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

[mickeynut1]

Can I just say again how nice you all are? I just stopped over the one of the WL threads and I can't believe some of the nasty behavior!

My husband and I spent yesterday watching videos on GF on youtube and reading menus...we are excited but I am still torn because of the extra $500...and we can't afford it all until there is an RO.

I agree.....this is a very friendly thread with alot of very knowledgeable GF fans . I think I know which thread you are talking about. I read some of it and while I didn't post, I did find a lot of nasty comments/posts .

If you do end up sticking with the GF, I don't think you'd regret it .

I hope you choose the GF in the end... it's SUCH a treat, it really is.

I agree . I didn't know how I would like the GF prior to my first stay, but that one stay was all it took for me. The Poly is still my favorite, but the GF runs a very close second .

Does anyone know how far Boca Chica is from the Main Building compared to Big Pine Key....someone recommended Big Pine Key because it is so close, but I noticed some of the view are obstructed. Any thoughts?

It's not far as it's located right next to BPK, so just a few extra steps .

MickeyNut Glad that you are feeling better... and thanks for the Poly tips... I knew that you would have some!!

Thanks....and you're welcome .

Hello Grand Groupies!!!! Happy summer

mickeynut Nice to see you on the WL thread yesterday

I'm currently at OKW for our August trip, and I think it's fairly firm. I have no desire to be over in the MK area until the pool/monorail/etc stuff is squared away...I need peace and quiet for my little guy! We will definitely visit the GF in memory of junglecruiser because I just have to!! Miss you friends and I will try to visit much more often

Hey there....nice to "see" you back .

Thanks about the WL thread . I don't post there too often, but do pop in occasionally as I do love the lodge .

Sounds like you have a great trip planned to OKW . I'm sure you will have a great time with a lot of peace and quiet .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I had to laugh when I was posting because my answers pretty much matched those of maxie86 perfectly.....and now your's are the same as well .

Can I just say again how nice you all are? I just stopped over the one of the WL threads and I can't believe some of the nasty behavior!

My husband and I spent yesterday watching videos on GF on youtube and reading menus...we are excited but I am still torn because of the extra $500...and we can't afford it all until there is an RO.

It is disappointing when the DISers get carried away and forget their manners. Hopefully, you won't find that too often.

Good luck, I'll bet a RO offer is out before too long. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

....
k&a&c'smom Thanks to you too for the Poly tips ...I think I might be ok being closer to the lounge..you know...its always about the food ...lol...and not having a balcony...The sliders do open though to let in a breeze...and maybe the lovely sounds of the resort in general don't they..???

....

It is all about the food! We didn't mind being on the 2nd floor of Hawaii, as we tended to head down to the lounge whenever we had a spare moment. Such a pretty place to hang out, and a beautiful view! (not sure how the bungalows are affecting that view now, though)

And, yes - the sliders do open and you can lean over the railing a bit. Like a balcony, but no chairs, etc. We opened the windows to listen and watch the EWP, when we had the TPV room, on the garden side we just left them open with the sheers closed (pool!).

We just love the ambiance of the resort, I don't have much info on the current activities there. It's been a while since we stayed, but like you, we always visit for shopping and dining. Kona is a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch, kind of like GFC at the Grand.

Hello Grand Groupies!!!! Happy summer

....
K&a&c's mom Great seeing you posting!!
....
I'm currently at OKW for our August trip, and I think it's fairly firm. I have no desire to be over in the MK area until the pool/monorail/etc stuff is squared away...I need peace and quiet for my little guy! We will definitely visit the GF in memory of junglecruiser because I just have to!! Miss you friends and I will try to visit much more often

Good to see YOU, my friend! It's been too long, hasn't it?! Love to see you here more often, but I certainly understand, it's hard to keep up sometimes.

Enjoy your OKW planning, it looks like a very peaceful and pretty resort. I'll be with you in spirit on your visit in memory of Sarah.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I agree.....this is a very friendly thread with alot of very knowledgeable GF fans . I think I know which thread you are talking about. I read some of it and while I didn't post, I did find a lot of nasty comments/posts .

If you do end up sticking with the GF, I don't think you'd regret it .



I agree . I didn't know how I would like the GF prior to my first stay, but that one stay was all it took for me. The Poly is still my favorite, but the GF runs a very close second .



It's not far as it's located right next to BPK, so just a few extra steps .



Thanks....and you're welcome .



Hey there....nice to "see" you back .

Thanks about the WL thread . I don't post there too often, but do pop in occasionally as I do love the lodge .

