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

[Sue M]

As Sue M posted, call and have your requests noted on your reservation. I don't think "top floor, non-connecting" is too much. With that said, sometimes requests get overlooked so if you don't get a room that meets your requests, you can always ask if one is available. It's not guaranteed that your requests will be met, but it never hurts to ask as the CMs are usually very accommodating (provided what you want is available). As far as faxing in requests, a lot of resorts have stopped accepting faxes. The only ones I know of that still accept them are POR and POFQ. Hopefully someone will be able to verify that or correct me if I'm wrong. HTH .

You are right, only resorts that look at fax are the POR resorts! And they are very accommodating at GF. If you walk into assigned room and it's not to your liking, don't touch anything, just go back down to the desk and inquire if something else is available. We did this our last trip. My request was no dormer, and what did we get the first question they asked me was- did you touch anything? They don't want to have to send housekeeping up to fix room again.

Yup, agreed...it's making me not want to stay at WL. We were just commanded not to speak about the pool closure.

this makes me so sad. WL thread has always been a nice, friendly thread, and their hostess, Kook is so helpful.

I also think Solar Gel and Mint Foot Rub are CL amenities. They are club level at Grand Californian in DLR and the two hotels seem to run similarly.

I also think Housekeeping would bring you some upon request. I have both in my house right now.

Without looking back, I can't remember who said the liked the body butter better than the new lotion, but YES!

I also miss the old screw top containers. They were perfect re-use containers. I still have several and use them as I travel a lot on business. They work great in the TSA "Put your life in a sandwich sized zip lock bag" program. I was not blessed with good genes, am of a certain age, and need a lot of help -- I don't easily fit into a Baggie!

The Mint foot lotion is wonderful!! We kept it in nightstand to put on before bed!! We were in Boca and was a standard amenity. I will be on the lookout for Solar Gel in SL!!
about baggies! I just found an old Aquatics screw top! I was rummaging in a purse I hadn't used in awhile! .

 

[mystery222184]

Can anyone offer suggestions on specific rooms/views/floors to ask for with Standard View in the Main Building? With the lounge on the 4th fl, I would imagine that is more convenient? Any particular standard view rooms to ask for? thanks!!

 

[disney meema]

Yup, agreed...it's making me not want to stay at WL. We were just commanded not to speak about the pool closure.

I just looked over on that board and your right it's like a command (( sad )) it's nice to be able to talk about all the positives and all the possible not positives freely on any thread. I personally don't like the super complainers but a few questions here and there should be allowed. Very weird

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the flower

Wanted to check in and say hi! Due to the pool closure we thought it was best to take this yr off from the WL and go for the GF Royal Palm Club during the 2nd half of our split stay from Oct. 28-Nov. 2nd. We've only tried Sugarloaf before so we can't wait!

Congrats on booking your first RPC stay . You are going to love RPC. While the food offerings are the same in both RPC and SL, the lounges are worlds apart as the RPC lounge is large and spacious with plenty of seating (some with great views of the courtyard and pool). Hope you have a great time and will report back after your trip .

Does anyone know when the boat to MK starts running in the morning? We have a 7:30 reservation at Chef Mickey, and now due to the monorail hours, not sure how to get there. Thanks!

I can't help, but hopefully someone who has experienced the shorten monorail hours will be able to help with boat times .

Hello Grand friends
Final payment has been made!! 42 days and counting! So excited for our first GF stay!
I do have a question about the pirate adventure that leaves from GF... Has anyone sent their child by themselves? I think DS (5 1/2) would love it , but as he is an only child he doesn't have a companion to take along. He's not a clinger by any means- but I would hate for him to freak and ruin the other kids fun. Thoughts??

I can't help with your question about the pirate adventure, but wanted to say congrats on being paid in full . It won't be long before you will be checking into the GF .

You are right, only resorts that look at fax are the POR resorts!

Thanks for confirming about the faxes .

