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

[DonnaDuck333]

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.

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"!

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

Oh yeah Chips!, he said it is now a go for us, It's the little things in life Thanks for the pic

 

[Three cats]

Does anyone happen to know where I can buy the coffee pods that fit the coffee makers in the room? I did a quick search online and I am having trouble figuring out which ones I'd need.

 

[Aurora0427]

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

Excellent points! ITA- The GF is not large enough to have one building be labeled "too far away". I always thought it felt like one of their smaller resorts! I'm going to request Sago, monorail view, balcony. Or at least, that's what my TA will do! It's even better for us that it's close to the food and the transportation. We are RD people too, so I think it'll be great if we get it. Honestly, as long as we don't get a view of the pool house in big pine (I think), I'll be happy.

 

[BlueSkies]

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

There really is lots of good shopping at the GF.. and even more just a few monorail stops away... As for your DH..Commander Porters does have some very nice mens clothing... Like the resort itself..all of the GF shops are just lovely!

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!!

The GF is a perfect resort to be at if you are planning on spending lots of resort time..Just strolling around the grounds is so nice...evenings in the lobby listening to the wonderful music..a pianist and the GF Society orchestra...even just sitting out at the pool bar enjoying a mid day beverage.. Lots of ambiance all around..Happy planning! Hope that a good discont comes out soon!

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

They really are!

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

What a great take on things...I always have pre trip worries..and room worries too...should I even mention the weather worries...lol.... Cant help it! So like many here need to find out all that I can..and make a request for what I think will suit us best..well really me!! ...DH and the kids dont particularly care...so long as there is a lounge with food and drinks... ...lol...

In our experience at the GF..they are really good about tyring to accomdate specific requests...so I would never hesitate to ask for what I prefer..or don't..and as you pointed out..if you are not happy with what you have been assigned you can always request something else... Ultimately.. It really is all Grand ! And what could be better than a a Disney vacation!

Now with our first Poly stay coming up...I keep reviewing Tikimans site ..trying to figure out what floor we would like to be on..I am thinking 2nd?? to be near the longe..lol....and maybe room location too...

Mickenut Good morning! We do love the MNSSHP...and I agree every time is such fun...This trip we are going to go to the MVMCP..DD's request...that kid has more requests...lol... I need to stop perusing the Disney site with her...and just plan on my own.... Now to decide which nite we want to go..and what ADRs to switch around.... Cause you know no matter what its always about the food....

DonnaDuck Those yummy crunchy chips!! Yep they still have them! So your DH will be happy!

to all of my fellow GF fans...

Hope that everyone has a terriific Tuesday! preppy GF Gal needs to stop changing trip plans around! lol....

 

[Lisann]

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.

I think the name is Summer Lace. Was there in May. And bought a Tommy Bahama (notoriously expensive) dress. It was $98, if I remember correctly, which wasn't enormous in price, but it was just a little striped t-shirt dress.

There are some beautiful clothing items in that shop, and they are on the more expensive side, but very well made. Some of the nicer dresses can range from $139 - $199, or more. Pants and shirts on the high side, but again...good quality. The shop is stocked very well with resort wear. Almost always you can find a pair of black pants or white pants, or a little black dress, or a summer dress...those types of items. There is even makeup. My sister needed mascara one time, and it was the only place in the kingdom that sold it.

I have bought several items from that shop...I love to go there!! But everything I have purchased has been well worth the price (bathing suit, cover-up, dress, etc.). Good quality and I've gotten my money's worth out of the use, too. Plus, there are the memories associated with said article of clothing....

 

[Ferrentinos]

Good morning! We are thinking of switching our daughter's hair cut from the Harmony Barbershop in MK to the Ivy Trellis one. Does anyone know if they will do any "pixie dusting" after the cut like they do at Harmony? It would just be neat to do her hair cut somewhere new! TIA!

 

[Lisann]

I'd like to know, too! I've always wanted to get my hair done at the Ivy Trellis, just because.

 

[BlueSkies]

Good morning! We are thinking of switching our daughter's hair cut from the Harmony Barbershop in MK to the Ivy Trellis one. Does anyone know if they will do any "pixie dusting" after the cut like they do at Harmony? It would just be neat to do her hair cut somewhere new! TIA!

Sorry Ferrentinos Not really sure about the pixie dusting at the Ivy Trellis...?? .Just wanted to say..love your new ticker!!! Very cool!

 

[mickeynut1]

The GF is not large enough to have one building be labeled "too far away".

I agree, but I have also never seen anyone post that any building is "too far away". The GF is pretty compact and while none of the buildings are far, there are some that are a little closer to certain areas than others.

In our experience at the GF..they are really good about tyring to accomdate specific requests...so I would never hesitate to ask for what I prefer..or don't..

Mickenut Good morning! We do love the MNSSHP...and I agree every time is such fun...This trip we are going to go to the MVMCP..DD's request...that kid has more requests...lol... I need to stop perusing the Disney site with her...and just plan on my own.... Now to decide which nite we want to go..and what ADRs to switch around.... Cause you know no matter what its always about the food....

Hi Blue

I agree about the GF CMs being very helpful in trying to accommodate requests . I, too, would never hesitate to ask for something I prefer. Is it guaranteed? No, but it never hurts to ask because requests do sometimes get overlooked and you never know when what you want might be available .

