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

[Koh1977]

I'm curious about this too. Did you switch Koh1977? We switched from CR Garden Wing to the GF last week! So excited!

I'm booked at GF right now, but debating switching to WL CL...

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[Grace&Carolinesmom]

How full is the monorail in the mornings since the Grand is the last stop before MK? (In the summer) Seats left or mainly standing room only?

Do the GF buses share with the other deluxe resorts when going to the other parks?

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Yes--the monorail can be quite full in the morning making it standing room only for many passengers getting on at GF. It really isn't a big deal though considering MK is the next stop. If you are staying on to get to the TTC, the cars become basically empty after MK so you can sit until you get to the TTC. Otherwise, you can take the boat launch which goes from GF to Poly and then to MK and back again in that order.

Yes, unfortunately the monorail resorts do share buses to AK, DHS, DTD, and the waterparks. The combination of sharing seems to change unless someone else knows of a more set route? I *think* only two resorts share at a time per park bus. Someone else may come along and correct me as it has been a few years since we were at a monorail resort so the combos may have changed. It is still WAY quicker than the sharing that happens at the Epcot resorts

 

[Mousemommy1]

I'll definitely be at the pool sipping on something fruity for sure. I ended up requesting Boca Chica...we want to be somewhat closer to the pools and after seeing some of the GV room views, I'll be crossing my fingers

Hmmmmm, off to do some research....

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes, unfortunately the monorail resorts do share buses to AK, DHS, DTD, and the waterparks. It is still WAY quicker than the sharing that happens at the Epcot resorts

ITA......our bus experience at the BC was horrendous .

 

[Mousemommy1]

Which building is it that has the "awful" view of the pool house roof?

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/summer-room-and-tickets-discount/

Thanks a bunch Dansdad!

 

[Koh1977]

So we decided to switch to WL CL for this trip, but I thank you all for all the helpful info here!!

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[GoingtoWDWagain]

This will be our first stay at our home resort, Villa's at GF.
I plan on adding five days to our stay and would like to remain at the same resort by staying at the GF resort for the added days.

I saw on a previous post some photos. Have all the rooms at the GF been renovated? Anyone have some more photos to share of the renovated rooms?

Thanks a bunch for any information

 

[happymomof1]

Which building is it that has the "awful" view of the pool house roof?

I'd like to know too. Also, if we want to request a pool view, what wording could I use to avoid getting stuck there? Thanks!!!!

 

[happymomof1]

Also, is music piped in around both pools? I thought I read, way back, that there is ..... Thanks!

 

[grannyminnie]

the hoops we jump through to get our Disney fix!

OMG... I swear it's a game to me & I'm usually not like this with anything else in my life, but when it comes to Disney and getting the best discount I can, I'm like... "Let the Games Begin!"

It's true; some of us are a bit obsessive-compulsive! (you know who you are.. )

Blue, I'm holding my breath they don't take that yummy trifle away! Or downgrade our coffee choices...

 

[sugarbobbin]

So, after some thought, my mom and I might go back to Grand Floridian.

We were thinking about the Boardwalk due to it's close proximity to Epcot. I like the rooms decor there too. However, I have a feeling that she might not be into the idea of staying at a Boardwalk themed hotel. As children, my parents took us to the Boardwalk in NJ all the time, so I can see her going when we get there.

I figured because I kinda doing this as a graduation gift for myself, and that we are not annual Disney goers, that I might spring for the Grand Floridian after all. That is if they have the 30-35% off in late October, that would be the only way I could afford it.

 

[addiesmom]

Hi! We are converts from the Poly and this will be our first time staying at the Grand in June. We are very excited now although it was quite a change at first! We usually stay concierge but wanted a renovated room. Unfortunately TPV was all booked with the discount so lagoon view it is this time! Need help on requesting the right building.


We have a 6 year old so we will be spending a lot do time at the pools and on the beach. DH "plans" to use the gym every day at the spa. Which building would you suggest and why? We are hoping for a view of fireworks, is that possible? I was looking at Boca Chica but I am concerned about the trees. Also a sitting balcony is important for us. I would appreciate any opinions. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Which building is it that has the "awful" view of the pool house roof?

That "awful" view of the pool house is from Big Pine Key. In real estate spin terms, the view would be called "private"

This will be our first stay at our home resort, Villa's at GF.
I plan on adding five days to our stay and would like to remain at the same resort by staying at the GF resort for the added days.

I saw on a previous post some photos. Have all the rooms at the GF been renovated? Anyone have some more photos to share of the renovated rooms?

