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

[jrj]

I was the same way... I'm a football girl through and through... when I was offered the opportunity to interview, the recruiter did not disclose the name of the company, due to who it was... so when I arrived and saw all the Bulls paraphernalia, I was like "please don't ask me a basketball question" and then Scottie Pippen walked in {remember him? ok, I know I'm dating myself} and I was like where do I sign

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!! Aww... thanks much we really are getting excited

Glad k&a&c'smom found a picture for you (she's good like that ). Hope it helps . Oh yes, truly helped...was just what we needed for our nightly vacation fix

 

[jrj]

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 .

Awe shucks... thanks so much for your kind words we're glad to put this behind us and move forward with planning our time at The GF & RPC... we've promised to make it a GRAND vacation

 

[disney meema]

Don't be jealous Grannyminnie ... It's hot as all heck here in Vegas lol But on the positive I put $10 in a slot machine with a 50 cent bet and won $200 (( yeah )) More Mickey money for Tuesday when we arrive at Disneyland : )
Also sorry to hear your Dad is struggling right now so positive thoughts sent your way.

I'll keep checking back on here as I continue to plan our November AKL and GF trip while on vacation the next 2 weeks ... I feel so blessed to be able to spend two weeks in California now, and then 2 weeks in WDW! Everyone's sleeping here and it's nice to read and relax with a bit of quiet before going to sleep each night.

Have a beautiful week everyone and take care!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

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!!!!!

Woohoo!!! Tomorrow cannot come fast enough, I'm sure. I will see you there on Wednesday

I am planning on taking the boat launch to MK. Because noone has posted the times/schedules for the added transportation during the monorail outages, I am going to ask the lobby concierge *if* the transportation information is not in the welcome packet. Assuming the boats are running to MK AND that they are also stopping at Poly before reaching MK (which is the typical route), I plan to be at the dock around 8:00am. I figure we should arrive at MK by 8:20 to get a good spot to see the opening show.

I am more concerned about the bus to Epcot. I *think* GF may be the second resort picked up before heading to the park assuming Poly is the first pick-up. I have not heard any concrete info on this yet but again, I will plan to be at the bus stop around 8am unless GF is the first pick up and then I would change my time to 7:45am.

Yay for birthdays!! It certainly can't hurt to mention her birthday at check-in. I would just plan my own birthday surprises/celebration and if a Disney CM adds a little pixie dust, then that is just icing on the cake...

Have a great trip

 

[grannyminnie]

Don't be jealous Grannyminnie ... It's hot as all heck here in Vegas lol But on the positive I put $10 in a slot machine with a 50 cent bet and won $200 (( yeah )) More Mickey money for Tuesday when we arrive at Disneyland : )
Also sorry to hear your Dad is struggling right now so positive thoughts sent your way.

I'll keep checking back on here as I continue to plan our November AKL and GF trip while on vacation the next 2 weeks ... I feel so blessed to be able to spend two weeks in California now, and then 2 weeks in WDW! Everyone's sleeping here and it's nice to read and relax with a bit of quiet before going to sleep each night.

Have a beautiful week everyone and take care!

I love Cali! We usually go every summer but are skipping it this summer for a break. I will miss it. Have a ball! And keep in touch while you're at DL, please!

Thanks for the positive thoughts on my Dad! It never hurts to receive prayers and pixie dust!

 

[Lisann]

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

Now, girls...we were all newbies at one time or another...

 

[trishadono]

Now, girls...we were all newbies at one time or another...

Ya, I know but still was cute.

I do often offer assistance when appropriate

I even walked an elderly non English speaking couple to their gate at the airport in June. They first got lost trying to get on the tram at MCO, then gave me their boarding passes and shrugged their shoulders. I tried pointing to the section their gate was in but they walked 30ft and stopped.

I told dd that I would be right back and walked them (with the most reassuring smile I could) to their gate.

Lesson for dd, it only takes a few minutes to do THE RIGHT THING

Lesson taught to me by MY Mom.