 

[disney meema]

Hello Grand friends Final payment has been made!! 42 days and counting! So excited for our first GF stay! I do have a question about the pirate adventure that leaves from GF... Has anyone sent their child by themselves? I think DS (5 1/2) would love it , but as he is an only child he doesn't have a companion to take along. He's not a clinger by any means- but I would hate for him to freak and ruin the other kids fun. Thoughts??

It's been a few years ago but our granddaughter who was 5 at the time went by herself but really the CM made it a group event so we didn't feel like she was by herself at all. She loved the entire experience with the other kids and CM's ... I think your son will be fine and have a blast : ) Also on that same trip she did the wonderland tea party in 1900 park fare by herself and again loved the experience as I think the CM are good at involving all the children. I hope that helps some

 

[BlueSkies]

So I have an outer building garden view room booked. What is the best way to make a specific room request at GF? Do I fax a request the week before check-in? I know not to request a specific room number, but if my main request is to get a top floor non-connecting room would that be asking too much?

I would be sure to have your requests listed on your reservation thru CRO...in our experience they are very good about honoring requests..

Blueskies I will report back on my haul!!

Thanks Sue!! I am so curious..Am I missing out? ... LOL...I have stayed CL at the GF a few times in the last year and never come across any....???? Maybe I need to book another stay..you know to check things out myself!!?? lol...

Yup, agreed...it's making me not want to stay at WL. We were just commanded not to speak about the pool closure.

I think that its very easy for a thread to head south when there is a lot of negative opinions..or disagreement.....and refurbishment can definitely cause that to happen..the moderator of that thread WDW Kook is one of the most gracious on these boards ..and is probably just trying to keep things from going that way..JMO.....

I also think Solar Gel and Mint Foot Rub are CL amenities. They are club level at Grand Californian in DLR and the two hotels seem to run similarly.

I also think Housekeeping would bring you some upon request. I have both in my house right now.

Without looking back, I can't remember who said the liked the body butter better than the new lotion, but YES!

I also miss the old screw top containers. They were perfect re-use containers. I still have several and use them as I travel a lot on business. They work great in the TSA "Put your life in a sandwich sized zip lock bag" program. I was not blessed with good genes, am of a certain age, and need a lot of help -- I don't easily fit into a Baggie!

Well said!!! And gave me a good chuckle too.... I am in the "of certain age" club too!! And need all of my stuff!

As for the toiletries.. I just mentioned to Sue..that while in any of my recent CL stays there was that wonderful foot rub..there was not any solar gel... So maybe some things are just a bit different in both resorts..

Another toiletries mention...oh I do miss that thick creamy body butter....

Wanted to check in and say hi! Due to the pool closure we thought it was best to take this yr off from the WL and go for the GF Royal Palm Club during the 2nd half of our split stay from Oct. 28-Nov. 2nd. We've only tried Sugarloaf before so we can't wait!

HI right back!! and welcome...What a nice treat..I am sure you will love your stay in RPC!

Does anyone know when the boat to MK starts running in the morning? We have a 7:30 reservation at Chef Mickey, and now due to the monorail hours, not sure how to get there. Thanks!

I am not sure what the alternate form of morning transportation is currently...but as another poster mentioned maybe early morning bus service...There is a concierge desk in the lobby....I am sure if you stop there after you arrive they can give you information on what your transportation options are...

Hello Grand friends
Final payment has been made!! 42 days and counting! So excited for our first GF stay!
I do have a question about the pirate adventure that leaves from GF... Has anyone sent their child by themselves? I think DS (5 1/2) would love it , but as he is an only child he doesn't have a companion to take along. He's not a clinger by any means- but I would hate for him to freak and ruin the other kids fun. Thoughts??

No answer on the PL..as my kids are not little ...Just wanted to say Congrats on making your final payment!! and your trip being right around the bend...

Can anyone offer suggestions on specific rooms/views/floors to ask for with Standard View in the Main Building? With the lounge on the 4th fl, I would imagine that is more convenient? Any particular standard view rooms to ask for? thanks!!

