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

[k&a&c'smom]

Here are the promised photos.

Fourth floor, Boca Chica; overlooking the courtyard pool, prior to the renovations

Looking right, between SL and Conch Key

Fourth floor, Big Pine Key, prior to pool refurb

Looking right toward Boca Chica

As you can see, the rooms on the lagoon end of BPK are right behind the pool house. Anything below the fourth floor is mostly blocked, although it's still not a parking lot view! Which makes it tricky to get both a non-dormer and upper floor on that end of BPK. Not impossible, though, as you can see from the photos, and there are rooms on the Main Bldg. end of BPK that do not have the pool house in the way, so a 2nd or 3rd floor would be OK.

Link to photos posted in an old FAQ, these ARE of a dormer room but they show the view nearer the Main Bldg.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Sorry to hear about your stress fracture. Keep following your doctor's advice and hopefully all will be fine.

Enjoy your day!

Thank you! I am being VERY good

Ouch! Hope that you heal up real quick! ... Cupcakes, cookies, and cakes! sounds like you are planning on starting your vacation off right!( I would have said on the right foot!!!...but...) lol...

LOL....the right foot.... Yes. Lots of goodies for vacation. A sweet 16 cake, some cookies and a loaf of lemon poppyseed bread for our stay at the GF and then cupcakes, brownies and cookies delivered on our last day to take with us to PBH....MMmmmmm

Grace&Carolinesmom, yikes on the stress fracture so close to a trip!! I hope along with you that it will be healed enough to allow you to be boot-free in the parks!

Crossing my fingers and being extra good Also adding extra calcium to my diet hoping that will miraculously heal my foot. Like I need an extra reason to add more cheese in my diet living in Wisconsin

We had that one at Citricos. Unless things have changed, you can have them made for any of the GF restaurants. Last we checked, you needed to request them 24 hours in advance.

GF are white chocolate while the Cinderella's Royal Table are dark chocolate.

It really was delicious!

Liz

(running back to WL area because I can't think about this trip just yet!) I'll be back here after the 27th!

WOW! I would love to have the DARK CHOCOLATE slipper from CRT. Heaven on a plate!

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Thank you for the flower

that your foot heals fast!! Maybe take a phone # for one of those off site scooter rentals that deliver to your resort just in case.

Thanks for the well wishes and advice. I will definitely take a few rental numbers with me jic

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Hello, my Grand friends! Hope everyone had a great week.

Grace&Caroline'sMom - Oh, my! So sorry about the stress fracture, I hope it heals quickly.

As for the parks - have you looked into a scooter? I had to rent one a few trips back due to a knee problem, and it was a lifesaver. I resisted until I couldn't walk any more, but when I finally caved it was such a relief. I recommend them to everyone now! DD teased me I was accosting anyone limping around the parks, suggesting they get a scooter.

Thank you! I am *thinking* about the scooter but just like you I am resisting. I know they are available just for situations like this but I always struggle in my mind that "other people need it more than me" so I can just limp along.... I will definitely take along a few phone numbers of local companies jic. Did you rent from the parks or an outside company? I told DH that he is going to have to push me in a wheelchair if I can't walk....as punishment! (argh) He was complaining incessantly about the weeds in the front bed of our yard (which is also on a pretty steep slope) so I was pulling weeds for a few hours in that one bed in awkward positions, yanking and crouching and,,,yada yada yada....now I have a stress fracture in my left foot Could be worse....so glad it is not a plaster cast!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Oh, my, Amanda!! You are so right, he deserves to push you around after leading you to your doom!

DD kept insisting I get one, but all I could think of was all the DISers who comment about scooter users in a negative way! There were a few people who seemed irritated, but on the whole, I was pleasantly surprised - most people were very nice, held elevator doors, commented about how hard it must be to turn them, etc. My worst fear was getting on the buses, so I only did it once (to AK - we were at the YC, I was able to ride into Epcot and take the boat to DHS), but it wasn't too hard.

