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

[Sue M]

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 ?

Just phone housekeeping if you need more hangers

 

[grannyminnie]

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!)

I'm right there with ya on the lack of drawer space (and there are only the 2 of us!) Even with 5 days worth of clothes, it was tight!

We never do OCI either; I like the old-fashioned way, too, Mickeynut. We don't usually make room requests and I really don't see the need to check in early.

Blue, I still have not changed our ressies yet. Truth is, this is beginning to look like nothing is going to be available this fall. We may either have to keep our current ressie or look toward Jan. of 2015! I see you are considering that as well...hmmmmm!

By the way, love, love, love, the idea of a Haunted Mansion shop!!!!

 

[yce22princess]

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...

Nope, you're not the only one! We never use the drawers for our clothes. I'll hang some things, but we just live out of the suitcases. If we bring snacks, disposable cups, etc., we will sometimes use the drawers for that, but nothing else. That being said, we still noticed how tiny those drawers were!

 

[mickeynut1]

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.

Congrats on your first GF stay . It is definitely ok to ask itinerary/dining questions. This is a very friendly thread with a lot of posters always willing to help . I divided up your post so it would be a little easier to address everything .

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!)

Grand Floridian Cafe is a good choice, especially if you will be heading back to the resort and plan on just relaxing after dinner. With that said, Boma is also a great choice and is a favorite of ours. I'm not sure if you can have dietary needs noted on an ADR, but you can talk to the chef at the restaurant to see if there's something he/she can provide for your son. Disney is very accommodating when it comes to a guest's dietary needs, so I'm sure they would be able to make something for your son if you really wanted to try Boma, but didn't see anything on the buffet that he would eat.

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.

We love Cape May as that's another one of our favorites that is a must do for us every trip . The atmosphere is nice and the buffet has a lot of variety (even for non-seafood eaters). It's also convenient to DHS as you could walk (10-15 minutes, depending on your pace) or take the boat.

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)

Just wanted to mention that if 8:10 is later than you want for 1900 PF, keep checking every day as people do cancel and something earlier might become 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.

We've never eaten at Narcoossee's, but it gets good reviews and is one that's on our list for our next trip. With that said, I think that's a great choice as it's right at the resort and if you get an early dinner time, you can still be with the kids later to watch the fireworks . Another suggestion if you wanted to stay close to the GF is Artist Point at the WL. It's another great signature that has a quiet/relaxing atmosphere, great food (the filet and salmon are amazing), and the waitstaff is very friendly .

Kona for breakfast on your check out day is a good choice as it's not far from the GF. We've never had breakfast there, but a lot of people rave about it .

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

If you decide to do a family dinner instead of a signature on day 4, Chef Mickeys might be a good idea as it's located in the CR so it's just 2 monorail stops from the GF.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask as there are a lot of very knowledgeable GF posters here .

We never do OCI either; I like the old-fashioned way, too, Mickeynut. We don't usually make room requests and I really don't see the need to check in early.

Blue, I still have not changed our ressies yet. Truth is, this is beginning to look like nothing is going to be available this fall. We may either have to keep our current ressie or look toward Jan. of 2015! I see you are considering that as well...hmmmmm!

Checking in early has never appealed to me, although it does probably make your trip seem closer since you can check in so early, but I like the excitement of talking to a CM upon arrival while getting checked in .

I'm sorry nothing is showing available for a fall trip. January would also be a good time to go as crowds are low and would be something to look forward to after the holidays are over .

 

[Sue M]

can't believe we leave for Florida on Wednesday

 

[mommyrosa2]

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.

Thank you...We do have our requests noted on our reservation so we'll see. We just got back from getting insoles for DH...hopefully they'll help.

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).

Yeah, I'm still leaning towards checking in the old fashion way .

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...

This is us as well. I hate packing & repacking so we always live out of our suitcases although I do hang up certain things.

can't believe we leave for Florida on Wednesday

Just a few more days...very exciting!!!