There are two options for standard view rooms in RPC..courtyard..and beach pool/VGF/Poly ( well just a bit these days..)..both are lovely... rooms on the Poly side are just a little bigger..and still considered standard..and also have a wet bar that has a good bit of storage in the cabinet under it...

You are correct about the lounge being on the 4th floor..but there is an internal staircase..and its very easy to access the lounge even if you are on the 3rd floor...

So...depending on what view that you would prefer..is what you might want to request on your ressie...

Have a grand vacation!

Grace&Carolinesmom That mint foot rub is just wonderful...and such a nice way to pamper your feet after a day in the parks.... You WILL be wanting to bring that home in your "stash"...

~ I know that we all have a few fave toiletries that we like to bring home..I call it my "rainy days and Mondays" stash...things that you use sparingly until your next WDW stay... Just wanted to know fellow GF fans...or WDW resort fans ... what your absolute favorite is...???

My favorite toiletry that I use when I need a Disney fix is the Sea Marine revitalizing shampoo...the smell just makes me think of the GF... Add in a piece of GF belgian chocolate...and you are almost there....lol...

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

Hello Grand friends
Final payment has been made!! 42 days and counting! So excited for our first GF stay!
I do have a question about the pirate adventure that leaves from GF... Has anyone sent their child by themselves? I think DS (5 1/2) would love it , but as he is an only child he doesn't have a companion to take along. He's not a clinger by any means- but I would hate for him to freak and ruin the other kids fun. Thoughts??

I looked into the pirate adventure for DD (just turned 6) when we stay at GF this September, but she isn't very outgoing and is incredibly shy, so we are waiting until next summer when my two nephews can join her. From what I have read, adults are not allowed on the pirate adventure so I'm sure your son will have lots of other 'singeltons' to talk to

Here's a good review that I read:
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/disney-training-disneys-pirate-adventure/

 

[BlueSkies]

I looked into the pirate adventure for DD (just turned 6) when we stay at GF this September, but she isn't very outgoing and is incredibly shy, so we are waiting until next summer when my two nephews can join her. From what I have read, adults are not allowed on the pirate adventure so I'm sure your son will have lots of other 'singeltons' to talk to

Here's a good review that I read:
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/disney-training-disneys-pirate-adventure/

Thanks for sharing that info and your insight GinnyBear's mom

 

[mickeynut1]

I think that its very easy for a thread to head south when there is a lot of negative opinions..or disagreement.....and refurbishment can definitely cause that to happen..the moderator of that thread WDW Kook is one of the most gracious on these boards ..and is probably just trying to keep things from going that way..JMO.....

I agree. I don't post on the WL thread all the time, but I do read and post every once in awhile as the WL is one of our favorite resorts and WDWKOOK is one of the best, IMO. She is great with keeping the thread up to date as well as keeping things on topic. I honestly don't think she was being mean and/or meant any harm in asking people to refrain from talking about the refurbishment/pool closure. I think she just wants the FAQ to stay on topic with things about the resort overall and not get side tracked with discussions about the pool closure and posters arguing among themselves about it. With all of that said, this is just my opinion and I'm not looking to argue with anyone .

There are two options for standard view rooms in RPC..courtyard..and beach pool/VGF/Poly ( well just a bit these days..)..both are lovely... rooms on the Poly side are just a little bigger..and still considered standard..and also have a wet bar that has a good bit of storage in the cabinet under it...

You are correct about the lounge being on the 4th floor..but there is an internal staircase..and its very easy to access the lounge even if you are on the 3rd floor...

My favorite view is the beach pool/VGF/Poly (although I'm not sure just how much of the lagoon/Poly is visible with the villas there), but I'm sure it's still a nice view . The courtyard side is also nice, so you really can't go wrong with either one, IMO.

I also agree about how easy it is to access the lounge, even if your room isn't on the 4th floor .

 

[cattywampus]

Of my toiletries stash, my favorite is the shower gel! I too can flash back from the scent.

 

[davale4]

Of my toiletries stash, my favorite is the shower gel! I too can flash back from the scent.

It's my favorite as well. It feels so refreshing!

