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

[nonzerosum]

Well I finally took the plunge and booked RPC for an upcoming trip! I can barely contain my excitement. Every time I look at my kids I think, "wait until you see what we have in store for you!". We're in TPV for the first two days, but then we'll need to switch to a standard RPC room because of lack of TPV rooms for the remainder of the trip. I'm wondering what the views are in a standard RPC room and which floors we could expect to be on. Are there any particular views that are recommended or favored?

We really enjoyed SL, but I'm looking forward to not being crammed into the lounge and being able to find a seat.

 

[nonzerosum]

I forgot to add a question to my previous post.....Are the Nespresso machines still in use in the lounge? I thought I read that they have been switched out. I loved it on our last SL stay, but it was often malfunctioning.

 

[BC1836]

Well I finally took the plunge and booked RPC for an upcoming trip! I can barely contain my excitement. Every time I look at my kids I think, "wait until you see what we have in store for you!". We're in TPV for the first two days, but then we'll need to switch to a standard RPC room because of lack of TPV rooms for the remainder of the trip. I'm wondering what the views are in a standard RPC room and which floors we could expect to be on. Are there any particular views that are recommended or favored?

We really enjoyed SL, but I'm looking forward to not being crammed into the lounge and being able to find a seat.

Three floors of rooms, all with different views.

There is more room to drink and dine at the RPC as compared to SL. And that expresso machine is there for you to use.

All the best.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Been busy cleaning today...taking a break before making dinner.

I agree k&a&c'smom I do not think the current dressers look that long. Maybe 4 1/2 feet?? I sure hope circusgirl is correct that the desk and rolling table are staying in the new design. I think the rooms with the connecting door may be a little cramped on that wall but we shall see. Looking forward to seeing more pics!!!!!!!!!

Me, too - there was barely enough room on that wall as it was, if there's an extra foot or so of cabinet... This isn't much of an improvement, but maybe the daybed is slightly shorter? Hmmm.

Well I finally took the plunge and booked RPC for an upcoming trip! I can barely contain my excitement. Every time I look at my kids I think, "wait until you see what we have in store for you!". We're in TPV for the first two days, but then we'll need to switch to a standard RPC room because of lack of TPV rooms for the remainder of the trip. I'm wondering what the views are in a standard RPC room and which floors we could expect to be on. Are there any particular views that are recommended or favored?

We really enjoyed SL, but I'm looking forward to not being crammed into the lounge and being able to find a seat.

As BC1836 posted, there are standard rooms on floors 3, 4 & 5 of the Main Bldg., but floor 5 is mostly suites, so you are more likely to be on 3 or 4. Floor 4 has the lounge with the food service, floor 3 has the CM desk area; either one is easily accessed by the short staircase that goes to 3, 4 & 5. (photo posted a few pages back on this thread)

The std. rooms overlook either the courtyard pool or the Beach Pool and VGF and both are lovely. There are photos of those views (before building VGF) on the first page, in links at the top of post #4, I think.

The food service in SL used to be different than RPC, but many years ago it was upgraded to the same food and wine as RPC. As you say, the lounge area in the Main Bldg. is much roomier and of course, you get to sip your champagne while listening to the music.

I forgot to add a question to my previous post.....Are the Nespresso machines still in use in the lounge? I thought I read that they have been switched out. I loved it on our last SL stay, but it was often malfunctioning.

I have read they recently switched to Joffrey's rather than Nespresso - but I don't know much about it, as I don't drink coffee. Someone just posted about the coffee a couple pages back, I'll see if I can find it.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Oops! nonzerosum, I just checked and I don't have those std. views from RPC posted on the first page!

Here is the view out toward the Poly, overlooking the Beach Pool. This is prior to VGF being built, so that changes the view beyond the pool, but you get the general idea.

This is the view of the courtyard, from the std. room furthest down the hall from the lounge.

I'll have to get those posted on the first page, sheesh.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Here's the discussion of the CL coffee from earlier:

JoBird asked,

Okay so here's my question for those who have stayed CL-
we love Nespresso coffee. It's what the lounge had a while back, in fact it's the reason we booked CL the first time- bc I read that they had a machine there.
Anyway---- those who have stayed when it was Nespresso and now that it's changed to Joffrey's I believe-- how do they compare?
I admit I do not like the way keurig coffee tastes, can you compare it to that?

Just wondering if anyone has an opinion at all. Thanks!!

and grannyminnie replied,

JoBird, I also liked the Nespresso in the lounge and was concerned when they switched coffees. However, on my most recent trip, I really could not tell that much difference (by the time I added all the cream and flavors! ). I'm not a fan of the Keurig coffees either.

HTH!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We just finalized the details for our August trip ... 10 nights at the end of August! We are a group of 7 staying in a two-bedroom suite at the Villas! Absolutely cannot wait.



Wondering if anyone has experience with the Dedicated Vs. Lock off floor plans? We are basically, two couples with 3 kids between us. I've studied the layout over and over and I can't decide which to hope for/request! LOL! Not overly important either way, but now that we've booked airfare/tickets/rooms, I need something to occupy my mind until 180-day mark!

I don't have an answer to this, as I know nothing about DVC, but wanted to bump this up as it seems to have been overlooked. Ten nights, that IS exciting!!

Looks like you have a trip to Y&BC in 2 days, woohoo!!

 

[mariamouse]

Just wanted to check in to say hi and apologize for the delay in posting my trip report!! It's been a week since we returned, but quite hectic getting back to the routine at work and at home. I commute 3.5-4 hours to work every day, so that certainly doesn't help with my DIS time.

