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

[dtr_angel]

Yesterday I booked the first 2 nights of our 9 night December trip at the Grand Floridian!

I can't make up my mind though so this is subject to change. We stayed offsite in May for the first time and LOVED our condo at Windsor Hills. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around spending more on 2 nights at the Grand than it would cost for 9 nights offsite... it's a special occasion though, my 30th birthday! I've always wanted to stay at the GF so this is a dream come true. I just hope I don't talk myself out of it!

I have a bunch of questions...
The only thing available was outer building lagoon view. Luckily that is about the cheapest room. I've been to the GF a few times to eat but never wandered around. How far away are the outer buildings from the main building? Can you walk to the Poly from the GF? Any good requests in this category? Do they all have the same sort of balconies? Do they have bed rails or cribs available? (not pack n plays, my son is too tall) What are the chances of getting a late check out?

Looking forward to following along

 

[trishadono]

Yesterday I booked the first 2 nights of our 9 night December trip at the Grand Floridian!

I can't make up my mind though so this is subject to change. We stayed offsite in May for the first time and LOVED our condo at Windsor Hills. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around spending more on 2 nights at the Grand than it would cost for 9 nights offsite... it's a special occasion though, my 30th birthday! I've always wanted to stay at the GF so this is a dream come true. I just hope I don't talk myself out of it!

I have a bunch of questions...
The only thing available was outer building lagoon view. Luckily that is about the cheapest room. I've been to the GF a few times to eat but never wandered around. How far away are the outer buildings from the main building? Can you walk to the Poly from the GF? Any good requests in this category? Do they all have the same sort of balconies? Do they have bed rails or cribs available? (not pack n plays, my son is too tall) What are the chances of getting a late check out?

Looking forward to following along

I can answer some questions

Most of the buildings are about the same distance to main building. Look at the map on page one and see if an area appeals to you and request it but it will not be guaranteed.

I walk to poly and gf back forth all the time. Not too far, about 5 -10mins depending on speed of walk.

Balconies: 1st floor is an enclosed patio, the other floors are open full size balconies except the dormer rooms(top floor), they have a smaller and enclosed balcony. See page 1for photos.

I believe you can only request a late check out the day before. I try to request one in the morning the day before and have always gotten one. That will be for 1pm. If you need later the usually ask me to pay 1/2 a night so I don't ever do that.

My kids always slept with us when small so not sure about cribs. I can say the flip down Murphy bed would be a nice size for a kid with a rail unless he is "wiggly" and won't stay put. (Need a crib)

You should try it! It's always nice to spoil ourselves once in a while

Just came back to add that in December it is beautiful at the Grand! The gingerbread house is in the lobby, the Christmas trees too! Also they have poinsettias planted around the grounds and looks so pretty. Lastly I stayed in the villas last year and they play christmas music in speakers on the pathway from the villas towards the poly.

 

[mickeynut1]

Does anyone here know if they ever use the larger boats for MK during busier times (I.E. Easter)? I know they have when we've stayed at WL, but never paid attention for GF.

I don't know the answer, but hopefully someone else will be able to help .

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Sounds like I should be able to entertain myself for a couple hours I'm excited to check out the resort after looking at some of the gorgeous photos.

You will definitely be able to entertain yourself for a couple of hours as there is so much to see at the GF .

Very friendly and helpful thread!!

I agree .

My bad, big hello and hugs to all the groupies!! In Georgia on I95 North heading home from a fab trip!

Hi pas

Hope you had a great trip and made it home safely .

Hi Blue and friends! Holding up ok, thanks for asking. It was a gut wrenching day leaving my son at college for the first time on Wednesday. Before he left, I tried to cheer us up by starting to plan our dining arrangements for July. It helped a bit. Disney always can brighten up a sad time.

Hope you are doing ok . Kids grow up way too fast. I can only imagine how hard it is to see your child go off to college. We have two boys and our youngest graduated high school last year and while neither went away for college, I can imagine how hard it is .

