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

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MickeyNut We will def try that spit stay WL/GF...you have piqued my curiosty...Maybe on our next gal pal trip....:moped:

I think that would be a good split for a gals trip :goodvibes.

Hi everyone -

First time poster! I've been lurking around for a few weeks, what a great resource here!

I'll apologize in advance for my noobish questions as it seems this has been covered many times here but I'm just completely overwhelmed at this point.

Some background - this will be our first Disney trip as a family and we recently upgraded our resort choice to the GF. My wife is over the moon about this as she has always wanted to stay here since she was a kid. We have 3 boys who will be 9, 6, and 6 (twins) at the time of the trip (8/20-8/26).

My question is about room/building requests. We are booked for a garden view/outer building. Is it necessary to make requests to get a good room? While we aren't super particular I'm a little nervous about getting one of the dormer? rooms (no day bed?) with there being 5 of us. I'd also prefer not to be on the first floor but it's not the end of the world. Any view would be a plus. Finally, and this seems like a silly question to ask but, where do I make a request if I were to make one and is it too early to do so?

TIA for any help and for bearing with my questions as I learn the ropes.

Welcome to the Dis and to the GF thread :welcome:.

Congrats on booking the GF. The GF is an amazing resort and I'm sure you will love it. There are no bad rooms/views at the GF (IMO). My favorite buildings for garden views are Big Pine Key and Boca Chica. There are some "less desirable" rooms/views in Big Pine Key as some look at the back of the pool building, but I still wouldn't consider those bad or horrible (just my opinion). You can make requests at any time by calling CRO and having them added to your reservation. My suggestion is to make your requests in the order of most important, so if not having a dormer room is a priority, I would request "non-dormer room, non-first floor". With that said, requests are not guaranteed, but in my experience, the CMs do everything they can to accommodate them. If you don't get a room that meets your requests or one you don't really care for, you can always go back to the front desk and ask if another room is available. Sometimes if the resort is very busy your room can't be changed, but it never hurts to ask as they try to accommodate.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask as there are a lot of very friendly and knowledgeable posters here :goodvibes.
 
You didn't miss the anniversary, Blue! It's tomorrow...we are actually going out for lunch today to celebrate (again). :goodvibes DH has a dr's appt tomorrow.

On another note...I am now going to try to book the last week of May if our bounceback discount is available that week. This has been so frustrating!! :crazy2:

Hope you have a great lunch today....happy celebrating :goodvibes.

Also, good luck booking for the end of May.....I hope you are able to get what you want :wizard:.
 
Hi everyone -

First time poster! I've been lurking around for a few weeks, what a great resource here!

I'll apologize in advance for my noobish questions as it seems this has been covered many times here but I'm just completely overwhelmed at this point.

Some background - this will be our first Disney trip as a family and we recently upgraded our resort choice to the GF. My wife is over the moon about this as she has always wanted to stay here since she was a kid. We have 3 boys who will be 9, 6, and 6 (twins) at the time of the trip (8/20-8/26).

My question is about room/building requests. We are booked for a garden view/outer building. Is it necessary to make requests to get a good room? While we aren't super particular I'm a little nervous about getting one of the dormer? rooms (no day bed?) with there being 5 of us. I'd also prefer not to be on the first floor but it's not the end of the world. Any view would be a plus. Finally, and this seems like a silly question to ask but, where do I make a request if I were to make one and is it too early to do so?

TIA for any help and for bearing with my questions as I learn the ropes.

Welcome!!! :welcome: There are no silly questions..so ask away! You really do not have to make a request to get a nice room/building at the GF...all of the views are lovely..and the everything is in close proximity to one another

There is a wealth of info that our terrific hostess k&a&c'smom has posted on the first page or two of this thread...and there is a map too that will give you the lay of the land....

I would recommend for a young family..and in August a building that is closer to the pools...my personal favorite is Boca Chica..which overlooks the courtyard pool..many here also like Big Pine Key for being closer to the pools...BPK actually is closer to both pools..the courtyard and beach pool...and to the main building..but further from the boat dock....the only building that I would not recommend for a family with young children..and especially in the summer would be Sago Cay..as it is more far removed from the amenities that I think you will be using on the property..although...some do love it for its quieter location..and the GV views of the monorail... Decisions decisions..lol..