Sounds like you have a great trip planned to OKW . I'm sure you will have a great time with a lot of peace and quiet .

Thank you! I saw the pics on the thread and it looks farther - but I guess it's just on the other side of the pool?

 

[grannyminnie]

Hello Grand Groupies!!!! Happy summer

blueskies Poly??? Cool! We like having a patio So 1st floor is a preference, HOWEVER for TPV I'd want the balcony...I am NO help am I???

maggiesmomNJ Sorry you had a less than magical experience on the WL thread. It's tied with GF for having the sweetest hostesses IMHO. Unfortunately I think the pool refurb brought a lot of interlopers who really affected the vibe of the thread...once the dust settles I encourage you to revisit! And I am sure you'll get a RO offer another thought is Orbitz....they run some great deals!! GF is not a big resort so there's really no building WAY out from the main building

K&a&c's mom Great seeing you posting!!

mickeynut Nice to see you on the WL thread yesterday

I'm currently at OKW for our August trip, and I think it's fairly firm. I have no desire to be over in the MK area until the pool/monorail/etc stuff is squared away...I need peace and quiet for my little guy! We will definitely visit the GF in memory of junglecruiser because I just have to!! Miss you friends and I will try to visit much more often

Pas, I agree on the pool mania over on the WL thread bringing out the venting! I have been reading some and it's been a little crazy over there! One problem apparently was the different dates that were given out as to the beginning and ending of the work. I wonder if some of those who have given up booking the WL have also gone over to the Poly or CR for their next trip? I have seen several mention booking their next trip at the GF instead.

"All about the food" comment: I hate it too that the pecan sticky buns are gone!!!

Blue, even if you become a "Poly princess", you'll still visit us over here, won't you??

Whose trip is next?? I want to hear some info as to whether or not the SL reno is moving along according to schedule.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

It is disappointing when the DISers get carried away and forget their manners. Hopefully, you won't find that too often.

Good luck, I'll bet a RO offer is out before too long. I'll keep my fingers crossed.




It is all about the food! We didn't mind being on the 2nd floor of Hawaii, as we tended to head down to the lounge whenever we had a spare moment. Such a pretty place to hang out, and a beautiful view! (not sure how the bungalows are affecting that view now, though)

And, yes - the sliders do open and you can lean over the railing a bit. Like a balcony, but no chairs, etc. We opened the windows to listen and watch the EWP, when we had the TPV room, on the garden side we just left them open with the sheers closed (pool!).

We just love the ambiance of the resort, I don't have much info on the current activities there. It's been a while since we stayed, but like you, we always visit for shopping and dining. Kona is a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch, kind of like GFC at the Grand.



Good to see YOU, my friend! It's been too long, hasn't it?! Love to see you here more often, but I certainly understand, it's hard to keep up sometimes.

Enjoy your OKW planning, it looks like a very peaceful and pretty resort. I'll be with you in spirit on your visit in memory of Sarah.

Yes they do forget their manners, but not here! At least not yet LOL.

 

[MommyGina]

Hi all my GF friends. For those of you who have been to the GF recently, have you seen Lynn, the Teddy Bear Lady?

Just curious.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi all my GF friends. For those of you who have been to the GF recently, have you seen Lynn, the Teddy Bear Lady?

Just curious.

That reminds me..I saw a youtube video with a gentleman named Richard..have any of you met him? He is so sweet!

 

[BlueSkies]

grannyminnie Welcome back! Love to hear all about your weekend! .. as for becoming a Poly Princess....that will only be a temporary state of being!!! You know that I am a GF Gal through and through!! Or as our lovely friend pas would say..a GF Groupie!!! ...so you are not getting rid of me....

k&a&c'smom Second floor sounds very nice..while I do love a balcony..this trip will have lots of different experiences...If a room dosent open up at the GF before our trip!!! LOL...

pas Glad you could pop in!! Always good to see you!

maggiesmom Its hard to tell by the map..but everything on the GF grounds is in very close proximity...and nothing takes more than a couple of minutes to get to....

~ Heads up to AP holders...read on mousesavers that there is a RO discount available from 7/20 thru 9/27...up to 35% off on deluxe resorts... The nice thing about these offers is that you can book the RO and add dining any time along the way....so tempting...lol...dont think a summer trip is in the cards for us though...lol... lol...

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi all my GF friends. For those of you who have been to the GF recently, have you seen Lynn, the Teddy Bear Lady?

Just curious.