I remember leaving our first and being PRETTY DOWN! Was "not myself" at all for about 2 weeks!
Leaving our first was complicated by having to leave him quite sick from a herendous summer of sickness and exacerbated asthma problems, as he insisted that he was going and he would be okay! Thank GOODNESS, all worked our very well!

9 years later, we left "the baby" 1 week today! Wow, WHERE DO THE YEARS GO????? THANK GOD, all WONDERFUL things ahead, but there certainly is a strangeness to the whole process!

So happy that we have our 4 night trip to look forward to.. I call it DS and my "getting over the hump" trip! CAN'T WAIT! Looking SO FORWARD to the Grand!

I hope you (and your DS) are doing ok . Our youngest graduated high school last year and I'm still trying to figure out where the time went .

Hope you have a Grand trip .

Good morning, GF "groupies" (as Pas said... )
Been MIA due to traveling..but glad to be back. More ......

Hi to Blue and Mickeynut this lovely Sat. morning...

Hi grannyminnie

Welcome back, hope you had a nice time away .

I sent an email to IPO last night with our room requests and a few questions, and I didn't get the canned reply that I'm used to getting when I emailed the Poly IPO before. The one that says thank you for contacting us, you'll hear back within 24 hrs. Do they typically send that? Should I re-send the email? In my previous experience it came immediately.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I agree with MommyGina that I would resend the email .

Yesterday I booked the first 2 nights of our 9 night December trip at the Grand Floridian!

I can't make up my mind though so this is subject to change. We stayed offsite in May for the first time and LOVED our condo at Windsor Hills. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around spending more on 2 nights at the Grand than it would cost for 9 nights offsite... it's a special occasion though, my 30th birthday! I've always wanted to stay at the GF so this is a dream come true. I just hope I don't talk myself out of it!

I have a bunch of questions...
The only thing available was outer building lagoon view. Luckily that is about the cheapest room. I've been to the GF a few times to eat but never wandered around. How far away are the outer buildings from the main building? Can you walk to the Poly from the GF? Any good requests in this category? Do they all have the same sort of balconies? Do they have bed rails or cribs available? (not pack n plays, my son is too tall) What are the chances of getting a late check out?

Looking forward to following along

Congrats on booking your first GF stay .

The GF isn't as spread out as it seems and while some outer buildings are a little closer to the main building than others, none are far away. You can walk to the Poly from the GF, which is maybe a 15 minute walk depending on your pace. We've never had the need for bed rails, but I think those are available by request through housekeeping. Late check out would depend on how busy the resort is and if the room is needed right away. We've had late check out and unless it's changed recently, it's free until 1 pm; half a night's room rate until 3 pm; a full night's room rate to stay after 3 pm.

HTH

 

[ksks11]

This is my first time using a Disboard. [Please tell me if I am doing something wrong.] My family is going to Disney for the first time ever the first week of November and staying at the Grand Floridian (thanks to receiving several Pin Codes).
We picked the GF because my children will be 5 and 3 and the resort is close enough to the MK if we want them to take naps.
So this may be an odd question... I will be ordering food from Garden Grocers and ordering a couple bottles of wine to enjoy a glass every now and then on the balcony while my kids are napping. Since I don't like drinking wine out of anything other than a wine glass and that probably won't be the safest thing for me to transport on the plane... Do you think the staff would give my husband and me a couple of wine glasses to keep in the room for the week?

 

[BlueSkies]

My bad, big hello and hugs to all the groupies!! In Georgia on I95 North heading home from a fab trip!

Hey pas Hope you got home safe and sound..glad that you had a fab trip!

Hi Blue and friends! Holding up ok, thanks for asking. It was a gut wrenching day leaving my son at college for the first time on Wednesday. Before he left, I tried to cheer us up by starting to plan our dining arrangements for July. It helped a bit. Disney always can brighten up a sad time.

I so understand...I remember dropping my kids off for the first time ... Disney trip planning is always a good way to cheer up though..glad that you have started..... Hang in there my friend..parents weekend is just around the bend!

