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

[uagirl]

SL has always been the outer CL building...maybe you are remembering one side of the building over the other...the marina side is a much more compact look.. no big lawns compared to the courtyard side..

The thing that has changed in the last 13 years is that now both club level have the exact same offerings and ammenities...used to be that SL was more of a modified CL..Desk closed earlier..and there were not evening offerings...But all that has changed...

There is a significant difference in the lounge areas though..RPC being very open airy and in the main building..with an atrium view of the lobby..you can also listen to the pianist and band in the evening...there is also a significant price difference in the room rates..LOL...of course!

SL IMO..(and there are varying opinions on this).. is a great building..centrally located..has a small bistro like feel to it..with all of the ammenities of CL that make a vacation all the more relaxing... The lounge is in the lobby of the building..makes grabbing a quick bite or beverage while coming or going very easy to do...It is a good CL value...Did I just use CL and value in the same sentence???

Either way..CL at the Grand is simply Grand! Best of luck choosing...and enjoy your family vacation!

I remember facing the marina, so I'm sure we were in SL. I just don't remember the full lounge that is pictured and described now.

My parents enjoy afternoons in the lounge while the "kids" play in the parks, so I may leave the choice up to them. I am looking forward to introducing DH and DD to the GF. Give DD's princess love, I'm pretty sure she will be convinced princesses live there.

 

[marie8461]

Probably a silly question, but is the fence around the pool due to the construction? The pool is open, right?

 

[bama belle]

Here are some photos to help visualize the distances in the courtyard. This was taken from the 3rd (4th? can't remember) floor of Boca Chica, garden view. The entry to the building is to the left of this photo - the entry to the main bldg. is past the pool.

This photo is from the club lounge in the main bldg. You can see Boca past the pool.

k&a&c'smom, thank you for the photos!! It really helps me visualize how close everything really is

 

[danielle2618]

Ok need to add my two seconds worth.....

We have been four times number five comes in December. We have two rooms as we take Inlaws. We have three times stayed in sago cay and once in conch key. We have had theme park view rooms. There is nothing like waking up to hear the MK wake up and coming home in the pm to sit on the porch and watch the and hear the ppl and park the fireworks and the magic of disney. The walk is really not a good deal. You are enjoying the walk and the area never notice the walk. The pools are a bit but never one complaint from any of my kids The experience is so awesome you don't have time to complain. Looked at the other buildings and CL but just love the theme park view. Either way staying at the GF is like nothing else

 

[Hedobaby]

We are going to be there in a weeks time and I can not wait! I am going to get the suitcases out tomorrow and start to pack! I promised myself I would not pack too soon as I keep adding new things each day and always bring too much stuff! I forget to leave enough room for things we buy and we ALWAYS end up buying another case to take it home in. This time will be different!



I have just completed my Garden grocer order. Who knew you could order $200 in snacks and drinks for such a short amount of time! I doubt we will want it all but hey will be nice to sip and sit on the balcony watching the water parade go past and the fireworks maybe if we are lucky with our lagoon view being at an angle. I hope we get Boca Chica as requested but you never know!

Completed all my travel docs and tickets, Tickets in hand for MNSSHP and done all my ADRS. Just hope the line at immigration doesn't take hours this time! I am going to be jet lagged when I get there and hoping to make it to Epcot to hear Survivor on their last night

 

[BCV23]

I remember facing the marina, so I'm sure we were in SL. I just don't remember the full lounge that is pictured and described now.

My parents enjoy afternoons in the lounge while the "kids" play in the parks, so I may leave the choice up to them. I am looking forward to introducing DH and DD to the GF. Give DD's princess love, I'm pretty sure she will be convinced princesses live there.

The lounge in Sugar Loaf used to be quite different. The food service was in one corner. Changes to the seating, too. Maybe that is why it looks so different. We love Sugar Loaf.

Probably a silly question, but is the fence around the pool due to the construction? The pool is open, right?

I've seen reports that all WDW pools will be fenced. I think the GF fence is permanent for certain. I may be a party of one but I love it. It looks so Victorian to me.

Hi fellow GF Fans. I'm in the single digits, too, Blue Skies. Can't wait!

Haven't posted on the resort forum for a couple weeks so sorry if I missed anything. I love the Magic Bands so far. I now have two...one pink and one blue. They are so light weight that I forget I'm wearing one.

I wonder if the VGF building will be closed to all but guests staying there? That is what happened with BLT. We haven't stayed there in a couple years so it may have changed. In fact, it very well may have. We had appetizers at Top of the World last Fall and were able to just walk in to the building. Still needed DVC cards and current room cards to go up to the lounge though.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - Hey, good to see you!! Can't believe you are down to just a few days before your next trip.

