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

[mickeynut1]

I'm interested in ideas for room requests as well.

Our travelling party is me, DH, and DD(8).

We've never stayed at GF before, and I know nothing at all about what would be the most desirable area. We have a garden view outer bldg room booked.

My two favorites for GV are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are very close to the main building and beach pool, and neither is too far from Gasparillas. With that said, some room views from BPK are of the back of the pool house, but you can always request "upper floor, 4th or above" .

Since we are talking about room locations

Any suggestions for someone staying in SL CL ? My reservation is for a roll in shower room so I know this limits where we can be placed. But, I'd love to hear any tips?

76 days

I can't help with any room locations with a roll in shower, but I'm sure some of the others will be able to give some insight .

We have an outer bulding lagoon view room. Any ideas what building that might be? I'd love to have a sunny balcony, but my big request was quiet.

We've never had a lagoon view, but I think all of the outer buildings have that view. This was taken from a link on the first page of this thread:

Sago Cay (Building 5)
Garden/Monorail/Marina View, Lagoon &Theme Park Views

Sugar Loaf (Building 6)
All Club Level Rooms & suites with Pool/Marina View

Conch Key (Building 7)
Garden/Pool/Marina View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Boca Chica (Building 8)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Big Pine Key (Building 9)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Main Building (Building 4)
All Club Level rooms & suites with Garden/Pool Views & Theme Park View

If you are looking for a more quiet location, I think Sago or Conch would be a good choice .

I thought Sago was father from things? I think I was told Big Pine for proximity. Should I ask for the other?

No building is really that far from the main areas, but BPK and Boca Chica are a little closer to the main building than Sago . Sago is over by the marina and convention center.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

My two favorites for GV are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are very close to the main building and beach pool, and neither is too far from Gasparillas. With that said, some room views from BPK are of the back of the pool house, but you can always request "upper floor, 4th or above" .



I can't help with any room locations with a roll in shower, but I'm sure some of the others will be able to give some insight .



We've never had a lagoon view, but I think all of the outer buildings have that view. This was taken from a link on the first page of this thread:

Sago Cay (Building 5)
Garden/Monorail/Marina View, Lagoon &Theme Park Views

Sugar Loaf (Building 6)
All Club Level Rooms & suites with Pool/Marina View

Conch Key (Building 7)
Garden/Pool/Marina View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Boca Chica (Building 8)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Big Pine Key (Building 9)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Main Building (Building 4)
All Club Level rooms & suites with Garden/Pool Views & Theme Park View

If you are looking for a more quiet location, I think Sago or Conch would be a good choice .



No building is really that far from the main areas, but BPK and Boca Chica are a little closer to the main building than Sago . Sago is over by the marina and convention center.

Thanks for clarifying! Sorry for asking the same question again...hard to keep track of all of the different suggestions.

Ok random question - there is a lady's clothing store at GF - I have seen pics of some beautiful dresses at the store....Anyone been in there recently? I'm assuming they are expensive but would love to know the price range.

 

[Sue M]

Sorry, I have the menu for poly but not gf. This is a great video of both RPC and SL to give you an idea of what is offered.

http://youtu.be/IeGvQarl2r4

Here is twitter :

https://mobile.twitter.com/TFW1965

Click on one of the links to see pics.

Dunno link won't work for me. Maybe because I'm not on twitter?

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for clarifying! Sorry for asking the same question again...hard to keep track of all of the different suggestions.

Ok random question - there is a lady's clothing store at GF - I have seen pics of some beautiful dresses at the store....Anyone been in there recently? I'm assuming they are expensive but would love to know the price range.

You're welcome . Don't apologize, it can get confusing as it is sometimes hard to keep track of everything. I was very confused prior to my first stay as the GF was new to me and although I've stayed there 2 times since, there is still alot I don't know (and some things I have to think about because I have forgotten....LOL).

I have been in that shop, but have just walked through and not really looked at prices too closely, but I'm sure others will be able to help with that question .

 

[yolie912]

How about a room request at SL Club Level? Any advise there?

