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

[johnsonet]

We were last at GF in Nov. and knew from some test room info. that the new rooms were not going to be a big hit with many GF lover's. I do believe they did change some things from the test rooms as silver wallpaper was one thing that was mentioned as something everyone disliked.

Very interesting info. Thanks!
have a great time there in May.

...
I agree about the planning. I love all of the planning no matter how far out my trip is as that's almost as much fun as being there .

I feel the same way about the Poly GCH refurb/removal of the waterfall . I can't remember what (if anything) is going in its place, but from what I understand, they are going to make it so you can see straight through the lobby out the back. Disney, once again (IMO), is making a terrible choice for this refurb .

I will add some sunny, happy photos as well:

Returning "home" from the Magic Kingdom:

View from a visit to k&a&c'smom in one of her turret suites

 

[mickeynut1]

The best theme park views are in Sago Cay and Conch Key, but there are a few good ones in Boca Chica and Big Pine Key.

Me, too (walking through the GCH without the waterfall).

To be fair, I knew when I booked in 2007 we would have to move part way through our trip - so it wasn't a surprise. I tried really hard to stay in the Main Bldg., but no go.

HAHAHA about the silver mirror - no kidding.

That is good to know about the TPV rooms as I didn't know there were any in BPK. I was thinking they were mostly in Sago and Conch, but I wasn't certain, so I didn't want to post it without knowing for sure .

I can't even picture what the Poly lobby will look like without the waterfall, but I'm sure it will take on a totally new look/feel . The waterfall, IMO, is one of the main features that screams "Polynesian" to me....and now that will be gone .

LOL on trying to stay in the main building.....but I would have done the same thing .

Ya, that silver mirror needs to go!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I will add some sunny, happy photos as well:

Thanks for the beautiful pics......just what I need on this cold, snowy Sunday morning .

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Morning fellow GF fans!

Just skimmed to catch up..as usual...LOL...

baler I had heard some speculataion about that color scheme too..silver?? Imagine...Makes me think 1970's and disco music... Glad that that was changed some...

Mickeynut I agree about that mirror... The oval one that is currently over the daybed is so pretty...and keeping with the victorian theme...

k&a&c'smom Thanks for posting more lovely pics...

you too circusgirl and johnsonet...

Welcome mmjones And congrats on your upcoming wedding!

pas A resort change...???? Glad you will still be hanging around here tho! Who knows...maybe you will change back to the GF...

Disneydmbnut Happy to hear that you are settled into a room that you like...and hope that you are having a GRAND vacation!

Hey there grannyminnie Have you decided any what your new travel dates will be yet?? I was hoping that we could have a latte in person!

Something that I forgot to mention that has changed since our last trip..

You know its always about the food!

Lounge lizards..dont think that you are going to like this one..there are NO MORE pecan sticky buns being served with the other breakfast pastries... How could they do away with the breakfast of champions.LOL... I inquired one morning..and was told that they stopped serving them because of the nuts! Oh well bye bye yummy sticky buns...

Hope that everyone is keeping warm...and having a super Sunday!

 

[mickeynut1]

Good Morning fellow GF fans!

Just skimmed to catch up..as usual...LOL...

Mickeynut I agree about that mirror... The oval one that is currently over the daybed is so pretty...and keeping with the victorian theme...

Some thing I forgot to mention that have changed since our last trip..

Lounge lizards..dont think that you are going to like this one NO MORE pecan sticky buns are being served with the other breakfast pastries... How could they do away with the breakfast of champions.LOL... I inquired one morning..and was told that they stopped serving them because of the nuts! oh well bye bye yummy sticky buns...

Hi Blue ......hope you've gotten settled back at home and are staying warm with these cold temps.

I totally agree about the current mirror and how it goes with the victorian theme . The silver one is too modern and just doesn't go, IMO.

Say it isn't so about the sticky buns . That was one of my favorite things to have with my morning coffee and now they're gone . Did they put anything in its place or just take them away with no replacement??

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ahh yes, that hadn't occurred to me

It may not be an issue for the OP and they would like that option, so thanks for pointing it out.

I will add some sunny, happy photos as well:

Returning "home" from the Magic Kingdom:


View from a visit to k&a&c'smom in one of her turret suites

Thanks for the photos! That is my favorite room in all of WDW. I was just thinking about our visit that trip.

That is good to know about the TPV rooms as I didn't know there were any in BPK. I was thinking they were mostly in Sago and Conch, but I wasn't certain, so I didn't want to post it without knowing for sure .

I can't even picture what the Poly lobby will look like without the waterfall, but I'm sure it will take on a totally new look/feel . The waterfall, IMO, is one of the main features that screams "Polynesian" to me....and now that will be gone .

LOL on trying to stay in the main building.....but I would have done the same thing .

Ya, that silver mirror needs to go!!

There are some theme park views on the lagoon end (shorter end) of Big Pine, but not many. More in Boca Chica, but there are so many trees in front of that building. The best shot at a good view is in Sago and Conch, for sure.

