HAVING A GRAND OLD TIME! The 2013 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ

[grannyminnie]

I used the discount at Poly CL last year. I had no problems.

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I will get a new ticker now

I'm considering calling too...the problem for me is finding a good date. Right now, we are booked in May with a Bounceback, but I already know that I am going to have to move that trip. So far, I have been unsuccessful in trying to book a trip near the date, and when you get into June, you're getting into a much busier season...

 

[mickeynut1]

181 more days until we are at the Grand. Tomorrow is the day that my ADRs will be made by the IPO. I just hope we can get what we wanted. If not, back to the drawing board!

DS got into his second choice college. Still waiting to hear from his first choice.

Your trip will be here before you know it . I hope IPO is able to get all of your ADRs tomorrow .

Congrats to your DS on getting into his second choice . Good luck to him as he prepares for the next stage of his life.

I noticed a day or so ago that Cheaptickets has 20% discount that you can actually "stack" on to another discount. Has anyone here used it for the GF with success?

I've never booked through them, but I have read a lot of reports of people who have gotten the room discount that Disney is offering on top of an additional one through Cheaptickets. I've priced resort stays out through them after reading what great deals others have received, but I have never found it to be better than Disney. My total cost has always come out around $20-30 more, so not sure what I was doing wrong .


mariamouse - Safe travels. I hope you have a Grand time .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse - One more day, yay! If I don't get a chance later, safe travels and have a Grand time!

mommyrosa - Glad your parents had a nice anniversary - 70 years, what a milestone!

BlueSkies, I rather like the thought of cooler weather. It is not even 8 a.m. and the temperature is in the mid-90s down here. Of course, at the GF pixie dust provides the perfect climate year 'round.

Ahhh, mid-90s! What a dream in the middle of winter. I know what you mean, though, when it's hot outside mid-50s sounds refreshing.

We must be .....and I noticed your post ended up at the top of the page .

I'm not surprised your DH is now a lab fan . They are awesome dogs and so very easy to love .

LOL - yes, I laughed at the top post thing, too. And agreed about Labs.

Is it August yet??? I just want to be at the Grand already!!!!

Me too

August will be here before we know it!

....

181 more days until we are at the Grand. Tomorrow is the day that my ADRs will be made by the IPO. I just hope we can get what we wanted. If not, back to the drawing board!

DS got into his second choice college. Still waiting to hear from his first choice.

Hi Blue and k&a&c'smom and all my friends. Have a good day

YAY! for your DS - keeping my fingers crossed he hears good news on his first choice soon.

Good luck with your dining reservations.

I noticed a day or so ago that Cheaptickets has 20% discount that you can actually "stack" on to another discount. Has anyone here used it for the GF with success?

I haven't used Cheaptickets, but have used Orbitz (same company) for a SL discount a few years ago. No problems at all, but I did not have to deal with MDE. I was able to call and get the Disney confirmation number so I could deal directly with IPO, though.

I'm considering calling too...the problem for me is finding a good date. Right now, we are booked in May with a Bounceback, but I already know that I am going to have to move that trip. So far, I have been unsuccessful in trying to book a trip near the date, and when you get into June, you're getting into a much busier season...

You said it! We used to go first week of June with the kids, and it was crowded and rainy. We switched to July! Still crowded, but seemed a little less so and far less rain. But now that we don't have to worry about school schedules, DD and I try not to go during summer break.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I've never booked through them, but I have read a lot of reports of people who have gotten the room discount that Disney is offering on top of an additional one through Cheaptickets. I've priced resort stays out through them after reading what great deals others have received, but I have never found it to be better than Disney. My total cost has always come out around $20-30 more, so not sure what I was doing wrong .

You're not alone here....I've tried pricing options thru Cheaptickets and Travelocity after hearing about discounts on the boards and I've yet to see the savings that others have reported seeing. I must be doing something wrong as well.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

Flying out today, will be checking into GF on Feb 2nd, can't wait

 

[mickeynut1]

And agreed about Labs.

You're not alone here....I've tried pricing options thru Cheaptickets and Travelocity after hearing about discounts on the boards and I've yet to see the savings that others have reported seeing. I must be doing something wrong as well.

Glad I'm not the only one....LOL. I've tried travelocity too and I've never had any luck finding the big savings there either .

Flying out today, will be checking into GF on Feb 2nd, can't wait

Safe travels. Have a great trip .

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Missed you again - we must be on that "post at the same time" cycle that BlueSkies and I were on.

Agreed. Labs do seem to have a special sense for people, we never wanted a big dog until DD got her Lab. We are in love, especially my DH who doesn't really prefer dogs in the house at all. He has put up with me and the kids having our pets over the years, but now he is a Lab fan.

