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

[baler31]

There are three of the turret rooms that have a view of the Castle and fireworks, they end in "21" (4021, 4421, 4321); these overlook the courtyard AND the beach pool, they are above Summer Lace and Commander Porter's. The other three turrets are as you describe, above M. Mouse Merc and overlook Beach Pool/monorail.

It's not the same angle as the 2nd floor rooms, but you can see it.

I have a photo, I think it's on the first page in the "Club Level Photos" post, but I'll have to look.

ETA: Here's the photo, it wasn't on the first page of this thread! It must be posted in an older FAQ.

Sorry, I have been in the deluxe queen next door and did not remember being able to see fireworks Sorry.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks Blue and mickeynut1 for the warm welcome back. I will upload my pics soon to share with everyone.

Turn down was nice to come back to in the evenings. They left 2 chocolates and 1 bedtime card on each bed. I took pictures of the cards and will post them soon. They were really cute. No towel animals, just the Mickey when we checked in along with a Grand Floridian chocolate in a box with a welcome card.

The monorail was fine. It was either there or coming down the track when we arrived on the platform. Our second day we made it to MK while the train show was being performed. We took the boat to MK once but found it to be longer since they stop at Poly first. Took the boat back to GF many times and was very nice and quick.

Can't wait to see your pics, but take your time and post them whenever you have the chance .

Good to hear the turn down cards are still being used. Those add such a special touch, IMO . Also, good to hear the transportation was ok during your trip. So much is going on at several resorts that I'm sure it can get a little hectic sometimes.

Hi All!

My wife and I are going to be staying in a RPC King Deluxe room coming up in September. I've done a good deal of reading / research but would like everyone's opinion on best room to request!

From what I gather the King Deluxe rooms come in either the turret / honeymoon types. Are there no turret rooms that give views of the fireworks/ MK?

My wife likes a good view but also really likes the idea of a larger room!

Any insight is appreciated!

TIA

Your questions have been answered, but I just wanted to say that I hope you have a great trip .

Great, thanks for the info! I will put in a request to see if we are lucky enough to get one of them!

Can't wait for our dinner at Victoria & Albert's!

Good luck with your request and I hope you enjoy your V&A dinner .

I would like your advise on something. I'm thinking of adding a night at the beginning of my stay. I'm getting there very late, around 10pm. I'm staying club level so I don't know if it's worth it if I'm getting there so late. What do you guys think? Thx

We usually arrive late our first night and it's easier for us to book the same resort/room type for that night rather than staying somewhere else and moving the next morning (but that's just us). Only you can decide whether or not the extra cost for a CL room that night is worth it, but in our experience, there's really nothing like waking up the next morning ready to go rather than having to check out of one resort and check in at another .

On the other hand, I know many DISers prefer to get there, get a good night's sleep and wake up right in their room. It's all personal preference, and what will work best for your family and trip.

We are in the group of getting there and checking in once, but I do agree that it's personal preference as everyone is different .

 

[yolie912]

Yes, thank you to all! That's the same thing I was thinking. I would hate to be checking in and out of resorts. It totally sucks!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

There are three of the turret rooms that have a view of the Castle and fireworks, they end in "21" (4021, 4421, 4321); these overlook the courtyard AND the beach pool, they are above Summer Lace and Commander Porter's. The other three turrets are as you describe, above M. Mouse Merc and overlook Beach Pool/monorail.

It's not the same angle as the 2nd floor rooms, but you can see it.

I have a photo, I think it's on the first page in the "Club Level Photos" post, but I'll have to look.

ETA: Here's the photo, it wasn't on the first page of this thread! It must be posted in an older FAQ.

That is one INCREDIBLE view! Is that from the top floor? Room numbers are kind of confusing but I'm guessing that would be 4421? So that would be the 5th floor? 4021 would be 3rd and 4321 would be 4th? Or is it backwards and 4021 is the top (5th floor?) 4421 4th floor and 4321 3rd floor. Ok I've confused myself more than usual! I'll wait for one of the "experts" to clarify.

