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

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Liz Happy to hear that that dessert is as yummy as it looks... :thumbsup2 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... :blush: 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... :rotfl: Thanks for sharing your pic!

BlueSkies

We ordered through the CM who checked us into SL for our dinner in Citricos. I saw it on Disney Food Blog and I think you can call Disney Cake Line.

I'm considering ordering one for our Tea in 11 days! It's too bad they don't do the Dark Chocolate! Hope this helps.

Liz
 
Here are the promised photos.

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

Your pics are always so beautiful, thanks for posting them :flower3:.

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!

I think those are good requests ::yes::. It won't be long before you will be checking into the GF :yay:.

Thanks for the advice! I'm sure any room will be lovely! I appreciate everyone's help - this thread is so friendly! :flower3:

You're welcome :).

I agree....this is a very friendly thread :goodvibes.

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....

MickeyNut Seems we are going to be having an interesting basketball conversation....lol.... ;) :flower3: :upsidedow

I hope LTT is better this time around ;).

This basketball stuff is interesting, isn't it??? :laughing: I asked my oldest DS how he got me hooked on everything basketball because I've been watching NBA tv and EPSN sportscenter all week listening to all of the opinions/predictions on what will happen with all of these free agents ....now that's it's over I just want the bb season to start :rotfl::rotfl:.

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!!

:cool1::cool1:

Congrats on the earlier flight time :thumbsup2.
 
This is all making me hungry!

:laughing:

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! :goodvibes

You are welcome.:goodvibes The views of the courtyard really are very pretty, aren't they?! Which is why I prefer the cheaper garden view over lagoon view, we enjoy seeing the other GF buildings from our balcony.

Your requests sounds great, good luck!

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. :scratchin

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 :rotfl2: I have my priorities ya know!! I'm bringing my knee brace ( gonna be hot in August :faint:) but I got by with it for January trip. But bringing #s for rental jic!

They do rent motorized wheelchairs, but I don't think they are less cumbersome. My mom has one, and it is just as big and unwieldy, if not more so, lol.

You should definitely look into renting a scooter, save your knee and have a much easier trip. No reason to overwork your knee on vacation when there is an easy alternative.:thumbsup2

There's an on-property rental, too, at BWI, I think. Buena Vista Scooters? Something like that.

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!:worried:

LOL! So true! I don't know why we are all so resistant to getting the assitance we need. No shame in it, and it makes the trip easier and more fun for everyone. None of our loved ones want to watch us struggle and be in pain while in the World.:grouphug:

It's probably a good idea to book early, but we didn't have any trouble getting one last minute.

....
Hey you! :hug: Happy to "see" you! Yes I did book LTT for our MVMCP nite....
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...:thumbsup2
....
~ 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... :upsidedow ..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.... :confused3 so..something different to look into...

Hope that all of my fellow GF groupies are having a super Sunday! :flower3:

Good to see you, too!:hug:

We have always called PD for the slipper, and given the location where we wanted it served. We've had it at the tea and at Narcoossee's, if memory serves.

Good luck with both the hunt for BOG, and the LTT reservation. Hopefully it will be a better meal this time around.:upsidedow We used to love lunch there, I wonder how that is recently?

Interesting idea for Club Cool - but what would you do with that special can of Coke?:laughing:

Your pics are always so beautiful, thanks for posting them :flower3:.

Aww, thanks!:hug: I try, some of them don't turn out as expected so I have to take a lot!;)
 
Hi All!

I know that you all have been receiving accolades for how kind and knowledgeable you all are and I agree 100%.

I need your input :)

Ok...I'm surprising my mom and DD with a stay here, CL. I made a 9 AM reservation at 1900 Park Fare on our check in day.

How long does it take to check in if I do on-line check in? (I'm secretly wishing for pixie dust to be upgraded to Main Bldg, but only the Tinkerbell can help)

I do not think that I would be able to enjoy breakfast if I'm busting with excitement over surprising them.

