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

[trishadono]

Nice Lobby photos! Feels like we are there.

Ya know, the red in the room reminds me of the beautiful roof tops at the Grand. I like the way the picture of the resort in the room pulls the outside and inside colors together

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

I agree with Candy Orlando - the Grand will always be Grand.

We are staying there for the 1st time in May. In 2012, my husband and I took our girls to 1900 Park Fare for dinner and got butterflies taking in just how "grand" it all was. This year, we decided to go for the Grand. I could care less what the rooms look like. We are paying for location and service, and the sheer deliciousness of it all. To us, the Grand is the ultimate Disney resort, no matter the decor. Plus, I am still loving the Mickey desk chair. ;-)

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this thread. We visited the GF for the first time last October for a 1900 Park Fare dinner. Don't shoot me but it's not really my style. However, my dear teenage daughter fell in love so now I am trying to make a trip happen. We are on a budget but I really want to make her dream come true! The GF would be a surprise for her. Can I ask one really beginner question? For the cheapest room possible, what is the best building to request?

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

Lovemy3babes - it would be an outer building garden view room!

 

[johnsonet]

LOL! Sorry for being the bearer of bad news.

You have just given me an idea, maybe they made the resort rooms hideous to get more people to pay the higher cost of the VGF rooms.

hehe. I think they're just trying to hold their own against Four Seasons and the "My kids want to go to Disney World but I'm not a fan", big-spenders. That's my husband But it's not me. I want whimsy and Disney magic. I would've loved to see MORE theming, not less.
I loved the POR Royal Room I stayed in a couple of years ago. So much great Disney detail

I'm sorry the refurb will prevent you from staying at the GF. I don't like the new decor either, but it seems like every deluxe resort seems to be changing from fun and whimsical to generic and boring .

Thanks but no worries at all - I'm hopelessly addicted to Disney World. Headed to WL next week in fact (I think its new decor looks gorgeous!)

I agree with everything, but especially the bolded part, although my feeling is coming just from pictures as we haven't stayed there since the room refurbs. The change at the Poly gave the rooms a light, airy feeling, but I liked the darker colors as that's what gave the Poly the tropical feel, IMO. I think Disney totally ruined the Poly and they carried that "ruined feeling" over to the GF for me .

I am out of the loop. I didn't realize they'd ruined the Poly too

I'm with you on all of the changes that are being made, along with the generic rooms. We are exploring other vacation options as well. As much as we love Disney, there are other places we would like to see. As it turns out, the dates for our December cruise don't work for us, but I haven't decided whether to cancel all together or move it to a later date. We are throwing around some other ideas, so who knows what will happen. I will definitely be back to Disney when my brother and SIL decide to take my niece, but in the meantime, my family may be venturing to other places......but only time will tell .

Good luck with your plans.

I have been reading this thread for many years even though I could only visit the Grand because I needed a villa for my food allergies. All of you were always in a great mood and made me feel like a part of the Grand family.

When the villas where built and I bought 500 points, so I could stay for two weeks a year at the Grand, I was so excited. The Grand met all of my dreams!

I feel so bad that all of you are so sad about the renovations. I wish there was something I could say to help you get through this sadness.

Remember as a whole package the Grand is still Grand!!!

Awesome about your VGF points. Lucky girl!'
The GF is certainly very pretty and in a fabulous location. I'm sure we'll return one day.

Lovemy3babes - look for "garden view, outer building" - during "Value Season" and with a "Room Only discount" for the general public

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Good evening!

We checked in.. First we had a dormer room which wouldn't work for us.. We needed the day bed. But we were moved quickly and have a room overlooking the pool and sugar loaf entrance. It is amazing!

 

[Circusgirl]

Good evening!

We checked in.. First we had a dormer room which wouldn't work for us.. We needed the day bed. But we were moved quickly and have a room overlooking the pool and sugar loaf entrance. It is amazing!

Yay you're there! So glad you got a room you love. Have big fun!

 

[trishadono]

Good evening!

We checked in.. First we had a dormer room which wouldn't work for us.. We needed the day bed. But we were moved quickly and have a room overlooking the pool and sugar loaf entrance. It is amazing!

Lucky you! Waking up at disney today

 

[trishadono]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this thread. We visited the GF for the first time last October for a 1900 Park Fare dinner. Don't shoot me but it's not really my style. However, my dear teenage daughter fell in love so now I am trying to make a trip happen. We are on a budget but I really want to make her dream come true! The GF would be a surprise for her. Can I ask one really beginner question? For the cheapest room possible, what is the best building to request?

2years ago my dd wanted to try CL at gf. We stayed at CBR first then transferred for the last day to gf in sugarloaf. Then last year we did CSR 2 days then poly CL for 3 days.

It worked out good for us. We didn't have the guys with us so moving was easy.

We got to stay where she wanted without breaking the bank.