If you really just prefer not to be on the ground floor I would call CRO and have them add that now to your resort reservation...maybe upper floor..no dormer room...although I don't think they would give you a room with out a day bed being that you are a family of 5...

Happy planning...you are going to love all that the GF has for offer! :goodvibes
 
You didn't miss the anniversary, Blue! It's tomorrow...we are actually going out for lunch today to celebrate (again). :goodvibes DH has a dr's appt tomorrow.

On another note...I am now going to try to book the last week of May if our bounceback discount is available that week. This has been so frustrating!! :crazy2:

Well then Happy Anniversary again!! :goodvibes Cant have too many meals out to celebrate!!! Enjoy!! Hope that your DH has a good visit with the doctor... and that your dates are available for a May BB!! :wizard:

I think that would be a good split for a gals trip :goodvibes. .

:goodvibes Let the planning begin!!!
 

Quick question....I know the dormer rooms don't have the day bed. Does that then mean there is no couch, or is there still the couch and it doesn't convert?
 
You didn't miss the anniversary, Blue! It's tomorrow...we are actually going out for lunch today to celebrate (again). :goodvibes DH has a dr's appt tomorrow.

On another note...I am now going to try to book the last week of May if our bounceback discount is available that week. This has been so frustrating!! :crazy2:

Happy Anniversary and sending along pixiedust: that you get your reservation booked!!
 
Thanks mickeynut and BlueSkies! I'm thinking I'll go with the upper-floor, non-dormer request. I've gone back and forth on which building I'd prefer, they all have appeal! I guess I'll let the chips fall where they may on that.

Now on to the dining reservations. I've booked quite a few already, just need to sort things out. As for the GF we have Narcoossee's on the list. Excited for that one.
 
Thanks mickeynut and BlueSkies! I'm thinking I'll go with the upper-floor, non-dormer request. I've gone back and forth on which building I'd prefer, they all have appeal! I guess I'll let the chips fall where they may on that.

Now on to the dining reservations. I've booked quite a few already, just need to sort things out. As for the GF we have Narcoossee's on the list. Excited for that one.

You're welcome :goodvibes. I think all buildings at the GF are great, so not requesting a specific one isn't a big deal (IMO). If you decide you want to be in a certain area (i.e., close to pool, etc) but not request a certain buiilding, you can always add "close to courtyard/beach pool" as a third request.

Good luck with your dining reservations :wizard:.
 
Just wanted to say hello! We are going back to the GF RPC this November. We have stayed in SugarLoaf a few times (just myself, DH and DD) and last year we were transferred over to RPC from the Contemporary and I finally got the rest of my family (my parents, my sister and her family and us) on the GF bandwagon :cool1::cool1: So looking forward to en entire week of fun and relaxation at the RPC :santa::santa::santa::santa:
 
Hi! I have a quick question... We are currently booked for the VGF in a standard one-bedroom (cash). I'm wondering about switching to the VG CL. It shows that there is an outer building cl and a main building CL - which one is better and why? My thoughts on maybe switching is that the VGF or so far from the boat access and we would be on the DDP, so why would we need a full kitchen. Also, we could only get a standard room view which is the monorail, parking lot, etc...AND I'm pretty sure we will not get any type of discount for the VGF!!! Which is the biggest reason of all.

Thoughts?

Thanks so much!
 
Hi! I have a quick question... We are currently booked for the VGF in a standard one-bedroom (cash). I'm wondering about switching to the VG CL. It shows that there is an outer building cl and a main building CL - which one is better and why? My thoughts on maybe switching is that the VGF or so far from the boat access and we would be on the DDP, so why would we need a full kitchen. Also, we could only get a standard room view which is the monorail, parking lot, etc...AND I'm pretty sure we will not get any type of discount for the VGF!!! Which is the biggest reason of all.

Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

I am a complete GF newbie, so can't comment on SL vs. GPC for club level, but just wanted to mention that we'd choose CL over villas at any WDW resort. One reason is that I don't want a kitchen. On vacation, I don't want to plan snacks, buy snacks, prepare snacks, put out snacks or clean up snacks! Same goes for meals! So we really do love CL! We've decided on RPC for our trip next January, but I'll be really interested to hear more opinions regarding SL vs. RPC!

