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

[trishadono]

In case you didn't see it, the passholder discount is out for 1/4-4/12/13. Spent the morning looking but so far keeping what I have.


Good luck to those trying for a good rate.

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi there Blue . Thanks on the ticker instructions.....I try to help when I can . I would love to add another ticker.....just let me know when .



I can't be of help, but I'm sure someone will be able to answer your question .



Can't wait to hear the details of your next trip . Safe travels as you go out of town again.

Hi, Mickeynut and Blue! Tried working on the new ticker, but haven't got it yet... So techno-challenged on here sometimes...
We going back the first part of May (unless I change that to late April) and also have booked that agency special near Labor Day! Love having two trips planned...

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi, Mickeynut and Blue! Tried working on the new ticker, but haven't got it yet... So techno-challenged on here sometimes...
We going back the first part of May (unless I change that to late April) and also have booked that agency special near Labor Day! Love having two trips planned...

Hi there grannyminnie . How exciting to have 2 trips to look forward to next year .....you can never have too many trips planned. Don't hesitate to ask any questions should you have trouble getting your tickers done .

 

[BlueSkies]

In case you didn't see it, the passholder discount is out for 1/4-4/12/13. Spent the morning looking but so far keeping what I have.


Good luck to those trying for a good rate.

thanks trisha The nice thing about the passholder R/O is that you can add dining to it too...and I think the discount is 37% at the deluxes...

Hi, Mickeynut and Blue! Tried working on the new ticker, but haven't got it yet... So techno-challenged on here sometimes...
We going back the first part of May (unless I change that to late April) and also have booked that agency special near Labor Day! Love having two trips planned...

Yay for two trips grannyminnie Thats great!!!! Sorry about the "ticker troubles" lol..I am no help... challanged here too ..but our good friend MickeyNut is pretty savy!

Hi there grannyminnie . How exciting to have 2 trips to look forward to next year .....you can never have too many trips planned. Don't hesitate to ask any questions should you have trouble getting your tickers done .

Hey you! How are you doing with your trip planning??

~Dining Suggestsions...

I am now trying to plan the dining for our spring trip... You know..its always about the food... lol..DD and I have our faves..but I always like to try one new thing..or something that we havent tried in a while just to mix things up a little... So fellow foodies..any suggestions??? At Cinderumbrella's suggestion we tried LTT for lunch last year..and that is now on the must do list..sooo much better than dinner.... Thinking of maybe Tony's...but I have read very mixed reviews on this..?? I am making a list...checking it twice..oh no wait not that list...lol..planning is truly half the fun!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans had a nice relaxing weekend...

 

[bama belle]

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 was just looking into these too...does anyone know how many there are in each building and where they are located? Also, do they all have balconies?

 

[MommyGina]

Hello to all my friends! I've been following along reading. Busy time in my life. DS accepted to 3 universities so far. Try to plan his Eagle Scout Board of review for this weekend, and have Thanksgiving at my house!

I just watched a video of the GF Gingerbread house. Does anyone know if you can send away for the goodies that they sell there? I don't think I've ever seen that mentioned before.

Have a good day my friends and for all of us in the East in the freezing cold, stay warm!

 

[princessmocha]

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.

WOO HOO!!!! Are you going 2013 Christmas or 2014 Christmas? We will be there 2013 Christmas and we have less than a month until we get there. I couldn't be more excited!!!! I know it is a crazy time, but I don't care. Crazy is my middle name most days!

 

[princessmocha]

~Dining Suggestsions...

I am now trying to plan the dining for our spring trip... You know..its always about the food... lol..DD and I have our faves..but I always like to try one new thing..or something that we havent tried in a while just to mix things up a little... So fellow foodies..any suggestions??? At Cinderumbrella's suggestion we tried LTT for lunch last year..and that is now on the must do list..sooo much better than dinner.... Thinking of maybe Tony's...but I have read very mixed reviews on this..?? I am making a list...checking it twice..oh no wait not that list...lol..planning is truly half the fun!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans had a nice relaxing weekend...

We are doing Crystal Palace for the first time ever this Christmas, but I have heard good things about it. One of our favorite places (and it is a burger and shakes kinda place) is Sci-Fi Dine In Theater in DHS. We aren't going this trip, which has my family a little ticked, but we are trying a bunch of places we've never been. I am most excited about O'Hana and Narcoosee's. I'm just hoping my very picky son with like something at Narcoosee's.

This is our Itinerary of places to eat this trip:
Liberty Tree Tavern - Lunch
1900 Park Fare - Dinner
50s Prime Time Cafe - Lunch
O'hana - Dinner
Crystal Palace - Breakfast
Le Cellier - Dinner
Chef Mickey's - Breakfast
Biergarten - Lunch
Narcoosee's - Dinner
Kona Cafe - Breakfast
(I think I need the gaining 10lbs in 5 days smiley!)

