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

[100acreHiker]

Anyone know if GF provides any kind of floaties for kids who need a bit of assistance swimming? The last time we stayed at GF it was December in 2012. The courtyard pool was closed and under construction, and it was a little on the cool side. I think we had one afternoon the kids hopped in the water. We're hoping November is still warm enough to warrant a resort day full of pool fun! Also, with two kids (9 & 6), is there one pool that's decidedly more kid-friendly? I'm curious to try the courtyard pool because we never got to on our previous trip, but is the vibe not as kid friendly?

Thanks!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Finally feel like I have special photos to share! Here are some pics of the Walt Disney suite, which was recently (we were told) redecorated. Sorry some of these are blurry.



Those are fresh flowers on the table. There was also a coffeemaker, small sink, and fridge along the left side of the room (behind the wall). Most of the lights had dimmer switches, which we found kind of neat.

This is in the master bathroom. Note the television. The bathroom also has a jetted tub, and glass enclosed shower. There was also another 1.5 bathrooms.






Master bedroom



model train in foyer/entryway

 

[disney meema]

That is just the info I needed! Would you happen to have any pictures from that corner room? Also if you remember did it have a connecting door? We open the door between my parents and us for when kids are sleeping. Thanks!!

I'll look through pictures tonight on my desktop computer but I've never downloaded on here before since I'm newer to this site ... But I can try : ) The corner room in conch key are the end of the hallway towards the marina and the entry area to the room seemed a bit bigger as well, going to have to look at pictures to remember if there was a connecting door. This will be my room request for our upcoming November trip love it soooo much : )

 

[disney meema]

Finally feel like I have special photos to share! Here are some pics of the Walt Disney suite, which was recently (we were told) redecorated. Sorry some of these are blurry. http://s724.photobucket.com/user/ivesterr/media/august 2014/august2014062.jpg.html Those are fresh flowers on the table. There was also a coffeemaker, small sink, and fridge along the left side of the room (behind the wall). Most of the lights had dimmer switches, which we found kind of neat. http://s724.photobucket.com/user/ivesterr/media/august 2014/august2014239.jpg.html This is in the master bathroom. Note the television. The bathroom also has a jetted tub, and glass enclosed shower. There was also another 1.5 bathrooms. http://s724.photobucket.com/user/ivesterr/media/august 2014/august2014227.jpg.html http://s724.photobucket.com/user/ivesterr/media/august 2014/august2014160.jpg.html http://s724.photobucket.com/user/ivesterr/media/august 2014/august2014078.jpg.html Master bedroom http://s724.photobucket.com/user/ivesterr/media/august 2014/august2014060.jpg.html model train in foyer/entryway

Oh my mickeyluv ... Gorgeous pictures and amazing room! Very special for sure thanks for sharing : )

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Wow, mickeyluv'r! Just beautiful.
Thank you.

 

[BC1836]

Finally feel like I have special photos to share! Here are some pics of the Walt Disney suite, which was recently (we were told) redecorated. Sorry some of these are blurry. model train in foyer/entryway

Thank you for sharing the photos!

We have never stayed in the Walt Disney Suite and can't confirm whether the rooms were done over. The GFR has yet to do the two bedroom suites on the fifth floor (we were there last week). Perhaps, the three main suites and all the two-bedroom suites will be done soon. Management informed us that they were scheduled but provided us with no special time.

Walt Disney was a big fan of trains, and the suite's decor reflects that; Roy Disney loved horses and polo. His suite reflects those interests. The Grand Suite is just, well, grand!

All the best.

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Evening fellow GF lovers
Not much going on with me still planning a trip for that BIG birthday

Hello fellow GF fans....


ahcupcake Glad that your aunts doggie is on the mend...And always happy to see you popping in here...

Thanks Blue she's doing better everyday and barking up a storm

Glad Shadow is doing better.

Thanks Maxie

Another thing I heard of recently...you save 20% at resort gift shops with a TIW card. Can anyone confirm this? I read it on the Touring Plans website so it should be reliable...probably...maybe... That would be awesome if true, you only save 10% with an AP.

Oooo that's good if it's true

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

Thanks k&a&c'smom

Here is a video of our room.

I apologize in advance for the video. I took a quick video when we arrived and it never occurred to me that I would be posting it so I am moving a bit quick in it and maybe a bit blurred at times. Sorry!