HI MommyG!! .... Yep I saw Lynne when we were at the GF recently...

That reminds me..I saw a youtube video with a gentleman named Richard..have any of you met him? He is so sweet!

Richard is a GF icon I think...lol...such a nice man..I wonder how many brides he has taken photographs with over the years....

I know that we have lots of pics of him with the kids over the years..,and I think he looks exactly the same...

Its always nice to stop to and chat with him for a bit....

 

[MommyGina]

Hi Blue and MaggiesMomNJ. I have known Richard for many years. He was driving by himself until recently to NH for vacation every year. He always had a kind word for my Mom when she was with us. He is very sweet. I did see the YouTube video and how he became the person to help the brides.

Looking forward to seeing all my CM friends there in 3 weeks from tomorrow.

 

[trishadono]

Ain't it the truth!! ..So no Poly tips Trish??? What floor is your preference??? any fave things to do and see during your stays there?? I know there is a torch lighting ceremony...??? But not much else... We usually visit to shop...of dine!

I have had 3rd floor GV and 1st floor TPV than 1st floor GV but same lagoon side room.(I posted pics on poly thread)

3rd floor is nice because high views always good. I never thought I would like patios but they are actually nice without the railings.

2nd floor doesn't have a balcony BUT you would have easiest way to get to lounge.

Poly is only lounge with its own bathroom which is nice if leaving or arriving and don't have a room. (3rd floor lounge area)

Dd and I got our lunch on day at CC's then brought it back to lounge. At noon we had the space,view and all those free drinks to ourselves.

She also got tonga toast one morning to-go and had that in the lounge with fruit and drinks from the lounge

We love Tambu lounge. Great chicken wings! Just getting a drink and killing time for an hour is so nice. (Lapu Lapu anyone??)

The views of the other resorts at any time and especially of the castle is very disney magic

I do like to ride the boats at 9-10 pm and watch fireworks or ewp

They have chocolate covered almonds in the afternoon some days so watch for them.... Yummy

We like to take bus back to cr sometimes and have the excuse to shop or snack there too. We enjoy trying all the different cupcakes at QS's

I think the "special" in the lounge is one of my favs.

Besides gf is only a stop on the monorail, a quick walk on a beautiful path or a short boat ride away!

Oh and Steve has a copy of the lounge menu on tikimanpages.com

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi Blue and MaggiesMomNJ. I have known Richard for many years. He was driving by himself until recently to NH for vacation every year. He always had a kind word for my Mom when she was with us. He is very sweet. I did see the YouTube video and how he became the person to help the brides.

Looking forward to seeing all my CM friends there in 3 weeks from tomorrow.

Oh that's great! We want to meet him!

 

[smellyia]

Since we switched to GF garden view we have decided to roll the dice and take whatever location they give us. Since it's our first stay we are all about just seeing what's there.

ADRs are another matter! We are having to switch around several plans as GF area has got such fantastic options. So some opinions....

Based On food alone would you go for 1900 PF, GF Cafe, Kona, or Ohana breakfast? Feel free to rate in your preference

How long is the walk to Poly?

Anyone a fan of the shrimp and grits at GF Cafe? (If this dish is on the menu I order it!)

Is the Afternoon Tea filling or should I plan a dinner later that evening?

Thanks!

 

[trishadono]

Since we switched to GF garden view we have decided to roll the dice and take whatever location they give us. Since it's our first stay we are all about just seeing what's there.

ADRs are another matter! We are having to switch around several plans as GF area has got such fantastic options. So some opinions....

Based On food alone would you go for 1900 PF, GF Cafe, Kona, or Ohana breakfast? Feel free to rate in your preference

How long is the walk to Poly?

Anyone a fan of the shrimp and grits at GF Cafe? (If this dish is on the menu I order it!)

Is the Afternoon Tea filling or should I plan a dinner later that evening?

Thanks!

We don't do many sit down dinners. Usually one a trip so others can help better.

I do the walk between poly and gf often. It's not bad at all. Similar to poly to TTC. Actually I think it's shorter than cr to MK. 5-10 depending on speed of walk.

Shrimp and grits? Hmm sounds interesting. We finally tried tonga toast at poly earlier this month. So many interesting things to try.

I get the "princess cate tea" and it is 4 courses! I posted some pics just a few pages back. I usually just have a salad or kids meal later.

I like to wing it for my room usually too. At gf it's all good

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you! I saw the pics on the thread and it looks farther - but I guess it's just on the other side of the pool?