LOL about being a party of one. We are happier with the look of the fence after they replaced the original, utilitarian-looking thing. I mostly miss the open feel of the courtyard and being able to easily cut across. I've read the same thing about all the pools, but what I read seemed to indicate it would be the main, themed pools that are fenced, not the quiet pools. Is that what you have heard, too? I also read the main pools would no longer be open 24 hours, but would have posted hours. Easier to do with a fence, I'm sure.

Thanks for your thoughts on the Magic Bands, glad to hear they are lightweight and easy to wear. Looking forward to trying them on our next visit - whenever that finally happens.

marie8461 - not a silly question! The pool is open (though it was closed for a short period a week or so ago for maintenance). The new fencing is due to FL law, apparently any time you have a new pool installed or make major changes to an existing pool, a fence has to be added.

danielle2680 - thanks for the input! We love the sights and sounds at the Grand, too, so magical.

bama belle - you are welcome, I have more of the paths. Here are a few more, taken from the path that runs between Conch and SL.

Looking at Boca

Turned slightly right, looking at the lawn in front of the pool area (hard to see for the trees)

Turned even more right, you can still see a bit of Boca on the left, pool house between it and Big Pine in the background (with the turret in the center)

 

[Mousemommy1]

Wow! These pictures are fantastic!!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Also LOVING all the pics It is getting me more excited for our resort choice. It is now official. I booked the GF today for our trip next summer. We will be in a garden view room July 23-30. I decided not to make any room requests yet. I am going to wait until June or so to see what refurbs will be done and which buildings are complete before adding requests. I will most likely request non-dormer, marina view. Being a Poly transplant, I actually do NOT want to see the Poly from our room as I want to "feel the grand" vs "longing for the Poly" if you KWIM? now....If they want to upgrade me to TPV and I happen to see the Poly off to the side...that would be A-OK

We have always loved eating at the GF and admiring all the lovely landscaping. We are all excited to stay here.

Safe travels to those leaving soon

 

[mama36]

Is there a bus time schedule listed somewhere for buses leaving GF? I'm going to downtown disney one afternoon and trying to figure out how much time I'm going to spend using the bus vs taking a cab. I see there is a bus that goes from GF to DTD, but can't find a hard schedule...maybe there isn't one? Thanks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

MouseMommy1 - :


More photos from a 4th floor balcony, Big Pine Key.

Looking left, toward Main Building (courtyard pool before renovation)

Over the pool house, toward SL (in center of top of photo), Main bldg. to left (taller, with larger turret)

Turned right, Boca Chica! (you can see a bit of Conch in the background of this photo, past the far end of Boca)

Looking down at the path in front of BPK, going through BPK and Boca, toward lagoon

Ground level, on the path in front of BPK (on left), walking toward Main Bldg., pool house on right

Lagoon side
Looking left

Looking straight, through trees at Poly in distance

TTC & Poly

Looking right, other balconies

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Turning past the end of BPK, Main Bldg. on right

Landing leading to beach on left of path (prior to Alice Splash area)

Main Building on right, bell services buildings straight ahead with monorail beyond, Beach Pool to the left

Path to Beach Pool

Standing on path to Beach Pool, looking back at Main Bldg., side entrance

Looking back toward courtyard, Main Bldg. on left, Summerhouse in center, BPK beyond

Is there a bus time schedule listed somewhere for buses leaving GF? I'm going to downtown disney one afternoon and trying to figure out how much time I'm going to spend using the bus vs taking a cab. I see there is a bus that goes from GF to DTD, but can't find a hard schedule...maybe there isn't one? Thanks!

No bus schedule! The buses run approximately every 20 minutes. On the first page, we have a link to a tool to help estimate travel times to anywhere on property. Simply put in your starting and end points, and it will give estimated times by mode of transport.

Going to DTD is one of the most frustrating routes, as you make a stop at Typhoon Lagoon on the way there and back. It will take at least 45 minutes, possibly more to get to DTD by bus; about 20 (depending on traffic) by car. If time is of the essence, I would take a cab - we do! Usually, we take a cab there, then bus back.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Also LOVING all the pics It is getting me more excited for our resort choice. It is now official. I booked the GF today for our trip next summer. We will be in a garden view room July 23-30. I decided not to make any room requests yet. I am going to wait until June or so to see what refurbs will be done and which buildings are complete before adding requests. I will most likely request non-dormer, marina view. Being a Poly transplant, I actually do NOT want to see the Poly from our room as I want to "feel the grand" vs "longing for the Poly" if you KWIM? now....If they want to upgrade me to TPV and I happen to see the Poly off to the side...that would be A-OK

We have always loved eating at the GF and admiring all the lovely landscaping. We are all excited to stay here.

Safe travels to those leaving soon

Almost missed this! LOL about being OK with an upgrade that gives you a side view of the Poly. I get what you mean about wanting to feel the Grand, it's such beautiful resort, and I can understand your fear you will long for your fave.

