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

[trishadono]

Well, now family of 6 or needing bigger beds !!!!

Yes!

 

[MrsB919]

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone knows how late they do room service and if there's a menu to get an idea what's on it. TIA

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Hi All ~

In case the modified monorail schedule is still in place when we go in October --- How early does boat service to MK start? How about bus service to Epcot?

TIA!
Debbie

 

[BC1836]

Hi All ~

In case the modified monorail schedule is still in place when we go in October --- How early does boat service to MK start? How about bus service to Epcot?

TIA!
Debbie

We believe we saw a cruiser (not the usual launch) depart the Poly heading toward the MK this morning prior to 9 a.m.

No info on bus service, however. But added boats and buses are in operation during the times the monorail would be running.

All the best.

 

[davale4]

davale4: Our last chance to probably cross your path will be tomorrow night at Twilight Refreshers.

We will be there promptly at 5 p.m. and will be easy to identify since we will be dressed for V&A. We always have a glass of Mumm Napa to kick off the evening. [Fear not: my slightly unshaven look is for an upcoming film role]. It would be our pleasure to meet you.

All the best.

We should definitely be there tomorrow. We are taking a break and renting a cabana in the morning. We have reservations at Narcoosees (which I confused with V&A's reservation) and that's all we are doing!

Looking forward to tomorrow!

 

[Sue M]

good point Sue! It was definitely better today we did get a chair at the beach pool I do find myself collecting towels off of chairs that people leave behind when they leave so that other people can find a spot to rest... Sigh... I am currently sitting on my balcony in sugar loaf sipping champaign watching the monorail and thinking of all of you Grand folks! It is on the ground floor so I am also thinking of snakes and keeping a vigilant eye....

Glad you found a spot today!! We didn't have time for pool today, had to get up early to pack & check out of RPC and check into next room. We ended up in Big Pine lagoon view.
People leaving towels and can't be bothered to put them in bin is really annoying!! Watch out for those Palmetto bugs too!! I don't care what they call them, they are just huge cockroaches that fly to me .

Hello everyone. We are in RPC now and loving it! We arrived at WDW on Monday and stayed at WL for one night. We checked in to GF a little before 10 am on Tuesday and we are here for 10 days. We are in a queen deluxe and love it!

The room is big and we really like the refurb. It's less busy than the old decor. Before we left we were hoping for a daybed. The couch is not a just a daybed, it pulls out. In the morning the maid folds it back up and then the bed is pulled out and made up at turndown.

Our view is of the Villas, water play area, beach pool, beach and poly. If you look off into the distance you can see the WL, the top of Spaceship Earth and the swan.

The lounge seems a bit busy in the am around 5:00ish. The staff has been very very nice. My first day I asked if I could get a KTTW card b/c I don't like wearing the magic band. The CM at concierge told me the KTTW didn't work well and talked me out of it. I went back the next day to a new CM and they switched it no problem and it has worked just fine. It is a yellow card but there is nothing printed on the front so they had me sign it. I don't know if the first CM didn't know how to issue the KTTW or if she just didn't want to.

I took some pics of the room before we unpacked but it's been so long since I've posted pics I'll have to see if I can remember how to do it. We can hear the orchestra from our room but we like it. We can also hear the pool party in the afternoon but it's not bad or annoying, at least not to us.

We have a good sized balcony, it is a bit bigger than regular balconies b/c it extends around a corner a bit. We have been happy with the staff and cleanliness of the room and resort.

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It's been VERY HOT. It rained for the first time since we've been here last night but we missed it b/c it started right as we were going into BOG and was over by the time we got out of the restaurant.

I"m going to try to see if I can post some pics of the new room.

Glad you're enjoying it! Our room faced courtyard pool, and could see the higher fireworks from Wishes. I was in lounge today around 5pm too today, and it was packed!!

Davale4 asked me to post some pics !

Deluxe queen RPC !!!

That looks exactly like the room we had. Checking into regular room today, in Big Pine, makes regular room look tiny!! And I loved that huge soaker tub

I posted on resort changer thread, had a Rocky check in today after leaving RPC. I had booked 2 nights CL as a treat for my daughters, and today we left CL, and have 12 more nights here in regular room. My youngest daughter had to leave yesterday, to go back to work. I booked a 2 queen bed room. Got to new room and it was a King. Phoned down to front desk (Bell service was with me & he dialled the number). CM on phone couldn't have been more rude I asked for 2 beds, as my daughter & I don't want to share a bed for 12 nights, so CM says, well you have a pull out. I replied, daughter doesn't want to sleep on a pull out for 12 nights!! After a bit more discussion, I was told room assignor would call me back. End result was I got 2 beds. But not the experience I expect from GF. Not to mention no turn down service tonight, and housekeeping forgot to leave body lotion. And believe me, with the heat we've had, my skin needs the lotion!!

