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

[jerseygal]

LOVE my DOLE WHIP!

My husband and I do a lot of walking and we really enjoy it!

Looking forward our December trip to walk over to Captain Cooks for our Dole Whip! YUM!

 

[Waytall]

Made the switch from WL over to GF due to the pool and construction issues. We will be there Oct 26 through Nov 1 in a GV room. It will be my wife and I, plus our two kids DS 12 and DD 9. We are celebrating our 15th anniversary in style! We have tickets to the MNSSHP on halloween night so the kids are super pumped up.

 

[mickeynut1]

Made the switch from WL over to GF due to the pool and construction issues. We will be there Oct 26 through Nov 1 in a GV room. It will be my wife and I, plus our two kids DS 12 and DD 9. We are celebrating our 15th anniversary in style! We have tickets to the MNSSHP on halloween night so the kids are super pumped up.

Congrats on changing to the GF, you're going to love it . Our first October trip was over Halloween, which we also attended the party on Halloween night and we loved it as it was a lot of fun trick or treating and being in MK on October 31 . Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....

Well, I caved in and called Walker Mobility. I have reserved a wheelchair to take with us to the parks. DH and DD16 have said they will happily push me around and this way we can take any form of transportation by easily folding up the chair. I also will not need to worry about charging an ECV,,,,I just need to keep my "pushers" fed and happy...

Oh, so glad! I hated to think of you trying to walk all the parks with your foot aching.

I did it, I changed our September reservation from SL to RPC! I only considered the price increase, I don't want to dwell on the price per night And that's with a bounceback rate These prices are so out of hand, yet here I am paying them, so what can we expect

Anyway, the only room type available at RPC with the BB offfer was the Deluxe King, so deluxe king it is!. (and 2 BR suite, but I didn't even get a price on that )I may keep checking for TPV or standard, we'll see. After all of my earlier discussion and posting I put in a request for TPV instead of the turret rooms. I just don't know, that felt right at the time I guess as long as we can get to the lounge fairly easily,we can deal with it being a pain to get to the room from the main lobby and monorail. Plus, if I understood correctly, we have to go up and near the lounge before we go back down to the room if we end up on the second floor, so we can grab a snack which we would be doing anyway if we get the other type of room it will be nice also, with more room and easier access, so it's all good The CM on the phone seemed to encourage requesting a MK view, but probably only because I had asked if there was availability for the TPV room and there wasn't.

I hope it won't be a problem that we have 2 young kids in the area nicknamed the honeymoon level. I try, but they are not quiet and no matter what I do they won't sleep late. I remember before I had kids being annoyed by loud kids next door at the WL early in the AM. Now I totally understand!!

Congrats on the switch, you will love RPC! Unfortunately, you might become as addicted as the rest of us, which means more of those scary rates in the future!

Yes, you can certainly go up to the 4th, make a stop off in the lounge for a snack before heading to the back elevator and down to the 2nd. No more out of the way than not doing so. That's what we do, whichever floor we're on.

I doubt you will be the only couple with young children on the 2nd floor. It is nicknamed "honeymoon" but that's not a requirement.

I hear you on the rates . We are planning to try Poly CL next summer, but reading about all of these RPC stays is making me want to book that instead . The Poly is our favorite resort and I've been wanting to try CL, but it's hard to beat RPC .

I know - it is so hard to pass it up when it is offered, isn't it?! Even with the soaring rack rates, I try to justify it to myself. Lately, though, I have won that argument, there are so many other things to spend money on at the World.

Can one walk from GF to Poly? What is the loop run on monorail? Trying yo figure out reissue tines TIA

The resort monorail loop is clockwise - GF-->MK-->CR-->TTC-->Poly-->GF, and so on.

The end of your post is a little hard to decipher, I think you were thwarted by auto correct! Trying to figure out reservation times, maybe? That would make sense.

HTH!

LOVE my DOLE WHIP!

My husband and I do a lot of walking and we really enjoy it!

Looking forward our December trip to walk over to Captain Cooks for our Dole Whip! YUM!

Made the switch from WL over to GF due to the pool and construction issues. We will be there Oct 26 through Nov 1 in a GV room. It will be my wife and I, plus our two kids DS 12 and DD 9. We are celebrating our 15th anniversary in style! We have tickets to the MNSSHP on halloween night so the kids are super pumped up.

Another refugee from the WL pool construction. Congrats on your GF booking, I think you will love the resort. And going during F&W and MNSSHP, one of our favorite times of the year!