 

[jecon]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this thread. We visited the GF for the first time last October for a 1900 Park Fare dinner. Don't shoot me but it's not really my style. However, my dear teenage daughter fell in love so now I am trying to make a trip happen. We are on a budget but I really want to make her dream come true! The GF would be a surprise for her. Can I ask one really beginner question? For the cheapest room possible, what is the best building to request?

We always stay at the grand but never ever pay rack rate. I won't go unless I get at least 30% off. That said, you may have to do research and the disboards is the place to do it! Garden view rooms are the least expensive and if you are willing to go at non peak times, you have a real shot at a discount. We've been very lucky with pin codes but that's random - make sure you register with disney world.com so their marketing people have your info. I also once called disney reservations and negotiated a discount. I also know that some TA's get special rates but I've never done that yet but I bet you can get more info here about that as well. Good luck!!! Don't settle for rack rates! We've been going every year since 2008 and have always received a discount!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Let's look at some beautiful photos of the Main Lobby!

Love the pics.....the GF lobby is just stunning .

We are staying there for the 1st time in May.

Congrats on your first GF stay. I'm sure you're going to love it .

Hi everyone! I'm new to this thread. We visited the GF for the first time last October for a 1900 Park Fare dinner. Don't shoot me but it's not really my style. However, my dear teenage daughter fell in love so now I am trying to make a trip happen. We are on a budget but I really want to make her dream come true! The GF would be a surprise for her. Can I ask one really beginner question? For the cheapest room possible, what is the best building to request?

As others have said, outer building garden view is the cheapest room category. All of the outer buildings (except sugar loaf, which is outer building CL) have garden views, so your room could be in any one of them. As johnonet said, look for dates during value season with a room discount as that would be the cheapest option .

Thanks but no worries at all - I'm hopelessly addicted to Disney World. Headed to WL next week in fact (I think its new decor looks gorgeous!)

I am out of the loop. I didn't realize they'd ruined the Poly too

Good luck with your plans.

Have a great time at the WL next week . The WL is a beautiful resort and we've had 2 great stays there. It really is a great alternative if you want to be close to MK (IMO) as it's still a deluxe resort, but at much lower rates than the monorail resorts .

Yes, the Poly underwent room refurbs last summer/fall, with the dark oranges/browns being taken away and replaced with lighter colors like mint green/cream. The rooms resemble a more generic hotel room to me as I think taking away those dark colors took away the Polynesian feel of the rooms. They are also planning an extensive refurb to the GCH, which will include the removal of the waterfall in the lobby . The Poly is our favorite resort (with the GF closely following) and it always will be, but it saddens me to see all of these generic changes taking place .

Thank about the plans . I am going to do some research/pricing this weekend and try to decide just what to do with our cruise, if we should just cancel or try to rebook for next year.

 

[pas130]

Good evening!

We checked in.. First we had a dormer room which wouldn't work for us.. We needed the day bed. But we were moved quickly and have a room overlooking the pool and sugar loaf entrance. It is amazing!

Enjoy!!!!

I changed our resort for summer...it was all me. The Grand is just Grand..but I can't do the rooms. I am so high maintenance. I will totally be sticking around as I love my GF friends..for now we are at Yacht Club, no CL and I am saving a ton much to my DH happiness. YC is not undergoing a refurb (for now) so I am playing it safe. My choice was almost Poly but the construction..I can't. Hoping for a WL discount as it is amazing there

 

[mickeynut1]

I changed our resort for summer...it was all me. The Grand is just Grand..but I can't do the rooms. I am so high maintenance. I will totally be sticking around as I love my GF friends..for now we are at Yacht Club, no CL and I am saving a ton much to my DH happiness. YC is not undergoing a refurb (for now) so I am playing it safe. My choice was almost Poly but the construction..I can't. Hoping for a WL discount as it is amazing there

Hi pas .

We'd hate to see you leave, so glad you're sticking around even though you changed your resort . We've stayed at the BC, but never the YC. YC and BWI were on our list to try, but with limited CS options, it's just not doable for my family as my guys have to have lots of CS options readily available ....so those 2 resorts are off our list. But I know you'll have a great time .

 

[pas130]

Hi pas .

We'd hate to see you leave, so glad you're sticking around even though you changed your resort . We've stayed at the BC, but never the YC. YC and BWI were on our list to try, but with limited CS options, it's just not doable for my family as my guys have to have lots of CS options readily available ....so those 2 resorts are off our list. But I know you'll have a great time .

