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

[followthatmouse]

Welcome home, k&a&c'smom! Glad everything went well for you and your DS.

DisneyDmbNut, I couldn't agree more! I am trying to think of a rotten day at WDW and I am failing. Granted there may be moments that are less than satisfying, such as getting caught behind a Brazilian tour group in Spaceship Earth or the Haunted Mansion. But, even these moments fade from memory.

 

[bethclayton]

congrats to those of you who have recently booked trips! how wonderful!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Mickeynut1, we have stayed at AKL CL and we absolutely loved it. It exceeded the expectation I had from reading the boards here. I'd love to do it again sometime. I'd be happy to answer any questions for you if I can.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hey fellow GF fans!

I am behind and skimming once again..LOL...

MommyGina HI! I have checked availability from time to time for the summer months also and things have not changed at all..sure seems like thats when then CL refurbs will be going on as.. we suspected...

CandyOrlando 30 days!!!

catflorida

Grannyminnie Enjoyed reading all of your review! Congrats on booking a BB!! More GF to look foward too!!!

PamelaKay Although it sounds like there are not VB available at the moment (there were plenty in the MK when we were there a few weeks ago) ..we have always had luck at Summer Lace on getting bags that we couldnt get in the parks! Hope that you can find yours too!

mousemommy Making changes I see...

Networth Congrats on your upcomming trip..cant think of a bettter place to make memories!

Trisha Seems that the champagne is generally flowing at the GF...LOL...all times of the day...a few years back when DD celebrated her birthday there ..they surprised her with some champagne for breakfast! A nice way to start the day! LOL...

k&a&c'smom How nice that you were able to help your DS get moved.. .. Something tells me you will be making some more visits to the STL area...

MickeyNut It was great catching up with you today! We always burn up the phone lines!!

You are going to love the CR! and I know that your boys will too! Its a fun resort...and really does have a nice pool area ... DD and I are going to be staying there this spring for our mother daughter weekend! (yes we are GF traitors!! Shhh..dont tell anyone!! ) LOL..

I do see an RPC trip in your future... maybe with some gal pals!??? LOL..

AmyKat DisneyDmbNut and KonaKaiTom How nice that you all have trips coming up soon!!

Interesting about the Poly sending guests over to the GF pools while theirs is under construction..I thought that the pools were considerably more crowded this past trip than I have seen before... Should be interesting to see what happens over the summer when more folks are using the pools in general...

Except for BethClayton Beth your pool comment cracked me right up...Eeeewwwww..is all I have to say about that!! LOL..

Hope that you all had a terrific Thrusday...

 

[mickeynut1]

I am trying to think of a rotten day at WDW and I am failing. Granted there may be moments that are less than satisfying, such as getting caught behind a Brazilian tour group in Spaceship Earth or the Haunted Mansion. But, even these moments fade from memory.

Same here......in all of our trips I can't think of a rotten day either . LOL about getting caught behind a Brazilian tour group .

Mickeynut1, we have stayed at AKL CL and we absolutely loved it. It exceeded the expectation I had from reading the boards here. I'd love to do it again sometime. I'd be happy to answer any questions for you if I can.

Thank you so much for this . I have read nothing but great things about AKL CL. We've stayed WL CL and one thing about AKL CL that resembles that is the way the lounge overlooks the lobby. I love that about WL, so I know that is one thing that makes AKL CL appeal to me. I just changed to CR CL today and although I was ok making the change, I can't stop thinking about changing to AKL CL not just for the great CL experience that I have read so much about, but also for the overall atmosphere of the resort/grounds. The Poly is my first choice, but we spend a lot of time at the resort/pool and rumor has it that the volcano pool will be closed at that time, so I'm hesitant to book there . I don't really have any specific questions regarding AKL CL, but if you think of anything to post, please do .

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut It was great catching up with you today! We always burn up the phone lines!!

You are going to love the CR! and I know that your boys will too! Its a fun resort...and really does have a nice pool area ... DD and I are going to be staying there this spring for our mother daughter weekend! (yes we are GF traitors!! Shhh..dont tell anyone!! ) LOL..

