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

[disney meema]

Raya ... We have gotten cabanas the day of without booking ahead of time. I've actually never booked ahead since the weather can be so sunny and turn crazy fast to thunder storms in the summer months. Loved the experience if your planning a pool resort day, amazing! I guess it could be fully booked but I doubt it since there's so much to do in WDW ... Not like Vegas where the pool is the centerpiece during the hot summer days so getting out there early for a cabana is a must or pre booking. I think you'll be good : )

 

[jerseygal]

Inquiring mind here too....I don't think that I've ever seen the chocolate covered pineapples...Citrus swirl can be found at the Sunshine Tree Terrace... its super refreshing...

THANKS! Sounds GREAT! What exactly is a citrus swirl? Is it ice cream or is it like a smoothie or something?

Yum..."Whatever" it is, sure sounds AWESOME!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report.
We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR.

Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also .

So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful!

Here's the view from our balcony:

 

[TxTiggergal]

Only one week to go, woohoo!! We had a discussion of the morning transportation options just a few pages back, and found a quote from johnsonet regarding her chat with a CR bus driver regarding morning bus service.

Essentially, he said they are running extra buses to get guests to their a.m. reservations, including EMH. I'll see if I can find the page for you.

I went back and re-read what johnsonet had said! Thanks for reminding me that she had reported on the situation. I vaguely remembered reading something about it but wasn't sure about the details.

Regarding morning transportation while monorail is on limited hours, the resort monorail does not start running until apx 8:30am. A few mornings we saw it begin around 8:20am but we didn't want to chance it given GF is the last stop before MK making it very crowded anyway. Definintely take the bus or boat to morning EMH. For evenings, the resort monorail shuts down promptly at 12midnight.

That is a very good point about the GF being the last stop! So it looks like buses or boats will be needed for EMH. Thanks!

 

[disney meema]

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report. We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR. Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also . So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful! Here's the view from our balcony:

Wow such a beautiful sight and fabulous picture! The weather looks so nice out: ) So happy to read your check in went so smoothly and your rooms ( both dormer and then your full balcony room ) were available. I've found August is a good summer month for rooms being available and requests granted since families with kiddos are getting ready for BTS or school has started. Your going to have an amazing vacation, and isn't the Floridian just soooo Grand : )

 

[misskerri]

Here's an important question:

Which store at the GF sells the Dooney & Bourke WDW handbags?

(Specifically, I am looking for this one:

)

Also...I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

 

[trishadono]

Here's an important question:

Which store at the GF sells the Dooney & Bourke WDW handbags?

(Specifically, I am looking for this one:

)

Also...I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

I pack wine and corkscrew in checked luggage all the time, no problem.

We were in summer lace 3 times and I can't remember if they had that bag. Will check tomorrow. I think available in MK though, just in case.

 

[jerseygal]

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report.
We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR.

Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also .

So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful!

Here's the view from our balcony:

BEAUTIFUL PIC! Thank you for posting!
Glad that you were accommodated with early checkin and a "change" for your request! ENJOY YOUR VACA!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report.
We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR.

Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also .

So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful!

Here's the view from our balcony:

Thanks for checking in . Glad everything went well with check in and that you got the building/upper floor that you wanted (and eventually a non-dormer room ). Also, love the view from your balcony . Hope you have a great time relaxing at the Grand.

Here's an important question:

Which store at the GF sells the Dooney & Bourke WDW handbags?

(Specifically, I am looking for this one:

Also...I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

Summer Lace usually carries some of the D&B bags. You can also find them at World of Disney in DTD, which I have found to have a pretty good selection .

I can't answer about the wine.

 

[coopersmom]

I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

If you regularly travel with wine, try a Wine Check. It meets all the requirements for checked luggage on the plane and can be easily collapsed and packed into another bag if you only need it one way (either to take wine to a destination, or bring wine home from it). Also doubles as a great laundry basket once you get there and take the wine. We've traveled all over with ours with no trouble what-so-ever.

No affiliation, but they're widely available if you Google the name. We got ours on Amazon.

Any kind of corkscrew is allowed in checked luggage. Any corkscrew without a foil cutter (a.k.a. tiny knife) is supposed to be allowed in your carry-on, per written TSA regulations, but with anything regarding airline security your actual mileage may vary so take one you're OK with losing. I can tell you that the Grand is happy to lend you empty glasses to use in your room, at least at club level. (They're not amazing glassware if you're super picky, but they'll do and they're way better than plastic cups.)

