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

[DisneyDmbNut]

I forgot to mention this..

Before my last trip, there was a discussion here about the new bedding at GF. WL has the same triple sheet with bed scarf.. The first night, I was freezing!! I LOVE a cold room, but I couldn't get warm. My DD had the extra blanket from the closet (which was so nice!!) so I had housekeeping bring me another. I guess I could have turned the AC up.. But I do like to sleep in a cold room...

If you get cold at night, make sure to request an extra blanket!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Sometimes they are good suggestions, but more often it is your knowledge of the GF .

Very sweet of you to say so. Much of what I've learned about the GF I've read here over the years.

First thanks for all the great info.

DVC member (not VGF), and thought I would never stay at GF in any fashion, a combination of not my style, and being more than a little cheap.

Fast forward to the DVC 7 month window, I on a whim I checked availability of VGF for June. What a surprise, lots of 2 BRs available. Still the point were much higher than other 2 bedrooms. Then I realized that for other DVCs we needed a 2br and a studio for our vacation with extended family (10+ and infant) and a lock off 2br would fit all of us (crowded). Booked 3 nights, as I thought that many in a 2br would get old quick. standard view of course since I am cheap. We always do split stays so we are headed for BCV after VGF fro 5 more days.

I then looked at the rack rates for the 2br, does anyone ever consider paying cash? wow

So this gets me back to having stayed at all the WDW DVCs what a surprise, at least until Poly DVC opens

How very exciting!! I'm glad you were able to make VGF work with your budget and style. LOL about being cheap - I try to find the best discount possible, whatever resorts I choose.

I think you will love the resort, and especially the new VGF. The rooms are gorgeous, especially the bathrooms.

You are right about the cash reservations - wow, indeed!

I forgot to mention this..

Before my last trip, there was a discussion here about the new bedding at GF. WL has the same triple sheet with bed scarf.. The first night, I was freezing!! I LOVE a cold room, but I couldn't get warm. My DD had the extra blanket from the closet (which was so nice!!) so I had housekeeping bring me another. I guess I could have turned the AC up.. But I do like to sleep in a cold room...

If you get cold at night, make sure to request an extra blanket!!

Good tip!

We do not like to turn up the a/c, either, with the way the WDW resort thermostats work. They tend to shut off if there is no movement in the room, I often wake up sweating and have to get up so the a/c will turn on. We like to keep the room cooler than we like initially, the spread was used periodically through the night to keep us warm (then thrown off when the a/c quit, lol). If the same bedding is in place on our next trip, I'll just call down for extra blankets when we arrive.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Amen about the bacon. We have yet to find decent bacon in the World, what's up with that?! LOL about the punch of calories, Tonga Toast is sugar overload for me. We do not get it often, even though we love b'fast at Kona. Usually split the mac nut pancakes and eggs benedict, and of course, have a press pot and Lilikoi juice!

I am planning one TS bfst for our upcoming trip and it will be for Kona. I have yet to try the macadamia nut pancakes but it is TOP priority this year at Kona. Since I will do CCs to-go for my Tonga Toast fix, it will leave me open to try those luscious looking pancakes.....and of course a press pot of Kona coffee!!!!!! On our last trip, we did our first Kona bfst and they were so good with DD's food allergies, too

I thought about an ADR at GFC but the description of their citrus pancakes gives me the impression that it may have orange peel/zest in them. I really do not like orange peel/zest. Love oranges but hate anything to do with the peel Am I incorrect? Have you tried the citrus pancakes at GFC?

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I forgot to mention this..

Before my last trip, there was a discussion here about the new bedding at GF. WL has the same triple sheet with bed scarf.. The first night, I was freezing!! I LOVE a cold room, but I couldn't get warm. My DD had the extra blanket from the closet (which was so nice!!) so I had housekeeping bring me another. I guess I could have turned the AC up.. But I do like to sleep in a cold room...

If you get cold at night, make sure to request an extra blanket!!

We also like a cold room for sleeping. Because of the new bedding, I think I am going to jump on that Disney Store sale today and order a round of long sleeve/flannel pant pjs for the family. It will be Christmas gifts that will work great for our summer trip to GF as well. (like I needed an excuse to buy Disney pjs.......)

 

[DisneyBelle99]

Thanks for all these beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian. Our son worked there in Concierge back in the late 90s? early 2000s. We had taken him to WDW a few times as a kid, and we stayed at the GF when he was a young teenager. It was such a pleasure to stay there when he was there, too!

We just did a trip in September, and one of my favorite pictures of me is the one sitting in the Lobby, surrounded by all that beauty.

We are DVC members at BLT, but something tells me the next points we add will be you know where!

