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

[DawnMaree]

Good almost afternoon! Does anyone have a copy of the daily activities for GF? I scanned through the all the main posts, and I'm sorry if I missed it. Thank you!

 

[trishadono]

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

The first semester is the hardest. Enjoy your time together

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

We had the room you want once. 3rd floor overlooking lagoon and view of monorail. You can try calling CRO and requesting lagoon side far from gaspies and see if that works.

At check in if don't get what you want ask nicely if available. If they can they will get you as close to what you want

Thanks for the idea!

You are welcome. That's how I used to keep my juicy juice boxes cold before POP century got fridges.

 

[Sue M]

just popping in to say hi & thank everyone who helped me plan.
2 weeks at GF was lots of on check in, with our upgrade from SL to RPC deluxe room, wow!!
The RPC staff was wonderful. Sad we had to leave after 2 days and move to regular room

Our move was Rocky to say the least. We got in our room in Boca Chica, which we requested, but it was a king room with pull out. Bell Service was with me, we booked 2 queen beds. Daughter did not want to sleep in pull out 2 weeks!
Bell service phoned down to get me help. They have the direct phone #. I was basically told too bad. That's what you have. Not, let me see what we can do, or any expected response. Fortunately I had RPC contact info, and one text to them and they had me sorted out in minutes. . Again, yay RPC!!

We had a room facing Poly, loved watching Electric Water Parade from balcony.
And view from terrace outside Gaspys for Wishes is wonderful. We watched from here several times during our stay.

Loved the Beach Pool. It's so pretty, and the Beach Bar has those lovely Crab Cakes . We never had a problem finding lounges, although have to sometimes clear the used towels people can't be bothered with leaving at the bin they have to walk right by when they leave . When pool party starts we move to courtyard pool!
With record heat we had pool time most afternoons. Waaay to hot to stay at the parks in the heat of the day.

We had some great meals at GF. Ate twice at Cafe, lunch & dinner. Had to try the Lobster burger, and Shrimp & Cheese Grits. The grits were amazing wow!!!
We also ate at Citricos, everyone enjoyed their meals.
Gaspys also had some very nice selections, loved the salad bar, and flat breads. My daughter would order the flatbread pizza & I'd get the chicken or beef salad and we'd share.

During our stay Pinapple Lanai opened at Poly! So went over there a couple of times for Dole floats. And pulled pork nachos at Capt Cooks. Looked better then it tasted, pork Luke warm at best, and sauce was a bechamel with a small amount of cheese added. Wasn't what I expected. I think next time I'll try the fish tacos!

We also went over to CR CS one night to eat. love being on monorail, so many options.

Liked the new rooms, but those dresser drawers so tiny. We were just 2 so we were ok, but don't know what a family of 4 would do for storage?

The new entry way with Wood flooring is a nice touch. Wish bathroom was given under counter storage to keep counter clutter down. I ended up putting my hair products on top of the safe!

Loved the Mickeys in the drapes, but miss the lamp

Did I mention how hot it was lol!! And we go every August, but this was the hottest on record in 10 yrs! On the up side, we never got caught in the rain. It didn't rain much, and guess when it did we were at resort. We did have to leave pool a couple times, but didn't rain, just lightening.

Already thinking about January & August trips I think it will be Por for January, and Poly for August. I'll be very curious to see it finished!! It's a tough decision between Poly & YC. We also Enjoy being in Epcot area

For anyone interested in how the DAS pass works, it was ok. My friend convinced me to get one, I have a bad knee, and actually next week I'm going in to hospital for knee replacement surgery.
You have to go to each attraction, get the card filled out with a return time, then return. You can only go to one attraction at a time to get return time. So since walking & standing on knee was painful for me, it was somewhat of a help, guess better then nothing. When we had DAS for Space Mtn, I'd just go ride people mover and Buzz if there wasn't a wait untill time to go to Space.
I can see how original GAC was much better as it eliminated the standing around & waiting time, and having to walk to something else & come back, but I never used GAC. So can't compare.

And hopefully I'll be healed enough from knee surgery by January I won't need a pass. I look forward to my next trip being pain free. Fingers crossed.

