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

[disney meema]

Good morning Grand friends .... Yep very funky weather here in Utah as well with lower temps. and each evening lightning, thunder with rain showers since we arrived home from California about 2 weeks ago. Also we are normally a very low humidity state but it's been more humid with all the cloud cover. A bright sunny day can turn into a rainy day so quickly this summer so it's just very weird.

K&A&C no luck on seeing how to multi quote ; ( It has to be because I use my iPad mini ... Maybe? Also I've never been able to see anyone's bottom siggy on their pages or their trip tickers on my iPad or iPhone as well. I tried changing the settings ect. and nope everybody has a white page with only their avatar by their name showing. It's a bit awful since can't see the trip tickers for everyone I also can't see possibly their names or family size or well anything they had to their bottom page.
I'm actually like the plumbers wife with leaky pipes ... since my husband is in the computer tech business and my iPhone gadgets don't work right lol : )

Grannie, I'm going to try to figure this multi quoting skill as mention above to K&A&C, but fear either I am challenged as others have mentioned or it's this dumb dumb iPad mini ... Probably a bit of both : )

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend whether it's planning vacations, going on vacation or time with your family & friends in town : ) As for us here in Utah ... My husbands plane arrives from California at 1:30 ish and he's swinging by our house and then were headed out to Wendover, Nevada to see Sara Evans concert tonight, stay the night and then of course some slots and food ... Since it always about the food : ) " Happy Weekend to all "

 

[disney meema]

A few pages back someone asked about the weather in November and what to pack. Last year we went the beginning of October and again the middle of November. Looking back at pictures, October I was in shorts and tank tops and melting! November I was in an overcoat buttoned and zipped one day and shorts and a tee the next day! I usually just pack everything! Liz

Thanks TinkerBell for all the info on last years November weather : ) it was me who asked since we've never been anytime in 30 yrs except April through August so this is a new one to spend 2 weeks at WDW during this time. I've come to the conclusion with a 2 week trip it could be all of over the place weather wise so I'm packing springish clothes with cardigans and a bit of warmer clothes as well ... You said it perfectly " just pack everything " and I can always buy something if I need it. Although my husband would say he's traveled with me for 35 yrs and " I've never not brought everything with me or brought even more on the way home "

 

[disney meema]

Hello! I'm new to these boards but I'm a huge GF fan! We have stayed multiple times over the last 5 years and love it so much haven't been willing to go anywhere else on property yet With 2 girls 3 and 6 and 2 twin boys 8 months you can't beat the monorail convenience! We are going back in November and staying in the Villas! I can't wait!!!

Hi Hi Hi and Welcome Burd6 : ) So glad to see you here! I agree with you nothing like the GF ... it's so beautiful in every perfect way, and the added plus of the monorail with your little ones is fabulous for sure. Looking forward to chatting with you more and again welcome!!!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Thanks TinkerBell for all the info on last years November weather : ) it was me who asked since we've never been anytime in 30 yrs except April through August so this is a new one to spend 2 weeks at WDW during this time. I've come to the conclusion with a 2 week trip it could be all of over the place weather wise so I'm packing springish clothes with cardigans and a bit of warmer clothes as well ... You said it perfectly " just pack everything " and I can always buy something if I need it. Although my husband would say he's traveled with me for 35 yrs and " I've never not brought everything with me or brought even more on the way home "

Here is a preview of what you'll see in November!




Can you tell I'm sorting pictures today!?! Why does it take weeks to catch up from a short vacation

Liz

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

That's beautiful TinkerBellLiz! We'll make it there during the holidays sometime, I hope.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi BlueSkies

How are you?

LOL, you know k&a&c'smom has a picture and I'll be waiting to see it

Thanks much for responding... yes indeed...helps tremendously

Have a GRAND evening

Glad that the info was helpful! I see that k&a&c'smom did indeed have lovely pics to share!

Just drove from St louis to tulsa and finally got to catch up on 10 pages while the kiddos were sleeping. Our middle child turns 3 this weekend so we will be telling the kids about their upcoming Disney trip so they will have a 30 day countdown!

I have found the tervis like wine tumblers from bed bath and beyond to be great for traveling (someone posted about packing wine glasses a few pages back).

Hi, Blue...I've had less time to hang around here because I have had more company! All good fun tho, except for the extra kitchen time...

More company!!! You def need a vacation grannyminnie...

Hello to all my Grand friends!!!

Wow! I was surprised to see so many pages to read.
Nice to read about all the Grand vacations.