 

[mickeynut1]

First thanks for all the great info.

DVC member (not VGF), and thought I would never stay at GF in any fashion, a combination of not my style, and being more than a little cheap.

Fast forward to the DVC 7 month window, I on a whim I checked availability of VGF for June. What a surprise, lots of 2 BRs available. Still the point were much higher than other 2 bedrooms. Then I realized that for other DVCs we needed a 2br and a studio for our vacation with extended family (10+ and infant) and a lock off 2br would fit all of us (crowded). Booked 3 nights, as I thought that many in a 2br would get old quick. standard view of course since I am cheap. We always do split stays so we are headed for BCV after VGF fro 5 more days.

I then looked at the rack rates for the 2br, does anyone ever consider paying cash? wow

So this gets me back to having stayed at all the WDW DVCs what a surprise, at least until Poly DVC opens

Glad you were able to book VGF . I'm sure you will have a great stay as the villas look amazing .

Much of what I've learned about the GF I've read here over the years.

Same here.....I've learned a lot from just reading here over the years .

Thanks for all these beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian. Our son worked there in Concierge back in the late 90s? early 2000s. We had taken him to WDW a few times as a kid, and we stayed at the GF when he was a young teenager. It was such a pleasure to stay there when he was there, too!

We just did a trip in September, and one of my favorite pictures of me is the one sitting in the Lobby, surrounded by all that beauty.

We are DVC members at BLT, but something tells me the next points we add will be you know where!

How nice that your son worked at the GF and you were able to stay there during that time . I love the GF lobby....it has a beautiful atmosphere and it's relaxing sitting there watching people come and go .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I am planning one TS bfst for our upcoming trip and it will be for Kona. I have yet to try the macadamia nut pancakes but it is TOP priority this year at Kona. Since I will do CCs to-go for my Tonga Toast fix, it will leave me open to try those luscious looking pancakes.....and of course a press pot of Kona coffee!!!!!! On our last trip, we did our first Kona bfst and they were so good with DD's food allergies, too

I thought about an ADR at GFC but the description of their citrus pancakes gives me the impression that it may have orange peel/zest in them. I really do not like orange peel/zest. Love oranges but hate anything to do with the peel Am I incorrect? Have you tried the citrus pancakes at GFC?

You mean...these?!

Couldn't resist! HAHAHA! They are delicious, can't say whether the batter had orange peel. Possibly the butter, I'll have to ask DD. As I was reading your post, I wondered if you had tried GFC - breakfast is our favorite meal there, we always have delicious food and the lattes are my DD's favorite in the World.

Kona is our second fave - or, maybe a tie, not sure.

ETA: Here's the allears menu description,

Citrus Pancakes - Roasted Pecan and Sun-dried Cranberry Pancakes served with House-made Orange Butter with choice of Bacon or Sausage $12.49

Sounds like the pancakes themselves do not have any orange, but the butter may have some peel along with the orange flavor. I would ask for it on the side, just in case.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mickeynut - I know, there have been so many knowledgeable posters over the years. As things at the Grand change regularly, it's nice we still have lots of GF lovers to help us all keep up.

Thanks for all these beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian. Our son worked there in Concierge back in the late 90s? early 2000s. We had taken him to WDW a few times as a kid, and we stayed at the GF when he was a young teenager. It was such a pleasure to stay there when he was there, too!

We just did a trip in September, and one of my favorite pictures of me is the one sitting in the Lobby, surrounded by all that beauty.

We are DVC members at BLT, but something tells me the next points we add will be you know where!

How wonderful your son worked at the Grand, and that you were able to stay there while he was a CM. My DD dreamed of working at WDW as a little girl, but it didn't fit in with her college schedule. Phooey. Our niece worked there one year, though, I think at AKL - her parents enjoyed going down to visit her and see the World! She was still there for one of our trips, so we took her to CA Grill, which she enjoyed very much.

Good luck with your decision about adding on at VGF. They are gorgeous!

 

[DisneyFave]

Hey y'all! Thanks for all the great info on this thread. Just checked into big pine jey and am so excited! I have a question though--are all the room painted this white color? I saw wallpaper online and was hoping for that, but the CM said "all rooms look the same"...?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey y'all! Thanks for all the great info on this thread. Just checked into big pine jey and am so excited! I have a question though--are all the room painted this white color? I saw wallpaper online and was hoping for that, but the CM said "all rooms look the same"...?

Hmmm - no, most rooms have the wallpaper. I know some of the dormer rooms have at least one wall painted.