Good luck with deciding on a party night and rearranging ADRs. Holiday trips are always fun .

 

[trishadono]

Now with our first Poly stay coming up...I keep reviewing Tikimans site ..trying to figure out what floor we would like to be on..I am thinking 2nd?? to be near the longe..lol....and maybe room location too...

Another option is a room on 1st or 3rd floor with room NEAR lounge. The elevator was rarely busy and right next to lounge too. However I prefer to run, I mean walk quickly , up and down the stairs. Room numbers on tiki site show lagoon side you want ending in 01-06 to be close or 34-30 on GV side. We had 3rd floor 3531 and was a short walk to lounge. I liked walking through 3rd floor lounge and down the stairs for a dramatic entrance. that view

 

[Ferrentinos]

Sorry Ferrentinos Not really sure about the pixie dusting at the Ivy Trellis...?? .Just wanted to say..love your new ticker!!! Very cool!

Thanks! I had to update it this morning and I just want to keep posting to watch it move around!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

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!

We are all in the same boat! Thanks Trish for the feedback (should have quoted bec I can't remember your full screenname I want to type trish-nado lol).

 

[trishadono]

Does anyone happen to know where I can buy the coffee pods that fit the coffee makers in the room? I did a quick search online and I am having trouble figuring out which ones I'd need.

I found them at my local grocery store but only buy them if you don't think you will like the ones disney gives you.

If you open door and see a mousekeeper ask for coffee, leave a note in room for more coffee or call housekeeping and request more.

I have done this from POP to GF without any problems

We are all in the same boat! Thanks Trish for the feedback (should have quoted bec I can't remember your full screenname I want to type trish-nado lol).

Trish is fine!

Also a about dresses in summer lace. I thought 148 was a lot for a dress but at 50 to find a beautifully cut and LINED dress that takes years off your figure was worth every penny also I could use my passholder discount which was great since lilly doesn't discount.

The dress is wash and wear and so comfy too. I'm glad I splurged. As a mom we always get stuff for our kids it was nice to spoil me for a change

Also for the guys they have nice stuff upstairs for men. Dh loves the tommy bahama ( more available at CR too).

Also I am stalking for a gf sale for fall too! I got poly in May at disneys 30%off with an additional 15% off on orbitz. That is available for August and September but my mom wants christmas lights so nov/dec it is!

 

[Three cats]

I found them at my local grocery store but only buy them if you don't think you will like the ones disney gives you.

If you open door and see a mousekeeper ask for coffee, leave a note in room for more coffee or call housekeeping and request more.

I have done this from POP to GF without any problems

Thanks Trish! Do you happen to remember the brand name? I am hoping to find a dark roast.

 

[abk96]

Good afternoon everyone!

Well I mentioned doing the afternoon tea at Citricos to my husband and he shot it down. He remembered that I wanted to do CL for the afternoon tea in the lounge. I didn't think he would remember that...oh well.

Our Magicbands arrived yesterday. They are so cute but I'm going to have to get used to wearing it. I'm not a watch or bracelet person.

I hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Good morning! We are thinking of switching our daughter's hair cut from the Harmony Barbershop in MK to the Ivy Trellis one. Does anyone know if they will do any "pixie dusting" after the cut like they do at Harmony? It would just be neat to do her hair cut somewhere new! TIA!

Here's an article re: the princess treatment at the Ivy Trellis Salon.
http://disneyways.com/2013/06/13/ivytrellis/
Looks like they would probably do the Pixie Dust - but you may want to bring your own from home, just in case...

 

[Sue M]

Does anyone happen to know where I can buy the coffee pods that fit the coffee makers in the room? I did a quick search online and I am having trouble figuring out which ones I'd need.

The machines in room are Cusinart. They use round filter discs. It has 2 sides, so you can make 2 cups at a time. Hope this helps.

 

[disney meema]

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!!

Hi and welcome ... Another here who jumped ship from the WL to GF. An now added a AKL part to our vacation which is new for us. We were staying at WL for something new originally. You'll love GF it is our favorite resort and once we stayed for our first time 18 years ago we were hooked and have stayed countless times. The rooms at so nice and big, excellent service staff, beautiful room views, fabulous restaurants and the grounds are incredible : )

 

[Sue M]

For those who have been recently, I was at GF last August, DVC hadn't opened yet. Have you seen much difference at pools, Gaspys, busses etc? Wondering what to expect.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I think the name is Summer Lace. Was there in May. And bought a Tommy Bahama (notoriously expensive) dress. It was $98, if I remember correctly, which wasn't enormous in price, but it was just a little striped t-shirt dress.

There are some beautiful clothing items in that shop, and they are on the more expensive side, but very well made. Some of the nicer dresses can range from $139 - $199, or more. Pants and shirts on the high side, but again...good quality. The shop is stocked very well with resort wear. Almost always you can find a pair of black pants or white pants, or a little black dress, or a summer dress...those types of items. There is even makeup. My sister needed mascara one time, and it was the only place in the kingdom that sold it.

I have bought several items from that shop...I love to go there!! But everything I have purchased has been well worth the price (bathing suit, cover-up, dress, etc.). Good quality and I've gotten my money's worth out of the use, too. Plus, there are the memories associated with said article of clothing....

Yay! Thanks...I noticed another post about it here right after mine! $100 is not terrible but any more might be a stretch. Yes that is what I was thinking, it's a memorable purchase.