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

[quakechicago]

My teenage son never complained and also slept great. I tried it out and it was fine .. So tell him it's all good : )

Great news! Thank you!

 

[ppiew]

My last stay at the GF had me very disappointed. I know this is 'picky' but I really think when you are paying $800 a nite for a room that the bed linens could/should be upgraded! I just don't think that cotton/polyester mix cuts it. Goodness, on the DCL ships we had Frette linens - both on the bed and in the bathroom. Ok said my piece.

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm here, Blue ...visited my dad for a few days..missed you guys!

Trish, I see you have a trip squeezed in before your AP expires~ Yay! We had a trip booked for mid-Aug. but cancelled it and rescheduled for a cooler (hopefully) time frame. Matter of fact, my countdown will most likely change to a couple of weeks or more later in the year. I keep looking but no luck yet.

Sue, I bet you're gonna love the shrimp and grits!! It's very rich, but heavenly.

 

[trishadono]

I'm here, Blue ...visited my dad for a few days..missed you guys!

Trish, I see you have a trip squeezed in before your AP expires~ Yay! We had a trip booked for mid-Aug. but cancelled it and rescheduled for a cooler (hopefully) time frame. Matter of fact, my countdown will most likely change to a couple of weeks or more later in the year. I keep looking but no luck yet.

Sue, I bet you're gonna love the shrimp and grits!! It's very rich, but heavenly.

My mil is up from fla for the summer and we have been spending time with her this first year without FIL.

I'm still watching for a trip with my mom in November but March would work too.

Shrimp and grits? I think I'll stick with tonga toast.

 

[mickeynut1]

Random question? How comfortable is the day bed? My DH keeps asking and I'm thinking we might need to ask for a cot.

Mind you, he can sleep ANYWHERE. Even on an airplane, stuck on the tarmac in the middle of summer, sitting up with our DD screaming her head off, so....not sure why he's concerned about an actual bed.

I never tried the daybed, but my teenage son (16 at the time) didn't like it and only slept on it 1 night and said it was very uncomfortable. With that said, everyone's opinion is different, so your DH might think it's ok. They also might be a little better now since new ones were put in with the refurb .

Thank You! I think we will just put Connecting Rooms, Upper Floor as our main requests, and then wait and see what we end up with. My family will be arriving first so we can definitely check things out before the others arrive and see if it will work for us! Almost to our 60 day mark!

You're welcome . I think that is a good request. How exciting that you are almost to your 60 day mark . Hope you have a great trip.

My last stay at the GF had me very disappointed. I know this is 'picky' but I really think when you are paying $800 a nite for a room that the bed linens could/should be upgraded! I just don't think that cotton/polyester mix cuts it. Goodness, on the DCL ships we had Frette linens - both on the bed and in the bathroom. Ok said my piece.

I'm sorry your last GF stay was disappointing.

I'm here, Blue ...visited my dad for a few days..missed you guys!

Good to see you back. Hope things are well with your dad .

 

[BlueSkies]

We are booked for an Outer Building with a Lagoon View for our November trip. Does anyone have any recommendations as to which building to request? I think we'd prefer something other than a ground floor. It will be myself, my wife and our almost 3 yr old daughter. Any other requests we should make when our online check-in opens up ? Thanks

As MickeyNut said many of the outer lodge buildings have LV rooms...what a lovely view btw... I would take a look at the map at the beginning of this thread..and request a building that is closer to the things that you prefer at the resort ie: pools..then I would request Boca Chica or BPK...and def add upper floor if you would rather not be in a first floor room...

Hi everyone. This will be our first time to WDW in over 20 years. We have a group of 13 (my parents, my 2 sisters and our families). Like many others, due to the poly pool closure we are staying at the beautiful GF in late September. We have 4 rooms booked...garden view outer building. We have requested 2 sets of connecting rooms so when the littles are napping we can visit in the other room. Anyone know what buildings the connecting rooms are located in? I just spoke with a CM and she said when we do online check in to put the connecting rooms as top priority. Just curious as to what building we might get. Thanks and have a magical day!

Has central reservations linked all of your room reservations?? I would recommend that first and foremost...A few years back we had a group of four rooms also..had the ressies linked..and then asked for connecting rooms....we were assinged two sets of connecting rooms right across the hall from one another...very convenient and worked out well... BTW all buildings have sets of connecting rims s no worries on that..Happy planning!

