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

[jacquelynb]

Does the gf have a playground? I know they have the Alice water play area...but I was wondering about just a regular playground??

Also is there somewhere we can look at the current activity schedule??

What's the best place to view the fireworks at the gf? Do they pipe the music in too?

And where can we refill our qmugs?

Sorry for all the questions...I'm clueless!!

 

[Aurora0427]

I agree, but I have also never seen anyone post that any building is "too far away".

That's not what I was implying- just simply stating that I don't think any of the buildings are a hike from anything!

 

[Aurora0427]

Does the gf have a playground? I know they have the Alice water play area...but I was wondering about just a regular playground?? Also is there somewhere we can look at the current activity schedule?? What's the best place to view the fireworks at the gf? Do they pipe the music in too? And where can we refill our qmugs? Sorry for all the questions...I'm clueless!!

I don't think it has a playground. Do any of the resorts have an actual playground? That's a great question!

 

[jacquelynb]

The wilderness lodge has a playground right on the beach and my kids loved it. Although with all the construction over there, I'm not sure if it's staying or not. Too bad the GF doesn't have one.

 

[Aurora0427]

The wilderness lodge has a playground right on the beach and my kids loved it. Although with all the construction over there, I'm not sure if it's staying or not. Too bad the GF doesn't have one.

Are you serious???? We were there in February and NEVER SAW IT! I feel ridiculous. We did too many park days that trip, and didn't enjoy the resort enough. I'm not making that mistake at the GF this December!

Hec maybe the GF does have a playground and I've just never seen it!!!

 

[BlueSkies]

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...

Thanks for that link gretchen...

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.

We have stayed at the GF three times since the VGF have opened..and I have noticed a considerable difference in the amount of people at both pools ...and more each time we have gone...even during the winter months.. .The beach pool feels more like it is a part of the VGF to me now ( and we did notice many families heading to and from in the time that we were observing)..and courtyard more of the main resort now...

With the changes to the CY pool there are definitely a lot more younger families...where as it seemed to be geared more to older families before...

Last month by mid day..all tables and most every lounge chair had a person or towel in it.....and there was a lot going on in both pools...

As for the busses..which we were definitely concerned about also..I only noticed more people waiting earlier in the day..but not so much by mid morning...

We usually only stop at Gaspies later in the evening if at all..and didnt notice any difference at that hour...

So the most significant difference that we have seen is at the pools...

Does the gf have a playground? I know they have the Alice water play area...but I was wondering about just a regular playground??

Also is there somewhere we can look at the current activity schedule??

What's the best place to view the fireworks at the gf? Do they pipe the music in too?

And where can we refill our qmugs?

Sorry for all the questions...I'm clueless!!

Ask away jacquelynb... Lots of GF fans around here who are happy to share any info that they can...

There used to be a playground at the GF..but it is not there any longer..Poly had one too..way back when...lol...

One of the nicest places to view the fireworks is in the marina area right in front of Gasparillas...there has been music there at times..but not always??? The boat dock is another place where you can view firworks..and the Electrical Water Pagent too...Narcoosees a restaurant that is not too far from the dock pipes the music in for their diners...so you can hear it on the dock also....Really either place is very nice for fireworks viewing...

Gasparillas is also a spot that you can refill your mugs...and I do believe that they can be refilled one of the pool bars..just not sure which one..

I do believe that there is an activity schedule at the beginning of this thread...And while particular activities change from month to month they are generally the same at the same time and place..

I am looking at the last three that I saved...here are the basics~

Daily..Poolside activities begin at 1pm.. (at the beach pool) ..there are games like Goofy Bingo Towel toss Relay games..etc...

Pool party bash..2pm

Dance Party 3pm(but not during the winter months)

3:30 continuation of games..winter months this ended at 4..but later in the summer..

Campfire on the beach..6:30 fall..6pm winter...7:30 summer...

Following the camp fire there is a nightly Movie Under the Stars..

Lots of nice ways to spend your days at the resort!

HTH...

Trish Thank you for the Poly room info..decisions...

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

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


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!

I'll just have to lie about how much whatever I buy costs

 

[jacquelynb]

Thank you Blueskies! You are amazing!! I really appreciate all the great info.!!! Everyone here is so helpful and friendly!!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Thanks for that link gretchen...



We have stayed at the GF three times since the VGF have opened..and I have noticed a considerable difference in the amount of people at both pools ...and more each time we have gone...even during the winter months.. .The beach pool feels more like it is a part of the VGF to me now ( and we did notice many families heading to and from in the time that we were observing)..and courtyard more of the main resort now...

With the changes to the CY pool there are definitely a lot more younger families...where as it seemed to be geared more to older families before...

Last month by mid day..all tables and most every lounge chair had a person or towel in it.....and there was a lot going on in both pools...

As for the busses..which we were definitely concerned about also..I only noticed more people waiting earlier in the day..but not so much by mid morning...

We usually only stop at Gaspies later in the evening if at all..and didnt notice any difference at that hour...

So the most significant difference that we have seen is at the pools...



Ask away jacquelynb... Lots of GF fans around here who are happy to share any info that they can...

There used to be a playground at the GF..but it is not there any longer..Poly had one too..way back when...lol...

One of the nicest places to view the fireworks is in the marina area right in front of Gasparillas...there has been music there at times..but not always??? The boat dock is another place where you can view firworks..and the Electrical Water Pagent too...Narcoosees a restaurant that is not too far from the dock pipes the music in for their diners...so you can hear it on the dock also....Really either place is very nice for fireworks viewing...