I think I can say, we used Walker Medical (offsite) and they were great. Delivered right to the resort last minute and it couldn't have been easier. We simply walked out to the valet stand, they gave me the number of my scooter (may have given me the key, not sure) and off we went. Reverse when I turned it back in. Easy, peasy.

Good luck, I certainly hope you will do anything you need so that you can have a fun, non-painful trip. Thinking of you limping around the parks is just wrong, you deserve to have a magical vacation.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

None of the GF buildings is very far from anything else, the resort is compact and laid out well. Sago Cay is the furthest from the action, and Conch does not have many rooms with a good view of the courtyard pool - though both have many other good qualities and Conch is particularly well situated for easy access to boat dock and Gasparilla's.

As mickeynut posted, BPK and Boca are about the best options for garden view if you want to be near the pools and in the action! I'll post a couple photos so you can see the difference in view from each. I'm with you, I don't care much for the dormer balconies.

Your chances of getting your desired room are pretty high throughout Sept., I should imagine.





Thanks, I hope everything returns to normal soon, too.





Yes, this is my understanding as well. I can attest to a smoke free atmosphere whenever we stop in for a drink. We've sat in Mizner's for a couple or three hours at a time and I've never smelled any smoke - and I'm particularly sensitive, with asthma and a smoke allergy.

Ah, ok...me too...I get migraines from strong odors. Thanks! You can't use the meal plan at all in there though right? I saw the veal and would love to try it.

 

[Ferrentinos]

Hi once again! Does anyone know if swim inflatable arm bands are allowed in the GF pools? Thanks!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Thank you! I am *thinking* about the scooter but just like you I am resisting. I know they are available just for situations like this but I always struggle in my mind that "other people need it more than me" so I can just limp along.... I will definitely take along a few phone numbers of local companies jic. Did you rent from the parks or an outside company? I told DH that he is going to have to push me in a wheelchair if I can't walk....as punishment! (argh) He was complaining incessantly about the weeds in the front bed of our yard (which is also on a pretty steep slope) so I was pulling weeds for a few hours in that one bed in awkward positions, yanking and crouching and,,,yada yada yada....now I have a stress fracture in my left foot Could be worse....so glad it is not a plaster cast!

Don't hesitate! I flew last time with a migraine because it was our honeymoon and didn't want to miss it...instead of being miserable, we used a wheelchair for part of the trip. I did feel silly because I'm in my early thirties, but at least I got to go We used Apple scooters.

PS. - don't rent from the parks because they are much more expensive

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Oh, my, Amanda!! You are so right, he deserves to push you around after leading you to your doom!

DD kept insisting I get one, but all I could think of was all the DISers who comment about scooter users in a negative way! There were a few people who seemed irritated, but on the whole, I was pleasantly surprised - most people were very nice, held elevator doors, commented about how hard it must be to turn them, etc. My worst fear was getting on the buses, so I only did it once (to AK - we were at the YC, I was able to ride into Epcot and take the boat to DHS), but it wasn't too hard.

I think I can say, we used Walker Medical (offsite) and they were great. Delivered right to the resort last minute and it couldn't have been easier. We simply walked out to the valet stand, they gave me the number of my scooter (may have given me the key, not sure) and off we went. Reverse when I turned it back in. Easy, peasy.

Good luck, I certainly hope you will do anything you need so that you can have a fun, non-painful trip. Thinking of you limping around the parks is just wrong, you deserve to have a magical vacation.

Yes...he should be punished...