 

[jhaig]

Hi, GF newbie here. We will be staying at GF Sept 9-19 and have an outer building garden view room. Having never stayed here before I have done a lot of research (especially this thread so far!) and was just wondering - what are the Grand Floridian must-do's? We try to experience everything the resort has to offer when we stay there and not just use it as a place to sleep. We have dinner planned at GF Cafe and Citricos, but what else do we need to do to get the full GF experience?

 

[Anne5555]

We picked the GF as our dream resort in part because our son has special needs and we wanted to stay at a monorail resort (and also for the Cinderella dinner for daughter.) We thought the added expense would be worth it to make our first Disney trip less stressful. We will spend an afternoon at Epcot, a day at HS, and then two days at the MK. Then I read about the monorail issues here. :worried Should it be resolved by mid September 2014? I don't want to pay so much extra to stay here if we can't take advantage of the early monorail and ferries. If we have to take buses anyway, we might need to consider a less expensive resort.

Thank you,
Anne

 

[Anne5555]

Could anyone tell me how long to expect it to take to travel from the GF to the MK, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios in mid-September? I'm worried I'm not allowing enough travel time in my schedules. Thank you so much!

 

[mickeynut1]

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!!!!!

I can't help with the transportation as we've never done rope drop, but hopefully something is in your welcome packet with times or you can ask at the concierge desk .

I would definitely mention your DD's birthday at check in as it can't hurt .

Have a great time and enjoy the GF .

I was the same way... I'm a football girl through and through... when I was offered the opportunity to interview, the recruiter did not disclose the name of the company, due to who it was... so when I arrived and saw all the Bulls paraphernalia, I was like "please don't ask me a basketball question" and then Scottie Pippen walked in {remember him? ok, I know I'm dating myself} and I was like where do I sign

That is so cool about meeting Scottie Pippin that way, especially when you really didn't know who you were interviewing with!!! I hope you enjoyed your time working there .

That is too funny because I never watched football or basketball (would have rather watched paint dry ), but I slowly became a football fan (although not for the Bears ) about 10 years ago and now basketball, but now I like basketball a lot more and can't miss a Bulls game, but I couldn't care less if I miss football games .

Oh yes, I remember Scottie Pippin ....he's still around and involved with the Bulls organization. My DS not only got me hooked on watching the Bulls, but he also got me into watching documentaries on all other things basketball, along with games from when Michael and Scottie played together . I guess deep down I always loved basketball but never gave myself a chance to admit it .

Awe shucks... thanks so much for your kind words we're glad to put this behind us and move forward with planning our time at The GF & RPC... we've promised to make it a GRAND vacation

You have a great attitude . You will definitely enjoy RPC. It is amazing and the CMs are great. Be careful, though, as RPC is very addicting and you may end up liking it so much that you won't want to stay anywhere else .

Hi, GF newbie here. We will be staying at GF Sept 9-19 and have an outer building garden view room. Having never stayed here before I have done a lot of research (especially this thread so far!) and was just wondering - what are the Grand Floridian must-do's? We try to experience everything the resort has to offer when we stay there and not just use it as a place to sleep. We have dinner planned at GF Cafe and Citricos, but what else do we need to do to get the full GF experience?

Congrats on your first GF stay . One of the things I love to do is walk the grounds taking in the beautiful surroundings or sitting out by Gasparillas looking out over the marina . The lobby is also a great place to relax and listen to the orchestra play.

I hope you have a great trip and enjoy the GF .

 

[twoolle]

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 think they are linked...but who knows...we have been working with a AAA travel agent which means it is difficult to figure out exactly what we can do ourselves and what we have to rely on the TA for. Ugh! But all 4 rooms are booked under the same account (one person paying for all), but each room has a separate name so we can check in at different times. Thanks for your help!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

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

That's great, glad you were able to talk it over with CRO and get satisfaction. Now, on with the show!

Most definitely plan to have a Grand vacation.

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

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

Your posts DO make me smile, in more ways than one. Always so positive! Ah, Scottie & MJ - those were the days.

You're welcome for the photo - sometimes, I am able to happen on what I'm looking for, others not so much! I hoped I could find one that was from the opposite direction, but there are not a lot of photos of the new rooms as yet.

