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

[disneydreamin247]

I just came to the sad realization that I what I spent at Sephora tonight could have paid for a night in SL. I think I need to start prioritizing.

 

[trishadono]

I just came to the sad realization that I what I spent at Sephora tonight could have paid for a night in SL. I think I need to start prioritizing.

shopping is fun though!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I just came to the sad realization that I what I spent at Sephora tonight could have paid for a night in SL. I think I need to start prioritizing.

shopping is fun though!

You know, this is another reason I don't enjoy shopping, to be honest. I always think of the travel I could have bought with the same dollars.

trisha, safe travels and have a Grand vacation.

 

[DaeHyFoog]

Thanks! k&a&c'smom!!!

It will be my DD's 7th b-day while we're staying there, so I really do need to look into the Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Too bad the lady bug release doesn't happen anymore. That sounds like it would've been really cute! I appreciate your great tips.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks! k&a&c'smom!!!

It will be my DD's 7th b-day while we're staying there, so I really do need to look into the Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Too bad the lady bug release doesn't happen anymore. That sounds like it would've been really cute! I appreciate your great tips.

I forgot to say, "Hello, fellow Missourian!!"

You are welcome. I just looked it up on allears, as I couldn't see the cost on the website - it's pretty steep! If it hasn't gone up since the last update on allears, it is $250 for one adult/one child (includes tax & tip), with additional guests 3-12, $165, and additional adults, $85. Wow. I guess the saving grace is they give the kids several souvenirs and the possibility of a character meet and greet.

If that is too high (and it would be for me, sheesh) you can always book afternoon tea at the Garden View Tea Room. It is every day from 2-6 p.m. Much more reasonable costs, here's the menu. It is a must do for DD and I, sometimes we go twice in a trip!

 

[mickeynut1]

It looks like we're going to be staying at the GF with extended family in June 2014,

The GF is amazing.....you will love it .

my kids are "only" 11 & 13 but time flies and i feel SO sad every time i think about life without them living here. i know it's normal and it's part of life and i am raising them to be very independent and self-sufficient, but i really wish i could stop time. dh works till 11 every night so it is just always me and them. sigh, enough of my debbie downer-ism!

I agree with k&a&c'smom to cherish every moment with them. My two are 18 & 20 and I can't tell you where the time went, but it went way too fast .

Like you, I know it is what we raise them to do - make their own life - but I miss my kids sooo much.

I agree.....it's good to see them turn into responsible adults, but it's us moms who suffer because it's so hard to let go. Mine are still home, but it won't be long until they are on their own and it makes me very sad just to think about it .

I just came to the sad realization that I what I spent at Sephora tonight could have paid for a night in SL. I think I need to start prioritizing.

I know exactly what you mean .

It will be my DD's 7th b-day while we're staying there

How exciting for your DD......that will make the trip extra special .

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

last night I was surfing around the internet...just looking at Sugarloaf pictures when I came across a review on TripAdvisor..

I ALWAYS tell people to take reviews on there with a grain of salt..but the pictures of the room sorta scared me...I really don't want to pay and extra $200 for RPC ..especially since we aren't planning on living at the hotel...

Help make me feel warm and fuzzy again!

 

[BlueSkies]

I just came to the sad realization that I what I spent at Sephora tonight could have paid for a night in SL. I think I need to start prioritizing.

You do!! LOL...

last night I was surfing around the internet...just looking at Sugarloaf pictures when I came across a review on TripAdvisor..

I ALWAYS tell people to take reviews on there with a grain of salt..but the pictures of the room sorta scared me...I really don't want to pay and extra $200 for RPC ..especially since we aren't planning on living at the hotel...

Help make me feel warm and fuzzy again!

Didn't look at the TA site ..and I agree that you always need to take those reviews with a grain of salt...What were your particular concerns from those pictures...?? The rooms in SL are the same (size and décor) as the rooms through out the resort...including the standard rooms in RPC...

I am a long time SL fan (although depending on the season we stay in RPC also)...think its in a great location on the property and with CL amenities and offerings... If you have any particular questions I would be happy to answer what ever I can..

MickeyNut OH those sticky buns..my mouth is watering just thinking about them...Yes they do still have them in the morning...

DaeHyFoog What a nice way to celebrate your DDs birthday!! I think k&a&c'smom really touched on everything that there is to do that I can think of....one additional thing you might want to consider for your DD's birthday is to have a specialty cake delivered to your room....they can deliver it up while you are out..set the table with linens and plates...and you can have a little in room celebration!

k&a&c'smom Great suggestions that you gave to DaeHyFoog.. I especially like this activity ..sitting and listening to the piano or band in the evening...