I am glad to see, though, that circusgirl has been providing you all with such awesome real time updates (especially the Conch Key refurb investigation pics, which are way better than the pointless pics I took of the workers standing outside the Conch entrance.. ha). Can't wait to see what the new rooms will look like. Judging from the scratches on the dresser and desk in our room, the refurb is much overdue! We loved our room regardless, but definitely not the quality you expect for the high price point!




I hope you had a great stay at the GF, circusgirl! We are certainly still dreaming about the lovely time we had.

konakaitom- I hope you have a fantastic trip!! I'm missing the GF already. So looking forward to your reports!

I hope to provide a thorough report (with a few pics too!) by this weekend. I was hoping to draft tonight, but just realized I don't have my laptop charger with me here. Argh! In the meantime, though, here are a few shots of the beautiful GF at dusk:

 

[Koh1977]

Hmm...how come I can't see the latest set of pics from circus girl?

Nm...must be blocked at school...I can see them fine at home.

 

[Circusgirl]

Some final intelligence from my visit:

Headboard:



Desk and nesting table:



Art:




Fabulous travels to those departing soon!

Thanks for the pictures, mariamouse. I love the early mornings and early evenings at the Grand - the light is fantastic. I agree that the furniture really has been thoroughly abused. It will be nice when everything is fresh and new.

I loved being at the Grand, and especially with my situation with my mom and my flu, and then the death of my uncle at the end of my trip, I ended up spending a lot of time at the resort. This was the best time ever to be club level, and I felt very well taken care of by the great cast members. I want a do over, however, as real life didn't really give me a break this time. I booked a bounceback for September. I'm not sure when I will actually travel yet, but have 11 nights set aside in case I can make another trip.

 

[grannyminnie]

WHAT?? That table can be moved to other areas??? Never knew it 'til I read it here! (which proves how invaluable the Disboards are!! )

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Some final intelligence from my visit:

Desk and nesting table:

WHAT????? And I have been foolishly calling this the "rolling table" all these years. Silly me....it is a nesting table.....


Circusgirl Thank you so much for all of your rehab pics. It has been so gracious of you to share given your illness and unfortunate family crisis back home. Big hugs that everyone will mend in both body and spirit.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

WHAT?? That table can be moved to other areas??? Never knew it 'til I read it here! (which proves how invaluable the Disboards are!! )

Did you never notice the little table tucked under the desk with the wheels? You must have been blinded by a little too much Disney spirits...I mean magic.... Too funny!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Did you never notice the little table tucked under the desk with the wheels? You must have been blinded by a little too much Disney spirits...I mean magic.... Too funny!!

No, I mean, I saw it, and saw that it moved..but never realized that it would come all the way out!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thank you again circusgirl for your covert operations!!! I think it looks like the rooms are going to be so whimsical and I love it!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse - good to hear from you, I'm waiting patiently for your report. Wow, what a horrible commute, I thought my 2 hours a day was bad.

Your shots of the workers were just what we needed at the time, as we were looking for any glimpse of work being done. Thanks for the evening photos, I love that time of day.

I have never had a room with that kind of damage to the wood furniture, my goodness, that DOES need to be replaced! Maybe they stopped swapping it out when the refurb was scheduled. What in the world was dragged across the furniture in that room?! When I had to rent a scooter due to a knee injury a few years ago, I accidentally put a dent in the baseboard of our beautifully refurbed BC room - I was as upset as if it were my own home! It was small, but I still felt bad.

Circusgirl - thanks for more photos, much appreciated! A little more insight into the room decor.

Koh1977 - glad you figured it out and are now able to see the photos. They're worth it!

WHAT?? That table can be moved to other areas??? Never knew it 'til I read it here! (which proves how invaluable the Disboards are!! )

Did you never notice the little table tucked under the desk with the wheels? You must have been blinded by a little too much Disney spirits...I mean magic.... Too funny!!

No, I mean, I saw it, and saw that it moved..but never realized that it would come all the way out!!!

This exchange gave me a big laugh, so typical of the DIS! grannyminnie, don't feel bad - even though I knew it came all the way out, I never used it and feel like I missed out after reading Grace&CarolinesMom's uses for it!

 

[trishadono]

WHAT?? That table can be moved to other areas??? Never knew it 'til I read it here! (which proves how invaluable the Disboards are!! )

Ds loves to use it as a TV tray. That kid would spend his whole trip in bed if I let him.

Poly and cr also have these moveable trays

 

[trishadono]

AlixaLock:

I have stayed at OKW, BLT 3 times and VGF once. I have always stayed by booking "cash" /disney website. As far as I know you will get a dedicated 2br. If you booked with points you can see if the owner can make a request for you.

There is more info at the DVC resort section.

Basically though the main 2 differences are:

1.A separate entrance for 2nd bedroom.

2. The 2 nd bedroom has 2 queen beds in the dedicated and the lock off has one bed and one sofa sleeper.

We really loved it!! I am still looking at my pics from earlier this month

 

[trishadono]

Love all the pics guys! Dd left for college Monday and I need that distraction.

Keep'em coming

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I must confess, I've never posted pix on here, so I might need some help/coaching when I get back -- but I will take as many stealthy spy pix of the rennovation, as well as the normal beautiful grounds of the GF.

And, as my ticker notes, and Jean Val Jean sings in Les Miserables....ONE DAY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!