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

[mickeynut1]

Oh the Concourse Steakhouse!! that was always on our must do list for a breakfast and a dinner...They had the best sticky buns with breakfast...I was there the last night they were open..had a farewell dinner..and they gave me some menus...I will put one in the mail to you.. its a nice CR piece of memorabilia!

When in October does VGF open officially? Looking forward to hearing those first reports about it!

We never had breakfast at Concourse Steakhouse, but we loved dinner there . How nice of them to give you menus.....I agree, that is a great piece of CR memorabilia . That is so sweet of you to offer to send me a menu.....I would love that....thank you .

I don't know the exact opening date, but I want to say the villas open mid October....around the 15th maybe .......I could be way off, but that's what I think I remember reading (somewhere...LOL).

*sigh*...
I have posted my plans in this thread, but just for a refresher...
I have 2 nights at AKL (probably just about my FAV resort) and two nights SCL followed by three nights at POFQ.
I am soooooooo tempted to change my AKL nights over to SCL, BUT I feel guilty about spending the extra $$ since it is only DD and me, and I do love me some AKL...
There is still availability for SCL for my AKL nights w/my AP discount so I'm really struggling.
Ugh!!

We love AKL too....if it were me, I think I would keep the 2 nights there .

 

[MommyGina]

Candy Orlando - You are on a roll linking everything together for your trip! That's awesome!

 

[trishadono]

Hey Mickeynut! You are at the 3 month mark looks like an awesome trip you have planned!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I like the foggy pre-Halloween eerie aspect of those pictures! No matter what the weather, the GF is gorgeous!

I know, aren't those photos gorgeous, and so full of atmosphere?!

What beautiful pics. Thanks to BVC23 for sending them to you and thanks to you for posting them .



I agree about the Grand being beautiful regardless of the weather .

We are more resort-oriented with each trip we take. We do love the parks, but in all honesty, we don't hit a park every day and we're lucky if we spend 3-4 hours in a park when we do go. Our boys are older and kind of like the laid back trips as much as we do .

BCV23 is on a cruise at the moment, but hopefully she'll pop in for a visit on her return. She did a great job with the photos, though she always claims she is not good at it.

I had to comment on your post about being more resort-oriented. DD and I are the same, we love the parks but spend more time each trip at the resort(s). Unless we have a newbie along, we often go to a park for only a couple hours a day, even skip days altogether. We like going to Celebration for lunch, too, which we would never have done back in the commando park touring days.

Thanks so much for posting these pictures from BCV23.
I haven't been to Disney since 2008!
We are visiting in Oct. & how I would love to be staying here again! We're taking the kids, so its our first trip to BWI.
We're coming here for dinner though to Narcoossee's, so i'll get to check out the changes!! Excited!!

How wonderful you are returning, after such a long absence. You will be amazed at all the changes in the World in general, it will be like rediscovering an old friend.

Enjoy BWI, we love being in the Epcot area. So many dining choices.

Any guesses about the purpose of the small "stumps" located between the lights along the walkway?

I visited GF 3 times this year and walked on that path. I think they were smaller lights for at night to light up the walkway.

If someone else knows for sure, please post. Otherwise I will "investigate" on my next trip.

I hadn't even noticed, garada3 - good question! After looking at the photo more closely (zoomed in on the one saved on my computer), I agree with trishadono. They do resemble the small, black outdoor lights you see at other resorts. Could be wrong, as the photo gets more grainy the larger you blow it up, it's hard to tell.

trishadono, looking forward to your report!

Just finished paying our trip to Disney from Nov. 29 through Dec. 6-GF here we come!!!! I'm so stinking excited about our first stay at The Grand! We'll have DxDP and in two standard rooms with MK view-I've requested Sago Cay.

Whoo Hoo!!!!

MickeyNut Same here much of our time is spent at the resort..relaxing or swimming...or visiting and shopping and dining at other resorts..There is so much more to the WDW resort itself than just the theme parks...



....
k&a&c'smom Thanks to BCV and you too for sharing those photos ...I noticed how nice the curved walkway looks..and the pretty lamp posts...very charming...Looks like that area has been a part of the GF all along...And I am happy seeing how nicely the new intgrates with the original...but..I am still worried about the impact that so many more guests will have at the pools and on the monorail too... we will know soon enough...

....

Thanks, BCV's photos are so beautiful. Makes you want to be there, right?! I agree, the DVC building and surroundings are very pretty and blend in. I, too, am a little worried that the higher number of overall guests will change the atmosphere, make the pools and monorails more crowded. I'm trying to stay positive for all our friends here who are excited about the VGF. Hopefully, once it opens and the excitement dies down, the impact will be minimal.