I do see an RPC trip in your future... maybe with some gal pals!??? LOL..

Hi Blue .....we were posting at the same time . I enjoyed catching up too.....hopefully we can chat again this weekend (and maybe talk more about a girls GF trip ). As you can see from my post above, I'm torn about the CR. I really want to try it, but I also keep thinking about AKL....LOL. Of course this Poly gal wouldn't have a decision to make if that darn volcano pool wasn't going to be closed .

I think you will enjoy being back at the CR with DD in the spring . Speaking of that, if we stick with our March dates, we will miss each other by about 2 weeks .

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi Fellow GF fans!

Looks like everyone is busy doing other stuff besides spending time on the computer today... lol..

MickeyNut It all sounds good to me :...Although this is the GF thread..and you know I am a tried and true GF Gal...sometimes it is nice to try something different... I do know that you would be at your happy Poly place if not for the construction on your next trip... I will say tho.. we did stay at the GF thru many phases of ist construction...including the pool closing and renovation..Gaspies reno...VGF construction um lets see what else??...LOL......and really still enjoyed the resort as a whole... Uh oh..am I giving you more things to consider... Forgive me!

Bounce Back Info~

I was reading on the Bounce Back thread..and I see that the BB dates have been scaled back quite a bit than in years past...there are only 2 nights in December that are included... I wonder why...??

TGIF ...Hope that you have a nice weekend!

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

Booked our first stay at GF - Feb 2 -9 Normally stay at CR but TPV was all booked so we are trying something new! Hoping that the fireworks view is just as good in GF TPV.

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut It all sounds good to me :...Although this is the GF thread..and you know I am a tried and true GF Gal...sometimes it is nice to try something different... I do know that you would be at your happy Poly place if not for the construction on your next trip... I will say tho.. we did stay at the GF thru many phases of ist construction...including the pool closing and renovation..Gaspies reno...VGF construction um lets see what else??...LOL......and really still enjoyed the resort as a whole... Uh oh..am I giving you more things to consider... Forgive me!

Bounce Back Info~

I was reading on the Bounce Back thread..and I see that the BB dates have been scaled back quite a bit than in years past...there are only 2 nights in December that are included... I wonder why...??

TGIF ...Hope that you have a nice weekend!

I see you have a new ticker . Yes, you are a GF gal....LOL.....but it is sometimes nice to go back to other "tried and true" resorts.....I think you and DD will have a great time at the CR . I am still contemplating the Poly, but we just love the volcano pool and that's one of the main things that draw us to the resort, so it would be hard to be there and not be able to use that pool . Only time will tell where we end up staying .

Thanks for the BB info. I was hoping a BB would be offered in March for December 2014, but only having 2 nights out of all of December isn't good .

Booked our first stay at GF - Feb 2 -9 Normally stay at CR but TPV was all booked so we are trying something new! Hoping that the fireworks view is just as good in GF TPV.

Congrats on booking the GF.....it's a beautiful resort and I'm sure you'll have a great time .

 

[k&a&c'smom]

While it was hard to let go of that RPC deluxe room, I switched resorts for March. As much as I want to get back to RPC, I just couldn't talk myself into keeping it. Even with a 35% discount, the nightly room rate was just under $900/nt .....crazy that I even booked it, but the thrill of scoring a deluxe room with a 35% discount (that was only $10 more a night than a standard RPC room), took over. With that said, the resort (and possibly dates ) are subject to change, but for now we're booked CR CL. My DH wants to try the CR and both of my DSs want to go back to AKL. I took the CR for now because I think AKL CL will be easier to get later on should I decide to switch. The CR room type I wanted hasn't been available for our dates, but after checking today, it was.....so I snagged it. Any opinions or suggestions as far as CR CL vs AKL CL for those who have stayed at one or the other or both? We have stayed at AKL before but not CL, so that would be a different experience this time around.....but the CR would be new all together. The only thing that makes me nervous about the CR is that this might be a resort only trip and my gut is telling me that AKL would be the better choice for that as the theme/decor/surroundings are more tranquil to me. I wish it wasn't so hard to choose....LOL.

