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

[yce22princess]

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!

I'm one of those people who basically brings my own everything with me when I travel. Lol. I'm picky with my hair stuff....and both my girls have a ton of hair! 9

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, everyone! Trying to get back into my regular routine, it's been so busy here.

I will likely miss some questions or responses to my last post - sorry, I had to skim. You all have been very busy GF planners.

I think the name is Summer Lace. Was there in May.

....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....

Summer Lace is a great shop, and for anyone seeing all these admittedly high prices quoted - they do have sales! We have snagged some nice items at a deep discount. Just browse around, there are usually many items marked down.

Thanks for the makeup info, I had no idea they sell it there. Good to know for the future, and I'm sure many DISers will be glad to have that tip tucked away "just in case"!

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!

Aww, sorry your DH nixed the afternoon tea. To be honest, we rarely book it now if we are in CL, as they have such nice tea offerings in club. Many of the items we love best are served there, with all the clotted cream you could wish for to slather on your scones.

I'm with you on the MBs - I'm looking forward to trying them out, but I'm not much of a bracelet wearer.

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!!

How wonderful, good for you to snag such a great deal. Great idea, saving money this trip so you can plan another!!

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!!!!

Agreed. Just hopping the monorail or boat over for an afternoon of browsing shops, having a snack and listening to the music is a nice way to get a GF fix.

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.

Hello back! Sorry you are feeling a little bruised, hopefully you won't encounter too much of that kind of behavior. Sometimes, in their zeal, DISers forget their manners.

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!

The chair saving issue is a problem, no doubt. Luckily, the last few years we've noticed the lifeguards at most of the resort pools going around and picking up towels from chairs that have not been in use lately, opening up spots for new arrivals.

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~

Ditto to everything BlueSkies posted!

My only extra comments would be in regards to whether or not you should book CL. If you plan to use the lounge, then I say it would be a good thing for your family. Growing boys can eat a lot, lol, so having the snacks available all day is a plus.

On the other hand, if you plan to be out park touring all day, every day, why not save money and just book an outer bldg. room? We alternate from CL to non-CL, depending on who is traveling, what type of trip we are planning, etc.

Only you can know what your family will enjoy, but hopefully we can assist in your decision making. Good luck and enjoy your planning, whichever resort you ultimately choose.

....
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...

....


~ 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!!

I posted about the CMs removing towels, then fully read your post and saw you have noticed the same. Good to know, they definitely need to clear chairs as the day goes by.

We, too, have noticed it is often hard to get a dining reservation during party nights. We used to try for LTT, but have never been able to snag it, so I don't even try any more. It's been a while since we were there for either MVMCP or MNSSHP, though - hoping to go this year for MNSSHP, fingers crossed.

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, how wonderful to add a new member to the family. I can certainly see why you are postponing - next year's visit will be all the sweeter. Enjoy your planning!

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.

I'm sorry, I don't have that info. I would suggest she call the front desk and ask.

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!

Yes, there has been an iPod dock on the clock radio - I assume it is still there after the refurb. (may even be a photo on the first page, in the "rooms" post)

Whether or not to bring your own shampoo is a good question, one most of us can't answer. I use the H2O products and do just fine, while others say they can't do without their own. If you are the type who can borrow a friend or family member's shampoo while staying with them, you can likely use the GF soaps/shampoos/conditioners.

 

[mickeynut1]

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.

Welcome to the GF thread . Everyone here is very friendly and always willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have .

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

~ 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....

I'm sorry you're not having any luck finding availability for your party night . Our first Halloween party we ate at CP, but since then we started booking TS at one of the monorail resorts before heading to the party, which has worked out pretty well for us. I book for around 4:30-4:45 and we end up getting to MK around 5:30 .

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 on the baby . The GF is a great resort any time of year, but is extra special during the holidays. Happy planning .

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.

I don't know for sure, but my guess would be maybe 6 or 7 am .

At least with rates coming out soon I'll have something to do while up in the middle of the night with a newborn.

Just wanted to mention that when the 2015 rates are released, December might not be available right away. Rooms can be booked 499 days out, so if the rates are released the middle of July, rates might only go through middle of November, with the rest of the month and December dates being added gradually .

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

You're welcome . I'm sure the time will go fast and you will be checking into the GF before you know it!!

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!