Good morning, GF "groupies" (as Pas said... )
Been MIA due to traveling..but glad to be back. More .....

Hi to Blue and Mickeynut this lovely Sat. morning...

Hey there!! Welcome back...we always miss you when you are not around!

ENJOY the long Labor Day Weekend!

You too jerseygal Are you spending the weekend at the shore! ??

Yesterday I booked the first 2 nights of our 9 night December trip at the Grand Floridian!

I can't make up my mind though so this is subject to change. We stayed offsite in May for the first time and LOVED our condo at Windsor Hills. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around spending more on 2 nights at the Grand than it would cost for 9 nights offsite... it's a special occasion though, my 30th birthday! I've always wanted to stay at the GF so this is a dream come true. I just hope I don't talk myself out of it!

I have a bunch of questions...
The only thing available was outer building lagoon view. Luckily that is about the cheapest room. I've been to the GF a few times to eat but never wandered around. How far away are the outer buildings from the main building? Can you walk to the Poly from the GF? Any good requests in this category? Do they all have the same sort of balconies? Do they have bed rails or cribs available? (not pack n plays, my son is too tall) What are the chances of getting a late check out?

Looking forward to following along

I know that yor questions have been answered...my recommendation would be the same as Trish's about checking out the lay of the lands via the map of the grounds on page 1..

Wanted to add..Congrats on booking the GF..what a nice way to celebrate your birthday!! When you are feeling doubtful,,,just pop in here..this lovely group of GF enablers can help you out!

This is my first time using a Disboard. [Please tell me if I am doing something wrong.] My family is going to Disney for the first time ever the first week of November and staying at the Grand Floridian (thanks to receiving several Pin Codes).
We picked the GF because my children will be 5 and 3 and the resort is close enough to the MK if we want them to take naps.
So this may be an odd question... I will be ordering food from Garden Grocers and ordering a couple bottles of wine to enjoy a glass every now and then on the balcony while my kids are napping. Since I don't like drinking wine out of anything other than a wine glass and that probably won't be the safest thing for me to transport on the plane... Do you think the staff would give my husband and me a couple of wine glasses to keep in the room for the week?

WELCOME ..and congrats on the pin code!! I would say heading into Mizner's..or even over to the pool bar and ask for a few wine glasses..can't imagine that it would be a problem...

MickeyNut I know that the Poly and likely the CR are in your future plans..any GF split stay going to be in the mix??? Inquiring mind here...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are enjoying this nice long Labor Day weekend! preppy GF Gal who has been enjoying some fun in the sun!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

to all the Grand Floridianites! We hit the 45 day mark today . It is crazy how busy end of summer can be and how fast time passes!

I was pleased to receive an email today (last chance to customize magic bands, make dining reservations and passholder info) AND a link to add friends and family to my Memory Maker Thank you Disney for reading my mind! It is all set up and ready for all of us now! Here is the link! Memory Maker

Hope everyone has a safe and happy rest of the Labor Day weekend and may it be Labor Free. I'm almost caught up again but that changes quickly.

Liz

 

[mickeynut1]

This is my first time using a Disboard. [Please tell me if I am doing something wrong.] My family is going to Disney for the first time ever the first week of November and staying at the Grand Floridian (thanks to receiving several Pin Codes).
We picked the GF because my children will be 5 and 3 and the resort is close enough to the MK if we want them to take naps.
So this may be an odd question... I will be ordering food from Garden Grocers and ordering a couple bottles of wine to enjoy a glass every now and then on the balcony while my kids are napping. Since I don't like drinking wine out of anything other than a wine glass and that probably won't be the safest thing for me to transport on the plane... Do you think the staff would give my husband and me a couple of wine glasses to keep in the room for the week?

Congrats on the pin code for your first GF stay . I agree with BlueSkies that it shouldn't be a problem to get wine glasses to keep in your room .