You're welcome . The GF really isn't all that spread out, so nothing is really that far of a walk.

That reminds me..I saw a youtube video with a gentleman named Richard..have any of you met him? He is so sweet!

I love Richard.....he is a very sweet man .

Since we switched to GF garden view we have decided to roll the dice and take whatever location they give us. Since it's our first stay we are all about just seeing what's there.

ADRs are another matter! We are having to switch around several plans as GF area has got such fantastic options. So some opinions....

Based On food alone would you go for 1900 PF, GF Cafe, Kona, or Ohana breakfast? Feel free to rate in your preference

How long is the walk to Poly?

Thanks!

The GF is great in any building .

We've had breakfast at 1900 PF and Ohana and Ohana would be my choice. We thought 1900 PF was ok, but Ohana is one of our favorites .

The walk to the Poly is about 10 minutes, give or take.

 

[smellyia]

Shrimp and grits? Hmm sounds interesting.

It's divine. A good southern staple. I've eaten it in at least 4 different states each with a different twist and have my own recipe. Definitely worth a try.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Can I just say again how nice you all are? I just stopped over the one of the WL threads and I can't believe some of the nasty behavior!

My husband and I spent yesterday watching videos on GF on youtube and reading menus...we are excited but I am still torn because of the extra $500...and we can't afford it all until there is an RO.

maggiesmomNJ Sorry you had a less than magical experience on the WL thread. It's tied with GF for having the sweetest hostesses IMHO. Unfortunately I think the pool refurb brought a lot of interlopers who really affected the vibe of the thread...once the dust settles I encourage you to revisit! And I am sure you'll get a RO offer another thought is Orbitz....they run some great deals!! GF is not a big resort so there's really no building WAY out from the main building

Wanted to second what pas130 mentioned. I was able to book GF at a great discount....paying apx $300 a night including taxes. We got a room only general public discount that was pulled in thru Orbitz and used an Orbitz discount code on top of that. Sweet deal Only caveat is you must pay for the whole reservation at the time of booking. You can do the same thing with Cheaptickets as they are both under the same ownership. Just use the website that offers the best discount code when you are looking to book.

Best of luck!!

 

[Sue M]

Hello Grand Groupies!!!! Happy summer

blueskies Poly??? Cool! We like having a patio So 1st floor is a preference, HOWEVER for TPV I'd want the balcony...I am NO help am I???

maggiesmomNJ Sorry you had a less than magical experience on the WL thread. It's tied with GF for having the sweetest hostesses IMHO. Unfortunately I think the pool refurb brought a lot of interlopers who really affected the vibe of the thread...once the dust settles I encourage you to revisit! And I am sure you'll get a RO offer another thought is Orbitz....they run some great deals!! GF is not a big resort so there's really no building WAY out from the main building

K&a&c's mom Great seeing you posting!!

mickeynut Nice to see you on the WL thread yesterday

I'm currently at OKW for our August trip, and I think it's fairly firm. I have no desire to be over in the MK area until the pool/monorail/etc stuff is squared away...I need peace and quiet for my little guy! We will definitely visit the GF in memory of junglecruiser because I just have to!! Miss you friends and I will try to visit much more often

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi all my GF friends. For those of you who have been to the GF recently, have you seen Lynn, the Teddy Bear Lady?

Just curious.

We saw her and spoke to her on our last visit as well. (three weeks ago)

grannyminnie Welcome back! Love to hear all about your weekend! .. as for becoming a Poly Princess....that will only be a temporary state of being!!! You know that I am a GF Gal through and through!! Or as our lovely friend pas would say..a GF Groupie!!! ...so you are not getting rid of me....

k&a&c'smom Second floor sounds very nice..while I do love a balcony..this trip will have lots of different experiences...If a room dosent open up at the GF before our trip!!! LOL...

pas Glad you could pop in!! Always good to see you!

maggiesmom Its hard to tell by the map..but everything on the GF grounds is in very close proximity...and nothing takes more than a couple of minutes to get to....

~ Heads up to AP holders...read on mousesavers that there is a RO discount available from 7/20 thru 9/27...up to 35% off on deluxe resorts... The nice thing about these offers is that you can book the RO and add dining any time along the way....so tempting...lol...dont think a summer trip is in the cards for us though...lol... lol...

Good know you aren't "leaving us"!

I don't have an AP but sometimes wish I did, because those 35% discounts are about gone!

 

[Three cats]

Does anyone happen to know if the Courtyard pool is open 24 hours or does it close at a certain time?