I would LOVE to see some Victoria and Albert pictures! We have a reservation in the Queen Victoria room and are debating the wine pairing. I don't drink very much and I'm concerned I won't be able to function the next day! We did the Flying Fish Wine Dinner the end of July and 3 of the 5 glasses (to be fair the glasses were VERY generous pours) were too much for me.

For those there now/going soon, I have to ask because it is one of my FAVORITES from GF CL. Do they still have the chocolate covered strawberries?

Looking forward to everyone's reports and pictures for upcoming trips! Have a wonderful and GRAND time!

Two months and 10 days!

Liz

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Oh, your plans sound heavenly. YAY for the 7DMT score! We were able to snag it, too, but late in the evening. If we are able to hop on in the very early a.m., we may let that one go.

Love all the restaurants you've chosen, the cream of the crop! And Mizner's, of course. You know, we've never thought of grabbing a drink at Citricos, thanks for the tip.

I think it was BCV23 who told me she wasn't all that excited about the BOG food, but going just to see the restaurant was worth one visit, at least. Love GF Cafe for lunch.

LOL about the corporate training - I guess I need some, I'm not accepting these changes very well at all.

Maybe I shouldn't advertise it too much, but we love having drinks at the bar at Citricos. We actually prefer it to Mizner's as the service tends to be quicker. With that said, I do like sitting at the bar at Narcoossee's too. Maybe I just like bars... And food. All of my trips seem to be planned around meals these days!

I've been hopeful with all the recent menu changes that BOG would see an update as well. So far I haven't seen one but you never know what is in store (with the popularity, I guess there is no incentive to make any changes.

Sounds like you have a great trip planned . Congrats on getting a FP+ for SDMT, although sorry it isn't for the day you wanted. But I agree to keep trying for the day you want .

We've never eaten at BOG and not sure we ever will as the menu has no appeal to us. We may try for lunch or dessert (I hear the cupcakes are amazing) just to see the restaurant, but I can't see spending so much on dinner if there's not much any of us would eat .

I'm very much looking forward to SDMT! It seems like I've been waiting for this ride to open for YEARS...I can't even remember when they started construction but it seems like its been a long time.

I want to try that Master's Cupcake; I need to know if the Grey Stuff really is delicious!

Sounds like a wonderful trip...enjoy your VGF stay ...oh and lots of great dining...cause it ALWAYS about the food...lol... As for BOG..we really enjoyed our dinner there.. and had a variety of the dishes..the steak..chicken provencal and the pork chops which came with a yummy side called macaroni augratin...a fancy name for mac and cheese..lol...but the very best part of the meal was those deleicous cupcakes for dessert...I would say lemon meringue cup cake is not to be missed...My mouth is watering fro just thinking about them...lol...

I'm sure the VGF will be fantastic - we have a 1 bedroom booked and all the pictures just look heavenly. I have a feeling we will be spoiled!

Glad to hear you had an enjoyable meal at BOG! This is what I'd expect to hear, hopefully your experience becomes more of the norm. I'm not a fan of lemon but have been enjoying some lemon flavored desserts lately. One of them was Narcoossee's blueberry lemon curd trifle (I see it has since been updated to a blueberry lemon curd tart).

 

[BlueSkies]

I miss Denny in IPO. I am glad we get to see him out front now but he was the most friendly and helpful person at any IPO that I have ever dealt with.

I totally agree...

Great, thanks for the info! I will put in a request to see if we are lucky enough to get one of them!

Can't wait for our dinner at Victoria & Albert's!

You will not regret one of those spectacular turret rooms..even if they don't have a balcony... What a nice anniversary trip!

If you are not aware, those turret rooms have beautiful wrap around windows, but no balcony. Just wanted to remind you, in case it makes a difference. .

Oh those beautiful wrap around windows...with a view of the castle in the distance... Incredible room..and now the secret is out...lol...