MickeyNut I know that the Poly and likely the CR are in your future plans..any GF split stay going to be in the mix??? Inquiring mind here...

No splits for us. We had a split in December 2010 and after that trip, my DH asked me to never do that again . Things are always subject to change, but right now it looks like we'll be at the Poly in July 2015 and the CR either May or December 2015. May is appealing as it's closer...lol....but I do love Disney at Christmas time, so we'll see. I'd love to do both, but with the deluxe resort rates getting a little crazy (as well as ticket prices), it's hard for me to justify going 3 or 4 times a year .

:wave2 to all the Grand Floridianites! We hit the 45 day mark today . It is crazy how busy end of summer can be and how fast time passes!

I was pleased to receive an email today (last chance to customize magic bands, make dining reservations and passholder info) AND a link to add friends and family to my Memory Maker Thank you Disney for reading my mind! It is all set up and ready for all of us now!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy rest of the Labor Day weekend and may it be Labor Free. I'm almost caught up again but that changes quickly.

Liz

Yay for being at the 45 day mark ......you will be checking into the GF before you know it .

Hope you have a safe and happy rest of Labor Day weekend as well .

 

[Sue M]

popping in to say hi! Our holiday is coming to an end leaving on 3rd.
Today bussing back from DHS we decided to get off at Poly, to get some Dole Whips. The new Pineapple Lanai just opened. Then walked around the grounds to check out construction.

Got back this afternoon and there was a wedding. Bridal party was in lobby taking photos. Then we saw the carriage go by while we were in Summer Lace.

Tonight we ate at Gaspys outside on patio area ( AC inside is freezing) then watched Wishes.

It sure has been hot the past 2 weeks and I freq. come in August, but it's been hotter then usual. I think they've been breaking 10 yr records!

Some of you will be happy to hear Solar Gel is back .

Busses have been efficient to Epcot with morning monorail down.

New rooms are pretty, but new drawers in dresser/TV console are teeny tiny it's a good thing it's summer and clothing is light. And there's only 2 of us!!!

Too soon and I'll be doing the GF frown

 

[disney meema]

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

Hi Jenny ... Busy weekend with my grandkiddies here with us & the long weekend : ) It was a Standard TPV room when we stayed in this room during 3 vacations. My husband says he remembers it having a connecting door as well which I think you wanted. I hope your having a lovely holiday weekend ... It's so nice : )

 

[grannyminnie]

popping in to say hi! Our holiday is coming to an end leaving on 3rd.
Today bussing back from DHS we decided to get off at Poly, to get some Dole Whips. The new Pineapple Lanai just opened. Then walked around the grounds to check out construction.

Got back this afternoon and there was a wedding. Bridal party was in lobby taking photos. Then we saw the carriage go by while we were in Summer Lace.

Tonight we ate at Gaspys outside on patio area ( AC inside is freezing) then watched Wishes.

It sure has been hot the past 2 weeks and I freq. come in August, but it's been hotter then usual. I think they've been breaking 10 yr records!

Some of you will be happy to hear Solar Gel is back .

Busses have been efficient to Epcot with morning monorail down.

New rooms are pretty, but new drawers in dresser/TV console are teeny tiny it's a good thing it's summer and clothing is light. And there's only 2 of us!!!

Too soon and I'll be doing the GF frown

Thanks for the report Sue! What a nice long vacation you have had!! I don't know what the Pineapple Lanai is ..

I know what you mean about that GF frown! I get that every time!
I know all about that heat too! It's the reason we try and avoid those months that have very high temps!

 

[jerseygal]

Thanks for the report Sue! What a nice long vacation you have had!! I don't know what the Pineapple Lanai is ..

Its my understanding that Pineapple Lanai is the new place to get Dole Whip by Captain Cooks at the Poly. .No longer "self serve", but still YUM!

Gotta get my "DOLE WHIP FIX" in Dec! Can't wait!

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks for the report Sue! What a nice long vacation you have had!! I don't know what the Pineapple Lanai is ..

