First time at GF - questions

[GlitterPrincess]

Hi all! This May I am realizing my childhood dream of staying at GF (my birthday gift to myself) and I will have my mom, my 2 year old and 6 month old with me.

I have a few questions and I am hoping someone can help me out!

I have seen conflicting info on the Disney website vs Birnbaum's Guide and this board as far as amenities, so I was wondering if anyone had current info. We don't have club level rooms...do we still get robes, turndown service, or crib/microwave upon request? And are real cribs still available or just pack n plays?

How long does it typically take to get to Epcot with the monorail transfer situation?

Are the odds good for the room to be ready for an early check-in time?

Tips for staying at this resort with small children? We spend most of our time in MK, but we have a dining reservation for the princess breakfast in Epcot one day. We also have booked breakfast at 1900 Park Fare that I'm sure my "Aliceland" loving daughter will adore.

I appreciate your responses! TIA!

 

[got15]

Yes- you still get robes and turndown service and upgraded toiletries. Real cribs are available, so is microwave. We have done early check in 3xs at GF- 2 of 3 trips we had a room ready upon arrival. We have small children and love this resort for its tranquility and proximity. Our kids love dancing in the lobby, and esp love the Alice splash pad. Fireworks from the dock is fun too and the movies under the stars, the quiet pool is fun too if you want to escape from the Disney Jr. Pool parties. Also- we enjoy the grand Floridian cafe for breakfast and dinner- they have a good kids menu, less chaotic than the as, and not a significant price difference. Epcot is about 30- 40 min on monorail depending on wait.

 

[GlitterPrincess]

Thank you! Is there a bus to Epcot from the resort or is it monorail only? Birnbaum's makes it sound like monorail only.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I believe it is only monorail to Epcot. You can either take the resort monorail to the MK/CR and then get off at the Ticket and Transportation Center or you can do what we like to do....walk over to the Poly -- there is a clearly marked path that takes no more than 10-15 minutes, have breakfast at Kona's Café -- the Tonga Toast is highly recommended, then take a 5 minute or less walk to the TTC and get on the Epcot Monorail! Enjoy your trip -- there is no better magic than the GF --we will be there in less than 3 weeks!

Tom

 

[Deb & Bill]

We just got back from the GF. There were two robes in the closet. We got turndown service every night (with two chocolate for each of the beds). I saw a microwave sitting outside a room in the hallway and also a crib (but it was a Graco portable, not wooden).

 

[Sue M]

Thank you! Is there a bus to Epcot from the resort or is it monorail only? Birnbaum's makes it sound like monorail only.

The only time we had a bus to Epcot was when monorail was on a limited schedule.

 

[got15]

GF Mousekeeping gave us a Wooden crib on wheels bc my 12 month old wouldn't sleep in a pack and play. I believe they have options available.

 

[Jeannie in NJ]

We have stayed at GF 3 times, the last time was last week. We always arrive around 10:30 am and every time our room has been ready for us.

 

[100acreHiker]

We've stayed twice at GF and LOVED it (and sorely missed it last time we went and stayed at CR). First time we arrived at 11am and our room was ready. Second time we arrived at 11 am and room wasn't ready until 2:30. We traveled with swimsuits and swam in the pool (used pool house to change, etc). Can't help with the crib question as my kids are a bit older. Travel time to Epcot can vary a bit, but generally it took us 30 min including the transfer. We never waited long for a monorail to arrive at the resort. I can't say enough good things about GF--it truly is a magical place. By far the most beautiful resort on property, and my boys loved it there. Great quick service, wonderful pool and slide, truly top-notch staff, fireworks every night, nightly chocolates and turn-down service. I highly recommend the boat back to the resort from MK--very relaxing way to get back, but can be a cumbersome with a stroller. Have fun--there's no place like the Grand Floridian!