Queen Deluxe Main Building

Balcony View from Queen Deluxe Main Building

Thanks for the pics & video

Hi all!

We just checked in. I got exactly what I requested. We are in a dormer room on the 5th floor of Boca Chica. I will say that I was not a big fan of the new room designs based on pics, but in person it really is gorgeous! Could there be a bit more Disney in the room? Yes. But it looks an feels luxurious. It really is looking to compete with the 4 Seasons or Waldorf.
Check-in was a breeze, our turndown Mousekeeper couldn't be nicer, and we're very happy here, even coming off a glorious, week-long CL stay at YC.

My one complaint? Storage. Thank goodness we're only here for 2 nights and only are living out of our carry-ons. I don't know where we'd put things for a week's stay!

Overall, he Epcot resorts fulfill our needs better, and we feel that there is our home, but The Grand is gorgeous, and I'd return anytime!

Yep they need more storage

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!!!

Congrats on your upcoming GF stay

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

YAY safe travels

Good afternoon,
A couple of days ago, GF, RPC deluxe king popped up on the fall discount. I made the call and we're booked! We'll be there three days in the middle of our vacation.
This will be our first stay at the Grand. We're celebrating a very special birthday for my husband.
I've been trying to learn more about the rooms/options/ what to request.
I haven't told dh yet about the change. I may keep it for a surprise.

Thanks for this thread, it's very helpful.

Ginny

Happy early Birthday to your DH & yay for your GF stay

We have always rented a car...With our family of four, just preferred having freedom, etc and no bus transportation..

With our upcoming Dec Trip, it will just be DH and me this time! So we decided to use DME this time...hey, always nice saving some $

Hoping for a good DME experience, and NOT 3 HOURS!

Enjoy your trip too!

Eek 3hrs, in our experience it was 1hr 15min max from the time we landed til time we arrived at the GF, that includes stops in the restrooms after we got off the plane. But maybe we always just picked the right flight

Finally feel like I have special photos to share! Here are some pics of the Walt Disney suite, which was recently (we were told) redecorated. Sorry some of these are blurry.

Thank for sharing the pics mickeyluv'r..It looks like the same decor that was there when we were pixie dusted with that same suite in April 2011..I think the suites were redone in 2009 or 2010

 

[thatgirl08]

I have a quick question and thought this would be the best place to ask!!

DD is doing the Pirate Adventure at the GF, so she will be off on a boat and I will have 2 hours to kill.

Suggestions? It is just me and her, so I need to entertain myself! Thanks!!

 

[followthatmouse]

Anyone know if GF provides any kind of floaties for kids who need a bit of assistance swimming? The last time we stayed at GF it was December in 2012. The courtyard pool was closed and under construction, and it was a little on the cool side. I think we had one afternoon the kids hopped in the water. We're hoping November is still warm enough to warrant a resort day full of pool fun! Also, with two kids (9 & 6), is there one pool that's decidedly more kid-friendly? I'm curious to try the courtyard pool because we never got to on our previous trip, but is the vibe not as kid friendly?

Thanks!

100acreHiker, there are life jackets in several small sizes at both pools. While we didn't require them for our party, there were quite a few children using the jackets and they all seemed happy and confident in the pools. I'm not sure if you have to sign them out. I'm sure someone around here could help with that detail. During our May trip, there were many kids in both pools. But, the Beach Pool, with its water slide and the Alice in Wonderland Splash n Play area, has a special attraction for many kids.

I hope you have a wonderful time and find weather warm enough to swim.

 

[Jennygt]

I'll look through pictures tonight on my desktop computer but I've never downloaded on here before since I'm newer to this site ... But I can try : ) The corner room in conch key are the end of the hallway towards the marina and the entry area to the room seemed a bit bigger as well, going to have to look at pictures to remember if there was a connecting door. This will be my room request for our upcoming November trip love it soooo much : )

Can I ask was this location a deluxe queen room? Or was it just a standard TPV?
Thanks!!

 

[Jennygt]

I have a quick question and thought this would be the best place to ask!!

DD is doing the Pirate Adventure at the GF, so she will be off on a boat and I will have 2 hours to kill.

Suggestions? It is just me and her, so I need to entertain myself! Thanks!!

I have not stayed but I am obsessive with my plannind lol. The spa is there, perhaps a spa Pedicure?

There is alot of shopping and the QS restaurant has outdoor seating that over looks the marina.

Tea at the Gf tea room? ( not sure if that is the offical name?)