I've been taking pictures of SL but have to wait to upload until we are home. I'll post them next week! We have a dormer room which I wasn't thrilled about because DD3 can't see anything but the high ceilings are lovely! Just wish we were facing the marina instead of the pool. Didn't really get any of our room requests. But not really a big deal. Big news - there is solar gel!!! Woohoo! And foot scrub along with all the normal things. Haven't had trouble with buses and boats at all- did end up with a bit of trouble getting to ak for an EMH via the bus so we grabbed a taxi - which arrived to pick us up in 45 seconds! Having an amazing time and looking forward to a resort afternoon and evening! GF cafe and pool time! Frozen is playing on the beach tonight and we plan to watch the water pageant and wishes! So excited!

Thanks for checking in again!! So glad that you are having such a wonderful trip..and that you didn't let any of the glitches spoil things!

Your resort day sounds perfect ... Enjoy every minute!!

How would I make a specific room request, if using the online check-in?

It is just my wife and I, and we want a single bed king or queen, not 2 twins.
With the online check in, which we have already completed, they give you a chance to choose the building you would prefer, but not the sleeping arrangements in the room...

There are no standard or deluxe rooms with twin beds at the GF...they all have either two queens and a day bed..or a kind and a day bed..Even though you have done online check in...I would be sure to have your preferences listed on your reservation thru Central Reservations...the actual reservation doesn't get downloaded to the resort/and room assignors till about 5 days prior to arrival....

This place rocks! You guys are all so helpful, what with pictures and menus.
I've cruised through a lot of pages and haven't been able to find the answer to my question.

We booked an Outer Building, Theme Park View. I love the post that included the Bing Map of the GF and it seems like several buildings could be considered Outer/Theme Park View. Does anyone have a favorite building and why? Some pictures would be a great help. I don't think we want a ground floor but I'm also concerned about an upper floor with a view that's obstructed by trees. Any of the experts out there have any words of wisdom?

As usual, thank you!

Welcome..glad that you are finding this thread so helpful in your Grand planning! Just from observation while traveling on the water launch from the MK to the GF Boca Chica seems ot have the most trees in front along the water line....Not sure if they obstruct any TPVs though..But..my recommendation for a TPV room would be Conch Key..It sis closse to the courtyard pool.. and the boat dock..and has some beautiful views...

Random question? How comfortable is the day bed? My DH keeps asking and I'm thinking we might need to ask for a cot.

Mind you, he can sleep ANYWHERE. Even on an airplane, stuck on the tarmac in the middle of summer, sitting up with our DD screaming her head off, so....not sure why he's concerned about an actual bed.

Standard rooms at the GF have two queen beds and and day bed...dont think that you would really be able to add a cot and navigate around the room even though is has a good square footage...

As for the comfort of the day beds....if your husband can sleep anywhere I cant imagine that the daybed would be less comfortable than sitting up on a plane with a screaming child near by...

Since the rooms have been recently refurbed I can't attest to how truly comfortable the new day beds are...but my over 6 foot young adult son found the day bed to be perfectly comfortable...hoping the new ones are the same.. Maybe someone with a recent trip will be able give us some more details on that...

I'm here, Blue ...visited my dad for a few days..missed you guys!

We had a trip booked for mid-Aug. but cancelled it and rescheduled for a cooler (hopefully) time frame. Matter of fact, my countdown will most likely change to a couple of weeks or more later in the year. I keep looking but no luck yet. .

Hey you! I was getting worried...lol...Hope you had a nice visit with your dad and that he is doing well..

You are always missed when you are not around!

So you are changing your trip dates...let me mention that November is a particularly nice month to visit the World... Happy planning...hope that everything falls into place for you!

As for the shrimp and grits...my mouth is watering! Yum!! I could eat that for breakfast..lol...

Amanda FOUR days!!!

MickeyNut Just have to say that your texts yesterday kept me laughing during a crazy hectic day... You are a Grand pal!!!

~ Wanted to mention about GF views....there really is not a bad view on the property at all ..( ok..with the exception of the BPK rooms that are behind the pool house..but even those have manicured grounds around the building...) ... The GF is just a lovely resort with lots of attention paid to detail...

k&a&c'smom (the keeper of all the grand stuff!! lol..) mommyGina, Candy, mariamouse (hope all is well), ahcupcake, pas abk and ALL the rests of my fellow GF fans! Preppy GF gal who is now thinking of doing a Poly/GF split stay...!!!!!!!!

 

[B52]

I did call central reservations and request one bed as opposed to two...the girl admitted there are not many options with the on-line check-in, and our room location will be decided long before we get there...plus we are encouraged not to stop at the front desk upon arrival....
So you do need to call ahead....

