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

[k&a&c'smom]

Scott MC - here is a link to the Beach Pool house shower photos. It is linked from the "Recreation" post on the first page, post #14, for anyone wondering.

MaggiesMomNJ - here are the photos I promised! HTH!

Photo taken standing on short path between SL and Conch Key; you can see the back exit area, a small part of the "Conch Key" sign is visible in the center of the photo

This is standing in the same spot, turned left and looking toward the marina and Gasparilla's; SL on the left of the photo

Looking down the path at the Main Bldg., SL to the left; Gasparilla's a slight right at the end of the path

Halfway down the path, next to SL on left

Marina on right of path, looking beyond you see Sago Cay; a small portion of the marina landing is visible past the trees, middle left of photo

End of path, turning right toward Sago Cay, Gasparilla's tables with umbrellas to the left, marina on right

As you get to the end of the path, you see you make a bit of a right turn, then left up the steps into Gasparilla's

If preferred, you can walk straight down the path from Conch, past SL and right up the steps to the Main Bldg., near the turreted area that houses GF Cafe on the 1st floor, Citricos on the 2nd. Then, turn left down a short walk to the Gasparilla's door on left. Here is a photo, looking from this area of the Main Bldg. walkway, looking back down past SL and Conch Key, marina on left.

Turned, the walkway to Gasparilla's along the Main Bldg., you can see the entry steps to the right, doorway to the left (out of sight)

View of table area as you are walking to Gasparilla's door

I'll try to give another angle of this path, maybe it will help; this is taken from the marina landing, looking toward SL and Conch on the far left end; the path goes between those trees and SL

Man walking from that path, toward the Main Bldg. (SL in background)

Path continues, SL on left, Main Bldg. on right (people walking on connecting path from courtyard area)

Man continues walking up to the Main Bldg. walkway

This shot taken from further back, you can see the turreted area where the man walked up to (past a different man, in the hat) - and the walkway along the Main Bldg.

Close up of this area

Overall shot of this walkway, with tables in front and Gasparilla's entry (by the trash can, where the people are walking out)

Photos of the paths from Boca Chica, coming up in next post!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Looking down from 3rd (or 4th?) floor, Boca - you can see the path coming out of the Boca entryway, turning right (pool chairs in upper left of photo)

Path circles around, past Conch to the right, SL to the left; you could walk between the two buildings and take the previously highlighted path along the marina; or, continue around the courtyard pathway

See how the path curves around the pool, past SL - then, turn right between the same turreted area of the Main Bldg. and SL that we saw in the previous photos

Walking along the path, past SL

Taken from nearer the Main Bldg. entrance, you can see the path curves past the SL building, toward the marina/Gasparilla's

Here's an overhead shot of the path in front of SL, turning between SL and Main Bldg. (taken from 4th floor Main Bldg., you can see past the pool to Boca Chica)

Standing in front of the turreted part of the Main Bldg. near GF Cafe, looking at the end of SL and the connecting path from courtyard area to marina area, referenced in the previous post

Taken from the path between marina and SL, looking toward courtyard path we just followed

And back again, looking at Sago Cay in background; Gasparilla's on left, marina on right

 

[mickeynut1]

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

Have a great trip .

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 agree with the others that I'd take the longer stay over spending an extra $1,000 for SL .

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

Hope you have a great time. Can't wait to see pics of RPC .

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.

Good to "see" you back . I hope things aren't so hectic and have settled down a little for you .

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 agree with everything k&a&c'smom posted .

here are the photos I promised! HTH!

As always, I love your pics . Makes me want to be at the GF right now .

 

[trishadono]

Wow K&A&C'S mom, that's a lot of pictures!!

Thanks for posting

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

[Overall shot of this walkway, with tables in front and Gasparilla's entry (by the trash can, where the people are walking out)

I'm reposting this particular picture to confirm what I'm thinking about the 2nd floor "Honeymoon Rooms" Those balconies above the umbrellas are "Those Rooms" ? Hopefully I'm not thinking wrong! I pointed those out to DH as possible choices along with the Turret Rooms last week. I hate telling him I was mistaken!

And btw I'm glad I'm not the only one that takes lots of pictures. I'm still sorting through mine...1252 from 4 days!

