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

[grannyminnie]

Hi everyone! On the way to Vegas and then California to Disneyland for 2 weeks. So happy my husband has hot spot on his phone so I can use my iPad while in the car on the way.
I hope every is having a fabulous day : )

Jealous, jealous!!

Thank you, Pas (loved your "lurking groupie" comment! ) and GraceandCaroline'smom... it probably will take my dad a very long time to even admit that he is ok. It's not only the situation but his personality. But thank you all for your hugs and sweet concern!

 

[jrj]

Hi everyone

You're not going to believe this {well, then again, you just might}

Whelp, the other day, I called reservations to inquire whether or not RPC was available with the AP discount {we were booked in a BWI Deluxe Club Room} was considering RPC for a split stay or maybe even changing resorts

Had a great call, got all the info and then let the nice man know that I would call back IF we decided to make any changes {you already know where this is going, don't you?!?}

Soooo, later that day, I logged into MDE to look at our lovely ADRs and Fast Passes...clicked on My Reservations and our resort was listed as The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa WHAT IN TARNATIONS

So I get on the phone with reservations and long story short:

1. reservation agent changed our reservation to the GF RPC
2. BWI was no longer available, resort completely sold out
3. had to pay a sizeable additional deposit
4. when DH found out what happened, he was ready to go on a killing spree {thankfully, he chose playing Killzone on his PS4 instead}

Thanks for listening

OK, I'm better now and ready to embrace all that is GF RPC for our 11 day vacation

This thread has been extremely helpful... thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge

 

[Sue M]

Good to see you!




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!

Yes, since I have to go down to check in on my mom to make sure everything is ok (she's in an assisted living facility) its my excuse to go to WDW twice a year. Im there already right? My husband has given up asking us if we're going again to WDW he doesn't get it! My daughter (one or both) go with me. Very excited both are coming this trip. My youngest hasn't been able to for a few years between school & summer camp job.

Can't believe we leave in a little over 2 weeks

Interesting SL doesn't have a laundry But I'll live since we wil only be in SL for 2 days. The next 12 nights will be hopefully Boca Chica again! Loved that location.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi everyone

You're not going to believe this {well, then again, you just might}

Whelp, the other day, I called reservations to inquire whether or not RPC was available with the AP discount {we were booked in a BWI Deluxe Club Room} was considering RPC for a split stay or maybe even changing resorts

Had a great call, got all the info and then let the nice man know that I would call back IF we decided to make any changes {you already know where this is going, don't you?!?}

Soooo, later that day, I logged into MDE to look at our lovely ADRs and Fast Passes...clicked on My Reservations and our resort was listed as The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa WHAT IN TARNATIONS

So I get on the phone with reservations and long story short:

1. reservation agent changed our reservation to the GF RPC
2. BWI was no longer available, resort completely sold out
3. had to pay a sizeable additional deposit
4. when DH found out what happened, he was ready to go on a killing spree {thankfully, he chose playing Killzone on his PS4 instead}

Thanks for listening

OK, I'm better now and ready to embrace all that is GF RPC for our 11 day vacation

This thread has been extremely helpful... thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge

Call and ask to speak with guest services...they really should compensate you for this..

I am a WL "refugee" and I am one of the few who received a comped upgrade to GF. They also made some changes I did not authorize (but I was on the phone while it happened). With something like this, Disney should be able to help you out.

 

[trishadono]

Hello everyone
Looks like I am in the minority here. I love online check-in and I look forward to the same....ON WEDNESDAY . yay I do so much research on these boards that I have no questions other than my room number. I like to get my packet and go. I am a very patient person on the "outside" but inside, I have no patience for people asking crazy questions(like Can I buy park tickets here? or Does the pool have a slide? or How do I make reservations for a princess dinner?...ugh) and holding up the line. I realize everyone isn't a crazy preplanner like myself but my brain is saying "hurry up people. I want to get to my room" thus making OCI perfect for me Calms my inside voices...hahaha

::

