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

[yce22princess]

I just watched that interview with Richard the GF greeter and did indeed find it charming! (thanks, Kook for bringing that to our attention) He is such a special part of our GF stays... Mickeynut, I had to smile when you mentioned those sugar cookies in the GF lounges. Reminded me of how ahcupcake always mentions them! I love 'em too. Not a choc. chip cookie person, so they fit the bill for me!

We chatted with Richard for a while when we were there a few weeks ago! He took some pictures with us too. He's awesome!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Hello

Can't believe our trip is right around the corner .

Looking for some opinions: I don't normally do online check-in, not sure why, but I kind of like checking in the "old fashion" way and since this is a new resort for us, I really want to stop and take it all in . But, for those who do, do you find any advantage of doing so? Does it increase the chances of your room being ready or getting your requests met?

Normally, I could care less if our room is ready upon arrival and the only request we made was Boca Chica, upper floor. If we were to get another bldg., I'd survive but if I was given a ground floor, that's where I would not be happy - you know, the whole thought of slithering creatures? Yeah, not for me .

So online check-in or no? Would love to hear from those who have and to hear your experience. Any real advantage?

Oh and did I mention that DH was diagnosed yesterday with Plantar Fasciitis ? Yup, 12 days before we leave no less!! I swear this year just keeps getting better and better in our household

I have to keep telling myself "pretty soon and we'll be at our happy place". "12 more days", "pretty soon", "12 more days"

 

[6264EVER]

Hi all!! Anyone book for next year yet at the GF?

I did. Booked for March 21 to 28 theme park view. Rates increase surprised me. Same room during peak season in 2014 was $799 during the week and $876 during weekend. 2015 rates for same category are $879 during the week and $962 during the weekend. Still peak season. Easter week is almost $1,000 for weekday.

Our last big GF trip was four years ago. Seven nights (same room category rack rate) eight days park passes with hopper, photo pass, and dining plan was $200 LESS then what I was quoted for rack rate for six nights, seven days, memory maker, hopper and water park option and NO dining plan.

Now I have never paid rack rate on any trip, however, when I compared these two I can only think that this could pay for 1 1/2 years of junior college..

 

[goofy4prez]

Hi all!! Anyone book for next year yet at the GF?

We are booked for seven nights and arrive June 16th. We are new DVC members and our home resort is the GFV. We will be in a deluxe studio with a lake view

 

[Sue M]

Hello

Can't believe our trip is right around the corner .

Looking for some opinions: I don't normally do online check-in, not sure why, but I kind of like checking in the "old fashion" way and since this is a new resort for us, I really want to stop and take it all in . But, for those who do, do you find any advantage of doing so? Does it increase the chances of your room being ready or getting your requests met?

Normally, I could care less if our room is ready upon arrival and the only request we made was Boca Chica, upper floor. If we were to get another bldg., I'd survive but if I was given a ground floor, that's where I would not be happy - you know, the whole thought of slithering creatures? Yeah, not for me .

So online check-in or no? Would love to hear from those who have and to hear your experience. Any real advantage?

Oh and did I mention that DH was diagnosed yesterday with Plantar Fasciitis ? Yup, 12 days before we leave no less!! I swear this year just keeps getting better and better in our household

I have to keep telling myself "pretty soon and we'll be at our happy place". "12 more days", "pretty soon", "12 more days"

I always have my room requests noted on my reservation, we like Boca too. If you've put upper floor, you may get a dormer room. Depending how you feel about them, some like them, I don't. I don't like the solid balcony wall. You can't see anything sitting down. Except a solid wall. And balcony is tiny. So I ask for non dormer room!

For years I was resistant to online check in, but last 2 years have done it. It's been fine. I don't know if it increases your chance of requests being met, as I always have them noted on reservation. It does give them an idea of when you'll be arriving.

Poor DH! He can get some insoles that take the pressure off for his shoes. And some sandals are very cushy, and supportive. Sole is a good one.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks a lot! Good to know!
My fingers are twitching to book FP+ for our last day, but my gut says, "It'll be day 11...you're gonna be tired...relax!"

I hear you!! We have a 6:55 flight. Decided to book a 10:00 breakfast, at GF Cafe to give me time to do last minute packing before I do bag check in. Then we did book FPs for MK . But we do have some built in resort days, and always take mid day break for some pool time!

But if we decide to do resort day, on last day, my girlfriend will be there too, and so we can use her room to shower & change!