If we get to GF at 8 AM and walk a lil' bit, would I have time to check in and still make my Park Fare reservation? My mom is handicapped so we can not walk far. I've already reserved the wheelchair for our stay. I thought about asking one of the lobby CM's to give my mom a card which says "Enjoy your stay here at the Grand Floridian" Love Mickey and your family or "Because your family loves you and wants the best for you, they have reserved a Club Level room here at the Grand Floridian. Enjoy your stay. Love, Mickey

I know that we are surprising DD and I made no mention of her in the cards, but that's only because she blew the last Disney surprise to my mom.

Any other ideas??

Also, I do my on line check in this Thursday...We are in the Handicapped Wheel chair roll in shower room, so I know that we are limited. If I request close to main bldg and second floor and water view, is that reasonable. I do not want a 1st floor but all my other "wishes" are just that "wishes". Should I call?

Thanks a bunch :)
 

I have a quick question that I'm sure has been answered millions of times, but I can't remember for sure since it didn't pertain to me at the time. I've been following along for a couple of months now, but have never posted here.

We're contemplating changing our SL reservation in Sept to RPC standard room. Can you see Wishes from the lounge in RPC? If you can, do they pipe in the music like they do at the Poly? Do any of the standard view rooms have a view of wishes (I don't imagine they do, then they wouldn't be standard :), but I thought I would ask :scratchin) My husband is willing to consider switching, but if we can see wishes that might seal the deal for me! He loved that about the Poly, but we figured at least we could walk to the beach to see it from SL.
 
Hi All!

I know that you all have been receiving accolades for how kind and knowledgeable you all are and I agree 100%.

I need your input :)

Ok...I'm surprising my mom and DD with a stay here, CL. I made a 9 AM reservation at 1900 Park Fare on our check in day.

How long does it take to check in if I do on-line check in? (I'm secretly wishing for pixie dust to be upgraded to Main Bldg, but only the Tinkerbell can help)

I do not think that I would be able to enjoy breakfast if I'm busting with excitement over surprising them.

If we get to GF at 8 AM and walk a lil' bit, would I have time to check in and still make my Park Fare reservation? My mom is handicapped so we can not walk far. I've already reserved the wheelchair for our stay. I thought about asking one of the lobby CM's to give my mom a card which says "Enjoy your stay here at the Grand Floridian" Love Mickey and your family or "Because your family loves you and wants the best for you, they have reserved a Club Level room here at the Grand Floridian. Enjoy your stay. Love, Mickey

I know that we are surprising DD and I made no mention of her in the cards, but that's only because she blew the last Disney surprise to my mom.

Any other ideas??

Also, I do my on line check in this Thursday...We are in the Handicapped Wheel chair roll in shower room, so I know that we are limited. If I request close to main bldg and second floor and water view, is that reasonable. I do not want a 1st floor but all my other "wishes" are just that "wishes". Should I call?

Thanks a bunch :)

For your room requests, you most definitely should call IPO and discuss with them your options. I know BCV23 posted about how many roll in shower rooms are in SL, but can't remember - I don't think there are many. IPO would be best able to answer and add your requests to your reservation, they do try really hard to get you most of what you want, if it's available.

As far as the check in goes, you shouldn't have any problem checking in at 8:00 and making it to 1900 PF by 9:00 if you are in CL. Just mention to them you are trying to make your res., they will let you finish after, if need be. It shouldn't take long, anyway. I'm not sure what you mean by arriving at 8:00 and "walking around" - do you mean just to look at the resort, prior to check in? If so, I'd play it by ear, and if you are cutting it close, just do your exploring after breakfast.:flower3:

Your DM and DD are going to love the resort! Enjoy the planning of your surprise, what fun!:banana:

I have a quick question that I'm sure has been answered millions of times, but I can't remember for sure since it didn't pertain to me at the time. I've been following along for a couple of months now, but have never posted here.

We're contemplating changing our SL reservation in Sept to RPC standard room. Can you see Wishes from the lounge in RPC? If you can, do they pipe in the music like they do at the Poly? Do any of the standard view rooms have a view of wishes (I don't imagine they do, then they wouldn't be standard :), but I thought I would ask :scratchin) My husband is willing to consider switching, but if we can see wishes that might seal the deal for me! He loved that about the Poly, but we figured at least we could walk to the beach to see it from SL.