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

You're welcome . Don't apologize, it can get confusing as it is sometimes hard to keep track of everything. I was very confused prior to my first stay as the GF was new to me and although I've stayed there 2 times since, there is still alot I don't know (and some things I have to think about because I have forgotten....LOL).

I have been in that shop, but have just walked through and not really looked at prices too closely, but I'm sure others will be able to help with that question .

It is confusing! It's actually not my first time there but I was 10 years old the last time...I have very vivid memories of the lobby, the gift shop, and the monorail but not anything useful for planning. I think my family was in either Conch Key or Boca Chica. Oddly, we stayed at the Poly when I was 18 and I can't remember anything!

 

[mickeynut1]

How about a room request at SL Club Level? Any advise there?

Do you have a preference for view? There are two views from SL, courtyard pool or marina. We had a marina view, which I loved. It was so relaxing sitting on the balcony early in the morning looking out at the marina, and it was just as nice at night after returning from the parks. Our view also had a small portion of the monorail track, where we sometimes saw the monorail going by. With that said, having a view overlooking the courtyard pool is also nice. I think the marina side might be a little quieter, but I don't think the courtyard pool would be bad (we didn't hear alot of noise from the pool area when we stayed in BPK).

HTH

 

[yolie912]

Marina view sounds nice...

 

[mickeynut1]

It is confusing! It's actually not my first time there but I was 10 years old the last time...I have very vivid memories of the lobby, the gift shop, and the monorail but not anything useful for planning. I think my family was in either Conch Key or Boca Chica. Oddly, we stayed at the Poly when I was 18 and I can't remember anything!

I can see how the lobby, shops, and monorail would stick with you .

LOL about staying at the Poly at 18 and not remembering anything, but you stayed at the GF at 10 years old and remember things from there .

Marina view sounds nice...

Either view is nice and the courtyard pool is pretty (especially at night), but I thought the marina view was very relaxing .

 

[Gitts2008]

It sounds like all of the views are amazing . I can't wait

 

[BlueSkies]

Is the food area in SL lounge larger/smaller/the same? It looks smaller but then I remember it being smallish when we stayed there. Liz

While they have not expanded the lounge itself ..lol.....it seems that the dining area has been expanded..and the concierge desks moved...actually there is now one desk..and one podium inside the entrance on the CY pool side...

1st question: Is Cabana rental worth it? We'll have time Sunday morning to sleep late & play by the pool. We'd be outside after breakfast (say 9 or 10) until lunch. We like to swim but need to stay out of the sun. A lounge chair in the shade would be fine but I don't know how possible that is.

2nd question: Going to the HDDR on Saturday night. About how long will it take to get there? What's the best route (boat, bus, or monorail + boat)? Would it make more sense to go to DTD and travel from there than to travel from GF?

3rd: How hard is it to get a table at Citricos without a reservation? We don't want dinner, just the Boston Creme Pie dessert. We're willing to eat it at the bar, take it back to the room, or eat at an odd hour. I just hate to make a reservation (and risk a cancellation fee is something comes up) just to get a piece of pie.

Thanks for all the great info in this thread. I'm really looking forward to our first Grand Vacation!

The cabanas are located at the beach pool..and I would highly recommend them for a pool day..the chairs and lounges are nice and cushy..there is an attendant who will keep you supplied with fresh towels and ice.. As for finding shade at the pool..that would be more likely at the courtyard pool...as there are grouping of trees..and a small amount of umbrella tables..but for guaranteed shade and a truly relaxing pool experience I would say..book that cabana!

The quickest and most direct route to get to the FW and the HDDR would be taking the monorail to the MK ..head right over to the FW/WL boat dock and take the water launch over to FW...its also a nice picturesque ride..I would leave about an hours transportation time...

We have never really had difficulty getting a dinner ressie at Citricos...and I am sure if you just want to sit at the bar and have dessert there it would not be a problem... and in fact would be very nice..the bar area is open and airy..has a very nice vibe..being located in Citricos..and right next to V&A's..and we've never seen it too busy...