Enjoy!!! We are planning to send our DS and DD on that in August.

 

[WishesQueen]

Good Morning Everyone!!

Finally!!!! A minute to post...I've been here lurking around but things have been crazy with the summer ending and I haven't had a chance to post.

Love love all the pictures and all the trip reports as everyone is coming home!! I can't wait until next July!! I wish this could be the year I go for Christmas, but my DD is a Senior in HS and I don't think it would work....Definitely next year while both my kids are in college!!

Jerseygal - We have always taken DME and have NEVER waited that long to leave or had it take that long to get the Grand!! Actually, DME is my DH's favorite thing in WDW, he loves not gathering our luggage...lol!! Good Luck!!

Mickeyluv'r - WOW!!! We always look up while walking around and wondering what the suites look like!!

Thatgirl08 - I am sorry if I am not understanding if you have two DD's and one is with you and one is not. But for me...two hours walking around the main building shopping and getting a bit to eat at Gaspies is the best. Gaspies also has a new game room if she's into that. If your DD is with you, The Basin has bath soaps you can make, they used to have soy candles but I didn't see them in July. Also, if you have your DD with you, you can rent the little searacers too.

I'll be around more often now that school started!!

Hello to long time friends Blue, Mickeynut, ahcupcake & Grannieminnie

 

[WishesQueen]

I have not stayed but I am obsessive with my plannind lol. The spa is there, perhaps a spa Pedicure?

There is alot of shopping and the QS restaurant has outdoor seating that over looks the marina.

Tea at the Gf tea room? ( not sure if that is the offical name?)

Enjoy!!! We are planning to send our DS and DD on that in August.

Me Too!!! lol lo!!!

Sometimes I think its my favorite part!!

I already have lists and plans for July 2015!!!!

My family makes fun of my, but I think they really love it!!

We had the new DAS card this trip and it was tricky but it really helped if anyone needs any info on that!!

 

[Jennygt]

I did not know you can make soap at Basin, thats cool!

 

[WishesQueen]

Its the bath salts!!

They have four colors or so and you layer them in a tube!! My DD loves them!! The candles were awesome!! We just didn't really go into Basin this trip. We went for 6 nights when we usually go for 8 and really felt the difference. NEVER AGAIN!!! lol!!

 

[ms tom morrow]

Good morning everyone! I thought I'd share a nugget of monorail info I received from IPO this morning... we are arriving Sept 28th and I asked about rumors I read that the monorail will be back up and running on the 27th...

"Also, in regards to the Monorail adjustments, we are hoping to have it gliding back to its original schedule as soon as possible. You are correct that the last date we know of at this time to have a modified schedule is Saturday, September 27, 2014; however as with all adjustments in our operation, scheduling and availability are always subject to change. We will certainly try our best to have it back on schedule for your stay!"

Fingers crossed it's finished on time!

 

[mickeynut1]

Mickeynut- Can you recommend a particular car service? We get into MCO early on arrival day- 9:15am. I am concerned that we will be stuck waiting on a DME bus for awhile since we arrive so early. How much do they usually charge?

Also, if you take a car service or rent a car, can Disney still pick up your luggage or is that solely for DME users? Thank you!

We have used Tiffany Town Car since 2001 and have always had great experiences . The drivers are always on time, are friendly & courteous, and the cars are always clean. A r/t transfer is $126 + gratuity and one way is $68 + gratuity.

To answer your luggage question, according to the DME policy, if you rent a car or use a car service, you would have to get your own luggage and take it with you. Here is a link with that information:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/magical-express/

Click on "Be Magically Whisked Away".

HTH

Is there a place to get good coffee at GF? I know CR and Poly have actual coffee shops. I wasn't sure about GF.

We check in tonight! I couldn't be more excited if I tried.

I can't help with the coffee question, but wanted to say that I hope you have a great time and enjoy the GF .

Anyone know if GF provides any kind of floaties for kids who need a bit of assistance swimming? The last time we stayed at GF it was December in 2012. The courtyard pool was closed and under construction, and it was a little on the cool side. I think we had one afternoon the kids hopped in the water. We're hoping November is still warm enough to warrant a resort day full of pool fun! Also, with two kids (9 & 6), is there one pool that's decidedly more kid-friendly? I'm curious to try the courtyard pool because we never got to on our previous trip, but is the vibe not as kid friendly?

Thanks!