Can't say I blame you, the peak season rates are scary high!

You may want to keep the CR, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents regarding AKL CL! For a mostly resort stay, I'd go with AKL CL. We love it, the lounge is beautiful and relaxing, the cast members are great and though you have to stay on the 4th and take the elevator or stairs up to the 6th, it is still wonderful. And it is one of the best CL deals if you snag a discount - you get savanna view AND CL access, often at barely higher than savanna rates!

I have spent a week at AKL CL and only gone into the parks 2 times for a couple hours. Love the resort. My only complaint is the transportation, which used to be one of the best things.

Ummmmm.....so funny!!! I just switched from CR CL back to sugarloaf!

We decided that splitting a trip between WDW and a cruise wasn't for us....just not long enough time at either....

So, we switched August back to our 10 nights back to Sugarloaf and moved our cruise to a 7 night Eastern Caribbean in April 2015!!

I am not at all surprised! Kidding, of course, I get what you mean about not having enough time for either. Ten nights in SL.~sigh~

Sorry I missed this earlier. Glad your DS got moved....hope you had a nice time in STL getting him settled.

....
It's an agency exclusive deal (for a particular travel agency) that comes out almost every year for travel around Labor Day .

Thanks about DS! It was a long 4 days, but we got them moved. He starts his new job on Monday.

Thought I'd add for those asking - that agency exclusive for Labor Day is limited to specific resorts, specific room categories, specific days. If any of that fits the itinerary, it is a great deal!

Welcome home, k&a&c'smom! Glad everything went well for you and your DS.

DisneyDmbNut, I couldn't agree more! I am trying to think of a rotten day at WDW and I am failing. Granted there may be moments that are less than satisfying, such as getting caught behind a Brazilian tour group in Spaceship Earth or the Haunted Mansion. But, even these moments fade from memory.

Thanks!:

Yes, isn't it funny how the "bad" situations at WDW seem to slip your mind when it comes time to book another trip.

Hey fellow GF fans!

I am behind and skimming once again..LOL...

....
k&a&c'smom How nice that you were able to help your DS get moved.. .. Something tells me you will be making some more visits to the STL area...

....
Interesting about the Poly sending guests over to the GF pools while theirs is under construction..I thought that the pools were considerably more crowded this past trip than I have seen before... Should be interesting to see what happens over the summer when more folks are using the pools in general...

Except for BethClayton Beth your pool comment cracked me right up...Eeeewwwww..is all I have to say about that!! LOL..

Hope that you all had a terrific Thrusday...

LOL about skimming! Thanks about the move - yes, I'll be making more trips to STL, my sister will be so happy. I visit her, but probably much more often now that DS is living there, too.

It is going to be interesting to see how crowded the GF pools are this summer. With the new VGF bringing in more guests, and the Poly pool refurb, it might be...!

I second that eeewwww!

.... I have read nothing but great things about AKL CL. We've stayed WL CL and one thing about AKL CL that resembles that is the way the lounge overlooks the lobby. I love that about WL, so I know that is one thing that makes AKL CL appeal to me. I just changed to CR CL today and although I was ok making the change, I can't stop thinking about changing to AKL CL not just for the great CL experience that I have read so much about, but also for the overall atmosphere of the resort/grounds. The Poly is my first choice, but we spend a lot of time at the resort/pool and rumor has it that the volcano pool will be closed at that time, so I'm hesitant to book there. I don't really have any specific questions regarding AKL CL, but if you think of anything to post, please do .

The lounge area is the best part of WL CL for me, too, and it is a big part of the allure of the AKL lounge. Beautiful.

I have to say, we have spent a lot of time at the GF during renovations, as BlueSkies mentioned, but there were instances we chose to go elsewhere for major work. Having the main pool down at the Poly would likely be a deal breaker for us, too. Having to schlep over to the Grand for a swim is not appealing!

Hi Fellow GF fans!

Looks like everyone is busy doing other stuff besides spending time on the computer today... lol..