Gasparillas is also a spot that you can refill your mugs...and I do believe that they can be refilled one of the pool bars..just not sure which one..

I do believe that there is an activity schedule at the beginning of this thread...And while particular activities change from month to month they are generally the same at the same time and place..

I am looking at the last three that I saved...here are the basics~

Daily..Poolside activities begin at 1pm.. (at the beach pool) ..there are games like Goofy Bingo Towel toss Relay games..etc...

Pool party bash..2pm

Dance Party 3pm(but not during the winter months)

3:30 continuation of games..winter months this ended at 4..but later in the summer..

Campfire on the beach..6:30 fall..6pm winter...7:30 summer...

Following the camp fire there is a nightly Movie Under the Stars..

Lots of nice ways to spend your days at the resort!

HTH...

Trish Thank you for the Poly room info..decisions...

OMG this sounds nice! I am still upset about WL Not 100% sure we are doing the right thing but this makes me feel better. I'm still debating between Boca Chica and Big Pine.

At WL we loved the electrical parade and the pool parties...sounds like all of that goes on here too!

 

[BlueSkies]

Thank you Blueskies! You are amazing!! I really appreciate all the great info.!!! Everyone here is so helpful and friendly!!

Thank you for the kind words! You are very welcome!

maggiesmom I do think that there are the same activities at most of the deluxe pools...Pool party is very nice..and as for the EWP..we love it too..a true Disney classic! Dont worry (this from a super worrier..lol..} about the building decison..they are both so nice...you really cannot go wrong with either one!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Thank you for the kind words! You are very welcome!

maggiesmom I do think that there are the same activities at most of the deluxe pools...Pool party is very nice..and as for the EWP..we love it too..a true Disney classic! Dont worry (this from a super worrier..lol..} about the building decison..they are both so nice...you really cannot go wrong with either one!

Oh I am a worrier! It's only once a year!

 

[mickeynut1]

Ask away jacquelynb... Lots of GF fans around here who are happy to share any info that they can...

There are a couple of GF vets that are very friendly and have stayed at the GF for many years and can share alot of great information about the resort .

Thank you Blueskies! You are amazing!! I really appreciate all the great info.!!! Everyone here is so helpful and friendly!!

I agree....BlueSkies is great and always has a lot of helpful information .

OMG this sounds nice! I am still upset about WL Not 100% sure we are doing the right thing but this makes me feel better. I'm still debating between Boca Chica and Big Pine.

At WL we loved the electrical parade and the pool parties...sounds like all of that goes on here too!

Try not to worry....the GF is an amazing resort (and we also love the WL). As far as building location, I don't think you can go wrong with either one as BlueSkies posted .

 

[Ferrentinos]

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...

Thank you for that information! I had IPO book it and they verified that they will do pixie dust at the end! Super excited as it works out to do right before dinner that evening.

 

[Aurora0427]

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!













..

I love that store too... I have a feeling we will be coming home with lots of purchases. I am so excited!!! Thanks, blueskies!

 

[Three cats]

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.

Thanks Sue

 

[happymomof1]

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

Hi, I have asked this question recently and was told it is Joffreys coffee. They are supplying all the hotel coffee and park coffee instead of the icky instant Nescafé that they used to serve. If this is wrong, someone please let me know, but it was only August 2013 that they all made the switch. I've seen their website and am sure I've had coffee from one of the park kiosks, so I can't imagine it being yucky. I think the standard room roast may be a French Roast, which usually tend to he a little dark, but not thick and bitter like Starbucks sometimes can be. If you check out Joffreys website, they specify which coffee disney hotels get. Check it out. Can't hurt to be informed. I'm looking forward to it in just a few weeks!!!!!! GF SL for first time ever!!!!! Split stay with YC. I'm soooooooo looking forward to some authentic Disney magic !

 

[Three cats]

I have been checking daily to see if I could switch from a Lagoon View room to a Garden View room with the free dining discount to save some money. All of a sudden this morning there was tons of availability at CBR, CSR, BC, AOA, etc. for my dates. I couldn't pass up the savings ($3,461.64 to be exact) and switched us to a king room at CSR.

I know we will eventually stay at GF but think this is the way to go seeing as though we are wanting to go back in May next year and could use the savings towards that trip.

Just wanted to say thank you all for being so kind and for all of your help and I hope you all have wonderful trips!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I have been checking daily to see if I could switch from a Lagoon View room to a Garden View room with the free dining discount to save some money. All of a sudden this morning there was tons of availability at CBR, CSR, BC, AOA, etc. for my dates. I couldn't pass up the savings ($3461.64 to be exact) and switched us to a king room at CSR.

I know we will eventually stay at GF but think this is the way to go seeing as though we are wanting to go back in May next year and could use the savings towards that trip.

Just wanted to say thank you all for being so kind and for all of your help and I hope you all have wonderful trips!!

I'm sorry you won't be staying at the GF on your next trip, but that is quite a savings that I don't think I could pass up either as that's a good chunk of money that can be put toward another trip . I hope a May trip works out and you get to try the GF.

I hope you were able to get some good information from this thread and will be back when you plan your GF trip .

Have a great time at CSR .

 

[Three cats]

I'm sorry you won't be staying at the GF on your next trip, but that is quite a savings that I don't think I could pass up either as that's a good chunk of money that can be put toward another trip . I hope a May trip works out and you get to try the GF.

I hope you were able to get some good information from this thread and will be back when you plan your GF trip .

Have a great time at CSR .

I definitely did Mickeynut, thank you!!

 

[jerseygal]

Enjoy your trip to CSR! Fabulous Savings!