 

[Tbone17701]

Would anyone care to chime in on if SL is worth an extra $1000+ over Easter? I can do an OB GDN VW CL for 7 nights or take the extra and stay 9 nights without CL in the same room type. GF CL has always been a dream, but extra nights are enticing too. Never stayed at GF. This is a big splurge for my 40th. It's me, DH & DD9 and we'll probably take advantage of the parks from late afternoon through close the most with lazy AMs (maybe the occasional rope drop) and pool, water parks, DTD or marina rentals during the day if that helps.

 

[B52]

Will be at GF in 2 weeks....

I am a EARLY riser....and first thing I want a GOOD cup of coffee, then go outside to enjoy my coffee and watch the sun come up....

Where in GF can I get good quality coffee and how early will they be open?

Please don't force me to drink that stuff in the hotel rooms...and we are not doing Club Level this vacation

 

[Sue M]

Would anyone care to chime in on if SL is worth an extra $1000+ over Easter? I can do an OB GDN VW CL for 7 nights or take the extra and stay 9 nights without CL in the same room type. GF CL has always been a dream, but extra nights are enticing too. Never stayed at GF. This is a big splurge for my 40th. It's me, DH & DD9 and we'll probably take advantage of the parks from late afternoon through close the most with lazy AMs (maybe the occasional rope drop) and pool, water parks, DTD or marina rentals during the day if that helps.

I'd take extra days over CL any time!! And if you're not going to be in the lounge in the evenings to enjoy the evening service, that also factors in.
If we don't stay CL, and most trips we don't, I pack instant oatmeal, bagels etc and have breakfast in room. This trip we are splitting a stay within GF, some CL days the rest in Outter bldg GV room.

Will be at GF in 2 weeks....

I am a EARLY riser....and first thing I want a GOOD cup of coffee, then go outside to enjoy my coffee and watch the sun come up....

Where in GF can I get good quality coffee and how early will they be open?

Please don't force me to drink that stuff in the hotel rooms...and we are not doing Club Level this vacation

They have new coffee in the rooms, better then the Nescafe stuff. Its not bad. Jofferys. But Poly has Kona Coffee if you want to make the walk over. There's a coffee cart outside the Kona Cafe that sells the Kona mix. and Kona has 100% Kona coffee, you have to buy it by the pot. I have no idea what time either opens. When I travel I bring the Starbucks Via with me, in case I don't like the hotel coffee.

 

[trishadono]

SUE , Looking forward to updates on your visit to mom! Having your girls at disney will be very fun! Soak it all in


Then report back, we love to hear about family good times.

 

[Sue M]

SUE , Looking forward to updates on your visit to mom! Having your girls at disney will be very fun! Soak it all in


Then report back, we love to hear about family good times.

I will, thanks :good vibes Just too bad one of my daughters has to leave the day after we check into GF, which is why I decided to do CL our first 2 nights!
Very excited the youngest is able to come on this trip, it's been awhile, between school and working at a summer camp she hasn't been able to get away.
My brother is coming down for a few days to meet up with us in Deerfield (just a tad north of Ft. Lauderdale beach).

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Would anyone care to chime in on if SL is worth an extra $1000+ over Easter? I can do an OB GDN VW CL for 7 nights or take the extra and stay 9 nights without CL in the same room type. GF CL has always been a dream, but extra nights are enticing too. Never stayed at GF. This is a big splurge for my 40th. It's me, DH & DD9 and we'll probably take advantage of the parks from late afternoon through close the most with lazy AMs (maybe the occasional rope drop) and pool, water parks, DTD or marina rentals during the day if that helps.

I'd personally skip the club level.

Years ago, we stayed club level frequently and loved it. However, I feel it reached a certain point that the lounges became more crowded and the food offerings no longer fed the number of people (likely because people were consuming more).

We don't use any of the services provided by the staff, as I do all the preplanning and can pretty much get anything that they could get for me.

Just go for the longer stay and pick up some snacks for in the room. Enjoy some in-room private dining on the lazy days. And have a great time!