Liz

 

[disney meema]

K&a&c's Mom thanks for posting pictures (( love them )) Wish I was there right now but only 3 months to go! So hoping and looking forward to our November trip being cooler than my other trips the last 30 years ... since we've always went in May, June, July or August and it's smoking hot & humid. Our few April trips were rainy but still quite warm so a fall/winter trip is new for us. Of our 15 plus stays at GF Conch Key theme park view is our favorite, but this stay will be our first in the main building CL. Beyond excited to see your picture this morning ... I totally ohhhh and awwwww every picture!! A nice way to start my day : )

 

[trishadono]

Here are some pics from Garada 3

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks, trishadono and garada3 for those RPC photos. Well, it's that ugly carpet - but the rest doesn't seem too bad, at least what we can see so far. Not sure about those kids' chairs, they don't seem to go with the others. ??

....

Good to "see" you back . I hope things aren't so hectic and have settled down a little for you .
....
As always, I love your pics . Makes me want to be at the GF right now .

I know, right?!? Sorting through my photos to find the right ones always makes me long for the Grand.~sigh~

Thanks, I hope things have settled for a while, too.

Wow K&A&C'S mom, that's a lot of pictures!!

Thanks for posting

I know, I got carried away.

I'm reposting this particular picture to confirm what I'm thinking about the 2nd floor "Honeymoon Rooms" Those balconies above the umbrellas are "Those Rooms" ? Hopefully I'm not thinking wrong! I pointed those out to DH as possible choices along with the Turret Rooms last week. I hate telling him I was mistaken!

And btw I'm glad I'm not the only one that takes lots of pictures. I'm still sorting through mine...1252 from 4 days!

Liz

You are NOT wrong! In other words, yes, those are the famous "honeymoon rooms" - king deluxe 2nd floor (Clarendon Level). I have a photo of that view, hang on a sec. (as if I haven't posted enough photos as it is, lol)

LOL about taking so many photos! I take a ton, but I don't think I've taken over 1,000 in one trip, yowza! Still, I get comments from people, asking me if I'm taking photos for a blog, etc.

K&a&c's Mom thanks for posting pictures (( love them )) Wish I was there right now but only 3 months to go! So hoping and looking forward to our November trip being cooler than my other trips the last 30 years ... since we've always went in May, June, July or August and it's smoking hot & humid. Our few April trips were rainy but still quite warm so a fall/winter trip is new for us. Of our 15 plus stays at GF Conch Key theme park view is our favorite, but this stay will be our first in the main building CL. Beyond excited to see your picture this morning ... I totally ohhhh and awwwww every picture!! A nice way to start my day : )

Aww, so glad you enjoyed them. Isn't the Grand simply lovely? Three months will fly by, especially after school starts.

If you've only been during the hot summer months, you will love November. Not only the weather, but the lower crowds and the start of Christmas decorating. Wonderful time to be in the World. And RPC, to boot - you'll be spoiled!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Well, here's the first one I found of the view from the marina landing, you can see the top of the Castle in the distance.

These photos are from room 4304 (third floor), posted by minniesota in the 2010 FAQ (first 2).

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks KOOK

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

Also, I love the pic .

Though we've never stayed at GF, we always resort hop and always expect to see Richard. It was nice watching the video and learning a little more about him.

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!

Isn't the story about how he got his job amazing? Those days are long gone, aren't they? What a unique Disney/GF fixture.

[/B]

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

How sweet and what wonderful memories.

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...

Just imagine the thousands of lives he's impacted with his presence. Maybe he'll train his son to take over for him someday

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!

He seems like he truly appreciates every guest interaction.

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.

I've been enjoying your beautiful photos.

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments about the video. I thought for sure I'd seem like one of those posters who doesn't keep up with a thread and then pops in with "news" that's, well, stale.

I can totally commiserate with your massive multi-quoting. The Resort threads have been on fire this summer and with the impending WL pool work starting after Labor Day, we've had many move reservations over to your fine resort - sorry if it gets kind of crowded. I do hope that some who have stayed at WL, but switched to GF will report back on how they liked GF. We have not stayed at two Deluxes, GF being one of them. I really prefer the style of the newly rehabbed rooms and we'd love to try RPC someday.

I've lost touch with you and I'm wondering when was your last trip to WDW and when is your next? Where did you stay?

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Well, here's the first one I found of the view from the marina landing, you can see the top of the Castle in the distance.



These photos are from room 4304 (third floor), posted by minniesota in the 2010 FAQ (first 2).

Thanks for the quick answer and the "view" picture! We originally had a TPV room but switched to the Deluxe King. DH wanted the view and I wanted extra room! This way we are assured of one or the other!

