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

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I wanted to thank you all for your help! We moved our dates to (hopefully) avoid the WL construction...had to pay some nasty air change fees but we will be at WL in December

 

[kirstenh]

Thank you for posting this! So excited to stay there next month!

ETA - Actually, I have a question. We are going there for our 10th anniversary and have our two young daughters (5.5 and 2.5 years old) with us. We have booked a Garden Deluxe for the extra space ... If we were to request an upgrade (obviously realizing this would be unlikely, but it can't hurt to ask), what would we be asking to upgrade TO? Maybe one of the Deluxe Queens pictured here?

 

[Jennygt]

What's the best way to do this? We always have a car but unlimited sangria makes driving a bad choice

 

[TxTiggergal]

We returned home last night from our wonderful vacation. We had not been back to the GF since 2010 as our last few trips have been to the YC. Please allow me to say that the Grand is still indeed grand! I had posted a few days ago (along with my failed attempt at posting pics lol) about a few issues we had upon checkin, so I'll not repeat myself here. But once we got beyond those issues, things improved & we had a great time.

We were in Boca Chica, second floor with a garden view. I had requested Boca Chica or Conch Key, so we were happy with our room assignment. We actually liked the new decor, although I agree with others that it could use a few more Disney touches in addition to the Mickeys on the sheers.

We lunched & grabbed breakfast at Gasparilla's several times and enjoyed our meals. And it was a million times more pleasant without the arcade being in there! We also enjoyed Mizner's for nightcaps one evening. We had never been there but will definitely be going back. It was so nice enjoying a cocktail while listening to the band play.

No complaints with mousekeeping, except for the toilet issue mentioned in my prev post and that was handled to my satisfaction. They kept us well-stocked in supplies and towels. We especially enjoyed the turn-down service each evening.

We had fun at both the beach and courtyard pools, although both were fairly crowded. We had to cruise and stalk for chairs. We enjoyed the bars at both pools too. Drinks were good but we didn't get a chance to try any food. I was eyeing the cabanas and found myself wishing I had booked one!

The only really negative experience we had was with the bus transportation, specifically to AK. We wanted to take advantage of EMH one morning but ended up waiting forty minutes for a bus. We arrived to a packed bus stop at 7:30. The gist of what happened is that the first AK bus of the day didn't arrive until 7:40 and we didn't make it on to that one. The CM working there said another would be there in 5-7 minutes, but that was not the case. Multiple buses for other destinations came and went, but no AK bus. It was a very chaotic, unorganized mess. By the time we got through the turnstiles, it was 8:45, so we basically missed the entire EMH. Later in the week, we took the bus to the Studios for EMH, and fortunately our bus came in a timely manner. But while we were waiting, four AK buses pulled up, one right after the other! Not sure what's up with that; seems their dispatch was having some issues. The boat to the MK, on the other hand, was quick and efficient. It was particularly convenient with our room being in Boca Chica.

Overall, it was a fantastic vacation. For those of you with upcoming trips, enjoy!

 

[jmskinner]

How is room service at GF?

We were booked for Narcoossee's our first night, but decided to give the Monorail Crawl a try. The plan is to eat some appetizers along the way and then be back in our room in time for Wishes. Thought we would have dessert delivered through room service. Good idea?

We are in a theme park view room, and I requested a Dormer room in Sago Cay. Thought that may be the quietest.

 

[trishadono]

How is room service at GF?

We were booked for Narcoossee's our first night, but decided to give the Monorail Crawl a try. The plan is to eat some appetizers along the way and then be back in our room in time for Wishes. Thought we would have dessert delivered through room service. Good idea?

We are in a theme park view room, and I requested a Dormer room in Sago Cay. Thought that may be the quietest.

Dd and I ordered room service at midnight on 8/13. They used our rolling table under the desk as a table. The server had a table cloth with her and made us up a quick set up.

I had cheeseburger and fries, dd had an omelet. Both were tasty and hot. Also lots of accompliments were given too. It took 20-30 minutes.

Def would do again!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Can anyone give me some pointers on posting pics via phone; or point me in the direction to find that info? We're arriving at GFV on Friday and I'd love to be able to post some pics of that, + our dinners at Narcoossee's & V&A. Also have reservation for a cabana on our check-out day (assuming it doesn't rain) & would like to share those pics as well.
It will be pay-back time for all I've learned from this great thread.
TIA

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I wanted to thank you all for your help! We moved our dates to (hopefully) avoid the WL construction...had to pay some nasty air change fees but we will be at WL in December

Enjoy your WL planning!