I'm with you on the Poly waterfall, end of an era. I can't even picture walking into that lobby without it, we haven't stayed there much in the last few years but always visit for dining and shopping. Love breakfast at Kona, and the items in Boutiki are unique and fun.

LOL! I do like SL, but they probably had to repair finger marks on the door frame when we left!

Good Morning fellow GF fans!

Just skimmed to catch up..as usual...LOL...

baler I had heard some speculataion about that color scheme too..silver?? Imagine...Makes me think 1970's and disco music... Glad that the color scheme moved away from that...

Mickeynut I agree about that mirror... The oval one that is currently over the daybed is so pretty...and keeping with the victorian theme...

k&a&c'smom Thanks for posting more lovely pics...

....

Some thing I forgot to mention that have changed since our last trip..

Lounge lizards..dont think that you are going to like this one NO MORE pecan sticky buns are being served with the other breakfast pastries... How could they do away with the breakfast of champions.LOL... I inquired one morning..and was told that they stopped serving them because of the nuts! oh well bye bye yummy sticky buns...

Hope that everyone is keeping warm...and having a super Sunday!

Hey, I didn't even get to try those sticky buns, I had just heard how good they are! Always late to the party.

LOL about disco balls - what an image!

 

[BlueSkies]

k&a&c I see that we are back to the same posting schedule! Oh those sticky buns were very good...gooey..crunchy..perfect with morning coffee...I know you arent a coffee drinker..but even perfect with morning juice..or water...or just anything..! LOL...

Mickeynut Hey you! No replacement for the sticky buns...there was a cinnamon bun..but I think that was always one of the offerings?? Whats a sticky bun lover to do?? LOL.. Eat more oatmeal..nah...LOL..

 

[BlueGiraffe]

Yes, it's absolutely possible to take the monorail to Epcot (with a transfer at the TTC), but that would require using park tix.

Ahh yes, that hadn't occurred to me

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thanks for the link to the transportation "wizard", k&a&c'smon. I couldn't get it to work until I read your explanation about having a theme park in there as one of the destinations...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

k&a&c I see that we are back to the same posting schedule! Oh those sticky buns were very good...gooey..crunchy..perfect with morning coffee...I know you arent a coffee drinker..but even perfect with morning juice..or water...or just anything..! LOL...

Mickeynut Hey you! No replacement for the sticky buns...there was a cinnamon bun..but I think that was always one of the offerings?? Whats a sticky bun lover to do?? LOL.. Eat more oatmeal..nah...LOL..

Right back on track. LOL about juice or water, that would have been perfect, darn the bad luck!

Thanks for the link to the transportation "wizard", k&a&c'smon. I couldn't get it to work until I read your explanation about having a theme park in there as one of the destinations...

I'm bad about editing after I post, sorry about that. It's not a perfect program, but it does help to get the general idea of options and travel time.

 

[Koh1977]

So my TA had no clue there were any refurbs going on at GF...

How do I find out if the newly refurbed dormer rooms have daybeds or not?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, Blue Giraffe for pointing out the option of the monorail from GF to Epcot then walking thru to the BW.
Actually, we won't be doing any parks (Gasp!).
I'm surprising my sister for her 60th birthday with a trip to WDW and we're staying at the GF villas. (She doesn't know a thing about it yet!). She's only been a couple times - once when her kids were toddlers and again when her grandchildren were preschoolers. She's only gone for a day at a time and only sees the MK and stays at a cheap place off-site. Unsurprisingly, she doesn't see what all the fuss is about. She runs around like a chicken with her head cut off and doesn't get a lot done. Didn't know about FP, etc - and was only exposed to overpriced counter service food - which has gotten better over the years.
So I'm going to show her just how wonderful WDW can be... (Would have loved to stay at RPC but couldn't find a 35% discount for our days and am getting a great deal renting points from an owner at the villas - which will be great.) We'll stay for 3 days and 4 nights. Planning on dinner at FF, Jiko, and V & A - and of course, have to include a spa day. Otherwise, just plan on winging it and enjoying all there is to do & see at the monorail resorts. Although, I was thinking about maybe getting a 1-day ticket & touring Epcot - so maybe your route will work after all....
I've learned so much from all you wonderful people on this board & want to thank you all!
BTW k&a&c'smom - thanks for pointing out how to use the transportation link. I couldn't get it to work because I was using it incorrectly. Your suggestions were great.

 

[mickeynut1]

There are some theme park views on the lagoon end (shorter end) of Big Pine, but not many. More in Boca Chica, but there are so many trees in front of that building. The best shot at a good view is in Sago and Conch, for sure.

I'm with you on the Poly waterfall, end of an era. I can't even picture walking into that lobby without it, we haven't stayed there much in the last few years but always visit for dining and shopping. Love breakfast at Kona, and the items in Boutiki are unique and fun.

LOL! I do like SL, but they probably had to repair finger marks on the door frame when we left!

Hey, I didn't even get to try those sticky buns, I had just heard how good they are! Always late to the party.

That's good to know about the TPV rooms, although I'll probably never book one as my choice at the GF is GV or RPC....cheapest room category or most expensive, nothing in between .

Boutiki is probably my favorite resort shop (along with Bayside Gifts - is that what it's called - at the CR) as they do have unique things there .