Amanda I am the same!! Last year at poly the guy next to me wanted to know where the monorail to HS was. He then proceeded to ask for a map "to get his bearings"

I think no matter how much we plan we just want to get started once we are there

 

[Sue M]

Hi everyone

You're not going to believe this {well, then again, you just might}

Whelp, the other day, I called reservations to inquire whether or not RPC was available with the AP discount {we were booked in a BWI Deluxe Club Room} was considering RPC for a split stay or maybe even changing resorts

Had a great call, got all the info and then let the nice man know that I would call back IF we decided to make any changes {you already know where this is going, don't you?!?}

Soooo, later that day, I logged into MDE to look at our lovely ADRs and Fast Passes...clicked on My Reservations and our resort was listed as The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa WHAT IN TARNATIONS

So I get on the phone with reservations and long story short:

1. reservation agent changed our reservation to the GF RPC
2. BWI was no longer available, resort completely sold out
3. had to pay a sizeable additional deposit
4. when DH found out what happened, he was ready to go on a killing spree {thankfully, he chose playing Killzone on his PS4 instead}

Thanks for listening

OK, I'm better now and ready to embrace all that is GF RPC for our 11 day vacation

This thread has been extremely helpful... thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge

Oh dear!! But you'll love GF!! So I'll say congrats!!

 

[AlixaLock]

There will be early boats and/or buses, not sure if both are available each day. Hopefully, someone will pop on to give first hand experience.

Thanks for the advice! This should only affect a couple of mornings, but I am really curious to hear experiences!

I can't help with the transportation situation, but wanted to say I hope you have a great time at VGF. We've never stayed there, but they look beautiful. Have a great time and enjoy .

Thanks!!! Big GF fans, but this will be our first trip to the Villas and we can't wait!!!

For those wondering about transportation, I will try to post my experience starting Thursday morning. We are rope drop folks so those buses and boats better be ready
:

Thank you! Hope you have a great trip and it would be great if you could share your early morning transportation experiences!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi everyone

You're not going to believe this {well, then again, you just might}

Whelp, the other day, I called reservations to inquire whether or not RPC was available with the AP discount {we were booked in a BWI Deluxe Club Room} was considering RPC for a split stay or maybe even changing resorts

Had a great call, got all the info and then let the nice man know that I would call back IF we decided to make any changes {you already know where this is going, don't you?!?}

Soooo, later that day, I logged into MDE to look at our lovely ADRs and Fast Passes...clicked on My Reservations and our resort was listed as The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa WHAT IN TARNATIONS

So I get on the phone with reservations and long story short:

1. reservation agent changed our reservation to the GF RPC
2. BWI was no longer available, resort completely sold out
3. had to pay a sizeable additional deposit
4. when DH found out what happened, he was ready to go on a killing spree {thankfully, he chose playing Killzone on his PS4 instead}

Thanks for listening

OK, I'm better now and ready to embrace all that is GF RPC for our 11 day vacation

This thread has been extremely helpful... thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge

I can see how that would be a shock finding out your resort was changed like that . With that said, we've never stayed BWI CL, but RPC is absolutely amazing!!! If you and your DH are ok with the change, I don't think you will be disappointed with RPC. The food offerings are great, the lounge is large and spacious with gorgeous views, and the CL CMs are amazing . It's also nice to sit and relax in the lounge while listening to the band play in the lobby below. I think spending 11 days in RPC is an amazing vacation .

Glad you are finding this thread helpful. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have as there are some very knowledgeable (as well as very friendly) posters on this thread that are always willing to help .

 

[Sue M]

Hello everyone Beautiful day here in the midwest. Hope everyone is having a grand Sunday!