My DH actually is not complaining, I am shocked...I dropped CL at BC to come to the GF. Then I figured I would do Poly as it's right next door...but too much uncertainty. So I figured YC I'd get a balcony most likely, and the kids were really excited about SAB. We are driving so I am loading up on snacks, and we leave for a lot of meals so it's not a biggie the lack of CS. I also got PH so we can hit up WS for snacks. With my savings I am considering the Princess Tea Party for my girls...spend spend spend...I am hopeless

 

[mickeynut1]

My DH actually is not complaining, I am shocked...I dropped CL at BC to come to the GF. Then I figured I would do Poly as it's right next door...but too much uncertainty. So I figured YC I'd get a balcony most likely, and the kids were really excited about SAB. We are driving so I am loading up on snacks, and we leave for a lot of meals so it's not a biggie the lack of CS. I also got PH so we can hit up WS for snacks. With my savings I am considering the Princess Tea Party for my girls...spend spend spend...I am hopeless

I totally get the uncertainty with the Poly. I think you made a good choice going with YC, especially if you really want a balcony . I agree about the spending as it seems to never end. I don't have too much control when it comes to Disney, so it's a little scary once I get there and start shopping....especially since we don't have to worry about fitting everything in our luggage as we ship everything home from the resort . With that said, I think the Princess Tea Party is a great idea for your girls . We have boys, but if we had girls, that is something we would definitely do .

 

[nonzerosum]

Does anyone know if the tennis courts are still around? If so, is there a charge to book a court for social play?

 

[Scott MC]

Enjoy!!!!

I changed our resort for summer...it was all me. The Grand is just Grand..but I can't do the rooms. I am so high maintenance. I will totally be sticking around as I love my GF friends..for now we are at Yacht Club, no CL and I am saving a ton much to my DH happiness. YC is not undergoing a refurb (for now) so I am playing it safe. My choice was almost Poly but the construction..I can't. Hoping for a WL discount as it is amazing there

Wheeee! Welcome to the dark side! We love the YC. We've stayed there twice in standard LV rooms, but this summer are going for CL-LV for a week and we can't wait! We will be there 8/17-8/23.

Hi pas .

We'd hate to see you leave, so glad you're sticking around even though you changed your resort . We've stayed at the BC, but never the YC. YC and BWI were on our list to try, but with limited CS options, it's just not doable for my family as my guys have to have lots of CS options readily available ....so those 2 resorts are off our list. But I know you'll have a great time .

Clearly I'm on an " I love the Epcot Resort Loop" mission here, but YC and BWI are our two favorites, and while there aren't a ton of options, BC Marketplace, BW Bakery, and the BW Pizza Window are more than satisfactory!

I totally get the uncertainty with the Poly. I think you made a good choice going with YC, especially if you really want a balcony . I agree about the spending as it seems to never end. I don't have too much control when it comes to Disney, so it's a little scary once I get there and start shopping....especially since we don't have to worry about fitting everything in our luggage as we ship everything home from the resort . With that said, I think the Princess Tea Party is a great idea for your girls . We have boys, but if we had girls, that is something we would definitely do .

Yes, the balconies at YC are a big win. No surprises.

Truth be told, I've been looking at the new rooms, and overall, I'm not thrilled but they're growing on me a little. I want a better, more elegant armoire, I want a few more Disney touches, (Peter Pan, Mary Poppins anyone?), and I'd love to subdue the red a bit, but I think I can live with it for a couple of nights in August.

 

[johnsonet]

Forgot to say thank you for those pics, k&a&c'smom Being in that lobby is always a great feeling

Have a great time at the WL next week . The WL is a beautiful resort and we've had 2 great stays there. It really is a great alternative if you want to be close to MK (IMO) as it's still a deluxe resort, but at much lower rates than the monorail resorts .

Thanks about WL. We are excited. I agree - it is a beautiful resort.
Terrible about the changes at the Poly. It's too bad for us old-timers
Have fun with your research and trip planning - it's almost the best part

... They are also planning an extensive refurb to the GCH, which will include the removal of the waterfall in the lobby . The Poly is our favorite resort (with the GF closely following) and it always will be, but it saddens me to see all of these generic changes taking place .

 

[mickeynut1]

Does anyone know if the tennis courts are still around? If so, is there a charge to book a court for social play?

I don't have the answer, but hopefully someone will be able to help .

Clearly I'm on an " I love the Epcot Resort Loop" mission here, but YC and BWI are our two favorites, and while there aren't a ton of options, BC Marketplace, BW Bakery, and the BW Pizza Window are more than satisfactory!

I want a better, more elegant armoire, I want a few more Disney touches, (Peter Pan, Mary Poppins anyone?),

Of course the "must have" for my boys is Mickey waffles.....LOL....which aren't available at the BC Marketplace or BW Bakery .

I agree with you about the armoire as well the extra touches in the GF rooms, there needs to more of what there was before.

Thanks about WL. We are excited. I agree - it is a beautiful resort.
Terrible about the changes at the Poly. It's too bad for us old-timers
Have fun with your research and trip planning - it's almost the best part

I agree about the planning. I love all of the planning no matter how far out my trip is as that's almost as much fun as being there .

I feel the same way about the Poly GCH refurb/removal of the waterfall . I can't remember what (if anything) is going in its place, but from what I understand, they are going to make it so you can see straight through the lobby out the back. Disney, once again (IMO), is making a terrible choice for this refurb .

 

[johnkrusinski]

I have a question where is the best location for a theme park view room . What building and what floor is the best. Where should I request to be . For the best tp room