I agree....the parks are fun, but sometimes I prefer to just visit other resorts to shop, dine, etc. and just take it easy rather than walk around a park .

We love that, too, we often hop over to the Poly while at the GF, or to the GF when we stay at any other resort.

Is the Alice play area closed this week?

I didn't notice anyone answering this question. Is there a reason you feel the splash area or courtyard pool might be closed this week? I haven't read or heard of them being down for any purpose.

 

[Lisa75]

Where am I? What kind of room is this? Checked just now for a lagoon view standard but have boca Chica 8145 corner room with two balconies and good view of castle! Who do I thank for a lovely room? Upgrade I'm sure?

 

[imobsessedwithdisney]

Unfortunatly the Alice splash pad is closed. Ipo sad it is for maintenance. Most Likely will be closed til 9/14

 

[imobsessedwithdisney]

Unfortunatly the Alice splash pad is closed. Ipo sad it is for maintenance. Most Likely will be closed til 9/14

Opps typo meant to write closed til 9/24

 

[trishadono]

Where am I? What kind of room is this? Checked just now for a lagoon view standard but have boca Chica 8145 corner room with two balconies and good view of castle! Who do I thank for a lovely room? Upgrade I'm sure?

OOH sounds lovely Pictures?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Where am I? What kind of room is this? Checked just now for a lagoon view standard but have boca Chica 8145 corner room with two balconies and good view of castle! Who do I thank for a lovely room? Upgrade I'm sure?

Your room is most likely a TPV, so if you had a lagoon view booked you were upgraded. Very nice, enjoy!

Unfortunatly the Alice splash pad is closed. Ipo sad it is for maintenance. Most Likely will be closed til 9/14

Well, that was quick! Seems like it has barely been open, wonder what kind of maintenance it needs already? Stinks for all those there now and in the next week or so.

Did you find out anything about the courtyard pool? I noticed your question about that being closed as well.

 

[imobsessedwithdisney]

Hi, the courtyard pool is open. I'm disappointed that Alice is closed but it just leaves something to look forward for hopefully another trip. In 24 hours we will be at GF for the 1st time! I can hardly wait!

 

[princessap]

Part of my reason for wanting to try the GF is the splash pad area for my youngest...I would be really disappointed if it was closed...sorry for those there in the same situation

 

[MommyGina]

Where am I? What kind of room is this? Checked just now for a lagoon view standard but have boca Chica 8145 corner room with two balconies and good view of castle! Who do I thank for a lovely room? Upgrade I'm sure?

Congratulations on such a spectacular room! Take lots of pictures.

Hi BlueSkies and k&a&c'smom

 

[mickeynut1]

Hey Mickeynut! You are at the 3 month mark looks like an awesome trip you have planned!

Thanks . It's hard to believe it's so close......I'm getting excited. Your trip is right around the corner as well....can't wait to see how you like RPC .

BCV23 is on a cruise at the moment, but hopefully she'll pop in for a visit on her return. She did a great job with the photos, though she always claims she is not good at it.

I had to comment on your post about being more resort-oriented. DD and I are the same, we love the parks but spend more time each trip at the resort(s). Unless we have a newbie along, we often go to a park for only a couple hours a day, even skip days altogether. We like going to Celebration for lunch, too, which we would never have done back in the commando park touring days.

We love that, too, we often hop over to the Poly while at the GF, or to the GF when we stay at any other resort.

I hope she's enjoying her cruise . I remember our park commando days......those were very busy and fun, but it is nice to take it easy now and enjoy everything else Disney has to offer beyond the parks . I love doing the monorail resort tour......it's always nice visiting the different shops and/or just walking around the resort .

Where am I? What kind of room is this? Checked just now for a lagoon view standard but have boca Chica 8145 corner room with two balconies and good view of castle! Who do I thank for a lovely room? Upgrade I'm sure?

Like k&a&c'smom said, looks like you were upgraded.....enjoy .

Well, that was quick! Seems like it has barely been open, wonder what kind of maintenance it needs already? Stinks for all those there now and in the next week or so.

I thought the same thing.....wonder what's needing to be done so soon .

In 24 hours we will be at GF for the 1st time! I can hardly wait!

Have a great time and enjoy the GF .

 

[BlueSkies]

Where am I? What kind of room is this? Checked just now for a lagoon view standard but have boca Chica 8145 corner room with two balconies and good view of castle! Who do I thank for a lovely room? Upgrade I'm sure?

