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

[abk96]

Tomorrow is the day I am trying to get last minute errands completed around my work schedule and tidy up the house. I am hoping that our bad luck will turn around once we are actually ON vacation..... As if my fractured left foot isn't enough, DH hurt his leg playing softball on Sunday (hopefully just muscular but he is very sore and has bruises and scrapes) and youngest DD just got her first visit from "Aunt Flo" yesterday. Sigh...I am cautiously awaiting for "what will happen today"...LOL Oh well, can't worry about what I can't control but it does make me want to wrap up my family in bubble wrap until we arrive

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday

You are too funny!
Have a great trip and maybe I'll see you around.

 

[jacquelynb]

Paid in full as of this morning!!! 86 days to go!!!!!!!!!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

So....I know you are all going to tell me I am crazy..I am starting to regret moving from WL to GF...we love WL but the construction was just too much.

Did we do the right thing? Mind you, through all of this I am studying for the MCAT and hopefully will be applying if I actually do well enough....but I have a little ways to go I think it's messing with my head!!! We were hoping to celebrate a good score when we get there

 

[BlueSkies]

Going to either stay two or three nights next September 2015. I booked a standard room at the RPL Club at the GF. I have looked through this thread. Rather long so I am asking this. If it is okay

Would it be better to get a theme park view? Or a deluxe room? Can you request in a standard view two queen beds & a pull out?

I have seen picture of a deluxe room but wasn't club level & it looked great.

Where are they located at in the main building Thanks I will try to weave my way through the tread when I am not so tired.

Standard rooms in RPC have two views..that of the courtyard/pool area and of the beach pool/VGF..both views are lovely..rooms that over look the CY are standard size for the GF (I believe 400 SF) and are well laid out with a separate sink/dressing area and a separate bathroom shower/toilet area...These rooms also have two queen beds and a day bed...and sleep 5 people...the other standard rooms that over look the beach pool are a little different in configuration and many have a wet bar..and some extra entry way space...

TPV rooms are exactly like the standard rooms that overlook the CY pool..and they have a distant view of the TP/Castle...across the marina area..again..lovely..but not as good a TPV as the CR or the Poly...these rooms are also farthest from the lounge....not that its a very long walk...still further than the standard view rooms...

Deluxe queen rooms have the same two views as the standard..CY or beach pool/VGf...as jacquelynb posted detailed info on these rooms can be found on page one of this thread.... The deluxe rooms that face the CY pool area do enjoy a high view of the MK fireworks....and are the closest room to the lounge on the 4th floor...they are also on the third floor..which would be closest to the concierge desks...and just a quick run up a small interior staircase to the lounge...

The decor is the same in all of the different room categories..with the larger rooms having some additional furniture...

FWIW..we have stayed in all of the different room categories that you have mentioned and our fave rooms are the standard room in RPC....they have plenty of room and as I mentioned .. both views are so nice!

HTH...

Have a grand vacation!

there's no need to read all the way through the thread if you don't want to, simply go back to page 1 and read the first post. Lots of helpful info. there. I'm sure the experts will chime in with some advice as well...I'm looking forward to my first stay in oct. so I can't answer your questions myself. Good luck!!

We are staying at the grand for the first time 8/16-8/18 (split stay with POR before GF). So excited!!

We already have a reservation at Citricos for the 16th at 7:15PM. The food there was so amazing last year!

We also wanted to try narcoossees but haven't been able to find anything for the 17th except for a 9PM and there is no way we can do that. Way too late for a big meal.

Right now we have a reservation at Trails End Buffet for 7PM but I was wondering if there pare ever any tables held for Guests staying at the GF?

I'm of course going to keep looking for reservations but I was hoping to get that reservation for my parents anniversary and for their birthdays (about 2 months late but this trip is everyone's bday present).

Also, does anyone have any experience with the QS restaurant with multiple food allergies? I have 16 food allergies and Contempo cafe was amazing last year. I've gotten the most recent list of what's available and it looks like they have the 2 main things I want (Namaste waffle mix and Allergy chicken tenders) and we are only eating there for 2 breakfasts and 1 or 2 lunches but I would love to hear some first hand experiences just in case I'm sick of chicken tenders and fries by the 5th day!

As MickeyNut said while the restaurants dont "hold" extra table for their own resort you can occasionally snag a table..even at Narcoosees as a walk up when it first opens at 5pm...also I would give a try at the concierge desk in the lobby for cancellations...and keep checking on line..I have been able to get even difficult reservations with in days of our stay..

Gasparillas is also a QS that will work very efficiently with you with reguards to food allergies...