Candy

Hey Candy I agree..love reading all about everyone's trips!

I'm hoping someone who has been there recently can confirm Afternoon Tea is still a club offering with scones in particular. If they are I'll keep this one and not make any more. Now I've made myself hungry and scones are still 2 months away

Thanks for any help from recent GF visitors!

Hope everyone has a GRAND Friday


Liz

Afternoon tea complete with scones, clotted cream, banana bread and raspberry trifle was still an offering in June.... Just typing that made me hungry too....lol..

With regards to multi quoting....deciphering it all takes a little time...and for some of us...like me...a longer time...lol....but once you get the hang of it....its great!

SO HOPING for mild weather beginning of Dec! Never know with the weather, though...could get a "cold snap"...Oh well, like you said, being prepared is KEY for variable weather! So ENJOY milder weather at WDW! Here's to hoping!

Being prepared is the key.. I bet that if you bring plenty of warm clothes "just in case" it will be nice and warm and sunny!

Hello! I'm new to these boards but I'm a huge GF fan! We have stayed multiple times over the last 5 years and love it so much haven't been willing to go anywhere else on property yet With 2 girls 3 and 6 and 2 twin boys 8 months you can't beat the monorail convenience! We are going back in November and staying in the Villas! I can't wait!!!

Welcome... and congratulations on the villa stay! I agree you just can't beat the convenience of staying at a monorail resort!

I resisted the siren song of the Grand to keep my reservation at BC CL. Not an easy decision, but with 8 days in December at VGF I thought it was piggy. And since our plans for the weekend are centered around the special Frozen stuff at DHS and Epcot has EMH one night, I just could'n't justify it. We will visit, however...perhaps a monorail tour of the lounges on night one.

Stay strong jd99...you can do it.... ... for now!!! Truly it does make sense to stay at the BC (which is such a lovely resort..even if it not the GF..lol...) since your activities are centered around the Epcot/HS area..

MickeyNut Your texts this morning almost had me spitting out my coffee on my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!! Planning and talking Disney are just the best!!!

k&a&'cmom You could be right about the sandwich meat...it seemed more deli type to me... ..particularly the ham....with that amazing grand sandwich I am usually busy concentrating on the onion straws and that that creamy delicious boursin cheese....OMG...so much food talk today...I'm making myself super hungry...lol...

Thank you for sharing more of your beautiful pictures ...I knew that you would have some of those 5th floor balconies...

Another thanks for the reminder that dining menus can be found right here on the DIS...I sometimes forget that and head over to allears..which generally has pretty up to date info also...but so nice to have it here.. with even less less clicks away..lol...

~ Just wanted to share some info..and its about my favorite topic...lol...food... casue as I always say...Its all about the food!!! The Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland is going to have a yummy sounding new offering (read about this on the restaurant boards..)...Waffle fries...and not just any waffle fries.. BLT waffles fries.. with ranch dressing... Tex Mex waffle fries with black beans and cucmber relish and warm cheddar..and last but not least BBQ pork waffle fries...Now I am sure that they are about a million calories an order.... ...but gosh they sound so good!!! I think I might have to add one order of these to my "snacks we need to have list"...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fabulous Friday!! preppy GF gal who has decided not to change her trip to December after all .... ...lol..for now....btw over on my smilies...again!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

It took me a while to find this one!



And if it is a cooler day I recommend visiting Animal Kingdom. We have never seen so many animals out and about!



Liz

 

[k&a&c'smom]

disney meema, sorry you are not able to see the multi-quote icon, very frustrating!

I may be the reason they changed it! I ordered one of everything once so I could try it all.

We were there the end of July. Al la Carte seems to have been completely removed. You can have your choice of the premade selection "packages" which seem to cover most things. One of our most favorites is the scone with Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd!

Oddly enough while I was posting, DH came in and sat down. He insists the tea reservations are for me but now he's wondering if we should make another or 3! Soo...

I'm hoping someone who has been there recently can confirm Afternoon Tea is still a club offering with scones in particular. If they are I'll keep this one and not make any more. Now I've made myself hungry and scones are still 2 months away

Thanks for any help from recent GF visitors!

Hope everyone has a GRAND Friday with


Liz

LOL about being the cause of the menu change. Sounds like the same menu we were confronted with on our last visit, that's a shame. We liked adding a few a la carte items. Oh, well!

Afternoon tea is still a part of the CL offerings, never fear. Scones, all the clotted cream you can eat and a rotating variety of quick breads, tea cookies, jam tarts, sometimes even trifle.