Already got our Luggage Tags and Magical Express vouchers, and received an e-mail that our Magic Bands have been shipped....

Seems to me, they way it looks, since we are part of a package, all we need to do is head straight to the park when we get there, and will be notified by Text message when our room is ready, along with the exact location.

First time in the GF, I remember when it was being built, and we were staying in the Poly at the time, many years ago.

 

[pas130]

Hola Groupies Still lurking

 

[BlueSkies]

I did call central reservations and request one bed as opposed to two...the girl admitted there are not many options with the on-line check-in, and our room location will be decided long before we get there...plus we are encouraged not to stop at the front desk upon arrival....
So you do need to call ahead....

Already got our Luggage Tags and Magical Express vouchers, and received an e-mail that our Magic Bands have been shipped....

Seems to me, they way it looks, since we are part of a package, all we need to do is head straight to the park when we get there, and will be notified by Text message when our room is ready, along with the exact location.

First time in the GF, I remember when it was being built, and we were staying in the Poly at the time, many years ago.

On getting all of your Mickey mail!!

Never do online check in..but I do know that routinely they will text you with your room number when your room is ready...

I guess with all of the new technology you do not have to stop at the resort check in desk just to let them know you have arrived..??? Thats pretty interesting...

I too remember when the GF was being built...I remember a big sign that you could see from the monorail announcing the "Grand Floridian Beach Resort"... seems like not that long ago...

Hola Groupies Still lurking

Hey there lurking groupie!!

 

[MommyGina]

Hi Blue and friends! I'm still here despite my non Disney vacation this year. Have been getting DS ready for college.

DS won't sleep in the queen beds at the GF. He loves the day bed. I'm wondering if he feels more "secure" because it's up again a wall like his bed at home. He said it is comfortable. He would have kicked his sister out of the other queen bed and told her to sleep on the day bed if it wasn't comfortable.

Waiting for Disney packages to come out for 2015. Did get room rates and nearly collapsed!

Have a Grand day my friends!

 

[Sue M]

I did call central reservations and request one bed as opposed to two...the girl admitted there are not many options with the on-line check-in, and our room location will be decided long before we get there...plus we are encouraged not to stop at the front desk upon arrival....
So you do need to call ahead....

Already got our Luggage Tags and Magical Express vouchers, and received an e-mail that our Magic Bands have been shipped....

Seems to me, they way it looks, since we are part of a package, all we need to do is head straight to the park when we get there, and will be notified by Text message when our room is ready, along with the exact location.

First time in the GF, I remember when it was being built, and we were staying in the Poly at the time, many years ago.

That's interesting! But we'll be stoping at resort anyway, have to get luggage to Bell Service, arriving by car service from a Universal! Even if we were arriving by DME we'd still have to drop off carry on.
Also I love check in, maybe I'm crazy but just getting a text is so impersonal. And anti climatic. Love the personal touch at check in, welcoming you to the resort, getting map to your room, etc.

Hola Groupies Still lurking

Hi Blue and friends! I'm still here despite my non Disney vacation this year. Have been getting DS ready for college.

DS won't sleep in the queen beds at the GF. He loves the day bed. I'm wondering if he feels more "secure" because it's up again a wall like his bed at home. He said it is comfortable. He would have kicked his sister out of the other queen bed and told her to sleep on the day bed if it wasn't comfortable.

Waiting for Disney packages to come out for 2015. Did get room rates and nearly collapsed!

Have a Grand day my friends!

I'm afraid to look

 

[B52]

Theoretically, the moment they scan you magic band at he airport to board the bus, the big computer in the sky knows you have arrived....
Plus, from what I have been reading, a CS Rep with a tablet meets you when you get off the bus and scans you magic band....then that is all you need to do...come back when your room is ready....at least that is what I had gathered from reading all the different posts in preparations for our trip.

 

[grannyminnie]

Blue and Mickeynut...thanks for asking about my dad. He's still struggling. Trying to keep his mind occupied with yard work and this or that.

I'm still trying to get us a booking for the first or second week of November, but so far, still not available with our bounceback discount. I believe also the upswing in bookings of those coming over from the WL might be filling the resort even more so than usual. I know how you feel with the continued searching for that elusive BOG ressie! Giving you a ??

Trish, the shrimp and grits is actually not a breakfast dish, so you can have your tonga toast and eat the other for dinner!!

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut Just have to say that your texts yesterday kept me laughing during a crazy hectic day... You are a Grand pal!!!