Welcome!:cheer2: No worries, ask away. It's why we're here.:teeth:

You can see Wishes from several places in the lounge, but not in the way you can at the Poly. It's not a dead on view, in other words. But, you can find a spot and watch the higher bursts, for sure.

From the standard rooms over the courtyard, you may be able to see some of the very highest fireworks if you are in a room on the end closest to the lounge (which is located over the Main Lobby atrium). The rooms closest to the lounge are deluxe rooms, but the standards right next door and maybe a door or so down might catch a glimpse. Possibly. No guarantees! But I know we did see some of the highest bursts in our deluxe queen room, so it's possible. You will not, however, have even a tiny glimpse of the castle.

They do not pipe in the music in the RPC lounge, sorry.

HTH! RPC is wonderful, but pricey; SL is quite nice, too, and you can pop out the back door to the marina and watch Wishes quite easily. Good luck with your choice.:goodvibes
 
Aww, thanks!:hug: I try, some of them don't turn out as expected so I have to take a lot!;)

Well, you do a great job :thumbsup2. LOL on taking so many....I am the same way....but it's much easier now with everything being digital and you can delete any that aren't that good ;).

Hi All!

I know that you all have been receiving accolades for how kind and knowledgeable you all are and I agree 100%.

I need your input :)

Ok...I'm surprising my mom and DD with a stay here, CL. I made a 9 AM reservation at 1900 Park Fare on our check in day.

How long does it take to check in if I do on-line check in? (I'm secretly wishing for pixie dust to be upgraded to Main Bldg, but only the Tinkerbell can help)

I do not think that I would be able to enjoy breakfast if I'm busting with excitement over surprising them.

If we get to GF at 8 AM and walk a lil' bit, would I have time to check in and still make my Park Fare reservation? My mom is handicapped so we can not walk far. I've already reserved the wheelchair for our stay. I thought about asking one of the lobby CM's to give my mom a card which says "Enjoy your stay here at the Grand Floridian" Love Mickey and your family or "Because your family loves you and wants the best for you, they have reserved a Club Level room here at the Grand Floridian. Enjoy your stay. Love, Mickey

I know that we are surprising DD and I made no mention of her in the cards, but that's only because she blew the last Disney surprise to my mom.

Any other ideas??

Also, I do my on line check in this Thursday...We are in the Handicapped Wheel chair roll in shower room, so I know that we are limited. If I request close to main bldg and second floor and water view, is that reasonable. I do not want a 1st floor but all my other "wishes" are just that "wishes". Should I call?

Thanks a bunch :)

I agree with k&a&c'smom that you should have plenty of time to make your 1900 PF ADR if you arrive at the GF around 8:00 and check in :). I also agree that you should contact IPO with your requests and discuss those with them.

Have a great trip and enjoy the GF :wizard:.

I have a quick question that I'm sure has been answered millions of times, but I can't remember for sure since it didn't pertain to me at the time. I've been following along for a couple of months now, but have never posted here.

We're contemplating changing our SL reservation in Sept to RPC standard room. Can you see Wishes from the lounge in RPC? If you can, do they pipe in the music like they do at the Poly? Do any of the standard view rooms have a view of wishes (I don't imagine they do, then they wouldn't be standard :), but I thought I would ask :scratchin) My husband is willing to consider switching, but if we can see wishes that might seal the deal for me! He loved that about the Poly, but we figured at least we could walk to the beach to see it from SL.

k&a&c'smom answered your questions, but I wanted to welcome you to the thread :welcome:. Don't hesitate to ask any questions as everyone here is very friendly and always willing to help :flower3:.
 
Hopefully this hasn't been asked too many times lol, but I've never stayed at the GF only visited to have a meal or afternoon tea, so I'm curious. I've seen pictures of the rooms, some are furnished in a red & white color scheme (the sheets etc) and other pictures have a totally different color to them. Is one newer than the other? Or is it just different types of rooms (CL vs normal rooms) Thanks.
 
Hopefully this hasn't been asked too many times lol, but I've never stayed at the GF only visited to have a meal or afternoon tea, so I'm curious. I've seen pictures of the rooms, some are furnished in a red & white color scheme (the sheets etc) and other pictures have a totally different color to them. Is one newer than the other? Or is it just different types of rooms (CL vs normal rooms) Thanks.