If you decide not to bring your own wine, I can wholeheartedly recommend (again, no affiliation, just good experiences) the Wine Barn in Orlando as a great resource for very good wine locally. Super people, very friendly and willing to make recommendations at any price point.

 

[TxTiggergal]

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report.
We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR.

Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also .

So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful!

Thank you for taking time on your vacation to share with those of us who are still at home counting down the days! Glad you ultimately got the room you wanted. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

[disney meema]

meema As a weather worrier...who famously packs and repacks before a trip I truly understand....I also like to be stylishly comfortable! lol... Mid fall can be unpredictable..some days shorts and light weight tops... and some days sweaters and capris...lol.. Personally I think that bermuda length shorts ( I am a fan of the J Crew shorts..)with a short sleeve top and a sweater (just in case! also nice for tangling around the neck...lol..) are perfect for day time comfort...as for evenings...just depends on what your plans are..but def warmer clothing or layers are a must... And don't forget...if there is anything that you "need" Summer Lace always has a nice supply of clothing..some GF specific tops and sweat shirts too...

Thanks blueskies yep I'm a big tie a sweater around my neck person as well, so I'll for sure being doing that : ) I've had my eye on a geo sweater top at J Crew so I'll be taking a look today to see if there's anything else I HTH ... Off to take my twin granddaughters BTS shopping this afternoon so I might have to do some shopping too.
What shoes do you recommend? I just bought 3 pairs of go walks by sketcher slip ons in black, navy and grey and their so comfortable but not the cutest shoes. I normally wear flip flops or sandals to the parks but with winter months I picked these up and they look okay with capris, shorts and some casual dresses. I have a few pairs of toms but I've never tried them out at a theme park so iffy if I should even try to bring any of them? I am bringing 1 pair of uggs that I'll wear on the plane to and from WDW since it's going to be freezing when we leave.

 

[misskerri]

If you regularly travel with wine, try a Wine Check. It meets all the requirements for checked luggage on the plane and can be easily collapsed and packed into another bag if you only need it one way (either to take wine to a destination, or bring wine home from it). Also doubles as a great laundry basket once you get there and take the wine. We've traveled all over with ours with no trouble what-so-ever.

No affiliation, but they're widely available if you Google the name. We got ours on Amazon.

Any kind of corkscrew is allowed in checked luggage. Any corkscrew without a foil cutter (a.k.a. tiny knife) is supposed to be allowed in your carry-on, per written TSA regulations, but with anything regarding airline security your actual mileage may vary so take one you're OK with losing. I can tell you that the Grand is happy to lend you empty glasses to use in your room, at least at club level. (They're not amazing glassware if you're super picky, but they'll do and they're way better than plastic cups.)

If you decide not to bring your own wine, I can wholeheartedly recommend (again, no affiliation, just good experiences) the Wine Barn in Orlando as a great resource for very good wine locally. Super people, very friendly and willing to make recommendations at any price point.

We will not have transportation, so going off site won't be an option, but thanks so much for the recommendation! I was trying to decide whether to pack one of my inexpensive wine glasses, or purchase plastic wine glasses. LOL. We're not staying CL, so I will probably bring something along, just in case.

I will have to check out Wine Check. I was thinking of buying a couple of Jet Bags for the trip to carry the wine in. We're only staying 6 nights, and DH doesn't drink wine, so I figure 2 bottles should be enough for just me

Barring bringing my own (b/c I just read the rules on SW's website and they sound tedious), do they sell bottles of wine at the GF? Are they ridiculously expensive? Last year at POR, I paid $6 or $8 for a single-serve bottle of SUTTER HOME. Ugh.

 

[coopersmom]

Barring bringing my own (b/c I just read the rules on SW's website and they sound tedious), do they sell bottles of wine at the GF? Are they ridiculously expensive? Last year at POR, I paid $6 or $8 for a single-serve bottle of SUTTER HOME. Ugh.

Wine in your CHECKED luggage should be fine on any airline, just pack it carefully and remember they're not responsible for breakage/staining of clothes/etc. I've wrapped a bottle in bubble wrap and then put that in double or triple plastic bags (just in case of breakage) and then wrapped that whole package in something like pants or a sweatshirt and been totally fine on multiple occasions when I was just bringing a bottle or two home/away. Not fancy, but gets the job done.

You can't carry wine on any airline anymore that I know of.