Enjoy your first GF stay..It is an amazing resort!

Has there been extra bus service in the mornings to EP and MK since the monorail began being worked on?

According to the info that k&a&c'smom posted a few pages back directly from the Disney site..it does sounds like thats exactly what they are doing..bus and boat as well...

Paid in full as of this morning!!! 86 days to go!!!!!!!!!

PIF dance!!! Congrats..

MommyG How is the getting your graduate ready to go off to college going..???

MickeyNut Thanks for those room configuration links!!!

k&a&c'smom I really can't wait to stay in a renovated room and experience the changes first hand...Hopefully that will be sooner than later... lol...

grannyminnie sorry that you havent been able to get the dates that you wanted to change to yet..Keep trying though..you know things are always opening up...soem difficulty for us GF fans though these day...with all of those Poly and WL peeps moving over to the GF..maybe we will have to asking some of them if we can bunk in thier rooms...lol...JK Poly and WL peeps...I''m thinking that soon enough you are gonna be GF groupies!!

Safe travels abk and Grace&carolinesmom and families.. Wishing you magical vacations!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF groupies..( pas I always think of you since you "coined" that phrase ...when I type those words!! lol..) are having a terrific Tuesday!!! preppy GF gal who still has not gotten a BOG dinner ressie!

 

[cattywampus]

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?

I have a friend that ALWAYS has a story to make you feel better, so in his honor, I present this:

We are DLR vets and always stay at the Grand Californian. Since we always drive, we belong to the "Kitchen Sink Club" bringing everything from a large cooler to a box fan, along with four times the luggage needed for our average trip. Bell Services has never batted an eye. Definitely seen luggage carts with similar contents to what you describe.

Fast forward to when DS was 12-18 mos (I can't remember exact age). We were trying to transition him to a toddler bed set up in a small alcove in our room. For some reason, he started dragging the dogs bed into the toddler bed and sleeping in it!

Appropriately horrified, we tried everything to convince him not to. As anyone with that age child can tell you, that didn't work so, to make it slightly better (?), DH went and bought said child a brand new dogbed, which he happily slept in on his own bed. Yes, that's right -- our child slept in a dog bed.

Knowing that we were taking him on his first multiple day trip to the Grand Cali and also knowing that he tended to reject the unfamiliar at that age, we realized quickly that we had no real choice but to drag the darn dogbed with us.

So, we drive up to the valet and open the hatchback for bell services (suddenly the giant cooler, fan, and mountain of luggage doesn't seem all that bad) and tell the bellman that everything goes with us. He starts pulling everything out and loading the cart, until just the dog bed is remaining. He goes to write the ticket and DH has to say "we need the dog bed too". Bellman looks around (no doubt wondering where the dog is) and dutifully pulls out the dog bed and puts it on the cart looking confused but not saying a word. Trying to make things better, DH says "we don't have a dog. Our son just likes to sleep in it.". Although he might have been considering calling Child Protective Services, bellman just nodded and loaded it on the cart.

So yes, they have seen it all. Feel better?

 

[mickeynut1]

Paid in full as of this morning!!! 86 days to go!!!!!!!!!

MickeyNut Thanks for those room configuration links!!!

k&a&c'smom I really can't wait to stay in a renovated room and experience the changes first hand...Hopefully that will be sooner than later... lol...

preppy GF gal who still has not gotten a BOG dinner ressie!

You're welcome . I figured the links would be better than posting the actual pics as far as not taking up so much space in the thread .

Do I see someone planning an RPC stay in the near future????

Keep trying for that BOG ressie. You have some time before your trip and I'm confident something will pop up .

I have a friend that ALWAYS has a story to make you feel better, so in his honor, I present this:

We are DLR vets and always stay at the Grand Californian. Since we always drive, we belong to the "Kitchen Sink Club" bringing everything from a large cooler to a box fan, along with four times the luggage needed for our average trip. Bell Services has never batted an eye. Definitely seen luggage carts with similar contents to what you describe.

Fast forward to when DS was 12-18 mos (I can't remember exact age). We were trying to transition him to a toddler bed set up in a small alcove in our room. For some reason, he started dragging the dogs bed into the toddler bed and sleeping in it!

Appropriately horrified, we tried everything to convince him not to. As anyone with that age child can tell you, that didn't work so, to make it slightly better (?), DH went and bought said child a brand new dogbed, which he happily slept in on his own bed. Yes, that's right -- our child slept in a dog bed.

Knowing that we were taking him on his first multiple day trip to the Grand Cali and also knowing that he tended to reject the unfamiliar at that age, we realized quickly that we had no real choice but to drag the darn dogbed with us.