~ Wanted to mention about GF views....there really is not a bad view on the property at all ..( ok..with the exception of the BPK rooms that are behind the pool house..but even those have manicured grounds around the building...) ... The GF is just a lovely resort with lots of attention paid to detail...

Glad my texts gave your crazy hectic day a reason to laugh .

I agree about the room views. There really aren't any bad ones, and even the pool house views from BPK aren't all that bad . Those are actually superior (IMO) to some of the views I've seen at other deluxe resorts .

I did call central reservations and request one bed as opposed to two...the girl admitted there are not many options with the on-line check-in, and our room location will be decided long before we get there...plus we are encouraged not to stop at the front desk upon arrival....
So you do need to call ahead....

Already got our Luggage Tags and Magical Express vouchers, and received an e-mail that our Magic Bands have been shipped....

Seems to me, they way it looks, since we are part of a package, all we need to do is head straight to the park when we get there, and will be notified by Text message when our room is ready, along with the exact location.

First time in the GF, I remember when it was being built, and we were staying in the Poly at the time, many years ago.

Sounds like you're all set . I'm sure you will have an amazing trip and I know you will enjoy the GF as it really is a great resort .

Hola Groupies Still lurking

Hi there pas .

I guess with all of the new technology you do not have to stop at the resort check in desk just to let them know you have arrived..??? Thats pretty interesting...

I find it interesting too. I don't do OCI either as I like to check in at the resort.....makes it a little more magical, IMO .

Also I love check in, maybe I'm crazy but just getting a text is so impersonal. And anti climatic. Love the personal touch at check in, welcoming you to the resort, getting map to your room, etc.

I agree, it's a little too impersonal to get a text....I also love talking to a CM getting that personal touch .

 

[mickeynut1]

Theoretically, the moment they scan you magic band at he airport to board the bus, the big computer in the sky knows you have arrived....
Plus, from what I have been reading, a CS Rep with a tablet meets you when you get off the bus and scans you magic band....then that is all you need to do...come back when your room is ready....at least that is what I had gathered from reading all the different posts in preparations for our trip.

I prefer checking in at the resort anyway, but wanted to ask, how does it work for those that don't use DME? We don't use DME, so would we need to check in at the resort anyway? We haven't been since they implemented the MBs, so that is all new to me .

Blue and Mickeynut...thanks for asking about my dad. He's still struggling. Trying to keep his mind occupied with yard work and this or that.

I'm still trying to get us a booking for the first or second week of November, but so far, still not available with our bounceback discount. I believe also the upswing in bookings of those coming over from the WL might be filling the resort even more so than usual. I know how you feel with the continued searching for that elusive BOG ressie! Giving you a ??

I'm sorry to hear your dad is still struggling . It will take some time, but I hope he can keep himself occupied and remember all of the great times . I also hope you are doing ok .

Good luck getting the dates you want with the BB . I agree about the WL guests. I think a lot of those people have gone to the GF, along with a lot of Poly guests, making availability less than what it would normally be .

 

[Sue M]

Theoretically, the moment they scan you magic band at he airport to board the bus, the big computer in the sky knows you have arrived....
Plus, from what I have been reading, a CS Rep with a tablet meets you when you get off the bus and scans you magic band....then that is all you need to do...come back when your room is ready....at least that is what I had gathered from reading all the different posts in preparations for our trip.

Interesting. So I guess if not arriving by DME you'd have to go check in anyway.
We never arrive by DME. Because we fly into Ft Lauderdale first to visit family, then drive up to wdw. We do take DME to go home!

I don't like this new procedure, to me it's just another way to cut down staffing, and impersonalize your experience. No more monorail conductors either

Maybe it's just me . But I don't like all this automation.

 

[trishadono]

Hi Blue and friends! I'm still here despite my non Disney vacation this year. Have been getting DS ready for college.

DS won't sleep in the queen beds at the GF. He loves the day bed. I'm wondering if he feels more "secure" because it's up again a wall like his bed at home. He said it is comfortable. He would have kicked his sister out of the other queen bed and told her to sleep on the day bed if it wasn't comfortable.

Waiting for Disney packages to come out for 2015. Did get room rates and nearly collapsed!

Have a Grand day my friends!

Enjoy the rest of your summer! I know I had a hard time last fall but after winter break you realize they will come home again and the spring semester was much easier

Having a trip to look forward to and plan will help ease the pain for sure

 

[garada3]

Planning is down to the small details, just two weeks to go!

