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

[grannyminnie]

Good to have you back, k&a&c'smom. Hope your mom is better!

MK Family, we like the TPV in Conch. Never been in Sago, but I imagine the view is just as good. I don't think the floor matters.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi fellow Gf fans!

Lots of catching up to do I see..... ...

k&a&c'smom Glad to see you back!! We missed you around here!! and...just in time to start a new thread....lol...Hope that your Mom is doing well...and I am llooking forward to seeing the new pics that you have added to your trove of GF pics!

We are in full trip planning mode and I wanted to share some...

~ FPP thoughts....

We have now been to Disney several times making FPP..but this upcoming trip seems to really be a challange...Easy WDW and TP both predict low crowd levels between 3 and 4 for most of our days....yet...at 60 days (at midnight!) was only able to get 7DMT on the last full day of our trip???? ... thankfully that was a possible MK day (now a definite!!)..and we are also doing a MVMCP on another day..which I think will give us another opportunity to ride...but I truly do not understand...

What happens if you are only booking a short trip. ..this really is not a vent ...just sharing my recent experience....I am baffled.... The rest of our FPPs were pretty much available..and and mostly at the times we wanted....or if not at the exact times..at least on the day we wanted....but DD really wants to ride 7DMT..I do too! so I did find this kind of frustrating....

There are a few days that we do not want to be at a park bright and early..and I was happy that on our Epcot day I could secure a Soarin FPP and not worry about them being gone by the time we get to the park...so that is a nice bonus....

Still...even the planning is pre planned these days.... JMO...YMMV... preppy GF gal who dosen't like to stay up ntil midnight to make FPPs!!

 

[Aurora0427]

Just wanted to pop in and say 84 days until we check into the Grand Floridian!

 

[cattywampus]

@BlueSkies I had same FPP experience. Some are saying they are now holding some back for 30 day mark. Remains to be seen. Perhaps shorter hours also mean fewer available and lastly, I think the word is out and more people are looking for 7DMT at 60 days out.

58 days left and we are going to have a great time no matter what!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

I spoke with GF IPO today (making minor changes ) and was told most Frozen activities at DHS are being expanded and continued until the end of the year, but the extra paid ticket event ends September 28 and it is only offered certain nights the rest of this month.

Folks going for the MVMCP are in for a treat! Enjoy the Frozen theme there too. This may all be old news to most but it was new to me .

The folks at GF IPO are truly awesome!

Blue: Not sure how I figured we were there at the same time I blame it on lack of sleep and coffee! I will try to leave some merchandise for ya'll to buy.

As far as FP+ goes, I still don't care for it. I will say when we went in July I was able to grab a 7DMT on the drive down for THAT day. I think plans change once folks are there but they're grabbing what they can at the 60/30 day mark. /crosses fingers for everyone!


Also got an email about the Be Our Guest lunch FP and have it all lined up including our Tropical Cream Puff and (DH's) Masters Cupcake! YUMMMMY. It even has the option to use your Dining Plan or not.

Magic Bands arrived this afternoon. Now to decide if I have the time/inclination to decorate mine! (That was quick as I just got the shipped email yesterday!) Beginning to get excited!

Hope everyone has a Grand Friday!

Liz

 

[twoolle]

They're at the Disney stores BUT Marshall's has an AMAZING pirate Izzy costume (or TJ Maxx too) for $30 and it's gorgeous. Really. Best I've seen! I was kinda disappointed my DD didn't want to be a pirate when I saw it! She wants to be Ariel and do the pirates league so Ariel dress won over Izzy.

The kid's costumes and costume gowns at Marshall's btw are fabulous, well made, and super affordable for the high quality. I had to buy my kiddo 3! I basically bribed my DH who was wondering if I was possessed or what! I'm not usually like okay, let's just randomly buy kiddo 3 gown costumes (lolol) but I knew I'd regret not buying them.

The Cinderella ($40!) has ice blue velvet and a lined satin cape trimmed with fake fur! The Rapunzel is also breathtaking. If I knew how to link here to my Instagram I'd show them off because they are that lovely. Suteishiquake if you're up for hunting.

