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

[k&a&c'smom]

I haven't stayed at BC yet, DH and I did YC CL when RPC rejected us but he didn't like the overall vibe...but he was like that at GF too...I really would love GF but DH says leave it

Aww, that's too bad (YC CL) - we loved it there! But I get it, some people prefer the lighter colors and busier, more kid friendly atmosphere at BC. I do like the BC room decor better, the color scheme is more like GF. It's a fun resort, either way.

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I've never really spent time on that GF veranda, but will have to hang there one day next weekend (assuming there isn't cigarette smoke around, of course). There truly isn't an ugly part of the GF, is there? Every nook and cranny is just so beautiful.

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We requested Boca Chica this time around, but I certainly wouldn't be unhappy if we ended up with the Conch Key marina view either!



Well, I just checked the forecast and it's looking like highs of mid-60's every day so far. Looks like there won't really be any real pool days for us, but I'm praying that the temperature forecast increases within the next few days! Am I dreaming or does that happen?!

Yes, don't give up hope - the forecast can change at any time. Sixties in January is probably pretty common, but you may get lucky and have a day or two of warmer temps. BTW - we were at BC in December one year when the weather was 60s in the daytime; DD tried to swim in SAB, but she ran right back to the room. If you are a hot tub person, though, it's kind of nice to sit there for a bit, hop in the colder pool, then back to the hot tub.

I've yet to find an ugly spot at the Grand, for sure. Even the CM areas are nice, you can see a loading area when you walk the back path to the bus stop (between Gasparilla's and Sago) and though it isn't as beautiful as the guest areas, it is well kept. (I'll post some photos below)

Hope you get Boca, it is a great location! I can't remember, are you in garden view? If so, you will have a pretty view of the pool and main bldg. We loved our 4th floor room a few years ago.

Looking from Bus Stop ramp to back path & Convention Center (walkway to Main Bldg. entrance behind you)

Walkway continues to Convention Center, turn right for path to Sago

On the path to Sago, looking back at walkway to Bus Stop (Bus stop and Main Bldg. turn left, Convention Center to the right)

Path continues under monorail

Path past back side of Main Bldg./Gasparilla's (loading area is by the gate with the "GF" lettering)

From other direction, looking towards path - Gasparilla's on left, Sago on right

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks . We love AKL, so I'm very confident CL wouldn't disappoint . I will definitely report back should we end up going. I can't wait to hear all about your trip when you return .

We liked AKL too, several years ago, MIckeynut, but that was before the love affair with the GF happened!! lol We upgraded to CL for our last stay (had stayed once before) and really liked it!!

Yes, Blue, I've been out of town visiting my family. My mom is not doing well at all. Each visit is tinged with sadness... Thanks for your thoughts.

K&a&c'smom, I'm also one of those who "mourns the loss" of Disney-inspired decor. I won't stay at the CR for just that reason. It just looks too generic.

 

[mickeynut1]

I almost missed this as it posted while I was composing! I hate it when I end up the first post on a page, as it causes me to miss things unless I think to go back.

AKL is one of the most relaxing resorts. DD, her friend and I spent 6 days there one year, and I only went into the parks...twice, I think, for a couple hours each. It's nice that Sanaa is close by for a sit down lunch option, that was one of my only complaints.

Same thing happens to me. Whenever I end up first on the following page, I wonder if I missed anything .

That is one of the things I love about AKL. The resort is remote, so that gives it a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to me . We've never eaten at Sanaa, but we love Boma .

It's crazy..I could do 2 CL rooms for less

That gives you a good indication of high the rates are .

I can't wait to share all about our trip with you!

I seriously can't believe we only have 5 DAYS to go!

Well, I just checked the forecast and it's looking like highs of mid-60's every day so far. Looks like there won't really be any real pool days for us, but I'm praying that the temperature forecast increases within the next few days! Am I dreaming or does that happen?!

Thanks.....I'm hoping we can make it work .

I hope the next 5 days goes by fast for you ....and I hope the temps increase for the time you'll be there .

I've yet to find an ugly spot at the Grand, for sure. Even the CM areas are nice, you can see a loading area when you walk the back path to the bus stop (between Gasparilla's and Sago) and though it isn't as beautiful as the guest areas, it is well kept.

I agree .

 

[SP123]

Awesome! I kept looking at POR and POFQ, but have yet to actually stay at a moderate. Not sure I'll ever go to a moderate after staying at the GF! ;-)

I agree...we have stayed at AOA suite, several moderates, and the Poly, and once you stay at the GF you can't go back anywhere else. It really makes the trip so much more enjoyable. Monorail at your doorsteps is so key with little kids. Great restaurants, ambiance and views of the fireworks.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....