Clarifying the Afternoon Tea: If you look under Afternoon Tea at the Garden View you can book times online. You cannot book anything through the Garden View Tea Room.Liz

Thanks for the info Liz...

Perhaps had they put in a neutral carpet it would look much better, but the clash of the swirls with the striped chair backs is awful, IMO, very much like the new BWI Innkeeper's Club.

Oh that carpet....and I think the one at the BWI Innkeeper's Club is worse!!!!!!!! ...lol...

This is wonderful news, I liked everything about it last we stood except the people standing up and eating and sitting on the floors from lack of tables and chairs. Made me feel bad when my family got one and another did not. So this looks like a fair amount of space and seating added. Although I must say at the Beach Club lounge during evening offerings, we experienced the same problem, that's why the Wilderness, Animal kingdom and Grand Floridian Main building Club level is our go too... I like a spacious lounge, but that's just our preference... Thank you for sharing

I agree about having space in the lounge to sit..and of all of the lounges RPC definitely has lots..ambiance too.. I know that SL can get congested especially around the evening appetizer time...but I can't even imagine people sitting on the floor and eating.......ewww... ..I would head outside to a poolside table..or back up to my room.... Hopefully that problem will be alleviated with the addition of more tables....

~ Before I give my opinion..lol... I would strongly suggest to anyone who is visiting the GF for the first time to check out the first page of this thread..the map of the resort will really give you the best idea of where everything is situated...of course there really is a lot to be said for personal recommendation and experience.....and you will get a lot of that here.. But viewing the map..and the pics..and getting a visual "lay of the land" so to speak will really help choosing what will be best for your trip... there is also a wealth of info about the GF in general...

I'm interested in ideas for room requests as well.

Our travelling party is me, DH, and DD(8).

We've never stayed at GF before, and I know nothing at all about what would be the most desirable area. We have a garden view outer bldg room booked.

Our personal fave GV building is Boca Chica..close to the pool..boat dock..and has a lovely view of the courtyard pool and the main building..,,,Enjoy your first stay at the GF....bet it wont be your last!

Since we are talking about room locations

Any suggestions for someone staying in SL CL ? My reservation is for a roll in shower room so I know this limits where we can be placed. But, I'd love to hear any tips?

76 days

I am not sure which view these rooms offer..either the courtyard or the marina..but I am sure if you call IPO they will be able to give you details...

We have an outer building lagoon view room. Any ideas what building that might be? I'd love to have a sunny balcony, but my big request was quiet.

I think..but am not positive...that LV rooms are located in Boca Chica and BPK...Mickeynut or Mariamouse might be able to jump in here and give more details about that room category...and what might be quieter..What a nice room category it is! I think you might even be able to see the EWP from a LV room..

How about a room request at SL Club Level? Any advise there?

SL has two views..courtyard and marina...both very lovely..just depends on personal preference....the top (fourth) floor..and some of the third floor have several dormer rooms..so if you prefer or dont .. one of those I would be sure to list that on my reservation...

Another SL perk...there are three.. I think they are now called deluxe rooms?? the ones with the extra seating area...in SL that are simply by request ..and not a separate or more costly.. booking category..

My two favorites for GV are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. Both overlook the courtyard pool and are very close to the main building and beach pool, and neither is too far from Gasparillas. With that said, some room views from BPK are of the back of the pool house, but you can always request "upper floor, 4th or above" .



I can't help with any room locations with a roll in shower, but I'm sure some of the others will be able to give some insight .



We've never had a lagoon view, but I think all of the outer buildings have that view. This was taken from a link on the first page of this thread:

Sago Cay (Building 5)
Garden/Monorail/Marina View, Lagoon &Theme Park Views

Sugar Loaf (Building 6)
All Club Level Rooms & suites with Pool/Marina View

Conch Key (Building 7)
Garden/Pool/Marina View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Boca Chica (Building 8)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Big Pine Key (Building 9)
Garden/Pool View, Lagoon & Theme Park Views

Main Building (Building 4)
All Club Level rooms & suites with Garden/Pool Views & Theme Park View

If you are looking for a more quiet location, I think Sago or Conch would be a good choice .