 

[BlueSkies]

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!

I know that your question has been answered...just wanted to say again that your plans sounds just wonderful!

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 : )

You are welcome disney meema I have gotten some great Halloween decorations in the last couple of years in the Christmas Shop at the MK...glad there willjust be a dedicated store..The pillow sounds adorable...There is a merchandise number that you can call (dont know the DL#..sorry) after you have left the parks to purchase things that you didnt get while you were in the parks... You might want to give them a call...sounds like you "need" that pillow...

Thanks again for the queen deluxe room numbers. I've been told (we'll see if it's true) that the deluxe category is EITHER king or two queens, and that's left to the discretion of room assigners based on party size. Also, that the only deluxe rooms with the theme park view are on the, quote, "hidden second floor." Are those all the regular-sized rooms with whirlpool tubs, formerly known as "honeymoon suites"? Just wondering since I'd love a theme park view, but prefer extra space to the view. Need to know whether to request view or, conversely, anything BUT the second-floor rooms if we want one of the larger deluxe options.

Besides the king deluxe room (specific bookable category as Baler has said) the only other RPC rooms with a TPV are the RPC TPV rooms...also a bookable category...these too are standard sized rooms...but with two queen beds and a daybed...

Unless it has changed very recently, that is not correct. You either book a King Deluxe or a Queen Deluxe. The reservation code for King Deluxe is BP and for Queen Deluxe it is BO. If reservations cannot locate the room type (I have had that happen a lot) give them the codes. Only the King Deluxe can be booked online, you must call to book the queen deluxe.

It is correct that the only deluxe rooms with a TPV are King Deluxes on the 2nd floor that are the same size as a standard room with a whirlpool tub. Personally, we will always choose extra space.

I will try to report back on what happens for the queen deluxe after our stay for the Villians Party. We have a short 2 night stay booked in a queen deluxe then.

I don't think that anything has changed either Baler...Thanks for the detailed and accurate info!! I find it so interesting that you can book the deluxe king rooms on line..but not the queen???

Thanks Mickeynut1! I've been trying to catch up on the thread. We've been away at Ohio at a National Fine Arts competition. Finally sometime to relax and read the Dis .

Welcome back davale...Hope the competition went well...

Hi all!! Anyone book for next year yet at the GF?

Hi MommyG We didn't book yet..but are planning a late January trip for 2015...Hoping that there will be a BB available to book during our next trip though...

We are booked for seven nights and arrive June 16th. We are new DVC members and our home resort is the GFV. We will be in a deluxe studio with a lake view

How nice!! Those studios are lovely! So is the view!

grannyminnie Any luck with changing the dates of your ressie..I am hoping that they will over lap with ours...

Alixalock 20 days!!!!!

6264EVER Congrats on your 2015 booking! TPV...how nice!! Yep those rates go up every single year...wouldn't it be nice if they went down once in a while.... LOL...

k&a&c'smom Hope all is well... Its been a bit...Miss you around here!!!

~ Theme park happenings... I think that the People Mover is due to reopen any day now!! We sure missed that on our last trip...But Astro Orbiter as been delayed a bit..ok with me..not really a fan...lol...and CoP is going down for a week too..wonder what they will be doing with that...this is a classic IMO..but is really in need of some up dating...Maybe they will finally up date that Christmas scene!!!

Hope that everyone in having a fab Friday!!! preppy GF gal who hopes she is not over on her smilies again...

 

[davale4]

Unless it has changed very recently, that is not correct. You either book a King Deluxe or a Queen Deluxe. The reservation code for King Deluxe is BP and for Queen Deluxe it is BO. If reservations cannot locate the room type (I have had that happen a lot) give them the codes. Only the King Deluxe can be booked online, you must call to book the queen deluxe.

It is correct that the only deluxe rooms with a TPV are King Deluxes on the 2nd floor that are the same size as a standard room with a whirlpool tub. Personally, we will always choose extra space.

I will try to report back on what happens for the queen deluxe after our stay for the Villians Party. We have a short 2 night stay booked in a queen deluxe then.

This is my understanding as well. We have a queen deluxe booked and will be there in 16 days. When ever we can book a queen deluxe in RPC, we go for it. Love the extra space .

 

[mickeynut1]

Mickeynut, I had to smile when you mentioned those sugar cookies in the GF lounges. Reminded me of how ahcupcake always mentions them! I love 'em too. Not a choc. chip cookie person, so they fit the bill for me!

