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

[Sue M]

60 days until we check into Sugar Loaf!

I got an email from IPO this evening that requested I send any reservations I booked myself so that they can be included in my "personalized itinerary." What exactly is the personalized itinerary, and is it useful? Will it just be a printout at the beginning of the trip, or is it something that I can use daily? I have some ADRs and a Keys to the Kingdom tour booked, so I'll let them know about those, but should I also list my FP+? It would be nice to have a daily printout in case the app is inaccessible, but I'm not sure this level of detail is included in the itinerary..? I honestly don't even remember getting this in WL CL...

And while I'm here, anyone taken the Keys to the Kingdom tour? I've heard mixed reviews -- some friends have said it's too much walking and were disappointed with the "inside scoop", and some absolutely raved.

I got one from AKL CL. It's a print out of all your reservations. Before we go to the park I take a screen shot of my FP+ page in My Plans. I find getting wifi at the parks past noon was near to impossible. And because I incur roaming charges using data, etc I rely on wifi. And my phone roams on AT&T, so you'd think it would be good as it's the official wdw carrier

 

[Sue M]

I don't think the order is set bec last year we stayed at WL and we were not first.

Hi Mamabear The buses come and go all day - as soon as one reaches a certain number, it leaves. Last time we got stuck because our bus was empty so we waited about 20 min before leaving.

I think they change order too, when we stayed at Poly we were dropped off first!!

Hi MaggiesMom! and thanks everyone. I'd think that even it it took 3 hours we'd be there by 2...still plenty of time to jump in a cab to make a 3:15 at HBD. I just may risk it.

(It frees up a whole day for us later in our week after MVMCP, so if the kids are really tired that day it will be nice to not have to drag them away from the pool to make a 3:15 early dinner in HS.)

I doubt it will take that long. Shouldn't take longer then 1.5 hrs to get to resort.

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi, Blue...welcome back! Hope your enjoyed your vacation~...even tho it was not WDW! Missed you on here.

I'm in awe too, of all the details some of you can give newbies to the GF! Room configurations and room numbers too...wow!

Ms tom, we've done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and while I loved it, my sister didn't like "knowing too much"...she felt like it took away some of the "magic". I still feel the Magic!! It's a great tour, and especially if you like Disney trivia! I'd do it again...

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Just finished a short 4 night stay at WL and starting the countdown for 10 days at GF RPC! I prefer the brighter rooms of the GF to WL but DH is a "cave dweller" and loved the darker décor at WL.

We did have Tea in the Citricos area and it was wonderful as always. The later you have reservations, the more rushed the service will seem as they need to clear out by 4 pm for the dinner service. I am looking forward to our October reservation back in the Tea Room itself!

2 months 16 days and counting down!




Liz

 

[Raya]

Can I put special room requests (quiet location, balcony) in MDE or do I need to call? If calling is required, when should I do that?

And, since ya'll are just so great, how should I handle special requests for dining? Call a week before? Call now?

I'm shamelessly bumping this in hopes of getting an answer.

 

[trishadono]

I'm shamelessly bumping this in hopes of getting an answer.

Sorry!

You can call at any time for your requests to be noted on your reservation.

The online requests can be put in at 60 days prior.

I have a screenshot of the online checkin at home but not with me. The choices are pretty generic. Building, upper floor or lower floor. You can pick 2 but there is a box to check if you prefer an early check in to override the others.

I like Sago for quiet myself.

Not sure about dining request, hopefully someone else can pop in here or try the dining thread.

 

[WDWKOOK]

My apologies if this has already been posted here, (I'm sure it has since it's from May). This is a charming Disney Parks interview with Richard the GF Greeter.





I took this from the monorail last month:


I hope that everyone is having a sensational summer

​

 

[Cjones13]

Anyone stay in the new villas recently?

 

[trishadono]

Anyone stay in the new villas recently?

January

 

[trishadono]

Thanks KOOK

 

[mickeynut1]

Been reading along just not posting

Hi ahcupcake ....hope things are going well with you .

Great detailed information, thanks for posting .

Hello fellow GF fans...Its been a bit and I am trying to catch up....

Hi MickeyNut , k&a&c'smom, mommyGina, Candy, pas and all the rest of my fellow GF fans...

Hi Blue

Thanks to everyone for the through responses! As always, you on the Dis know more than those at the resorts. (Or at least those at resort IPO.)

I agree, these boards are a wealth of information .

I love this thread, and I'm amazed at how much knowledge there is here about the GF!

And while I'm here, anyone taken the Keys to the Kingdom tour? I've heard mixed reviews -- some friends have said it's too much walking and were disappointed with the "inside scoop", and some absolutely raved.

We haven't done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, but that's always been one that has caught my interest. Would love for you to report back about it if you try it .

I'm in awe too, of all the details some of you can give newbies to the GF! Room configurations and room numbers too...wow!

Ms tom, we've done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and while I loved it, my sister didn't like "knowing too much"...she felt like it took away some of the "magic". I still feel the Magic!! It's a great tour, and especially if you like Disney trivia! I'd do it again...

