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

[bethclayton]

LOVE the pics, k&a&c'smom and DisneyDmbNut!

Thank you, trishadono, k&a&c'smom, mickeynut1, princessmocha, grannieminnie,and blue skies, for your warm wishes about my job, and commiserating about the dog situation. i appreciate all your kind words! although i am still technically contracted until 1/1, yesterday was my last day to physically go to the old job (they can technically still call me back in but i doubt they would do that)... it is still not fully sinking in that i am finally DONE with that place! hopefully it really hits me soon because i really want to celebrate!

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking on this board for a while because GF is my dream resort to stay at some day, but today, my sis and I booked our first stay at the Grand! We've booked an RPC room next December! Not only will it be our first time at the Grand Floridian, but our first time club level also! I'm reading all the old posts and getting all caught up, but I wanted to jump in and share some of my excitement!

Courtney

welcome, and congrats! this is very exciting! rpc is just amazing. i have no doubt you'll love it. i think i have some pics and videos from flickr and youtube towards the beginning of this thread. i wish i were going to be there next december!!

i loved reading about everyone's christmas preparations. that is something that i love about this time of year... it is the one time of year that most of the women who celebrate christmas are united in that we all have christmas prep in common.... whether we're wrapping or baking or buying or decorating, it's just kind of neat that for a month straight we're all doing essentially the same things. i can't think of any other time of year that we have that (at least not for weeks on end). today i plan to get the christmas cards addressed and ready to mail and possibly bake some kiffles (a filled cookie)... i have had the dough ready for several days but haven't pulled the trigger on the baking because they are so labor intensive.

i hope you all have a wonderful day! it is freezing here but we have snow on the ground, so that makes up for it.

 

[jewels1916]

Thanks everyone for being so welcoming! I don't know that I have many questions right now, mostly I'm just drooling over pics since I can't do much planning yet. I do have a couple of questions about the perks of club level, because we've never stayed club level before. We wanted to stay in the main building, so that's what we booked. The fact that it was club level was kind of a second thought. So now I have to research club level and what all that entails!

Courtney

 

[trishadono]

Thanks everyone for being so welcoming! I don't know that I have many questions right now, mostly I'm just drooling over pics since I can't do much planning yet. I do have a couple of questions about the perks of club level, because we've never stayed club level before. We wanted to stay in the main building, so that's what we booked. The fact that it was club level was kind of a second thought. So now I have to research club level and what all that entails!

Courtney

Hi Courtney!

There is lots of info on CL here. Also check out the CL thread too. I have been very lucky and the last few years I have tried Poly, CR and both GF CL's.

I really like it for short trips. I find for the money you want to use the lounge which kind of keeps you close to resort. That works good with us because we go often but I would get bored after 3 or 4 days. I loved all of the CL's but the main building was really special for dh and I for anniversary

As a mom I like being able to grab a quick bite for breakfast and still have time to get to parks for rope drop.

Also the extra space for mornings is nice. Dh can sit in lounge with coffee, lazy ds lay in bed with TV and dd and I hog the bath area

I love a glass of wine in the afternoon when on vacation and beer and wine available upon request

The kids like to grab a cookie or drink when getting back to the hotel.

We love getting dressed up and heading to lounge at 5pm

DESSERTS!!!! 8-10. Grab one and put in frig for next day if not a night eater. I usually like a treat with my afternoon wine

And GF has the bonus of tea time at 2:30. That is dd (me too) FAVORITE!!! Even dh enjoyed the scones.

Something else to consider, sometimes I just book the last day or few at CL. That way we hit the parks hard in the beginning of trip and then relax at the end. Since you have access to the lounge the day of check in you can grab breakfast and check in early then have lounge access until the room is ready

Well, have fun researching!

Trish

 

[meredith1]

I noticed they have self serve laundry at the GF.... are they coin operated?

Yes, coins-quarters specifically and no change machines. Two dollars to run the wash and two dollars to run the dryer.