Thank you for posting this! So excited to stay there next month!

ETA - Actually, I have a question. We are going there for our 10th anniversary and have our two young daughters (5.5 and 2.5 years old) with us. We have booked a Garden Deluxe for the extra space ... If we were to request an upgrade (obviously realizing this would be unlikely, but it can't hurt to ask), what would we be asking to upgrade TO? Maybe one of the Deluxe Queens pictured here?

Requested upgrades are few and far between at WDW, from all I've read. I'm not sure what you would ask for, as I rarely hear of guests asking for an upgrade. the Queen Deluxe rooms are in the Main Bldg., which is all club level, so that would be an upgrade several levels up, close to $300/night extra in most seasons. Cost wise, the next category up from garden deluxe is theme park view.

What's the best way to do this? We always have a car but unlimited sangria makes driving a bad choice

Well, if it were me, I'd probably take a cab. With the MK resorts, it's a very short cab ride to any other MK resort. With WDW transportation, you could take the monorail to the CR, then the boat to FtW. Or, of course, the boat to MK, then another boat to FtW.

How is room service at GF?

We were booked for Narcoossee's our first night, but decided to give the Monorail Crawl a try. The plan is to eat some appetizers along the way and then be back in our room in time for Wishes. Thought we would have dessert delivered through room service. Good idea?

We are in a theme park view room, and I requested a Dormer room in Sago Cay. Thought that may be the quietest.

Private Dining at the Grand is very nice, as trisha said, they do a lovely set up with table cloth, cute little bottles of ketchup, mustard, etc. We did not enjoy the last burger we had, unfortunately, the one we got at Gasparilla's was far more flavorful. But that's the only item we haven't enjoyed.

Dd and I ordered room service at midnight on 8/13. They used our rolling table under the desk as a table. The server had a table cloth with her and made us up a quick set up.

I had cheeseburger and fries, dd had an omelet. Both were tasty and hot. Also lots of accompliments were given too. It took 20-30 minutes.

Def would do again!

We sure miss the large table that used to be in the room, so much nicer to have your PD meal, with real chairs!

Can anyone give me some pointers on posting pics via phone; or point me in the direction to find that info? We're arriving at GFV on Friday and I'd love to be able to post some pics of that, + our dinners at Narcoossee's & V&A. Also have reservation for a cabana on our check-out day (assuming it doesn't rain) & would like to share those pics as well.
It will be pay-back time for all I've learned from this great thread.
TIA

To post photos on the DIS, you first have to get an account with a photo hosting website like Photobucket or flickr. Upload your photos to that site, then click on the "IMG" link and copy & paste in your DIS posts.

HTH!

 

[azarine]

What are the breakfast options when staying at the VGF? Is room service available there? If so, how expensive is breakfast? I'm wondering how far the walk to Gasparilla Grill is from VGF. Would the Poly be nearly as close for coffee?

Thanks!

 

[trishadono]

What are the breakfast options when staying at the VGF? Is room service available there? If so, how expensive is breakfast? I'm wondering how far the walk to Gasparilla Grill is from VGF. Would the Poly be nearly as close for coffee?

Thanks!

We made coffee in our room since it is a regular pot. I brought my coffee from home.
To save $ and time we bought bagels, butter, cream cheese, eggs, oj, at the resort and made breakfast. ( I thought I would not want to do but at BLT and VGF I find the time savings is nice. Also people can eat as they wake instead of all of us at same time. Oh I usually bring mini cereal boxes from home too. Ds eats all day long!!)

Gaspies is about 3-7 minutes. Honestly it depends on how fast you walk.

The room service menu is the same as for gf. Menus are on allears.net and Disney's site. (The ones I use.)

Also you could walk to poly for another little bit more distance and try Kona's or CC's. Just take the path from in front of VGF and it takes you right over

I love CC's lunch menu! The kids chicken and pineapple skewers are yummy

 

[princessophiali]

Leaving in less than a month and so excited! I posted earlier, but we started out at WL, then moved to POR, and finally switched over to GF. I can't believe we are actually are going to stay at the GF for a week!!

As I was laying in bed last night, going over the trip in my head, I got so excited over checking in!! Is that crazy?! I am so excited about pulling up to the most beautiful resort on earth, walking in and smelling the aroma of the GF and then walking up to the check in desk and saying, "Yes, I'd like to check in please!"

It's a dream come true!!!