I agree, some of the posters on this thread give such detailed information .

Glad to hear you loved the tour. We are considering it when we go back next summer .

Just finished a short 4 night stay at WL and starting the countdown for 10 days at GF RPC! I prefer the brighter rooms of the GF to WL but DH is a "cave dweller" and loved the darker décor at WL.

We did have Tea in the Citricos area and it was wonderful as always. The later you have reservations, the more rushed the service will seem as they need to clear out by 4 pm for the dinner service. I am looking forward to our October reservation back in the Tea Room itself!

2 months 16 days and counting down!



Liz

Have a great trip and enjoy RPC .

My apologies if this has already been posted here, (I'm sure it has since it's from May). This is a charming Disney Parks interview with Richard the GF Greeter.

I took this from the monorail last month​

Thanks for posting the video. I love Richard, he is such a sweet man .

Also, I love the pic .

Anyone stay in the new villas recently?

We've never stayed in the villas, but I'm sure others have. Hopefully they will post about their experience .

 

[CocosMeme]

Yea - countdown time - in exactly 4 weeks we check in at the
VGF (I bedroom, lake view)! Can't wait.

 

[mickeynut1]

Yea - countdown time - in exactly 4 weeks we check in at the
VGF (I bedroom, lake view)! Can't wait.

 

[trishadono]

Yea - countdown time - in exactly 4 weeks we check in at the
VGF (I bedroom, lake view)! Can't wait.

If you haven't seen this yet it is a very helpful thread.

We absolutely loved the lake view

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3192814

 

[disney meema]

My apologies if this has already been posted here, (I'm sure it has since it's from May). This is a charming Disney Parks interview with Richard the GF Greeter. I took this from the monorail last month: http://s621.photobucket.com/user/WDWKOOK/media/CR 6-2014/IMG_1585.jpg.html I hope that everyone is having a sensational summer

Thanks Kook!
Great interview with Richard and he is right he is like the grandfather that many have lost ... He's incredible and well spoken for his age : ) We have many pictures of him with us from the early 90's through 2012 and so looking forward to seeing him again this year. I always wonder when he'll retire and glad to see him well and still at the grand, made my day!

 

[jacknsally19]

Hi everyone! I'm so excited for our upcoming trip to the Grand Floridian. I'm taking my mom for her birthday along with my 2 year old DD. We are going to be their the last week of October - so we will be there for Halloween.

I was planning on staying at the CR but when the fall rates came out, it ended up being less for CL at GF so I made the switch. I think its going to be great.

Does anyone have experience being at the GF for Halloween? I was planning on having my DD dress up and do a little trick or treating at CR but if they have something similar at GF - I may stay here. If so, I was thinking of stalking a reservation for 1900 Park Fare for Halloween night. I was planning to do Akerhaus the night before but maybe Park Fare would be a better choice especially if my DD will be dressed as a Princess. (Up in the air - she's a pretty big fan of pirates but also loves Pocahontas) After reading through much of this board, everyone seems so lovely - I thought you'd have some insight. Thanks in advance.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hi everyone! I'm so excited for our upcoming trip to the Grand Floridian. I'm taking my mom for her birthday along with my 2 year old DD. We are going to be their the last week of October - so we will be there for Halloween.

I was planning on staying at the CR but when the fall rates came out, it ended up being less for CL at GF so I made the switch. I think its going to be great.

Does anyone have experience being at the GF for Halloween? I was planning on having my DD dress up and do a little trick or treating at CR but if they have something similar at GF - I may stay here. If so, I was thinking of stalking a reservation for 1900 Park Fare for Halloween night. I was planning to do Akerhaus the night before but maybe Park Fare would be a better choice especially if my DD will be dressed as a Princess. (Up in the air - she's a pretty big fan of pirates but also loves Pocahontas) After reading through much of this board, everyone seems so lovely - I thought you'd have some insight. Thanks in advance.

I've been at the GF for 2 halloweens and we had a blast -- costumes and all (including me!). They had really nice party in the courtyard by the Marina and gave out tons of candy and had a DJ, etc. It was a blast for the little one.

Tom

 

[BlueSkies]

Just wanted to stop by and say 134 days until we are at the Grand Floridian! Not that I'm counting... Ha!

I love this thread, and I'm amazed at how much knowledge there is here about the GF!

..the time will fly! Totally agree about the thread..so many helpful and knowleable posters....

60 days until we check into Sugar Loaf!

I got an email from IPO this evening that requested I send any reservations I booked myself so that they can be included in my "personalized itinerary." What exactly is the personalized itinerary, and is it useful? Will it just be a printout at the beginning of the trip, or is it something that I can use daily? I have some ADRs and a Keys to the Kingdom tour booked, so I'll let them know about those, but should I also list my FP+? It would be nice to have a daily printout in case the app is inaccessible, but I'm not sure this level of detail is included in the itinerary..? I honestly don't even remember getting this in WL CL...