All rooms are the same, which have the red bed scarf. If you go to the first page of this thread, at the top you will find a "photos" link that will show some pics :).
 
Thanks. The rooms look great, and I was hoping you'd say that cause I think I'm preferring the red bed scarf rooms. Course, the others are fine also. I've been happy at any hotel I've stayed at so far at Disney. It's nice to know what the rooms look like when you're planning a trip to Disney (at least I personally think so)
 
Thanks. The rooms look great, and I was hoping you'd say that cause I think I'm preferring the red bed scarf rooms. Course, the others are fine also. I've been happy at any hotel I've stayed at so far at Disney. It's nice to know what the rooms look like when you're planning a trip to Disney (at least I personally think so)

You're welcome :). And I agree, it's nice to see pics prior to your stay so you kind of know what to expect. Hope you have a great trip :wizard:.
 
I worry to much :crazy2:

BVC23 was kind enough to respond to one of my post awhile go :-). I tried to search for the pictures but I could not find the posts. The closest I saw was a post from 9/12.

I will definitely call IPO about our room requests. Thanks.

Any ideas on how to pull off this surprise? :goodvibes
 
I know I've asked a lot of questions, but this one is really bugging me and my DH is no help. I'm 105 days out from my trip....

Is it okay to start packing yet?

:rotfl2::rotfl::rotfl2:

(NoButSeriously, would it be weird for me to open a trunk in the attic and start randomly putting in stuff I won't use until we get to Disney?)
 
Stayed at VGF for the first time and fell absolutely in love! The grounds are stunning! Transportation was great. The food options are the best. Fireworks viewing is awesome. The whole vibe of the GF is just wonderful. I love the selection of stores. I just loved returning to it after being in the parks. It is now at the top of my list with Akl my other fave. We can't wait to return and are doubling our points there.
 
Hi guys!! I have a quick question..

We are getting married next year at WDW. It will be our first time and I wanted to pay for two nights at the Grand Floridian for my parents (we are having our wedding dinner at Victoria and Albert's) My dad can't walk very well and my mom loves a good room with a view!! Could you recommend any room numbers I should ask for or any specifics to request?! Thank you so much!! :)
 
Hi - what is the walking distance from (worse case scenario) the furthest 'garden view' building to the monorail, buses to the parks, and pools?

Now that the monorails are on a somewhat delayed opening/closing schedule how long would it take the buses to get to/from the parks vs. the buses if we left from the WL?

TIA :)
 
k&a&cthanks for the info. Still mulling it over :rolleyes2. I did ok with the knee brace last January, so maybe will see how it goes. In August heat we usually leave parks early afternoon, 1:00 ish to get out of the worst heat. Planning on lots of GF pool time :goodvibes. Bringing my (inflatable) pool noodle. :beach:
 
Red Scarf rooms :confused3. Don't all rooms have the red bed scarfs? If not, what's the difference?
 
Hopefully this hasn't been asked too many times lol, but I've never stayed at the GF only visited to have a meal or afternoon tea, so I'm curious. I've seen pictures of the rooms, some are furnished in a red & white color scheme (the sheets etc) and other pictures have a totally different color to them. Is one newer than the other? Or is it just different types of rooms (CL vs normal rooms) Thanks.

The GF recently underwent a full room decor renovation - new wallpaper, drapes, carpet, bedding, furniture, etc. This is why you are still seeing so many photos of the old rooms, it is in the final stages as we speak. All outer buildings have been completed with the red/beige color scheme. If you are seeing the gold/blue color scheme, these are photos prior to the renovations this year.

HTH!:sunny:

All rooms are the same, which have the red bed scarf. If you go to the first page of this thread, at the top you will find a "photos" link that will show some pics :).

:thumbsup2

Thanks. The rooms look great, and I was hoping you'd say that cause I think I'm preferring the red bed scarf rooms. Course, the others are fine also. I've been happy at any hotel I've stayed at so far at Disney. It's nice to know what the rooms look like when you're planning a trip to Disney (at least I personally think so)

I agree, when we first started vacationing at WDW, it was very difficult to find photos of the rooms. No internets, lol.