Thanks a bunch for any information

There is a tentative refurb schedule on the first post of this thread highlighted in red. We are all hoping for more photos of refurbed rooms as we are curious if they are adding back in some of the needed room amenities that are absent from the first refurbed room photos.(armchair, padded bench, nesting table, hamper) Crossing fingers that the many spring break vacationers (hint hint) will take more photos to post here on the DIS to satisfy all of our obsessive cravings for room pics

Hi! We are converts from the Poly and this will be our first time staying at the Grand in June. We are very excited now although it was quite a change at first! We usually stay concierge but wanted a renovated room. Unfortunately TPV was all booked with the discount so lagoon view it is this time! Need help on requesting the right building.


We have a 6 year old so we will be spending a lot do time at the pools and on the beach. DH "plans" to use the gym every day at the spa. Which building would you suggest and why? We are hoping for a view of fireworks, is that possible? I was looking at Boca Chica but I am concerned about the trees. Also a sitting balcony is important for us. I would appreciate any opinions. Thanks in advance!!

I would suggest Big Pine Key or Boca Chica. They are both pretty central between the two pools(esp BPK). Unfortunately, both may have partial tree obstructions but I think that is sort of the nature of a lagoon view room. All of the rooms will have a nice balcony for sitting and relaxing while enjoying the view. The dormered top floor rooms have a slightly smaller balcony that one must be standing to really see the view because of the walled enclosure vs the railing enclosures of the other balconies. If this is material to you, I would suggest adding the request for no-dormer room onto your ressie.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I've skimmed through, so if I repeat an answer already given, everyone please forgive me.

It's still a fear of mine booking RPC, they just don't want me It is an awesome thought, than I can tell DH/ babe it was meant to be

I do think that was the problem my friend. The CMs went above and beyond at YC! Not to mention the GM from GF calling and sending flowers to make sure we were taken care of. I have wonderful memories of our suite at YC. It's all good, and it will be all good!! But it would be AWESOME to be walked to RPC.

Awww, who wouldn't want you?! I understand the fear, but the likelihood of being walked twice is very remote. We were walked from WL one year, but the next visit was fine.

It would be a fitting end to your RPC saga to be walked there from YC CL, wouldn't it?!

....

..Probably over on my smilies though....and I am a bit confused....everything is sort of blurring together..lol...!!!

k&a&c'smom Thanks for trying to add the CL menu offerings.. And for taking the time to walk us through the Orbitz offer... I like the idea of leaving the kids off..does that mean we get to leave them home too...LOL...JK..having older "kids" I am actually grateful..as I know you are when they get to come along on a Disney trip! Are you here posting..or editing!!! I think I might be the edit queen...

....
~ My thoughts on the Poly construction...I know this is the GF thread..lol..but so many folks are booking the GF due to the construction there...FWIW..there was quite a bit of construction going on at the GF during the past two years..between the VGF..renovations at Gasparillas..Sandy Cove..and the courtyard pool...which is really right in the middle of it all..there were walls everywhere..in both pool areas...the lobby..lots of relocation due to the refurbishments.. Stayed there during all phases of construction...and..I really didn't think that it impacted my stay very much...there was still so much to enjoy..my lovely room..the overall "feel" of my favorite resort...Now I am not trying to send anyone back to the Poly..I am thinking you are all in for a treat! But...just wanted to share my "construction" experience...

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday..

I laughed out loud about the bolded part - the smiley limit gets me, too. Are you out there composing, by any chance?

I completely agree about the GF construction, with one caveat. For us, we had to go elsewhere when the courtyard pool construction was going on, so I don't blame any Poly lover for defecting for the period when the Volcano pool is under construction. It's right in the heart of the resort (both Volcano at Poly and courtyard pool at GF) and mars the feel of the resort; plus, we love to spend a good bit of our time floating around the pools, so having it down is a big deal.

For the rest of the construction, I completely agree. We have been at the GF for many, many projects over the years and always have a good time.

I just changed our reservation from SL to RPC! With this being our first stay at the GF, I really wanted to be right smack dab in the middle of things! Ha!

Of course now I have to change my room requests. Since the lounge is on the 4th floor, that's the floor I'd like to be on. We're in a Standard Room. Does anyone know which Standard rooms are closest to the lounge? (Or can anyone tell me where to look to find a map with room types and numbers on it?)
I know I'd like a pool view.

Are the coffee makers in the rooms still Cuisinart brand? I love my coffee, and just wondering if anyone knows if they'll be changed with the refurbs.

I'm really, really excited about our stay!!!

I'm pretty sure the coffee makers will remain the same - they were recently switched out to the Cuisinart models, and little has been changed in the dressing area other than the wallpaper and art.

As davale4 posted, all 3 floors are quite convenient to the lounge - TPV rooms are a bit of a hike, but even those on the 4th are the same distance.

Congrats! You're going to love RPC . The atmosphere can't be beat anywhere else.

As far as room location goes, the 4th floor is great, but to be honest I don't think any floor is bad. We have stayed on all three floors. Believe it or not, we actually LOVED the 5th floor the best. It really worked great for us. We felt like we had the entire floor to ourselves. No matter where you are, you will have a GRAND time.