And while I'm here, anyone taken the Keys to the Kingdom tour? I've heard mixed reviews -- some friends have said it's too much walking and were disappointed with the "inside scoop", and some absolutely raved.

Sorry no help about the tour from me..but we have been talking about taking this too....But we never can seem to decide when to do it..and then just fore go it in favor of regular park time...

Usually IPO has merged any ressies that we have booked ourselves right onto our itinerary?? When you check in you will get a print out of your complete itinerary...it includes reservation numbers as well... just some thing that you receive then though..not daily... I usually keep it tucked into m "park" bag..just in case...lol...

Hi, Blue...welcome back! Hope your enjoyed your vacation~...even tho it was not WDW! Missed you on here.

I'm in awe too, of all the details some of you can give newbies to the GF! Room configurations and room numbers too...wow!

Ms tom, we've done the Keys to the Kingdom tour, and while I loved it, my sister didn't like "knowing too much"...she felt like it took away some of the "magic". I still feel the Magic!! It's a great tour, and especially if you like Disney trivia! I'd do it again...

Thanks for the warm welcome back grannyminnie .. missed being around here too! Everyone once in a while I have to agree to "other" types of vacations to keep my DH appeased..lol.. Although I am not compalining..sitting pooolside reading and relaxing is not a bad way to spend a few days....

Thanks for the KTTK info.. DD and I are gonna do this eventually... We love all of the trivia too...

Just finished a short 4 night stay at WL and starting the countdown for 10 days at GF RPC! I prefer the brighter rooms of the GF to WL but DH is a "cave dweller" and loved the darker décor at WL.

We did have Tea in the Citricos area and it was wonderful as always. The later you have reservations, the more rushed the service will seem as they need to clear out by 4 pm for the dinner service. I am looking forward to our October reservation back in the Tea Room itself!

2 months 16 days and counting down!




Liz

Thanks for sharing your tea expereince at Citrico's Liz.. Two months and 16 days!!! The time will fly!

I'm shamelessly bumping this in hopes of getting an answer.

Sorry Raya... I dont know why but I feel like I might have answered this before..??? lol...I would add any request to your resort reservation ASAP by calling CRO...and put what is most important first...If you want a quiet location I would suggest Conch ( marina view) or Sago.. all rooms have balconies..one significant difference is that dormer rooms have a smaller enclosed balcony..might also be quieter?? As for dining request..not sure what you mean...request due to allergies...you generally can make mention of that when you arrive at a particular restaurant...

Yea - countdown time - in exactly 4 weeks we check in at the
VGF (I bedroom, lake view)! Can't wait.

Hi everyone! I'm so excited for our upcoming trip to the Grand Floridian. I'm taking my mom for her birthday along with my 2 year old DD. We are going to be their the last week of October - so we will be there for Halloween.

I was planning on staying at the CR but when the fall rates came out, it ended up being less for CL at GF so I made the switch. I think its going to be great.

Does anyone have experience being at the GF for Halloween? I was planning on having my DD dress up and do a little trick or treating at CR but if they have something similar at GF - I may stay here. If so, I was thinking of stalking a reservation for 1900 Park Fare for Halloween night. I was planning to do Akerhaus the night before but maybe Park Fare would be a better choice especially if my DD will be dressed as a Princess. (Up in the air - she's a pretty big fan of pirates but also loves Pocahontas) After reading through much of this board, everyone seems so lovely - I thought you'd have some insight. Thanks in advance.

Congratulations on booking the GF!!

While I have been during Halloween a few times the last few years I dont recollect what special activities are around the resort on that day... We always go to the MNSSHP to trick or treat..not sure if that might be a consideration..but it is very cool to be in the MK on Halloween itself...people go all out...lots of wow factor...

KOOK Thanks! We have many pictures of the kids with Richard over the years .. He is awesome!

MickeyNut KTTK tour...hmmmm..think that we are going to have to add this to our things we want to do on our trip list!

~ I am thinking there are alot of Disney shoppers around here.... ..and I did wanted to mention that The Yankee Trader shop in the MK is being turned into a Haunted Mansion merchandise location...and carry clothing..home goods..and lots of other spooky stuff...lol...I am sure it will be worth looking into!

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Thursday.. preppy GF gal who cannot just be a Poly and needs to do a split stay.....lol...

Over on my smilies yet again...wonder if I hold a record..lol...

 

[Scott MC]

Hi GF Family!
We will be at GF for 2 nights after 8 nights at Beach & Yacht. We are thinking of spending our last day around the resort and getting in some good pool time. Is there a convenient place to shower and change after the pool, but before the flight? Our flight isn't until evening and check-out will be by 11.
Thanks!

 

[disney meema]

Thanks blue skies for the shopping info. I like the idea of Yankee candle becoming a haunted mansion themed store : ) Just got back for Disneyland yesterday and I saw a "Rest in Peace" pillow in a haunted mansion themed store and wish I had bought it now ... I was on a frozen buying bonanza and now that I'm home I wish I had that purple pillow to put out at Halloween on a sofa. I'm sure they'll have it at WDW : )