Loved your photo of the Castle, so pretty!

K&a&c's mom...it's a small world! I lived in st charles for 2 years then moved to wentzville when I got married. Lived there for 7 years and then moved to Wright city about a year ago. DH needed more space away from neighbors. Ha!

Where will the wedding be? So many nice places in stl for one!

Well, it IS a small world! FDIL wants to have her ceremony at Forest Park, but not sure - it's tentatively in May, and DS is afraid of the weather. He proposed at Grand Basin, so...we'll see.

....

The strawberry swirl sounds good, too!!! I wonder why Disney keeps getting rid of so many great things .

I agree about the music at the beach pool. On our last trip, we spent more time at the courtyard pool than the beach pool, but the few times we were at the beach pool, I don't remember music other than for the activities .
....

We've had crazy weather here, too. The high today is only supposed to be low 70s.....that's more September/October weather than August . Those pics sound amazing, I hope you are able to get them when you go in October.

I know, why do they always take away our favorites?

Good to know I'm not the only one who doesn't remember music at the Beach Pool - I was starting to question my sanity.

August weather is weird all over, it seems. I'll keep my fingers crossed the trend continues while we are in the World, and the usual afternoon showers disappear.

Hello! I'm new to these boards but I'm a huge GF fan! We have stayed multiple times over the last 5 years and love it so much haven't been willing to go anywhere else on property yet With 2 girls 3 and 6 and 2 twin boys 8 months you can't beat the monorail convenience! We are going back in November and staying in the Villas! I can't wait!!!

It's hard to stay elsewhere, once you've fallen in love with the Grand.

I resisted the siren song of the Grand to keep my reservation at BC CL. Not an easy decision, but with 8 days in December at VGF I thought it was piggy. And since our plans for the weekend are centered around the special Frozen stuff at DHS and Epcot has EMH one night, I just could'n't justify it. We will visit, however...perhaps a monorail tour of the lounges on night one.

Good call, I know that must have been tough! Love your lounge crawl idea.: (this smiley needs to be a martini glass for me, haha!, but it is fitting for the girls)

 

[BlueSkies]

Liz Another beautiful picture..Love the way the castle looks in all of its winter icicles... Thanks for reminding us of another thing to look forward to when taking a winter trip!

ETa...Hi k&a&c'smom Looks like we are back on track and posting at the same time again these days!! And such similar reponses too....lol...again!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

What gorgeous photos, Liz!! BTW - do you mind if I snag it to add to the first page?

k&a&'cmom You could be right about the sandwich meat...it seemed more deli type to me... ..particularly the ham....with that amazing grand sandwich I am usually busy concentrating on the onion straws and that that creamy delicious boursin cheese....OMG...so much food talk today...I'm making myself super hungry...lol...

Thank you for sharing more of your beautiful pictures ...I knew that you would have some of those 5th floor balconies...

Another thanks for the reminder that dining menus can be found right here on the DIS...I sometimes forget that and head over to allears..which generally has pretty up to date info also...but so nice to have it here.. with even less less clicks away..lol...

~ Just wanted to share some info..and its about my favorite topic...lol...food... casue as I always say...Its all about the food!!! The Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland is going to have a yummy sounding new offering (read about this on the restaurant boards..)...Waffle fries...and not just any waffle fries.. BLT waffles fries.. with ranch dressing... Tex Mex waffle fries with black beans and cucmber relish and warm cheddar..and last but not least BBQ pork waffle fries...Now I am sure that they are about a million calories an order.... ...but gosh they sound so good!!! I think I might have to add one order of these to my "snacks we need to have list"...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fabulous Friday!! preppy GF gal who has decided not to change her trip to December after all .... ...lol..for now....btw over on my smilies...again!

Posting at the same time again!

Those fries sound yummy! The BLT sounds very like the Figaro Fries we lost at Pinocchio Village Haus a couple years back, I'll have to look out for them. Golden Oak Outpost has had some unique offerings off and on - I kept meaning to check out their homemade potato chips, but never got around to it. This trip, we will likely do more snacking in the parks than usual, I'm not making many dining reservations.

Ooh, the boursin cheese sauce and onion straws are our favorite part of that sandwich, too. *drool* I'm sure you are right about the ham, it doesn't have the "fresh roasted" designation on the menu! A very delicious sandwich, though, and filling.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Ok my first attempt at multi quoting! Its only 2 but you have to start small! Btw the quotes do NOT show up on my iPad/iPhone either.

