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

[mommyrosa2]

Well, that stinks. Sorry for the nasty surprise, that doesn't seem very customer friendly. Sheesh.

Have you purchased Early Bird check in? Maybe you could do that for at least a portion of your family, so you can get seats together. Of course, the price has gone up to $12 (or $12.50) per person, per flight, little money grubbers that they are.

That's exactly what we decided to do...purchase early bird check in for the girls at least....

 

[grannyminnie]

So glad that you decided to share your loss here..I knew that this lovely group of GF fans would want to offer you their sincere condolences...

Let me say again how sorry I am for your loss grannyminnie..and I hope you can take some comfort in knowing what a caring daughter that you have been...

Yes, everyone's kind words are very comforting. I thank you all for your sweet expressions of sympathy.

Blue, I never thought about this situation in the light you mentioned it (my being a caring daughter); I just know that each visit I had with her, I counted as a bonus!

And yes, k&a&c'smom, we have many happy memories to help carry us through.

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Morning How is everyone this morning? Watching the Dancin with the Stars announcement on GMA as I type

Good morning, GF pals....I want to let you all know that my dear mother died last Saturday. She lived a good, long life, but saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing I have ever done.

Sending my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your DM

Hi ahcupcake ....nice to "see" you again. Things here are good, just cold and snowy. Hope everything is well with you .

I think we're having the same weather here as you are there, so glad we didn't get the 10+in we were supposed to get yesterday.....Everything is fab here except that it's so darn cold

ahcupcake Hey you!! Glad that you popped in..Sorry that no trip is on the current horizon..I know how much you love visiting the GF... A big hello to your Mom!


We have predictions of snow yet again........... I am ready to move to WDW!

Hey BlueSkies Loved your mini TR & texted pics of your most recent trip felt like I was ALMOST there! Yep you know I miss all those fab RPC CM's.......Mom say Hi right back............Agree so ready move there after all that nasty white stuff..I have a cousin that justYesterdays "storm" didn't amount to anything here think we got 1/4in which made me happy

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Thank you to those who responded about my question about the courtyard pool. I think we may still stay at GF despite the changes to the pool. My mom really wants to stay there regardless. It is good going in and knowing what to expect. My biggest concern is lack of shade around that pool. If you see someone with a big hat and in wraps that might me me! Hopefully we can find a little shade around there.

 

[BlueSkies]

Wanted to pop in & say hello!!! Booked our airfare this morning...price was excellent although DH used his points which covered all of us. Not sure if anyone has experience booking trips with points bur when I was done I was surprised we all had different confirmation #'s even though we are all on one itinerary. Tried calling SW to see if they could link us so we're not all over the place boarding & was surprised they said no. Anyone hhave this happen to them?? My youngest DD is now nervous about all of us boarding separately. ..ugh!.

Congrats on getting your air all booked! Kind of crazy about not being able to link your confirmations #s...Hopefully your can work it all out at the airport and be able to board all together..especially doing EB check in...

2kids Wow..not very accommodating..

MickeyNut I do love your list!

k&a&c'smom I think anything within a one hour window is considered post "at the same time" I bet you are posting while I compose my long winded post...

About the nick names on the MBs..I think that the possibilities are endless.. I bet there have been some good ones already..DD and I are putting our heads together...and DH is going to have a really really good one!!!

JoBird on that weather...I agree..and am ready to pack up and go....

grannyminnie All those visits really were bonuses...I know that you cherished the time...How blessed to be able to have your mom for so long...still doesn't lessen the pain of the loss...

ahcupcake I am so glad that you enjoyed my pics and texts..I always say its the next best thing to being there..happy to share my trip!

Love DWTS....do tell...who is gong to be on it this season???

OK..back on topic....

My GF thought for the day~ lol.... With the rooms being renovated..will the main lobby be renovated too??? Not a full reno....but the wall paper and furnishings to keep everything tied together...with the new look in Gaspies...which ties in with the look in the VGF lobby?? As usual..inquiring mind here...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Tuesday!