Thanks for all the info. I am glad to hear that Walker Mobility can accommodate requests on short notice. I want to try first without the boot and if that is painful then.....we may have to go with plan B...or C... If the monorail was up and running to get to MK and EP before rope drop I wouldn't be so conflicted. I dread the thought of using an ECV on a bus and then to need a bus every morning? Ugh..... That is why renting something in the park seems more appealing in general but I have read it is more expensive and the ECVs are bigger and very slow. Decisions, decisions,....I am thinking a wheelchair might not be TOO bad for DH to push and my older DD could get a little extra exercise by helping our her dear old mom as well Another thought is...How does that work at attractions? Would the CMs let us park the wheelchair and lead us through the HA entrance or let us use the wheelchair in line? I guess it depends on the attraction. I have experience with the old GAC for DD when she was younger and it was a godsend back then. We have not needed any special accomodations the past 2 trips and definitely not since they changed to the DAS. Hmm... Steps are the hardest thing right now with the boot but walking... or hobbling...long distances could prove to be very tiring and taxing on the rest of my body!!

I am already thinking I may NEED some extra R&R while at the GF. I think Mizner's sounds like a great place to take that needed break with some adult bevs and a few tasty appetizers

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Don't hesitate! I flew last time with a migraine because it was our honeymoon and didn't want to miss it...instead of being miserable, we used a wheelchair for part of the trip. I did feel silly because I'm in my early thirties, but at least I got to go We used Apple scooters.

PS. - don't rent from the parks because they are much more expensive

Thanks! I will add Apple scooters to my shortlist for plan b

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Thanks! I will add Apple scooters to my shortlist for plan b

Good luck! They were very nice.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ah, ok...me too...I get migraines from strong odors. Thanks! You can't use the meal plan at all in there though right? I saw the veal and would love to try it.

Sorry, I can't help you there! We've never used the dining plan. The only food item we've gotten in Mizner's was the charcuterie board, and it was delicious.

You can use TiW, if you happen to have it.

Hi once again! Does anyone know if swim inflatable arm bands are allowed in the GF pools? Thanks!

I'm pretty sure I've seen kids wearing them. Hope someone who knows for sure can answer. Maybe I'll scroll through my pool photos.

Yes...he should be punished...

Thanks for all the info. I am glad to hear that Walker Mobility can accommodate requests on short notice. I want to try first without the boot and if that is painful then.....we may have to go with plan B...or C... If the monorail was up and running to get to MK and EP before rope drop I wouldn't be so conflicted. I dread the thought of using an ECV on a bus and then to need a bus every morning? Ugh..... That is why renting something in the park seems more appealing in general but I have read it is more expensive and the ECVs are bigger and very slow. Decisions, decisions,....I am thinking a wheelchair might not be TOO bad for DH to push and my older DD could get a little extra exercise by helping our her dear old mom as well Another thought is...How does that work at attractions? Would the CMs let us park the wheelchair and lead us through the HA entrance or let us use the wheelchair in line? I guess it depends on the attraction. I have experience with the old GAC for DD when she was younger and it was a godsend back then. We have not needed any special accomodations the past 2 trips and definitely not since they changed to the DAS. Hmm... Steps are the hardest thing right now with the boot but walking... or hobbling...long distances could prove to be very tiring and taxing on the rest of my body!!

I am already thinking I may NEED some extra R&R while at the GF. I think Mizner's sounds like a great place to take that needed break with some adult bevs and a few tasty appetizers

Yes, yes! You will definitely need a few drinks and nibbles at Mizner's. Just what the doctor ordered.

As I was able to walk, just needed the scooter for distance, we parked it and I walked through the queues. There are usually good places to park and you just take your key with you. There were a couple instances they had me take the scooter into the attraction - like at the Flights of Wonder show, and maybe The Great Movie Ride?

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Sorry, I can't help you there! We've never used the dining plan. The only food item we've gotten in Mizner's was the charcuterie board, and it was delicious.

You can use TiW, if you happen to have it.



I'm pretty sure I've seen kids wearing them. Hope someone who knows for sure can answer. Maybe I'll scroll through my pool photos.



Yes, yes! You will definitely need a few drinks and nibbles at Mizner's. Just what the doctor ordered.