 

[trishadono]

just popping in to say hi & thank everyone who helped me plan.
2 weeks at GF was lots of on check in, with our upgrade from SL to RPC deluxe room, wow!!
The RPC staff was wonderful. Sad we had to leave after 2 days and move to regular room

Our move was Rocky to say the least. We got in our room in Boca Chica, which we requested, but it was a king room with pull out. Bell Service was with me, we booked 2 queen beds. Daughter did not want to sleep in pull out 2 weeks!
Bell service phoned down to get me help. They have the direct phone #. I was basically told too bad. That's what you have. Not, let me see what we can do, or any expected response. Fortunately I had RPC contact info, and one text to them and they had me sorted out in minutes. . Again, yay RPC!!

We had a room facing Poly, loved watching Electric Water Parade from balcony.
And view from terrace outside Gaspys for Wishes is wonderful. We watched from here several times during our stay.

Loved the Beach Pool. It's so pretty, and the Beach Bar has those lovely Crab Cakes . We never had a problem finding lounges, although have to sometimes clear the used towels people can't be bothered with leaving at the bin they have to walk right by when they leave . When pool party starts we move to courtyard pool!
With record heat we had pool time most afternoons. Waaay to hot to stay at the parks in the heat of the day.

We had some great meals at GF. Ate twice at Cafe, lunch & dinner. Had to try the Lobster burger, and Shrimp & Cheese Grits. The grits were amazing wow!!!
We also ate at Citricos, everyone enjoyed their meals.
Gaspys also had some very nice selections, loved the salad bar, and flat breads. My daughter would order the flatbread pizza & I'd get the chicken or beef salad and we'd share.

During our stay Pinapple Lanai opened at Poly! So went over there a couple of times for Dole floats. And pulled pork nachos at Capt Cooks. Looked better then it tasted, pork Luke warm at best, and sauce was a bechamel with a small amount of cheese added. Wasn't what I expected. I think next time I'll try the fish tacos!

We also went over to CR CS one night to eat. love being on monorail, so many options.

Liked the new rooms, but those dresser drawers so tiny. We were just 2 so we were ok, but don't know what a family of 4 would do for storage?

The new entry way with Wood flooring is a nice touch. Wish bathroom was given under counter storage to keep counter clutter down. I ended up putting my hair products on top of the safe!

Loved the Mickeys in the drapes, but miss the lamp

Did I mention how hot it was lol!! And we go every August, but this was the hottest on record in 10 yrs! On the up side, we never got caught in the rain. It didn't rain much, and guess when it did we were at resort. We did have to leave pool a couple times, but didn't rain, just lightening.

Already thinking about January & August trips I think it will be Por for January, and Poly for August. I'll be very curious to see it finished!! It's a tough decision between Poly & YC. We also Enjoy being in Epcot area

For anyone interested in how the DAS pass works, it was ok. My friend convinced me to get one, I have a bad knee, and actually next week I'm going in to hospital for knee replacement surgery.
You have to go to each attraction, get the card filled out with a return time, then return. You can only go to one attraction at a time to get return time. So since walking & standing on knee was painful for me, it was somewhat of a help, guess better then nothing. When we had DAS for Space Mtn, I'd just go ride people mover and Buzz if there wasn't a wait untill time to go to Space.
I can see how original GAC was much better as it eliminated the standing around & waiting time, and having to walk to something else & come back, but I never used GAC. So can't compare.

And hopefully I'll be healed enough from knee surgery by January I won't need a pass. I look forward to my next trip being pain free. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the update Sue

dd and I often share meals too

 

[trishadono]

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

Just got FPP for our first MK night

The time I most wanted too

I can relax now!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Just got FPP for our first MK night

The time I most wanted too

I can relax now!

CONGRATULATIONS! Persistence does pays off

Liz

 

[BlueSkies]

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?

Sorry but no deluxe queens on the fifth floor..just deluxe kings..and suites..and a standard room or two...

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.

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

Thanks,
Kim

I see Trish already answered.... just wanted to say 41 DAYS!!!

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).

Good idea...

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.

Hi MommyGina Good to see you!! I bet that you are enjoying every minute of your Ds being home!!! Thanks for that info on the marina view rooms! When staying on an upper floor in SL I like the rooms in the atrium area too...

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

Not familiar with the room layout of Sago...but LV rooms in general are just lovely.... And since you booked LV I am sure that you will be in that end of the building closest to the lagoon..as marina views are considered GV rooms...