 

[princessmocha]

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking on this board for a while because GF is my dream resort to stay at some day, but today, my sis and I booked our first stay at the Grand! We've booked an RPC room next December! Not only will it be our first time at the Grand Floridian, but our first time club level also! I'm reading all the old posts and getting all caught up, but I wanted to jump in and share some of my excitement!

Courtney

We are making our first appearance at the Grand in about a week. It has always been a dream of mine to stay there too. I can't wait. Everyone on this board is wonderful and has tons of info. Welcome!

Yes, coins-quarters specifically and no change machines. Two dollars to run the wash and two dollars to run the dryer.

This is good to know . . . My MIL was wondering this too. Maybe she will do my laundry while we are there!

I am getting so close and my list of what needs to be done and packed keeps getting longer and longer and longer . . . But soon it will all be better and I will be in sunny WDW.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We are now at our new vacation home. The VGF is beautiful. It is very similar to our home in Massachusetts. I'm so happy!!!

 

[trishadono]

We are now at our new vacation home. The VGF is beautiful. It is very similar to our home in Massachusetts. I'm so happy!!!

SO happy for you! We can't wait to try it too! Just a few weeks now!

Looks like you will have great weather, lucky girl!

Hey I was researching for the Holiday stuff to be up for our 1/1 arrival and new this year is a Christmas themed Jungle Cruise at MK. I was there and missed it in November so I can't tell you what it is but wish I had seen it.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Candy Orlando]

I'm sitting at the beach pool right now. A few minutes ago I noticed people taking pictures of something behind me. I turned around and saw a Bride and Groom in Cinderella's horse drawn carriage. They went around the VGF through the courtyard towards the wedding pavilion. I am so happy to be here!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

What a beautiful visual!
Thanks for posting and have a continued wonderful stay.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Just got back in the house from our annual Christmas sleigh ride at a local farm....it is 9 degrees outside and the snow is falling from a storm that will dump 14" overnight.....

We had so much fun, but boy oh boy, such different fun than when we are at Disney!

GF dreamin'

 

[HairyChest]

Whats the best garden view room to request that you can see the lagoon from?

 

[trishadono]

Whats the best garden view room to request that you can see the lagoon from?

I am not sure about best, but Sago is all GV rooms and one side is marina and the other faces the monorail. We had the monorail side and loved it. It was a quick walk to busses, qs, lobby and main pool. Feature pool was longer but not bad.

I am sure others will let you know there favs too

Does this mean you leaving Poly for a GF try soon?

I am still grateful for your posting of the new remodel pics of poly last march. Dd and loved it so I ended up back with dh too. monorail resorts!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking on this board for a while because GF is my dream resort to stay at some day, but today, my sis and I booked our first stay at the Grand! We've booked an RPC room next December! Not only will it be our first time at the Grand Floridian, but our first time club level also! I'm reading all the old posts and getting all caught up, but I wanted to jump in and share some of my excitement!

Courtney

Welcome Jewels1916 This is a great thread for learning about all things GRAND!! What a way to have your first GF stay.. I am sure that you and your sister will have a wonderful trip...


Staying club level really offers such a nice level of service..and it really makes a vacation even more relaxing... dont forget that you can contact the Itinerary Planning Office with questions...and for making ADRs too.. ( a nice perk of staying CL)...they are very helpful!

Forgot to add....no shopping these last few days, Blue, due to visiting my parents in SC. I'll be hitting the mall the next two days tho, to catch up! Also, we've planned last minute to have our family get-together this coming Sunday, so there's also a menu to plan and groceries to buy...lots to do in a short time!

Ahcupcake, it's good to hear you're feeling better after being so sick!

Hey grannyminnie Hope that you had a good visit with your mom and dad...and that you are enjoying your family get together today!

I'm sitting at the beach pool right now. A few minutes ago I noticed people taking pictures of something behind me. I turned around and saw a Bride and Groom in Cinderella's horse drawn carriage. They went around the VGF through the courtyard towards the wedding pavilion. I am so happy to be here!

