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

[mickeynut1]

BlueSkies ~ LOL on Melo . Next week can't come soon enough .....but only one of us can have him (and I think he would be a perfect fit for Chicago ).

Yes, I think CR CL should be a consideration.....good idea .

You're staying SL right??? I'm sure we will see you in the lounge! DD 3 can't wait for some yummy treats!

I wish, but no trip for me......I was just showing excitement for your upcoming trip in 12 days . You are going to have a great time and I'm sure you will love the GF .

 

[baler31]

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

 

[Ferrentinos]

I wish, but no trip for me......I was just showing excitement for your upcoming trip in 12 days . You are going to have a great time and I'm sure you will love the GF .

Opps! Sorry! I misread that post and then mis-remembered about a DISer staying SL while we are there. You'll be there in spirit with us!

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

Hope you are having an excellent time! How has the lounge been in SL? New seating working out? Food offerings good? Any highlights? Also, do they have "to-go" cups/plates out for easy access? TIA!!!

Happy 4th of July everyone!! I hope you have a GRAND Independence Day! Our goal here in NJ is to stay dry today!

 

[MommyGina]

Happy 4th of July friends! Ferrentinos - we were supposed to be in SL the same time as you. Sad to say that we canceled our trip on Tuesday. Maybe next year. Have a Grand time!

 

[BlueSkies]

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!! fellow GF fans...

Thank you! I'll read through that to see what I find out.

Hi Blue! Only 21 days!!!

Thanks everyone for the help with the H2O products! You are all such a lovely (might I say GRAND) group of people!

Can't wait for our first stay in 12 days!

.... ..... ....

BlueSkies ~ Yes, I think CR CL should be a consideration.....good idea .

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

Baler So nice of you to take the time to pop in and fill us all in on all new things Grand!

Happy 4th of July friends! Ferrentinos - we were supposed to be in SL the same time as you. Sad to say that we canceled our trip on Tuesday. Maybe next year. Have a Grand time!

So sorry MommyGina...Here to getting a GF trip next year!

grannyminnie Hope thT you re having a magical vacation!

~ Just read the WDW is looking to hire 1000 new employees...for a variety of positions..theme parks..hotels..DTD...things all across property.. I am ready to go.. anyone care to join me!!??

Hope that everyone has a fabulous Friday...enjoy the time whatever you may be doing!

 

[mickeynut1]

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY everyone!!!

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

Thanks for the information on the robes. Hope you're having a great time .

Opps! Sorry! I misread that post and then mis-remembered about a DISer staying SL while we are there. You'll be there in spirit with us!

No problem.....I'll be looking forward to hearing all about your trip when you return .

~ Just read the WDW is looking to hire 1000 new employees...for a variety of positions..theme parks..hotels..DTD...things all across property.. I am ready to go.. anyone care to join me!!??

I will.....just tell me when

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Happy 4th of July!!!

I hope all my Grand friends have a lovely day with family, friends and good times.

... I bring half full bottles with me and then use it or toss it before coming home since my luggage is full of souvenirs. I do use the hotels soaps and lotions and they smell incredible )

Don't they?! We love the scent. Good tip about bringing nearly empty bottles and tossing - we do that with things like sample deodorants, toothpaste, sunscreen.

....

I bet you are.....it's been a crazy couple of months for you .

Thanks about the rates. Some people have posted that they might be released July 10, which isn't that far away, so let's hope . No, your brain is fine....LOL....you are right about them always being released in August for the longest time. Just a couple of years ago they started coming out earlier. I think one time was as early as June, but I think the last 2 years have been early July .

I love going to Disney and just chilling . I do still love the parks, but I could spend all my time at the resort as just being there makes it all worth while for me.


I agree. I have seen a lot of great reviews about CR CL, making me really want to try it .

Thanks about the rates, good to know I'm not completely losing it.

CR CL may be on our list for the future, too. Chillin' at the resort sounds pretty darn good right now, doesn't it?!

Ok, thank you both...My mom loved hers and wanted to buy one but forgot.

Oh, I hate it when that happens! You probably know, she can order from Disney merchandise, if you have a receipt from one of the WDW stores, there is a number to call.

Hi abk No info from me about the shipping of water. just saying Hi!! lol..Wonder if garden grocer would be another option..and help avoid additional fees..I seem to see that people recommend them alot??
....
We just might be back in posting sync!! thanks about the dining..I will keep trying..Perseverance sometimes pays off with Disney dining..

LOL about being back in sync - you could be right!

Garden grocer is a good idea for the water. We checked into it once, and there is a minimum order (for free delivery, maybe?), but for a family it wouldn't be hard to hit it. Breakfast items alone add up.