Good almost afternoon! Does anyone have a copy of the daily activities for GF? I scanned through the all the main posts, and I'm sorry if I missed it. Thank you!

I just took one out of my trip file...should I mention that I have a collection... lol...and would be happy to list the activities...

~Poolside (at the beach pool)

This varies each day 1 & 1:30 activities such as Match Game, Hula Hoop games, Goofy Bingo ..etc

2pm Pool Party Bash

3 &3:30 Disney Music Trivia, Pass the Parcel..you get the idea..lol...

6pm or 7pm depending on the time of year Campfire on the Beach

7pm or 8pm again depending on the time of year Movie Under the Stars..

9:15pm all year round Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon..

just popping in to say hi & thank everyone who helped me plan.
2 weeks at GF was lots of on check in, with our upgrade from SL to RPC deluxe room, wow!!
The RPC staff was wonderful. Sad we had to leave after 2 days and move to regular room

Our move was Rocky to say the least. We got in our room in Boca Chica, which we requested, but it was a king room with pull out. Bell Service was with me, we booked 2 queen beds. Daughter did not want to sleep in pull out 2 weeks!
Bell service phoned down to get me help. They have the direct phone #. I was basically told too bad. That's what you have. Not, let me see what we can do, or any expected response. Fortunately I had RPC contact info, and one text to them and they had me sorted out in minutes. Again, yay RPC!!

We had a room facing Poly, loved watching Electric Water Parade from balcony.
And view from terrace outside Gaspys for Wishes is wonderful. We watched from here several times during our stay.

Loved the Beach Pool. It's so pretty, and the Beach Bar has those lovely Crab Cakes We never had a problem finding lounges, although have to sometimes clear the used towels people can't be bothered with leaving at the bin they have to walk right by when they leave When pool party starts we move to courtyard pool!
With record heat we had pool time most afternoons. Waaay to hot to stay at the parks in the heat of the day.

We had some great meals at GF. Ate twice at Cafe, lunch & dinner. Had to try the Lobster burger, and Shrimp & Cheese Grits. The grits were amazing wow!!!
We also ate at Citricos, everyone enjoyed their meals.
Gaspys also had some very nice selections, loved the salad bar, and flat breads. My daughter would order the flatbread pizza & I'd get the chicken or beef salad and we'd share.

During our stay Pinapple Lanai opened at Poly! So went over there a couple of times for Dole floats. And pulled pork nachos at Capt Cooks. Looked better then it tasted, pork Luke warm at best, and sauce was a bechamel with a small amount of cheese added. Wasn't what I expected. I think next time I'll try the fish tacos!

We also went over to CR CS one night to eat. love being on monorail, so many options.

Liked the new rooms, but those dresser drawers so tiny. We were just 2 so we were ok, but don't know what a family of 4 would do for storage?

The new entry way with Wood flooring is a nice touch. Wish bathroom was given under counter storage to keep counter clutter down. I ended up putting my hair products on top of the safe!

Loved the Mickeys in the drapes, but miss the lamp

Did I mention how hot it was lol!! And we go every August, but this was the hottest on record in 10 yrs! On the up side, we never got caught in the rain. It didn't rain much, and guess when it did we were at resort. We did have to leave pool a couple times, but didn't rain, just lightening.

Already thinking about January & August trips I think it will be Por for January, and Poly for August. I'll be very curious to see it finished!! It's a tough decision between Poly & YC. We also Enjoy being in Epcot area

For anyone interested in how the DAS pass works, it was ok. My friend convinced me to get one, I have a bad knee, and actually next week I'm going in to hospital for knee replacement surgery.
You have to go to each attraction, get the card filled out with a return time, then return. You can only go to one attraction at a time to get return time. So since walking & standing on knee was painful for me, it was somewhat of a help, guess better then nothing. When we had DAS for Space Mtn, I'd just go ride people mover and Buzz if there wasn't a wait untill time to go to Space.
I can see how original GAC was much better as it eliminated the standing around & waiting time, and having to walk to something else & come back, but I never used GAC. So can't compare.

And hopefully I'll be healed enough from knee surgery by January I won't need a pass. I look forward to my next trip being pain free. Fingers crossed.

Sue Welcome back!! Sounds like a wonderful trip!! What nice pixie dust!! and good that the hiccups were resolved easily... I always say how top notch GF IPO is...terrific CMs...