As I was able to walk, just needed the scooter for distance, we parked it and I walked through the queues. There are usually good places to park and you just take your key with you. There were a couple instances they had me take the scooter into the attraction - like at the Flights of Wonder show, and maybe The Great Movie Ride?

This is all making me hungry!

 

[Nanabug02]

As you can see, the rooms on the lagoon end of BPK are right behind the pool house. Anything below the fourth floor is mostly blocked, although it's still not a parking lot view! Which makes it tricky to get both a non-dormer and upper floor on that end of BPK. Not impossible, though, as you can see from the photos, and there are rooms on the Main Bldg. end of BPK that do not have the pool house in the way, so a 2nd or 3rd floor would be OK.

Link to photos posted in an old FAQ, these ARE of a dormer room but they show the view nearer the Main Bldg.

Wow, thank you SO MUCH for all your advice and the photos! Really, they are all gorgeous views from BPK and Boca. After looking at the pics, I think I'm going to make the room request as Big Pine Key, close to main building, no Dormer Room. I'll be happy with anything, and am getting so excited for our trip!

Thanks again!

 

[Nanabug02]

I think you picked two great buildings to request as Big Pine Key and Boca Chica are my two favorite buildings for GV . Both overlook the courtyard pool and are very close to the main building and beach pool, and aren't too far from Gasparillas. The GF isn't that spread out so none of the outer buildings are far, but BPK and Boca Chica are just a little closer to the main areas than Sago Cay and Conch Key. I think the way you have your request worded is fine. Just make sure you put them in order of preference just in case only 1 or 2 can be met .

Thanks for the advice! I'm sure any room will be lovely! I appreciate everyone's help - this thread is so friendly!

 

[Sue M]

Amanda I've heard the off site scooters are way cheaper then renting from wdw in the parks. I wonder if they rent electric wheelchairs? Maybe less cumbersome then a scooter.
Not from personal experience, but I hear there are quite a bit of uphill in the parks we don't notice unless trying to push a wheel chair.

I'm struggling with should I rent too. I'm going in for a knee replacement after we return. I told surgeon: can't do it until after wdw I have my priorities ya know!! I'm bringing my knee brace ( gonna be hot in August ) but I got by with it for January trip. But bringing #s for rental jic!

 

[quakechicago]

Amanda I've heard the off site scooters are way cheaper then renting from wdw in the parks. I wonder if they rent electric wheelchairs? Maybe less cumbersome then a scooter.
Not from personal experience, but I hear there are quite a bit of uphill in the parks we don't notice unless trying to push a wheel chair.

I'm struggling with should I rent too. I'm going in for a knee replacement after we return. I told surgeon: can't do it until after wdw I have my priorities ya know!! I'm bringing my knee brace ( gonna be hot in August ) but I got by with it for January trip. But bringing #s for rental jic!

FWIW I'd totally book a scooter and book it early. The better ones at better prices rent out early. I am trying to talk my Mom into one but she's very resistant (but has capsulitis sp?). She insists, I'm fine. I'm in shape. I walk the dog every day.

Yes....but it's Disney and I'm pretty sure you're not walking the dog fifteen or more MILES a day!

 

[BlueSkies]

Actually, Blue, it was not one of us who sliced the cable....but it was a neighbor who has a landscaping business....they just did not pay attention.

Glad that its all fixed now!!!

We had that one at Citricos. Unless things have changed, you can have them made for any of the GF restaurants. Last we checked, you needed to request them 24 hours in advance.

GF are white chocolate while the Cinderella's Royal Table are dark chocolate.

It really was delicious!

Liz

(running back to WL area because I can't think about this trip just yet!) I'll be back here after the 27th!

Liz Happy to hear that that dessert is as yummy as it looks... My mouth is watering...lol...and I am thinking that I wouldn't mind having it with my morning coffee that I am sipping right now... A question about it... did you call the restaurant directly to order..or private dining and say where you wanted it delivered?? BTW so funny about the lumber jack boot... Thanks for sharing your pic!

Hello, my Grand friends! Hope everyone had a great week.

