booking your first GF stay.....you're going to love it. I think the pools will be a great way to spend the afternoon. I also agree with BlueSkies that spending time in the GF lobby is a great way to relax. With that said, I also love just walking the grounds taking in the beautiful surroundings . Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll have a great stay.

Hello to all my GF friends! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

I'm not all packed yet, but then, like SOME peeps on here, I usually don't do the "pack and then re-pack" dance!

I don't do the "pack and re-pack" dance either......packing once is enough for me .

I think the main difference is that Poly pool closing is the Feature Pool, not the quiet pool. And the East Pool is a lot smaller then the GF Courtyard Pool.
We have 14 days booked at Poly, so 1 BB day just doesn't cut it for us!! Since hearing the news of no GF pool option for us I'm considering jumping ship to GF. We really loved our stay last August. Will see.

I think WDW could have made better options to us at Poly for Feature pool closure. Maybe an option of GF OR CR, and run a shuttle boat between them. That would take the strain off GF of having all Poly guests at GF pools. However with half the long houses closed there won't be many left

I think the BB pass is a good idea, but it doesn't work well for those like you that have long stays and/or for those that don't do water parks . I think your idea of Poly guests being able to use the GF or CR pool would be a great option.

We are looking forward to doing the same..lots of monorail resort fun...oh and lets not forget riding on that 7DMT!

There might be a side view of it from Big Pine when it is over at the Poly..I'm not really sure about that tho...MickeyNut has a few stays in BPK will probably be able to better answer...actually lots of repeaters/experts around here that hopefully will have a more definitive answer for you!

Sounds like you are going to have a Grand trip .

I can't help on seeing the EWP as we've never watched it from the GF, but hopefully someone with more experience will be able to give some insight.

We've stayed at The Poly the last 8 trips--last 4 Club Level. When I booked our trip for this year, I decided that the projected construction going on in September was just too much for us and I happily made our reservation at the Grand Floridian! As much as we love The Poly, I'm really excited about our first Grand stay!

You will love the GF. The Poly is our favorite, but the GF is an amazing resort and runs a very close second for me .

So excited to book our family's first stay at the Grand. I was hoping this thread would have some more information on activites around the resort. Our kids are 11, 8 and, 3 and we will be spending some time in the resort in the afternoon so the youngest can take a nap. I know many of the deluxes have activities such as cookie decorating at WL, storytelling and animal related things at AKL, etc. I have heard of the parasol parade and ladybug release at the GF. What time do these take place? Are there other activities?

What time is the health club open? DH likes to workout daily(no thanks for me!). Is it true there is no restroom in the health club building? How about towels and a water dispenser or drinking fountain?

Approximately what time is the turndown service? Is this automatic or by request? Can I call to request a certain time?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to the GF!!

Congrats on your first upcoming trip to the GF . I can't help with resort activities as our kids aren't little so I've never paid attention to them, but as BlueSkies posted, the first few pages of this thread has a lot of information about the resort overall and activities .

I can't be of any help on the health club as I've never used it.

Good Afternoon fellow GF lovers

I am doing good. Have not packed shoes yet, but most clothes, and incidentals (Minnie hat, MBs, etc.) 5 days to go!!

I'm planning my first GF stay for this fall, and am utterly clueless. (I am working my way through this thread a little at a time.)

You are going to love the GF!!!! Feel free to ask any questions you have as there are a lot of very knowledgeable (as well as very friendly) posters on this thread .

After a lot of thought, I decided to switch to GF. Taking away the pool hopping was the last straw. Can't do 14 days with just East Pool so we have 2 nights Sugar Loaf, then 12 nights regular view room. I'm going to request Boca again. We loved our room there last August. Very central, and liked pool view.
I'm going to keep it a secret from my daughter. Last Aug we only stayed at GF 2 nights before our 12 at YC just to see if we liked GF. We loved it. Daughter (adult) didn't want to leave

I don't blame you for switching. The Poly is our favorite resort and although the construction wouldn't bother me, having the volcano pool closed in August without another pool option would be a deal breaker for me, too .

The new room pics look great. All though I really liked the rooms last Aug, the new rooms look fresh!
Didn't know they refurbed SL!!

Yes, the SL lounge is also getting a make over .

Good morning! We are back from a short 4 night visit to the AKL CL and are looking forward to our first GF SL stay in July! Just had a question about the lounge - Does SL have to-go cups/bowls? We've stay Poly CL a few times and they had tons of to-go stuff for the pool and to take back to our room but the AKL CL didn't. I wish I would've realized it ahead of time - I would've brought some stuff from home for DD3! I am just trying to be better prepared for our GF SL stay!
Thanks!

Hope you had a nice AKL CL stay . SL had to go cups with lids, but I don't remember seeing any bowls.

We are headed there near the end of July and I'm going to take as many pics as I can or until my family tells me to put the camera away now. I think I embarrass them sometimes.

LOL on taking too many pics.....I'm the same way. I am constantly telling my DH and DSs to stop so I can get a pic of this or that and they just shake their heads....and sometimes they just keep walking because they've had enough (although I do still manage to get every pic I want ).

 

[pas130]

The new room pics look great. All though I really liked the rooms last Aug, the new rooms look fresh!
Didn't know they refurbed SL!! Woohoo

Hey friend!,I'm sorry you had to change, but I totally get it!!! Say hi to Candace in the lounge...if she's there LOL. And I will definitely be seeing you in August

No changing still, I just lurk here...love my GF peeps only RPC available for my dates. Going back to WL thread before I email my TA hahaha

 

[abk96]

....and sometimes they just keep walking because they've had enough

This sounds very familiar to me....
Once I started talking to a family that wasn't even mine because they deserted me and I didn't realize it until I looked like a fool.