We love the 5th floor as well, though there are very few standard rooms up there, mostly suites.

How long of a walk is it from Conch Key to the monorail? To the buses? Touring Plans doesn't seem to have it listed...

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Depends on how fast you walk, but to get from Conch's front door through the Main Bldg. and up the elevator or stairs and out to the monorail platform will probably take about 5 minutes. Then the wait could be another 5 minutes, depending on whether you've just missed it.

This may have already been asked, and if so I apologize! We booked a 4 night stay in August at the GF. We are traveling with myself, DH, DD 6 (turning 6 on vacation), DD 4, and DS 1. We were thinking about upgrading to CL but just want to make sure that the resort is kid-friendly...... I know it's disney, but just want to make sure!

Is the GF good with kids? Or is it mor of a hotel for adults?

The GF is a very kid friendly resort. Many people think it is stuffy or more adult oriented, but all the kids I've known love the Grand. And, just look at the pool renovations - every pool area has been converted to a kid's play area, with pop jets, splash zone and activities.

The GF is a great place for kids .

Maybe Sago Cay? Do all of the buildings have garden view rooms? (Obviously not talking about Sugarloaf and Main building)

Yes, all buildings have garden views - even SL and the Main Bldg.

How full is the monorail in the mornings since the Grand is the last stop before MK? (In the summer) Seats left or mainly standing room only?

Do the GF buses share with the other deluxe resorts when going to the other parks?

Yes--the monorail can be quite full in the morning making it standing room only for many passengers getting on at GF. It really isn't a big deal though considering MK is the next stop. If you are staying on to get to the TTC, the cars become basically empty after MK so you can sit until you get to the TTC. Otherwise, you can take the boat launch which goes from GF to Poly and then to MK and back again in that order.

Yes, unfortunately the monorail resorts do share buses to AK, DHS, DTD, and the waterparks. The combination of sharing seems to change unless someone else knows of a more set route? I *think* only two resorts share at a time per park bus. Someone else may come along and correct me as it has been a few years since we were at a monorail resort so the combos may have changed. It is still WAY quicker than the sharing that happens at the Epcot resorts

Agree on all counts. The monorail can be SRO by the time it reaches the GF, but the MK is about 2 minutes away, and after that it clears out and you can easily grab a seat if continuing on.

The bus routes do seem to change, I'm not on them enough to figure out a pattern, lol. Some transportation routes are one way in the a.m. and the opposite in the p.m. - DTD, for instance, changes in late afternoon to a direct route, I think. There are slower times when there are 3 resorts on the GF routes, I'm pretty sure, but as you say - much quicker than the Epcot resort routes, which is my only complaint with those resorts.

ITA......our bus experience at the BC was horrendous .

It certainly can be. We've had some good trips and bad trips for Epcot bus transportation.

Which building is it that has the "awful" view of the pool house roof?

I'd like to know too. Also, if we want to request a pool view, what wording could I use to avoid getting stuck there? Thanks!!!!

Big Pine Key has quite a few rooms that overlook the pool house; Boca Chica has a few, but they don't seem to be as bad in that building.

You can either request NOT to be in BPK, or you can ask for a room at the Main Bldg. end of BPK, or you can ask for a high floor as the 4th and 5th floors are high enough for it not to be an issue. Keep in mind, the dormer rooms are on the higher floors.

Also, is music piped in around both pools? I thought I read, way back, that there is ..... Thanks!

There is no music piped in, but during the afternoon the Beach Pool has activities that include music.

So we decided to switch to WL CL for this trip, but I thank you all for all the helpful info here!!

Enjoy your WL CL stay, it's a beautiful resort.

So, after some thought, my mom and I might go back to Grand Floridian.

We were thinking about the Boardwalk due to it's close proximity to Epcot. I like the rooms decor there too. However, I have a feeling that she might not be into the idea of staying at a Boardwalk themed hotel. As children, my parents took us to the Boardwalk in NJ all the time, so I can see her going when we get there.

I figured because I kinda doing this as a graduation gift for myself, and that we are not annual Disney goers, that I might spring for the Grand Floridian after all. That is if they have the 30-35% off in late October, that would be the only way I could afford it.

BWI has a lot of fans, and it is a beautiful resort, but of course, I'm a Grand lover. Good luck, I'll keep my fingers crossed for a great fall discount!!

Hi! We are converts from the Poly and this will be our first time staying at the Grand in June. We are very excited now although it was quite a change at first! We usually stay concierge but wanted a renovated room. Unfortunately TPV was all booked with the discount so lagoon view it is this time! Need help on requesting the right building.