No building is really that far from the main areas, but BPK and Boca Chica are a little closer to the main building than Sago . Sago is over by the marina and convention center.

Mickeynut Thanks for adding in all of these links..I just mentioned myself about checking out the first page for lots of good info...

As for a fave building that is close to most things..I agree with your recommendation of BPK or Boca Chica..and while everything really is in such close proximity..I think that those two buildings seem closer than the rest...

As for trip planning....you know that your vote counts too!!! And I have a feeling it might be a unanimous vote for RPC... lol...

Lots of trips coming up soon!! Who is next???

Baler Bet that you are having a terrific time...

Hope that everyone had a magical Monday.. preppy GF gal who is now thinking of buying tickets for MVMCP...

 

[Aurora0427]

Some corner rooms (only a few) have a second balcony.

Also logically a corner could be more quiet (if needed).



Me for a GV room I would rather have an upper floor than a specific building.

If dd will be at pool a lot maybe that would be more important for your family?

We liked sago (first time) because it was quick to main building, food, and busses. That meant getting to/from parks was convenient. Also ds eats small meals ALL DAY LONG It was nice to run to Gaspies and grab him a to-go order without to much walking.

Best part is that there isn't a bad view

Trishadano! I have been eager to talk to someone who has stayed in Sago. I am considering it because one side of the building has a view of the monorail, which my 3 year old would love. Any additional thoughts on Sago?

 

[Aurora0427]

Can I just say that I am so excited to go shopping at the women's boutique in the GF? They sell Lilly Pulitzer. I can drive ten minutes from my house and buy Lilly, but somehow buying it at the GF will just be way more exciting. I also love their kids shop that sells all of the Disney merchandise. My poor husband.... LOL

 

[DonnaDuck333]

Hahahaha, random question from hubby.... wants to know if they serve kettle chips like the other lounges we stood at,... this could be a deal breaker ya know he said

 

[trishadono]

Trishadano! I have been eager to talk to someone who has stayed in Sago. I am considering it because one side of the building has a view of the monorail, which my 3 year old would love. Any additional thoughts on Sago?

That's what we had had! The monorail/lagoon side is considered GV for Sago. I say request sago and if you don't get that side just ask. We originally had a first floor room bit I went back to lobby and asked for ANY BALCONY room and that's how we got there.

Can I just say that I am so excited to go shopping at the women's boutique in the GF? They sell Lilly Pulitzer. I can drive ten minutes from my house and buy Lilly, but somehow buying it at the GF will just be way more exciting. I also love their kids shop that sells all of the Disney merchandise. My poor husband.... LOL

Dd has me hooked. On our last trip we visited SL from Poly every day. I ended up buying a lilly dress and dd some shorts in that cute 4th of July pattern we also like Vineyard Vines which is there too. We don't have any good stores near us so a stop at GF has always been one of dd's "must-do's"!

Hahahaha, random question from hubby.... wants to know if they serve kettle chips like the other lounges we stood at,... this could be a deal breaker ya know he said

If I go to lounge I am trained to bring back a plate of those chips if they are out

They are out in the afternoons, here is a pic of my afternoon snack! Chips included

 

[jacquelynb]

Well it's official, we jumped ship from the WL due to the pool issue and we will now be staying at the GF for 10 days in oct. We have never stayed at the GF before and we are very much looking forward to it! (We are not looking forward to paying the price increase! Ouch!! Hoping the military salute offer gets extended soon!). Any advice for a newbie at the GF? Things we won't want to miss? Or details that make the GF your favorite that we should check out for ourselves while we're there? We plan on spending quite a bit of time relaxing at the resort. Who knows maybe GF will become our new favorite!!

 

[mickeynut1]

It sounds like all of the views are amazing . I can't wait

Yes, they are .

~ Before I give my opinion..lol... I would strongly suggest to anyone who is visiting the GF for the first time to check out the first page of this thread..the map of the resort will really give you the best idea of where everything is situated...of course there really is a lot to be said for personal recommendation and experience.....and you will get a lot of that here.. But viewing the map..and the pics..and getting a visual "lay of the land" so to speak will really help choosing what will be best for your trip... there is also a wealth of info about the GF in general...

