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

[Three cats]

Enjoy your trip to CSR! Fabulous Savings!

Thank you! I was REALLY looking forward to staying at the GF after having moved there from the WL but like I said, I just couldn't pass up that much of a savings.

 

[mickeynut1]

I definitely did Mickeynut, thank you!!

You're welcome. Glad this thread was helpful .

I was REALLY looking forward to staying at the GF after having moved there from the WL but like I said, I just couldn't pass up that much of a savings.

The GF will be there for the next trip .

 

[sydneysmom]

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!!

It's certainly hard to pass up that kind of savings!! that's about another trip to Disney! You're going to have a WONDERFUL time no matter where you stay.....and maybe go have breakfast at the GF Cafe or 1900 Park Fare, or go to Narcoossee's for dinner... that would be fun to go visit the GF. Have a really awesome trip!!!!

 

[mag73]

Just checking in to say Hello. We are so excited for our upcoming trip. Cant wait to see the refub rooms. It is so nice to see a friendly thread. There is so much hostility on the other ones, no way to explain/defend yourself after sharing your experiences. You either get called lazy for not making the RD or basically a irresponsible/bad parent for not carrying your ID in the parks.

 

[Sue M]

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!!

Congrats on the savings! For the coffee maker & coffee, some of the resort specific threads ( first page) have pics of the new coffee makers and filter pacs. I think BC/YC does. They first had the Cusinart pods but think they did switch to Jofferys. It's decent. Much better then the Nescrap!

 

[mag73]

I have a question for those who have stayed at GF since last August. Has there been any problems with the court yard pool? During our last visit they had to close it down for almost all of our stay over the Labor day weekend due to filtration problems. I'm hoping that there will be no issues for our upcoming trip as it is our favorite pool.

 

[Sue M]

Blueskies the beach pool is my fav. Was hardly crowded last August. Never had a problem finding lounges at either pool. One thing that was a huge prob at SAB were the lounge hogs! You know, the families that put towels down on multiple lounges, then leave for hours or the ones who just can't be bothered to put towels in bin when they are done and just leave them on lounges so you don't know which are in use . Hope this doesn't become a prob here!

 

[Eastern]

I have CR booked for January, but I am really thinking about changing to GF. We have never stayed here before.

Any comments on main vs outer buildings and CL vs no CL?

It would be for me, DH, and college aged sons.

Thanks for any suggestions~

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thanks for that link gretchen...

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.

You're welcome. Glad to be able to offer a little something back after all the help I've rec'd on this board.

 

[BlueSkies]

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

Awww...thanks.. right back atcha!!

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.

Hope that you will come back and let us all know how the experience was!

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 !

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!!

You are welcome Three cats What a terrific savings! I am sure you will have a fantastic trip..and how nice to be able to save some extra $$ to put towards a spring trip!

Just checking in to say Hello. We are so excited for our upcoming trip. Cant wait to see the refub rooms. It is so nice to see a friendly thread. There is so much hostility on the other ones, no way to explain/defend yourself after sharing your experiences. You either get called lazy for not making the RD or basically a irresponsible/bad parent for not carrying your ID in the parks.

Hi!! and WELCOME Yep lots of friendly helpful GF fans hanging around here!

I have a question for those who have stayed at GF since last August. Has there been any problems with the court yard pool? During our last visit they had to close it down for almost all of our stay over the Labor day weekend due to filtration problems. I'm hoping that there will be no issues for our upcoming trip as it is our favorite pool.

I have been to the GF a few times since last summer...and I do recollect one time that the pool was closed for a few days...must have been last summer...but no issues since that I know of....

Blueskies the beach pool is my fav. Was hardly crowded last August. Never had a problem finding lounges at either pool. One thing that was a huge prob at SAB were the lounge hogs! You know, the families that put towels down on multiple lounges, then leave for hours or the ones who just can't be bothered to put towels in bin when they are done and just leave them on lounges so you don't know which are in use . Hope this doesn't become a prob here!

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad pool news... ...Pet peeve of mine are those pool chair hogs too....The fact is that the pool areas are a much busier place these days...But..I will say that I did see a CM walking around at the pool and removing towels from chairs that were unattended for extended periods of time...

I have CR booked for January, but I am really thinking about changing to GF. We have never stayed here before.

Any comments on main vs outer buildings and CL vs no CL?

It would be for me, DH, and college aged sons.

Thanks for any suggestions~

Welcome Eastern! Lots of big questions!! lol...The main building of the GF is all CL rooms...large lovely lounge...and the opportunity to be right in the middle of it all...

Outer buildings offer views of the gardens.. courtyard..pool areas.. marina.. lagoon and also theme park...

There is also an outer building that is just CL... this has views of the marina or courtyard pool....

So it really just depends on your individual taste...and what works best for your family...

CL amenities to make for an enhanced vacation experience...the lounges...the food and beverages...but again that might not be so important to some as having a building that is situated on the lagoon with TPV...

The GF is a beautiful resort...lots to enjoy...and everything on the grounds is in close proximity...

So whatever your choose I am sure that you will enjoy... BTW..I am a CR fan too..and had a recent trip there that was absolutely terrific! Another great Disney resort..and a WDW classic... Both wonderful choices IMO...

Hello to all the rest of my fellow GF fans!

~ MVMCP observation...I have been trying to find available dining for dinner in the MK..but nothing is available during the nites of the party ??? Strange Has anyone else noticed this for MNSSHP or MVMCP...??? I think that we usually dine at one of the resorts pre party...but wanted to change things up a bit....

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!!

 

[uagirl]

After originally planning a Dec. 2014 trip to the GF, we were pleasantly surprised with baby #2 (coming in 12 days!)! We have delayed our trip to Dec. 2015, but are looking forward to a week at the GF.