Thank you for the tips! I had never thought to look there and we have a TJ Max close!

 

[twoolle]

This is a non GF question...anyone know if the walmarts close to WDW sell liquor or do we need to find a liquor store also?

We check into the GF on Saturday! We started our road trip today about 2pm after DH got home from work. Kids were so excited to find their new Disney backpacks filled with Disney surprises, it was like Christmas. I can't imagine what they will say when they see WDW for the first time.

Thank you for all your help answering my questions these last few months!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi fellow Gf fans!

Lots of catching up to do I see..... ...

k&a&c'smom Glad to see you back!! We missed you around here!! and...just in time to start a new thread....lol...Hope that your Mom is doing well...and I am llooking forward to seeing the new pics that you have added to your trove of GF pics!

We are in full trip planning mode and I wanted to share some...

~ FPP thoughts....

We have now been to Disney several times making FPP..but this upcoming trip seems to really be a challange...Easy WDW and TP both predict low crowd levels between 3 and 4 for most of our days....yet...at 60 days (at midnight!) was only able to get 7DMT on the last full day of our trip???? ... thankfully that was a possible MK day (now a definite!!)..and we are also doing a MVMCP on another day..which I think will give us another opportunity to ride...but I truly do not understand...

What happens if you are only booking a short trip. ..this really is not a vent ...just sharing my recent experience....I am baffled.... The rest of our FPPs were pretty much available..and and mostly at the times we wanted....or if not at the exact times..at least on the day we wanted....but DD really wants to ride 7DMT..I do too! so I did find this kind of frustrating....

There are a few days that we do not want to be at a park bright and early..and I was happy that on our Epcot day I could secure a Soarin FPP and not worry about them being gone by the time we get to the park...so that is a nice bonus....

Still...even the planning is pre planned these days.... JMO...YMMV... preppy GF gal who dosen't like to stay up ntil midnight to make FPPs!!

Blue, I had a problem booking the Mine Train as well! It was under the 60 day mark when I checked (because of my not being settled on our trip date), but still only found one day so far that it was available. And no parade fast passes either... We can do without that one tho.

 

[trishadono]

Hi fellow Gf fans!

Lots of catching up to do I see..... ...

k&a&c'smom Glad to see you back!! We missed you around here!! and...just in time to start a new thread....lol...Hope that your Mom is doing well...and I am llooking forward to seeing the new pics that you have added to your trove of GF pics!

We are in full trip planning mode and I wanted to share some...

~ FPP thoughts....

We have now been to Disney several times making FPP..but this upcoming trip seems to really be a challange...Easy WDW and TP both predict low crowd levels between 3 and 4 for most of our days....yet...at 60 days (at midnight!) was only able to get 7DMT on the last full day of our trip???? ... thankfully that was a possible MK day (now a definite!!)..and we are also doing a MVMCP on another day..which I think will give us another opportunity to ride...but I truly do not understand...

What happens if you are only booking a short trip. ..this really is not a vent ...just sharing my recent experience....I am baffled.... The rest of our FPPs were pretty much available..and and mostly at the times we wanted....or if not at the exact times..at least on the day we wanted....but DD really wants to ride 7DMT..I do too! so I did find this kind of frustrating....

There are a few days that we do not want to be at a park bright and early..and I was happy that on our Epcot day I could secure a Soarin FPP and not worry about them being gone by the time we get to the park...so that is a nice bonus....

Still...even the planning is pre planned these days.... JMO...YMMV... preppy GF gal who dosen't like to stay up ntil midnight to make FPPs!!

Yep! This is my 4th experience with FP+ and no SDMT available for us.

I woke up at midnight for our best chances. (didn't know I was competing with you, lol)

I did do the fantastic FP since it will only be open for one of my days and I didn't want to rush from moms first lounge experience It is hard at HS because after you have one headliner there really isn't much left, especially after 6pm.