I'm not a chocolate chip cookie person either, but those sugar cookies get me every time....they are sooo hard to resist .

20 days and counting until we arrive! Deluxe dining ... all kinds of cool stuff planned ... I am over the moon excited!!!

You will be there before you know it. Hope you have a great trip .

Hello

Can't believe our trip is right around the corner .

Looking for some opinions: I don't normally do online check-in, not sure why, but I kind of like checking in the "old fashion" way and since this is a new resort for us, I really want to stop and take it all in . But, for those who do, do you find any advantage of doing so? Does it increase the chances of your room being ready or getting your requests met?

Normally, I could care less if our room is ready upon arrival and the only request we made was Boca Chica, upper floor. If we were to get another bldg., I'd survive but if I was given a ground floor, that's where I would not be happy - you know, the whole thought of slithering creatures? Yeah, not for me .

So online check-in or no? Would love to hear from those who have and to hear your experience. Any real advantage?

Oh and did I mention that DH was diagnosed yesterday with Plantar Fasciitis ? Yup, 12 days before we leave no less!! I swear this year just keeps getting better and better in our household

I have to keep telling myself "pretty soon and we'll be at our happy place". "12 more days", "pretty soon", "12 more days"

It won't be long before you're checking into the GF .

We've never done OCI as I like doing that in person at the resort, but from what I understand, OCI doesn't give you any advantage of getting requests met. If you get assigned a room that you don't like (i.e., ground floor), you can always ask if a different room is available, although that kind of defeats the purpose of OCI (IMO).

Booked for March 21 to 28 theme park view. Rates increase surprised me. Same room during peak season in 2014 was $799 during the week and $876 during weekend. 2015 rates for same category are $879 during the week and $962 during the weekend. Still peak season. Easter week is almost $1,000 for weekday.

Our last big GF trip was four years ago. Seven nights (same room category rack rate) eight days park passes with hopper, photo pass, and dining plan was $200 LESS then what I was quoted for rack rate for six nights, seven days, memory maker, hopper and water park option and NO dining plan.

Now I have never paid rack rate on any trip, however, when I compared these two I can only think that this could pay for 1 1/2 years of junior college..

Congrats on booking for next year . I hear you about the 2015 rates. I did some pricing for January, as well as next July, and the rates are definitely up there .

We are booked for seven nights and arrive June 16th. We are new DVC members and our home resort is the GFV. We will be in a deluxe studio with a lake view

How exciting . I'm sure you will have a great time!!!

'k&a&c'smom Hope all is well... Its been a bit...Miss you around here!!!

I also hope all is well. I agree you are missed around here, hope you are able to come back soon .

 

[Jennygt]

I was again looking at the new refurb rooms, I don't see any real drawers? Am I missing something or is it just those little guys in the tv stand? Is there any shelving in the closet? I know I must be missing the storage somewhere , right?

 

[Ferrentinos]

I was again looking at the new refurb rooms, I don't see any real drawers? Am I missing something or is it just those little guys in the tv stand? Is there any shelving in the closet? I know I must be missing the storage somewhere , right?

Nope.. you aren't missing anything! We were there a couple of weeks ago and my chin nearly hit the floor when I realized how tiny the drawers were! There are 8 drawers under the tv - that were TINY! I couldn't even fit my shorts in them without seriously folding them! We used the two drawers next to the bed for clothing and in the closet we used the top of the safe for more clothing! Then we also had a bunch of stuff hung up! I think that is the one serious complaint I had with the room - where to put 8 nights worth of clothing?!?!?! (Otherwise, we loved the decor in the room!)

 

[cattywampus]

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 : )

Is this it?

http://www.disneystore.com/the-haunted-mansion-pillow/mp/1330647/1000327/

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Is this it?

http://www.disneystore.com/the-haunted-mansion-pillow/mp/1330647/1000327/

I like that!

 

[misskerri]

Nope.. you aren't missing anything! We were there a couple of weeks ago and my chin nearly hit the floor when I realized how tiny the drawers were! There are 8 drawers under the tv - that were TINY! I couldn't even fit my shorts in them without seriously folding them! We used the two drawers next to the bed for clothing and in the closet we used the top of the safe for more clothing! Then we also had a bunch of stuff hung up! I think that is the one serious complaint I had with the room - where to put 8 nights worth of clothing?!?!?! (Otherwise, we loved the decor in the room!)