P.S. Added GF to my signature - so excited!!!
 
Just wanted to say hello! We are going back to the GF RPC this November. We have stayed in SugarLoaf a few times (just myself, DH and DD) and last year we were transferred over to RPC from the Contemporary and I finally got the rest of my family (my parents, my sister and her family and us) on the GF bandwagon :cool1::cool1: So looking forward to en entire week of fun and relaxation at the RPC :santa::santa::santa::santa:

How exciting :yay:. I'm sure everyone will have a Grand time as the GF is a great resort and RPC is just amazing :cloud9:.

Hi! I have a quick question... We are currently booked for the VGF in a standard one-bedroom (cash). I'm wondering about switching to the VG CL. It shows that there is an outer building cl and a main building CL - which one is better and why? My thoughts on maybe switching is that the VGF or so far from the boat access and we would be on the DDP, so why would we need a full kitchen. Also, we could only get a standard room view which is the monorail, parking lot, etc...AND I'm pretty sure we will not get any type of discount for the VGF!!! Which is the biggest reason of all.

Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

Like the pp, my choice would be CL over DVC as I don't cook on vacation and having a full kitchen would be a total waste for us (as would the washer/dryer as I don't do laundry, either). As far as outer building CL (SL) vs main building CL (RPC), I have stayed both and my preference is RPC. SL is nice as the building has keyed access and it is just steps from the courtyard pool (which makes it convenient for grabbing drinks/snacks throughout the day while sitting poolside), but the RPC lounge is bigger, the views are great, and the overall ambiance is much more relaxing (IMO). The food offerings are the same in both lounges, but the SL lounge is located in the center of the lobby as you walk into the SL building, so there are no views from the lounge. With that said, staying RPC in the main building is quite a bit more expensive than SL, but if it's doable, I'd definitely recommend it. Good luck.
 
Wow! This place ran away from me since yesterday!:teeth: Welcome to all the new posters, enjoy your planning.

Thank you. I'm going to miss strolling into the Epcot 'back entrance' but that's a minor inconvenience, I can't wait to really enjoy RPC again, it's been too long.

I know, it's fun to go through the IG - but, we often want to go first thing in the morning, and it seems longer to us, walking from the back to FW. Enjoy RPC, it is amazing.

Thank you so much!!! Their staying at Coronado Springs, I hope they have then there!!

My DD's prom is over, her school does the Junior Prom in March so it doesn't interfere with the Senior's Prom and the SAT's

Interesting about the Jr/Sr prom schedule. My school was so small, the juniors and seniors had their prom together.:dance3:

Sorry, I thought you were asking about sending strawberries to someone at the Grand.:blush: The amenities list I posted was for the GF's Private Dining, I am not sure what is offered at CSR. ?? Hopefully, someone will know the answer.

Ooops!!! I wanted to ask one more thing....

I really want to read a good book about Walt Disney and or Walt Disney World. I absolutely loved Saving Mr. Banks and wish I would have read the book first.

Any suggestions??????

We've always loved the Birnbaum guides to WDW, I used to buy one every year as a souvenir. And the Unofficial Guide is fun, I like the humor...some people are insulted by some of the comments, but it's all in fun.

There are numerous Walt biographies, of course.

And what's interesting, is that while we usually stay at the Epcot resorts, the only thing we complain about concerning Epcot, is that we miss coming in through the front door and hearing all the great music they play at the gates at the beginning of the day.

:laughing: No matter where we stay, there's one element that we miss from another favorite. That's why it's so hard to choose, right?!

....
No flip flop weather yet ......the sun is shining which is a nice change, but temps are only in the 30s......but I do have those flip flops ready and waiting :laughing:.

....
I agree that 8:15 is probably good. I was going to say 8:00, but that's the over planner in me that can't help but give myself more than enough time, even if it means getting to my destination super early :rotfl:.

I know.....there's just something special about that Poly.

An hour is probably a good rule of thumb, I almost said 8:00, but didn't want everyone to think you needed a whole hour...and then add their own buffer.;) We don't mind getting to the gates a little early.