 

[trishadono]

Leaving in less than a month and so excited! I posted earlier, but we started out at WL, then moved to POR, and finally switched over to GF. I can't believe we are actually are going to stay at the GF for a week!!

As I was laying in bed last night, going over the trip in my head, I got so excited over checking in!! Is that crazy?! I am so excited about pulling up to the most beautiful resort on earth, walking in and smelling the aroma of the GF and then walking up to the check in desk and saying, "Yes, I'd like to check in please!"

It's a dream come true!!!

Not crazy at all!

Have a great trip

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thanks for the tips on phone photo posting, k&a&c's mom. I didn't realize it would be the same as from my computer. Duh!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Leaving in less than a month and so excited! I posted earlier, but we started out at WL, then moved to POR, and finally switched over to GF. I can't believe we are actually are going to stay at the GF for a week!!

As I was laying in bed last night, going over the trip in my head, I got so excited over checking in!! Is that crazy?! I am so excited about pulling up to the most beautiful resort on earth, walking in and smelling the aroma of the GF and then walking up to the check in desk and saying, "Yes, I'd like to check in please!"

It's a dream come true!!!

YAY! It's not crazy, I'm excited for you. It is wonderful to pull up to the Grand and know you aren't just visiting, this will be your home for a week. So happy for you, enjoy your anticipation.

Thanks for the tips on phone photo posting, k&a&c's mom. I didn't realize it would be the same as from my computer. Duh!

LOL! No worries. It is hard for people who are used to easily posting photos on the 'net, then have to jump through hoops over here on the boards. I assume they want all photos stored elsewhere to save bandwidth.

 

[BlueSkies]

Thanks, so you wouldn't switch to the GF? I am just concern about the room at the CR but then I got a great rate for it where if I stayed at the GF I would have to pay rack rate unless there is something for pass holders. The other option is the Poly but..with construction I am not sure as well as my husband. Thanks for your answer, it does eases the stress off of booking this as DH wasn't very happy about it lol.

Those king rooms onthe tower club floor have had more of a "soft" rehab ( carpets, bedding, wall covering) than a full rehab...I personally think that they look great..and love that there is still a table and chairs in the room and a bench at the foot of the bed...WDWKOOK keeps a very comprehensive thread and there are links to pics of the two king rooms..if you look at the very first page of the thread..then scroll down to the link for Club Level Atrium and Tower Club..once you click on that you will see a few links..for both king rooms..and for the newly refurbed lounge too...and no I would not hesitate to stay there again...as a matter of fact I look foward to another stay....as for doing that in favor of the GF...well...lol..I am a GF gal through and through..and can't seem to stay away...lol..but I think that you would have a magical stay at the CR!

I hear ya on the growing list. I'm resisting adding dining reservations, but my snack list is far too long for us to get to even 1/4 of them. We are standing pat with BOG lunch and Jiko dinner, so far anyway. mickeynut and KOOK may sway us into trying YSH again, but I'll leave that until we are there to decide.

Thant snack list...lol...mine is looong too... Cause it is always about the food... As for the photos...please don't be kicking yourself...you really do have so many wonderful ones! I am loooking foward to seeing the new ones that you will be taking this trip!

I wanted to thank you all for your help! We moved our dates to (hopefully) avoid the WL construction...had to pay some nasty air change fees but we will be at WL in December

You're welcome! Have a terrific stay at the WL...I knwo it is so beautiful at the holiday time!

What's the best way to do this? We always have a car but unlimited sangria makes driving a bad choice

On our last trip we had an ADR at the WCC...and decided to use Disney transportation..we took the monorail one stop to the MK..then right down the ramp over to the WL boat dock..the boat route was from the MK to the WL with the last stop at the FW...the water launches are a lovely way to travel..and we enjoyed the trip..took about 40 minutes all together ..but I would say give yourself about and hour travel time "just in case" !

We returned home last night from our wonderful vacation. We had not been back to the GF since 2010 as our last few trips have been to the YC. Please allow me to say that the Grand is still indeed grand! I had posted a few days ago (along with my failed attempt at posting pics lol) about a few issues we had upon checkin, so I'll not repeat myself here. But once we got beyond those issues, things improved & we had a great time.

We were in Boca Chica, second floor with a garden view. I had requested Boca Chica or Conch Key, so we were happy with our room assignment. We actually liked the new decor, although I agree with others that it could use a few more Disney touches in addition to the Mickeys on the sheers.