We are like you, but in the reverse - usually eat and shop at the Poly and admire all the beautiful landscaping.

 

[mama36]

No bus schedule! The buses run approximately every 20 minutes. On the first page, we have a link to a tool to help estimate travel times to anywhere on property. Simply put in your starting and end points, and it will give estimated times by mode of transport.

Going to DTD is one of the most frustrating routes, as you make a stop at Typhoon Lagoon on the way there and back. It will take at least 45 minutes, possibly more to get to DTD by bus; about 20 (depending on traffic) by car. If time is of the essence, I would take a cab - we do! Usually, we take a cab there, then bus back.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know

 

[stevesgirl]

I am staying in RPC next April. Am I able to request one of these larger queens that I have seen in some of the photos?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[BlueSkies]

I remember facing the marina, so I'm sure we were in SL. I just don't remember the full lounge that is pictured and described now.

My parents enjoy afternoons in the lounge while the "kids" play in the parks, so I may leave the choice up to them. I am looking forward to introducing DH and DD to the GF. Give DD's princess love, I'm pretty sure she will be convinced princesses live there.

I thought from your other post that you thought that the outisde of the outer CL building looked different!!?? LOL..Oops!

The lounge is SL used to have four long sofas flanked by nice wicker chairs..and a coffee table in the middle...My kids used to love to sit the out there and play board games after a day in the parks... but those have been gone for quite a while now...

With all of the small tables that they now have its more functional...which is what I decribed as the small bistro type feeling! LOL..there are still two comfy arm chairs near the pool side of the building entrance...might be a nice spot for your parents to sit and relax ..RPC has a few different sitting areas on all three levels...

Probably a silly question, but is the fence around the pool due to the construction? The pool is open, right?

It seems that the fence is permanent...

Well said Danielle We love all of those sights and sounds too... and nothing really does require a long walk... The property is so well laid out...

Hey there BCV Woohoo a few more days for you too!! Are you staying at the new villas?? Is there going to be another vacation club in your siggie!!?? LOL..Is there room??? Have a great trip...

I am right with you on SL...love it! Love both CLs ..

But.. not the fencing around the courtyard pool..You are right about the fact that it has a nice victorian look...disney is generally good about all of those details..fortunately for those of us who love the details!! LOL..but I thought that it looked so much grander before...

Grace&Carolinesmom A Grand summer vacation!! How nice! Hope that you get a room with a perfect view!

k&a&c'smom My posting pal!! Thank you for all of the wonderful pics!! If I didnt have a trip coming up soon..those would have prompted me to call and book something for sure!

Hedobaby Safe travels on your long trip! Sounds like your are almost all ready right down to the room snacks!! I think many of us understand the needing extra space in the suitcase to bring home things that you happened to pick up during your vacation...Disney always seems to have things that we need! LOL.. I am the proud owner of THREE GF duffle bags...Yep..three! Purchased at different times to take home just a few things that I couldnt jam into the suitcase!!

 

[BlueSkies]

I am staying in RPC next April. Am I able to request one of these larger queens that I have seen in some of the photos?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Not sure which queen room pics that you are referring to stevesgirl... there are lots of nice pics here on the GF FAQ..LOL...Some of those larger queen rooms are deluxe queens rooms..which is a seperate booking category..

but..there are also queen rooms that have a bit of a different configuration including a wet bar that are not deluxe rooms..those are on the beach pool side of the atrium in RPC...so if those are what you would like than I would recommend requesting a view of the beach pool...

HTH...

 

[DisneyMomx7]

BCV23 - have a wonderful trip!
I thought I would hate the fence around the courtyard pool. We started staying at the Grand in 2003 when the kids were little and they spent most of their time at that pool - lots of memories. I think they did a good job of making the new fence fit in with the whole themeing. Love the pool at night with the fountains.

We are booked at the GF in a TPV room July 19-26 but I think we are going to add another day since we decided to do the Universal trip at Easter instead of going right after we leave the GF.

Still nervous about the whole FP Plus/Magic Bands, but then again I'm a creature of habit and change is always hard for me.

Grace&Carolinesmom - Looks like our trips overlap!

 

[grannyminnie]

Evening, GF pals...

All we need now to go with all these lovely pictures is the smell from that beatiful lobby!! Thanks, k&a&c'smom!

I talked with a lady today who had just returned from WDW, but had stayed off-property, and she felt that not having the MB to wear was a negative as far as how much her family got to do. It made her decide that next trip would be on the property.

Blue, good for you, girl, on that packing!! Knowing myself, I may get started before you leave for your trip!

I'll throw in my 2 cents on SL. We love it! Of course, RPC is the ultimate, but if it's out of the question, I don't think you can go wrong with SL!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I just want to verify....do they have pool games for the kids at the Beach pool?