Also thanks for sharing another beautiful picture....

I would like your advise on something. I'm thinking of adding a night at the beginning of my stay. I'm getting there very late, around 10pm. I'm staying club level so I don't know if it's worth it if I'm getting there so late. What do you guys think? Thx

What a great way to celebrate a birthday! I will add my 2 cents here and agree with MickeyNut about the value of getting to your destination and settling in...

That is one INCREDIBLE view! Is that from the top floor? Room numbers are kind of confusing but I'm guessing that would be 4421? So that would be the 5th floor? 4021 would be 3rd and 4321 would be 4th? Or is it backwards and 4021 is the top (5th floor?) 4421 4th floor and 4321 3rd floor. Ok I've confused myself more than usual! I'll wait for one of the "experts" to clarify.

I would LOVE to see some Victoria and Albert pictures! We have a reservation in the Queen Victoria room and are debating the wine pairing. I don't drink very much and I'm concerned I won't be able to function the next day! We did the Flying Fish Wine Dinner the end of July and 3 of the 5 glasses (to be fair the glasses were VERY generous pours) were too much for me.

For those there now/going soon, I have to ask because it is one of my FAVORITES from GF CL. Do they still have the chocolate covered strawberries?

Looking forward to everyone's reports and pictures for upcoming trips! Have a wonderful and GRAND time!

Two months and 10 days!

Liz

Yes that view is from the top floor turret room Liz..and confusing as it may be..and I'm not quite sure why..but 4021 is the fifth floor turret room (deluxe king) that faces the courtyard and MK in the distance...every room in the main building starts with a 4 and the second number generally indicates the floor..for instance 42** would be second floor (also king deluxes..but not a turret rooms) 43** third floor..and 44** fourth floor..but the fifth floor...40**... lol...

And I hate to be the bearer of bad news but have not seen the chocolate covered strawberries in our last few trips... and when I asked ..because we are fans too..they told me that they are not serving them with the evening desserts any longer ..I found the perfect smilie for that......and no more pecan sticky buns in the morning...some nice replacements..but not the same...

BTW that dinner at V&A's sounds terrific...

ETA...Hi Cali-D The grey stuff IS delicious!!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

That is one INCREDIBLE view! Is that from the top floor? Room numbers are kind of confusing but I'm guessing that would be 4421? So that would be the 5th floor? 4021 would be 3rd and 4321 would be 4th? Or is it backwards and 4021 is the top (5th floor?) 4421 4th floor and 4321 3rd floor. Ok I've confused myself more than usual! I'll wait for one of the "experts" to clarify.

4321 is 3rd floor, 4421 is 4th floor, and 4021 is 5th floor. I don't think I've ever figured out why the 5th floor is keyed as 40xx instead of 45xx. Anyone by chance know the story behind it? I'm guessing it has something to do with the floor being mainly suites.

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes, thank you to all! That's the same thing I was thinking. I would hate to be checking in and out of resorts. It totally sucks!

You're welcome, hope you have a great trip .

That is one INCREDIBLE view! Is that from the top floor? Room numbers are kind of confusing but I'm guessing that would be 4421? So that would be the 5th floor? 4021 would be 3rd and 4321 would be 4th? Or is it backwards and 4021 is the top (5th floor?) 4421 4th floor and 4321 3rd floor. Ok I've confused myself more than usual! I'll wait for one of the "experts" to clarify.

I would LOVE to see some Victoria and Albert pictures! We have a reservation in the Queen Victoria room and are debating the wine pairing. I don't drink very much and I'm concerned I won't be able to function the next day! We did the Flying Fish Wine Dinner the end of July and 3 of the 5 glasses (to be fair the glasses were VERY generous pours) were too much for me.

For those there now/going soon, I have to ask because it is one of my FAVORITES from GF CL. Do they still have the chocolate covered strawberries?

Looking forward to everyone's reports and pictures for upcoming trips! Have a wonderful and GRAND time!