That's too funny about the finger marks on the door frame . I wouldn't have wanted to leave RPC either as everything about it is just . Those sticky buns were awesome!!! As Blue said, they were so gooey and crunchy....perfect with a cup of coffee (or juice).

k&a&c I see that we are back to the same posting schedule! Oh those sticky buns were very good...gooey..crunchy..perfect with morning coffee...I know you arent a coffee drinker..but even perfect with morning juice..or water...or just anything..! LOL...

Mickeynut Hey you! No replacement for the sticky buns...there was a cinnamon bun..but I think that was always one of the offerings?? Whats a sticky bun lover to do?? LOL.. Eat more oatmeal..nah...LOL..

See....I could never take your posting place posting at the same time with k&a&c'smom .

I guess no replacement could be a good thing because there's no telling what they might put in place of those sticky buns . And on the oatmeal.....ummm.....not for this gal.....LOL.....that doesn't even begin to take the place of those yummy sticky buns .

How do I find out if the newly refurbed dormer rooms have daybeds or not?

I don't know how you would find out for sure, but my guess is they won't have a daybed since they don't have them now (at least I don't think they do??). Maybe k&a&c'smom or BlueSkies could give some information on that .

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you, Blue Giraffe for pointing out the option of the monorail from GF to Epcot then walking thru to the BW.
Actually, we won't be doing any parks (Gasp!).
I'm surprising my sister for her 60th birthday with a trip to WDW and we're staying at the GF villas. (She doesn't know a thing about it yet!). She's only been a couple times - once when her kids were toddlers and again when her grandchildren were preschoolers. She's only gone for a day at a time and only sees the MK and stays at a cheap place off-site. Unsurprisingly, she doesn't see what all the fuss is about. She runs around like a chicken with her head cut off and doesn't get a lot done. Didn't know about FP, etc - and was only exposed to overpriced counter service food - which has gotten better over the years.
So I'm going to show her just how wonderful WDW can be... (Would have loved to stay at RPC but couldn't find a 35% discount for our days and am getting a great deal renting points from an owner at the villas - which will be great.) We'll stay for 3 days and 4 nights. Planning on dinner at FF, Jiko, and V & A - and of course, have to include a spa day. Otherwise, just plan on winging it and enjoying all there is to do & see at the monorail resorts. Although, I was thinking about maybe getting a 1-day ticket & touring Epcot - so maybe your route will work after all....
I've learned so much from all you wonderful people on this board & want to thank you all!
BTW k&a&c'smom - thanks for pointing out how to use the transportation link. I couldn't get it to work because I was using it incorrectly. Your suggestions were great.

What a very generous thing to do for your sister . We are considering doing a resort only trip later this year, so I don't think it's strange at all not doing any parks. We have been to Disney so many times and the more we go, we spend more time at the resort and less at the parks, so a resort only trip really wouldn't be that much different for us. I love your idea of a spa day and I'm sure your sister will really enjoy that . RPC is a great place to stay, but those villas look amazing, so I'm sure you will have a great trip .

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

You bet we will, Mickeynut1 - and I hope you do as well.
It's not so generous really - it's something I've always wanted to do & we are both foodies. Hubby definitely would not care for V & A - so this way I can enjoy myself too!

 

[mickeynut1]

You bet we will, Mickeynut1 - and I hope you do as well.
It's not so generous really - it's something I've always wanted to do & we are both foodies. Hubby definitely would not care for V & A - so this way I can enjoy myself too!

I'm sure your sister will be very appreciative and love it . Enjoy V&A. We have never been as it doesn't really appeal to us, but I'm sure you and your sister will have a fabulous time. Not sure when you're going (I could have missed it) but I hope you will post about your trip when you return .

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

We're going Aug 29 - Sept 1; and we'll have a blast! Can't wait for our "girl's" vacay.
Thanks for your good wishes - and I'll definitely be posting pics.

 

[Lisann]

Thank you, Blue Giraffe for pointing out the option of the monorail from GF to Epcot then walking thru to the BW.

I purposely didn't mention that option because it would be an enormous amount of walking. I made that mistake one time after a long day in the parks, and then had to walk all the way through Future World and halfway around World Showcase and then over to the Boardwalk. It was just too much! Never again!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

We are home..man those 3 days flew by!!

We had some trouble before leaving. We gave our ticket to the valet and got my purse out of the safe.. When we went to get the car.. They said it wouldn't start! After waiting for almost an hour, security came and jumped it. The valet that parked the car left the lights on. They comp'd our valet cost.. But I was hoping it was so,etching really serious that would FORCE us to stay another night...lol

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm with you on all of the changes that are being made, along with the generic rooms. We are exploring other vacation options as well. As much as we love Disney, there are other places we would like to see. As it turns out, the dates for our December cruise don't work for us, but I haven't decided whether to cancel all together or move it to a later date. We are throwing around some other ideas, so who knows what will happen. I will definitely be back to Disney when my brother and SIL decide to take my niece, but in the meantime, my family may be venturing to other places......but only time will tell .

Say it ain't so?!