We always just live out of our suitcases....I have never in my life unpacked and used the dressers in a hotel. It wouldn't even occur to me to notice a lack of drawers. I'm wondering if I'm in the minority...

 

[mindy20]

Oh no, I hate to hear about the lack of storage, there are 5 of us 2 adults 3 kids 8,5,4 and I must unpack or I'd never find anything. Are there quite a few hangers in the closets or do I need to bring my own ?

 

[davale4]

We always just live out of our suitcases....I have never in my life unpacked and used the dressers in a hotel. It wouldn't even occur to me to notice a lack of drawers. I'm wondering if I'm in the minority...

No, you're not the only one! We also live out of our suitcases no matter how long our is our vacation. Good to know I'm not the only one .

 

[davale4]

Welcome back davale...Hope the competition went well...

Thanks! The kids were amazing but I'm glad it's over! Now we are looking forward for these 16 days to go by super fast. We are in much need of this vacation .

 

[Anne5555]

Since we are staying at the GF this fall, I hope it's OK if I ask for itinerary and dining suggestions here... This will be our children's first visit. My son, at 10, has autism and is gluten and casein free. Here are my tentative plans. We have 4 adults (including a grandmother and the 10 year old) and 1 child. The package included free dining. We did not get the park hopper option. We'll have most breakfasts in our room until the last morning, though dh (low carb) might pick up some omelets to use up CS credits.

Day 1:
arrive around noon, check bags at Grand Floridian
drive to spend afternoon at Epcot, have snacks there
Dinner: Grand Floridian Cafe 6:45 pm -- or should we try somewhere else? I considered Boma, but not sure what son could/would eat. I loved the atmosphere of the San Angel Inn on a previous visit years ago, but I don't see any good options for my son, who likes pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs, and will eat grilled chicken nuggets or poached fish if served with fries or chips. At the GF Cafe he could probably get a hamburger (just hold the lobster!)

Day 2:
Hollywood Studios at 9 am (hopefully)
Lunch: Pizza Planet for Toy Story addicted son
Dinner: Cape May Cafe at 5:25, then might attend Fantasmia show if kids aren't too tired. I'm not really sure about this dinner choice, but dh doesn't want to visit Mama Melrose after a pizza lunch, H&V has several bad reviews, and Brown Derby is signature and requires too many credits for all of us. And there are no Fantasmia packages at desired dinner hours. I'm not sure where to go. I do love crab legs if still on menu. Or we could do GF Cafe this night if we go somewhere else the 1st night.

Day 3:
MK at 9 am (hopefully)
Want to get BOG fastpass for lunch
Park closes at 7 for MNSSHP (not attending that)
Dinner: 1900 Park Faire at 8:10 pm - Cinderella dinner (earliest available)

Day 4:
MK again
lunch: counter service?
dinner: I had originally booked Cape May this day, but hope to find dinner for 2 at Narcoossee or other nice and convenient restaurant while grandmother and kids do counter service early. She's willing to babysit 1 night.
Or maybe we should all stick together for a nice (but not $$$$ signature dinner) and do fireworks if the kids aren't too tired and cranky. I don't plan to do Cape May twice in one trip.

Day 5:
Breakfast at Kona Cafe, then check out for long drive home.

I know it's heavy on our resort's restaurants, but I don't know if we will ever splurge and stay there again. Any my son might not be up to traveling far for dinner after a long day at the park.

If we don't book dinner for 2 for a night out, it's also flawed that we have 5 table service meals for our group and only 3 counter service. We could do counter service one night, but I've read it's kind of a waste to use TS credits on less expensive breakfasts. We could pay for breakfast at Kona Cafe OOP and try to use CS credits elsewhere???

We probably won't return mid afternoon to rest, because my children will not nap, and there is a good chance my son might declare that he is "done" and refuse to return to the park that day. I would like to stay at the parks from 9 am to 3 or 4 pm, at least, or later if the kids are willing. We might or might not return for late fireworks and shows the 2nd and 4th night. The last day the crowd levels should be the heaviest, so we might leave earlier and try the resort pool that afternoon.

And advice or suggestions.

Thanks!

Anne

 

[disney meema]

Is this it? http://www.disneystore.com/the-haunted-mansion-pillow/mp/1330647/1000327/

Thanks again yep that's it and I just bought 3 of them for Halloween : )

 

[cattywampus]

Thanks again yep that's it and I just bought 3 of them for Halloween : )

Yay!!! So glad you got them!