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

[followthatmouse]

The few times we've been in December, it has not been good weather for swimming. And, we've found the Beach Pool to be colder temps than the courtyard pool, so there is that...

Thank you for the two cents, k&a&c'smom. Hmm. I'll rethink for a while. I have a DM who is determined to enjoy a cabana day no matter what. I may have to suggest other entertainments.

Definitely bringing the sunglasses for the carpets, though. Eek!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Yeah I'd for sure give him the heads up on the carpet if he is the type to notice ... My husband wouldn't look twice at the carpet lol just the way he is and it may be a good thing since the carpet is very " Finding Nemo ish " in color with Asian inspiration. Not a fan either.

LOL - good description.

Thank you for the two cents, k&a&c'smom. Hmm. I'll rethink for a while. I have a DM who is determined to enjoy a cabana day no matter what. I may have to suggest other entertainments.

Definitely bringing the sunglasses for the carpets, though. Eek!

It might be warm during your trip, it's hard to say for sure. I just wanted you to know, it's possible it will be colder - we booked BC during the first week of December one year, and were so bummed we couldn't enjoy SAB. DD tried, but got chilled and couldn't make it back to the room fast enough!

Maybe play it by ear, and wait until a couple weeks out? Then, if the temps look to be swimming-friendly, you could book it. I doubt they will all be booked at that time of year (could be wrong, but we often see empty cabanas, even during the warm months).

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm so glad that I took photos of the old RPC decor during our May trip. I really don't know what to make of that new carpet. We'll see for ourselves in December.

Speaking of December...

Would a December cabana day be too silly?

I'm with you. I'm glad I have plenty of pics of the old decor, too. I'm really not liking what's there now .

That's a tough call about the cabana. We have been twice in December and the first time our resort pool was actually closed due to cold temps, but the second time we used the pool 3-4 days as temps were in the low-mid 80s, so it's hard to tell what the weather will be like ahead of time.

Thanks again for the quick and very helpful advice! Great thread here and I know I'll be checking in frequently to soak up all things GF!

I agree, this is a great thread and a great place to get your GF fix .

Thanks to trishadono for posting the (very poor) photos I snapped today. My photography skills are not the best and I do not think the iPhone camera is helping any

RPC staff at check in and in the lounge were wonderful as always . I was told that the main building opened back up yesterday. We are the first guests in our room post rehab- a theme park view room, 4406 to be exact. Our room looks identical to the outer building rooms. We still have a heat lamp in the bathroom. It is a connecting room so we do not have the extra chair but we do have a nesting table as part of the desk.

I had a chance to chat with a few cast members during evening refreshments and they do not care for the carpeting either! Vivid and Loud are good adjectives to use and I am not sure it coordinates well with the beautiful tile work that was completed a few years ago. The adults get blue vinyl chairs. The kids chairs are covered in beige fabric and are a bit top heavy so they topple over when the kids try to scoot them back on the carpeting. The comfy sofas near the tv are gone and replaced with a smaller settee style piece, flanked by two chairs.

Still not a fan of the room rehab, but the lounge carpeting is making me like the rooms more.

But, it is still the Grand! Even if I don't personally care for the new look, I have been told 'Welcome Home' and I am in my happy place!

The pics are fine, thanks for sharing them .

Glad check in went well and also that you are having a great time enjoying RPC . It looks like the carpet isn't a big hit ......I do agree it's a bit loud and a little too bright, especially from what it used to be .

It's a bit strange that kids get fabric covered chairs and the adults get vinyl . I might be in the minority, but I think the vinyl chairs look like something that goes in a cafeteria rather than a hotel CL lounge (just my opinion). I didn't care for them in SL, but I don't think they go at all in RPC . Like you, I will still enjoy RPC as the overall atmosphere can't be beat, but I'm not liking the new decor .

Enjoy the rest of your stay .

Under 3 months now until our first GF stay and getting excited. We normally stay at the Poly and one of the things we love that really ads to the atmosphere of the resort is the music playing in the background around the grounds of the resort. Just curious, is there any "mood" music like that playing at the GF?

Three months will go fast and you will be at the GF before you know it . Like k&a&c'smom, I don't recall music around the resort, but that doesn't mean there isn't any. Hopefully someone else will be able to give some input .

Thanks sooo much for the pictures they are just fine gives us a glimpse of how things look since the refurb

I agree, the pics are great .

You must be as disgusted as I am with the new TV seating area. Not much seating to be had.