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!!!!!

If it were me, I'd do as Grace&Carolinesmom suggested and be at the boat dock by 8:00 a.m. This gives time for the boat to arrive, board, pick up at the Poly (assuming they aren't running dedicated GF boats) and then the MK.

Absolutely, mention your DD's b'day at check in, they will give her a birthday button to wear! Even if the resort or restaurants don't give anything extra, many CMs and guests will wish her "Happy Birthday!", so much fun.

Woohoo!!! Tomorrow cannot come fast enough, I'm sure. I will see you there on Wednesday

I am planning on taking the boat launch to MK. Because noone has posted the times/schedules for the added transportation during the monorail outages, I am going to ask the lobby concierge *if* the transportation information is not in the welcome packet. Assuming the boats are running to MK AND that they are also stopping at Poly before reaching MK (which is the typical route), I plan to be at the dock around 8:00am. I figure we should arrive at MK by 8:20 to get a good spot to see the opening show.

I am more concerned about the bus to Epcot. I *think* GF may be the second resort picked up before heading to the park assuming Poly is the first pick-up. I have not heard any concrete info on this yet but again, I will plan to be at the bus stop around 8am unless GF is the first pick up and then I would change my time to 7:45am.

....

The GF is always the last bus stop before heading to the parks, so I assume this will hold true with the extra bus routes.

Looking forward to your report on the monorail situation, and of course, your magical stay! Won't be long now!

Hi, GF newbie here. We will be staying at GF Sept 9-19 and have an outer building garden view room. Having never stayed here before I have done a lot of research (especially this thread so far!) and was just wondering - what are the Grand Floridian must-do's? We try to experience everything the resort has to offer when we stay there and not just use it as a place to sleep. We have dinner planned at GF Cafe and Citricos, but what else do we need to do to get the full GF experience?

For us, hanging out at the resort enjoying the beauty is a big part of our vacation. Our favorite things are sitting in the Main Lobby, especially during the late afternoon/evening when the music is playing; browsing the shops; grabbing a snack/drink at Gasparilla's and watching Wishes from the marina landing; renting Sea Raycers and speeding around SSL; watching the EWP from the boat dock or beach; hanging at the pool; walking the grounds; afternoon tea; getting a spa treatment; having a drink at Mizner's.

HTH!

We picked the GF as our dream resort in part because our son has special needs and we wanted to stay at a monorail resort (and also for the Cinderella dinner for daughter.) We thought the added expense would be worth it to make our first Disney trip less stressful. We will spend an afternoon at Epcot, a day at HS, and then two days at the MK. Then I read about the monorail issues here. :worried Should it be resolved by mid September 2014? I don't want to pay so much extra to stay here if we can't take advantage of the early monorail and ferries. If we have to take buses anyway, we might need to consider a less expensive resort.

Thank you,
Anne

According to the schedule on the Disney website (I posted it further up the thread), this is only through the summer. Though the technical date for summer to change to fall is Sept. 22, I assume Disney is speaking of the official summer months observed by schools, etc. But, who knows, as they didn't give a definite end date.

I wouldn't get too worried, I doubt you will have much problem with transportation in September, historically the least busy period at WDW.

Could anyone tell me how long to expect it to take to travel from the GF to the MK, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios in mid-September? I'm worried I'm not allowing enough travel time in my schedules. Thank you so much!

On the monorail, the MK is about 2 minutes away once you board. There is a great travel time tool linked on the first page, just plug in the Grand and then a park, you will get fairly accurate info!

I think they are linked...but who knows...we have been working with a AAA travel agent which means it is difficult to figure out exactly what we can do ourselves and what we have to rely on the TA for. Ugh! But all 4 rooms are booked under the same account (one person paying for all), but each room has a separate name so we can check in at different times. Thanks for your help!

This is the only problem with booking through a TA, not "owning" the reservation. It's a trade off. Hopefully, everything is linked properly and all will be well at check in.

 

[100acreHiker]

Thank you for your response to my earlier question.