Two months and 10 days!

Liz

I agree about that view, it is amazing .

I can't answer about the room numbers/locations and I don't have pics of V&A, but as far as the chocolate covered strawberries, I think those are gone. BlueSkies posted after her trip in June that some things had been taken away and I think the strawberries were one of them, along with the sticky buns at breakfast . Hopefully she will verify that (or correct me if I'm wrong) .

You don't have much longer to wait as your trip is coming up soon .

 

[BlueSkies]

MickeyNut and Cali-D We were posting the same info at about the same time... lol..

MickeyNut You have a good memory..yep ..no more sticky buns..and I know you happen to b a fan..and no more strawberries...But those can still be ordered from PD for delivery to your room...

Wanted to add...although I did not make a new ticker...just finished putting together another Grand vacation for January...ADRs and all!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm very much looking forward to SDMT! It seems like I've been waiting for this ride to open for YEARS...I can't even remember when they started construction but it seems like its been a long time.

I want to try that Master's Cupcake; I need to know if the Grey Stuff really is delicious!

I'm sure the VGF will be fantastic - we have a 1 bedroom booked and all the pictures just look heavenly. I have a feeling we will be spoiled!

I agree....it seems like SDMT has been in the works for so long that it's hard to believe it's up and running .

I have read a lot of reports about those cupcakes and how good they are. We might just have to try them on our next trip .

I'm sure you will have a great time in that 1 bedroom villa as they look gorgeous . Hopefully you will report back about your stay when you return .

And I hate to be the bearer of bad news but have not seen the chocolate covered strawberries in our last few trips... and when I asked ..because we are fans too..they told me that they are not serving them with the evening desserts any longer ..I found the perfect smilie for that......and no more pecan sticky buns in the morning...some nice replacements..but not the same...

Hi Blue.....I got interrupted while composing my post, but I see you have verified about the strawberries. I knew the sticky buns were gone......which makes me very sad .....but I thought you had mentioned the strawberries were gone, too .

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut and Cali-D We were posting the same info at about the same time... lol..

MickeyNut You have a good memory..yep ..no more sticky buns..and I know you happen to b a fan..and no more strawberries...But those can still be ordered from PD for delivery to your room...

Wanted to add...although I did not make a new ticker...just finished putting together another Grand vacation for January...ADRs and all!!!

Posting at the same time again, I see .

Good to know the strawberries can still be ordered from PD, although they were a nice treat in the lounge .

Congrats on the January trip.....very exciting .

 

[trishadono]

MickeyNut and Cali-D We were posting the same info at about the same time... lol..

MickeyNut You have a good memory..yep ..no more sticky buns..and I know you happen to b a fan..and no more strawberries...But those can still be ordered from PD for delivery to your room...

Wanted to add...although I did not make a new ticker...just finished putting together another Grand vacation for January...ADRs and all!!!

Oh no, thanks for reminding me Mickeynut and Blue I loved those sticky buns too. Dd loved the strawberries. Well at least the scones and stifle are still there

Ooh a January Trip! Lucky you

 

[ErinsMommy]

Yes, those particular pics are of a standard room, but all of the rooms (including CL and deluxe rooms) have .

Thank you so much

 

[ErinsMommy]

If you want to see the marina AND the monorail, request Conch Key, marina side. Did you see the photo of the safe near the bottom of that link?

Awesomeness thank you!!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

4321 is 3rd floor, 4421 is 4th floor, and 4021 is 5th floor. I don't think I've ever figured out why the 5th floor is keyed as 40xx instead of 45xx. Anyone by chance know the story behind it? I'm guessing it has something to do with the floor being mainly suites.

Thank you for the room number help. You're right about it not making sense.

I was hoping the strawberries would be added back. They had them with Afternoon Tea in July when we were there along with a to-die-for pistachio cake/tart. Last year in SL, the Tea offerings seem to mimic the CL offerings. Perhaps they need some !