....
Bounce Back Info~

I was reading on the Bounce Back thread..and I see that the BB dates have been scaled back quite a bit than in years past...there are only 2 nights in December that are included... I wonder why...??

TGIF ...Hope that you have a nice weekend!

Seems to have been a dead day on the FAQ! I am currently in Chicago, oldest DS is having a health problem and I will likely be here for a week or more. The last 2 days have been hectic, but here I am - up with the birds.

Thanks for the BB info. I'm not surprised about the shrinking of dates - seems they've been on that course for a while now. They had so many dates in the summer and October blocked, it was hard for us to find something we liked as it was. We haven't booked a BB in a long while.

Booked our first stay at GF - Feb 2 -9 Normally stay at CR but TPV was all booked so we are trying something new! Hoping that the fireworks view is just as good in GF TPV.

Welcome and congrats on your first GF stay!! I think you will love the resort.

 

[BCV23]

k&a&c'smom, . Prayers for your son.

 

[BlueSkies]

Why is Labor Day so low?? I thought it would be busy.

I am seeing people booking the Poly for $200/nt but with no pool, they are being told they will be bussed to GF

Meant to comment on this before...Oops..LOL..A friend was at the world this year for Labor Day weekend and also commented on the low crowds...I am thinking most people..especially with schoolage children are either back in school...or starting back to school right around this time...so thats probably why there is such a good rate...

I am thinking of maybe adding that to my list of good times to visit WDW...

Booked our first stay at GF - Feb 2 -9 Normally stay at CR but TPV was all booked so we are trying something new! Hoping that the fireworks view is just as good in GF TPV.

Congratualtions on booking your first GF stay..Its such a beautiful resort...but..the fireworks view from the CR especially in a TPV room.. is really the best that there is on property..IMO( well except if you are in the MK that is..LOL..) ...and while there is a nice view from the GF..it cannot compare to that of the CR...there are so many nice things though that the GF has to offer ..Hope that you have a GRAND stay .... just thoguht I'd add..the CR was our all time fave resort..until we stayed at the GF...!!??

k&a&c'smom Sorry to hear that your son is having health issues..sending good thoughts and prayers your way...

Nice that you will be able to visit your DS and sister all in the same place..bet your DS wont mind a home cooked meal at his aunts now and again either...

As for the shrinking BB dates..I really am perplexed..but you are right..it does seem to be the trend... We have gone at the end of November/beginning of December for as long as I can rememeber...and right after Thanksgiving was always a great time to go...low crowds..holiday decorations...discounted room rates...I guess the crowds are picking up enough at this time of year that they have decided no to include them in the BB...Thinking that maybe Labor Day weekend might be the new fave time for us?? Not sure though..I will need to "try" it out first..LOL...

Hey BCV

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a super Saturday!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

k&a&c'smom, . Prayers for your son.

Thank you, dear friend.

Meant to comment on this before...Oops..LOL..A friend was at the world this year for Labor Day weekend and also commented on the low crowds...I am thinking most people..especially with schoolage children are either back in school...or starting back to school right around this time...so thats probably why there is such a good rate...

I am thinking of maybe adding that to my list of good times to visit WDW...


....
k&a&c'smom Sorry to hear that your son is having health issues..sending good thoughts and prayers your way...

Nice that you will be able to visit your DS and sister all in the same place..bet your DS wont mind a home cooked meal at his aunts now and again either...

As for the shrinking BB dates..I really am perplexed..but you are right..it does seem to be the trend... We have gone at the end of November/beginning of December for as long as I can rememeber...and right after Thanksgiving was always a great time to go...low crowds..holiday decorations...discounted room rates...I guess the crowds are picking up enough at this time of year that they have decided no to include them in the BB...Thinking that maybe Labor Day weekend might be the new fave time for us?? Not sure though..I will need to "try" it out first..LOL...

Hey BCV

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a super Saturday!

Thanks.

We have gone around Labor Day twice and it is very low crowds compared to the weeks just previous. As you say, kids are all back in school, and it is right when the hurricane season starts.