Yes, Blue, I've been out of town visiting my family. My mom is not doing well at all. Each visit is tinged with sadness... Thanks for your thoughts.

I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom, must be so hard for you and all your family.

We liked AKL too, several years ago, MIckeynut, but that was before the love affair with the GF happened!! lol We upgraded to CL for our last stay (had stayed once before) and really liked it!!

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K&a&c'smom, I'm also one of those who "mourns the loss" of Disney-inspired decor. I won't stay at the CR for just that reason. It just looks too generic.

I'm not sure why they have chosen to go so far in the other direction with the deluxe decor. Even if they didn't want to stick with the very Disney style of the Eisner years, it seems like there is a middle ground.

We love AKL, Y&BC, Poly, WL. It's just so hard to book anywhere except the Grand - which is why we have done so many split stays. Silly DD, she has gotten to the point she would rather unpack and stay put.

Same thing happens to me. Whenever I end up first on the following page, I wonder if I missed anything .

That is one of the things I love about AKL. The resort is remote, so that gives it a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to me . We've never eaten at Sanaa, but we love Boma .

We've eaten at Sanaa twice, and both times found the food very good. We especially love the breads and spreads/dips, they are all so good.

We love Boma, too, but we have a hard time with buffets. DD and I can't eat that much at a time (not that you could tell from my weight, lol) so the cost for a buffet is more for us than if we go to a regular sit down. We often split an app and entree, or even just do appetizers.

I agree...we have stayed at AOA suite, several moderates, and the Poly, and once you stay at the GF you can't go back anywhere else. It really makes the trip so much more enjoyable. Monorail at your doorsteps is so key with little kids. Great restaurants, ambiance and views of the fireworks.

It's great to have so many restaurant choices at one resort, isn't it?! And many more a monorail ride away.

 

[mickeynut1]

We liked AKL too, several years ago, MIckeynut, but that was before the love affair with the GF happened!! lol We upgraded to CL for our last stay (had stayed once before) and really liked it!!

Yes, Blue, I've been out of town visiting my family. My mom is not doing well at all. Each visit is tinged with sadness... Thanks for your thoughts.

I apologize for not catching your post earlier. I am so sorry to hear about your mom . I hope you are doing ok .

Glad to hear you had a good AKL CL experience. I love the resort, so I'm thinking why not try CL .

We love AKL, Y&BC, Poly, WL. It's just so hard to book anywhere except the Grand - which is why we have done so many split stays. Silly DD, she has gotten to the point she would rather unpack and stay put.

We've eaten at Sanaa twice, and both times found the food very good. We especially love the breads and spreads/dips, they are all so good.

We love Boma, too, but we have a hard time with buffets. DD and I can't eat that much at a time (not that you could tell from my weight, lol) so the cost for a buffet is more for us than if we go to a regular sit down. We often split an app and entree, or even just do appetizers.

We love all of those resorts too (although haven't stayed at YC), however, the BC would be at the bottom of the list. We did enjoy our stay, but we find the others more to our liking .

I'm not sure we'll ever try Sanaa as the menu doesn't appeal to us, but I have read a lot of good reviews for it. I hear you about buffets. I don't eat anywhere near the cost to make it worth while as far as price goes, but my oldest loves Boma so it's always a must do for us .

 

[dad2bkcs]

We want to be at rope drop at the MK during our next stay in Feb. What time does the monorail start running from the GF and when should we be on it if park opens at 8 am for early magic hours?

 

[pas130]

No problem. especially with the kids, not that it would've been a problem I am sure, but still...

Aww, that's too bad (YC CL) - we loved it there! But I get it, some people prefer the lighter colors and busier, more kid friendly atmosphere at BC. I do like the BC room decor better, the color scheme is more like GF. It's a fun resort, either way.

I think it was more a few less than magical CL guests, my DH is sensitive to stuff like that. I love the Grand, and I have to bring DH back baby-steps...we have to make him rediscover that WDW love Hopefully BC will do that!

That gives you a good indication of high the rates are .

YEP! Who's asking about AKL???? AKL CL is the first deluxe we stayed at! THEY HAVE SCONES and zebras

grannyminnie I am so sorry to hear your Mom isn't doing well

 

[Koh1977]

I think it was more a few less than magical CL guests, my DH is sensitive to stuff like that. I love the Grand, and I have to bring DH back baby-steps...we have to make him rediscover that WDW love Hopefully BC will do that! YEP! Who's asking about AKL???? AKL CL is the first deluxe we stayed at! THEY HAVE SCONES and zebras grannyminnie I am so sorry to hear your Mom isn't doing well

Lol. What more can you want in CL? (Than scones and zebras)

 

[Koh1977]

Best place to watch fireworks?