Tomorrow is another day! Hopefully things will go smoothly!

 

[davale4]

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone knows how late they do room service and if there's a menu to get an idea what's on it. TIA

My DD ordered from room service today and it was very late. Yes, there is a menu and it says that "the cast is available to take your order 24 hours a day". I don't know if it means they are open 24 hours and deliver food as well. I can find out tomorrow.

There is $3.00 delivery charge, tax, and 18% service charge.

 

[davale4]

Davale4 asked me to post some pics !

Deluxe queen RPC !!!

Thanks Trishadono for being so kind and gracious!

 

[Anonomom]

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone knows how late they do room service and if there's a menu to get an idea what's on it. TIA

They have a late-night menu that's served after 11 pm. IIRC, it has appetizers and sandwiches on it. Gasparillas is also open 24 hours if you don't mind leaving the room.

 

[grannyminnie]

I really am surprised at how large those Deluxe rooms seem in the pictures posted! Tho my sister and I don't need that much space, I can see how a group of 4 or 5 would certainly feel more comfortable! (thanks, cinmell, and also to you, Trish, for thoughtfully posting photos for Davale. )

Nope, no change yet, Blue. Honestly, I've not called lately and am wondering if we should just keep the original date.

cinmell, I'll be interested to know if you do in fact have problems with the KTTW card, as mentioned by the first CM. While I don't mind the MB, my DH didn't use his on a recent short stay and the card was necessary!

 

[cinmell]

:cinmell, I'll be interested to know if you do in fact have problems with the KTTW card, as mentioned by the first CM. While I don't mind the MB, my DH didn't use his on a recent short stay and the card was necessary!

No, no problems at all!

I have two videos, one of the room and one of the balcony. I will post links later.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[cinmell]

cinmell, I'll be interested to know if you do in fact have problems with the KTTW card, as mentioned by the first CM. While I don't mind the MB, my DH didn't use his on a recent short stay and the card was necessary!

No problems whatsoever!

I have a video of the room and of the balcony/view. I will post them later.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[BlueSkies]

Does the GF ever have anything special going on at the resort to celebrate Halloween (characters, etc)?

I know that I previously replied to question about this..saying that I was not sure..but my curiosity was peaked..since we had been over Halloween a few times but opted for the MNSSHP..sooooo..I checked my trip file from last Halloween..and there was the recreation guide tucked in there with some very fun sounding things specifically on Halloween:

~ Halloween Activities:

At the beach pool 1pm Creepy Critter Round Up 1:30 Boo Bingo 2pm Halloween Pool Party Bash 3pm Mummy Wrap

On The Beach: 4pm to 7pm Halloween Bash on the Beach DJ, Character Meet and Greet, games, dancing and tons of candy! Movies Under the Stars 7:30 Ichabod & Mr Toad 8:30 Hocus Pocus...So two movies instead of the usual one... All in all..sounds like a great time to be had at the resort..enjoy!

I'll be at the villas (2br/std) starting tomorrow. If anyone has a question, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

Safe travels..have a magical trip!!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to post in this forum again! I have enjoyed reading all the updates to the Grand Floridian! My family and I have stayed here previously, and I am just thrilled to be coming back!! We have stayed off site at the Waldorf and our last trip was at Animal Kingdom. We are making our fist Winter trip in December and decided to return to the lovely GF. I can't wait to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and all the changes to the room refurbishments! I also bought our tickets to our very first Mickeys very merry Christmas party!!!! This trip will also be our fist using My Disney Experience and using Magic Bands There is so much to learn!! Thanks for all the great information everyone continues to post on this forum!

Welcome back shopgirl MVMCP is such fun!! We have found (after much skepticism )..MDE and MB to be very easy to use..Happy planning!!

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone knows how late they do room service and if there's a menu to get an idea what's on it. TIA

k&a&c'smom posted just a while ago that RS is available 24 hours..I do believe that there is a modified menu after 11pm though...There is a list of menus on page one of this thread...

We believe we saw a cruiser (not the usual launch) depart the Poly heading toward the MK this morning prior to 9 a.m.

No info on bus service, however. But added boats and buses are in operation during the times the monorail would be running.