 

[ErinsMommy]

The resort monorail loop is clockwise - GF-->MK-->CR-->TTC-->Poly-->GF, and so on. The end of your post is a little hard to decipher, I think you were thwarted by auto correct! Trying to figure out reservation times, maybe? That would make sense.

HAHAHA...yes, total autocorrect fail. Thank you for still understanding the gibberish.

 

[pixarmom]

Hello GF fans!

Grace&Carolinesmom, have a wonderful trip!!!

Just booked our first GF stay! We're doing a split stay between AKL, GF and BWI in January. We know the value of CL for three boys (including two hungry teens) so that was a certainty for us, but I had a tough time deciding between SL and RPC. Right now, we have an RPC reservation. I love the idea of RPC, but with our family, I'm probably not going to sit quietly enjoying the view/lounge for any extended period of time! On the other hand, if we're going to try GF, I'm thinking we might as well try RPC. Seems like the few minutes of relaxation I might have at RPC would be really relaxing, given the configuration of the lounge. I don't mind paying more if I end up feeling like it was a decent value, but it's tough to know. I know so many of you have discussed RPC vs. Sugarloaf many times already, but any advice specific to our circumstances?

 

[ErinsMommy]

What is RPC that everyone is mentioining? *confused*

 

[pixarmom]

What is RPC that everyone is mentioining? *confused*

Royal Palm Club, which is club level in the main building at GF!

Another thing I should add is that one option is to change RPC to SL at GF, and then apply the savings to a deluxe CL room at BWI instead of standard. I'd love to have that guaranteed boardwalk view and the extra space for marathon weekend.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

HAHAHA...yes, total autocorrect fail. Thank you for still understanding the gibberish.

Glad I got it right!

Hello GF fans!

....
Just booked our first GF stay! We're doing a split stay between AKL, GF and BWI in January. We know the value of CL for three boys (including two hungry teens) so that was a certainty for us, but I had a tough time deciding between SL and RPC. Right now, we have an RPC reservation. I love the idea of RPC, but with our family, I'm probably not going to sit quietly enjoying the view/lounge for any extended period of time! On the other hand, if we're going to try GF, I'm thinking we might as well try RPC. Seems like the few minutes of relaxation I might have at RPC would be really relaxing, given the configuration of the lounge. I don't mind paying more if I end up feeling like it was a decent value, but it's tough to know. I know so many of you have discussed RPC vs. Sugarloaf many times already, but any advice specific to our circumstances?

Welcome back!! Congrats on your GF booking, I think you will love the resort. Your split sounds wonderful - we love AKL & GF, and BWI gives great access to the Epcot area.

Club level with teens is a great idea, I agree. With regard to your decision on RPC vs. SL, I always choose depending on our vacation style on a given trip. If we are planning lots of resort time, with plenty of opportunities to visit the lounge, have a snack and contemplate the view of the lobby and grounds, RPC is just the ticket!

On the other hand, if you plan to be in the parks from dawn 'til dusk (or later!), SL is a better choice, in my opinion. You get the CL perks of advance planning, onsite assistance and convenient snacks on the go, but aren't paying the much higher price for the Main Bldg.

It's really up to you, only you can assess whether the extra cost for RPC is worth it, given your plan to be out of the resort most of the time. If having the bigger lounge area to relax in is worth the price, then by all means, keep that RPC reservation. It is wonderful leaving the monorail station, hopping on that gold elevator and heading right up to your room! Equally wonderful to have a snack and a glass of champagne while listening to the band/pianist in the evening - if you are around to enjoy it.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....
Another thing I should add is that one option is to change RPC to SL at GF, and then apply the savings to a deluxe CL room at BWI instead of standard. I'd love to have that guaranteed boardwalk view and the extra space for marathon weekend.

This sounds like an excellent plan, to me!

 

[ErinsMommy]

Thank you Pixar!! =)

 

[Aurora0427]

Hi Everyone!

We are staying at the GF 12/11-12/17. We leave late on 12/17, so we have a full park day on checkout day. I want to build in a day off from the parks. Any ideas centered on the resort? We can always do downtown Disney as well. I'd normally say the pool, but one never knows what the weather will be like in December! The trips consists of myself, my husband, and our 3.5 year old daughter. Thanks!

 

[Scott MC]

Royal Palm Club, which is club level in the main building at GF!

Another thing I should add is that one option is to change RPC to SL at GF, and then apply the savings to a deluxe CL room at BWI instead of standard. I'd love to have that guaranteed boardwalk view and the extra space for marathon weekend.