Glad that you found the new rooms to be so nice...and enjoyed the dining options that the resort has to offer...The Grand really is just that IMO!!

Best of luck to you on your surgery...and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Just got FPP for our first MK night

The time I most wanted too

I can relax now!

That's great Trish!!! .... did you get 7DMT?? Or is that a little too much of a ride for your mom?? I am still fine tuning ours...checking and changing...lol...

MickeyNut I agree with you completely on the whole FP vs FPP situation...In January I guess because things were still in the testing phase and lower crowd levels..things including 7DMT were available even on the same day...and and times easily changeable too... I guess things are still evolving ...So get that planner out...you are going to need it with the size f the group that you are planning for!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans had a super Saturday! preppy GF gal who is spending too much time fine tuning her FPP! lol...

 

[ksks11]

Not familiar with the room layout of Sago...but LV rooms in general are just lovely.... And since you booked LV I am sure that you will be in that end of the building closest to the lagoon..as marina views are considered GV rooms...

Thanks, BlueSkies!
I didn't know that the marina is considered Garden View... So if I paid for Lagoon View- then I would be downgrading if I ask for marina views?
It's so confusing... I feel lost sometimes planning this trip since I was never at any of these places.
So you think that I might be able to get toward the lagoon on Marina side of Sago Cay? That would be pretty... Isn't that where the view of the Magic Kingdom is?

41 days and counting!

 

[twoolle]

We made it! 1100 miles with the 3 kiddos 4 and under. We got all we wanted with our rooms...connecting since we have a group of 4 rooms. All in Boca Chica with a lovely view of Courtyard Pool. Our room was ready at 1230 when we arrived. Spent a few hours swimming and then to MK. Rode 7DMT with FP+. Amazing! Now time for bed.

 

[trishadono]

We made it! 1100 miles with the 3 kiddos 4 and under. We got all we wanted with our rooms...connecting since we have a group of 4 rooms. All in Boca Chica with a lovely view of Courtyard Pool. Our room was ready at 1230 when we arrived. Spent a few hours swimming and then to MK. Rode 7DMT with FP+. Amazing! Now time for bed.

Hope tomorrow is as magical for you and your family

 

[jenniferyawn]

Hey everyone! Thinking of renting some points to stay at the GFV and I have a couple of questions...
1- is it true that you can pay $30/day extra for maid service at the villas? Read that one place bug nowhere else.

2- are there ice machines buckets available in the villa building? Since we will have a studio our fridge will be tiny. Ice machines would be nice.

3- how much are the s'more kits at the campfire?

Thanks for your help! I'm so excited to be thinking about GFV! Never thought we could afford it before renting points!

 

[mickeynut1]

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?

It's never too early to start planning . BlueSkies already answered your question, but I just wanted to say have fun planning your next GF RPC stay .

Hi!! We will be going back to the GF 10/27-11/2! *highfive*

It won't be long before you're back at the GF .

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

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.

As trisha said, if at check in you aren't assigned what you want, you can always ask if something else is available. It's not guaranteed your room can be changed, but the CMs are usually very accommodating and will do everything they can to help .

Good almost afternoon! Does anyone have a copy of the daily activities for GF? I scanned through the all the main posts, and I'm sorry if I missed it. Thank you!

I see BlueSkies posted some activities, but I just wanted to say welcome to the GF thread .

just popping in to say hi & thank everyone who helped me plan.

Already thinking about January & August trips

Thanks for your review . I'm sorry you had trouble and didn't get a very friendly CM when requesting a different room in Boca Chica. We have always found the GF CMs very friendly and accommodating. Glad you had a nice time, have fun planning your next trip .

Just got FPP for our first MK night

The time I most wanted too

I can relax now!

Congrats on getting what you wanted at the time you wanted . Like the pp said, persistence pays off .

MickeyNut I agree with you completely on the whole FP vs FPP situation...In January I guess because things were still in the testing phase and lower crowd levels..things including 7DMT were available even on the same day...and and times easily changeable too... I guess things are still evolving ...So get that planner out...you are going to need it with the size f the group that you are planning for!

You could be right. When it was in the testing phase people were trying to figure out how it worked and lower crowds probably did make a difference . I just don't like the idea of planning out rides before I even get there .

LOL on getting the planner out. Things have been crazy around here lately that I haven't had any time to think about Disney, let alone talk to my SIL about it. Hopefully things will settle down soon and we can at least start discussing things .

