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

[MinnieMouse28]

I posted this on the shipping thread, but didn't get an answer. I though I would try here, this thread gets a lot more activity Also, if the fee is real and unavoidable (which I am suspecting is the reality) does anyone know what the fee is? I would hate to pay $20 on top of snacks and odds and ends, but $5 wouldn't be too bad. We will pass on sending diapers, and compress everything else into one box. I find it extremely annoying that you have to pay for a package at convention resorts - what's the reason for this anyway?


I have questions about shipping to the Grand Floridian (we've staying main building club level if it makes any difference). The answers might be somewhere in the 30 pages, but I just don't have time to read them all as we leave in less than 2 weeks! I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer instead of telling me to read through the pages I did also email the GF IPO to ask, but when they replied to my email they didn't answer the question, so I will try again with them as well.

I've shipped things ahead many times over the years, mostly snacks and odds and ends that we would be able to live without if it got lost or delayed, and now baby food and diapers. I've always shipped it all USPS priority mail, and never had any problem. So I was very surprised to read the first few pages of this thread and see that it says to not ship using the post office. It always worked like a charm for me Also, thinking back, I don't think it was ever to a convention hotel, so I never had to worry about being charged. I know we did it at WL, POR, AKL, and Poly for sure. But the USPS things doesn't seem to be only to convention hotels, is it?

So now would like to send things to the GF, both from home and from Amazon (diapers). This would probably be 3 packages, 2 from us and 1 from amazon. However, if we're going to be charged something to be able to get the boxes, I don't want to do it. This makes for some really expensive snacks/diapers/odds and ends (just to save suitcase space, and for a gluten allergy with specific snacks). I thought I heard somewhere that there was a way to ship to the hotel, and not the convention center, and to avoid a charge. Does that make any sense, or am I making things up? If the fee is unavoidable, does anyone know how much it is at the GF? In the few pages I was able to scan through I didn't really see any amounts.

Any advice is appreciated, particularly as I should be mailing things by the end of the week or early next week (I've always done it about 6-7 days ahead, and the priority boxes were always waiting at check in or delivered later that day).

Hi There!

I stayed in RPC January of this year and I shipped a package to the hotel. IPO told me to use USPS that way they will get the package and can hold it for me. They said not to use UPS. Not sure if the process has changed since January. This was the address IPO gave me to use:

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
ATTN: Reservation #XXXXXXX
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Be sure to put your reservation number. I gave IPO a heads up that I had shipped a package to them and they sent me an email when it arrived. When I checked in, there was a note in my file about the package waiting for me. I didn't see a charge for the box that I shipped.

 

[ninafeliz]

Hi There!

I stayed in RPC January of this year and I shipped a package to the hotel. IPO told me to use USPS that way they will get the package and can hold it for me. They said not to use UPS. Not sure if the process has changed since January. This was the address IPO gave me to use:

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
ATTN: Reservation #XXXXXXX
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Be sure to put your reservation number. I gave IPO a heads up that I had shipped a package to them and they sent me an email when it arrived. When I checked in, there was a note in my file about the package waiting for me. I didn't see a charge for the box that I shipped.

Thank you so much for replying, I think that's what I vaguely remember reading before. I remember it because I found it interesting that it says to use the USPS and the sticky thread here says to avoid it.

Interestingly enough, IPO did email me back to answer my question and this is what they said:

Any package sent to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is received at our business center. There will be a charge to have said packages held and delivered to the room.

I wish all of Disney could get their act together and give our consistent and correct information. I at least thought that IPO would, since they are essentially there to simply help with anything and it's quite expensive to be staying CL for relatively few perks anymore. I find more and more that I get better information from the internet than Disney, and if I'm doubting something the information I got from people at places like this is generally more trustworthy. I do realize things could have changed since January for the shipping, but I'm doubting it. I think I just hit someone who didn't know or didn't care . I will, however, ship anything with the realization that I might get a charge to pick it up.

 

[MinnieMouse28]

Thank you so much for replying, I think that's what I vaguely remember reading before. I remember it because I found it interesting that it says to use the USPS and the sticky thread here says to avoid it.

Interestingly enough, IPO did email me back to answer my question and this is what they said:

Any package sent to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is received at our business center. There will be a charge to have said packages held and delivered to the room.

I wish all of Disney could get their act together and give our consistent and correct information. I at least thought that IPO would, since they are essentially there to simply help with anything and it's quite expensive to be staying CL for relatively few perks anymore. I find more and more that I get better information from the internet than Disney, and if I'm doubting something the information I got from people at places like this is generally more trustworthy. I do realize things could have changed since January for the shipping, but I'm doubting it. I think I just hit someone who didn't know or didn't care . I will, however, ship anything with the realization that I might get a charge to pick it up.