MickeyNut and K&A&C'smom -- I agree -- Labs seem to sense things that other dogs don't. My sister and brother-in-law have my dog's biological older sister -- my brother in law fell on black ice on saturday and was badly injured -- he is home awaiting surgery on his dislocated ankle and 3 displaced fractures in his ankle -- his dog, doesn't leave his side and normally she was quite the "Daddy's girl" and would jump up into his lap (she's 65lbs) -- she hasn't even had to be told not to, she just puts a paw on his arm and her head against his chest.

So sweet.

Tom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Tom - LOL! DD's Lab thinks she's a little dog and climbs in our laps all the time. Best of luck to your BIL and his surgery. I have 6 screws, a pin and plate in my left ankle from a similar injury, sorry he's having to wait.

I've never booked through them, but I have read a lot of reports of people who have gotten the room discount that Disney is offering on top of an additional one through Cheaptickets. I've priced resort stays out through them after reading what great deals others have received, but I have never found it to be better than Disney. My total cost has always come out around $20-30 more, so not sure what I was doing wrong .

You're not alone here....I've tried pricing options thru Cheaptickets and Travelocity after hearing about discounts on the boards and I've yet to see the savings that others have reported seeing. I must be doing something wrong as well.

I haven't been able to figure out the stacked discounts I've read about on the DIS, but I was able to find a discount after the GP discount had ended and there were no other Disney discounts that applied to me. (there's one right now, in fact, for 20% off rack) Didn't end up going at that time, so the point was moot.

We did get an incredible rate one year through Orbitz, it was the lowest I've ever paid at the GF!! But it was a sale you had to see and grab in the moment, just hours later it was gone.

Flying out today, will be checking into GF on Feb 2nd, can't wait

Safe travels, have a magical vacation!

 

[mariamouse]

YAY! I hope those temp predictions keep going up. I can certainly relate to your longing for the sun. I hate winter and can't wait for warm weather again, as soon as it leaves us.

Two days to go!

maria TWO days!!!

Rather have cooler weather in Disney than be anywhere else!!!

If you don't get to check back in before your ..or I dont get to check back in..lol..wanted to wish you safe travels.. And a wonderful trip!! With lots of sunshine and magical moments!

Have a wonderful trip, mariamouse! The anticipation is half the fun!

BlueSkies, I rather like the thought of cooler weather. It is not even 8 a.m. and the temperature is in the mid-90s down here. Of course, at the GF pixie dust provides the perfect climate year 'round.

Yay for rising temps . You will have a great time no matter what the weather is, but it's always nice to have a little bit of warmth, especially when you're coming from very cold .

mariamouse - have a GRAND time!!! Safe travels and I look forward to a trip report. Savor every second of your trip because it goes by way too fast.

181 more days until we are at the Grand. Tomorrow is the day that my ADRs will be made by the IPO. I just hope we can get what we wanted. If not, back to the drawing board!

DS got into his second choice college. Still waiting to hear from his first choice.

Mariamouse, wishing you a safe and happy trip!

mariamouse - Safe travels. I hope you have a Grand time .

mariamouse - One more day, yay! If I don't get a chance later, safe travels and have a Grand time!

k&a&c'smom, BlueSkies, followthatmouse, mickeynut1, MommyGina, and grannyminnie-- Thank you all SO much for your very kind words! I am on at work today knowing I will be sleeping at the GF tomorrow night! Still hasn't even really sunk in for some reason. I can't wait to share our GF experiences with all of you!

And MommyGina-- a big congratulations to your son! Crossing the fingers that #1 comes through for him.

24 hours until I'm getting ready to head to the airport!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans!

So much to say..and so little time..LOL..am taking a quick coputer break..trying to pack and get "stuff" done...

Tom It really so wonderful that your dog is bringing smile to som many when you go and visit your folks...

maria Looking foward to hearing all about your fun!

k&a&c'smom We try and stay away from those school break periods too..especially summer... But that last few years for some reason we have gone late August..and while it was hot..hot ..hot..at least it wasnt super crowded...or raining alot... I personally think that October and May are the best months to visit the World weather wise...

mommyrosa What a milestone for your parents..thankfully you all got to clelbrate their anniversary with them...

followthatmouse That sure is hot! No matter cold nor hot..being at the GF is just grand!

arcticdisneylovers

mommygina Congrats to your son...he is getting closer to his number one school..hope he gets good news from them soon!! And a big woohoo for being at your 180 day mark!! IPO is always terrific at getting those ADRs made!

pas That first birthday without a loved one is always the hardest one..

~ So what do you do when you are up in the middle of the night..cant get back to sleep.. Maybe you go onto the Disney website...and fiddle around with the dining.... and... end up getting an ADR for BOG..yes BOG!! ... ..lol.. for our spring trip...thought I was seeing things when a time actually popped up ...and since we booked that trip not too long ago it wasnt available when we booked our ADRs... DD is very happy about that indeed! Me too...

mickeynut and grannieminnie...

Beth Thinking of you..and hope that you are doing ok...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

BlueSkies -- it appears we will be Grand at the same time!