That sounds like a wonderful upgrade! Enjoy! As trishadono said..love to see pics...There is a specific name for those double balcony corner rooms...but I cant think of it for the life of me??? I'll probably remember it one nite at about 3am..LOL...

Hi, the courtyard pool is open. I'm disappointed that Alice is closed but it just leaves something to look forward for hopefully another trip. In 24 hours we will be at GF for the 1st time! I can hardly wait!

have a Grand stay! Great way to look at the splash area being closed...it is nice to have something to look forward to for a another trip..and then another...

Congratulations on such a spectacular room! Take lots of pictures.

Hi BlueSkies and k&a&c'smom

Hey there MommyGina

MickeyNut Hey there to you too!! Any new plans for December?? LOL... We too have very similar touring plans...Love that resort time...

k&a&c'smom Pics truly are the next best thing to being at the GF...and those did make me wish that I was there right now...well..even without pics I wish that I was there right now...LOL... You understand!!

princessap Even without the splash pad there really are fun water options at the GF...the beach pool has a great slide..and the new courtyard pool now also has zero entry and small fountains in it...But hope that it is all fixed when you take your trip...

Last time that we were visiting I did notice that M.Mouse Mercantile was not very well stocked...Even the usual display tables were missing...??? In the past its always been a good place to shop......if anyone with trips coming up gets a chance to take a look.. I would be curious to know if the store is all stocked up again...

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut Hey there to you too!! Any new plans for December?? LOL... We too have very similar touring plans...Love that resort time...

No new plans for December....lol. It's hard to believe December is right around the corner.....I'm so not ready for cold weather and the holidays just yet .

 

[mickeynut1]

BlueSkies......You recently asked if anyone knew when the VGF was to officially open....this is from DVCNews.com with the announcement on Poly DVC:

The planned development project at Disney's Polynesian Resort, when completed, will join Disney Vacation Club's 12 other properties, including The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, scheduled to open Oct. 23. Construction on the Polynesian project began this month, and completion is estimated to be in 2015.

 

[DisneyDoogie]

I've heard that the corner rooms with the two balconies are called hammerhead rooms. I read it here on the disboards!

 

[Hisgirl]

Hello all...our trip to the GF is in 32 days. I'm taking my parents (ages 82 and 83). I need some advice regarding how long yall think it will take from landing at the airport at 1:20 pm to actually being in our rooms.

We're renting a car and I'm comfortable driving there, so no issues with the transportation.

The reason I"m asking is that is a night MK closes early at 7pm for the MNSSHP. I was reaaaally hoping, after getting in our rooms, we could rest, then hop on the monorail to do a sort of dry run to show Mama and Daddy what it will all be like, and also how they'll be on the scooters.

We also have dinner ressies at the cafe around 5:30 but I could change those. What has been your experience with actual times from landing to 'magical landing'? Thanks!

 

[sandramaac]

Hi there I was just at the Polynesian at the end of August for vacation But really wasn't paying attention. We are headed back to the grand Floridian for a few days at Christmas. Can anyone let me know which buildings Are closest to the construction for the vacation club. Hopefully I can avoid being in one of those buildings. Also I read on trip advisor many many Negative comments about the conditions of the rooms at the grand Floridian-----All of them basically saying that the rooms are very very tired and worn. I have no issues paying for deluxe resorts as of the last time We stayed at the club level the Polynesian. And we were actually going to stay there for Christmas except for the ongoing construction there. But I'm not sure if I rather have the construction versus the worn rooms. So the big thing is can anyone let me know what rooms are closest to the vacation club construction And then offer me any Information on the conditions of the Rooms at the grand Floridian thank you.

 

[trishadono]

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Hi there I was just at the Polynesian at the end of August for vacation But really wasn't paying attention. We are headed back to the grand Floridian for a few days at Christmas. Can anyone let me know which buildings Are closest to the construction for the vacation club. Hopefully I can avoid being in one of those buildings. Also I read on trip advisor many many Negative comments about the conditions of the rooms at the grand Floridian-----All of them basically saying that the rooms are very very tired and worn. I have no issues paying for deluxe resorts as of the last time We stayed at the club level the Polynesian. And we were actually going to stay there for Christmas except for the ongoing construction there. But I'm not sure if I rather have the construction versus the worn rooms. So the big thing is can anyone let me know what rooms are closest to the vacation club construction And then offer me any Information on the conditions of the Rooms at the grand Floridian thank you.

The villas open 10/23 so no worries

The grand is gorgeous I am staying there in November and am not worried about wear and tear. It is part of the cycle. I had a new room at poly in April and even though that was great I am not in my room that much anyways.

The grounds and lobby will be spectacular so enjoy.