Yeah, what gives with those kids' chairs? Kinda crazy, putting fabric on the chairs used by the little ones.

We have a great group here.

I totally agree about the sitting area . Wonder why they took that nice comfy couch away and replaced it with that much smaller (not so comfy looking) one .

Thanks for the RPC pics. I was really hoping for a different rug instead do the hideous one seen in other buildings. The more I see it the less I like it. Yikes!!! I haven't told my DH about the refurb as a surprise. Hmmmm....wondering if I should give him a heads up. I don't think the surprise will be a pleasent one. Ughh!!!

I think most of us were hoping the same thing, not sure just what Disney is thinking . If you think the refurb isn't something your DH would like as a surprise (can't say I blame him...lol), then I'd probably give him a heads up. Like the pp said, the Grand is still GRAND, but after experiencing RPC with the old decor, the new decor is very loud and doesn't have that calm/welcoming feel .

Definitely bringing the sunglasses for the carpets, though. Eek!

 

[davale4]

I know, right?! You may want to soften the blow, rather than that carpet jumping up and hitting him in the face at check in.

You haven no idea how you've made me laugh this morning . Thanks! I really needed that .

Yeah I'd for sure give him the heads up on the carpet if he is the type to notice ... My husband wouldn't look twice at the carpet lol just the way he is and it may be a good thing since the carpet is very " Finding Nemo ish " in color with Asian inspiration. Not a fan either.

My DH LOVED the GF because it looked so peaceful. The rug just makes it sooo loud and busy...He will definitely notice .

I think most of us were hoping the same thing, not sure just what Disney is thinking . If you think the refurb isn't something your DH would like as a surprise (can't say I blame him...lol), then I'd probably give him a heads up. Like the pp said, the Grand is still GRAND, but after experiencing RPC with the old decor, the new decor is very loud and doesn't have that calm/welcoming feel .

I will have to soften the blow . But like you say, it is still the Grand and we love the people there!

 

[BlueSkies]

Fellow GF fans...

~ I have looked again and again at the new lounge pics...trying to find more to like about what I am seeing and all I can say is I hope that it looks better in person... Although the only hope for that carpet is too look at it sunglasses on....lol...

Where is all of the seating in the TV viewing area..how could they change from two long sofas..and two chairs..to a setee ( which looks like a recovered setee that they used to have in the SL lounge) ..and two chairs??? that was such a nice gathering place....

I always loved the look and feel of the whole lounge area...especially when you came off the elevator..and straight ahead was that lovely credenza...with a beautiful floral arrangement on top...Now there are two chairs in its place??? They should move those chairs over to the TV area!!! lol...

Ok trying not to be a total downer..just stating my obvservation..and of course my two cents!

I see that the lovely wall sconces are still there...

Still as many of you have said...its still the Grand.... just not as grand as before decor wise.... I know there are so many other things that we love about the resort itself....the serene atmosphere (as long as you dont look down at the carpet...lol..)the wonderful dining options..the music in the lobby ..the terrific CMs... Maybe it will all just take some getting used to....

Hope that everyone is having a magical Monday.. preppy GF gal who might have to change her siggie to say Dream Big Live Loud! lol...

ETA..Hi MickeyNut..I see that you are here too!

 

[disney meema]

I agree with you blueskies on the upside of the grand it's always been about the serene grounds, the music, the restaurants and the incredible CM from grounds keepers to CL staff and well everyone who works there are so amazing! Decor will come and go, be loved and not so loved but the people working at this beautiful resort and the gorgeous resort itself is what has guests coming back year after year. I fell on love with the resort in the late 80's during our first stay when it opened and still it's my favorite resort today. I may have taken a break and tried other resorts through our 30 years of visits to WDW, but I always come back home to the Grand Floridian like so many of us here.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

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!

Thanks for these! I appreciate you taking the time to post! I was off of here for 1 day and my how the thread moved! LOL. I'll have to keep looking more closely because it's hard since I haven't been there in so many years (I was 10!)..I think we were going to pick Boca Chica before you shared these, but I will pull out a map of the hotel. I know we want to be close to everything and everyone keeps saying there is no bad building. I really do not want a view of the pool house and we want a ground floor so I think Big Pine is out.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Hi all - now that we got our MBs things are getting closer and we can start to get really excited!

Quick questions:

1 - Which of the photos (if any) are of the standard rooms? Any photos of the marina or garden view?

2 - How is the wifi in the rooms and can it also be used poolside?