I can always let you know what I think if any of these places interest you.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

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

k&a&c'smom Welcome back!!

Thanks to you both! It's good to be back.

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.....

Good tip.

In case you didn't see it, the passholder discount is out for 1/4-4/12/13. Spent the morning looking but so far keeping what I have.


Good luck to those trying for a good rate.

thanks trisha The nice thing about the passholder R/O is that you can add dining to it too...and I think the discount is 37% at the deluxes...

Thanks for the added info!

....
We going back the first part of May (unless I change that to late April) and also have booked that agency special near Labor Day! Love having two trips planned...

Two trips, woohoo!!

....

~Dining Suggestsions...

I am now trying to plan the dining for our spring trip... You know..its always about the food... lol..DD and I have our faves..but I always like to try one new thing..or something that we havent tried in a while just to mix things up a little... So fellow foodies..any suggestions??? At Cinderumbrella's suggestion we tried LTT for lunch last year..and that is now on the must do list..sooo much better than dinner.... Thinking of maybe Tony's...but I have read very mixed reviews on this..?? I am making a list...checking it twice..oh no wait not that list...lol..planning is truly half the fun!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans had a nice relaxing weekend...

Are you looking for MK suggestions, or WDW in general? We have a few go-to places on property, and some off. Love Raglan Road, we didn't try it for years but now try to go every trip. Just realized we enjoy ESPN Club, the food is good and prices reasonable. Hollywood Brown Derby is a long time fave, and usually pretty easy to get in last minute. Earl of Sandwich is delicious and extremely reasonable. Cali Grill, Citricos for Signature - and Le Cellier is always good. Love the sushi bar at Kona.

We have more, if you are interested!

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....

I was just looking into these too...does anyone know how many there are in each building and where they are located? Also, do they all have balconies?

I've not stayed in one, but there are photos on the first page. BlueSkies gave a good description of them. I'm pretty sure the deluxe garden view rooms do not have a balcony (other than some in SL), but need to verify.

Hello to all my friends! I've been following along reading. Busy time in my life. DS accepted to 3 universities so far. Try to plan his Eagle Scout Board of review for this weekend, and have Thanksgiving at my house!

I just watched a video of the GF Gingerbread house. Does anyone know if you can send away for the goodies that they sell there? I don't think I've ever seen that mentioned before.

Have a good day my friends and for all of us in the East in the freezing cold, stay warm!

YAY for DS, I hope his first choice is in there.

Not sure, but I thought I have read of DISers calling the Guest Merchandise number and having things shipped. I could be mistaken.

Pretty cold here in the Midwest, too, ick. Stay warm!! (I need a fireplace smilie! lol)

WOO HOO!!!! Are you going 2013 Christmas or 2014 Christmas? We will be there 2013 Christmas and we have less than a month until we get there. I couldn't be more excited!!!! I know it is a crazy time, but I don't care. Crazy is my middle name most days!

I'm so excited for you, Christmas is a wonderful time in the World and at the Grand.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

We are doing Crystal Palace for the first time ever this Christmas, but I have heard good things about it. One of our favorite places (and it is a burger and shakes kinda place) is Sci-Fi Dine In Theater in DHS. We aren't going this trip, which has my family a little ticked, but we are trying a bunch of places we've never been. I am most excited about O'Hana and Narcoosee's. I'm just hoping my very picky son with like something at Narcoosee's.

If your very picky son doesn't like Narcoossee's -- leave him home and take me. My favorite restaurant in the World.

Tom

 

[princessmocha]

If your very picky son doesn't like Narcoossee's -- leave him home and take me. My favorite restaurant in the World.

Tom

C'mon down, we'll be there Christmas night for dinner!

 

[grannyminnie]

We are doing Crystal Palace for the first time ever this Christmas, but I have heard good things about it. One of our favorite places (and it is a burger and shakes kinda place) is Sci-Fi Dine In Theater in DHS. We aren't going this trip, which has my family a little ticked, but we are trying a bunch of places we've never been. I am most excited about O'Hana and Narcoosee's. I'm just hoping my very picky son with like something at Narcoosee's.

This is our Itinerary of places to eat this trip:
Liberty Tree Tavern - Lunch
1900 Park Fare - Dinner
50s Prime Time Cafe - Lunch
O'hana - Dinner
Crystal Palace - Breakfast
Le Cellier - Dinner
Chef Mickey's - Breakfast
Biergarten - Lunch
Narcoosee's - Dinner
Kona Cafe - Breakfast
(I think I need the gaining 10lbs in 5 days smiley!)