 

[ratdog9]

I love the H2O toiletries and have them at Marshall's. It is hit or miss though but that's always the first department I checkout

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Morning

Not much going on here! Still no trips planned to our beloved GF, although I do have some friends staying there now and another friens is arriving later this week

k&a&c I'll be in SL first 2 days, hopefully Solar Gel will be there. It was in regular room at Poly, but that was a few years ago. I don't remember seeing in my GF room last year. Good to know I can request it.
Great pic of balconies!!

ahcupcake nice pic of Mickey & Bonjovi!!

Thank You.......I don't think we have EVER had the solar gel at the GF

Hey ahcupcake!! Nice to see you! and hello to all the rest of my fellow GF fans...

Hey Blue

Of my toiletries stash, my favorite is the shower gel! I too can flash back from the scent.

It's my favorite as well. It feels so refreshing!

I love the H2O toiletries and have them at Marshall's. It is hit or miss though but that's always the first department I checkout

I have purchased the body wash, shampoo & conditioner directly from H20. It's the Sea Marine stuff. Here is the link for the shampoo/conditioner & body butter http://www.h2oplus.com/category/bath+and+body/sea+marine+revitalizing.do and this is the link for the body wash/shower gel http://www.h2oplus.com/category/bath+and+body/body+washes.do I think the body wash is the Spa Sea Salt!

 

[Sue M]

My fav GF products are the Mint Foot Cream, so nice after being on your feet all day at the parks. And those chocolates,yum. I had a bag full to bring home .

 

[wannabee]

I'd love to join you on this thread. Have just decided to book GF for my 50th birthday trip next summer...... No kids, no husbands ...... Just me and my sister and cousin who also happen to be two of my best friends. Can't wait. My sister and I did an adults only trip in 2012- stayed at the beach club and my cousin joined my son and I for a few days in 2011 at CSR but this will be the first trip for all 3 of us together. Now just need the rates to come out for 2015...... Any idea when that will be?

 

[mag73]

The foot rub is definitely our favorite right now. But my most favorite was the green bath soap they stopped carrying few years ago, does anyone remember its name? It had bumps on one side and had a wonderful scent.

 

[mickeynut1]

Good Morning

Not much going on here! Still no trips planned to our beloved GF, although I do have some friends staying there now and another friens is arriving later this week

Hope you are able to plan another GF trip soon .

I'd love to join you on this thread. Have just decided to book GF for my 50th birthday trip next summer...... No kids, no husbands ...... Just me and my sister and cousin who also happen to be two of my best friends. Can't wait. My sister and I did an adults only trip in 2012- stayed at the beach club and my cousin joined my son and I for a few days in 2011 at CSR but this will be the first trip for all 3 of us together. Now just need the rates to come out for 2015...... Any idea when that will be?

Welcome to the GF thread .

Feel free to ask any questions you may have as everyone here is very friendly and helpful, with a few GF vets who are very knowledgeable about the resort and are always willing to help answer questions and/or give suggestions .

How exciting to be planning a girls only trip .....and the GF is a great resort for those kinds of trips . The 2015 rates should be coming out any time, with a rumored date of around July 10. I will join you in the wait as I am ready to book our trip for next summer .

 

[disney meema]

My fav GF products are the Mint Foot Cream, so nice after being on your feet all day at the parks. And those chocolates,yum. I had a bag full to bring home .

Oh yes I agree the mint foot cream was wonderful after a bath to rub on tired feet : ) Then of course the chocolate Yum!

 

[cattywampus]

?.. my most favorite was the green bath soap they stopped carrying few years ago, does anyone remember its name? It had bumps on one side and had a wonderful scent.

I remember that soap! ...but I can't remember the name. I went into my stash, but don't have any left.

 

[disney meema]

The foot rub is definitely our favorite right now. But my most favorite was the green bath soap they stopped carrying few years ago, does anyone remember its name? It had bumps on one side and had a wonderful scent.

I actually found a couple of bars of the green bath soap in one of my bathroom drawers last week lol I was packing for our Las Vegas trip and was surprised I found 2 left.