Looks like our plans for now are to stay in SL. I'm excited to plan for our party of 7 and can't wait for rates to be released!

 

[DonnaDuck333]

Does anyone know what time the morning hotel manager gets in. My girl friend is their now and her parents are coming in tomorrow and they have a little mishap with their reservation that may require the hotel manager to address it. think they are getting their around 7:00am... Appreciate if any of you know off hand.

 

[BlueSkies]

After originally planning a Dec. 2014 trip to the GF, we were pleasantly surprised with baby #2 (coming in 12 days!)! We have delayed our trip to Dec. 2015, but are looking forward to a week at the GF.

Looks like our plans for now are to stay in SL. I'm excited to plan for our party of 7 and can't wait for rates to be released!

Congratulations!!! A new baby..how wonderful!.. and then a disney trip to look foward too...

I think that the 2015 rates should be released sometime soon....

SL is really right in the middle of everything..close to the courtyard pool..the boat dock..and not far from Gasparila's or the main building...For a party of 7 I am thinking that you will need 2 rooms or a suite....

baler a regular poster here is staying in SL now..and has posted pics of the newly refurbed lounge and room too...so if you take a peek a few pages back you will be able to see them...

Speedy delivery and happy planning!

 

[Raya]

~ MVMCP observation...I have been trying to find available dining for dinner in the MK..but nothing is available during the nites of the party ??? Strange Has anyone else noticed this for MNSSHP or MVMCP...??? I think that we usually dine at one of the resorts pre party...but wanted to change things up a bit....

We're frequent party guests, and yep, noticed that a lot. Most (if not all) of the table service restaurants are closed for MNSSHP. The only two open after the party starts are CRT and LTT. They send out a brochure warning you with your party tickets. Sigh. CHH is open until 5pm on party nights (party tickets get you in at 4) and Tony's as well, but otherwise, last seating is before 7.

 

[uagirl]

Congratulations!!! A new baby..how wonderful!.. and then a disney trip to look foward too... I think that the 2015 rates should be released sometime soon.... SL is really right in the middle of everything..close to the courtyard pool..the boat dock..and not far from Gasparila's or the main building...For a party of 7 I am thinking that you will need 2 rooms or a suite.... baler a regular poster here is staying in SL now..and has posted pics of the newly refurbed lounge and room too...so if you take a peek a few pages back you will be able to see them... Speedy delivery and happy planning!

Thanks! I stayed in SL in 2000, so it's been a while. At least with rates coming out soon I'll have something to do while up in the middle of the night with a newborn.

We travel with my mom, stepdad and brother. They will have their own room.

 

[Stefy]

Hi Stefy I agree lots of good info and helpful posters around here!

Congrats on your first GF stay..lots of other Poly peeps here..I bet you will see a few familiar posters...

I do think that your thoughts on Sago being just what you are looking for are spot on...just be careful if asking for the top floor.. those rooms do tend to be dormer rooms..with the enclosed balcony..I would suggest requesting Sago Cay...upper floor..non dormer room...

Happy planning! The GF is especially beautiful at Christmas... I am sure you will have a magical trip!

~ Forgot to mention this earlier... there are some new tours available at WDW...one is called Ultimate Day of Thrills- a VIP Tour Experience...there is one for young families as well... Although pricey at $299 per person ..plus TP admission...You visit MK DHS and AK..ride a variety of thrill rides...and also have lunch at one of the resorts..not sure which though...there are discounts available to DVC Disney Visa and AP...and its 6-7 hours...Sounds very interesting..and a fun way to spend the day...especially if you don't have many days at the the world....

Thank you I'm guessing Upper Floor rooms are second to the top floor? Meaning we'll have someone above us?

Welcome to the GF thread and congrats on booking your first GF stay .

I agree with BlueSkies that Sago would be a good request

Thank you, we so can't wait to be there already

 

[mag73]

Hi!! and WELCOME Yep lots of friendly helpful GF fans hanging around here!



I have been to the GF a few times since last summer...and I do recollect one time that the pool was closed for a few days...must have been last summer...but no issues since that I know of...

Thank you so much!! I'm glad to hear that you did not experience any problems with the pool.

 

[Ferrentinos]

Hi again! Does anyone know if there is an iPod dock in the room? Poly had one and I assumed all resorts did - but then at AKL they didn't! I just want to bring a small one along if GF doesn't have one!

Also, I'm very weird and always bring my own shampoo and conditioner when I travel - but should I just save the $$ and use the H2O products that GF supplies? Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

 

[Eastern]

A
Welcome Eastern! Lots of big questions!! lol...The main building of the GF is all CL rooms...large lovely lounge...and the opportunity to be right in the middle of it all...

Outer buildings offer views of the gardens.. courtyard..pool areas.. marina.. lagoon and also theme park...

There is also an outer building that is just CL... this has views of the marina or courtyard pool....

So it really just depends on your individual taste...and what works best for your family...

CL amenities to make for an enhanced vacation experience...the lounges...the food and beverages...but again that might not be so important to some as having a building that is situated on the lagoon with TPV...

The GF is a beautiful resort...lots to enjoy...and everything on the grounds is in close proximity...

So whatever your choose I am sure that you will enjoy... BTW..I am a CR fan too..and had a recent trip there that was absolutely terrific! Another great Disney resort..and a WDW classic... Both wonderful choices IMO...

Yes, my question was of the extremely vague variety, but you answered it well. Thanks!

 

[mag73]

We never bring our own. We do love the h2o line. I would give it a try. If you wanted to you could always order them online to see if you like them. They are a little bit pricey.