I can always let you know what I think if any of these places interest you.

That's a good variety! We love CP; just had a lunch there a couple of weeks ago, and it was good as ever. Matter of fact, both of us felt we could have just had the salad bar portion and been happy!

I have never eaten at Liberty Tree Tavern..to be honest, when I read it was Stouffer's food, I was put off. Others have said how great it is; I guess I need to give it a try.

Love Narcoosee's too! Just haven't been lately...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

If your very picky son doesn't like Narcoossee's -- leave him home and take me. My favorite restaurant in the World.

Tom

We love it, too.

That's a good variety! We love CP; just had a lunch there a couple of weeks ago, and it was good as ever. Matter of fact, both of us felt we could have just had the salad bar portion and been happy!

I have never eaten at Liberty Tree Tavern..to be honest, when I read it was Stouffer's food, I was put off. Others have said how great it is; I guess I need to give it a try.

Love Narcoosee's too! Just haven't been lately...

We usually have lunch at LTT, so there is a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc. instead of the dinner fare. Not in love with the idea of paying WDW prices for Stouffer's, either.

We love CP, too, but always have it for breakfast. We need to try lunch sometime, it's been years since we went there for dinner.

 

[grannyminnie]

We love it, too.



We usually have lunch at LTT, so there is a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc. instead of the dinner fare. Not in love with the idea of paying WDW prices for Stouffer's, either.

We love CP, too, but always have it for breakfast. We need to try lunch sometime, it's been years since we went there for dinner.

We have done breakfast at CP, but prefer lunch. I can eat more!
Plus, their salads really are awesome!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I have never eaten at Liberty Tree Tavern..to be honest, when I read it was Stouffer's food, I was put off. Others have said how great it is; I guess I need to give it a try

OK....I hate to sound stupid but what do you mean by Stouffer's food? Is it food that is just heated up from frozen and not made scratch? Or is it meaning just simple comfort foods or ??? I have never been to LTT but we were planning to go this summer for a lunch ressie. Youngest DD has lots of food allergies and the menu looked good but now I am second guessing. Please elaborate as this is nothing I have ever come across when reading LTT reviews

 

[mickeynut1]

Sorry about the "ticker troubles" lol..I am no help... challanged here too ..but our good friend MickeyNut is pretty savy!

Hey you! How are you doing with your trip planning??

~Dining Suggestsions...

I am now trying to plan the dining for our spring trip... You know..its always about the food... lol..DD and I have our faves..but I always like to try one new thing..or something that we havent tried in a while just to mix things up a little... So fellow foodies..any suggestions??? At Cinderumbrella's suggestion we tried LTT for lunch last year..and that is now on the must do list..sooo much better than dinner.... Thinking of maybe Tony's...but I have read very mixed reviews on this..?? I am making a list...checking it twice..oh no wait not that list...lol..planning is truly half the fun!

Aww thanks Blue....that is sweet of you to say . No changes made as of yet on our trip. We are still booked for March, but I'm waiting to see what (if any) discounts come out after the first of the year for mid April-early June. If there is a discount and it's decent, I may change our dates .

Not sure if you've ever been, but Boma and Cape May are two of our favorites and are must do's for us every trip . Boma does have unique dishes, but it also has a good variety of not-so-unique items for the not so adventurous eater . And I think Cape May has a lot of variety for everyone, both breakfast and dinner . For signatures, we love Artist Point and Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Hello to all my friends! I've been following along reading. Busy time in my life. DS accepted to 3 universities so far. Try to plan his Eagle Scout Board of review for this weekend, and have Thanksgiving at my house!

Glad you could pop in . Congrats to your DS. I hope one of the universities was his first choice .

Thanks to you both! It's good to be back.

We have done breakfast at CP, but prefer lunch. I can eat more!
Plus, their salads really are awesome!

We've only had CP for dinner once (many years ago) and didn't have a very good experience, but I'm hoping to try breakfast on our next trip....maybe even snag a pre-park opening ADR so I can get a pic of an empty Main St .

 

[grannyminnie]

OK....I hate to sound stupid but what do you mean by Stouffer's food? Is it food that is just heated up from frozen and not made scratch? Or is it meaning just simple comfort foods or ??? I have never been to LTT but we were planning to go this summer for a lunch ressie. Youngest DD has lots of food allergies and the menu looked good but now I am second guessing. Please elaborate as this is nothing I have ever come across when reading LTT reviews

Yes, I mean the Stouffer's brand from the freezer! Not gonna pay Disney prices for that...as k&a&c'smom said. Now, if lunch is sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc, I would be willing to try that. We've just usually found alternatives we like better.