Still, doing the happy "online check in complete" dance

Have a great weekend all! Have a XC pasta party to host tonight and taking my mom to the meet tomorrow

 

[trishadono]

What requests do people make for Sugar Loaf? Our last stay we were on ground floor and liked having quick / easy access to the lounge. I have requested ground floor again but am second guessing myself as there was zero view from the ground floor. Are there good views from the upper floors? Do you think view trumps easy access to the room and club lounge?

Thanks in advance.

Both of my rooms were on the pool side floor 2/3. I enjoyed watching the activity from my balcony . It was tricky taking stuff back to the room though. Having a tray really helps. I would help myself to one in the cupboard but you can just ask if you need one.

I would prefer the marina side but my first visit I was given a 7:30am early check in and the next time we got one of the deluxe/lodge tower rooms (only 3 on courtyard side ).

I think there isn't really any bad rooms in SL. Good luck deciding... It is hard to choose isn't it?

 

[skibum25]

I think there isn't really any bad rooms in SL. Good luck deciding... It is hard to choose isn't it?

Thanks trishadono! Luckly it's deciding between a good option and a good option but yes, not easy.

If anyone else has special requests they've made for SL I would love to hear them. Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

What requests do people make for Sugar Loaf? Our last stay we were on ground floor and liked having quick / easy access to the lounge. I have requested ground floor again but am second guessing myself as there was zero view from the ground floor. Are there good views from the upper floors? Do you think view trumps easy access to the room and club lounge?

Thanks in advance.

I can't remember what floor it was (although I do know it wasn't ground floor), but we had a room on the marina side, which I loved. I'm sure the courtyard view is just as nice, but I loved sitting on the balcony looking out over the marina as it was very relaxing and calm . I prefer upper floor to ground floor, but that's just my personal preference. You can also request a deluxe room when staying SL. Deluxe rooms are bookable categories in the other outer buildings and RPC, but are only a request in SL. I think there are only a few of them so your chances might be slim to get one, but it never hurts to request it .

Thanks for the advice

You're welcome, hope you have a great trip .

Thanks so much for this. I will call CRO today and make my requests. My experience with other resorts has always been they really do try to accommodate you and make your stay magical!

You're very welcome .

We've had the same experience at every resort we've stayed at as we have always come across CMs that are always willing to help and accommodate when they can .

We are in full trip planning mode and I wanted to share some...

Still...even the planning is pre planned these days.... JMO...YMMV... preppy GF gal who dosen't like to stay up ntil midnight to make FPPs!!

Hi Blue

I'm sorry you're having trouble with FPP and getting what you want . We have yet to experience the MBs/FPP, but I'm not liking it just by knowing all of the planning that needs to be done for the parks. It is the total opposite of how we plan and I do not like the idea of deciding which park we will be at 60 days in advance . This is just my opinion, but I thought the old FP gave everyone an equal chance without having to scope out rides 2 months before you even arrive. Sorry for the vent, but I just can't wrap my head around choosing park days and rides before you even get there, let alone so far ahead .

Just wanted to pop in and say 84 days until we check into the Grand Floridian!

@BlueSkies I had same FPP experience. Some are saying they are now holding some back for 30 day mark. Remains to be seen. Perhaps shorter hours also mean fewer available and lastly, I think the word is out and more people are looking for 7DMT at 60 days out.

58 days left and we are going to have a great time no matter what!

I'm sorry you are having a hard time with FPP as well . But I agree (and I think you have a great attitude), that you will have a great time no matter what .

Magic Bands arrived this afternoon. Now to decide if I have the time/inclination to decorate mine! (That was quick as I just got the shipped email yesterday!) Beginning to get excited!

Hope everyone has a Grand Friday!

Liz

Yay for your MBs arriving . You will be on your way before you know it .

This is a non GF question...anyone know if the walmarts close to WDW sell liquor or do we need to find a liquor store also?

We check into the GF on Saturday! We started our road trip today about 2pm after DH got home from work. Kids were so excited to find their new Disney backpacks filled with Disney surprises, it was like Christmas. I can't imagine what they will say when they see WDW for the first time.