 

[garada3]

We check into the Grand tomorrow! Looking forward to seeing the new decor in RPC.

I do not know how to post pictures to the Dis. Can I can email some iPhone photos for someone else to post?

If that is possible, and anyone is willing, please pm me with am email address. I promise, all I will send is a few RPC photos

~Thanks to Trishadono some photos of RPC should be posted tomorrow~

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - so glad you popped in, we've missed your periodic posts of great links, photos, new plans, etc. And you, too, of course!

Thanks so much for that link to the interview with Richard, such a sweet man. No, it was not posted - we need you to keep us up to date with this stuff.

....
Quick question - does anyone know where I can find the list of daily pool activities that they usually give you at check-in? I tried searching all over the place and can find it for many other resorts but not GF.

I have a list from last year, I'll try to get it copied and posted on the second page (probably - not enough room left on the first, lol).

I thought your review was pretty accurate compared to my visits.

I will remind people to ASK. I have asked for milk when not out. I also have asked for cereal at night too. If they have access to usual CL food /drinks they will be happy to oblige.

Glad you had a good trip.

Very good point, and just what I was going to post. For most of Ferrentino's cons for the food service, I believe she would have gotten what she wanted by simply asking the CMs. Doesn't help her now, of course, but for another trip - and anyone else in the same position.

I called IPO two days ago and was told the refurb will be complete 8/4 and everything is on schedule.

Thanks so much for posting this!

....

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

Did this get answered? I wasn't sure. I'm not positive what type of special requests you are needing for dining? Do you mean for food allergies, or table location, that type of thing?

I have never added any requests to my dining, so I'm afraid I'm not much help. If you have food allergies, I think there is a number you can call.

....

Also, if you do get booked in at the hotel (as I will have a very tired 4 year old with me and luggage on my own) do they provide golf carts or similar to get there or it is close to the hotel?

Many thanks

Not sure if all your questions were answered; yes, there are golf carts for transport to outer bldgs.

.... We are booked for an Outer Building Lagoon View room, and all I can find online is that "most rooms" have a balcony. I'd be sorely disappointed to not have a balcony.

I wanted to reiterate what others have posted - nearly all rooms at the GF have a balcony (patio on first floor). The reason it says "most rooms" is there are a very few specialty rooms that do not have a balcony (king deluxe, some outer deluxe rooms, etc.). For all intents and purposes, all rooms have balconies.

WE booked a standard garden view room (actually requested lagoon view top floor) - will we likely have a balcony? Also is there any area outside GF where we can see Wishes? And if so, where is best spot? TIA!!

Did this get answered? I'm sorry, I tried to read all answers but my eyes started to cross. There are several places around the resort to watch Wishes, the best being the boat dock and the marina landing (in front of Gasparillas).

On Post 4 of this thread there are views from Boca Chica, garden view. I'm looking at the picture that is 4 down.

Just curious for those that have been there - SL is in the middle of the pic on the right. Is it easy to get to Gaspy's from Boca Chica? It looks like SL is blocking an easy path. I'm asking because my husband is blind. We were going to avoid Big Pine bec I didn't want the pool house view. We also prefer the ground floor.

I tried to post the pic but it would let me.

The path to Gasparilla's from Boca is not very difficult. However, it might be easier to request Conch Key - you have a straight shot out the back door to Gasparilla's. One of our favorite buildings due to the great location; out the front, you are steps away from the boat dock and courtyard pool; out the back door, you walk down a straight path past SL to Gasparilla's and the marina.

I've got some photos of the path from Conch to Gasparilla's, as well as some overhead shots of the paths leading from Boca around the courtyard. I'll post when I get this finished, if that will help.

I just read the afternoon busses from TL are now dropping people off at Epcot to transfer to get back to your resort.
I should know this, but can't remember, do I then have to transfer at TTC to get back to GF? Ugh, I may change plan to BB!

A bus then a mono then a mono? With wet stringy hair too???

....

My thoughts exactly!