So, we drive up to the valet and open the hatchback for bell services (suddenly the giant cooler, fan, and mountain of luggage doesn't seem all that bad) and tell the bellman that everything goes with us. He starts pulling everything out and loading the cart, until just the dog bed is remaining. He goes to write the ticket and DH has to say "we need the dog bed too". Bellman looks around (no doubt wondering where the dog is) and dutifully pulls out the dog bed and puts it on the cart looking confused but not saying a word. Trying to make things better, DH says "we don't have a dog. Our son just likes to sleep in it.". Although he might have been considering calling Child Protective Services, bellman just nodded and loaded it on the cart.

So yes, they have seen it all. Feel better?

That is definitely very close to seeing it all . Great story, thanks for sharing .

 

[trishadono]

I have a friend that ALWAYS has a story to make you feel better, so in his honor, I present this:

We are DLR vets and always stay at the Grand Californian. Since we always drive, we belong to the "Kitchen Sink Club" bringing everything from a large cooler to a box fan, along with four times the luggage needed for our average trip. Bell Services has never batted an eye. Definitely seen luggage carts with similar contents to what you describe.

Fast forward to when DS was 12-18 mos (I can't remember exact age). We were trying to transition him to a toddler bed set up in a small alcove in our room. For some reason, he started dragging the dogs bed into the toddler bed and sleeping in it!

Appropriately horrified, we tried everything to convince him not to. As anyone with that age child can tell you, that didn't work so, to make it slightly better (?), DH went and bought said child a brand new dogbed, which he happily slept in on his own bed. Yes, that's right -- our child slept in a dog bed.

Knowing that we were taking him on his first multiple day trip to the Grand Cali and also knowing that he tended to reject the unfamiliar at that age, we realized quickly that we had no real choice but to drag the darn dogbed with us.

So, we drive up to the valet and open the hatchback for bell services (suddenly the giant cooler, fan, and mountain of luggage doesn't seem all that bad) and tell the bellman that everything goes with us. He starts pulling everything out and loading the cart, until just the dog bed is remaining. He goes to write the ticket and DH has to say "we need the dog bed too". Bellman looks around (no doubt wondering where the dog is) and dutifully pulls out the dog bed and puts it on the cart looking confused but not saying a word. Trying to make things better, DH says "we don't have a dog. Our son just likes to sleep in it.". Although he might have been considering calling Child Protective Services, bellman just nodded and loaded it on the cart.

So yes, they have seen it all. Feel better?

Love it

I have seen many items on the carts at check in when we wait for magical express. Many, many items.

 

[BlueSkies]

OMG cattywampus.... ...your post literally had me LOL!!!

The things that we do for our kids...As for you husband explaining to the bellman about the bed........ .....

Just thinking of your story is going to make me chuckle all day....

Thanks for sharing it!

MickeyNut Who me??? Planning another trip?? Maybe..sorta..kinda...lol....

 

[100acreHiker]

So....I know you are all going to tell me I am crazy..I am starting to regret moving from WL to GF...we love WL but the construction was just too much.

Did we do the right thing? Mind you, through all of this I am studying for the MCAT and hopefully will be applying if I actually do well enough....but I have a little ways to go I think it's messing with my head!!! We were hoping to celebrate a good score when we get there

We switched from WL, too, but we stayed at GF last visit two years ago and just loved it. The service is great, the amenities are fantastic, and having access to the monorail can't be beat. It's just a lovely place.

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut Who me??? Planning another trip?? Maybe..sorta..kinda...lol....

I think I know you well enough to know that you might be doing a little scheming

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

We switched from WL, too, but we stayed at GF last visit two years ago and just loved it. The service is great, the amenities are fantastic, and having access to the monorail can't be beat. It's just a lovely place.

Yes I am looking forward to the monorail!

 

[sharksfinatic17]

Leaving tomorrow...I should start packing.

 

[jrj]

Right back atcha

What a great experience!!! Yeah, Chicago is a great city .....and the Bulls are awesome . Agreed

I have to admit, Monday night football is a draw . I'm sure I will watch it as my DH and other DS like watching football, but basketball will take precedence during the time both sports overlap . ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

LOL on your DH being worried about you not wanting to stay anywhere else once you stay RPC. I wouldn't be surprised if HE won't want to stay anywhere else after your stay .Exactly that's what he should be concerned about and probably what he was secretly trying to say

 

[misskerri]

So....I know you are all going to tell me I am crazy..I am starting to regret moving from WL to GF...we love WL but the construction was just too much.