Hi
Are the SL Deluxe rooms in the club level area?

All SL rooms are in the club level.;) The whole building is club level, it has its own CL lounge on the first floor.:goodvibes

I worry to much :crazy2:

BVC23 was kind enough to respond to one of my post awhile go :-). I tried to search for the pictures but I could not find the posts. The closest I saw was a post from 9/12.

I will definitely call IPO about our room requests. Thanks.

Any ideas on how to pull off this surprise? :goodvibes

What kind of photos are you looking for? I doubt it was BCV23 who posted them, as she rarely does so. But she is our resident expert on all things concerning the accessible rooms, I know she posted some great info. I'll see if I can find her response.

You are asking the wrong person about surprising fellow guests.:laughing: I can't keep a secret, I've tried to surprise DD and always end up telling her before the trip.:blush:

I know I've asked a lot of questions, but this one is really bugging me and my DH is no help. I'm 105 days out from my trip....

Is it okay to start packing yet?

:rotfl2::rotfl::rotfl2:

(NoButSeriously, would it be weird for me to open a trunk in the attic and start randomly putting in stuff I won't use until we get to Disney?)

:rotfl: Not weird at all, I know many people who start their packing early.

Stayed at VGF for the first time and fell absolutely in love! The grounds are stunning! Transportation was great. The food options are the best. Fireworks viewing is awesome. The whole vibe of the GF is just wonderful. I love the selection of stores. I just loved returning to it after being in the parks. It is now at the top of my list with Akl my other fave. We can't wait to return and are doubling our points there.

:goodvibes Glad to hear you have fallen in love with the resort, it is hard to resist, isn't it?!

Hi guys!! I have a quick question..

We are getting married next year at WDW. It will be our first time and I wanted to pay for two nights at the Grand Floridian for my parents (we are having our wedding dinner at Victoria and Albert's) My dad can't walk very well and my mom loves a good room with a view!! Could you recommend any room numbers I should ask for or any specifics to request?! Thank you so much!! :)

Welcome!:wave: Congrats on your upcoming WDW wedding, how magical!:cloud9:

It would help to know what room category you are hoping to book. Requesting specific room numbers at WDW is iffy - in case that room is occupied, the assigner doesn't know why you wanted it and cannot offer a similar option.

Hi - what is the walking distance from (worse case scenario) the furthest 'garden view' building to the monorail, buses to the parks, and pools?

Now that the monorails are on a somewhat delayed opening/closing schedule how long would it take the buses to get to/from the parks vs. the buses if we left from the WL?

TIA :)

:wave: The answer to both questions is complicated.:) The resort is very compact, so walking anywhere is not very long.

For the "furthest garden view" - furthest from the monorail and pools is actually closer to the buses. Furthest from the buses is closer to the monorail!;) If you are walking from one of the courtyard buildings to the monorail station, allow yourself about 5 minutes or so, depending on how fast you walk. If walking from, say, Big Pine Key to the bus depot, allow about the same. Walking from Sago Cay to the bus depot, about 3 minutes, to the monorail about 6 minutes or so.

The buses from WL often share with the GF, with the GF being the last stop. I cannot give an idea of how long one is vs. the other, there are so many variables. There is a good travel time tool on the first page, I'll post the link. ETA: here is the promised link to the DIS tool for estimating travel times. Simply put in from WL to whichever park, then GF to the same park, it should give you an idea of the difference. HTH!

k&a&cthanks for the info. Still mulling it over . I did ok with the knee brace last January, so maybe will see how it goes. In August heat we usually leave parks early afternoon, 1:00 ish to get out of the worst heat. Planning on lots of GF pool time :goodvibes. Bringing my (inflatable) pool noodle. :beach:

Sounds great!:beach:

Red Scarf rooms :confused3. Don't all rooms have the red bed scarfs? If not, what's the difference?

The new rooms do all have red scarves; the older rooms prior to this year's renovation had no scarf at all to begin with, but a blue scarf when they switched the bedspreads out for white triple sheeting w/bed scarf. This was a temporary look.
 
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