How nice... Love seeing all of the festivities around the GF...especially the weddings... I didnt realize that you had a trip that was so close Candy Sorry that I mised your send off... Sounds like you are already having a wonderful time!! Enjoy every minute!! And thanks for popping in!!

Just got back in the house from our annual Christmas sleigh ride at a local farm....it is 9 degrees outside and the snow is falling from a storm that will dump 14" overnight.....

We had so much fun, but boy oh boy, such different fun than when we are at Disney!

GF dreamin'

Me too ....9 degrees..Brrrrr....that sure is cold! But sounds like a fun tradition...

MickeyNut Hey there!!

k&a&c'smom DD and I will be doing some baking later on today...and your yummy recipe will be one of the things that we are making...MickeyNut's peanut butter blossoms too...Thinking of you...Hope that your trip is going well...

BethClayton Hope that the job change has sunk in and that you are finally celebrating!

PrincessMocha I understand about that pack list..( mine gets longer every year) .... Sending some pixie dust for your MIL doing your laundry! LOL...

Sorry HairyChest Not really positive what GV rooms will give you views of the lagoon ...think that there might be some in Boca Chica..sort of facing towards Conch and the beginning of the boat dock area...Hopefully someone who has stayed in one will be able to answer...

Trisha I think that some of the rooms in Sago are bookable lagoon view also..or maybe even TPV?? Dont think that they are all considered GV...??? But who knows with the continually changing room categories...Used to be garden view or water view at the GF...in the simpler days! Now there just seem to be more room categories every year!

meredith Thanks for that info..I really wasnt sure...I avoid doing laundry on vacation...but if I can get PrincessMocha's MIL to join us that might change things..LOL...

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

 

[mickeynut1]

Forgot to add....no shopping these last few days, Blue, due to visiting my parents in SC. I'll be hitting the mall the next two days tho, to catch up! Also, we've planned last minute to have our family get-together this coming Sunday, so there's also a menu to plan and groceries to buy...lots to do in a short time!

Hope you had a nice time visiting your parents. Also hope you have a great day today with your big family get together .

Thank you, trishadono, k&a&c'smom, mickeynut1, princessmocha, grannieminnie,and blue skies, for your warm wishes about my job, and commiserating about the dog situation. i appreciate all your kind words! although i am still technically contracted until 1/1, yesterday was my last day to physically go to the old job (they can technically still call me back in but i doubt they would do that)... it is still not fully sinking in that i am finally DONE with that place! hopefully it really hits me soon because i really want to celebrate!

i loved reading about everyone's christmas preparations. that is something that i love about this time of year... it is the one time of year that most of the women who celebrate christmas are united in that we all have christmas prep in common.... whether we're wrapping or baking or buying or decorating, it's just kind of neat that for a month straight we're all doing essentially the same things. i can't think of any other time of year that we have that (at least not for weeks on end). today i plan to get the christmas cards addressed and ready to mail and possibly bake some kiffles (a filled cookie)... i have had the dough ready for several days but haven't pulled the trigger on the baking because they are so labor intensive.

i hope you all have a wonderful day! it is freezing here but we have snow on the ground, so that makes up for it.

Glad your old job is finished and that you can now move on to a better one . How is your lab doing? I hope things are going ok .

I agree about this time of year. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year for many reasons (some of which you have stated ).

It is freezing here too and we have about 4" of snow on the ground. Not my favorite kind of weather, but it is always nice to have snow around during Christmas time .

Thanks everyone for being so welcoming! I don't know that I have many questions right now, mostly I'm just drooling over pics since I can't do much planning yet. I do have a couple of questions about the perks of club level, because we've never stayed club level before. We wanted to stay in the main building, so that's what we booked. The fact that it was club level was kind of a second thought. So now I have to research club level and what all that entails!