3 - Is the safe big enough for a couple of ipads and a portable dvd player?

TIA!!

 

[mommyrosa2]

I can now say that we are in the single digit countdown

Couple of quick questions...What would be the best way to get over to the Poly from the Grand for an ADR? I thought I had read once that there was a walking path you could take. Is that still an option with all the construction over there? Also, I was looking at menus for Gasparilla's and the pool bars over the weekend for quick service meals and was pleasantly surprised at the food options. Is the food good?

 

[Scott MC]

Hello all,
I have a quick question concerning our upcoming brief GF stay.
I'm considering a massage on our last day at Senses.
But here's the deal.

It's expensive. And I don't plan on really enjoying the spa itself. In for massage...out and joining my DP who won't be participating.

You GF Spa experts, be honest. Is it really worth the money if you're not going to linger in the spa itself?

Thanks!

 

[trishadono]

Hello all,
I have a quick question concerning our upcoming brief GF stay.
I'm considering a massage on our last day at Senses.
But here's the deal.

It's expensive. And I don't plan on really enjoying the spa itself. In for massage...out and joining my DP who won't be participating.

You GF Spa experts, be honest. Is it really worth the money if you're not going to linger in the spa itself?

Thanks!

My mil did the massage then left just after to meet us for dinner. The smile on her face made the extra gift worth it(we treated for Xmas present)

Dd had her nails done. Also not cheap but it is fun to splurge once in a while.

My dh did the massage at cr a few years ago. Massage then left. For him it was worth it to end vacation all relaxed.

Hope that helps sway you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....

It's a bit strange that kids get fabric covered chairs and the adults get vinyl . I might be in the minority, but I think the vinyl chairs look like something that goes in a cafeteria rather than a hotel CL lounge (just my opinion). I didn't care for them in SL, but I don't think they go at all in RPC . Like you, I will still enjoy RPC as the overall atmosphere can't be beat, but I'm not liking the new decor .

....

I totally agree about the sitting area . Wonder why they took that nice comfy couch away and replaced it with that much smaller (not so comfy looking) one .

You are not in the minority, I've felt the same about those vinyl chair seats. They DO feel like a cafeteria! And, if they were going to have them, why in the world would they then put fabric on the kids' chairs?! Makes no sense at all.

The couch switch almost seems like they are trying to keep people from getting comfy. Not the lovely, relaxed feeling we've come to know and love in the lounge.

You haven no idea how you've made me laugh this morning . Thanks! I really needed that .

Glad you got a good laugh out of it. It's either laugh or cry, right?!

Fellow GF fans...

~ I have looked again and again at the new lounge pics...trying to find more to like about what I am seeing and all I can say is I hope that it looks better in person... Although the only hope for that carpet is too look at it sunglasses on....lol...

Where is all of the seating in the TV viewing area..how could they change from two long sofas..and two chairs..to a setee ( which looks like a recovered setee that they used to have in the SL lounge) ..and two chairs??? that was such a nice gathering place....

I always loved the look and feel of the whole lounge area...especially when you came off the elevator..and straight ahead was that lovely credenza...with a beautiful floral arrangement on top...Now there are two chairs in its place??? They should move those chairs over to the TV area!!! lol...

LOL about moving the chairs to the TV area - they need something! I can't believe they intend to leave that area so bare. Maybe they are waiting for new furniture?! I'm grasping at anything, as you can see. I just can't believe they've removed all that great furniture to be replaced by so little - good point about it looking like the old SL settee.

.... preppy GF gal who might have to change her siggie to say Dream Big Live Loud! lol...

I agree with you blueskies on the upside of the grand it's always been about the serene grounds, the music, the restaurants and the incredible CM from grounds keepers to CL staff and well everyone who works there are so amazing! Decor will come and go, be loved and not so loved but the people working at this beautiful resort and the gorgeous resort itself is what has guests coming back year after year. I fell on love with the resort in the late 80's during our first stay when it opened and still it's my favorite resort today. I may have taken a break and tried other resorts through our 30 years of visits to WDW, but I always come back home to the Grand Floridian like so many of us here.

Yes, it is very hard to book elsewhere, even though I truly hate the new rooms. We are going to YC this trip, but the GF is where my heart is and we'll likely give in at some point.