Tom

 

[Koh1977]

k&a&c'smom, BlueSkies, followthatmouse, mickeynut1, MommyGina, and grannyminnie-- Thank you all SO much for your very kind words! I am on at work today knowing I will be sleeping at the GF tomorrow night! Still hasn't even really sunk in for some reason. I can't wait to share our GF experiences with all of you! And MommyGina-- a big congratulations to your son! Crossing the fingers that #1 comes through for him. 24 hours until I'm getting ready to head to the airport!!

Have a great trip and post pics!!

 

[Koh1977]

BlueSkies - congrats on the BOG ADR.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We are at the Grand!!
The Villas are so beautiful, we wish we could live here all the time. Because we were here only a month ago it already feels like home.
The CM's are so friendly. They got so excited to see us! We were hugging each other.

 

[followthatmouse]

We are at the Grand!!
The Villas are so beautiful, we wish we could live here all the time. Because we were here only a month ago it already feels like home.
The CM's are so friendly. They got so excited to see us! We were hugging each other.

Hmm, there's some of that pixie dust again, Candy Orlando! What a wonderful start to your stay.

I'm finding it difficult to wait for May. I tell myself to just concentrate on the work and the calendar will turn month to month. Gosh, it's hard.

 

[trishadono]

We are at the Grand!!
The Villas are so beautiful, we wish we could live here all the time. Because we were here only a month ago it already feels like home.
The CM's are so friendly. They got so excited to see us! We were hugging each other.

Get us pics of your view?

 

[Maxie86]

See......

Thank you so much! I thought this might be the case but I was unsure giving the many hiccups they have been ironing out with the magic bands. Is your credit card now tied to your account thru MDE or is it tied to your resort ressie on MDE?

I'm really not sure how that will work. I know you can link a CC to your MDE account before you go, but I think it would still be tied to your resort ressie the same as with the KTTK cards. When you charged after checkout the charge was billed through your resort. I haven't linked a CC to my account yet and will wait until I check in to do so. This will be my first trip with MB's, we didn't have them in September, I should know more when I return.

BlueSkies -- it appears we will be Grand at the same time!


Tom

Woohoo me too.

BlueSkies, Congrats on the BOG ADR. You are supposed to play WWF when you can't sleep not be messing around with ADR's.

Safe travels to those leaving soon.

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut and K&A&C'smom -- I agree -- Labs seem to sense things that other dogs don't. My sister and brother-in-law have my dog's biological older sister -- my brother in law fell on black ice on saturday and was badly injured -- he is home awaiting surgery on his dislocated ankle and 3 displaced fractures in his ankle -- his dog, doesn't leave his side and normally she was quite the "Daddy's girl" and would jump up into his lap (she's 65lbs) -- she hasn't even had to be told not to, she just puts a paw on his arm and her head against his chest.

So sweet.

Tom

That is so very sweet.....they are just awesome dogs. And you're right......labs know just when you are hurting and will always sit by you during that time. I hope your BIL is doing ok while waiting and I hope everything goes well with his surgery .

I have 6 screws, a pin and plate in my left ankle from a similar injury

Ouch . It's amazing just how bad a little part of your body can break or get damaged so severely that it would need that much done to it .

k&a&c'smom, BlueSkies, followthatmouse, mickeynut1, MommyGina, and grannyminnie-- Thank you all SO much for your very kind words! I am on at work today knowing I will be sleeping at the GF tomorrow night! Still hasn't even really sunk in for some reason. I can't wait to share our GF experiences with all of you!

24 hours until I'm getting ready to head to the airport!!

I'm sorry, I thought you had left today.....you probably wish you did . Safe travels tomorrow.....can't wait to hear all about your trip .

~ So what do you do when you are up in the middle of the night..cant get back to sleep.. Maybe you go onto the Disney website...and fiddle around with the dining.... and... end up getting an ADR for BOG..yes BOG!! ... ..lol.. for our spring trip...thought I was seeing things when a time actually popped up ...and since we booked that trip not too long ago it wasnt available when we booked our ADRs... DD is very happy about that indeed! Me too...

Congrats on getting BOG for your spring trip .

We are at the Grand!!
The Villas are so beautiful, we wish we could live here all the time.

Have a great time and enjoy the Grand .

I'm finding it difficult to wait for May. I tell myself to just concentrate on the work and the calendar will turn month to month. Gosh, it's hard.

May will be here before you know it .

 

[jecon]

Hi- headed to GF next month and we are staying in sugar loaf. Any room request suggestions? Our group has 3 kids with us ages 8,9, 10. Thanks!

 

[bethclayton]

i just wanted to thank you all for the condolences. you guys are the best.

my dad moved in with us the day my mom died. so we are currently scrambling to build a fourth bedroom for him in the basement and to empty out his very full apartment. it's been a bit of a challenge, not to mention that all of his assets are frozen because they were all in my mom's name, and that sorting out her estate is proving to be a nightmare. sooooo.... yeah.