Thanks for pointing out for arcticdisneylovers the fireworks views are quite different at the CR than the GF. I meant to say so but forgot. I hope they will love the GF, but the MK views at the CR are awesome! We haven't stayed there but have seen the fireworks from CA Grill often - incredible. I hope the other aspects of the Grand will overcome any disappointments in that regard.

Oh - we used to love going the first week of December, too. We stopped when DD reached HS age, as that was right at the time of the end of semester study and tests. Too bad that will not be included next year, it was a great time in the World.

 

[trishadono]

So sweet

 

[mickeynut1]

You may want to keep the CR, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents regarding AKL CL! For a mostly resort stay, I'd go with AKL CL. We love it, the lounge is beautiful and relaxing, the cast members are great and though you have to stay on the 4th and take the elevator or stairs up to the 6th, it is still wonderful. And it is one of the best CL deals if you snag a discount - you get savanna view AND CL access, often at barely higher than savanna rates!

I have spent a week at AKL CL and only gone into the parks 2 times for a couple hours. Love the resort. My only complaint is the transportation, which used to be one of the best things.

Thanks about DS! It was a long 4 days, but we got them moved. He starts his new job on Monday.

It is going to be interesting to see how crowded the GF pools are this summer. With the new VGF bringing in more guests, and the Poly pool refurb, it might be...!


The lounge area is the best part of WL CL for me, too, and it is a big part of the allure of the AKL lounge. Beautiful.

I have to say, we have spent a lot of time at the GF during renovations, as BlueSkies mentioned, but there were instances we chose to go elsewhere for major work. Having the main pool down at the Poly would likely be a deal breaker for us, too. Having to schlep over to the Grand for a swim is not appealing!

I am currently in Chicago, oldest DS is having a health problem and I will likely be here for a week or more. The last 2 days have been hectic, but here I am - up with the birds.

Thanks for your input on AKL CL . I am so torn because I really want to try the CR, but AKL CL is so appealing (especially since it resembles the WL and we loved WL CL ). But I do agree that AKL would be a better choice for a resort only stay as far as atmosphere/pool......but the CR is great as it's located to so many dining and shopping options.....it's just not an easy decision.

I agree about the GF pool possibly getting very crowded after the Poly pool goes down. My thoughts on staying at the Poly (or any resort) where the main pool is down is that for me, it would be too much trouble to get shuttled over to another resort to swim .

Prayers for your DS.....I hope everything is ok .

As for the shrinking BB dates..I really am perplexed..but you are right..it does seem to be the trend... We have gone at the end of November/beginning of December for as long as I can rememeber...and right after Thanksgiving was always a great time to go...low crowds..holiday decorations...discounted room rates...I guess the crowds are picking up enough at this time of year that they have decided no to include them in the BB...Thinking that maybe Labor Day weekend might be the new fave time for us?? Not sure though..I will need to "try" it out first..LOL...

I agree.....less dates seem to be the trend as far as BBs . I also don't think there is really a "slow" time at Disney anymore....what used to be a good time is getting busier with each passing year. The week before Christmas used to be value season.....now it seems that week is starting to get busy, so Disney saw the need to make that peak season....with holiday rates following . With that said, I think Labor Day would be a nice time to go. We've gone twice at the very end of September/first week of October and it was nice .


Hi BCV23 .

 

[trishadono]

Loved this view from my room

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you so much for this . I have read nothing but great things about AKL CL. We've stayed WL CL and one thing about AKL CL that resembles that is the way the lounge overlooks the lobby. I love that about WL, so I know that is one thing that makes AKL CL appeal to me. I just changed to CR CL today and although I was ok making the change, I can't stop thinking about changing to AKL CL not just for the great CL experience that I have read so much about, but also for the overall atmosphere of the resort/grounds. The Poly is my first choice, but we spend a lot of time at the resort/pool and rumor has it that the volcano pool will be closed at that time, so I'm hesitant to book there . I don't really have any specific questions regarding AKL CL, but if you think of anything to post, please do .