 

[BlueSkies]

Thank you to those who responded about my question about the courtyard pool. I think we may still stay at GF despite the changes to the pool. My mom really wants to stay there regardless. It is good going in and knowing what to expect. My biggest concern is lack of shade around that pool. If you see someone with a big hat and in wraps that might me me! Hopefully we can find a little shade around there.

I hope that my response to your question didn't sound very negative...

If I had never stayed at the GF and was seeing the cy pool for the first time I would think it was wonderful...and it is lovely... Just very different than it was before the renovation ...especially if your like a pool for swimming in...lol..

As for the shade...besides the few umbrella tables toward the back area of the pool deck..there are also few over by the pool bar area ...so I think that you should be able to enjoy some pool time and get some shade too.... I surely wouldn't let that change deter me from staying at the GF... in the big picture...its such a beautiful resort....

Happy planning and have a grand trip!

 

[Lisann]

grannyminnie...so very sorrowful for your loss...I know you will miss her.

 

[SwirlyGirly]

Good morning, GF pals....I want to let you all know that my dear mother died last Saturday. She lived a good, long life, but saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing I have ever done.

So very sorry for you and yours. I hope you can find solace in remembering the good times you've shared.

 

[grannyminnie]

Thanks to both of you for your comments.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

grannyminnie -

BlueSkies - Well, I've already messed that up. I was busy with tax prep this morning, no time for the DIS!

That's exactly what we decided to do...purchase early bird check in for the girls at least....

Hopefully that helps.

Thank you to those who responded about my question about the courtyard pool. I think we may still stay at GF despite the changes to the pool. My mom really wants to stay there regardless. It is good going in and knowing what to expect. My biggest concern is lack of shade around that pool. If you see someone with a big hat and in wraps that might me me! Hopefully we can find a little shade around there.

There is enough pool experience left to be pleasant, just not as good for swimming as it used to be. As BlueSkies posted, I wouldn't let the pool changes keep me from staying there, either.

About the nick names on the MBs..I think that the possibilities are endless.. I bet there have been some good ones already..DD and I are putting our heads together...and DH is going to have a really really good one!!!

My GF thought for the day~ lol.... With the rooms being renovated..will the main lobby be renovated too??? Not a full reno....but the wall paper and furnishings to keep everything tied together...with the new look in Gaspies...which ties in with the look in the VGF lobby?? As usual..inquiring mind here...

Hope that everyone is having a terrific Tuesday!

LOL about the nickname, enjoy your plotting.

With the lobby being recently redone, I'd be surprised if they changed it again already - but who knows?! I'm completely mystified by them at this point.

 

[jecon]

grannyminnie - BlueSkies - Well, I've already messed that up. I was busy with tax prep this morning, no time for the DIS! Hopefully that helps. There is enough pool experience left to be pleasant, just not as good for swimming as it used to be. As BlueSkies posted, I wouldn't let the pool changes keep me from staying there, either. LOL about the nickname, enjoy your plotting. With the lobby being recently redone, I'd be surprised if they changed it again already - but who knows?! I'm completely mystified by them at this point.

We were there last week and the staff at the RPC said that the lobby is not being redone but the rooms and halls in the upper floors where the rooms are will be redone in July.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Are all top floor rooms in the outer buildings dormers or can you receive a room with a regular balcony?

TIA!

 

[grannyminnie]

Good Morning How is everyone this morning? Watching the Dancin with the Stars announcement on GMA as I type
Sending my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your DM


I think we're having the same weather here as you are there, so glad we didn't get the 10+in we were supposed to get yesterday.....Everything is fab here except that it's so darn cold

Hey BlueSkies Loved your mini TR & texted pics of your most recent trip felt like I was ALMOST there! Yep you know I miss all those fab RPC CM's.......Mom say Hi right back............Agree so ready move there after all that nasty white stuff..I have a cousin that justYesterdays "storm" didn't amount to anything here think we got 1/4in which made me happy

Hi ahcupcake, nice to see you posting again. Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes, everyone's kind words are very comforting. I thank you all for your sweet expressions of sympathy.