 

[mariamouse]

Yes, don't give up hope - the forecast can change at any time. Sixties in January is probably pretty common, but you may get lucky and have a day or two of warmer temps. BTW - we were at BC in December one year when the weather was 60s in the daytime; DD tried to swim in SAB, but she ran right back to the room. If you are a hot tub person, though, it's kind of nice to sit there for a bit, hop in the colder pool, then back to the hot tub.

I've yet to find an ugly spot at the Grand, for sure. Even the CM areas are nice, you can see a loading area when you walk the back path to the bus stop (between Gasparilla's and Sago) and though it isn't as beautiful as the guest areas, it is well kept. (I'll post some photos below)

Hope you get Boca, it is a great location! I can't remember, are you in garden view? If so, you will have a pretty view of the pool and main bldg. We loved our 4th floor room a few years ago.

Thank you so much for the fantastic pictures and descriptions! And you are right about the 60 degree weather being pretty typical. I shouldn't exactly be complaining coming from recent 5 degree weather, but am just really craving that heat! With regard to the hot tub, where is that located exactly? I don't recall seeing it on our last trip. Is it over by the beach pool or the courtyard pool?

We are staying GV this time (as we have during our past couple stays) all of which were in Boca! Our first stay was in a dormer room overlooking the courtyard pool/main building. We loved the view, but not the enclosed balcony (although the pointed ceiling was cute). Last stay, we were upgraded from GV to a LV room in Boca Chica overlooking that small island in the middle of SSL and the CR. I was tempted to request a new building this time around (probably Conch Key), but we just keep finding ourselves drawn to the Boca Chica views and location for some reason. Who knows, though? Maybe we'll end up in a different building anyway, which I would be totally fine with since almost all of the views are great!

That is one of the things I love about AKL. The resort is remote, so that gives it a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to me . We've never eaten at Sanaa, but we love Boma .

I hope the next 5 days goes by fast for you ....and I hope the temps increase for the time you'll be there .

Totally agree about the peacefulness of the AKL (especially at night)! We love Boma and tried Sanaa for the first time for lunch during our last trip. We loved it! Not necessarily that much more amazing than the Indian restaurants located near us, but the bread sampler was yummy and the resort ambiance/views are so unique! We would definitely return.

And thank you so much! I know that we would still have a great time even if it was in the 30s, but can't help wishing.. and tomorrow it will be 4 days!

Yes, Blue, I've been out of town visiting my family. My mom is not doing well at all. Each visit is tinged with sadness... Thanks for your thoughts.

So sorry to read this, grannyminnie. It is so tough to see someone you love suffer. I hope your mom will improve and am sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[mariamouse]

Best place to watch fireworks?

The boat dock or Narcoossee's provide the best fireworks view. The marina has a good view of the castle as well. Note that the fireworks will not be perfectly centered around the castle the way they are from the Poly beach since you are somewhat off to the side of SSL at the GF. Still a great view, though!

 

[mickeynut1]

We want to be at rope drop at the MK during our next stay in Feb. What time does the monorail start running from the GF and when should we be on it if park opens at 8 am for early magic hours?

It looks like the monorail starts operating about an hour prior to park opening. I found this on All Ears:

Park transportation begins approximately 1 hour prior to that park's opening time and all transportation runs until approximately 1 hour after the parks close (check with Lobby Concierge upon arrival for specific times). You are dropped off close to the park entrance and so no need to wait for a tram/ferry or take a long walk after a tiring day.

The MK is the first stop from the GF, so depending on how busy it is, you may or not have to wait for the monorail. For an 8 am opening, I'd maybe be at the monorail station around 7:00 or just after. We've never done morning EMH, so I don't know how busy the MK gets. Hopefully someone else will be able to give you some suggestions from their personal experience .

Who's asking about AKL???? AKL CL is the first deluxe we stayed at! THEY HAVE SCONES and zebras

It might have been me as we are going to try AKL CL if we are able to squeeze in a long weekend the end of May/June or end of July/August. I'm hoping it works out because I am really wanting to give it a try as we have stayed at AKL twice and we love the resort .

With regard to the hot tub, where is that located exactly? I don't recall seeing it on our last trip. Is it over by the beach pool or the courtyard pool?

We are staying GV this time (as we have during our past couple stays) all of which were in Boca! Our first stay was in a dormer room overlooking the courtyard pool/main building. We loved the view, but not the enclosed balcony (although the pointed ceiling was cute). Last stay, we were upgraded from GV to a LV room in Boca Chica overlooking that small island in the middle of SSL and the CR. I was tempted to request a new building this time around (probably Conch Key), but we just keep finding ourselves drawn to the Boca Chica views and location for some reason. Who knows, though? Maybe we'll end up in a different building anyway, which I would be totally fine with since almost all of the views are great!