I'm pretty sure there was an iHome clock/docking station on the night stand when we last stayed at the GF, but hopefully someone else will be able to confirm that or correct me if I'm wrong .

We always bring our own shampoo/conditioner, but I have also used the ones at the resorts.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello, everyone! Trying to get back into my regular routine, it's been so busy here.

Good to see you back . I hope things have settled down for you and you are able to get back into your normal routine .

 

[uagirl]

Just wanted to mention that when the 2015 rates are released, December might not be available right away. Rooms can be booked 499 days out, so if the rates are released the middle of July, rates might only go through middle of November, with the rest of the month and December dates being added gradually .

I'm good with that. There are only so many games of candy crush one can play in the middle of the night. I would much rather plan dream trips while I wait on early December rates to appear.

 

[Eastern]

My only extra comments would be in regards to whether or not you should book CL. If you plan to use the lounge, then I say it would be a good thing for your family. Growing boys can eat a lot, lol, so having the snacks available all day is a plus.

On the other hand, if you plan to be out park touring all day, every day, why not save money and just book an outer bldg. room? We alternate from CL to non-CL, depending on who is traveling, what type of trip we are planning, etc.

Only you can know what your family will enjoy, but hopefully we can assist in your decision making. Good luck and enjoy your planning, whichever resort you ultimately choose.:

Yes, we're at the stage where we no longer do commando touring, so the lounge access is nice. It's between CR and GF but we are leaning towards CR for the short walk to MK. My kids like to pop over and stay for an hour or two then go back to the resort.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Good to see you back . I hope things have settled down for you and you are able to get back into your normal routine .

Aww, thanks! Good to see you, too. We're still trying to get everything sorted out - it happened April 19, good grief.

Thanks for adding the info on the 2015 rates, I can never keep up with all that. You are always a wealth of info!

Yes, we're at the stage where we no longer do commando touring, so the lounge access is nice. It's between CR and GF but we are leaning towards CR for the short walk to MK. My kids like to pop over and stay for an hour or two then go back to the resort.

We are in the same mode; if DD and I go alone, we spend a lot of time at the resort. Maybe a couple early hours in the parks, back to the resort for a swim, dinner - perhaps some evening touring!

CL sounds like a great choice, and it is awesome at the Grand. I've heard very good things about the CR CL, too, you can't lose.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Aww, thanks! Good to see you, too. We're still trying to get everything sorted out - it happened April 19, good grief.

Thanks for adding the info on the 2015 rates, I can never keep up with all that. You are always a wealth of info!



We are in the same mode; if DD and I go alone, we spend a lot of time at the resort. Maybe a couple early hours in the parks, back to the resort for a swim, dinner - perhaps some evening touring!

CL sounds like a great choice, and it is awesome at the Grand. I've heard very good things about the CR CL, too, you can't lose.

I thought it was just us who spent a lot of time at the resort...it's just hubby and I. On our honeymoon we got up late, spent 2-3 hours in the park, and came back to the hotel for the rest of the day. That's how we fell in love with WL

 

[mag73]

Welcome to the GF thread . Everyone here is very friendly and always willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have : )

Thank you for the warm welcome!!

 

[mag73]

Hello back! Sorry you are feeling a little bruised, hopefully you won't encounter too much of that kind of behavior. Sometimes, in their zeal, DISers forget their manners.

Thank you!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm good with that. There are only so many games of candy crush one can play in the middle of the night. I would much rather plan dream trips while I wait on early December rates to appear.

LOL on candy crush . I agree about planning dream trips over playing games...it's always fun to think about a Disney trip .

Yes, we're at the stage where we no longer do commando touring, so the lounge access is nice. It's between CR and GF but we are leaning towards CR for the short walk to MK. My kids like to pop over and stay for an hour or two then go back to the resort.

I agree that having the lounge is nice, especially if you spend a lot of time at the resort .

Aww, thanks! Good to see you, too. We're still trying to get everything sorted out - it happened April 19, good grief.

Thanks for adding the info on the 2015 rates, I can never keep up with all that. You are always a wealth of info!

I hope everything gets sorted out quickly .

Aww, you're welcome....that is nice of you to say, thank you . I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 2015 rates, so I have been trying to keep up on it .

