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

[BlueSkies]

Hello fellow GF fans!

MickeyNut Working on those dates my friend!!

grannyminnie Safe travels I agree with MickeyNut Looking forward to hearing some trip details...

FzesandTylersNana There should be chestnuts available around your trip time...Not really a fan of the way they taste..but there is something so Christmassy about those way roasting chestnuts smell...

ScottMc Asked about room reno info on our recent trip..and what the CMs said is that the unofficial word is that they should begin in January ...so no definite info...and based on the lack of availability of CL rooms in SL in June and RPC in July we are guessing that that's when they are planning to renovate those particular rooms...

As for the blue bed scarves (they are a very pretty shade of deep blue)...while they don't really match the current colors scheme...if they carry the color scheme from VGF to the renovated rooms the colors should blend very well...true that is not particularly Victorian looking.. it does look nice and crip and clean tho..lol.....and I am thinking that based on what accessories they add..decorative pillows etc...given the general attention to detail...the rooms will continue to have that overall Victorian feel...but only time will tell.... Now if they would just HURRY...LOL...

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut Working on those dates my friend!!

Hopefully we can make something work .

 

[Tink rules]

No, it doesn't look out of place in my opinion. And contrary to past concerns about the new bedding, I never got cold at night. As for what I heard on the timing of renos, some of the buildings will be done by mid-May, while RPC and SL did not have a definite start date, according to a CM friend of ours in SL.

Hello, Blue...the new ticker has got to wait a bit...I'm headed out of town again!

When they do the renos... they will take one whole building out at a time. That way they can work and not be in the way too much of the guests. that's what they did at the poly... at the other resorts... they will often take out a floor at a time... but they are mostly in one bigger building

 

[mommyrosa2]

Looking for opinions on a specialty (fireworks) cruise...anyone booked one? Was it worth it? Thinking that might be a fun thing to surprise my DD's with for their birthdays and would love to hear some feedback. TIA

 

[bama belle]

Looking for opinions on a specialty (fireworks) cruise...anyone booked one? Was it worth it? Thinking that might be a fun thing to surprise my DD's with for their birthdays and would love to hear some feedback. TIA

We did the Illuminations cruise in July for DS's 12th birthday. We had friends meet us that day so there were 8 of us. They provide snacks and I pre-ordered some adult beverages also. We loved it!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Looking for opinions on a specialty (fireworks) cruise...anyone booked one? Was it worth it? Thinking that might be a fun thing to surprise my DD's with for their birthdays and would love to hear some feedback. TIA

Not sure which cruise that you were thinking about..as there are a few nice options...the pontoon boats..there are 2 sizes one can accommodate up to 8 people and one up to 10 people.. provide snacks and beverages..and range from about $300 to $350 dollars...

I think it is a great way to spend and evening and would be a very nice surprise for your DD...

There is also a specialty cruise on the Grand 1...which is a beautiful yacht..and holds up to about 18 people This is a bit more costly...about $550 for an hour.....

I think that any of the cruises are worth it for a celebration...it is wonderful to enjoy the magic in your very own personal way..You can also order form private dining for the cruise...maybe have a birthday cake for your DD duing the cruise..or desserts....if you contact PD they will email you a menu of what is available...

Happy planning...sounds like your DD is going to have a memorable birthday!

Hi CandyOrlando Meant to say that the other day...Oops!

MickeyNut Disney in the spring time is so fun and flowery!!!

Hi to all of my fellow GF Fans..TGIF!!

 

[kittyab]

I wonder about the Illuminations cruise.... it says you cant bring your own food and that you can book for food. Can you use your meal plan for the food?

 

[followthatmouse]

Okay, last night I sat there, phone in hand and booked a Christmas visit to the GF! My DM and I had so much fun last time, we couldn't resist! Oh, my, we even squealed like five-year-olds, "We're going to Disney World!" and all that!



It's the first time we have booked more than one visit in a calendar year. It's fair to say that 2014 will be a year full of Mice and other interesting characters.