Thank you! I'll read through that to see what I find out.

.... Only 21 days!!!

You're welcome! Only 20 days to go, woohoo!!

Thanks everyone for the help with the H2O products! You are all such a lovely (might I say GRAND) group of people!

Can't wait for our first stay in 12 days!

It IS a Grand group of people here! Just 11 more days, you must be so excited!

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

Thanks for taking the time out of your trip to post, hope you got some good rest. My kids did the surf lessons one year, had a great time. Thanks for the info on the new robes - on the one hand, soft feels so luxurious. On the other, the waffle weave soaked up more water. I'm sure the new robes are very nice.

Well, that stinks about the heat lamps, I must say. I can't figure out why they want to take away features, can you?!

Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

....
Happy 4th of July everyone!! I hope you have a GRAND Independence Day! Our goal here in NJ is to stay dry today!

Best of luck with your weather, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Happy 4th of July friends! Ferrentinos - we were supposed to be in SL the same time as you. Sad to say that we canceled our trip on Tuesday. Maybe next year. Have a Grand time!

Very sorry to hear you canceled your trip. Good luck planning for next year.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!! fellow GF fans...


....
~ Just read the WDW is looking to hire 1000 new employees...for a variety of positions..theme parks..hotels..DTD...things all across property.. I am ready to go.. anyone care to join me!!??

Hope that everyone has a fabulous Friday...enjoy the time whatever you may be doing!

Me, me!! I'll have to tell my DD, she's been longing to work for Disney!

Hope you have a great day, too.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY everyone!!!

....
I will.....just tell me when

Missed your post while I was composing my novel. Happy 4th to you, too.

LOL - sounds like BlueSkies has snagged a few of us to join her as new WDW CMs.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks about the rates, good to know I'm not completely losing it.

CR CL may be on our list for the future, too. Chillin' at the resort sounds pretty darn good right now, doesn't it?!

I can't figure out why they want to take away features, can you?!

Me, me!! I'll have to tell my DD, she's been longing to work for Disney!

Hopefully the new rates will come out soon......I'm very curious to see how much they increase .

Yes, I would love to be chillin' at a Disney resort right now .....even in the heat and humidity....I'd find a great spot pool side and spend the day .

I'm with you....not sure why so many features keep getting taken away .

The more the merrier....grab DD and we'll all head to WDW .

Missed your post while I was composing my novel. Happy 4th to you, too.

LOL - sounds like BlueSkies has snagged a few of us to join her as new WDW CMs.

Hey there ......we were posting at the same time, weren't we . Hope you have a great 4th, too .

BlueSkies is good recruiter .

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

Wow so they are different? I don't have anything to compare them too!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Happy 4th of July everyone!

So much going on around here....

MommyGina Sorry to hear your trip had to be postponed. On the bright side, maybe next year some of the crazy crowds for A&E and 7DMT will be lighter and hopefully the FP+ system will be tweaked a little more for easier park touring

I see there is a discussion about robes. I will just be happy for any robe! We have always enjoyed that perk when we stay at PBH so I am looking forward to enjoying the same at GF. My FAV is ordering room service and eating in the room while lounging in my plush robe. Makes it REALLY feel like a vacation

I do hope the lifeguards do a good job of patroling the "seat savers" around the pools. That is a pet peave of mine. Who do they think they are to be SO IMPORTANT to deserve a reserved seat above other paid hotel guests? If my family needs a chair or table, (only one needed for the four of us...BTW), I will stand near the pool and survey the area. If I see a grouping of chairs with only a towel and no action or belongings, I walk over and pick a chair on the end of the grouping and claim as my own. At CR our first year, there were no open chairs so I saw three in a row with just a folded towel and the thrid one in also had a book. I took the chair on the end. About an hour later, we were taking a quick break at our ONE chair, and there was a lady in the chair now that had the book. She snipped at me that those chairs were saved for her husband. ??? Two chairs for one person??? I said no problem. We will be leaving the pool area in about 2 hours and he can have it then. She was not expecting that comment and turned her head in disgust. As a note...the DH never showed up to my knowledge.

Quick question, where are the lifejackets kept at GF? Are they at the marina only or do they have bins at/near the pools?

 

[disneyandy]

Hi everyone

Looking for some help to decide. We're staying at Gf for the first time mainly due to the poly construction but looking forward to it. Due to arrive next weekend.

Have booked a theme park view room and currently trying to decide if we should request ground floor or top floor. Anyone have any suggestions. Are the balcony/patio areas bigger on the ground floor?

Last time we stayed at the poly had a great large patio area on ground floor with a theme park view. Really private on the lagoon edge. Would be great if we could get something similar at Gf.