 

[bethclayton]

Yes, I mean the Stouffer's brand from the freezer! Not gonna pay Disney prices for that...as k&a&c'smom said. Now, if lunch is sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc, I would be willing to try that. We've just usually found alternatives we like better.

yes, literally stouffer's frozen foods like you buy in the supermarket. we ate dinner there once and would never, ever return. lunch was great, though, i remember a really fresh salad, all four of us were very happy.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Yes, I mean the Stouffer's brand from the freezer! Not gonna pay Disney prices for that...as k&a&c'smom said. Now, if lunch is sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc, I would be willing to try that. We've just usually found alternatives we like better.

yes, literally stouffer's frozen foods like you buy in the supermarket. we ate dinner there once and would never, ever return. lunch was great, though, i remember a really fresh salad, all four of us were very happy.

Thanks for the info! I can't believe I never read that before. Guess I spend too much time on the resorts board and not enough time on the restaurants board...lol. I will be erasing LTT from my list of ressies I do not buy frozen dinners at home to feed the family and I certainly am not paying big bucks at WDW for heat-n-serve either. If I am paying for TS, I want food made from scratch with the ability to accommodate my kiddo with food allergies. I will never forget going to WC several years ago and they served my DD heat-n-serve Amy's organic mac-n-cheese to accommodate her allergies. It was AWFUL. Tasted like wet cardboard. Huge disappointment. Have not been back since.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We have done breakfast at CP, but prefer lunch. I can eat more!
Plus, their salads really are awesome!

We are not big breakfast eaters, so the "I can eat more" part made me giggle. Any option that allows us to get more of our money's worth at a buffet is a good idea. I'll definitely have to give lunch a try, we love salads of all sorts.

Aww thanks Blue....that is sweet of you to say . No changes made as of yet on our trip. We are still booked for March, but I'm waiting to see what (if any) discounts come out after the first of the year for mid April-early June. If there is a discount and it's decent, I may change our dates .

Not sure if you've ever been, but Boma and Cape May are two of our favorites and are must do's for us every trip . Boma does have unique dishes, but it also has a good variety of not-so-unique items for the not so adventurous eater . And I think Cape May has a lot of variety for everyone, both breakfast and dinner . For signatures, we love Artist Point and Yachtsman Steakhouse.


....
We've only had CP for dinner once (many years ago) and didn't have a very good experience, but I'm hoping to try breakfast on our next trip....maybe even snag a pre-park opening ADR so I can get a pic of an empty Main St .

Good luck with your discount hunt.

We like all the restaurants you mentioned, too. We tend to do buffets rarely, as I mentioned, but when we do we have enjoyed Boma and Cape May. Haven't been to Yachtsman lately, but we used to love it. Artist Point, too. So many restaurants, so little time!!

The empty Main St. photos are a big part of why we book breakfast at CP!

OK....I hate to sound stupid but what do you mean by Stouffer's food? Is it food that is just heated up from frozen and not made scratch? Or is it meaning just simple comfort foods or ??? I have never been to LTT but we were planning to go this summer for a lunch ressie. Youngest DD has lots of food allergies and the menu looked good but now I am second guessing. Please elaborate as this is nothing I have ever come across when reading LTT reviews

Yes, I mean the Stouffer's brand from the freezer! Not gonna pay Disney prices for that...as k&a&c'smom said. Now, if lunch is sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc, I would be willing to try that. We've just usually found alternatives we like better.

yes, literally stouffer's frozen foods like you buy in the supermarket. we ate dinner there once and would never, ever return. lunch was great, though, i remember a really fresh salad, all four of us were very happy.

Thanks for the info! I can't believe I never read that before. Guess I spend too much time on the resorts board and not enough time on the restaurants board...lol. I will be erasing LTT from my list of ressies I do not buy frozen dinners at home to feed the family and I certainly am not paying big bucks at WDW for heat-n-serve either. If I am paying for TS, I want food made from scratch with the ability to accommodate my kiddo with food allergies. I will never forget going to WC several years ago and they served my DD heat-n-serve Amy's organic mac-n-cheese to accommodate her allergies. It was AWFUL. Tasted like wet cardboard. Huge disappointment. Have not been back since.

You didn't sound stupid at all - it's a legitimate question, who would expect frozen food served at a WDW table service restaurant?! They sponsor LTT, so as the others posted, it is Stouffer's all around for the Pilgrim's Feast - stuffing, potatoes, mac and cheese. I suppose it is possible they cook a turkey, but I doubt it.

They used to have characters in early American garb at dinner, which kind of explains the cost, but I thought I read they were doing away with it? Could have dreamed that, lol.

The lunch offerings are usually pretty good. Nothing to write home about, but fresh and tasty. We've had the crab cakes (think they are off the menu now), Colony salad, fried cheese, one of the sandwiches.