Trisha Enjoy your trip!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fab Friday!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

You do!! LOL...



Didn't look at the TA site ..and I agree that you always need to take those reviews with a grain of salt...What were your particular concerns from those pictures...?? The rooms in SL are the same (size and décor) as the rooms through out the resort...including the standard rooms in RPC...

I am a long time SL fan (although depending on the season we stay in RPC also)...think its in a great location on the property and with CL amenities and offerings... If you have any particular questions I would be happy to answer what ever I can..

IT showed pictures of stained carpet..items left in the room from previous guest and mentioned how small and crowded the lounge was...

They specifically mentioned that they usually stay in the main building..just wondered

 

[BlueSkies]

IT showed pictures of stained carpet..items left in the room from previous guest and mentioned how small and crowded the lounge was...

They specifically mentioned that they usually stay in the main building..just wondered

I do think that the rooms are ready for a refurb...but that goes for RPC too...

As for the lounge in SL..it is situated like a small bistro..small tables that seat up to 4 people... The serving area for the food has a very lovely mural... (there is also a nice childrens seating area with a TV and little child sized tables and chairs...)

It is very different than RPC..but still very nice ...

I think you can't beat its central location with regard to the boat dock..monorail..pool..and just on the property in general...

Nothing like a pool day where you can just pop into the lounge for a drink and a snack... also having the lounge in the lobby makes is so easy to grab a drink or snack whether coming or going...

As for mousekeeping..or room cleanlilness..as in stuff being left behind in the room?? We have had great and not so great and right in between in both CLs...But mostly..great mousekeeping...(and more towel animals in SL.. LOL..)

Its definitely not RPC..with its lounge overlooking the lobby..listening to the music there in the evening with its 3 floors of seating...But...it does have its own charm IMO... (BTW...we stay in both CLs equally... just prefer RPC in the colder months..and SL in the warmer..)

 

[disneydreamin247]

Thanks for the list......they have added quite a few new things . Do they still have the sticky buns in the morning?? Those are my favorite .

I won't even attempt to drive to Florida as I am so NOT a driver ........I barely make it to Indianapolis......and that's just under 2 hours for us .

My DS LOVESSSS the sticky buns as well. At the Poly, we never can get down the elevator without him hopping in to see if they have any. When they do, we have an understanding. He can eat 3 and I won't say anything about it.

I'm not a driver either. I don't even have a license! I have way too much anxiety to drive.

you are making me . my kids are "only" 11 & 13 but time flies and i feel SO sad every time i think about life without them living here. i know it's normal and it's part of life and i am raising them to be very independent and self-sufficient, but i really wish i could stop time. dh works till 11 every night so it is just always me and them. sigh, enough of my debbie downer-ism!

trisha, have a WONDERFUL trip!

I don't have to worry about that because my kids are never ever going to leave me. Ever.

shopping is fun though!

Shopping is TOO much fun. And how can you resist 20% off?!

You know, this is another reason I don't enjoy shopping, to be honest. I always think of the travel I could have bought with the same dollars.

trisha, safe travels and have a Grand vacation.

I'm going to need you to impart some of your rationality on me. My thinking is more like "Well my kids really like Ramen anyway, so if we eat it for dinner 5 nights a week no one will really care. Then I can manage to budget for EVERYTHING."

The GF is amazing.....you will love it .



I agree with k&a&c'smom to cherish every moment with them. My two are 18 & 20 and I can't tell you where the time went, but it went way too fast .



I agree.....it's good to see them turn into responsible adults, but it's us moms who suffer because it's so hard to let go. Mine are still home, but it won't be long until they are on their own and it makes me very sad just to think about it .



I know exactly what you mean .



How exciting for your DD......that will make the trip extra special .

Why is Sephora such a black hole? I think I spend 40% of my income at Target and Sephora. Oh, and Costco.

You do!! LOL...



Didn't look at the TA site ..and I agree that you always need to take those reviews with a grain of salt...What were your particular concerns from those pictures...?? The rooms in SL are the same (size and décor) as the rooms through out the resort...including the standard rooms in RPC...

I am a long time SL fan (although depending on the season we stay in RPC also)...think its in a great location on the property and with CL amenities and offerings... If you have any particular questions I would be happy to answer what ever I can..

MickeyNut OH those sticky buns..my mouth is watering just thinking about them...Yes they do still have them in the morning...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fab Friday!

I try, really I do. I just can't. It isn't in my nature.