All the best.

Thanks for the info....

I really am surprised at how large those Deluxe rooms seem in the pictures posted! Tho my sister and I don't need that much space, I can see how a group of 4 or 5 would certainly feel more comfortable! (thanks, cinmell, and also to you, Trish, for thoughtfully posting photos for Davale. )

Nope, no change yet, Blue. Honestly, I've not called lately and am wondering if we should just keep the original date.

cinmell, I'll be interested to know if you do in fact have problems with the KTTW card, as mentioned by the first CM. While I don't mind the MB, my DH didn't use his on a recent short stay and the card was necessary!

Morning grannyminnie Sounds like keeping your original dates is the way to go!!!

Thanks from me too cinmell..and davale and Trish..love seeing all of the pics..and very happy about the change from a small sofa that does not open to a bed..over to a queen sleep sofa!

As for the KTTW card...my DH prefers one also..and has always been able to get one no problem (as recently as June)....my guess cinmell is that the first CM wasn't sure how to get you one....

anonomom I just saw that you had already answered the room service question...oops...thanks for confirming that info! Also for adding the suggestion of Gaspies...probably a lot more options for late nite diners...

Hey right back atcha MickeyNut

Hope that everyone is having a super Saturday!

 

[BlueSkies]

No problems whatsoever!

I have a video of the room and of the balcony/view. I will post them later.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Looks like we were posting at the same time...

Looking forward to seeing the video!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, mickeynut and BlueSkies!!

Good Evening to my fellow GF lovers!

Sorry I've been MIA again, I have no excuses other than laziness...Everything is fab here, still planning my imaginary BIG b-day trip . I may have hinted in one of my last posts about a four legged patient, that is my DA's dog who she had taken for a walk and was severely attacked by another dog, I'm happy to say she had surgery yesterday and it went fabulous, the Princess(not her name but what I call her) came home earlier this afternoon & doing well

....

So sorry to hear this, but glad the surgery went well and things are better.

I checked out the in-room literature & did not see this addressed. So I just called housekeeping to inquire about this for you. My husband is the exact same way so I can totally relate! I asked them if they have stools for guests with small children to use so that they can reach the sink. She said they have "standard stepping stools." I then asked if they were available in all buildings & she said yes. HTH!

Thanks for this info! I'll add it to the first page.

Sorry I didn't answer sooner! We've been busier than other years. Yes, this is a queen deluxe in RPC. They actually have a queen pullout couch not a daybed. I took pictures and will try and post when I get home.
HTH

Thanks! I'll add this to the first page, too.

Thank you, that's great information to have. Unfortunately, we've had a last minute change of plans and won't be staying at the Grand next month after all. So if anyone is looking for an AP rate deluxe room there might be one available. Our loss could be someone else's gain.

Sorry to hear you won't be staying at the Grand, happy travels.

Thank you! I believe this, so far, has been our best vacation ever. In the past, we really have not done much because my DS has Autism Spectrum Disorder with sensory issues. He is also on a special diet, multiple supplements, and needs shots every three days.
However, he has done AWESOME!!! He's enjoyed the parks, got on many rides without a problem, loves the pools....soooo we are just taking advantage and riding the wave.

Wonderful to hear, I hope the trip continues to be a great success.

Hi all,

We got back yesterday from a split GF/YC stay. Id asked before we left about the price of a case of water at the Sundries shop. Turns out it's $17 for a case of 24 12-oz Dasani bottles. They also sell gallons of water for about $4; though that stuff is much cheaper, it tastes terrible. For the YC leg of our stay, we just held our noses and paid for the case. Still marginally cheaper than buying water in the parks.

We ended up staying in a ground-floor room in Boca Chica. I hate to admit it, but we were not impressed. The decor was not my taste -- way too much institutional beige paint, and it bugged me that the bed pillow and scarf (both a burnt orange) clashed with the heavy, maroon-and-gold curtains. The room lacked some of the thoughtful touches we've come to expect from Disney -- there wasn't enough storage space, for instance, for our family of five to unpack fully for a 3-night stay. And the lights over the beds are (a) not individually controlled, and (b) not dimmable, both of which made hanging out in the room after the kids were asleep quite difficult. Unfortunately, the balcony wasn't an option either, as when I went out there the first night, I found a snake using it. It was just a tiny little guy and according to my research, not poisonous, but still, it killed all desire I had to hang out on the balcony.