I'm a big fan of the GF and of the BWI.
For what it's worth, I think the best view anywhere on Disney property is a BW view at BWI or BWV, and a deluxe room promises that view. You won't regret it, and BWI CL has so far been my favorite CL (out of RPC, BWI, BC, AKL).

 

[trishadono]

Well I finally have a ticker!

DD and I using last few days of our annual passes.

2 nights POP 8/11-8/13 then transfer to....

DELUXE KING RPC

for one night!

New rooms!! Anna and Elsa at HS!!!

They should charge dd by the pound for the amount of scones she will eat

Can ya tell I'm excited

Who's gonna be there then??

 

[BlueSkies]

Just finished trying to catch up.....

Welcome To all of our new posters..witts2008 , ninafeliz,plutosbuddie and ErinsMommy.. I know that your questions have been answers..just wanted to say welcome from me too...this is a great place to share info and get help planning a GF trip!

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

Thanks so much Liz..I am definitely going to be ordering one of those to surprise my DD ...

Good to see you, too!

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. 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?

Thanks for the additional slipper info! As I menitoned it def gonna be on my "yummy stuff to order" list!! My Dd is going to love that...

We have been having a lunch at LTT the last few years after my good friend Cinderumbrella highly recommended it... and it really was a great recommendation...delicious burgers...and that ooey gooey toffee cake...to die for!!! LOL...Its always about the food!!

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?

(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?)

Of course it okay!!! Just keep in mind who you are asking...lol...

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.

So glad that you had such a wonderful stay at the VGF... Congrats on adding to your points too....I toured the villas and thought they were absolutely beautiful....

This thread is getting me excited to stay here on our next trip. I stayed here in 1991 on what was then called the Grand Plan. My husband has not, and I think he's jealous.

He keeps going back and forth from, "I wouldn't mind doing a Moderate next time to save some money" to "Let's stay at the GF next time!" We'll see.

I remember the "grand plan" ...lots of good food and activities... what a way to vacation...glad that you chose the GF for another stay... I am sure that you will have a Grand trip...

Arrived safe and sound and enjoying the pools until our room is ready. This resort is absolutely lovely! Had a late breakfast in the SL lounge. Amazing pastries!!! Going to go to MK after our room is ready and we have a bit of a rest. Any questions? I'm here for 9 days!!!!

Sounds like you started your trip off on the right foot! NINE days!!Enjoy!!!

I'm glad to hear you have arrived! Have a great time!!

I'm all about the pastires so I'm looking forward to having some of them soon.

Made the switch from WL over to GF due to the pool and construction issues. We will be there Oct 26 through Nov 1 in a GV room. It will be my wife and I, plus our two kids DS 12 and DD 9. We are celebrating our 15th anniversary in style! We have tickets to the MNSSHP on halloween night so the kids are super pumped up.

Happy anniversary!! What a nice way to celebrate...and going to the MNSSHP..thats just the icing on the cake...

I'm a big fan of the GF and of the BWI.
For what it's worth, I think the best view anywhere on Disney property is a BW view at BWI or BWV, and a deluxe room promises that view. You won't regret it, and BWI CL has so far been my favorite CL (out of RPC, BWI, BC, AKL).

That BW view sure is lovely....and for as CL at BWI....I agree....top notch..but in my case second fave ..after the GF.. .What nice choices to make pixarmom...!

MickeyNut grannyminnie MommyGina, pas, Candy and all the rest of my fellow GF fans....

~ Fireworks viewing from RPC..dont know if I missed this...or if it just wasn't mentioned...there is a large balcony that faces out over the CY pool area...located on the third floor...it has limited viewing since it is not a dead on MK view..its much further to the right...and no music ...but still a nice quiet spot to be able to get a general viewing of wishes from... (occasionally there is a private event there also...so its not always available )...still a good option if you don't feel like leaving the CL area....

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday... preppy GF gal who is still after the elusive BOG dinner ressie..and sick of checking for it..lol....

 

[BlueSkies]

Trish Congrats!!! We will be expecting lots of RPC pics of course!

BTW...MickeyNut and I were giving serious consideration to an August RPC stay..but have decided to wait until the winter months...no summer time touring for these two GF Gals....lol....

 

[mickeynut1]

I know - it is so hard to pass it up when it is offered, isn't it?! Even with the soaring rack rates, I try to justify it to myself. Lately, though, I have won that argument, there are so many other things to spend money on at the World.