Hi friends! Prices are out for 2015. I nearly fainted. Price of 1 week in RPC, TPV, park hoppers and deluxe dining for 3 adults and 1 child is college tuition for a year!

Tuition will win out over Disney.

I should say so.

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!

Hey, there, friend! Good to see you, I finally got back on the Y&BC FAQ earlier and saw your response.

I have some photos of the shower area at the Beach Pool, I thought they were linked on the first page. If not, I'll post a link for you.

....
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.

Looking forward to your report.

.... I think the toughest request to get is connecting rooms- but they've always accommodated us on that request as well.

This always amazes me - we usually request NOT to have a connecting room, and nearly always get one. I've always assumed this meant there were too many to get a non-connecting in conjunction with the things we DO want.

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 think your gut is very wise....

Hello:

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

....
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've never had good luck with OCI, but am gonna give it another shot this upcoming trip. With the new MDX system, I feel we should give it a chance. Hoping for the best.

Sorry about the PF for your DH. Many in my family have that problem, too, it's very painful. DD is struggling with a bout right now, in fact.

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

Woohoo!!

....

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...

Thanks for the shout out, I've missed all of you, too. We have had an overwhelming couple of weeks here. I was out of town, visiting middle DS in STL, then my DM had health issues. Glad to be back online, finally.

Love your "park happenings" details! I was hoping the People Mover would be back in operation before our trip.

Oh, the dreaded image count...

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

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?

Lack of storage has been the bane of our existence at the GF. You would think there would be more added, so many have complained over the years.~sigh~

 

[trishadono]

We check into the Grand tomorrow! Looking forward to seeing the new decor in RPC.

I do not know how to post pictures to the Dis. Can I can email some iPhone photos for someone else to post?

If that is possible, and anyone is willing, please pm me with am email address. I promise, all I will send is a few RPC photos

I just PM'd you!

So exciting to check in to a newly refurbished and awesome place.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ahcupcake - thanks for those deluxe room diagrams! Very helpful.

We are back home for awhile following a two week Disney trip followed by 5 days at home to do laundry and an unexpected stay at the beach due to a last minute cancellation.

....

The turndown cards were back, housekeeping was satisfactory in Sugarloaf but outstanding with Samang in RPC. The need to leave more paper coasters or the paper lids for the glasses or the wood topped furniture will be ruined quickly.

We would not return to Sugarloaf, we will continue to stay in RPC but if we were looking for a more budget friendly option we would simply book an Outer Building. I still love the GF but more and more the reasons are dwindling. The outstanding staff and location in relation to MK are the biggest factors at this point for us. Any questions please let me know.

Thanks for the thorough review! Lots of great info. I somehow missed this last week, flubbed it! So happy to hear about the turn down cards - a small thing, but means so much and always adds to our stay.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience in SL. I have heard of this happening to others but haven't experienced it myself (except one trip, in Poly CL). We have had busy mornings in SL, but not more so than most CL lounges when guests are preparing for the parks. Sounds like a madhouse, and certainly not what you hoped for a relaxing vacation! There really is no excuse for running out of food. I understand about having more guests than normal - but after one food service, they should have been aware of the higher demand. Don't know how this kind of mistake continues throughout several days/nights.

Completely agree about the CMs, they always seem to work very hard to keep up - not always successfully.

Your comments about the connecting door are exactly the reason we always ask for a non-connecting room. So often, we do not get it and we have variously had quiet/not so quiet/noisy neighbors.~sigh~

I hear you on the reasons for continuing to choose the GF. I love it so, it's a struggle - but we are booking other resorts more and more, sorry to say.

Hi everyone! We are back from a 8 night/9 day stay at GF SL! I thought that I’d break down the resort in the “Pros/Cons” format for those that might be interested. This is quite lengthy but I thought it might be helpful to those interested in the GF SL!

Before I do so, let me set the background. For this trip, it was myself, DH and DD3. This is the 5th time DD3 has to been to WDW – once via DCL, 3 times at Poly (2 of those were CL) and 1 time AKL CL. Some of my experiences may be swayed by our previous experiences with DD at the other resorts so forgive me if I do some comparisons throughout.