I thought it was just us who spent a lot of time at the resort...it's just hubby and I. On our honeymoon we got up late, spent 2-3 hours in the park, and came back to the hotel for the rest of the day. That's how we fell in love with WL

Add us to the list of those that spend a lot of time at the resort. We go for maybe an hour or two in the morning and sometimes maybe an hour (or two) in the evening, but not even every day. We love our resort time and enjoy the relaxtion .

Thank you for the warm welcome!!

You are very welcome .

 

[followthatmouse]

Hello, all my dear GFers.

We are home following two months in the US! My goodness, we had a grand time. I will need to sit and process for a while before I can give all the details of our May stay in the RPC. But, before I can sit and process I must attend to a mountain of laundry!

 

[Sue M]

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!

I don't have a problem using the H2O products at the resorts. As long as it's a separate shampoo & Conditioner. I like the GF H2O. Sometimes I bring a leave in or Argan oil for extra conditioning, especially in summer when my blond hair can get fried in the Florida sun.

Thanks Blueskies & k&a&c for pool info, towel situation etc. I was just reading BC/YC thread, someone just posted SAB lifeguards were doing freq towel sweeps, and Band checks. Nice to hear they're aware of the problem.
49 days!!!

 

[jhaig]

Is there a link somewhere for the GF Convention schedule? Just wondering if anything was happening while we were there (Sept 9-19).

 

[Ferrentinos]

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.

That's a good idea! I think that I'm going to give it a try this trip!

I'm one of those people who basically brings my own everything with me when I travel. Lol. I'm picky with my hair stuff....and both my girls have a ton of hair! 9

I'm not really picky - I guess I'm always scared that there won't be conditioner in the room but it seems like they always supply shampoo and conditioner?

Yes, there has been an iPod dock on the clock radio - I assume it is still there after the refurb. (may even be a photo on the first page, in the "rooms" post)

Whether or not to bring your own shampoo is a good question, one most of us can't answer. I use the H2O products and do just fine, while others say they can't do without their own. If you are the type who can borrow a friend or family member's shampoo while staying with them, you can likely use the GF soaps/shampoos/conditioners.

Yay for the iPod info! Super happy to hear that! I think that I'll give the H2O products a try on this trip as I'm not picky! Just concerned about running out? But I assume they'll resupply it, right?

I'm pretty sure there was an iHome clock/docking station on the night stand when we last stayed at the GF, but hopefully someone else will be able to confirm that or correct me if I'm wrong .

We always bring our own shampoo/conditioner, but I have also used the ones at the resorts.

Excellent! Thank you!

I don't have a problem using the H2O products at the resorts. As long as it's a separate shampoo & Conditioner. I like the GF H2O. Sometimes I bring a leave in or Argan oil for extra conditioning, especially in summer when my blond hair can get fried in the Florida sun.

Is it always a separate shampoo and conditioner? Just want to be sure!

Thanks everyone! I know that it seems like a silly thing but if I can avoid packing just one more thing, it always helps out! You are all so helpful!!

 

[mag73]

Yes, it is always separate. If you want you can always purchase it at the hotel in larger bottles but it is little pricey.

 

[trishadono]

Is it always a separate shampoo and conditioner? Just want to be sure!
!!

Sue is like me, we stay at all levels at disney and sometimes we forget who has what, where, when

The resort does have separate shampoo and conditioner.

 

[trishadono]

Morning Mag73! Looks like posting same time

 

[mag73]

Good morning. Just trying to catch up before our long weekend trip to the beech. Hoping for the sun to come out

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello, all my dear GFers.

We are home following two months in the US! My goodness, we had a grand time. I will need to sit and process for a while before I can give all the details of our May stay in the RPC. But, before I can sit and process I must attend to a mountain of laundry!

Welcome back .

Glad you had a great time, can't wait to hear all about your RPC stay .

Is there a link somewhere for the GF Convention schedule? Just wondering if anything was happening while we were there (Sept 9-19).

I don't know of one (or where it would be), but hopefully someone else will have some info on that or can direct you to where you can find it .

Excellent! Thank you!

Thanks everyone! I know that it seems like a silly thing but if I can avoid packing just one more thing, it always helps out! You are all so helpful!!

You're welcome .

It's not silly at all and I agree that it sometimes helps to pack a little less .

Good morning. Just trying to catch up before our long weekend trip to the beech. Hoping for the sun to come out

Hope you have a great weekend at the beach .