Thank you for all your help answering my questions these last few months!

I can't answer your question, but hopefully someone else will be able to help .

Safe travels as you finish your drive . I bet the kids are beyond excited......hope you will report back after your trip. Have a great time .

 

[BlueSkies]

Just wanted to pop in and say 84 days until we check into the Grand Floridian!

@BlueSkies I had same FPP experience. Some are saying they are now holding some back for 30 day mark. Remains to be seen. Perhaps shorter hours also mean fewer available and lastly, I think the word is out and more people are looking for 7DMT at 60 days out.

58 days left and we are going to have a great time no matter what!

58 days!!!! cattywampus I hope that you are right and at the 30 day mark we will all be able to get 7SMT on a day that we really wanted....but I am glad that we at least got one...just kind of frustrating....

I spoke with GF IPO today (making minor changes ) and was told most Frozen activities at DHS are being expanded and continued until the end of the year, but the extra paid ticket event ends September 28 and it is only offered certain nights the rest of this month.

Folks going for the MVMCP are in for a treat! Enjoy the Frozen theme there too. This may all be old news to most but it was new to me .

The folks at GF IPO are truly awesome!

Blue: Not sure how I figured we were there at the same time I blame it on lack of sleep and coffee! I will try to leave some merchandise for ya'll to buy.

As far as FP+ goes, I still don't care for it. I will say when we went in July I was able to grab a 7DMT on the drive down for THAT day. I think plans change once folks are there but they're grabbing what they can at the 60/30 day mark. /crosses fingers for everyone!


Also got an email about the Be Our Guest lunch FP and have it all lined up including our Tropical Cream Puff and (DH's) Masters Cupcake! YUMMMMY. It even has the option to use your Dining Plan or not.

Magic Bands arrived this afternoon. Now to decide if I have the time/inclination to decorate mine! (That was quick as I just got the shipped email yesterday!) Beginning to get excited!

Hope everyone has a Grand Friday!

Liz

Liz Thanks so much for the Frozen info!! I couldn't agree more about GF IPO... They are terrific!

Congrats on getting your MBs..and a BOG lunch too ..I am hoping for a pic of that yummy cream puff...cause you know its always about the food!

Thanks about the merchandise...after the food..it is kind of all about the shopping! lol...

We check into the GF on Saturday! We started our road trip today about 2pm after DH got home from work. Kids were so excited to find their new Disney backpacks filled with Disney surprises, it was like Christmas. I can't imagine what they will say when they see WDW for the first time.

Thank you for all your help answering my questions these last few months!

Safe travels... and have a magical trip!!! Hope that you will come back and tell us all about it!

Blue, I had a problem booking the Mine Train as well! It was under the 60 day mark when I checked (because of my not being settled on our trip date), but still only found one day so far that it was available. And no parade fast passes either... We can do without that one tho.

grannyminnie Its really so perplexing??? Glad that you were able to get at least one FPP for the 7DMT though... Guess we will all have to be on the look out at 30 days...More pre planning.... We are going to have to change our mantra to Its all about the planning!!?????

Yep! This is my 4th experience with FP+ and no SDMT available for us.

I woke up at midnight for our best chances. (didn't know I was competing with you, lol)

I did do the fantastic FP since it will only be open for one of my days and I didn't want to rush from moms first lounge experience It is hard at HS because after you have one headliner there really isn't much left, especially after 6pm.

Still, doing the happy "online check in complete..

Have a great weekend all! Have a XC pasta party to host tonight and taking my mom to the meet tomorrow

Sorry that you weren't able to get a 7SMT FPP... As cattywampussaid the 30 day mark might provide another opportunity...so get ready.... I stayed up until midnight ... Past my bed time unless I am on vacation...lol...

What requests do people make for Sugar Loaf? Our last stay we were on ground floor and liked having quick / easy access to the lounge. I have requested ground floor again but am second guessing myself as there was zero view from the ground floor. Are there good views from the upper floors? Do you think view trumps easy access to the room and club lounge?