We made it! 1100 miles with the 3 kiddos 4 and under. We got all we wanted with our rooms...connecting since we have a group of 4 rooms. All in Boca Chica with a lovely view of Courtyard Pool. Our room was ready at 1230 when we arrived. Spent a few hours swimming and then to MK. Rode 7DMT with FP+. Amazing! Now time for bed.

Glad you made it safely. Have a great time and enjoy the GF .

Hey everyone! Thinking of renting some points to stay at the GFV and I have a couple of questions...
1- is it true that you can pay $30/day extra for maid service at the villas? Read that one place bug nowhere else.

2- are there ice machines buckets available in the villa building? Since we will have a studio our fridge will be tiny. Ice machines would be nice.

3- how much are the s'more kits at the campfire?

Thanks for your help! I'm so excited to be thinking about GFV! Never thought we could afford it before renting points!

When you rent points, you can pay extra for daily housekeeping. I don't know how much it is, but I do know it is an extra charge if you want it daily . I can't answer questions 2 & 3, but hopefully others will be able to help .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello again, all my GRAND friends! Still trying to get back into my old routine, haven't gotten caught up on the thread.

I finally got my recent GF photos copied to my computer, but still need to upload most to Photobucket. I finished a few today, the ones I took for...someone who wanted to know about the chips available. I don't know if anyone posted some already, but here are the ones I took while we visited the resort last month.

Sandy Cove

Close up, I thought I got a better view of the Baked Lays, but I'm pretty sure these were the original flavor

Gasparilla's, near grill area

Gasparilla's, near check out

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks for the pics! Very nice selection

 

[marlaine8]

If there are no Deluxe Queen rooms on the 5th floor of RPC, where are they located? We were truly spoiled by the 5th floor standard Club Level room we had last week. Loved being right above the lobby! Are the Deluxe Queens down the hallway? If they are, I've got to say that I will just book a Standard and request the same room we just had (4025).

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the pics! Very nice selection

You're welcome!

If there are no Deluxe Queen rooms on the 5th floor of RPC, where are they located? We were truly spoiled by the 5th floor standard Club Level room we had last week. Loved being right above the lobby! Are the Deluxe Queens down the hallway? If they are, I've got to say that I will just book a Standard and request the same room we just had (4025).

Queen deluxe rooms are on the 3rd and 4th floors; 4 rectangular rooms over the courtyard (4319/20 & 4419/20) and 2 over the Beach Pool (4322 & 4422). There are also standard rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors directly below the one you were just in, in case 4025 is occupied on your next visit. We enjoy being in the atrium area, too, all three floors are pretty great.

I got your PM, but am having trouble responding (my computer is running slow, I hope I'm able to post this!). Do you have a photo hosting account? If so, you should be able to send your photos from your phone to your account. HTH!

 

[misskerri]

I bought Claudia a puddle jumper today, but is it necessary? I thought I heard you could get life vests at the resort pools. Is that true? And with a life vest or puddle jumper, will she be allowed on the slide?

Also...which stores at the GF sell half gallons of milk (I stocked up today on bowls of cereal to eat in the room). Now that I've bought cereal, I want to be certain we can eat it.

 

[twoolle]

I bought Claudia a puddle jumper today, but is it necessary? I thought I heard you could get life vests at the resort pools. Is that true? And with a life vest or puddle jumper, will she be allowed on the slide?

Also...which stores at the GF sell half gallons of milk (I stocked up today on bowls of cereal to eat in the room) and which store can I go to to buy a D&B WDW bag?

I am here right now and they have plenty of life vests. My kids prefer puddle jumpers and DS4 and DS3 wore them down the slide yesterday!