Afternoon tea complete with scones, clotted cream, banana bread and raspberry trifle was still an offering in June.... Just typing that made me hungry too....lol..

With regards to multi quoting....deciphering it all takes a little time...and for some of us...like me...a longer time...lol....but once you get the hang of it....its great!

LOL about being the cause of the menu change. Sounds like the same menu we were confronted with on our last visit, that's a shame. We liked adding a few a la carte items. Oh, well!

Afternoon tea is still a part of the CL offerings, never fear. Scones, all the clotted cream you can eat and a rotating variety of quick breads, tea cookies, jam tarts, sometimes even trifle.

Thank you both for the update on CL Tea! I'll wait until later in the trip to see if DH err I mean I need another Tea fix before we leave!

Good call, I know that must have been tough! Love your lounge crawl idea.: (this smiley needs to be a martini glass for me, haha!, but it is fitting for the girls)

DH and I decided not to wait! We choose a restaurant each night and make a drink from their menu. Last night was the Magic Star and tonight is the Grand Colada! Not that I would take liberties with the listed ingredients or anything but

I'll try not to spam photos anymore today!

Liz

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

What gorgeous photos, Liz!! BTW - do you mind if I snag it to add to the first page?

Feel free to take what you need. Just yell at me if I over do it with photos

Liz

 

[jd99]

:


Stay strong jd99...you can do it.... ... for now!!! Truly it does make sense to stay at the BC (which is such a lovely resort..even if it not the GF..lol...) since your activities are centered around the Epcot/HS area..


Good call, I know that must have been tough! Love your lounge crawl idea.: (this smiley needs to be a martini glass for me, haha!, but it is fitting for the girls)

Thank you for the support. I'm surprising the kids (DD10 and DD15) with CL which they love. I was worried about the lounge at BC being temporarily in the presidential suite but when I mentioned it to DD15 in passing (she happened to ask when BCV was getting renovations..so I had an opening) - she said "wow that'd be so cool. So that nailed it.

 

[Burd6]

Thanks everyone for the awesome welcome! Has anyone ever done the My Princess Tea Party? We have reservations for the first time and I can't wait! It was hard to pull the trigger on the price but I think my girls are going to love it!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm not going to complain about the cooler temps! Last week it was so humid and hot you could barely breathe when you walked outside!

I'm super excited about photos at the GF in October. I ended up with 4 I'm having enlarged and framed from our stay at WL last month. I have been trying to take a really nice Sunrise/Set picture all year. Who knew I needed to go to WDW to get one! I was pleased with several lodge pictures I took too. Crossing my fingers October and GF will turn out as well. I love decorating with pictures I've taken. I might start a WDW wall somewhere!

Liz

I hear ya about the cooler temps. I get tired of the a/c after awhile and I always look forward to cooler days when I can open all the windows and get some fresh air blowing throughout the house .

Great idea about enlarging pics . I've done that with some pics over the years. Can't wait to see what you come back with in October.

SO HOPING for mild weather beginning of Dec! Never know with the weather, though...could get a "cold snap"...Oh well, like you said, being prepared is KEY for variable weather! So ENJOY milder weather at WDW! Here's to hoping!

I hope you have great weather in December, too . We've had 2 December trips with one being very cold (not to scare you...lol) and one being nice with temps in the 80s . But no matter what the weather is, you will have a great time as Disney in December is amazing .

Hello! I'm new to these boards but I'm a huge GF fan! We have stayed multiple times over the last 5 years and love it so much haven't been willing to go anywhere else on property yet. With 2 girls 3 and 6 and 2 twin boys 8 months you can't beat the monorail convenience! We are going back in November and staying in the Villas! I can't wait!!!

Welcome to the Dis

We have stayed at several resorts over the years, but I do agree about the GF......it's such a great resort that I can see how hard it might be to try something else. I also agree about the monorail with little ones, it's so convenient. You don't have too much longer to wait as November will be here before you know it. Hope you will come back and report on your VGF stay .

I resisted the siren song of the Grand to keep my reservation at BC CL. Not an easy decision, but with 8 days in December at VGF I thought it was piggy. And since our plans for the weekend are centered around the special Frozen stuff at DHS and Epcot has EMH one night, I just could'n't justify it. We will visit, however...perhaps a monorail tour of the lounges on night one.

I think the BC is a great choice since you will be spending a lot of time at Epcot and DHS . Plus it won't be too long after that you will back checking into the VGF .