Good Morning

I think we're having the same weather here as you are there, so glad we didn't get the 10+in we were supposed to get yesterday.....Everything is fab here except that it's so darn cold

Hi ahcupcake

We were supposed to get up to 10" of snow Sunday night into Monday, but luckily it passed us by . Our temps are in the mid-high 20s and the sun has been out, but it's still just a little too cold for me .

I think we may still stay at GF despite the changes to the pool. My mom really wants to stay there regardless. It is good going in and knowing what to expect. My biggest concern is lack of shade around that pool. If you see someone with a big hat and in wraps that might me me! Hopefully we can find a little shade around there.

I'm sure you'll have a great trip .

About the nick names on the MBs..I think that the possibilities are endless.. I bet there have been some good ones already..DD and I are putting our heads together...and DH is going to have a really really good one!!!

Have fun coming up with nicknames for the MBs . I'm sure you and DD will be able to come up with a good one for your DH .

With the lobby being recently redone, I'd be surprised if they changed it again already - but who knows?! I'm completely mystified by them at this point.

You're not the only one .

We were there last week and the staff at the RPC said that the lobby is not being redone but the rooms and halls in the upper floors where the rooms are will be redone in July.

Thanks for the info .

Are all top floor rooms in the outer buildings dormers or can you receive a room with a regular balcony?

TIA!

I can't help with this question, but I'm sure one of the GF vets will be able to answer this for you .

 

[Circusgirl]

grannyminnie my best thoughts to you in this sad time of grieving. Losing your mom is life changing and I can imagine how much you miss her every day. I will think of your incredible bond and celebrate that in honor of you both.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We were there last week and the staff at the RPC said that the lobby is not being redone but the rooms and halls in the upper floors where the rooms are will be redone in July.

Makes sense - thanks for the info!

Are all top floor rooms in the outer buildings dormers or can you receive a room with a regular balcony?

TIA!

Yes, all regular rooms on the top floors have the dormer balconies.(excluding suites) A few of the rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors also have dormers, but some do have regular balconies - they would be near the center of the building.

I'll post a couple photos to illustrate.

Sago Cay, from SL:

Boca Chica from Big Pine Key:

Sugar Loaf from Sago Cay:

 

[aprilbabes]

I want to put in a building request for our May visit to GF. I was thinking of Big Pine Key, based on its location, but was wondering if all the rooms would be completed by then. Does anyone have the latest refurb details?

 

[BlueSkies]

I want to put in a building request for our May visit to GF. I was thinking of Big Pine Key, based on its location, but was wondering if all the rooms would be completed by then. Does anyone have the latest refurb details?

The full refurb schedule is posted on the first page of this thread...Conch has already been completed..and Boca Chica maybe be approaching completion now..if things are on schedule...which they seem to be so far...Big Pine is supposed to begin any day...so I would say that Big Pine will probably be done by May..but you might want to list one of the already refurbed buildings as a second choice for back up...

k&a&c'smom Nothing like popping in here and seeing your lovely GF photos..thanks as always for sharing them... all such lovely views... I'd like to be sitting on a balcony right now...

to all of my fellow GF fans...

Hope that you are having wonderful Wednesday!

 

[burnetta696]

Hey y'all. Will be staying at the GF for the first time ever this June, and am traveling with my grandmother and have requested an accessible room... Does anyone have info about these rooms, are they all on first floor? What buildings have them?

We are in for a garden view though it says they could have views of marina as well, didn't know if anyone had been in one of these rooms and could recommend it. I want to call ahead and try to request a room in one of the building that will have completed the decor Reno. Just wanted a but more information first.

Thanks in advance. I've never stayed in such luxury before and am very excited.

 

[Lisann]

Hi, everyone!

Thanks for the pics, k&a&c'smom! Dreaming of being there.