The weather was brutal this week, so I'm sure it was coloring my perceptions, but I found the grounds at the GF really unforgiving. There was simply no shade to be had anywhere, not even on the verandahs lining the main building. Our walks to Gasparillas, the main building and the boats were very short, but they were also very unpleasant.

I'm sorry to be a Debbie Downer -- I really did want to love the Grand. But it wasn't my taste. Still, I'm glad we tried it!

Sorry to hear the Grand wasn't your cup of tea (haha, see what I did there?), and though I love the resort overall, I am in agreement about the new look of the rooms.

The Disney website still says the modified schedule will be in place "through end of summer 2014," but I read on wdwinfo that the modified schedule will be in place through September 27th. I REALLY hope this is true because we are arriving at the Grand on September 28th!

Thanks for the update, I hope this is the case, for everyone going in late Sept.

thank you so much for calling for me! Now I can mentally remove is from the packing list.

DS4 has sensory issues as well and we will be making our first trip to the world next month. I am nervous about it but hope that preparing him ahead of time with most of our plans will help. He gets hyper focused and if he sees something he wants to ride he can't think about anything else until he does it. Might mess with our touring plan a little! Also, here's to hoping they have lots of PBJ sandwiches there!

yes it was a crazy ride but what a blessing she is...We pulled into the ER entrance, DH ran inside to grab someone and out she came. By the time he returned with 20 hospital staff I was holding her in my arms (although I didn't know she was a "she" as I was too scared to look!" She will be 15 months tomorrow and took her first few steps yesterday.

....

Wow, what a wild time!! Glad everything went well. Thanks for sharing about the first steps, such a milestone.

Good luck with your trip and the little guy, hopefully he will have a blast!

We did enjoy the YC, especially SAB! I really think YC is my "home" resort -- I love almost everything about it. We were also there this past December and it was truly idyllic. The resort is decorated so nicely and the weather was cool but not too cool for swimming.

Good to hear, we will be checking into YC this month!

Hello everyone. We are in RPC now and loving it! We arrived at WDW on Monday and stayed at WL for one night. We checked in to GF a little before 10 am on Tuesday and we are here for 10 days. We are in a queen deluxe and love it!

The room is big and we really like the refurb. It's less busy than the old decor. Before we left we were hoping for a daybed. The couch is not a just a daybed, it pulls out. In the morning the maid folds it back up and then the bed is pulled out and made up at turndown.

....

Thanks for the photos! The rearrangement of the furniture, along with the new decor, is making it seem like a completely different room. I suppose they decided to turn the couch because of the pull out.

Your trip so far sounds wonderful, what a lovely, long visit you have planned. Enjoy!

I'll be at the villas (2br/std) starting tomorrow. If anyone has a question, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

Safe travels, have a Grand vacation!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to post in this forum again! I have enjoyed reading all the updates to the Grand Floridian! My family and I have stayed here previously, and I am just thrilled to be coming back!! We have stayed off site at the Waldorf and our last trip was at Animal Kingdom. We are making our fist Winter trip in December and decided to return to the lovely GF. I can't wait to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and all the changes to the room refurbishments! I also bought our tickets to our very first Mickeys very merry Christmas party!!!! This trip will also be our fist using My Disney Experience and using Magic Bands There is so much to learn!! Thanks for all the great information everyone continues to post on this forum!

Enjoy your planning, the GF at Christmas is beautiful.

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone knows how late they do room service and if there's a menu to get an idea what's on it. TIA

Private dining at the Grand is 24 hours a day. There is a link to the menus in the Dining section on the first page.

Hi All ~

In case the modified monorail schedule is still in place when we go in October --- How early does boat service to MK start? How about bus service to Epcot?

TIA!
Debbie

There was quite a bit of discussion of this last month, and a poster who was staying at the CR at the time asked a bus driver - they are starting quite early in the a.m. to get people to their early morning park b'fast reservations. Boat service is supposed to be running at least one hour prior to park opening, if memory serves. I'll check - I thought I added this info to the first page, but if not, I'll do so now.

Glad you found a spot today!! We didn't have time for pool today, had to get up early to pack & check out of RPC and check into next room. We ended up in Big Pine lagoon view.
People leaving towels and can't be bothered to put them in bin is really annoying!! Watch out for those Palmetto bugs too!! I don't care what they call them, they are just huge cockroaches that fly to me .


....