The Poly is special, I agree.

Walt Disney The Triumph of the American Imagination...it is available as a Nook book too.. I loved Saving Mr Banks too..We bought it and DD and I just watched it again the other night! :lovestruc

....
k&a&c'smom My posting pal..Are you posting about now??? I am an early bird today... enjoying my morning coffee and some computer time! :surfweb: ETA..5 edits..but...not over on my smilies !!! lol...


~ Refurb thoughts..lol...I too wonder what the common areas and lounges will look like..I will say the lobby of VGF..furnishings and all are very lovely..and Victorian looking...so I am hoping for the best! :goodvibes

Its 22 degrees here...will spring every arrive... lol...

Hope that everyone has a terrific Thursday...

VGF is looking so much better to me, now that I do not like the resort rooms.;) Hoping for the best, too.

LOL about the edits but no extra smileys!!

Thanks for the book idea, I'll look that up. I still haven't seen SMB - I was out of town when it was in our theater, I need to go out and buy it.

Hi everyone -

First time poster! I've been lurking around for a few weeks, what a great resource here!

I'll apologize in advance for my noobish questions as it seems this has been covered many times here but I'm just completely overwhelmed at this point.

....
My question is about room/building requests. We are booked for a garden view/outer building. Is it necessary to make requests to get a good room? While we aren't super particular I'm a little nervous about getting one of the dormer? rooms (no day bed?) with there being 5 of us. I'd also prefer not to be on the first floor but it's not the end of the world. Any view would be a plus. Finally, and this seems like a silly question to ask but, where do I make a request if I were to make one and is it too early to do so?

TIA for any help and for bearing with my questions as I learn the ropes.

Welcome, and congrats on your GF stay.:goodvibes Others have given you such great info, but I wanted to say "hi" and reiterate some of their advice.

Yes, do call and add your requests now. If you do online check in, you will be able to add 2 requests then - if you do not see what you hoped for, or even if you do, I'd ask again at check in if you were granted your request. It is so much easier to change the room right there and then, but even if you get to the room and do not like the location, view, etc. they will be happy to change it for you if there is a room available.

No one is completely sure, as the renovations are still underway, but I do not see any reason there will not be a daybed in the dormers now. There is less furniture in the rooms, and some of the dormers had daybeds already - so I have a feeling all standard rooms will now have them. Just a guess on my part. I still prefer NOT to have a dormer, as I don't like the enclosed balconies, but some like them for the vaulted ceiling.:flower3:

You didn't miss the anniversary, Blue! It's tomorrow...we are actually going out for lunch today to celebrate (again). DH has a dr's appt tomorrow.

On another note...I am now going to try to book the last week of May if our bounceback discount is available that week. This has been so frustrating!!

Happy Anniversary!!:groom:princess: Enjoy your lunch out.

Good luck with your May reservation, I know your pain. We've tried to get a room in late April/early May and it has been tough.:eek:

Quick question....I know the dormer rooms don't have the day bed. Does that then mean there is no couch, or is there still the couch and it doesn't convert?

There are no couches in the standard rooms. The daybed is a sort of couch in the daytime, converts to a bed. As I stated above - there are already some dormers with daybeds, and I expect they will all have them when the renovations are complete.:thumbsup2

Just wanted to say hello! We are going back to the GF RPC this November. We have stayed in SugarLoaf a few times (just myself, DH and DD) and last year we were transferred over to RPC from the Contemporary and I finally got the rest of my family (my parents, my sister and her family and us) on the GF bandwagon :cool1: So looking forward to en entire week of fun and relaxation at the RPC :santa:

:cool1:

Hi! I have a quick question... We are currently booked for the VGF in a standard one-bedroom (cash). I'm wondering about switching to the VG CL. It shows that there is an outer building cl and a main building CL - which one is better and why? My thoughts on maybe switching is that the VGF or so far from the boat access and we would be on the DDP, so why would we need a full kitchen. Also, we could only get a standard room view which is the monorail, parking lot, etc...AND I'm pretty sure we will not get any type of discount for the VGF!!! Which is the biggest reason of all.

Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

The club level is not connected to the villas, I'm unsure from your question (VG CL) if you are aware of this.:flower3: Just wanted to clarify.

The VGF building isn't much of a walk to the boat dock, in my opinion. And will you use the boat most often or the monorail? Monorail station is a short walk away with a covered path.

There is a good description of the differences in the GF club levels on the first page, I think it is in post #3 or so. Both CLs have the same amenities, the real difference is location - main building vs. outer building. The price goes way up to be in the Main Bldg.;)

For us, we would always choose CL over a villa, but that is just us. Some posters say the convenience of the washer/dryer in the 1 BR and up are worth it to them - and I have to say, that is one of the only things I envy.;)

Good luck with your choice!:goodvibes
 
Great - thank you both for responding. Next question, for my dates, only a standard view in the main building CL is available. Can I request to have a view of the pool or MK or will it be a bad view?

Also, did the main building rooms get updated recently? That is one of the main reasons that I booked VGF b/c they were new.

TIA!!!
 
The club level is not connected to the villas, I'm unsure from your question (VG CL) if you are aware of this. Just wanted to clarify.

"The VGF building isn't much of a walk to the boat dock, in my opinion. And will you use the boat most often or the monorail? Monorail station is a short walk away with a covered path.

There is a good description of the differences in the GF club levels on the first page, I think it is in post #3 or so. Both CLs have the same amenities, the real difference is location - main building vs. outer building. The price goes way up to be in the Main Bldg.

For us, we would always choose CL over a villa, but that is just us. Some posters say the convenience of the washer/dryer in the 1 BR and up are worth it to them - and I have to say, that is one of the only things I envy.

Good luck with your choice! "


Thank you for responding also... I plan on using the monorail the most, but I'm worried about is if it's broken down. I know that we will be at MK majority of the time that we are at the GF. Yes, I know that the CL is completely separate from the VGF:)
 
Hi!:wave2: We are headed to the Grand this summer for the first time since 2010. Our past few trips have been at the YC, which we enjoyed, but we are really excited to be returning to the GF. This is such a great thread! It has been fun to read & refresh my memory on all things Grand.

One question I do have though is about transportation. We have dinner reservations one night at Prime Time at the Studios and I am seriously considering just taking a cab instead of busing it over there. About how long should we allow for that? I looked at the transportation time calculator and it says about 40 minutes for bus; just wondering how much time a cab would take to get from the GF to the Studios? Thoughts anyone? Thanks!
 
Hi gang!

I have some friends staying at the Grand in May. I hope to stay there myself in 2015! :thumbsup2 For my friends' May trip, are there any construction concerns or special events they should know about? They booked a lagoon view, so does that mean they'll be facing the Polynesian construction? I've already told them about the nightly campfire, outdoor movie, entertainment in lobby and the parasol parade. Any other fun/interesting things they should know? They've booked most of the Grand Floridian restaurants. I'm reading as much of this thread as I can. Thanks for any info!!
 
Is it possible to think that I will be able to walk up at the GF Cafe and get a ressie for 4 for dinner or should I really make an ADR? Looking at a Wednesday night, mid August, if that matters.

When I made all of my ADR's last month, everyone was on board with shooting over to Epcot for Via Napoli on our first night for dinner. Now, there are doubts about making our way thru Epcot just for a dinner reservation after such a long day (we have a very early flight to Orlando that morning). DH's suggestion is that we "wing it", if we can get in, great, if not, just catch QS somewhere at the resort and just take it easy the first day. But, I know my girls and I know they will want to do a park the first night (they're never tired :upsidedow). They are now agreeing with DH and have suggested that if we're too tired to do a park, they'll just hop on the monorail or boat and head over to the MK by themselves, which at their ages, I'm quite ok with BUT I'm still not sold on having no set place to eat. I don't mind winging it for lunch as that's what we always do but I do like knowing where dinner is going to be, if that makes sense. Suggestions?
 
Hope you have a great lunch today....happy celebrating :goodvibes.

Also, good luck booking for the end of May.....I hope you are able to get what you want :wizard:.

Ah, we had a yummy lunch at McCormick and Schmick's...

Thanks for the good luck wish. :thumbsup2 I probably need it, what with the lack of rooms at the GF lately!
 
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