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

[lala5176]

Thanks Mickeynut1 for the positive reinforcement. I know we will love the Grand Floridian regardless of where we stay. Hopefully we can get Big Pine Key and be nice and close to everything. From what I can see on the map it looks like a great location to request. Any thoughts?

 

[grannyminnie]

I've also seen baskets of ponchos during our Aug 13 stay.

I've not seen ponchos offered, but then, those August downpours are legendary!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks Mickeynut1 for the positive reinforcement. I know we will love the Grand Floridian regardless of where we stay. Hopefully we can get Big Pine Key and be nice and close to everything. From what I can see on the map it looks like a great location to request. Any thoughts?

You're welcome . I don't think any of the outer buildings are far from the main areas, but BPK is one of the best (IMO) to be close to the main building and beach pool, and it's not too far from Gasparillas. With that said, Boca Chica is also a good one as that's right next to BPK, both of which overlook the courtyard pool .

 

[HairyChest]

Thanks Mickeynut1 for the positive reinforcement. I know we will love the Grand Floridian regardless of where we stay. Hopefully we can get Big Pine Key and be nice and close to everything. From what I can see on the map it looks like a great location to request. Any thoughts?

Big pine key was perfect! It was central. A few steps from the courtyard pool and the main building and beach

 

[BlueSkies]

Good morning....doing my "one day happy dance"!! (even as I drink my first cup! )

And on the downer side...looks like I better look for my poncho for next week!

That is the ONE day happy dance..and the NO rain dance too!!

I found my answer....and saw pics about the refurb. Doesn't look like it will impact negatively on my August stay.

Now one more questions...

In Sugar Loaf, can you request the deluxe room or do you have to book it?
Thanks.
goodvibes

The three deluxe rooms that are available in SL are in the standard room inventory..so you can request one for your trip...they face the courtyard pool..the one on the second floor room 6220 has a large but enclosed balcony..as it is along the portico roof line..the third floor..room 6320 also has the larger balcony..but the pretty white railing that most of the other rooms have..and last but not least on the fourth floor room 6420 there is no balcony as there is a suite next door...HTH...

This time next week we'll be on our way tot he airport! very excited!

Thanks for those who gave me some great ideas for our first visit to Grand Floridian. Some questions:

Do they run games for the kids at the pool in the afternoon? If so, what times generally, and which pool?

We are staying in Sugar Loaf Key, do all the rooms have balconies? We're a family of 5, do all of the rooms have a daybed?

Most rooms at the GF have balconies...there are a rare few that don't...see my description above of the lodge tower..or turret or deluxe..lol..what ever they are now called.. in SL...

But..some rooms on the top floors of each building ..that have the vaulted ceilings also have a smaller enclosed balcony..which you have to stand to see over..kind of cozy..just depends on what you prefer..those rooms pre refurb did not have a day bed..but not sure now that the furniture has been configured somewhat differently...

There are activities every afternoon at the beach pool..I believe that they start about 1pm...Goodfy Bingo..towel toss..relay games...a pool party bash...lots of fun things to do!

Well, good to know you can bring umbrellas because I don't like to wear ponchos while shopping or eating either.

Umbrellas def allowed..my young adult sons would rather get soaked than be caught dead in a rain poncho...lol..

~Speaking of ponchos...and umbrellas...been reading about the new ride vehicles on PoTC...sounds as if you will need to wear a poncho if you dont want to get wet riding it these days! Doesn't sound like fun...!

Hope that everyone is having a super Saturday...I am heading out to enjoy the Memorial Day sales.. see if I can find some new things that I might "need" for our trip.... Preppy GF Gal who has an already stuffed suitcase..

 

[grannyminnie]

What do you mean, "new ride vehicles in PoTC? I missed this!!

 

[Sue M]

I've not seen ponchos offered, but then, those August downpours are legendary!!

They were by the outside doors near GF Cafe!