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon Not much going on in my part of the NE, it's kind of cool & overcast today. Still no trip planned,but I'm trying to plan one for that big birthday that we ladies don't like so right now I'm living vicariously through all of that have up coming trips

We just got back late last night from our first stay at The Grand Floridian! We were there 6 nights in the RPC. All I can say is WOW! We stepped off Magical Express and were met by Dan who took us on a quick tour of the building and took us to our room. At first I was a little upset because I had requested 4th floor, closest to lounge, no dormer. We got 5th floor, directly across the lounge and a dormer. I cannot say how much I loved this room! (Room 4026) It was absolutely perfect! Loved the balcony and the view was spectacular! We were directly across from the kid's splash area and the main pool. EVERY cast member at The GF was amazing! The Lounge attendants were wonderful. I spent a few evenings just hanging out talking with them. I absolutely loved the resort! The only problem we had was with the buses in the mornings, but I had some friends staying the same time at a different resort and they had problems too. Seems it was a site-wide problem. We've stayed at The Polynesian for the last 8 years and always loved it there. After this last week, I think we've found a new favorite resort in the GF!
Thank you to all of you that answered my questions prior to our trip. I really appreciate it! If anyone has any questions, please ask away!

Welcome home sounds like you had a fab stay at the GF! Love the room you were in, mom & I stayed in that same room a few trips ago.....Yes the lounge attendants are wonderful( I keep wanting to call them lounge ladies but there are 1 or 2 men in the group)

Longtime lurker but prompted to post on this thread because I recently won a trip to WDW!!

I was given the choice of any deluxe resort and we picked the Grand Floridian (we have never stayed there). They have booked it for us and I notice we have a lagoon view. Is there anything particular or any building I should request when I do online check in?

I've read the first few pages of this thread but I just can't go through every page.

Thank you for any advice or tips for a great stay at GF!

Congrats on your trip .....I say would Boca Chica or Big Pine Key

Hello, my Grand friends!! Sorry I've been off the boards for a while, we visited the World and then I spent some time with my DD in DC. Since I've been home, I've had a lot to do with my mom, who was in the hospital.

I have some photos of the GF, but I haven't gotten them uploaded yet. I'll try to do that in the next couple days, just in time to start a new thread.

Hope everyone has had a great time planning for and/or taking their trips to the Grand. I've got a lot to catch up on.

Welcome home! Sounds like you did a fair bit of traveling. I haven't been to DC in ages(we usually just do a day trip, 7hrs round trip) glad you had a nice visit with your DD while there. Oh no sorry to hear about your DM and I hope nothing too serious is wrong

Good evening! Long-time lurker here, finally making my first post!! I'm heading down for my first stay at the GF November 15-22! I'm getting married at Poly and having our wedding dinner at V&A's. We're doing the Memories package and my mom is the only guest coming, and the only one who knows our plans! I decided to upgrade our SL stay to RPC (since we're already paying full rack rate for everything and I said why the heck not! What's one more upgrade with the amount of $ we're already spending! Why stop now lol ) Can anyone recommend any RPC floors/rooms etc? We have the standard room, but I noticed on the booking page it says "Views of Courtyard Pool, Magic Kingdom Park or Seven Seas Lagoon"; is this true? Is there a way to see SSL or MK from a standard RPC room? I do not want a dormer room as high/cathedral ceilings in hotels freak me out!

My mom is staying 11/16-11/19, in a GV room and deluxe room since I was able to get the 30% discount but when the CM tried to grab the GV room back someone had snatched it up I'm managing EVERYTHING for everyone as I am the planner and disney guru. I just need to figure out what building to request for her reservations, ideally I want her to be as close to us in the main building as possible.

Thanks again and thank you for all of the wonderful and informative information you all post!!!!!!!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Standard RPC rooms are either facing the courtyard pool or beach pool/GF DVC/Poly. MK views are a separate booking category, those rooms are above Gasperilla Grill. You might be able to see the very top spire of the castle and Space Mountain from a court yard pool view room. You might be able to see the top of Spaceship Earth that if you have a room facing beach/DVC/Poly, been a while since my last trip so my memory is a little rusty.

Hello, Ladies!
I am not a sneaker person... for some reason they make my feet tired. I did buy Crocs Sexiflips. I do like them - but I was looking for something with more cushion if my feet start aching with the Crocs. I have been checking out the Sketchers GoWalk 2 Axis. Does anyone use those at Disney World? Any other suggestions?
Thanks so much,
Kim

Leaving for the Grand on Halloween night!!!!!