Does private dining offer a sparkling apple juice or grape juice? We would like to have it delivered to the room along with some other specialty items.

DH and I thought our nieces might enjoy their own special beverage while we have ours.

I did not see it listed on the private dining menu linked in the opening pages of the thread.

Thank you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hola Groupies Still lurking

Good to see you!

Never do online check in..but I do know that routinely they will text you with your room number when your room is ready...

I guess with all of the new technology you do not have to stop at the resort check in desk just to let them know you have arrived..??? Thats pretty interesting...

I just read about the new Direct to Room program, but I thought it was still in the testing phase?

We have had them text us our room numbers for several trips now, but we had to check in first. I like getting the text rather than having to go back to the front desk, but I prefer to speak to a CM at check in.

Hi Blue and friends! I'm still here despite my non Disney vacation this year. Have been getting DS ready for college.

DS won't sleep in the queen beds at the GF. He loves the day bed. I'm wondering if he feels more "secure" because it's up again a wall like his bed at home. He said it is comfortable. He would have kicked his sister out of the other queen bed and told her to sleep on the day bed if it wasn't comfortable.

Waiting for Disney packages to come out for 2015. Did get room rates and nearly collapsed!

Have a Grand day my friends!

I laughed at your comment that your DS would have kicked his sister out of the queen bed - typical! With 3 kids, we had a lot of squabbling over whose turn it was to sleep in the daybed each night. My oldest declared himself the daybed rotation enforcer.

Oh, my - is it already time for kids to be preparing for the beginning of college? Where does the time go?

Theoretically, the moment they scan you magic band at he airport to board the bus, the big computer in the sky knows you have arrived....
Plus, from what I have been reading, a CS Rep with a tablet meets you when you get off the bus and scans you magic band....then that is all you need to do...come back when your room is ready....at least that is what I had gathered from reading all the different posts in preparations for our trip.

Very interesting, thanks for the info! LOL about the big computer in the sky, I think they call it the little black rain cloud.

Blue and Mickeynut...thanks for asking about my dad. He's still struggling. Trying to keep his mind occupied with yard work and this or that.

I'm still trying to get us a booking for the first or second week of November, but so far, still not available with our bounceback discount. I believe also the upswing in bookings of those coming over from the WL might be filling the resort even more so than usual. I know how you feel with the continued searching for that elusive BOG ressie! Giving you a ??

Sorry to hear your dad is struggling, I know how hard that must be.

Good luck with your Nov. BB search, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

....
I agree about the room views. There really aren't any bad ones, and even the pool house views from BPK aren't all that bad . Those are actually superior (IMO) to some of the views I've seen at other deluxe resorts .

....
I find it interesting too. I don't do OCI either as I like to check in at the resort.....makes it a little more magical, IMO .

I agree on all counts. First - you are right, even the pool house views are much superior to many "standard" views in other deluxe resorts!

Second - yes, I like chatting with a CM at check in, it feels like our trip has finally started! Extra magic, as you say.

I don't mind the text later, if I first get to speak with a CM about our room and any resort questions we may have.

I prefer checking in at the resort anyway, but wanted to ask, how does it work for those that don't use DME? We don't use DME, so would we need to check in at the resort anyway? We haven't been since they implemented the MBs, so that is all new to me .

I'm wondering this as well, as we don't often use DME. Maybe when they greet you at the curb with their tablets?

Interesting. So I guess if not arriving by DME you'd have to go check in anyway.
We never arrive by DME. Because we fly into Ft Lauderdale first to visit family, then drive up to wdw. We do take DME to go home!

I don't like this new procedure, to me it's just another way to cut down staffing, and impersonalize your experience. No more monorail conductors either

Maybe it's just me . But I don't like all this automation.

It's not just you, I feel the same way. I like having a certain level of convenience, but I still like the personal touch. One of DD's friends said that was part of what made her first trip to WDW so magical, the personal interaction with the CMs.

How nice you get to visit family before your WDW trips! I wonder if I can persuade some of my family to move to FL?!? What am I saying?! I want to move to FL!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Planning is down to the small details, just two weeks to go!

Does private dining offer a sparkling apple juice or grape juice? We would like to have it delivered to the room along with some other specialty items.

DH and I thought our nieces might enjoy their own special beverage while we have ours.

I did not see it listed on the private dining menu linked in the opening pages of the thread.

Thank you!

You know, I'm not sure. You would think so, wouldn't you? I'm going to go look at my photos of the old Sandy Cove beverage case, see if they have it there, at least. BRB!