You will be relaxing in RPC before you know it . The refurbs seem to be on schedule so far, so I'm sure everything will be good when you're there .



Looks like great weather for your trip . I don't mind the heat in Florida, especially since we spend so much time pool side . I know you'll have a great time, even if the temps are in the 90s.....just spend more time at the pool .



I agree....the GF is very hard to resist, but you're right, the WL is amazing, too .







Thanks for the update/clarification .



Glad your neighbor was able to get GV back .



We've never stayed YC CL, but we have stayed both CL and GV at the GF and I loved our GV stay just as much as our CL stays. The GF is an overall amazing resort and although CL adds to a GF stay, GV is just as nice, IMO .







Those rooms are not a bookable category in SL, but can be requested .







I can't answer about the pool games and times, but I think they are done at the beach pool, although now that they made the courtyard pool zero entry, they may be doing games there (but I'm not sure). Hopefully someone with little ones who has been in involved with the pool games will be able to answer .

All rooms in SL have a balcony, with the exception of 1 or 2 turret/deluxe rooms. I think now with the refurb, all rooms will have a daybed. The turret/deluxe rooms had a couch that did not fold out, but I think Hairy Chest just stayed in an outer building deluxe room and has reported that there is now a daybed/couch that folds out .

In August pool games were at Courtyard Pool.

 

[BlueSkies]

What do you mean, "new ride vehicles in PoTC? I missed this!!

From what I read they have replaced the boats with newer ones..that have lower sides..and seem to sit lower in the water....therefore creating a different impact when the boats take that one big dip..hence the big splash! and also other times along the ride too....

In August pool games were at Courtyard Pool.

You know I did not recall where the pool side activities were when were at the GF in August..?? Maybe they were at the courtyard pool due to the VGF construction..I know the Movies Under the Stars were there temporarily too...

But I do believe that in October and again when we visited in February that the poolside fun was going on at the beach pool....

 

[scottmel]

1 day!!! So exciting!!!! Have a fabulous trip!!!!

Can't wait to hear about your trip Candace! ARe you staying Club? I am at the GFV this trip before YC....but I don't THINK all of GF is updated is that correct?

 

[Sue M]

This August will all the rooms be finished at GF? We are staying first 2 nights SL, then moving to ? I requested Boca again. Will Boca have the new rooms? I def want one of the refurbed rooms, they look great!

BlueSkies I guess they moved the pool party? We were in Boca facing Courtyard pool, in August so games were def there during our stay

Candace are you going to be at GF during same time this Aug? I heard from a little orange bird we arrive 8/20.

 

[pas130]

From what I read they have replaced the boats with newer ones..that have lower sides..and seem to sit lower in the water....therefore creating a different impact when the boats take that one big dip..hence the big splash! and also other times along the ride too....

I was reading this yesterday, I wouldn't stress (but I also wouldn't sit in the front row LOL). We went in December, and did not get wet anymore than in the past

Good morning....doing my "one day happy dance"!! (even as I drink my first cup! )

And on the downer side...looks like I better look for my poncho for next week!

TODAY Don't sweat the forecast, you never know!! Enjoy

I found my answer....and saw pics about the refurb. Doesn't look like it will impact negatively on my August stay.

Now one more questions...

In Sugar Loaf, can you request the deluxe room or do you have to book it?
Thanks.
goodvibes

I think it is by request

Hi SueM

mickeynut and another big to k&a&c'smom

to all the Grand groupies!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks, Pas! Finishing up the last of my packing and will get on the road in a couple of hours! I'm hoping for cooler (than forecast) temps and a chance to ride the mine train twice!

 

[pas130]

Thanks, Pas! Finishing up the last of my packing and will get on the road in a couple of hours! I'm hoping for cooler (than forecast) temps and a chance to ride the mine train twice!

So excited for you!!! Safe travels!

 

[BlueSkies]

Finishing up the last of my packing and will get on the road in a couple of hours! I'm hoping for cooler (than forecast) temps and a chance to ride the mine train twice!