I wear Teva Mush, so comfy. I purchased mine on Amazon & didn't have a problem with sizing. I used to wear sneakers but will only wear them now in WDW if we're taking a tour otherwise it's the Teva's.......Have fun!

just popping in to say hi & thank everyone who helped me plan.
2 weeks at GF was lots of on check in, with our upgrade from SL to RPC deluxe room, wow!!
The RPC staff was wonderful. Sad we had to leave after 2 days and move to regular room

Our move was Rocky to say the least. We got in our room in Boca Chica, which we requested, but it was a king room with pull out. Bell Service was with me, we booked 2 queen beds. Daughter did not want to sleep in pull out 2 weeks!
Bell service phoned down to get me help. They have the direct phone #. I was basically told too bad. That's what you have. Not, let me see what we can do, or any expected response. Fortunately I had RPC contact info, and one text to them and they had me sorted out in minutes. . Again, yay RPC!!

We had a room facing Poly, loved watching Electric Water Parade from balcony.
And view from terrace outside Gaspys for Wishes is wonderful. We watched from here several times during our stay.

Loved the Beach Pool. It's so pretty, and the Beach Bar has those lovely Crab Cakes . We never had a problem finding lounges, although have to sometimes clear the used towels people can't be bothered with leaving at the bin they have to walk right by when they leave . When pool party starts we move to courtyard pool!
With record heat we had pool time most afternoons. Waaay to hot to stay at the parks in the heat of the day.

We had some great meals at GF. Ate twice at Cafe, lunch & dinner. Had to try the Lobster burger, and Shrimp & Cheese Grits. The grits were amazing wow!!!
We also ate at Citricos, everyone enjoyed their meals.
Gaspys also had some very nice selections, loved the salad bar, and flat breads. My daughter would order the flatbread pizza & I'd get the chicken or beef salad and we'd share.

During our stay Pinapple Lanai opened at Poly! So went over there a couple of times for Dole floats. And pulled pork nachos at Capt Cooks. Looked better then it tasted, pork Luke warm at best, and sauce was a bechamel with a small amount of cheese added. Wasn't what I expected. I think next time I'll try the fish tacos!

We also went over to CR CS one night to eat. love being on monorail, so many options.

Liked the new rooms, but those dresser drawers so tiny. We were just 2 so we were ok, but don't know what a family of 4 would do for storage?

The new entry way with Wood flooring is a nice touch. Wish bathroom was given under counter storage to keep counter clutter down. I ended up putting my hair products on top of the safe!

Loved the Mickeys in the drapes, but miss the lamp

Did I mention how hot it was lol!! And we go every August, but this was the hottest on record in 10 yrs! On the up side, we never got caught in the rain. It didn't rain much, and guess when it did we were at resort. We did have to leave pool a couple times, but didn't rain, just lightening.

Already thinking about January & August trips I think it will be Por for January, and Poly for August. I'll be very curious to see it finished!! It's a tough decision between Poly & YC. We also Enjoy being in Epcot area

For anyone interested in how the DAS pass works, it was ok. My friend convinced me to get one, I have a bad knee, and actually next week I'm going in to hospital for knee replacement surgery.
You have to go to each attraction, get the card filled out with a return time, then return. You can only go to one attraction at a time to get return time. So since walking & standing on knee was painful for me, it was somewhat of a help, guess better then nothing. When we had DAS for Space Mtn, I'd just go ride people mover and Buzz if there wasn't a wait untill time to go to Space.
I can see how original GAC was much better as it eliminated the standing around & waiting time, and having to walk to something else & come back, but I never used GAC. So can't compare.

And hopefully I'll be healed enough from knee surgery by January I won't need a pass. I look forward to my next trip being pain free. Fingers crossed.

Welcome home & congrats on the pixie dust! Sounds like you had a fab trip.

I bought Claudia a puddle jumper today, but is it necessary? I thought I heard you could get life vests at the resort pools. Is that true? And with a life vest or puddle jumper, will she be allowed on the slide?

Also...which stores at the GF sell half gallons of milk (I stocked up today on bowls of cereal to eat in the room). Now that I've bought cereal, I want to be certain we can eat it.

Sandy Cove sells milk , I don't know if a gallon jug will fit into the refrigerators that are in the rooms unless you are staying in one of the Villas and not a standard room.

Hey Blue, MickeyNut, grannyminnie & Maxie(I know you're down there now)

 

[misskerri]

Sandy Cove sells milk , I don't know if a gallon jug will fit into the refrigerators that are in the rooms unless you are staying in one of the Villas and not a standard room.

So does Sandy Cove only sell it in gallons? I had heard that gallon jugs dont fit, but half gallons do. We are staying in a standard room.