I'm new to the boards, and we'll be at GF in mid November for a week. It will be our second Disney visit--we went two years ago for a short trip (4 days) and stayed at the GF and loved it, even though it was under major construction and lots of things were closed (Gasparillas, large pool, beach, etc). I was so happy with the vibe of the resort and the service and CMs were excellent. Really looking forward to the fall when I can see how all of the refurbs turned out.

We are booked in an outer building garden view room. I'm wondering if there's any chance of any of their garden view rooms have a slight view of the water or fireworks. If so, which building would that be? Also, will all of the rooms/buildings be done with their in-room refurbs by November? I've heard mixed reviews, but I really like the more modern design!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Anne5555]

Thank you, K&A&C's MOM for answering my questions! I overlooked that calculator! Why does it take 40 minutes by bus from GF to HS and only 20 by car? Is half of that time waiting for the bus? If you have made this trip, which method do you prefer for going to HS? I was hoping we could do rides there and visit Buzz and Woody in the am, go back to the GF for a break, and then back to HS for Fantasmia (and dinner if I can catch a Fantasmia dinner package cancellation.) That Fantasmia show is pretty late for my children. And then 40 minutes each way is a lot of travel time! Thanks!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi, GF newbie here. We will be staying at GF Sept 9-19 and have an outer building garden view room. Having never stayed here before I have done a lot of research (especially this thread so far!) and was just wondering - what are the Grand Floridian must-do's? We try to experience everything the resort has to offer when we stay there and not just use it as a place to sleep. We have dinner planned at GF Cafe and Citricos, but what else do we need to do to get the full GF experience?

I would recommend the afternoon tea ..something vary different..and very Grand! Also..just spend some time...and then some more time... enjoying the beautiful lobby..especially in the evenings when the orchestra or pianist are playing... A stroll around the grounds..sitting on the dock to watch the EWP and or Wishes...all wonderful ways to enjoy the resort...

We picked the GF as our dream resort in part because our son has special needs and we wanted to stay at a monorail resort (and also for the Cinderella dinner for daughter.) We thought the added expense would be worth it to make our first Disney trip less stressful. We will spend an afternoon at Epcot, a day at HS, and then two days at the MK. Then I read about the monorail issues here. :worried Should it be resolved by mid September 2014? I don't want to pay so much extra to stay here if we can't take advantage of the early monorail and ferries. If we have to take buses anyway, we might need to consider a less expensive resort.

Thank you,
Anne

Our grand hostess here on this thread k&a&c'smomjust posted some of the "official" transportation info just a few pages back...page 138 post# 2060..says there will be boats and buses to supplement the modified monorail availability..When we visited this past winter the monorail was not operating mid day...but then as well there were boats and buses readily available... So even if there are still modified monorail operating hours I dont think it will have a significant impact on your vacation... Enjoy your first stay at the GF..it really is a wonderful resort!

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!!!!!

Yes I would def mention at check in about your DD's birthday! ..Hope that you did...STheu sometimes put a personalized card..or some treats for birthday celebrations.. You m ight even be chacked in by now!!??? Hope that you have a magical vacation!

I think they are linked...but who knows...we have been working with a AAA travel agent which means it is difficult to figure out exactly what we can do ourselves and what we have to rely on the TA for. Ugh! But all 4 rooms are booked under the same account (one person paying for all), but each room has a separate name so we can check in at different times. Thanks for your help!

If all of the ressies are booked under one account then I wouldn't worry a bit...there doesn't need to be a "traveling with" so that the rooms can be reconginzed as needing to be together...Grand gatherings are lots of fun!!!

Thank you for your response to my earlier question.

I'm new to the boards, and we'll be at GF in mid November for a week. It will be our second Disney visit--we went two years ago for a short trip (4 days) and stayed at the GF and loved it, even though it was under major construction and lots of things were closed (Gasparillas, large pool, beach, etc). I was so happy with the vibe of the resort and the service and CMs were excellent. Really looking forward to the fall when I can see how all of the refurbs turned out.

We are booked in an outer building garden view room. I'm wondering if there's any chance of any of their garden view rooms have a slight view of the water or fireworks. If so, which building would that be? Also, will all of the rooms/buildings be done with their in-room refurbs by November? I've heard mixed reviews, but I really like the more modern design!