Safe travels grannyminnie Have a wonderful trip!! Enjoy every minute!!!! Hope you geet to ride the 7DMT to your hearts content..and enjoy plenty of "lounge lizard" time too!!!

Good morning pas Its always so nice to "see" you! : Thanks for that info on the PoTC...reading that thread has given me some hesitation... We rode it a few months back..but were in the middle of the boat..I do recall it feeling bumpier...but thought it was the weight in the full boat...lol....

Grand Groupies !!! love it...

~Refurb schedule According to the schedule that is posted here on the thread..and has been pretty accurate so far.. all of the rooms at the GF should be refurbished by August..the very last rooms to be done are in RPC..and that is slated for July...Boca Chica was completed in February I think..BPK right after..and I believe that Sago is currently being finished..with SL slated to start June 1st...It will be nice to finally have the dust settled at the Grand..so much has been done over the last 2 year or so....

k&a&c'smom (good to hear from you..now hurry back..we miss you around here!!) , MickeyNut, ahcupcake, Wishes (where ya been girl!!??), MommyGina, Candy,Trish and all the rest of my fellow Grand Groupies (what a fab name thanks to our friend pas..lol..)

Hope that everyone has a super Sunday! Grand groupie who has less than 2 weeks until her vacation!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hope that everyone is having a super Saturday...I am heading out to enjoy the Memorial Day sales.. see if I can find some new things that I might "need" for our trip.... Preppy GF Gal who has an already stuffed suitcase..

Hope you had fun shopping . Pretty soon you will be finalizing that suitcase .

This August will all the rooms be finished at GF? We are staying first 2 nights SL, then moving to ? I requested Boca again. Will Boca have the new rooms? I def want one of the refurbed rooms, they look great!

As BlueSKies posted, the refurb seems to be on schedule so far, with Boca Chica being complete, so there shouldn't be a problem with you getting a new room .

mickeynut and another big to k&a&c'smom

Hi pas

Finishing up the last of my packing and will get on the road in a couple of hours! I'm hoping for cooler (than forecast) temps and a chance to ride the mine train twice!

Safe travels.....have a great trip .

k&a&c'smom (good to hear from you,,now hurry back..we miss you around here!!)

Yes, hurry back .

 

[pas130]

Good morning pas Its always so nice to "see" you! : Thanks for that info on the PoTC...reading that thread has given me some hesitation... We rode it a few months back..but were in the middle of the boat..I do recall it feeling bumpier...but thought it was the weight in the full boat...lol....

Grand Groupies !!! love it...

2 week dance I think you are right about the bumps too...It is much safer for me to visit here since RPC seems to be booked up for August. I am feeling very settled at WL so far. Sue M and Candace will be at the Grand at the same time so I will definitely be visiting my happy place. I can't wait to sit by the piano in the lobby while one of my Princesses sings and dances along

Hi pas

 

[Sue M]

2 week dance I think you are right about the bumps too...It is much safer for me to visit here since RPC seems to be booked up for August. I am feeling very settled at WL so far. Sue M and Candace will be at the Grand at the same time so I will definitely be visiting my happy place. I can't wait to sit by the piano in the lobby while one of my Princesses sings and dances along

I like it! A gathering by the piano!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

2 week dance I think you are right about the bumps too...It is much safer for me to visit here since RPC seems to be booked up for August. I am feeling very settled at WL so far. Sue M and Candace will be at the Grand at the same time so I will definitely be visiting my happy place. I can't wait to sit by the piano in the lobby while one of my Princesses sings and dances along

I like it! A gathering by the piano!!

I'll be there!!!

 

[pas130]

I like it! A gathering by the piano!!

I'll be there!!!

The GRAND RC meet Look out GF, here come the resort changers...and there goes the neighborhood

 

[Sue M]

The GRAND RC meet Look out GF, here come the resort changers...and there goes the neighborhood