Any chance the custard tartlets with mixed fruit on top are still there? The fruit part always made me feel less guilty. How bad can it be for you if it is made with fruit!

I know I can get the strawberries from various places but since the change over to Starbucks, the bakery in the Magic Kingdom doesn't have the same selection. GF CL is my last hope for those tarts!

I am glad the morning meat and cheese is still there. I usually grab some if we're skipping breakfast for EMH.

And I'm with you CaliforniaDreaming with it being about the food! The day is planned around the eating! Luckily there is enough walking to burn off the extra calories.

Thank you all again for all the wonderful information! I need to learn the art of multi-quoting now so I can thank each of you!

A Very Grand Evening to all!

Liz

 

[jhaig]

How are the dormer rooms in the outer buildings? I was going to request a top floor non-connecting room (booked garden view) and thought I may end up with a dormer room instead. Any huge differences from the other rooms to worry about?

Also, as far as garden view, our request is for top floor and quiet if possible. Is there any building that's better than the others for a garden view or should I not request a specific building?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We are sooo bummed about the loss of the choc strawberries. I like them but DD LOVES them, and she's not happy. We used to order them from PD if we weren't CL, but when they started having them in the Confectionery on MS, now we just get them there.

Sorry, I have been in the deluxe queen next door and did not remember being able to see fireworks Sorry.

No worries! I know what you mean, but those turret rooms have windows that wrap on around to the courtyard side of the resort. Beautiful views all around the resort - I have a bunch of them posted on one of the old threads.

....
We usually arrive late our first night and it's easier for us to book the same resort/room type for that night rather than staying somewhere else and moving the next morning (but that's just us). Only you can decide whether or not the extra cost for a CL room that night is worth it, but in our experience, there's really nothing like waking up the next morning ready to go rather than having to check out of one resort and check in at another .

We are in the group of getting there and checking in once, but I do agree that it's personal preference as everyone is different .

You are one of those I was thinking of, I'm pretty sure we've discussed your preference for late flights, etc. Next time we fly, I'm thinking of trying it out, just to see if we like it better. We're driving down from DC this upcoming trip.

Yes, thank you to all! That's the same thing I was thinking. I would hate to be checking in and out of resorts. It totally sucks!

....
I would LOVE to see some Victoria and Albert pictures! We have a reservation in the Queen Victoria room and are debating the wine pairing. I don't drink very much and I'm concerned I won't be able to function the next day! We did the Flying Fish Wine Dinner the end of July and 3 of the 5 glasses (to be fair the glasses were VERY generous pours) were too much for me.

....
Two months and 10 days!

Liz

I'll try to get some V&A's photos up tomorrow. I getcha regarding the wine pairing, but did you know you can split it with another of your party? DD and I do that - but even so, we are given very generous pours as well. Left more than a little tipsy last time around.

Maybe I shouldn't advertise it too much, but we love having drinks at the bar at Citricos. We actually prefer it to Mizner's as the service tends to be quicker. With that said, I do like sitting at the bar at Narcoossee's too. Maybe I just like bars... And food. All of my trips seem to be planned around meals these days!

I've been hopeful with all the recent menu changes that BOG would see an update as well. So far I haven't seen one but you never know what is in store (with the popularity, I guess there is no incentive to make any changes.



I'm very much looking forward to SDMT! It seems like I've been waiting for this ride to open for YEARS...I can't even remember when they started construction but it seems like its been a long time.

I want to try that Master's Cupcake; I need to know if the Grey Stuff really is delicious!



I'm sure the VGF will be fantastic - we have a 1 bedroom booked and all the pictures just look heavenly. I have a feeling we will be spoiled!

.... I'm not a fan of lemon but have been enjoying some lemon flavored desserts lately. One of them was Narcoossee's blueberry lemon curd trifle (I see it has since been updated to a blueberry lemon curd tart).