Grannyminnie Sorry to hear your Dad is having a rough time. My mom was the same way.....probably for about 2 years unfortunately. Time will heal especially with loving caring family members to help them through

Looks like I am in the minority here. I love online check-in and I look forward to the same....ON WEDNESDAY . yay I do so much research on these boards that I have no questions other than my room number. I like to get my packet and go. I am a very patient person on the "outside" but inside, I have no patience for people asking crazy questions(like Can I buy park tickets here? or Does the pool have a slide? or How do I make reservations for a princess dinner?...ugh) and holding up the line. I realize everyone isn't a crazy preplanner like myself but my brain is saying "hurry up people. I want to get to my room" thus making OCI perfect for me Calms my inside voices...hahaha

For those wondering about transportation, I will try to post my experience starting Thursday morning. We are rope drop folks so those buses and boats better be ready

I already have both DDs suitcases packed and will pack mine this evening while supervising DH as he packs his

I was always afraid of on line check in, that i wouldn't get my room requests, etc. But decided to try it 2 yrs ago. Everything went well for 2 trips (we go 2x a year) then last Aug I always add my requests to my reservation. Only thing I asked for at GF was NO dormer. What did I get? Dormer. I went back down and asked if I could have another room. Got a great room.
Then we went to YC (split stay) and again, got the worst room view ever over garbage and service area. Again, went down and asked for another room.
Giving online check in one more try. If same thing happens this time, not doing it again!

When we checked in on arrival I've always had good luck with requests.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks!!! Big GF fans, but this will be our first trip to the Villas and we can't wait!!!

I'm sure you will love it!!! Hope you will report back after your trip .

 

[jrj]

Call and ask to speak with guest services...they really should compensate you for this..

I am a WL "refugee" and I am one of the few who received a comped upgrade to GF. They also made some changes I did not authorize (but I was on the phone while it happened). With something like this, Disney should be able to help you out.

thanks much for responding... I didn't even think about that the second agent I spoke with was truly devastated and apologetic... now that I've calmed down, I'm going to call and speak with a supervisor, I don't even know what to ask for...I'll definitely let them know about the inconvenience, etc. and will let my voice be heard if for nothing else, so that they know what happened, hoping it will help them to be more cautious

 

[jrj]

Oh dear!! But you'll love GF!! So I'll say congrats!!

Hi Sue, GF is starting to grow on us we're looking forward to enjoying RPC

 

[jrj]

I can see how that would be a shock finding out your resort was changed like that . With that said, we've never stayed BWI CL, but RPC is absolutely amazing!!! If you and your DH are ok with the change, I don't think you will be disappointed with RPC. The food offerings are great, the lounge is large and spacious with gorgeous views, and the CL CMs are amazing . It's also nice to sit and relax in the lounge while listening to the band play in the lobby below. I think spending 11 days in RPC is an amazing vacation .

Glad you are finding this thread helpful. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have as there are some very knowledgeable (as well as very friendly) posters on this thread that are always willing to help .

Hi mickeynut1

I always smile when I see your posts brings back memories used to live in Chicago and work for the Bulls

We're now ok with the change...felt kind of violated at first {if that makes sense}

RPC looks amazing and the food

I'm trying to locate pictures of the entire room...we're in a standard room...we've seen pictures of the bedroom, patio and bathroom...would love to see pictures as you enter the room...looks like there is wood/woodish flooring, yet I can't see what else is there... are there any pictures or video of the refurbished rooms that show the room as you enter the room? Are the pictures in question, already on the thread and we missed them?

Thanks much!!

 

[misskerri]

thanks much for responding... I didn't even think about that the second agent I spoke with was truly devastated and apologetic... now that I've calmed down, I'm going to call and speak with a supervisor, I don't even know what to ask for...I'll definitely let them know about the inconvenience, etc. and will let my voice be heard if for nothing else, so that they know what happened, hoping it will help them to be more cautious

I would ask to be allowed to stay in the GF for the same price you were signed up for at the other resort, since you didn't authorize the switch.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Amanda I am the same!! Last year at poly the guy next to me wanted to know where the monorail to HS was. He then proceeded to ask for a map "to get his bearings"

I think no matter how much we plan we just want to get started once we are there

Too funny! Those folks make me wonder......