Is your room one of the dormers? Meaning, is it on an upper floor, has an enclosed balcony and a vaulted ceiling? Like this (originally posted by gilsan):

 

[DisneyFave]

Hmmm - no, most rooms have the wallpaper. I know some of the dormer rooms have at least one wall painted. Is your room one of the dormers? Meaning, is it on an upper floor, has an enclosed balcony and a vaulted ceiling? Like this (originally posted by gilsan):

Ahhhh yes--you're right! I think I'll ask to switch to a non-dormer... Thanks so much for your help. So nice that this board provides quicker and more accurate info than guest relations does!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ahhhh yes--you're right! I think I'll ask to switch to a non-dormer... Thanks so much for your help. So nice that this board provides quicker and more accurate info than guest relations does!

I know, we sometimes have to tell the CMs when something is available - at all the resorts. Not always their fault, if they haven't toured the rooms it is hard for them to know what is in all of them.

One thing you may want to keep in mind - the dormer rooms in BPK have a great view of the upper fireworks. Check out this link of dormer photos, here's a sample:

Of course, there are upper floor rooms (4th floor) that are not dormers that would likely have a similar view.

 

[mickeynut1]

As things at the Grand change regularly, it's nice we still have lots of GF lovers to help us all keep up.

I agree .

Hey y'all! Thanks for all the great info on this thread. Just checked into big pine jey and am so excited!

We stayed in BPK and loved it!!!! Have a great time .

 

[Welcome Home]

Thanks for all the help with the Afternoon Tea from room service question. We have a cabana planned for the afternoon that we arrive. Maybe we can get it delivered there with some champagne!

 

[followthatmouse]

Sorry it has taken me so long to post these. DD had an emergency tonsillectomy.

Ooh, I hope all is well and your DD is now enjoying a surfeit of ice cream.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

You mean...these?!

Couldn't resist! HAHAHA! They are delicious, can't say whether the batter had orange peel. Possibly the butter, I'll have to ask DD. As I was reading your post, I wondered if you had tried GFC - breakfast is our favorite meal there, we always have delicious food and the lattes are my DD's favorite in the World.

Kona is our second fave - or, maybe a tie, not sure.

ETA: Here's the allears menu description,

Citrus Pancakes - Roasted Pecan and Sun-dried Cranberry Pancakes served with House-made Orange Butter with choice of Bacon or Sausage $12.49

Sounds like the pancakes themselves do not have any orange, but the butter may have some peel along with the orange flavor. I would ask for it on the side, just in case.

OF COURSE you had a picture You are awesome! But hey---where's the pic of the yummy macadamia nut pancakes or the flabby bacon???? LOL One of these days I will tackle the whole "posting pictures" thing. Hey, I have been on these boards since 2005 and haven't gotten around to it yet. I can be quite the procrastinator.......

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Thanks for all the help with the Afternoon Tea from room service question. We have a cabana planned for the afternoon that we arrive. Maybe we can get it delivered there with some champagne!

Oh---that sounds wonderful! When are you going again? I hope it is soon so that we can get a full review of both the room service tea as well as the cabana

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for all the help with the Afternoon Tea from room service question. We have a cabana planned for the afternoon that we arrive. Maybe we can get it delivered there with some champagne!

You are welcome!: I hope it all works out, and the tea is still available by Private Dining - they sometimes take a whim to discontinue things, but hopefully... The best bet is to call a day in advance, the number is on the first post, or let us know - somebody will post it.

OF COURSE you had a picture You are awesome! But hey---where's the pic of the yummy macadamia nut pancakes or the flabby bacon???? LOL One of these days I will tackle the whole "posting pictures" thing. Hey, I have been on these boards since 2005 and haven't gotten around to it yet. I can be quite the procrastinator.......

Like zees?!

Your wish is my command! Two for one - oh, and a couple potato wedges for good measure. (we ordered a side, I think, and split)

LOL about the procrastinating. You are in good company, I have a hard time making myself do things.

Oh---that sounds wonderful! When are you going again? I hope it is soon so that we can get a full review of both the room service tea as well as the cabana

 

[Pea-n-Me]

All this talk about the Afternoon Tea makes me regretful that we didn't have more time to do it this past trip. It was something I really wanted to try. I think it would be very nice on a private balcony - or in the dining room. Next time.

And speaking of bacon. Best bacon with breakfast I had this trip was from.... Drumroll, please.... Picabu's at the Dolphin! Large, thick pieces of perfectly cooked, crispy bacon! Yum!

 

[Welcome Home]

Oh---that sounds wonderful! When are you going again? I hope it is soon so that we can get a full review of both the room service tea as well as the cabana

We arrive Tuesday, April 29th so it will be a little while. I hit 180 a couple weeks ago. I will try to remember to do a live update while I am lounging with an adult beverage.