I posted on resort changer thread, had a Rocky check in today after leaving RPC. I had booked 2 nights CL as a treat for my daughters, and today we left CL, and have 12 more nights here in regular room. My youngest daughter had to leave yesterday, to go back to work. I booked a 2 queen bed room. Got to new room and it was a King. Phoned down to front desk (Bell service was with me & he dialled the number). CM on phone couldn't have been more rude. I asked for 2 beds, as my daughter & I don't want to share a bed for 12 nights, so CM says, well you have a pull out. I replied, daughter doesn't want to sleep on a pull out for 12 nights!! After a bit more discussion, I was told room assignor would call me back. End result was I got 2 beds. But not the experience I expect from GF. Not to mention no turn down service tonight, and housekeeping forgot to leave body lotion. And believe me, with the heat we've had, my skin needs the lotion!!

Tomorrow is another day! Hopefully things will go smoothly!

Aww, sorry your DD had to depart, and that your transition out of CL was a rocky one. For future reference, calling the front desk does NOT get you someone at the resort - it goes to an outside call center, which is likely why they didn't have that extra Disney/GF spirit. Sorry you had that experience, I hope it doesn't color your whole visit.

Twelve more nights, what a wonderful thought.

My DD ordered from room service today and it was very late. Yes, there is a menu and it says that "the cast is available to take your order 24 hours a day". I don't know if it means they are open 24 hours and deliver food as well. I can find out tomorrow.

There is $3.00 delivery charge, tax, and 18% service charge.

Yes, it does mean it is available 24 hours, and yes, they do deliver throughout the night.

 

[BlueSkies]

k&a&c'smom God morning my posting buddy! Seems that we were posting at about the same time...and giving similar answers too!! :thumbsup

BTW..your super multi quoting is approaching the size of MickeyNut's super duper multi quotes...lol!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I know that I previously replied to question about this..saying that I was not sure..but my curiosity was peaked..since we had been over Halloween a few times but opted for the MNSSHP..sooooo..I checked my trip file from last Halloween..and there was the recreation guide tucked in there with some very fun sounding things specifically on Halloween:

~ Halloween Activities:

At the beach pool 1pm Creepy Critter Round Up 1:30 Boo Bingo 2pm Halloween Pool Party Bash 3pm Mummy Wrap

On The Beach: 4pm to 7pm Halloween Bash on the Beach DJ, Character Meet and Greet, games, dancing and tons of candy! Movies Under the Stars 7:30 Ichabod & Mr Toad 8:30 Hocus Pocus...So two movies instead of the usual one... All in all..sounds like a great time to be had at the resort..enjoy!



..and very happy about the change from a small sofa that does not open to a bed..over to a queen sleep sofa!




Hope that everyone is having a super Saturday!

LOL - I see we were posting at the same time!

Thanks for the Halloween info, sounds fun!

How awesome is it about the extra bedding in the deluxe rooms?! I keep forgetting to check out the website to see if max occupancy limits have changed. If someone is in CL right now, I'd love it if they had a chance to ask.

Hope you have a great Saturday, too.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

HeyIt'sMe - here is the quote from the first week of August, posted in the CR FAQ by johnsonet:

....I asked at the CR bus stop yesterday, and was told that buses for early dining start running "before 8" He said they really start coming through around 7:15/7:30. So don't worry about getting to the Polynesian (I think that's where you were going)!

HTH!

k&a&c'smom God morning my posting buddy! Seems that we were posting at about the same time...and giving similar answers too!! :thumbsup

BTW..your super multi quoting is approaching the size of MickeyNut's super duper multi quotes...lol!!!!

I know - I need to try to pare them down a bit.

 

[BlueSkies]

Forgot to mention this earlier....hadn't had enough coffee yet...lol...

While I was browsing on the "Pictures of Disney Recipes made at Home" thread...You all know it always about the food..lol...I came across a great recipe web site...the Disney chef.com.... Lots of delicious recipes...from another Disney fan....

Be prepared to be very hungry after seeing the wonderful pictures....

BTW...the "Pictures of Disney Recipes Made at Home" thread is great too... All I have to say is...yum!!!

 

[BC1836]

Alas, all visits to WDW must come to an end, and our last full day has begun.

Once again, the GFR's CMs have been superb, with many going out of their extra-busy way to make our stay even more magical. [We thank them by name each time in written letters/e-mails to Disney Guest Relations or Norm Noble. And then we "thank them" again.]

The Magic Kingdom is calling this morning, and a V&A reservation will end our final evening.

To all those who are here: keep enjoying your stay!

To those who will be arriving in the weeks and months ahead: may your countdown pass quickly.

All the best.