 

[Lisann]

Anyone ever stayed in one of the outer bldg deluxe garden view rooms? The ones with the little sitting room? They used to be called Lodge Tower rooms. My sister and I are debating on whether to change our BC ressie to the GF. We love the Grand. No question about it.

 

[dansdad]

I wonder about the Illuminations cruise.... it says you cant bring your own food and that you can book for food. Can you use your meal plan for the food?

No, you can't use any dining credits for the food they provide. Now, you could use your dining credits for a bunch of snacks or some CS meals and bring them onto the cruise.

 

[kittyab]

No, you can't use any dining credits for the food they provide. Now, you could use your dining credits for a bunch of snacks or some CS meals and bring them onto the cruise.

I thought I read you couldn't bring your own food & drink on the cruise?

 

[dansdad]

I thought I read you couldn't bring your own food & drink on the cruise?

Maybe it's changed then. We did one in 2005 and brought some snacks with us.

 

[mickeynut1]

There is also a specialty cruise on the Grand 1...which is a beautiful yacht..and holds up to about 18 people This is a bit more costly...about $550 for an hour.....

MickeyNut Disney in the spring time is so fun and flowery!!!

I think the Grand 1 is a great option and although it is more expensive than the other specialty cruises, it's not only a beautiful yacht, but it's a great way to celebrate a special occasion (IMO) if you want to really splurge .

I agree about spring time.....it's a great time to go .

Okay, last night I sat there, phone in hand and booked a Christmas visit to the GF! My DM and I had so much fun last time, we couldn't resist! Oh, my, we even squealed like five-year-olds, "We're going to Disney World!" and all that!

Congrats on booking a Christmas visit to the Grand .....you're going to have an amazing trip .

Anyone ever stayed in one of the outer bldg deluxe garden view rooms? The ones with the little sitting room? They used to be called Lodge Tower rooms. My sister and I are debating on whether to change our BC ressie to the GF. We love the Grand. No question about it.

I can't give an opinion on the deluxe room as we've never stayed in one, but if it were me, I'd switch to the GF. We've stayed at the BC and although we had a great stay and loved the resort, the GF would be my choice between the two as I like the atmosphere more and you can't beat being so close to MK (IMO) .

 

[Networth]

Going down with my GF for a surprise proposal trip and I realllllly want a king bed. One of the few times in my life where I really care about bed type. I had the CM put in a request but said there is no guarantee. I am going to call the restaurant a week before we arrive. Anyone know the proceeding on how they assign rooms or any tips to get bed choice? I even tried to pay extra but the CM said she saw nothing that can 100% guarantee me a king. Thanks!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Not sure which cruise that you were thinking about..as there are a few nice options...the pontoon boats..there are 2 sizes one can accommodate up to 8 people and one up to 10 people.. provide snacks and beverages..and range from about $300 to $350 dollars...

I think it is a great way to spend and evening and would be a very nice surprise for your DD...

There is also a specialty cruise on the Grand 1...which is a beautiful yacht..and holds up to about 18 people This is a bit more costly...about $550 for an hour.....

I think that any of the cruises are worth it for a celebration...it is wonderful to enjoy the magic in your very own personal way..You can also order form private dining for the cruise...maybe have a birthday cake for your DD duing
the cruise..or desserts....if you contact PD they will email you a menu of what is available...

Happy planning...sounds like your DD is going to have a memorable birthday!

Thank you.... I'm going to call for some information...don't think I want the illuminations cruise but would rather be in the MK area if they have a cruise to see those fireworks. I do like the idea of making it a dessert party too.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, GF lovers! I've been busy lately, sorry I haven't had time to check in until today. Drove home from Chicago on Thursday and had much laundry to do yesterday. I'm wiped out.

Going down with my GF for a surprise proposal trip and I realllllly want a king bed. One of the few times in my life where I really care about bed type. I had the CM put in a request but said there is no guarantee. I am going to call the restaurant a week before we arrive. Anyone know the proceeding on how they assign rooms or any tips to get bed choice? I even tried to pay extra but the CM said she saw nothing that can 100% guarantee me a king. Thanks!