Not a fan of lemon?!? That doesn't compute. That blueberry lemon curd trifle OR tart sounds delicious, maybe we'll have to book Narcoossee's on our next visit.

LOL about just liking bars! I like sitting around in Mizner's, especially during the fireworks - but maybe we'll check out Citricos' bar just to mix it up. We are hoping to snag BOG for lunch, so we can check out the restaurant but not commit to the higher priced dinner, just in case. I read some guests are just going in for cupcakes and drinks, another option at lunch.

From all the reviews I've read, I think you will be spoiled in the 1 BR! I'd love to see for myself, but won't be able to unless/until the villas show up with a discount.

Oh those beautiful wrap around windows...with a view of the castle in the distance... Incredible room..and now the secret is out...lol...

Also thanks for sharing another beautiful picture....
....

Oops! I know, I know - it's hard to let everyone in on my favorite room! It wasn't much of a secret, though, I've posted those photos in just about every FAQ! hahaha

Not everyone loves it like we do - many people have to have a balcony!

4321 is 3rd floor, 4421 is 4th floor, and 4021 is 5th floor. I don't think I've ever figured out why the 5th floor is keyed as 40xx instead of 45xx. Anyone by chance know the story behind it? I'm guessing it has something to do with the floor being mainly suites.

I have assumed the same, but never asked. It is odd, isn't it?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....
I know I can get the strawberries from various places but since the change over to Starbucks, the bakery in the Magic Kingdom doesn't have the same selection. GF CL is my last hope for those tarts!

I am glad the morning meat and cheese is still there. I usually grab some if we're skipping breakfast for EMH.

....
Thank you all again for all the wonderful information! I need to learn the art of multi-quoting now so I can thank each of you!

A Very Grand Evening to all!

Liz

Did you know you can get the strawberries at the Confectionery? It's the candy shop at the beginning of Main St., right side of the street as you enter.

If they got rid of the b'fast meat and cheese, I think there would be a mutiny!

To multi-quote, just click on the tab with the quotation marks, next to the one with the word "quote", for each post you want to quote. Then, just hit "post reply" at the bottom of the page.

How are the dormer rooms in the outer buildings? I was going to request a top floor non-connecting room (booked garden view) and thought I may end up with a dormer room instead. Any huge differences from the other rooms to worry about?

Also, as far as garden view, our request is for top floor and quiet if possible. Is there any building that's better than the others for a garden view or should I not request a specific building?

There are garden view rooms in all buildings, each building has its own pluses. Hard to get a bad one, although there are some rooms in Big Pine Key that look right into the back of the pool house. Mostly on floors 1-3, though, so if you get an upper floor it shouldn't be a problem.

For a quiet building, you may want to request Sago Cay. It's away from the courtyard, so you don't hear the noise from the pool, etc. Lovely views of the marina on one side, the monorail and greenscape on the other.

The top floor (5th) will all be dormers, yes. These rooms are slightly smaller, have enclosed balconies and vaulted ceilings. Here is a link to photos of a BPK dormer room posted in an earlier thread by gilsan.

HTH!

 

[mrkyyyle]

Thanks all!
Will be our first time at V&A's! I managed to get the Queen Victoria room, was shooting for the chefs table but we didn't decide to do this trip until a month ago so missed booking as soon as window opened up!
We have been to Remy three times on the Dream/Fantasy and loved the food there so we are excited to try more!

First trip to WDW in almost 25 yrs for the wife and about 12 years for me, celebrating her bday and our wedding anniversary

 

[Sue M]

How are the dormer rooms in the outer buildings? I was going to request a top floor non-connecting room (booked garden view) and thought I may end up with a dormer room instead. Any huge differences from the other rooms to worry about?

Also, as far as garden view, our request is for top floor and quiet if possible. Is there any building that's better than the others for a garden view or should I not request a specific building?

Some like the dormer rooms, I don't because if the solid balcony.

my countdown, 1 more sleep till Florida!! & 2 weeks till GF check in