Thanks in advance!

What a great take that you had on your first trip...we too stayed at the GF during many phases of the construction..and enjoyed our trips... I agree..the vibe was still there for us too...We have never changed resorts due to renovations...we were more intrigued watching all of the changes taking place...

And now with everything being completed...including the room renovation you are really in for a treat!! To answer your question all of the room refurbs will be completed by the end of this month...

At the GF..garden view rooms can encompass views of the gardens...lol...the pool and also of the marina area....so water views are possible...I would say that the best possibility for a water...but in the marina area..not the outer lagoon..and not sure about any view of the fireworks though... would be in Conch Key..

HTH...Have a terrific stay!

MickeyNut I am gonna jump right on the "your posts make me smile" band wagon...cause they do!! Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge! As for your siggie pics..Ummm....think I might like them a little better if there was another team in them... ...lol...

k&a&c'smom I think that the pics of the new rooms are growing on me... Yup ...Not sure IF that lobby and hallway carpet ever will... lol...but the room decor def is...Especially in those new pics...also.. thanks for the link to the travel calculator....

grannyminnie How is the fall vacation planning going...any luck with the dates you were hoping to change to??

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday! preppy GF gal

 

[mickeynut1]

Your posts DO make me smile, in more ways than one. Always so positive! Ah, Scottie & MJ - those were the days.

You're welcome for the photo - sometimes, I am able to happen on what I'm looking for, others not so much! I hoped I could find one that was from the opposite direction, but there are not a lot of photos of the new rooms as yet.

Aww, that's so nice of you to say, thanks . Yes, Scottie and MJ has quite a run......very fun to watch and remember those days .

I agree, not too many pics of the new rooms yet. But the one you posted was great as it still gives a nice overview of the room .

I'm new to the boards, and we'll be at GF in mid November for a week. It will be our second Disney visit--we went two years ago for a short trip (4 days) and stayed at the GF and loved it, even though it was under major construction and lots of things were closed (Gasparillas, large pool, beach, etc). I was so happy with the vibe of the resort and the service and CMs were excellent. Really looking forward to the fall when I can see how all of the refurbs turned out.

We are booked in an outer building garden view room. I'm wondering if there's any chance of any of their garden view rooms have a slight view of the water or fireworks. If so, which building would that be? Also, will all of the rooms/buildings be done with their in-room refurbs by November? I've heard mixed reviews, but I really like the more modern design!

Thanks in advance!

BlueSkies answered about the possible water or fireworks view, but I wanted to say that I'm glad your first trip to the GF was a memorable one, even with construction. I think Disney does a good job of making sure construction and/or refurbs don't interfere with the guests enjoyment . How exciting that you are able to go back, but this time after all of the refurbs and DVC construction is complete. I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time .

MickeyNut I am gonna jump right on the "your posts make me smile" band wagon...cause they do!! Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge! As for your siggie pics..Ummm....think I might like them a little better if there was another team in them... ...lol...

Thanks so much, that is so sweet of you to say . I don't know near as much about the GF as a few of you (you know who you are ), but I try my best to give accurate information as well as share my opinion and experiences .

LOL on my siggie.....guess you might have become a Bulls fan if one person in particular chose the windy city over NY, but that's ok....he did what he felt he had to do .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thank you for your response to my earlier question.

I'm new to the boards, and we'll be at GF in mid November for a week. It will be our second Disney visit--we went two years ago for a short trip (4 days) and stayed at the GF and loved it, even though it was under major construction and lots of things were closed (Gasparillas, large pool, beach, etc). I was so happy with the vibe of the resort and the service and CMs were excellent. Really looking forward to the fall when I can see how all of the refurbs turned out.

We are booked in an outer building garden view room. I'm wondering if there's any chance of any of their garden view rooms have a slight view of the water or fireworks. If so, which building would that be? Also, will all of the rooms/buildings be done with their in-room refurbs by November? I've heard mixed reviews, but I really like the more modern design!

Thanks in advance!