We loved SL when we stayed in 2011. It was a fabulous location, the rooms were great, and the staff was SO accommodating when my little one (6 months at the time) got very sick. I really thought they were going to throw us out of the hotel because she was up ALL NIGHT screaming at the top of her lungs. She had hand foot mouth disease. Instead we received incredible kindness and a genuine, heartfelt sympathy. It brings tears to my eyes to think about how sweet they were to us.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Thanks!!! I do feel better. We are going in February..but I don't know how much "hotel" time we will have..I did love WL CL for being on the same floor and just trotting down for food but we didn't hang out there a whole lot.

91 days!!

 

[Traceylee]

I'm on the plane now. Will land at 8:30 tonight. Can't wait for my first stay at GF.

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut OH those sticky buns..my mouth is watering just thinking about them...Yes they do still have them in the morning...

That is good to hear . I didn't think they'd get rid of those, but with Disney you never know what changes will be made .

My DS LOVESSSS the sticky buns as well. At the Poly, we never can get down the elevator without him hopping in to see if they have any. When they do, we have an understanding. He can eat 3 and I won't say anything about it.

We haven't stayed Poly CL (yet), but it's good to know they have the sticky buns too......another thing to get me excited about trying it .

How cute that your DS is so excited to get to the lounge to see if there are sticky buns . They are the best, aren't they?? LOL on you not caring that he eats 3 of them .....but that's what vacations are for .

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm on the plane now. Will land at 8:30 tonight. Can't wait for my first stay at GF.

Have a great trip......you're going to love the GF .

 

[followthatmouse]

Hey, all. I hope everyone is healthy and happy and, if at the GF, having a wonderful time.

I do have a little query for my fellow RPCers. While we have stayed at the RPC before, this is the first trip we are using the Planning Office for ADRs. Usually, I am too much of a control freak and rather enjoy handling WDW bookings. This time we would be away from home, computer, phone on the required booking days for certain ADRs. So, we thought, why not let the Planning Office do their thing.

A week out from our 180 day mark and we sent our requests via the email form. We phoned the office with the required info, such as credit card details. All appeared well. They told us a confirmation email would be sent on Nov 7 - the 180 day mark. Well, it is past due. I emailed the office today. Still no word. Is this normal? Should I worry? Am I panicked for no good reason? Is it due to the fact that I haven't had my morning coffee, yet? I know, I know. Pitiful, right?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm on the plane now. Will land at 8:30 tonight. Can't wait for my first stay at GF.

Safe travels! Have a Grand vacation!

That is good to hear . I didn't think they'd get rid of those, but with Disney you never know what changes will be made .



We haven't stayed Poly CL (yet), but it's good to know they have the sticky buns too......another thing to get me excited about trying it .

How cute that your DS is so excited to get to the lounge to see if there are sticky buns . They are the best, aren't they?? LOL on you not caring that he eats 3 of them .....but that's what vacations are for .

Well, now I'm feeling left out! We've never even noticed any sticky buns at any of the CL lounges - but we rarely eat sweet stuff at breakfast, so if they are only out in the morning that would explain it. If they are this popular, sounds like I need to check it out next trip!

Anyone else now pining for the old Sticky Mickey from the CR?!

 

[followthatmouse]

Safe travels! Have a Grand vacation!

Anyone else now pining for the old Sticky Mickey from the CR?!

Yes! Oh, those were the days! I wouldn't be able to fit into my going to Mickey clothes if I indulged my sweet-tooth with a StickyMickey. Ooh, maybe I could find a substitute in my kitchen pantry. Nope, that would be a fool's errand.

 

[tallen429]

I'm loving my SL CL stay and it hasn't even started yet!! LOL!

I've stayed CL several times (not at GF though) but I've never needed to use the Itinerary Planning service.
We are going to the Nov 21 MVMCP and I wanted a dinner res at LTT but couldn't get one...
Bazinga! (All hail Sheldon!) I emailed and they got us 6:35. PERFECT!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Yes! Oh, those were the days! I wouldn't be able to fit into my going to Mickey clothes if I indulged my sweet-tooth with a StickyMickey. Ooh, maybe I could find a substitute in my kitchen pantry. Nope, that would be a fool's errand.

I'm loving my SL CL stay and it hasn't even started yet!! LOL!

I've stayed CL several times (not at GF though) but I've never needed to use the Itinerary Planning service.
We are going to the Nov 21 MVMCP and I wanted a dinner res at LTT but couldn't get one...
Bazinga! (All hail Sheldon!) I emailed and they got us 6:35. PERFECT!

Hail, Sheldon! Won't be long now!