Since your trip is right around the corner, maybe you can call IPO and ask them this question. Might be better/faster to talk to a live person. I was planning on shipping a package again when I'm there next February. Hopefully their process hasn't changed.

 

[twoolle]

Express monorail goes from TTC to MK only. Resort monorail goes in the opposite direction, and stops at every stop: MK, CR, TTC, Poly, GF to MK. the resort monorail is supposed to be basically for resort guests (and those dining at the resorts). Where the Express monorail is mainly for folks who parked in the MK parking lots (and some Poly guests, since the TTC is closer to their room, and the express monorail makes less stops...though it is also more crowded). The Epcot monorail goes from the TTC to Epcot. From GF, you need to get to the TTC to take it (normally via monorail or in off-hours bus). Yes, the monorail you want to take to MK starts at 8:30am. this is plenty of time to get to MK, as it is the next stop. Assuming no delays, the monorail should only takes about 2 minutes to get to MK. From GF, there is also a boat you can take to MK. It usually takes a bit longer than the monorail. Much depends on the timing. If you time it just right, I think the trip is under ten minutes. But there is a wait between when the boats show up at the resorts. Also, the boat often stops at both GF and Poly (maybe not during the morning rush)...whereas monorails at rush hour are more frequent. To get to Epcot, you would take the monorail to the TTC, then transfer to the Epcot monorail. I disagree that taking a taxi to BC is the fastest. If you do that, you'll still need to walk from the BC to Epcot (or take the slow boat). You'll also be entering the back entrance, which is always slow. They also sometimes delay opening that gate later than the front gate. As to how much time, the answer always varies a bit...the Epcot monorails are maybe seven minutes apart, and the ride from the TTC is about ten minutes long. (plus taking the resort monorail) If you are trying to arrive for park opening, and the resort is offering a bus - that's going to be your best option. Before 9am, GF will run a bus directly from GF to Epcot, and it will be faster than the double monorail. Maybe allow half an hour. Remember also that at all parks, it takes time to get through the bag search and turnstiles. also, some days they let guests through the gates early. They can't go on rides, they just go to a holding area. We usually aim to avoid arriving before 9am. We also usually get a rental car these days. With a car, we can pretty reliably go from our resort parking lot to any park gate in 15minutes or less - and back again.

Hi there. We will have our car with us. When staying at the GF do you take a car to AK, DHS and even Epcot? Thanks!

 

[twoolle]

This is not related to the GF but i figured you guys might have advice. When riding splash mountain and kali river rapids what do you do with your cell phone and camera so they don't get wet? What about shoes? I plan to wear tennis shoes to the parks but hate soggy ones. Concerned about my kiddos as well. Thanks!

 

[threelilbears]

This is not related to the GF but i figured you guys might have advice. When riding splash mountain and kali river rapids what do you do with your cell phone and camera so they don't get wet? What about shoes? I plan to wear tennis shoes to the parks but hate soggy ones. Concerned about my kiddos as well. Thanks!

I bring a plastic ziploc for the camera & cell phones which works perfectly. I have no solution for the shoes...

 

[ninafeliz]

Are there blu ray players in the RPC rooms, or just DVD players?

 

[twoolle]

I bring a plastic ziploc for the camera & cell phones which works perfectly. I have no solution for the shoes...

Great idea! I thought about bringing our water strappy sandals with us and putting them on before the ride. But really don't want all the extra stuff. Do your shoes get really wet?

 

[ninafeliz]

Great idea! I thought about bringing our water strappy sandals with us and putting them on before the ride. But really don't want all the extra stuff. Do your shoes get really wet?

I've only ridden a couple of times, but I seem to remember there being a bar for your feet in the center that is raised, and if you keep your feet up on that they don't get as wet... It's not perfect, but not too bad. Also, if you don't take your flip flops to change in to, and you have socks on, take them off before you ride. it's much better if at least your socks stay dry.

 

[BlueSkies]

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

Sounds like you are all set!!

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

Glad that you had such a nice trip Sue..thanks for filling us in on things Grand! Oh no... the Floridian frown... We all do it....the only thing that I find helps is to start planning another trip!

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

Thanks so much KOOK

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

Boca Chica is such a nice outer building...great pool views that include views of the main building....which is especially pretty all lit up at night...I would recommend also requesting ground or upper floor depending on your preference...

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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey pas...Sorry for the Disney depression! I bet the MK looked wonderful in all of its fall finery! How nice that you got to see it... ..now just start planning another trip and turn that frown upside down!!