Yes, it is very hard to pass up RPC , however, seeing the nightly rate and room total in print makes it much easier to change .

Just booked our first GF stay! We're doing a split stay between AKL, GF and BWI in January. We know the value of CL for three boys (including two hungry teens) so that was a certainty for us, but I had a tough time deciding between SL and RPC. Right now, we have an RPC reservation. I love the idea of RPC, but with our family, I'm probably not going to sit quietly enjoying the view/lounge for any extended period of time! On the other hand, if we're going to try GF, I'm thinking we might as well try RPC. Seems like the few minutes of relaxation I might have at RPC would be really relaxing, given the configuration of the lounge. I don't mind paying more if I end up feeling like it was a decent value, but it's tough to know. I know so many of you have discussed RPC vs. Sugarloaf many times already, but any advice specific to our circumstances?

Congrats on booking your first GF stay . If you think you will spend any amount of time in the lounge, I'd go with RPC. I thought SL was ok as the food offerings are the same as RPC, but the RPC lounge is just so much more relaxing/quaint, IMO. Good luck with your decision.

Hi Everyone!

We are staying at the GF 12/11-12/17. We leave late on 12/17, so we have a full park day on checkout day. I want to build in a day off from the parks. Any ideas centered on the resort? We can always do downtown Disney as well. I'd normally say the pool, but one never knows what the weather will be like in December! The trips consists of myself, my husband, and our 3.5 year old daughter. Thanks!

This isn't GF centered, but we love checking out the different resorts (especially at Christmas time). If you've never been during the holidays, you could always hop on the monorail and check out the decorations at the Poly and CR, and then take the boat to the WL .

MickeyNut grannyminnie MommyGina pasCandy and all the rest of my fellow GF fans....

BTW...MickeyNut and I were giving serious consideration to an August RPC stay..but have decided to wait until the winter months...no summer time touring for these two GF Gals....lol....

Hi Blue

Yeah, August would have been great since it's sooner.....lol....but winter isn't too far away (not sure if that's good or bad ).

 

[ErinsMommy]

Welcome To all of our new posters..witts2008 , ninafeliz,plutosbuddie and ErinsMommy.. I know that your questions have been answers..just wanted to say welcome from me too...this is a great place to share info and get help planning a GF trip!

Thank you. Glad we're at the tail end of our Disney days as our new appreciation for the Deluxe Resorts are getting rather painful esp. considering we started our plans at the Pop Century.

 

[pixarmom]

k&a&c'smom, Scott, blueskies, and mickeynut, thank you!!!! These are all really helpful comments.

Our youngest is very high energy, so that's why the sitting peacefully enjoying the view may not be in the cards for me! But that's an excellent point about lounge time, so I looked back over our plans to really analyze that more carefully. Based on our current plans, I'm counting three breakfasts, two afternoon breaks and two evening appetizers (one brief, the other more lengthy.) No desserts (late Hoop Dee Doo one night and Wishes Dessert Party the other.) And of course, all three boys vote to stick with RPC, as they are not responsible for the cost. So it's staying put for now, I think!

I'm with Scott on the BWI view - it's my favorite so far! I'm going to see what happens when Disney releases discounts for our stay and then decide on deluxe. In our family of five, I'm the boardwalk view fan, my husband is the garden view fan and our three boys don't have a preference. (Actually, they have a preference for the 2-bedroom suite we received as an upgrade last time, but that's not in the plans!)

DELUXE KING RPC

for one night!

Trish, I'm SO excited for you! Can't wait to hear all the details - please bring us photos!!!

 

[A Pirates Mom]

Hello all! 32 days & counting. I am hoping all of your expertise can help me out with my situation below!

When we booked our flights for this coming trip it was much cheaper to fly down the night before our GF reservations start & stay at the airport hotel for the night (getting in after 8pm). We would then grab the DME the next morning & head out to GF.

Well, Jet Blue changed our flight time so that we wouldn't be getting in until about 10:30 pm. As we are traveling with a 5yo, I called JB and they graciously (at at no charge!) changed us to a morning flight that now has us getting into Orlando at 1pm in the afternoon. This good fortune calls for much more than spending the day at the airport hotel (at least I think so, lol)!

My thought is to book a room only for 1 night at a moderate or value- keeping it a pretty cost neutral swap for the airport hotel. It will also be a surprise for my husband & son.

Sooo, which property would you recommend?? We would not be going to the parks on this day, so proximity to entertainment and a good pool will be important.

Thanks in advance for your help!!