The overlooking of the lobby really is so nice. It made it so relaxing to sit there and enjoy the views, and the whole sense of the resort. Our only other CL experience was at the Poly, and of course, that was awesome, too. (We did go up to see WL CL and I would like to stay there sometime, too; and I was going to try to upgrade to SL at the GF at checkin, but the resort was full that night. They told me to try the next day, but I ditched the idea since we were already doing a split stay.) I also thought the offerings were great. That guava juice was so refreshing! OTOH, we weren't particularly impressed with the Savannah view (animals weren't really around much, not sure why) and the walk to the lounge was a hike, but I'd still do it again as I liked it there a lot. I'll be curious to see how you like the CR CL. I'm sure it will be awesome, too.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Loved this view from my room

How cool to see that outside your window!!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

So sweet

DH just informed me he saw these ladies when he went to get us coffee one morning. First I've heard of it! There are some fun and unique things around the GF, for sure! That's what I love about trying different Disney resorts - so many things that even when you study ahead of time, may still pleasantly surprise you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

trishadono - thanks for the photos, they are beautiful!

Thanks for your input on AKL CL . I am so torn because I really want to try the CR, but AKL CL is so appealing (especially since it resembles the WL and we loved WL CL ). But I do agree that AKL would be a better choice for a resort only stay as far as atmosphere/pool......but the CR is great as it's located to so many dining and shopping options.....it's just not an easy decision.

I agree about the GF pool possibly getting very crowded after the Poly pool goes down. My thoughts on staying at the Poly (or any resort) where the main pool is down is that for me, it would be too much trouble to get shuttled over to another resort to swim .

Prayers for your DS.....I hope everything is ok .



I agree.....less dates seem to be the trend as far as BBs . I also don't think there is really a "slow" time at Disney anymore....what used to be a good time is getting busier with each passing year. The week before Christmas used to be value season.....now it seems that week is starting to get busy, so Disney saw the need to make that peak season....with holiday rates following . With that said, I think Labor Day would be a nice time to go. We've gone twice at the very end of September/first week of October and it was nice .


...

Thanks about DS.

It is a dilemma! A good one, but still hard to decide. I can see what you mean about CR's location - it's hard to beat the MK area, for sure. Being at AKL leaves you with far fewer dining choices. Sounds like the CR might be your best bet for this trip, AKL CL for another.

Being shuttled to another resort for a swim has always sounded like a pain to me! I've never understood why anyone would want to do it if it wasn't necessary. The USO resorts not only allow pool hopping, they encourage it - and we've never done it!

You have put your finger right on it in regards to the "slow seasons" - don't seem to be any now! I, too, am sad the week before Christmas has gone from value to peak, we loved going that week.

The overlooking of the lobby really is so nice. It made it so relaxing to sit there and enjoy the views, and the whole sense of the resort. Our only other CL experience was at the Poly, and of course, that was awesome, too. (We did go up to see WL CL and I would like to stay there sometime, too; and I was going to try to upgrade to SL at the GF at checkin, but the resort was full that night. They told me to try the next day, but I ditched the idea since we were already doing a split stay.) I also thought the offerings were great. That guava juice was so refreshing! OTOH, we weren't particularly impressed with the Savannah view (animals weren't really around much, not sure why) and the walk to the lounge was a hike, but I'd still do it again as I liked it there a lot. I'll be curious to see how you like the CR CL. I'm sure it will be awesome, too.

Oh, how disappointing you didn't see much of the animals! We usually see them quite a bit, but if I recall, there has been at least one trip in which we had this same problem. Didn't time it right, or something.

Isn't the lounge gorgeous?! It is less convenient now that the only resort CL rooms are on the 4th, but I honestly didn't mind the walk, the resort is so beautiful. Of course, I was rarely in a hurry to get to the parks - that is more frustrating, especially if you have to wait for an elevator. And it is harder to just pop into the lounge when you are hanging out in the room, enjoying the view. Still, we are very fond of AKL CL and usually rate it as 2nd to the Grand, although now that we've tried YC's, it's a tough call.