Happy Independence Day from a Disney loving Brit! :0)

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Happy 4th of July!

To all my Grand Friends! I hope the east coasters stay safe and have a happy (if wet) holiday!

Liz

 

[abk96]

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

Thanks for the update on the robes. I wasn't a fan of the waffle kind so this is good news. Surf lessons at 5:30 AM...Wow that is very adventurous! I hope you had a great time. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!! fellow GF fans...
~ Just read the WDW is looking to hire 1000 new employees...for a variety of positions..theme parks..hotels..DTD...things all across property.. I am ready to go.. anyone care to join me!!??

I'm ready to join you on too!! And I already have some bags packed.


Sorry to hear about your trip being cancelled MommyGina.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday!!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Happy 4th of July!

To all my Grand Friends! I hope the east coasters stay safe and have a happy (if wet) holiday!

Liz

WL in 19 days!!! I am so jealous!

 

[mag73]

Happy 4th of July!! From the wet beeches of NJ.

 

[mag73]

Happy 4th of July from a very rainy NJ. The sun should be out tomorrow so we should get two nice beech days. It's so exciting to read about everyone's upcoming trips, ours is still almost two months away.

 

[Sue M]

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


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?


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?


Excellent! Thank you!


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!!

When we stayed last year they had shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion.
When we stayed at Poly we also had the Solar Gel. I'm wondering if GF has it too? Would be nice for August!!

Awww, sounds like you had a lovely honeymoon. We love WL, too, so pretty.



You're welcome!



Thanks, I hope so, too. I'm ready for that mess to end!

Good luck with the 2015 rates, they should be out any day, right? I know it used to be August, but didn't they come out in July last year? Or is my old brain failing me?

Your touring/resort schedule sounds exactly like ours.



Hey, you! Glad to hear from you, and that you had a magical vacation with us Americans.

Love to hear all about your trip, but don't rush - you need to bask in the after-Disney dream before you hop back into everyday.



Only 49 days woohoo!! Sounds like the CMs are still trying to keep the chair situation under control, good to know.

Good idea about the extra conditioning. Not only the sun, but the extra time in the pool can dry out hair.



Hmmm...I think I've seen one, but don't remember where. There is a separate Disney site for the Convention Center, but I don't remember if it has such a list. Seems like there is a thread on the DIS about it, if I have time I'll do a search.



Not a silly question, lots of people have wondered about whether to bring their own.

Yes, separate shampoo and conditioner at the deluxe resorts. Don't worry about running out, if you think the amount supplied each day (and it is supplied twice a day, once in the a.m. and once in the evening during turn down), either chat with your mousekeeper or call housekeeping and ask for more to be sent up and/or noted you need extra. You will likely have far more than you need, lol, we were all just discussing how we have to save room in our suitcases for the stash we carry home.

Yes, glad I'm not the only supply hoarder here, lol! I was just using a Sea Salt lotion from last years visit, getting in the Disney mood!!! I had asked housekeeper for extra, and she came back with a huge bag full!!!

Hey, here's the thread - it's a sticky at the top of the Resorts board called "INFO: Shipping to Your Resort"! Read through the first post, especially, but there is more info throughout.

HTH!

Thanks! I'll have to go look. I ordered an AP band, but they don't ship outside the U.S. So I'm having it shipped to GF. Will have to make sure to put the correct address! The regular resort bands automatically get to resort desk, but not the AP bands. Ugh.

Don't have a lot of time, super tired as we took surf lessons at Typhoon this morning at 5:30. I did want to mention that we have new robes now. They are no longer the waffle weave but more of a spa robe with very soft terry lining and outer tencell fabric.

Also, the heat lamps are gone in the bathrooms, I greatly miss those. I will do some sort of long post or trip report when I can. We fly home on July 7th, but leave for the beach on the 12th. Not sure I will get to it before that. Ask any questions and I will try to answer.

My daughters took surf lessons from Ron Jon's in Cocoa Beach and got the TL instructor!! He worked there too! We stayed at Cocoa Beach a couple of days before WDW!

Thanks for all your info about your GF stay! Sad but for some reason I can't get your Twitter photos so if you feel like posting some of SL here
Lol!!
I can finally say I'll be there next month

Happy 4th to all our U.S. Friends!

 

[disney meema]

Somewhere on here I'm sure I read they are refurbishing RP lounge ... What is the completion date? Also if anyone is staying main building club level after completion I'm hoping to see new photos : ) we will not arrive until November but curious what the plans are for RP? I'm hoping they will be adding a restroom but I guess it depends on how extensive the rehab is?

Happy 4th of July !!!!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Can I say again how much I love you all? Grr to all the arguing and nasty posts on the WL thread