The CMs really are special, they often make the trip for us.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for these! I appreciate you taking the time to post! I was off of here for 1 day and my how the thread moved! LOL. I'll have to keep looking more closely because it's hard since I haven't been there in so many years (I was 10!)..I think we were going to pick Boca Chica before you shared these, but I will pull out a map of the hotel. I know we want to be close to everything and everyone keeps saying there is no bad building. I really do not want a view of the pool house and we want a ground floor so I think Big Pine is out.

Each outer building really does have its good points, so it is hard to choose a favorite. With your questions regarding the path to Gasparilla's, I thought it might work better for you in Conch - but as I mentioned, your DH could take the path straight from Boca to the marina (between SL and Conch) and then take the marina path. Same-y, same-y, if you see what I mean, just a little further.

Hi all - now that we got our MBs things are getting closer and we can start to get really excited!

Quick questions:

1 - Which of the photos (if any) are of the standard rooms? Any photos of the marina or garden view?

2 - How is the wifi in the rooms and can it also be used poolside?

3 - Is the safe big enough for a couple of ipads and a portable dvd player?

TIA!!

What are you asking about the std. rooms? Do you mean views, or room layout/decor? All rooms look exactly the same, decor wise - but there are sometimes minor differences in layout, like mirror images and/or connecting doors.

The wifi was pretty good our last stay, but we were in the Main Bldg. The previous stay was in Boca, and I'll be honest, the wifi stunk. But, then again, it had just been installed; maybe it has gotten better, hopefully someone can confirm.

I'll post a photo of the safe - I think there is one on the first page, but if not, I'll link or post one.

I can now say that we are in the single digit countdown

Couple of quick questions...What would be the best way to get over to the Poly from the Grand for an ADR? I thought I had read once that there was a walking path you could take. Is that still an option with all the construction over there? Also, I was looking at menus for Gasparilla's and the pool bars over the weekend for quick service meals and was pleasantly surprised at the food options. Is the food good?

The path to the Poly has been re-routed and now comes out near the front of the resort - follows the monorail line, I believe.

We have enjoyed most of the items we've tried at Gasparilla's and the pool bars, which is not a lot and not since the renovation. Still, I'm sure it is comparable to most WDW resort quick service (deluxe, anyway).

HTH!

Hello all,
I have a quick question concerning our upcoming brief GF stay.
I'm considering a massage on our last day at Senses.
But here's the deal.

It's expensive. And I don't plan on really enjoying the spa itself. In for massage...out and joining my DP who won't be participating.

You GF Spa experts, be honest. Is it really worth the money if you're not going to linger in the spa itself?

Thanks!

Hmmm...good question. I found the SSR spa bigger and nicer than the GF spa, but that was prior to the renovations. Not sure now, I haven't been back. I used to get a massage once per trip, but lately I've skipped it. Like you, I didn't really use the rest of the spa facilities, and with prices going up, I just didn't find it a good value.

On the other hand, it is a pleasant break and you leave feeling soothed and refreshed, so if that is worth the cost to you, enjoy!!

I love the title of your PTR, btw - when I get a chance, I'll have to read up.

 

[trishadono]

Another text from Granada 3

 

[trishadono]

Double post!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Each outer building really does have its good points, so it is hard to choose a favorite. With your questions regarding the path to Gasparilla's, I thought it might work better for you in Conch - but as I mentioned, your DH could take the path straight from Boca to the marina (between SL and Conch) and then take the marina path. Same-y, same-y, if you see what I mean, just a little further.



What are you asking about the std. rooms? Do you mean views, or room layout/decor? All rooms look exactly the same, decor wise - but there are sometimes minor differences in layout, like mirror images and/or connecting doors.

The wifi was pretty good our last stay, but we were in the Main Bldg. The previous stay was in Boca, and I'll be honest, the wifi stunk. But, then again, it had just been installed; maybe it has gotten better, hopefully someone can confirm.

I'll post a photo of the safe - I think there is one on the first page, but if not, I'll link or post one.



The path to the Poly has been re-routed and now comes out near the front of the resort - follows the monorail line, I believe.

We have enjoyed most of the items we've tried at Gasparilla's and the pool bars, which is not a lot and not since the renovation. Still, I'm sure it is comparable to most WDW resort quick service (deluxe, anyway).

HTH!



Hmmm...good question. I found the SSR spa bigger and nicer than the GF spa, but that was prior to the renovations. Not sure now, I haven't been back. I used to get a massage once per trip, but lately I've skipped it. Like you, I didn't really use the rest of the spa facilities, and with prices going up, I just didn't find it a good value.