As others posted, sounds like you had a wonderful attitude for your first trip with all that construction! And you still loved the Grand enough to return - you should have an even more magical stay now that the renovations are completed.

Lots of great info already posted, but I wanted to give you some more details about the GF garden views. In Conch Key, which BlueSkies mentioned, you can have a beautiful marina view, but probably won't have a view of the fireworks due to the way the building is situated. Possible, if you get very lucky, but not likely.

On the other hand, the garden view rooms on the Main Building end of Big Pine Key have some nice upper fireworks views, but no view of the marina (or lagoon). Here is a link to some photos posted in an earlier thread by gilsan, which show a dormer room in this location. Beautiful view, but keep in mind the dormer rooms have enclosed balconies - there are a few dormers on floor 4 & some on floor 5 of BPK.

Check out the map on the first page to get an idea of where the buildings are located.

HTH!

Thank you, K&A&C's MOM for answering my questions! I overlooked that calculator! Why does it take 40 minutes by bus from GF to HS and only 20 by car? Is half of that time waiting for the bus? If you have made this trip, which method do you prefer for going to HS? I was hoping we could do rides there and visit Buzz and Woody in the am, go back to the GF for a break, and then back to HS for Fantasmia (and dinner if I can catch a Fantasmia dinner package cancellation.) That Fantasmia show is pretty late for my children. And then 40 minutes each way is a lot of travel time! Thanks!

You are welcome! My guess is they are accounting for the route the bus drivers take to get to DHS, and the traffic. The buses go much slower and take a back way (usually) when heading to the DHS/DTD area.

We have used the buses and driven to that area. For me, I prefer to let WDW transportation take me to the parks, and use my car for DTD and the resorts. That's just personal choice, I don't like to park and then take a tram from parking to entrance when I arrive at the parks. But it is a quick drive to most areas on WDW property, so that might be the way to go for your family.

....

k&a&c'smom I think that the pics of the new rooms are growing on me... Yup ...Not sure IF that lobby and hallway carpet ever will... lol...but the room decor def is...Especially in those new pics...also.. thanks for the link to the travel calculator....

....
Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday! preppy GF gal

Lots of great info added, as always! You are welcome about the travel tool, it's very useful, isn't it?

I have to admit, I don't hate the rooms as much as when I first saw them, the first couple months I drew back in horror every time I opened a photo! But I still do not care for them at all. I much prefer the decor over at the VGF, and that's saying something as I thought those rooms were too muted for the Grand. (pretty, but not enough theming - gorgeous bathrooms, though)

LOL about the lobby and carpet - not sure I can ever get over that eyesore.

 

[Anne5555]

We will hopefully arrive at the GF around noon, check our bags if we can't check in yet, and drive or ride to Epcot. If we check our bags, is a cooler allowed? My son and husband have food limitations, and I hoped to bring some food items for them for quick breakfasts and snacks. I don't want to leave a cooler in a hot car all day. We also usually carry our pillows and several tote bags in addition to our luggage, and I'm worried about looking tacky. Since we are driving, I will probably overpack and bring everything but the kitchen sink.

Will the GF forbid a hard cooler like the park policy does?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We will hopefully arrive at the GF around noon, check our bags if we can't check in yet, and drive or ride to Epcot. If we check our bags, is a cooler allowed? My son and husband have food limitations, and I hoped to bring some food items for them for quick breakfasts and snacks. I don't want to leave a cooler in a hot car all day. We also usually carry our pillows and several tote bags in addition to our luggage, and I'm worried about looking tacky. Since we are driving, I will probably overpack and bring everything but the kitchen sink.

Will the GF forbid a hard cooler like the park policy does?

Yep, you sure can bring a cooler. They will store it in the luggage area for you. And, you can check into the Grand, you just might not have a room ready the moment you do. They will likely alert you via text message when you have a room number.

Do NOT worry about looking tacky - I have seen every description of travel items on those luggage racks, lol. I once saw someone bring their clothes all on separate hangers! Whenever we drive down I am a notorious overpacker - usually have one whole suitcase for our shoes. The bell services people handle it all with grace.