Its my understanding that Pineapple Lanai is the new place to get Dole Whip by Captain Cooks at the Poly. .No longer "self serve", but still YUM!

Gotta get my "DOLE WHIP FIX" in Dec! Can't wait!

Thanks...I don't usually go looking for them, but know they are popular!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Its my understanding that Pineapple Lanai is the new place to get Dole Whip by Captain Cooks at the Poly. .No longer "self serve", but still YUM!

Gotta get my "DOLE WHIP FIX" in Dec! Can't wait!

Just posted Pineapple Lanai photos/details to the POLY THREAD HERE.

 

[ratdog9]

I am going to try to request a room with a great view of the pool in Boca Chica. Any suggestions or pics? Thanks!

 

[grannyminnie]

Just posted Pineapple Lanai photos/details to the POLY THREAD HERE.

Thanks, as always, KOOK, for your helpful information! It looks like guests will enjoy this addition to the Poly...

 

[Jennygt]

Hi Jenny ... Busy weekend with my grandkiddies here with us & the long weekend : ) It was a Standard TPV room when we stayed in this room during 3 vacations. My husband says he remembers it having a connecting door as well which I think you wanted. I hope your having a lovely holiday weekend ... It's so nice : )

Disney Meema thanks for the reply! I think this room will be a great fit for us! Busy weekend here too, my dd and ds start school in the am, first time for dd.

 

[pas130]

Thanks Grand Groupies for the welcome back..I am back at work and planning 2015 already. Missed you all here Sue, Disney depression is the worst. 100 degrees at WDW is better than 85 here at home....missing our vacation SO very much. MK was decked out to the nines in Fall already...really strange to see the transformation overnight. My mind says summer

Happy Labor Day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[davale4]

After two great weeks, we finally returned home late yesterday night. I need to catch up on the thread as I have been MIA for the last week. I will post my thoughts between the Grand RPC and CR Atrium CL. They were both definitely different experiences!

Also, after much, much, much thought (actually only on my part)...we finally decided to take the plunge and we are now VGF DVC owners!!! I have always been on the fence but not DH. Soooo, we were not back yet, when we were planning our next stay.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for the report Sue! What a nice long vacation you have had!! I don't know what the Pineapple Lanai is ..

I know what you mean about that GF frown! I get that every time!
I know all about that heat too! It's the reason we try and avoid those months that have very high temps!

WeVe been coming every Aug for years, and it's been hotter then usual. I think the news was saying temps are at a 10 yr high?

Thanks for the report Sue! What a nice long vacation you have had!! I don't know what the Pineapple Lanai is ..

Its my understanding that Pineapple Lanai is the new place to get Dole Whip by Captain Cooks at the Poly. .No longer "self serve", but still YUM!

Gotta get my "DOLE WHIP FIX" in Dec! Can't wait!

Yup, Pinnapple Lanai is where Wyland Gallery used to be. It's a outside take out window serving Dole Whips, floats, etc. They have a couple of tables outside. We took ours into a Capt Cooks to eat.

Thanks Grand Groupies for the welcome back..I am back at work and planning 2015 already. Missed you all here Sue, Disney depression is the worst. 100 degrees at WDW is better than 85 here at home....missing our vacation SO very much. MK was decked out to the nines in Fall already...really strange to see the transformation overnight. My mind says summer

Happy Labor Day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you had a great vacay!! I was glad I got to meet Janet & Linda my first 2 days!!
Tonight I met a CM friend for dinner at Crews Cup at YC, and coming back to GF we saw people coming & going into MK in costume. It was the first MNSSHP!! Seems strange to me too!!! It's not Fall yet!

 

[jerseygal]

Also, after much, much, much thought (actually only on my part)...we finally decided to take the plunge and we are now VGF DVC owners!!! I have always been on the fence but not DH. Soooo, we were not back yet, when we were planning our next stay.

Welcome Home!
Exciting for you! Can't wait to stay at the VGF 2 nights this Dec!
Heard SO MANY awesome things!