....

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
We rank GF SL second place to the Poly CL – mainly for the lounge experience – we do love watching Wishes from the lounge and we love the arrangement of the lounge at Poly better. But we really enjoyed our first stay at the GF SL! We were quite sad to leave! But we are doing a split stay at YC and GF (GV) in the fall so we don’t have to wait long to be back!

Any questions – please let me know!

Thanks for the great review! Glad you liked SL in general, sorry for the few issues you had to deal with. And sorry you did not get either of your requests, so unusual!

I'm surprised your CM did not offer you and your family to stop and grab a snack and drink prior to beginning your check in process. They always do, I can't get over them allowing you to be held there throughout a 30 minute check in (crazy!). For sure, your family should have gone on over and gotten snacks and drinks while you dealt with whatever was needed at the desk.

I agree about the check in desk in the middle of the floor - not cool! Who wants to give out personal info in the middle of a busy room?!? I hope you mentioned this to the CMs, as baler31 did, they need to know guests are not pleased with this change. If you did not remember to do so at the time, please contact Guest Communications or the resort directly.

For the food items you hoped for at various times, but did not see out - you are always welcome to ask for anything you don't find. Sometimes, they are no longer available, but often (especially with drinks) it is in the back and a CM can get it for you. Just a note for the future.

Glad you had an overall great stay and looking forward to your next Grand vacation. We adore YC, too, btw - it's our next trip.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Just phone housekeeping if you need more hangers

This is usually our first call from the room, at any WDW resort. No need for anyone to bring their own hangers, for goodness sake - that luggage space can be saved for better things!

can't believe we leave for Florida on Wednesday

Will be at GF in 2 weeks....

I am a EARLY riser....and first thing I want a GOOD cup of coffee, then go outside to enjoy my coffee and watch the sun come up....

Where in GF can I get good quality coffee and how early will they be open?

Please don't force me to drink that stuff in the hotel rooms...and we are not doing Club Level this vacation

Not sure if there are any places you can get a cup of coffee before sunrise... But, in general, I agree with the suggestion of the Kona coffee stand at the Poly. The GF Cafe has good coffee, too, at least my DD has assured me it is good - I don't drink coffee.

You might be able to get the GF Cafe coffee through Private Dining for an early morning cup, but that would be a costly pot of coffee, I fear.

Would anyone care to chime in on if SL is worth an extra $1000+ over Easter? I can do an OB GDN VW CL for 7 nights or take the extra and stay 9 nights without CL in the same room type. GF CL has always been a dream, but extra nights are enticing too. Never stayed at GF. This is a big splurge for my 40th. It's me, DH & DD9 and we'll probably take advantage of the parks from late afternoon through close the most with lazy AMs (maybe the occasional rope drop) and pool, water parks, DTD or marina rentals during the day if that helps.

Hmmm...I have to say, I pretty much agree with Cali D on this, even though we love GF CL.

For us, it often boils down to a few factors: a) how much time we will spend at the resort, taking advantage of the offerings in CL; b) how many people are in the room - i.e., cost per person ratio; and c) who is along with us, ages, etc.

At $1,000 for 7 nights, you're looking at $143/night difference. For us, that is over the limit for SL value (I like to keep it at $100/night or less). Unless you have several teens along who will eat throughout the day, or you will be in and out of the CL lounge throughout the day to grab snacks, etc., it's not likely you will gain from the CL experience. With so many days packed with activities, I would do as Cali D suggests, book a non-CL room and use the excess for PD, special dinners, gourmet snacks for the room, spa services, etc.

On the other hand, many people find the easy access to breakfast a bonus, getting everyone fed and out the door for a day of fun. It's all down to personal preference.

Good luck with your choice! Have a Grand vacation.

I'd personally skip the club level.

Years ago, we stayed club level frequently and loved it. However, I feel it reached a certain point that the lounges became more crowded and the food offerings no longer fed the number of people (likely because people were consuming more).