On the other hand, it is a pleasant break and you leave feeling soothed and refreshed, so if that is worth the cost to you, enjoy!!

I love the title of your PTR, btw - when I get a chance, I'll have to read up.

Thank you! I just looked at them again....I'll explain it to my husband and see what he thinks. He always says he can find his way anywhere.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

trishadono - thanks for posting more photos, and thanks, garada3, for providing them! This is in no way a reflection on either of you, I so appreciate the photos - but, ugh! All those patterns mixed together is just plain ugly.

The couch and settee, set against the wild carpet, hideous. Looks like they've added some chairs, is that the TV area? What in the world...not even close to the same style as the settee. I'm at a loss as to what they are going for with it. The chairs look almost exactly like the velour chairs my MIL has in her front room, I think she bought them in the 70s. Good grief.

Thank you! I just looked at them again....I'll explain it to my husband and see what he thinks. He always says he can find his way anywhere.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Who did I promise pool shower soap dispenser photos to? I've forgotten. Anyway, here they are.

I'm unclear whether the white dot means there is something there, or just the label?

Notice there are 2 labels on this dispenser - for what it's worth, lol

 

[mickeynut1]

But like you say, it is still the Grand and we love the people there!

Just hang on to that thinking and you will have a great trip because the Grand really is GRAND .

Where is all of the seating in the TV viewing area..how could they change from two long sofas..and two chairs..to a setee ( which looks like a recovered setee that they used to have in the SL lounge) ..and two chairs??? that was such a nice gathering place....

I always loved the look and feel of the whole lounge area...especially when you came off the elevator..and straight ahead was that lovely credenza...with a beautiful floral arrangement on top...Now there are two chairs in its place??? They should move those chairs over to the TV area!!! lol...

Ok trying not to be a total downer..just stating my obvservation..and of course my two cents!

ETA..Hi MickeyNut..I see that you are here too!

Hi Blue

I'm right there with you......I'm not liking the changes and sadly, I don't think it will be any better in person . Not sure what Disney is thinking with taking the couches away .

Hi all - now that we got our MBs things are getting closer and we can start to get really excited!

Yay for your MBs arriving .

I can now say that we are in the single digit countdown

You are not in the minority, I've felt the same about those vinyl chair seats. They DO feel like a cafeteria! And, if they were going to have them, why in the world would they then put fabric on the kids' chairs?! Makes no sense at all.

The couch switch almost seems like they are trying to keep people from getting comfy. Not the lovely, relaxed feeling we've come to know and love in the lounge.

Glad I'm not the only one . I'm trying to figure out the reasoning behind all of these drastic changes and I'm coming up with nothing . It makes no sense at all to have chairs for kids covered in fabric while the chairs for adults are vinyl .

I agree with what you said about the couch switch and them maybe not wanting people to become too comfortable, but it definitely does not have the same relaxed feeling it had before .

All those patterns mixed together is just plain ugly.

The couch and settee, set against the wild carpet, hideous. Looks like they've added some chairs, is that the TV area? What in the world...not even close to the same style as the settee. I'm at a loss as to what they are going for with it. The chairs look almost exactly like the velour chairs my MIL has in her front room, I think she bought them in the 70s. Good grief.

I couldn't agree more.....nothing matches and there are too many colors/patterns that don't go together at all .

I thought the same thing about the velour chairs...what on earth??? Definitely not what I was expecting......this makes me very sad .

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

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.

So good to see you as well! I'm enjoying all your pictures!

I totally hear you on the pricing for the RPC...I'm priced out of it now and can't imagine doing a week long stay there ever again. My best chance will be at a special occasion long weekend trip in a few years.

Now that I'm headed to the GF next month (how did the months pass by so quick?!) its time to freshen up on all the happenings at the resort. I'm getting very excited to try the villas; they look fantastic! I hate to admit that I'm really starting to like the resort renovations, maybe its all the corporate training I've recently gone through about accepting and living with change.

I just did my FP+, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train just not on the day that I wanted it. I guess I'll still keep checking but at least we will get to ride it once. Also have my ADR's for Citricos and Narcoossees (as well as California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Flying Fish Cafe). Was able to snag a Be Our Guest ADR but the more reviews I read, I'm really starting to question this one. We had lunch there last year so maybe we don't really need the dinner experience. Hoping we can make some time for a nice lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe as well.

And hopefully there will be plenty of time to relax around the resort too. Looking forward to spending lots of time by the pools. And at Mizners and the Citricos bar.