We've not stayed in RPC before and looking at the picture with the CM is kind of disturbing! Are those kids tables and chairs? The chair back looks to come just to the CMs knees! It makes my back hurt looking at them

Looking forward to more from Garada 3! And thank you trishadono for posting them.



Liz

PS: I will take 20 to 30 photos of the same thing (YAH for digital age of photography instead of film) then delete all but the best. Of those I'll enlarge (16 x 20 or larger) and frame my favorites. It's a slower process of decorating our home but I am loving it!

 

[Sue M]

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!!

You may consider what I'm going, we booked GF for 2 weeks, but have SL our first 2 days then moving to regular GF room.
There's a reason I booked Sugar Loaf first, because one of my daughters has to return home for work ( we are leaving for Florida in 3 days and traveling around)
Otherwise I'd have booked it last 2 days!

k&a&c love your photo tour. Making me excited for upcoming stay!
But hope I don't get that room in SL with the Palm tree right smack in the middle of balcony!! Seriously though, I don't think there's a bad location at GF. Which makes it so had to choose!! I do prefer being close to pools!

 

[mickeynut1]

Here are some pics from Garada 3

Thanks for posting .

Well, it's that ugly carpet - but the rest doesn't seem too bad, at least what we can see so far. Not sure about those kids' chairs, they don't seem to go with the others. ??

That was one of my responses about the carpet when I first saw the pics. I am sad that the warm colors are gone . That carpet is too bright/bold, IMO. I thought the same thing about the kids chairs, that they don't match anything else . I also noticed they took out the (more) comfy chairs and replaced them with the same arm-less chairs that are in SL......and they're blue/turquoise instead of the soft color tones that they were before . I still love RPC as the lounge overall is great and the CMs are amazing, but it will take a lot for me to get used to the new decor.

Well, here's the first one I found of the view from the marina landing, you can see the top of the Castle in the distance.

Awesome pic .

Though we've never stayed at GF, we always resort hop and always expect to see Richard. It was nice watching the video and learning a little more about him.

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments about the video. I thought for sure I'd seem like one of those posters who doesn't keep up with a thread and then pops in with "news" that's, well, stale.

I can totally commiserate with your massive multi-quoting. The Resort threads have been on fire this summer and with the impending WL pool work starting after Labor Day, we've had many move reservations over to your fine resort - sorry if it gets kind of crowded. I do hope that some who have stayed at WL, but switched to GF will report back on how they liked GF. We have not stayed at two Deluxes, GF being one of them. I really prefer the style of the newly rehabbed rooms and we'd love to try RPC someday.

Hi KOOK

You are the first to post the video, which was great to watch .

I hope those that moved from the WL to the GF enjoy their stay at the GF. We love the WL, but we also love the GF. Both are beautiful resorts and both have great things about them to enjoy . I hope you do try RPC someday as I really think you would like it. RPC is my favorite so far (have only stayed 3 CLs), but WL CL runs a very close second for me (and I LOVE WL CL ).

We've not stayed in RPC before and looking at the picture with the CM is kind of disturbing! Are those kids tables and chairs? The chair back looks to come just to the CMs knees! It makes my back hurt looking at them

PS: I will take 20 to 30 photos of the same thing (YAH for digital age of photography instead of film) then delete all but the best. Of those I'll enlarge (16 x 20 or larger) and frame my favorites. It's a slower process of decorating our home but I am loving it!

Yes, those are kids tables and chairs. When I first saw the pic I thought "boy, those are low chairs for adults" , but then realized they were the kids tables and chairs .

I'm a big picture person, too. I take A LOT of the same thing and then delete the bad ones later .

Seriously though, I don't think there's a bad location at GF. Which makes it so had to choose!! I do prefer being close to pools!

I agree.....I don't think there is a bad building/view at the GF .

 

[BlueSkies]

k&a&c'smom Glad to see you back! Hope that you had a nice visit with your DS..and that your mom is doing well...

Thank you for all of the wonderful pics..felt kind of like I was walking around the GF grounds... And I am sure that between the pics and the descriptions folks will have a really good feel of where things are all around the property...

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...

Seems from many of the others posts you are def not in the minority in the "living out of my suitcase" club..We do the same...with the exception of some things that need to be hung up....I ask for extra luggage racks as soon as we check in and helps to keep things organized..

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 .

on the competition..and for your trip being so close!!

Just phone housekeeping if you need more hangers

That what we do too...they will usually bring them right along...

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!!!! :

We like to check in the "old fashioned" way same as you and MickeyNut grannyminnie lol......