We don't use any of the services provided by the staff, as I do all the preplanning and can pretty much get anything that they could get for me.

Just go for the longer stay and pick up some snacks for in the room. Enjoy some in-room private dining on the lazy days. And have a great time!

So good to see you!

We're in the same boat, we seldom use any pre-planning services. With the advent of online dining reservations, it's kind of moot. I do still love the RPC lounge area, it is a big draw. But I think we are being priced out.

We check into the Grand tomorrow! Looking forward to seeing the new decor in RPC.

I do not know how to post pictures to the Dis. Can I can email some iPhone photos for someone else to post?

If that is possible, and anyone is willing, please pm me with am email address. I promise, all I will send is a few RPC photos

~Thanks to Trishadono some photos of RPC should be posted tomorrow~

YAY! Looking forward to your photos.

For posting photos, you need a photo hosting website like Photobucket. Sign up, add your photos and then post the provided URL in your replies. It's not too difficult, once you get the hang of it. If you need help, PM me. Or, I'll be glad to help here, with links, etc.

 

[Tbone17701]

Thanks so much for the honest feedback! I think I knew rationally that the longer stay was the better decision, but I was hanging onto the "dream" of GF CL for dear life! Now that we've settled that dilemma, I need to figure out what OB to request. I think DD would like to be close to the beach pool, but I would like to be closer to Gasparilla's and the main building. Is there a building that is a happy medium or maybe just a good central location? It looks like maybe Big Pine or Boca Chica on a map. I don't recall it exactly being a hike from one spot to another, but never paid great attention as I never figured we'd be able to stay there! Lucky us!!

 

[jrj]

Safe travels have a GRAND vacation and thanks so much for sharing pictures of the newly refurbished RPC can't wait to see and hear all about it

We check into the Grand tomorrow! Looking forward to seeing the new decor in RPC.

I do not know how to post pictures to the Dis. Can I can email some iPhone photos for someone else to post?

If that is possible, and anyone is willing, please pm me with am email address. I promise, all I will send is a few RPC photos

~Thanks to Trishadono some photos of RPC should be posted tomorrow~

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks so much for the honest feedback! I think I knew rationally that the longer stay was the better decision, but I was hanging onto the "dream" of GF CL for dear life! Now that we've settled that dilemma, I need to figure out what OB to request. I think DD would like to be close to the beach pool, but I would like to be closer to Gasparilla's and the main building. Is there a building that is a happy medium or maybe just a good central location? It looks like maybe Big Pine or Boca Chica on a map. I don't recall it exactly being a hike from one spot to another, but never paid great attention as I never figured we'd be able to stay there! Lucky us!!

I don't think you will regret your choice, the garden view rooms are the exact same inside - and the views are very nice.

If you have walked the resort, you may recall it isn't a long walk to anywhere. Each outer building has its own pluses, there's really not a bad choice to make there.

Big Pine Key is closest to the Beach Pool and the back entrance to the Main Bldg. The one drawback is there are a number of garden views that look directly into the back of the Courtyard Pool house - these rooms start around the middle of the building and go towards the lagoon, floors 1-3; if you want to request this bldg., ask for 4th floor or above, Main Bldg. end. Of course, the higher floors mean you might end up with a dormer room, if that matters to you.

Boca Chica is a great location, I love the garden views as they look out at the rest of the resort and especially, the Main Bldg. and Courtyard Pool. Short walk to the boat dock, and just a few minutes to the Main Bldg., Gasparilla's, etc.

Conch Key is one of our favorite locations - so close to the Courtyard Pool, boat dock, Narcoossee's, out the back door to the marina and Gasparilla's. It also has an opportunity to snag a marina view, which is considered part of the garden view category.

Sago Cay, though the furthest from the pools and Main Bldg. entrance, is beloved by many for its quiet location, proximity to Gasparilla's and the back path to the bus stop. Garden views will get you a marina view on one side, the monorail line and greenscape on the other.

HTH!