Here is a preview of what you'll see in November!

Liz

What a beautiful pic . I never get tired of seeing pics of the castle all decorated for the holidays.

We'll make it there during the holidays sometime, I hope.

The holidays are just amazing at Disney. I hope you are able to plan a Christmas trip in the future .

MickeyNut Your texts this morning almost had me spitting out my coffee on my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!! Planning and talking Disney are just the best!!!

~ Just wanted to share some info..and its about my favorite topic...lol...food... casue as I always say...Its all about the food!!! The Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland is going to have a yummy sounding new offering (read about this on the restaurant boards..)...Waffle fries...and not just any waffle fries.. BLT waffles fries.. with ranch dressing... Tex Mex waffle fries with black beans and cucmber relish and warm cheddar..and last but not least BBQ pork waffle fries...Now I am sure that they are about a million calories an order.... ...but gosh they sound so good!!! I think I might have to add one order of these to my "snacks we need to have list"...

Yes, talking Disney is always fun!!!

Thanks for the info on the waffle fries.....they sound so good. As far as calories, there is no such thing when you're on vacation .

It took me a while to find this one!

And if it is a cooler day I recommend visiting Animal Kingdom. We have never seen so many animals out and about!

Liz

More awesome pics, thanks for sharing .

I know, why do they always take away our favorites?

Good to know I'm not the only one who doesn't remember music at the Beach Pool - I was starting to question my sanity.

August weather is weird all over, it seems. I'll keep my fingers crossed the trend continues while we are in the World, and the usual afternoon showers disappear.

I wish I knew. Seems like Disney has been making a lot of not-so-good changes the last few years .

LOL on starting to question your sanity .....maybe they do play music once in awhile, but I know I never heard any during our stay.

Sending good thoughts for great weather for your upcoming trip ......you are going to have a great time!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Golden Oak Outpost has had some unique offerings off and on - I kept meaning to check out their homemade potato chips, but never got around to it. This trip, we will likely do more snacking in the parks than usual, I'm not making many dining reservations.

Sounds like you have a nice, relaxing trip planned .

Ok my first attempt at multi quoting! Its only 2 but you have to start small!

Liz

Perfect

Just yell at me if I over do it with photos

Liz

You can never post too many pics .

I'm surprising the kids (DD10 and DD15) with CL which they love. I was worried about the lounge at BC being temporarily in the presidential suite but when I mentioned it to DD15 in passing (she happened to ask when BCV was getting renovations..so I had an opening) - she said "wow that'd be so cool. So that nailed it.

I'm sure you are going to have a great time .

Thanks everyone for the awesome welcome! Has anyone ever done the My Princess Tea Party? We have reservations for the first time and I can't wait! It was hard to pull the trigger on the price but I think my girls are going to love it!

I can't help with the My Princess Tea, but I'm sure someone else will be able to help .

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Thanks everyone for the awesome welcome! Has anyone ever done the My Princess Tea Party? We have reservations for the first time and I can't wait! It was hard to pull the trigger on the price but I think my girls are going to love it!

Welcome! I have no first hand knowledge of the Princess Tea Party but I did discover photos of one here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1768829&page=50 Pictures are toward the middle/bottom of the page.

It looks like fun! If they did this with adults I would SO take my MIL there! She's British

Liz

 

[abk96]

Liz...Thanks for all the great photos. The lions are so pretty! Afternoon tea was still served in the lounge at the end of July. Now I need a scone.

Thanks for the heads up on the waffle fries Blue. Anything with BBQ pulled pork has got to be good, IMO.

 

[davale4]

Thanks everyone for the awesome welcome! Has anyone ever done the My Princess Tea Party? We have reservations for the first time and I can't wait! It was hard to pull the trigger on the price but I think my girls are going to love it!

My DD did this for her 9th birthday celebration and absolutely LOVED it. It is definitely an experience. Since my DS was still too small, her father had the honor of being with her (she's also daddy's girl ). We were very glad we did it for her.

She has also done the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party in 1900 PF. This she has done a number of times (much, much cheaper). She said it was a lot of fun. She is now too old for these activities .

 

[Burd6]

My DD did this for her 9th birthday celebration and absolutely LOVED it. It is definitely an experience. Since my DS was still too small, her father had the honor of being with her (she's also daddy's girl ). We were very glad we did it for her.

She has also done the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party in 1900 PF. This she has done a number of times (much, much cheaper). She said it was a lot of fun. She is now too old for these activities .

Good to know! We are very excited!!