Sorry about the nothing being available for the dates that you wanted to move to..But as for January...we have stuff to talk about!

can't believe we leave for Florida on Wednesday

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.

Congratulations on celebrating your special birthday at the GF.. Although I am a huge fan of CL...If you are not planning on spending a lot of time at the resort I would say enjoy the longer stay and fore go CL...No matter where you stay at the GF it will be such a wonderful stay!

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

TWO WEEKS!!! Room service is a nice option for early morning coffee...Think they start delivering at about 6:30am?? And the coffee is good..Not to mention great presentation..cups and saucers..a table cloth ..milk cream..sugar and substitutes too...

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~

I see that I missed wishing you safe travels...oops...But glad that you arrived safe and sound..thanks so much for sharing some pics..

Hope that you are having a grand time!

Trish Thanks for posting Garada's pics...

Thanks for the quick answer and the "view" picture! We originally had a TPV room but switched to the Deluxe King. DH wanted the view and I wanted extra room! This way we are assured of one or the other!

We've not stayed in RPC before and looking at the picture with the CM is kind of disturbing! Are those kids tables and chairs? The chair back looks to come just to the CMs knees! It makes my back hurt looking at them ..



Liz

PS: I will take 20 to 30 photos of the same thing (YAH for digital age of photography instead of film) then delete all but the best. Of those I'll enlarge (16 x 20 or larger) and frame my favorites. It's a slower process of decorating our home but I am loving it!

Liz Those king rooms have a lovely view...and the turret rooms are charming in their different configuration..and their abundance of windows..either way..you are in for a treat!

As for those little chairs..yes they are children's chairs and tables..there is a little section that they are in with a TV right across from them...

MickeyNut As I mentioned..I am with you on the checking in in person..like that human touch ..

Hi Kook Glad that you popped in to visit again!

~ Renovated RPC lounge.... I was hoping that perhaps there would be a toned down carpet..but I see that the carpet is the same as in SL and all of the outer buldings too... All I can think of when I see that is LOUD...lol...Still the wall paper looks nice..like the pattern..not sure how wise it was to make the children's chairs completely covered in fabric... I am curious about the seating in front of the televsion area...looks like the sofa was replaced with a chair??? Hope that they just changed the placement..and that there will still be two sofas and two chairs...HINT HINT garada...lol...Inquiring mind here...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a super Sunday! preppy GF gal... who was over on her smilies AGAIN...lol...

 

[jrj]

k&a&c'smom, Garada3 & trishadono Thanks so much for posting the beautiful pictures... OMG Beautiful

 

[jerseygal]

WOW, can't wait to get to VGF for 2 nights after a split stay of 2 nights at Animal Kingdom Jambo!

Looks SO BEAUTIFUL! Bet that during our stay beginning of December it will be SO GORGEOUS for the Holidays!!!

THANK YOU ESPECIALLY for posting the pic of the women's shower and changing room...Depending on the weather, who knows though,
we may want to hang and veg our last day as we have a very late evening flight from the airport! Really getting to like having evening flights on our last vaca day as it makes it feel like the day is maximized!!

 

[A Pirates Mom]

13 more sleeps until we are on our way - and the recent pics are only adding to the excitement
I just wanted to say thank you to all for the warm reception & amazing information I have received from everyone on this board
Let the packing begin

 

[trishadono]

Let the packing begin

Yep! Finally started.

Summer is hard to pack for when you still need your clothes!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

WOW, can't wait to get to VGF for 2 nights after a split stay of 2 nights at Animal Kingdom Jambo!

Looks SO BEAUTIFUL! Bet that during our stay beginning of December it will be SO GORGEOUS for the Holidays!!!

THANK YOU ESPECIALLY for posting the pic of the women's shower and changing room...Depending on the weather, who knows though,
we may want to hang and veg our last day as we have a very late evening flight from the airport! Really getting to like having evening flights on our last vaca day as it makes it feel like the day is maximized!!

Yes - thank you for posting those pics. We plan on using the showers on our check-out day. Can anyone confirm that the soap/shampoo dispensers are filled? We'll only have our carry-ons with us at that point, but will bring toiletries if needed...
Thank you all for the helpful advice and info.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thank you so much for posting the beautiful pictures.
It's getting me so excited.

We are at the YC August 16-20 and then GF August 20-27.
Last year we had a beautiful TPV room in Boca Chica. Sadly this year we are only able to book a gv room with the "magical" discount. Requested Conch Key or Sago Cay (my two favorite gv rooms) marina view.

Wish us luck with our request! Can't wait!!!!!!