Good Morning Everyone!!

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day!! I can't believe the summer has come and gone already. First day of school tomorrow for DD...school for DS started last week.

I know everyone is talking about the GF new furniture and how small the drawers are. I forgot to mention that I always pack collapsable shelves that I hang in the closet. I get them from Bed Bath and Beyond, especially now while they have all the college dorm stuff. They always come in handy and with the new furniture they were a necessity.

DH said I can book next years trip as soon as Jetblue releases there flights...Hopefully October!!

Hot Hot Hot here today!!! Stay cool!!

Hey there Wishes! Those collapsable shelves sounds like a great idea... do they have any special name...gonna make a BB&B run in the next few days to take a look! thanks for the idea!

On getting everything started for next years trip!! Here's to JB releasing the flights for next summer soon!

Morning, I am enjoying reading all things gf as I plan our August 2015 trip. I can't find too many current videos of the gf? Anyone have a link to some to feed my obsession lol

This thread is so great for planning! If I want to be at the MK for ropedrop, what time should we start waiting at the monorail stop at the GF? How many times does the monorail usually stop at the GF between 8:30 and 9 am?

Also, we have booked a lagoon view for our trip. When I do online check in, are there any building, floor, or room requests that I should make? I ordered the Unofficial Guide to Disney for 2015, but the recommendations seemed primarily for concierge level, which will not apply.

Thank you!

I would allow 30 minutes..even thought the MK is the very nexxt monorail stop after the GF...IF the monorail is running that early...there have been some modified operating hours recently...

As for choosing a building with LV rooms...I think that Conch Key would be a good choice..beautiful views..close to the boat dock and courtyard pool area too...

Hi! Only 20 more days for my first GRAND stay! I am so excited. I have a quick question, it might be dumb. Can you email the IPO without staying in Club Level?

Thank you in advance! Everyone has been so helpful already!!

I know that MickeyNut already answered your quesstion... and I agree no dumb questions..Besides we are all here to learn from one another! Just wanted to say....20 days!!!!!! The time will fly!

...grannyminnie ( lots of entertaining going on at your house these days!! ) ..lol..MommyGina, Candy, abk, ahcupcake, Trisha, k&a&c'smom (hope that you are having a fab trip!! ) ..and...all the rest of my fellow GF fans!!!

Hope that you all had a terrific Thursday!! preppy GF gal who has not changed any ADRs in a few days!!

 

[trishadono]

Wow I am sure making up for all that time I took off work this summer.

I can't even read all of my favorite threads but gf I am making time for.

Gf is a great place to visit and even better to stay at. Enjoy your planning! Or like many of us, enjoy reminiscing about that great trip

Still haven't done a mnsshp and jealous of all that great mdse I saw they will have, lucky peeps!!!

 

[xjay]

What's the best way to make an early ADR for MK from the GF? We're thinking about switching our AKL CL reservation to the GF since its only one night and it's closer to the MK and the CR.

 

[yce22princess]

What's the best way to make an early ADR for MK from the GF? We're thinking about switching our AKL CL reservation to the GF since its only one night and it's closer to the MK and the CR.

We've always taken the boat and have never had a problem. We do 8am ressies and get to the boat dock around 7-7:15.

 

[jhaig]

We've always taken the boat and have never had a problem. We do 8am ressies and get to the boat dock around 7-7:15.

What time will the boats to MK start in the morning? To make rope drop, what time should we be at the dock?

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

What's the best way to make an early ADR for MK from the GF? We're thinking about switching our AKL CL reservation to the GF since its only one night and it's closer to the MK and the CR.

We have 3 early morning ressies in the MK for our upcoming October trip and that was a question I asked the concierge last week especially with the monorail's reduced hours. I was told then about buses running directly to the MK/EPCOT and the earlier start of launches specifically for early dining before park opening.

Our current plans are to walk/launch for Poly.
Launch or bus to MK for our 3 MK breakfasts and then walk to CR for our Wave breakfast.

We do have 1 for the Captain's Grille at the Yachtsman but I just made it for 9 am so we didn't have to run madly jumping over turnstiles anywhere!

I don't know what the bus schedule from AK is (when we stayed there it ran 1 hour prior to parks opening) but you could call and ask.

Hope that is of some help!

Liz

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Wow I am sure making up for all that time I took off work this summer.

I can't even read all of my favorite threads but gf I am making time for.

Gf is a great place to visit and even better to stay at. Enjoy your planning! Or like many of us, enjoy reminiscing about that great trip

Still haven't done a mnsshp and jealous of all that great mdse I saw they will have, lucky peeps!!!