BlueSkies - Good luck with the BOG hunt! I didn't go back far enough, did you book LTT while you are looking? We used to love it, but the last time we ate there, it wasn't a great experience. But that was just one meal, I'm sure you will find something you enjoy.

Hey you! Happy to "see" you! Yes I did book LTT for our MVMCP nite...I have been checking and checking because I thought it might be nice to take a break and have dinner during the party...you know its always about the food.... and that is what finally came up??

I did book with trepidation though..our last dinner there was not such a great experience either...I was there with my pal MickeyNut..and I know she will agree..everything was either luke warm..or dried out..as in sitting around being reheated too long.... But we did have a late ADR...so I am hoping that we will have better luck this trip....

As for BOG..we are planning 3 MK days during our trip...so I am checking for any of those nites.. and keeping my fingers crossed...

Hi Everyone!

I am also a WL refugee due to the pool rehab and am excited to be booked for a week at the GF starting September 28th! First time at the GF!

We are booked for a Garden View/Outer Building room. I am trying to figure out what room request to make. DH and I usually request a King bed room, but from what I'm reading, that may be a long shot.

Does GF have any King bed rooms for Garden/Outer Building? Just not sure if I should waste my request if there isn't even a chance to get one.

Thanks for your help!

I know that your questions have been answered by the GF fans around here already..I just wanted to say WELCOME! and congrats on booking the GF...

Hi once again! Does anyone know if swim inflatable arm bands are allowed in the GF pools? Thanks!

Yes.. I did see children with them on in the pool during our recent trip! Is it THREE days now!! Or TWO!!???

MickeyNut Seems we are going to be having an interesting basketball conversation....lol....

~ Always looking for new and fun things to do while at the world...besides our "traditions" ...but how many years can you do Pick a Pearl... ..lol...Seems that Club Cool has come up with a new trip memento.... a 7.5 oz can of coke with a label that you can personalize.... so..something different to look into...

Hope that all of my fellow GF groupies are having a super Sunday!

 

[Ferrentinos]

Yes.. I did see children with them on in the pool during our recent trip! Is it THREE days now!! Or TWO!!???

I'm pretty sure I've seen kids wearing them. Hope someone who knows for sure can answer. Maybe I'll scroll through my pool photos.

Thank you! DD3 does really well with her armbands and doesn't need a full life vest anymore so I was hoping that she'd be able to use those instead. At least they take up no room in our suitcases!

2 days to go! Just changed our flight to the earliest time in hopes to avoid any storms on Tuesday - FOR FREE! Love JetBlue! Now, just to hope that we are able to fly out!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Thank you! DD3 does really well with her armbands and doesn't need a full life vest anymore so I was hoping that she'd be able to use those instead. At least they take up no room in our suitcases!

2 days to go! Just changed our flight to the earliest time in hopes to avoid any storms on Tuesday - FOR FREE! Love JetBlue! Now, just to hope that we are able to fly out!!

TWO days!!!! Happy dancin for you! ... Glad that you were able to change your flight times... Hoping that you are able to avoid any bad weather and can get out on time!!

 

[Sue M]

FWIW I'd totally book a scooter and book it early. The better ones at better prices rent out early. I am trying to talk my Mom into one but she's very resistant (but has capsulitis sp?). She insists, I'm fine. I'm in shape. I walk the dog every day.

Yes....but it's Disney and I'm pretty sure you're not walking the dog fifteen or more MILES a day!

Thanks for the info!

Thank you! DD3 does really well with her armbands and doesn't need a full life vest anymore so I was hoping that she'd be able to use those instead. At least they take up no room in our suitcases!

2 days to go! Just changed our flight to the earliest time in hopes to avoid any storms on Tuesday - FOR FREE! Love JetBlue! Now, just to hope that we are able to fly out!!

safe travels!

Blueskies never been to LTT and so for something different booked it for this upcoming trip. Hope it's better!!