Did we do the right thing? Mind you, through all of this I am studying for the MCAT and hopefully will be applying if I actually do well enough....but I have a little ways to go I think it's messing with my head!!! We were hoping to celebrate a good score when we get there

There are times when I regret deciding to make the move from WL, as well. I was so excited for the kids to have those bunk beds! But we couldn't resist the free upgrade to the GF (well, my husband couldn't, anway...I was still leaning towards taking the $50/night credit to stay at WL), and so here we are. I am cautiously looking forward to it, since we probably never would have sprung for a room at a monorail resort, otherwise. I figure we'll just go to Yellowstone at some point, and stay at Old Faithful Inn, which is the lodge that WL is modeled after.

 

[abk96]

I have a friend that ALWAYS has a story to make you feel better, so in his honor, I present this:

We are DLR vets and always stay at the Grand Californian. Since we always drive, we belong to the "Kitchen Sink Club" bringing everything from a large cooler to a box fan, along with four times the luggage needed for our average trip. Bell Services has never batted an eye. Definitely seen luggage carts with similar contents to what you describe.

Fast forward to when DS was 12-18 mos (I can't remember exact age). We were trying to transition him to a toddler bed set up in a small alcove in our room. For some reason, he started dragging the dogs bed into the toddler bed and sleeping in it!

Appropriately horrified, we tried everything to convince him not to. As anyone with that age child can tell you, that didn't work so, to make it slightly better (?), DH went and bought said child a brand new dogbed, which he happily slept in on his own bed. Yes, that's right -- our child slept in a dog bed.

Knowing that we were taking him on his first multiple day trip to the Grand Cali and also knowing that he tended to reject the unfamiliar at that age, we realized quickly that we had no real choice but to drag the darn dogbed with us.

So, we drive up to the valet and open the hatchback for bell services (suddenly the giant cooler, fan, and mountain of luggage doesn't seem all that bad) and tell the bellman that everything goes with us. He starts pulling everything out and loading the cart, until just the dog bed is remaining. He goes to write the ticket and DH has to say "we need the dog bed too". Bellman looks around (no doubt wondering where the dog is) and dutifully pulls out the dog bed and puts it on the cart looking confused but not saying a word. Trying to make things better, DH says "we don't have a dog. Our son just likes to sleep in it.". Although he might have been considering calling Child Protective Services, bellman just nodded and loaded it on the cart.

So yes, they have seen it all. Feel better?

That is so cute and hysterical all at the same time! Love stories like this.


Thanks Blue! I'm so excited and all packed. I'll take lots of pictures for all the GF fans here.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Well, I'm going to try to answer/comment on a few posts, if I can stop laughing long enough to wipe the tears from my eyes! cattywampus, your story takes the cake - hysterical!! I, too, will be laughing all day.

You are most welcome! You are sooo right, you are going to have a hard time going back after seeing gay Par-ee...or, I mean, RPC!

Looking forward to your trip report and photos.

....
I don't want to wish my summer away, but can't wait to return to GF in August for 2 weeks our first stay at GF was last August for only 2 nights to see if we liked it. We did a split stay with YC. GF! We didn't want to leave!

Ohhh, I can so relate! I just said this same thing to DD, I am so looking forward to our YC trip next month but don't want to wish our summer away.

This is exactly why we drive too! So we can bring everything. With a 2,000 mile roundtrip and 3 kids 4 and under our SUV will be full!

Sounds like your family is very similar to ours - 3 kids with 4 years between them. We have a 2300 mile r/t drive from here in Mid-Mo, and oh, what a fun time we had all those years of family trips.

Going to either stay two or three nights next September 2015. I booked a standard room at the RPL Club at the GF. I have looked through this thread. Rather long so I am asking this. If it is okay

Welcome! You've already gotten great answers, but I wanted to say - absolutely, ask any questions!! It's what why we are here.

You're going to love RPC, no matter which room category you choose. In my opinion, the GF rooms are pretty big anyway, so if you want to save the extra charges, just keep your std. room. Very pretty views and none are far from the lounge.

....
I'm with you, k&a&c'smom, on the new rooms. While not totally turned off by them (it is, after all, the Grand! ), I like the decor of the VGF much better!

I know - I so wish we had gotten that color scheme and general look in the resort rooms. Little did I know at the time!

Good luck with your date search.