There is now a computerized room assignment system, although I think the room assignor can block out your room a few days in advance. The problem is, it won't be "your" room until you check in - that means they can pull it for anyone prior to your arrival and reassign you. Lately, they have been trying to do what they call "ready room assignment", where they assign rooms that have been cleared by mousekeeping as each guest arrives. It puts guests in their rooms almost immediately.

The only way to guarantee a king room is to book a deluxe king - main building, and that is very expensive!

The best advice I can give is to add your proposal to the reservation (they should be able to put it in the notes). Then, at check in, send your DGF away and talk with the CM about it. Hopefully, they'll be able to spread some pixie dust.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello, GF lovers! I've been busy lately, sorry I haven't had time to check in until today. Drove home from Chicago on Thursday and had much laundry to do yesterday. I'm wiped out.

Hi k&a&c'smom ....it's nice to "see" you back. Hope you had a nice time away .

 

[BlueSkies]

Going down with my GF for a surprise proposal trip and I realllllly want a king bed. One of the few times in my life where I really care about bed type. I had the CM put in a request but said there is no guarantee. I am going to call the restaurant a week before we arrive. Anyone know the proceeding on how they assign rooms or any tips to get bed choice? I even tried to pay extra but the CM said she saw nothing that can 100% guarantee me a king. Thanks!

The first thing that I would do is to be sure that this is listed on your reservation as the first request...also did you list the engagement as the celebration on your ressie..if not I would add that too...I don't think that it would do any harm to fax your request about a week before hand either?? As k&a&c'smom has said there is a king room in a bookable category..but it is club level and and a lot more costly...

Congrats again on your upcoming engagement!! I am sure that it will be a magical trip!!

Thank you.... I'm going to call for some information...don't think I want the illuminations cruise but would rather be in the MK area if they have a cruise to see those fireworks. I do like the idea of making it a dessert party too.

You are very welcome! The cruises really are very nice!

Okay, last night I sat there, phone in hand and booked a Christmas visit to the GF! My DM and I had so much fun last time, we couldn't resist! Oh, my, we even squealed like five-year-olds, "We're going to Disney World!" and all that!



It's the first time we have booked more than one visit in a calendar year. It's fair to say that 2014 will be a year full of Mice and other interesting characters.

Congratulations!!! The only thing better than one trip to Disney is two trip!!!!

Anyone ever stayed in one of the outer bldg deluxe garden view rooms? The ones with the little sitting room? They used to be called Lodge Tower rooms. My sister and I are debating on whether to change our BC ressie to the GF. We love the Grand. No question about it.

Have never stayed at the BC...so I cant compare..but the deluxe aka lodge tower rooms at the GF are very nice..that extra sitting area gives you a great bit of extra space..and extra TV...love seat...extra space for sitting and relaxing right in the room.. lots of extras!! lol....

MickeyNut I agree the Grand 1 is especially nice way to view the fireworks... I know that I have some photos of the fun that we had on our cruise . My fave was taken on the bow and if I am not mistaken you are standing right next to me! LOL...

k&a&c'smom Welcome back!!

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

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut I agree the Grand 1 is especially nice way to view the fireworks... I know that I have some photos of the fun that we had on our cruise . My fave was taken on the bow and if I am not mistaken you are standing right next to me! LOL...

I know just the pic you're referring to as I have the same one and yes....that is one of my favs too . That was an awesome trip with a great group of gals (and the fireworks cruise was loads of fun as we had a fun captain ).

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Going down with my GF for a surprise proposal trip and I realllllly want a king bed. One of the few times in my life where I really care about bed type. I had the CM put in a request but said there is no guarantee. I am going to call the restaurant a week before we arrive. Anyone know the proceeding on how they assign rooms or any tips to get bed choice? I even tried to pay extra but the CM said she saw nothing that can 100% guarantee me a king. Thanks!

My one caution would be this: if you are going to add the engagement onto your reservation, make sure you send your GF to the lobby or somewhere BEFORE you step up to the check-in desk. It would be very upsetting for you if the eager, happy CM happens to wish you and your GF a Congrats on the engagement thus spoiling your surprise. KWIM? Have a wonderful trip and don't get too fixated on the bed type. There is always the honeymoon.....