Courtney

You will love RPC. One suggestion I have is that if you find there is something you want/need, don't hesitate to ask any of the CL CMs as they are all amazing and are always willing to help .

We are making our first appearance at the Grand in about a week.

We are now at our new vacation home. The VGF is beautiful.

Hope you're having a great time .

Whats the best garden view room to request that you can see the lagoon from?

As BlueSkies posted, I also think Boca Chica might have some lagoon views. We haven't stayed in that building so I can't say for sure, but hopefully someone who has stayed will be able to confirm or correct that .

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut Hey there!!

k&a&c'smom DD and I will be doing some baking later on today...and your yummy recipe will be one of the things that we are making...MickeyNut's peanut butter blossoms too...

Hey Blue . I thought I quoted you in my post above, but after it posted I realized I didn't....guess it's that kind of day . Have fun baking with your DD.....can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than having some mother/daughter time getting ready for the holidays. Baking is on my agenda today too.....and PB blossoms are at the top of the list .

 

[princessmocha]

MickeyNut Hey there!!

k&a&c'smom DD and I will be doing some baking later on today...and your yummy recipe will be one of the things that we are making...MickeyNut's peanut butter blossoms too...Thinking of you...Hope that your trip is going well...

BethClayton Hope that the job change has sunk in and that you are finally celebrating!

PrincessMocha I understand about that pack list..( mine gets longer every year) .... Sending some pixie dust for your MIL doing your laundry! LOL...

Sorry HairyChest Not really positive what GV rooms will give you views of the lagoon ...think that there might be some in Boca Chica..sort of facing towards Conch and the beginning of the boat dock area...Hopefully someone who has stayed in one will be able to answer...

Trisha I think that some of the rooms in Sago are bookable lagoon view also..or maybe even TPV?? Dont think that they are all considered GV...??? But who knows with the continually changing room categories...Used to be garden view or water view at the GF...in the simpler days! Now there just seem to be more room categories every year!

meredith Thanks for that info..I really wasnt sure...I avoid doing laundry on vacation...but if I can get PrincessMocha's MIL to join us that might change things..LOL...

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

That just about made me spew coffee at the computer this morning! Maybe she will!

 

[BlueSkies]

PrincessM

So has anyone heard anything on the upcoming refurbishemnts??? Any new news or rumors???

MickeyNut I agree..enjoyed the mother/daughter time...the baking..and today the eating of the baked good..LOL... We had our GF music going..Christian Frederick..of course..and lets not forget music from the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra..It was a Grand day!

CandyOrlando Hope that you are having lots of fun..looking forward to hearing all about your VGF stay...

grannyminnie Are you recuperating from yesterdays family get together ..You have been a party animal lately!!! I think that you are going to need lots of lounge lizard (that just cracks me up... ) time on your next GF trip to rest up!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday!

 

[HairyChest]

Does this mean you leaving Poly for a GF try soon?

I am still grateful for your posting of the new remodel pics of poly last march. Dd and loved it so I ended up back with dh too. monorail resorts!

Ive been made an offer on the grand floridian rooms that i cant refuse so im booking it plus the fact that polys pool is going to close. Who knows, maybe i'll be a convert. Also there was a few pictures i saw that tugged on my poly heart from this board. Dont remember who posted them but here they are:

How could someone not want to stay there

 

[BlueSkies]

HairyChest That beach area has changed significantly since the construction of the VGF...It is much smaller...and I don't recall seeing any of those lounges on the beach during our last trip?? Not sure if they have been put back more recently??

I am not positive..but I think the view in that balcony pic is a marina view room from Conch Key..which I think is considered a GV??

Changed beach area or not..I agree..how could someone not want to stay there...

 

[HairyChest]

Even if its changed these pics gave me the FEEL of the resort and I LOVE the feel its giving me.

All the pics i seen before was the lobby and the rooms but the grounds are BEAUTIFUL. Hammock on the beach and lagoon view from the pool , light airy feel, that totally got me.