Last I knew Wine Barn didn't do deliveries, but B-21.com does. That's another very good wine store. Flat rate shipping of $12 will get you far better bottles at far better prices than anything you'll find on Disney property.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Also...I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

We just purchased the Jet Bags for our upcoming trip. They have very good reviews. Plan on wrapping the bags in bubble wrap then bulky clothing, as another has posted.

We fly SWA & have never had a problem with either the wine itself or the corkscrew in our checked luggage.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....
Glad you got to see the Supermoon, even if it was by accident .

Thanks!

K&a&c... Yikes missed your post on the weather and what to wear (( sorry hiding )) Thanks for the info. I guess no boots and leggings or coats will be needed with the weather so nice. What I usually do if going to California or Hawaii in the winter is wear my coat in the car to the airport and get dropped off by my daughter and then leave it in the car & then have her bring back a coat when she picks us up ... Coming back on Nov 23rd so it could be anywhere between 32 degrees or 15 degrees when we get home to Utah.
Yeah shipping our dirty clothes home is a must or my husband would worry every time I buy something how it would make it home with us. Thanks again : )

There is always a possibility of a freak weather pattern, but I would say, no - boots and leggings not required.

Good plan regarding the coat. We live in a cold winter area, and if we travel for, say, Spring Break, we have to make sure to bring a coat with us as we leave our car in long term parking. We have gotten off the plane in shorts to be greeted by snow and wind chills!

Inquiring mind here too....I don't think that I've ever seen the chocolate covered pineapples...Citrus swirl can be found at the Sunshine Tree Terrace... its super refreshing...

THANKS! Sounds GREAT! What exactly is a citrus swirl? Is it ice cream or is it like a smoothie or something?

Yum..."Whatever" it is, sure sounds AWESOME!

Citrus swirl is an ice cream treat that is vanilla ice cream swirled with frozen orange juice, very good! I grabbed a photo from the Disney food blog:

I went back and re-read what johnsonet had said! Thanks for reminding me that she had reported on the situation. I vaguely remembered reading something about it but wasn't sure about the details.

Glad you found it - sorry, I meant to search for it and forgot.

If you regularly travel with wine, try a Wine Check. It meets all the requirements for checked luggage on the plane and can be easily collapsed and packed into another bag if you only need it one way (either to take wine to a destination, or bring wine home from it). Also doubles as a great laundry basket once you get there and take the wine. We've traveled all over with ours with no trouble what-so-ever.

....
If you decide not to bring your own wine, I can wholeheartedly recommend (again, no affiliation, just good experiences) the Wine Barn in Orlando as a great resource for very good wine locally. Super people, very friendly and willing to make recommendations at any price point.

Thanks for the detailed info, good to know! We will be driving this time, so bringing our own beverages won't be an issue - but I'm filing this away for the future.

We just purchased the Jet Bags for our upcoming trip. They have very good reviews. Plan on wrapping the bags in bubble wrap then bulky clothing, as another has posted.

We fly SWA & have never had a problem with either the wine itself or the corkscrew in our checked luggage.

 

[BlueSkies]

Miss Kerri As MickeyNut said..Summer Lace does carry a selection of D&B bags....and they usually have a nice variety..another suggestion is the Main Street Jewelers...they obviously carry a lot more than jewelry... and a larger selection than they have in SL....Happy shopping!

mommyrosa Glad that all worked out well with your room...what a lovely view... Enjoy!

Trish Hope that you are having a grand time..

k&a&c We are waiting patiently....kind of ...to fiind out more about those yummy sounding chocolate covered pineapples... lol..

meema My fave foot wear..and I do wwear flip flops during the day even in the late fall months are Havianas...they are comfy cushy and come with some nice bling ( this summer I bought the slim crytal poem flip flops )! Another recommendation are Sperry's...also comfy for lots of walking...but I would recommend breaking them in before your trip...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Mommyrosa, thanks for the photos - what a lovely view, one of our favorites!! Glad you arrived safely and your room was ready. Well, your eventual room, so happy you were able to make the switch.

Have a Grand vacation!

 

[davale4]

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report.
We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR.

Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also .

So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful!

Here's the view from our balcony:

What a great start to your vacation . The view is absolutely beautiful! Enjoy! We'll be there this Sunday and can't wait!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you for taking time on your vacation to share with those of us who are still at home counting down the days! Glad you ultimately got the room you wanted. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Your trip is coming up fast.....just 6 more days and you'll be on your way .

Citrus swirl is an ice cream treat that is vanilla ice cream swirled with frozen orange juice, very good! I grabbed a photo from the Disney food blog:

I've never had one of those, but that sure looks good .