Yup. I just want to get my Disney time started as soon as we arrive at the resort. I will spend enough time in lines on the trip and check-in is one I prefer to avoid.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi mickeynut1

I always smile when I see your posts brings back memories used to live in Chicago and work for the Bulls

We're now ok with the change...felt kind of violated at first {if that makes sense}

RPC looks amazing and the food

I'm trying to locate pictures of the entire room...we're in a standard room...we've seen pictures of the bedroom, patio and bathroom...would love to see pictures as you enter the room...looks like there is wood/woodish flooring, yet I can't see what else is there... are there any pictures or video of the refurbished rooms that show the room as you enter the room? Are the pictures in question, already on the thread and we missed them?

Thanks much!!

Welcome! I smile whenever I see mickeynut's posts, too.

It does make sense you would feel a little violated to see your plans changed without your permission. Don't blame you a bit. Sounds like you've decided to enjoy the change - but I would certainly call and speak with CRO about it, as they had no idea you would be OK with it.

I found a photo on touringplans taken from the balcony side of the room, looking toward the door - hope it helps:

 

[jrj]

Thanks much for your kind words... oh yes, I spoke with CRO today and feel they have handled the situation to our satisfaction

We've decided to embrace the change and see it as positive, even though the way we got there was jacked up

That's exactly what I was looking for... YIPPEE!! Thanks so much

Welcome! I smile whenever I see mickeynut's posts, too.

It does make sense you would feel a little violated to see your plans changed without your permission. Don't blame you a bit. Sounds like you've decided to enjoy the change - but I would certainly call and speak with CRO about it, as they had no idea you would be OK with it.

I found a photo on touringplans taken from the balcony side of the room, looking toward the door - hope it helps:

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi mickeynut1

I always smile when I see your posts brings back memories used to live in Chicago and work for the Bulls

We're now ok with the change...felt kind of violated at first {if that makes sense}

RPC looks amazing and the food

I'm trying to locate pictures of the entire room...we're in a standard room...we've seen pictures of the bedroom, patio and bathroom...would love to see pictures as you enter the room...looks like there is wood/woodish flooring, yet I can't see what else is there... are there any pictures or video of the refurbished rooms that show the room as you enter the room? Are the pictures in question, already on the thread and we missed them?

Thanks much!!

Hi there

Glad my posts/signature bring good memories for you . How exciting that you worked for the Bulls, that would be a neat job to be involved with them . Chicago is a great city with an excellent fan base that I'm glad to be a part of . It's funny, though, because I hated basketball and thought it was so boring. Then my oldest DS became a huge Bulls fan about 5 years ago and that's all I've been hearing about since....LOL. He was determined to make me a fan and he succeeded ......now I can't miss a game, or more importantly, I'm having withdrawals and chomping at the bit waiting for this season to start .

RPC is amazing, I'm sure you will love it!!

Glad k&a&c'smom found a picture for you (she's good like that ). Hope it helps .

I smile whenever I see mickeynut's posts, too.

I found a photo on touringplans taken from the balcony side of the room, looking toward the door - hope it helps

Aww, thanks.....glad I could make others smile .

Thanks for the pic, that's a great view of the room .

 

[mickeynut1]

I spoke with CRO today and feel they have handled the situation to our satisfaction

We've decided to embrace the change and see it as positive, even though the way we got there was jacked up

I'm glad your call to CRO was a satisfactory one. Good for you to see the change as positive. I really think you are going to love RPC .

 

[bama-mom]

Couple of last minute questions before we check in tomorrow.
Since the monorail is a mess right now, what is our best bet to make MK for rope drop? What time should we plan on being at boat/taxi, etc?

We booked through the group reservations because my daughter is attending a conference there this week. Her 11th birthday is Tuesday. I have ordered her cake. I think I told them at time of booking, but I doubt she made a note of it. Is it worth mentioning at check in? Has anyone had them surprise you or your child with anything for birthdays?

Cannot wait to get there tomorrow for our first GF stay!!!!!