I can't help with the floaties question as we've never had a need for those, but as far as the pools, the beach pool has a slide and the new Alice in Wonderland splash play area, as followthatmouse posted. On our last trip, we spent most of our time at the courtyard pool, but our boys aren't little anymore, otherwise we would have probably used the beach pool more for use of the slide .

Finally feel like I have special photos to share! Here are some pics of the Walt Disney suite, which was recently (we were told) redecorated. Sorry some of these are blurry.

Great pics, thanks for sharing .

Good Evening fellow GF lovers
Not much going on with me still planning a trip for that BIG birthday

Hi ahcupcake

Hope your BIG birthday trip plans are coming along well .

I have a quick question and thought this would be the best place to ask!!

DD is doing the Pirate Adventure at the GF, so she will be off on a boat and I will have 2 hours to kill.

Suggestions? It is just me and her, so I need to entertain myself! Thanks!!

One thing I love doing at the GF (whether I'm staying there or not), is just walking around the resort grounds taking in the beautiful surroundings. It's also relaxing, IMO, to walk through all of the shops or sit in the lobby watching the hustle and bustle of the people coming and going .

 

[mickeynut1]

Good Morning Everyone!!

Finally!!!! A minute to post...I've been here lurking around but things have been crazy with the summer ending and I haven't had a chance to post.

I'll be around more often now that school started!!

Hello to long time friends Blue, Mickeynut, ahcupcake & Grannieminnie

Hi Wishes ....you were posting as I was comprising my multi-quote post to catch up .

Hopefully we will "see" you around more often, but it is totally understandable if you don't get here a lot as things do sometimes get hectic .

Hope your July 2015 trip plans are coming along well . We haven't booked anything yet, but I am constantly thinking about things .

Good morning everyone! I thought I'd share a nugget of monorail info I received from IPO this morning... we are arriving Sept 28th and I asked about rumors I read that the monorail will be back up and running on the 27th...

"Also, in regards to the Monorail adjustments, we are hoping to have it gliding back to its original schedule as soon as possible. You are correct that the last date we know of at this time to have a modified schedule is Saturday, September 27, 2014; however as with all adjustments in our operation, scheduling and availability are always subject to change. We will certainly try our best to have it back on schedule for your stay!"

Fingers crossed it's finished on time!

It won't be long before you're headed to the GF .

Thanks for sharing this information about the monorail .

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thank for sharing the pics mickeyluv'r..It looks like the same decor that was there when we were pixie dusted with that same suite in April 2011..I think the suites were redone in 2009 or 2010

Thanks! I dunno about the rest of the room, but it clearly had new carpeting. Maybe it was just the soft stuff (like the rehab they gave the CR lounge last year) Nothing looked at all worn or stained. Unlike a few other WDW stays we've had over the years.

This suite was amazing! I'm thinking it was a once in a lifetime kind of treat!

The funny part was, it was so big, that it kind of threw us off our regular game. I don't mean that as a complaint, just an observation. Like gathering our stuff at check out took a while, because the room had so much space to spread out.

We were also very happy to spend extra time in our room. The nicer the room, the more we are happy to spend time there.


One thing we found humorous was that the room had three ironing boards. Who needs 3? The only thing we could think of was maybe a wedding. Three?

 

[gwynne]

Happy Friday All,

Congratualtions Ginny!! It pays to keep trying if at first you don't find what you want to book...And...What a wonderful surprise for your DH! enjoy your trip...and that very nice YC/GF split too!

Thank you for the welcome, we are very excited!

Congrats on getting RPC king deluxe room . You are going to love the GF and RPC....the resort is beautiful and relaxing and RPC is just amazing . What a great surprise for your DH for his birthday . I can't help with room suggestions as we've never stayed in a king deluxe, but I'm sure others will be able to help .

It will be such a fun surprise. I back read on this thread ( very helpful!) and then sent an email to the Grand's IPO. They answered my q's, and I made a request. All set.

Mickeynut- Can you recommend a particular car service? We get into MCO early on arrival day- 9:15am. I am concerned that we will be stuck waiting on a DME bus for awhile since we arrive so early. How much do they usually charge?

Also, if you take a car service or rent a car, can Disney still pick up your luggage or is that solely for DME users? Thank you!

Aurora, I'm a newbie here, but we have used a car service for the past several years. We really like Tiffany Towncar. It's about 125.00 plus tip.
They help you with your luggage, very friendly, fast service.