Totally agree about the peacefulness of the AKL (especially at night)! We love Boma and tried Sanaa for the first time for lunch during our last trip. We loved it! Not necessarily that much more amazing than the Indian restaurants located near us, but the bread sampler was yummy and the resort ambiance/views are so unique! We would definitely return.

And thank you so much! I know that we would still have a great time even if it was in the 30s, but can't help wishing.. and tomorrow it will be 4 days!

The hot tub is located by the courtyard pool. We spent a few afternoons in it in December 2010 as it was ok for swimming, but it was also nice to have that hot tub .

I agree about the views from Boca Chica, but like you said, all of the buildings seem to have great views .

Thanks about your input on Sanaa. A lot of people recommend it as a great place with a great atmosphere as well as food.

You will have a great trip no matter what the weather is, but there's no harm in hoping for warm temps . We have been when the temps were as cold as 30s-40s and as hot as high 90s, as well as everything in between and the cold and very hot/humid trips were just as great as the mild/no humidity 80 degree trips .

 

[bethclayton]

my dear mom passed away very unexpectedly at home on monday. my dad heard her take her last breath while she was sleeping next to him- paramedics (and i) came quickly and they rushed her to the hospital but they couldn't bring her back to us. we laid her to rest yesterday. we are still in shock.

one of my favorite memories of my mom is the time we were able to spend with her at the GF. when i think of the GF, i think of my mom- she refused to stay anywhere else. we have all always said that we have never, ever seen her as happy as she was when she was at disney during our two trips there. she planned to go back at least once more in the near future. i am so sad that that will not happen, but so grateful that we had the time we did with her. she hated having her picture taken, so i don't have as many of her there as i'd like, but i wanted to share these with you fellow gf-lovers from our april 2012 trip (her second and final trip there):


arriving for her second stay at GF in April 2012


being goofy trying on sunglasses at arias bros


kilimanjaro safari (as you can see, she purchased those sunglasses after all, lol)


Victoria & Albert's


i apologize because in these past few months i feel as though all i do is dump on you guys- first the job, then the dog, then this. things can only get better from here... right?!

 

[mickeynut1]

my dear mom passed away very unexpectedly at home on monday. my dad heard her take her last breath while she was sleeping next to him- paramedics (and i) came quickly and they rushed her to the hospital but they couldn't bring her back to us. we laid her to rest yesterday. we are still in shock.

one of my favorite memories of my mom is the time we were able to spend with her at the GF. when i think of the GF, i think of my mom- she refused to stay anywhere else. we have all always said that we have never, ever seen her as happy as she was when she was at disney during our two trips there. she planned to go back at least once more in the near future. i am so sad that that will not happen, but so grateful that we had the time we did with her. she hated having her picture taken, so i don't have as many of her there as i'd like, but i wanted to share these with you fellow gf-lovers from our april 2012 trip (her second and final trip there):

i apologize because in these past few months i feel as though all i do is dump on you guys- first the job, then the dog, then this. things can only get better from here... right?!

I am so very sorry about your mom . Keep remembering all of the good times you had with her, it sounds like you have a lot of great memories.

Don't apologize for venting here. Everybody needs some support every now and then. With that said, I hope things are going ok with your pup .

 

[Mousemommy1]

bethclayton I am so sorry to hear about your mom. It looks like she was a beautiful, happy lady. Hugs.

 

[grannyminnie]

I am so very sorry about your mom . Keep remembering all of the good times you had with her, it sounds like you have a lot of great memories.

Don't apologize for venting here. Everybody needs some support every now and then. With that said, I hope things are going ok with your pup .

Oh my goodness, Beth...I am so very sorry...thank you for letting us know about your sorrow. It may be a long time before you can think about happy things, but as Mickeynut, said, try to hold on to them in the times of despair.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

OH, Beth! I'm so very, very sorry about your mom. I have tears in my eyes as I write this, I feel your pain. What a terrible blow for you and your family, it must feel like things will never be right again. Is your dad doing OK? He must be devastated.

Thank you so much for the photos of your beautiful mother, it's obvious she was in her element. Cherish the memories you have, I hope they give you some solace in the coming weeks. Know that you will feel peace and joy again, even though it doesn't seem so now.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I am so sorry, Beth. Sending you prayers for you & yours.

 

[bama belle]

Bethclayton, I am so sorry for your loss. We lost my mother-in-law almost a year ago after a short and unexpected fight with cancer, and it is still so hard. My prayers and thoughts are with you!