Tomorrow is the day I am trying to get last minute errands completed around my work schedule and tidy up the house. I am hoping that our bad luck will turn around once we are actually ON vacation..... As if my fractured left foot isn't enough, DH hurt his leg playing softball on Sunday (hopefully just muscular but he is very sore and has bruises and scrapes) and youngest DD just got her first visit from "Aunt Flo" yesterday. Sigh...I am cautiously awaiting for "what will happen today"...LOL Oh well, can't worry about what I can't control but it does make me want to wrap up my family in bubble wrap until we arrive

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday

O.M.G. Another injury?!? And your DD. I don't blame you for wanting to use bubble wrap!! You poor thing, I hope this is the dark before the dawn and from here on out, everything goes smoothly for you and your family and you have the best trip ever!

.... She took it in stride. Didn't bother her. If that's the worst thing that happens in her life, then she's doing great!

Paid in full as of this morning!!! 86 days to go!!!!!!!!!

So....I know you are all going to tell me I am crazy..I am starting to regret moving from WL to GF...we love WL but the construction was just too much.

Did we do the right thing? Mind you, through all of this I am studying for the MCAT and hopefully will be applying if I actually do well enough....but I have a little ways to go I think it's messing with my head!!! We were hoping to celebrate a good score when we get there

I can't tell you if you did the right thing, and I certainly understand your regret at having to switch from a beloved resort. With the MCAT (good luck, btw) stress, it's no wonder.

I think you will love the GF.

Leaving tomorrow...I should start packing.

Tomorrow!! Wooohooo!!! Safe travels - and yes, get that packing done. HAHAHA!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....


k&a&c'smom I really can't wait to stay in a renovated room and experience the changes first hand...Hopefully that will be sooner than later... lol...


....
Hope that all of my fellow GF groupies..( pas I always think of you since you "coined" that phrase ...when I type those words!! lol..) are having a terrific Tuesday!!! preppy GF gal who still has not gotten a BOG dinner ressie!

I hope it is sooner than later, too.

Sorry about the BOG reservation, good luck!

 

[JaimeK]

Question - about how long does it take to get to GF on ME? What's the average and what's the best/worst case?

My family is arriving in the morning but my mother is flying in and arriving at Orlando at 4:30pm. At that time I think she'll need to pick up her own luggage right? (Or it might arrive pretty late?) I'm trying to figure out dinner reservation plans
Thanks!

 

[disney meema]

I have a friend that ALWAYS has a story to make you feel better, so in his honor, I present this: We are DLR vets and always stay at the Grand Californian. Since we always drive, we belong to the "Kitchen Sink Club" bringing everything from a large cooler to a box fan, along with four times the luggage needed for our average trip. Bell Services has never batted an eye. Definitely seen luggage carts with similar contents to what you describe. Fast forward to when DS was 12-18 mos (I can't remember exact age). We were trying to transition him to a toddler bed set up in a small alcove in our room. For some reason, he started dragging the dogs bed into the toddler bed and sleeping in it! Appropriately horrified, we tried everything to convince him not to. As anyone with that age child can tell you, that didn't work so, to make it slightly better (?), DH went and bought said child a brand new dogbed, which he happily slept in on his own bed. Yes, that's right -- our child slept in a dog bed. Knowing that we were taking him on his first multiple day trip to the Grand Cali and also knowing that he tended to reject the unfamiliar at that age, we realized quickly that we had no real choice but to drag the darn dogbed with us. So, we drive up to the valet and open the hatchback for bell services (suddenly the giant cooler, fan, and mountain of luggage doesn't seem all that bad) and tell the bellman that everything goes with us. He starts pulling everything out and loading the cart, until just the dog bed is remaining. He goes to write the ticket and DH has to say "we need the dog bed too". Bellman looks around (no doubt wondering where the dog is) and dutifully pulls out the dog bed and puts it on the cart looking confused but not saying a word. Trying to make things better, DH says "we don't have a dog. Our son just likes to sleep in it.". Although he might have been considering calling Child Protective Services, bellman just nodded and loaded it on the cart. So yes, they have seen it all. Feel better?

Oh my goodness lol what a great story ( love it ) and yeah the bell hops have seen it all at most hotels and especially when people drive. We just styled 3 days in Las Vegas at the Paris hotel and now headed to Disneyland at the Grand ... We have a cooler since my husband is a diabetic and I am a have to have my pillow and quilt person. I bought a few years back a big zipper bag just for my 2 pillows and quilt. The cooler we don't take when we fly but my pillow/blanket bag is a must have : )

 

[jerseygal]

Our adult older son took DME a day after we arrived and arrived in the evening....He physically retrieved his checked bag and brought it on the bus...

As for your mother, another option might be, pack a carryon bag for anything else she may need for the evening and save her some "muscle power" and time waiting for the baggage carousel and have her luggage brought to her room later in the evening. I have read that Bell Services will bring it to your room even if you are not present in the room!

Good Luck!