We lunched & grabbed breakfast at Gasparilla's several times and enjoyed our meals. And it was a million times more pleasant without the arcade being in there! We also enjoyed Mizner's for nightcaps one evening. We had never been there but will definitely be going back. It was so nice enjoying a cocktail while listening to the band play.

No complaints with mousekeeping, except for the toilet issue mentioned in my prev post and that was handled to my satisfaction. They kept us well-stocked in supplies and towels. We especially enjoyed the turn-down service each evening.

We had fun at both the beach and courtyard pools, although both were fairly crowded. We had to cruise and stalk for chairs. We enjoyed the bars at both pools too. Drinks were good but we didn't get a chance to try any food. I was eyeing the cabanas and found myself wishing I had booked one!

The only really negative experience we had was with the bus transportation, specifically to AK. We wanted to take advantage of EMH one morning but ended up waiting forty minutes for a bus. We arrived to a packed bus stop at 7:30. The gist of what happened is that the first AK bus of the day didn't arrive until 7:40 and we didn't make it on to that one. The CM working there said another would be there in 5-7 minutes, but that was not the case. Multiple buses for other destinations came and went, but no AK bus. It was a very chaotic, unorganized mess. By the time we got through the turnstiles, it was 8:45, so we basically missed the entire EMH. Later in the week, we took the bus to the Studios for EMH, and fortunately our bus came in a timely manner. But while we were waiting, four AK buses pulled up, one right after the other! Not sure what's up with that; seems their dispatch was having some issues. The boat to the MK, on the other hand, was quick and efficient. It was particularly convenient with our room being in Boca Chica.

Overall, it was a fantastic vacation. For those of you with upcoming trips, enjoy!

Thanks for the review!! Glad that despite the glitches you had a great vacation!

How is room service at GF?

We were booked for Narcoossee's our first night, but decided to give the Monorail Crawl a try. The plan is to eat some appetizers along the way and then be back in our room in time for Wishes. Thought we would have dessert delivered through room service. Good idea?

We are in a theme park view room, and I requested a Dormer room in Sago Cay. Thought that may be the quietest.

Although we have never stayed in Sago..I do think that from what others have said it would be the quietest choice...

As for room service..we always enjoy it...Its a great touch that they bring linens..and set the table so nicely..Sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Wishes from your room!

Leaving in less than a month and so excited! I posted earlier, but we started out at WL, then moved to POR, and finally switched over to GF. I can't believe we are actually are going to stay at the GF for a week!!

As I was laying in bed last night, going over the trip in my head, I got so excited over checking in!! Is that crazy?! I am so excited about pulling up to the most beautiful resort on earth, walking in and smelling the aroma of the GF and then walking up to the check in desk and saying, "Yes, I'd like to check in please!"

It's a dream come true!!!

How wonderful!!! Congratulations!! I am excited for you too!! A week long stay at the GF...you are in for a treat!!

gretchen Forgot to answer this the other day... the food blog that I was talking about is called ..thedisneychef .com ...with a the before the disney chef... Her most recent reecipe is for a passion fruit cheese cake...Yum!! That would be just perfect with my coffee right now...lol..

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a terrific Tuesday! preppy GF gal who has not changed or added ADRs in about 24 hours!

 

[princessophiali]

thanks y'all! I just love this thread. such nice people!!

 

[MagPixDust]

Hi everyone, I have two questions about my arrival day. My plane lands at 11:57 AM. What time do you think I can get checked in at the GF and be at Hollywood Studios? Do you think I could save time by taking a taxi to the GF rather than the Magical Express? Thanks

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

gretchen Forgot to answer this the other day... the food blog that I was talking about is called ..thedisneychef .com ...with a the before the disney chef... Her most recent reecipe is for a passion fruit cheese cake...Yum!! That would be just perfect with my coffee right now...lol..

Thanks - it sure does sound good!

 

[scmomof2]

Hello,
We leave in 2 days for our trip staying at GF. Being a newbie I have mostly lurked on this thread trying to learn from you. I appreciate all the helpful information you have all been sharing. I feel familiar with the GF already. Thanks for everything you do

 

[jerseygal]

Hello,
We leave in 2 days for our trip staying at GF. Being a newbie I have mostly lurked on this thread trying to learn from you. I appreciate all the helpful information you have all been sharing. I feel familiar with the GF already. Thanks for everything you do

ENJOY! Hope to hear about an AWESOME TRIP!
First stay for us at the Grand in Dec as well!
Always fun "learning" all the great bits of info!