As for trip planning....you know that your vote counts too!!! And I have a feeling it might be a unanimous vote for RPC... lol...

Hope that everyone had a magical Monday.. preppy GF gal who is now thinking of buying tickets for MVMCP...

I agree about the first page of this thread having a wealth of information for GF first timers ......it's even helpful for those like myself that sometimes needs to brush up on some GF tips .

LOL on RPC being unanimous......but you're right.....it's hard to go elsewhere as RPC is just amazing .

How exciting to buy MNSSHP tickets . We've been to the Halloween party 3 times and we had just as good of a time the 3rd time as we did the 1st .

Hahahaha, random question from hubby.... wants to know if they serve kettle chips like the other lounges we stood at,... this could be a deal breaker ya know he said

My last RPC stay was a couple of years ago and they had the chips at that time, so hopefully they are still there because they are so good . BlueSkies was just there recently, so maybe she can remember whether or not they are still offered.

 

[mickeynut1]

Well it's official, we jumped ship from the WL due to the pool issue and we will now be staying at the GF for 10 days in oct. We have never stayed at the GF before and we are very much looking forward to it! (We are not looking forward to paying the price increase! Ouch!! Hoping the military salute offer gets extended soon!). Any advice for a newbie at the GF? Things we won't want to miss? Or details that make the GF your favorite that we should check out for ourselves while we're there? We plan on spending quite a bit of time relaxing at the resort. Who knows maybe GF will become our new favorite!!

I'm sorry about the WL pool closure, but I think the GF is a great alternative . My advice is to just go and relax and enjoy the resort. The grounds are very beautiful and it's very relaxing walking around or just sitting taking in the surroundings. The lobby is a nice place to sit in the evening while listening to the orchestra play. I'm sure you will have a great stay and I wouldn't be surprised if the GF did become one of your favorites as it really is a great resort .

 

[trishadono]

I thought Sago was father from things? I think I was told Big Pine for proximity. Should I ask for the other?

Each family has different needs AND sometimes you get what you get, no other options.

With that said. I don't think gf is that big that it really a big deal where you end up.

I am a glass 1/2 full person when it comes to disney room location. There is NO perfect spot at any of the resorts(I've been to almost all). I prefer to consider strengths for each section I might get so I am not disappointed when I am assigned our room

Sago was good because we are rope drop people and it was very convenient for the bus stop and to get to monorail. It was farthest from pool with slide .

I would stay there again but I would not request a building for a GV room myself. I would prefer any non 1st, non dormer room. I like a full balcony and a view more than a specific building.

There have been times I have LOVED a rooms locations and others not so much. It is the luck of the draw. I have asked for a different room on occasion and sometimes they can accommodate and other times you have to wait. Time is of the essence so usually I just take in that situation.

They only time I ever waited was our check in for our first VGF 2br lake view stay. I knew it was a once only trip and we wanted a balcony but only 1st floor available. I said I would wait. It took 1.5 hours and was worth it

We had an awesome view and it really made the trip. F

Sometimes I just get the "mom worry" in me. I worry people over plan what location to get then at check in they get something different and BAM, it's like getting knocked off your feet.


It will all be good it's the GRAND

 

[Three cats]

Well it's official, we jumped ship from the WL due to the pool issue and we will now be staying at the GF for 10 days in oct. We have never stayed at the GF before and we are very much looking forward to it! (We are not looking forward to paying the price increase! Ouch!! Hoping the military salute offer gets extended soon!). Any advice for a newbie at the GF? Things we won't want to miss? Or details that make the GF your favorite that we should check out for ourselves while we're there? We plan on spending quite a bit of time relaxing at the resort. Who knows maybe GF will become our new favorite!!

I am in the same boat. Switched from WL to GF due to the pool fiasco. I am also still in sticker shock over the price difference....lol. Really excited about trying this resort for the first time! Here's hoping a room only discount comes out!