I retired and I'm STILL catching up from our July trip. I think everyone saves EVERYTHING then slowly drops it on you when you get back!

We actually decided to do 2 MNSSHP this year. Hopefully you can enjoy one soon too!

This is not related to the GF but i figured you guys might have advice. When riding splash mountain and kali river rapids what do you do with your cell phone and camera so they don't get wet? What about shoes? I plan to wear tennis shoes to the parks but hate soggy ones. Concerned about my kiddos as well. Thanks!

There are lockers right by Kali River that I always use for electronics. I can't recall if they cost (that is DH job ) If by chance there is a charge I do know you can carry the receipt to your next park and there is only the refundable deposit so you only rent once for multiple parks!

I also leave water rides as the very last thing so IF I get wet (I've been totally lucky and I've never been the one that got drenched) we are on the way back to the hotel and not that big of a deal. As for shoes, again I carry or wear flip flops for water rides. Walking in wet shoes would definitely dampen the Magic!

Hi there. We will have our car with us. When staying at the GF do you take a car to AK, DHS and even Epcot? Thanks!

We always drive to WDW but park the car after we get there and never go back! I actually enjoy WDW transport and usually find it a nice wind down after being in a Park. We are considering driving to our later than usual Jiko ressie. Ressie isn't until 8 pm and I'm not sure of the options for returning to GF. If I decide I want wine, we may take a cab either to or from or both!

Hope this is some help to you!

Liz

 

[Anne5555]

Thanks, everyone, for the advice and suggestions so far!

I thought I read the the resort express monorail starts at 8:30 am on the current modified schedule, but I read elsewhere that a guest at the GF said the monorail did not start until ropedrop during her visit at the end of August. Will we be unable to take the monorail to MK before 9 am this month? I was not wanting to rely on the bus system this trip.

Thanks,
Anne

 

[BlueSkies]

We've always taken the boat and have never had a problem. We do 8am ressies and get to the boat dock around 7-7:15.

Thanks for that info!

We have 3 early morning ressies in the MK for our upcoming October trip and that was a question I asked the concierge last week especially with the monorail's reduced hours. I was told then about buses running directly to the MK/EPCOT and the earlier start of launches specifically for early dining before park opening.

Our current plans are to walk/launch for Poly.
Launch or bus to MK for our 3 MK breakfasts and then walk to CR for our Wave breakfast.

We do have 1 for the Captain's Grille at the Yachtsman but I just made it for 9 am so we didn't have to run madly jumping over turnstiles anywhere!

I don't know what the bus schedule from AK is (when we stayed there it ran 1 hour prior to parks opening) but you could call and ask.

Hope that is of some help!

Liz

Liz Sounds like you are going to be busy in the mornings... Since its always about the food wondering what breakfasts that you have planned??? I had posted recently we really loved our breakfat at the Wave...and highly recommend the key lime eggs benedict! Yum!!

Thanks, everyone, for the advice and suggestions so far!

I thought I read the the resort express monorail starts at 8:30 am on the current modified schedule, but I read elsewhere that a guest at the GF said the monorail did not start until ropedrop during her visit at the end of August. Will we be unable to take the monorail to MK before 9 am this month? I was not wanting to rely on the bus system this trip.

Thanks,
Anne

I have not been following the recent transportation changes too closely...and am not a huge fan of the buses..not for any other reason than that we prefer the monorail and boats....but there is the water launch option at the GF...which stops at the Poly first on its way to the MK...yce22princess just posted about her experience with that....

MickeyNutGreat talking with you this morning!!! :

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fab Friday!!! preppy GF gal who is thinking of adding a FW afternoon into the mix and a lunch or dinner at Trails End??? Anyone eaten there recently...??? Its always about the food friends!!!

 

[Annamayfair]

Our first stay at GF is in 23 days, when I placed our reservation the only request I included was a king bed, now after months of reading these boards I am reconsidering that request. I know that I would like a balcony and the best view I can get in a garden view room. Is it too late to cha nge the requests? What would the GF vets recommend as the best way to make this request? Is there a specific building etc I should ask for? Thank you for your advice.

 

[xjay]

We've always taken the boat and have never had a problem. We do 8am ressies and get to the boat dock around 7-7:15.

Does anyone know what the earliest time that the boats or buses start running to the MK? If we do change to the GF, it's only for 1 night and then we check in at the CR the next day. And we have an 8:15 am ressie for CRT on an morning EMH day. I want to be at MK at least by 7 so that we can check in real quick at the CR and go to MK for our ADR. Would that be possible?