Thanks in advance.

We prefer the ground floor too.... Although haved stayed on the upper floors and enjoyed our balcony view...although be aware rooms that end in 08 and 10 do have a tree blocking the view on the upper floors...

I much prefer the courtyard view...but as MickeyNut said she did enjoy the marina view....all good options....and as both Trish and MickeyNut suggested...there are some deluxe rooms available in SL...there are 3 to be exact...and do give you a nice bit of extra space... And as opposed to in other buildings...these are not in a more expensive bookable category...but part of the SL standard room category...Just a thought if you'd like some extra space....

to all of my fellow GF fans...TGIF....Hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!! preppy Poly princess...lol...(who is really a GF gal no matter where I stay!)

 

[marlaine8]

Already thinking of booking our next trip after an awesome first stay at the GF! We loved the 5th floor in the main building. Are there any Deluxe Queen rooms on the 5th floor RPC?

 

[ksks11]

Hi all-
I just read on TripAdvisor that the fridges in the rooms do not have a little freezer section. Is this true for all rooms?
I am sad to hear this... I planned to freeze my ice packs to use in the park to keep my toddlers snacks/ water cold.
Thanks,
Kim

 

[trishadono]

Hi all-
I just read on TripAdvisor that the fridges in the rooms do not have a little freezer section. Is this true for all rooms?
I am sad to hear this... I planned to freeze my ice packs to use in the park to keep my toddlers snacks/ water cold.
Thanks,
Kim

I know it's not as easy but you could put the ice packs in the ice bucket in your room and fill that with ice. Hopefully that will freeze them up enough. (Plenty of ice at the resorts).

 

[electricsoup]

Hi I we are going for our 1st GF stay in 10/28. Yeah! We usually stay at the Poly or CR but it's our 10th anniversary so we are doing the GF. We booked a TPV and I haven't seen much about room request for that category. Is one building better than another? Higher floor better than lower? I haven't made a room request as I have no idea what to request any help/advice would be great! TIA

Hi!! We will be going back to the GF 10/27-11/2! *highfive* We've stayed all over the resort and our favorite TPV building by far is Boca Chica. We also ask for a first floor room every time - we like the convenience of getting to our room without the elevator.

Enjoy your awesome trip!!

 

[ksks11]

I know it's not as easy but you could put the ice packs in the ice bucket in your room and fill that with ice. Hopefully that will freeze them up enough. (Plenty of ice at the resorts).

Yeah... that's a good idea. It won't be as frozen as a freezer but it work well enough.
I am actually surprised that the fridges don't have a little freezer since it is a deluxe resort. But, we will make do.
Thanks for the idea!

41 days until our 1st trip to Disney... we are beyond excited to experience the parks and beautiful Grand Floridian!

 

[MommyGina]

Thanks trishadono! Luckly it's deciding between a good option and a good option but yes, not easy.

If anyone else has special requests they've made for SL I would love to hear them. Thanks!

My requests in SL have been for room 6319 and 6321. They are both marina view. 6321 has a tree in front of the balcony, limiting the view. However, it is a room that is down the hall a bit. I know that the doors in the hall are closed at night limiting the noise that can come up from the elevator area. 6319 is in the "open area" of the hall way. You can look straight down and see the lounge and it is closer to the elevator.

Personally, I like 6319 so that I can look at the water from the balcony.

I hope this helps.

Hi everyone! DS is home from college this weekend! We are both doing fine.

 

[ksks11]

We booked a lagoon view at the Grand Floridian, but I really think I would like a marina view in Sago Cay... So that is what we ended up requesting. I know we don't necessarily get what we ask for - but we're hoping.
Can anyone tell me what rooms are a good view in Sago Cay? (maybe even with a glimpse of the magic kingdom)
Someone on the disboards said the 3rd floor is the best in Sago Cay. But where on the 3rd floor? I don't want to be close to Gasparillas (sp?) I want to be closer to the middle or end of Sago Cay where more of the water in the marina is.
Thanks,
Kim