We have a 6 year old so we will be spending a lot do time at the pools and on the beach. DH "plans" to use the gym every day at the spa. Which building would you suggest and why? We are hoping for a view of fireworks, is that possible? I was looking at Boca Chica but I am concerned about the trees. Also a sitting balcony is important for us. I would appreciate any opinions. Thanks in advance!!

Congrats on your GF stay, I think you will love the resort.

With a lagoon view, you may be able to see a portion of the fireworks if you are in a Boca Chica room. Probably blocked by trees, yes - this is why the room is rated as "lagoon" rather than TPV. But it's to be expected you won't have a perfect view, we would be happy with the lagoon view room in Boca we had several years ago. Lovely panoramic lagoon view with the fireworks through the leaves.

If you want an open balcony, request to NOT have a dormer room as those balconies are enclosed.

That "awful" view of the pool house is from Big Pine Key. In real estate spin terms, the view would be called "private"

There is a tentative refurb schedule on the first post of this thread highlighted in red. We are all hoping for more photos of refurbed rooms as we are curious if they are adding back in some of the needed room amenities that are absent from the first refurbed room photos.(armchair, padded bench, nesting table, hamper) Crossing fingers that the many spring break vacationers (hint hint) will take more photos to post here on the DIS to satisfy all of our obsessive cravings for room pics.


I would suggest Big Pine Key or Boca Chica. They are both pretty central between the two pools(esp BPK). Unfortunately, both may have partial tree obstructions but I think that is sort of the nature of a lagoon view room. All of the rooms will have a nice balcony for sitting and relaxing while enjoying the view. The dormered top floor rooms have a slightly smaller balcony that one must be standing to really see the view because of the walled enclosure vs the railing enclosures of the other balconies. If this is material to you, I would suggest adding the request for no-dormer room onto your ressie.

Again, agreed on all counts! We're on a roll today!

LOL about the "private view" in BPK, and the hints for more photos.

 

[pas130]

Awww, who wouldn't want you?! I understand the fear, but the likelihood of being walked twice is very remote. We were walked from WL one year, but the next visit was fine.

It would be a fitting end to your RPC saga to be walked there from YC CL, wouldn't it?!

You are SO sweet So I was checking out Orbitz last night (everyone's hints here were fab) and RPC was SO closed to being booked SO SO close the rate was under 500 pre tax!!! But of course I looked up WL CL, and booked it. I saved some money off that last night at YC CL so I booked an extra day. Now the princesses and I can take the boat to MK for our CRT breakfast. I am SO happy with this split. RPC will have to wait for a trip where I only need one room DH said on my "file" I am banned from RPC as punishment for all my changes and then when we were booked there I opted to stay the last night at WL in our Honeymoon room. As the CMs from WL put it, I will be know as the woman who ACTUALLY picked WL over GF...I was famous for the weekend

I'm sure they'd love to have you in RPC .

I would LOVE to be there...I didn't fight for it last night as with my little man I figured WL would be "quieter" for him. Although out of all my kiddos he has be telling me Grand Floridian...if he could talk his daddy into it... I am actually staying WL CL for LESS than GF GV so I cannot complain!!!

Pas Glad that by using a TA you are more resistant to RCing...although I do enjoy hearing about the changes..lol... Heres hoping to some YC CL overbooking..lol...

TOTALLY I emailed her this morning about my change, her reply "You are too funny" She is amazing!! I wish we could have a Grand party one day at GF..all the lovely Grand Groupies. This thread has the nicest people EVER!!!

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Afternoon
Happy First day of Spring

Needing a little Grand love. Some of the other threads on the boards today..whew! People get so worked up they scare me! I ran back over here as fast as I could. :

Here are a couple of photos to warm your hearts with nostalgia. I take my Grand lunchbag and my Grand tea cup to work every day. Yes, I am a dork. I own up to it.

Love your GF collectables, thank you for sharing pics of them. My DM & I stayed at the GF shortly after they opened and several gifts were left in the room each night. We were each left a watch and a travel alarm clock & believe it or not after 25yrs the watches still work, of course I only wear my watch when staying at the GF

ahcupcake - I forgot to say "hi" earlier. Sorry, there have been so many posts, I'm doing good just to answer questions.

Hi back, I miss sooooomany posts I try to check them as soon as I read them then it might be a few days later till I get back to them and I see that they have been answered 10 times so I delete them

Yup..no more sticky buns... or strawberries...but they have replaced them with some other delicious treats! As far as the strawberry hog..lol..you know there are always one of "those" peeps..thinking that the offerings are there for just them...the cake was yummy!

Boo Hiss I believe you when you say the replacement goodies taste good.......Yep lots of rudies in RPC and that lady knew we each wanted one oh and she didn't even eat them the were sitting on one of those large tables in front of the windows

This will be our first stay at our home resort, Villa's at GF.
I plan on adding five days to our stay and would like to remain at the same resort by staying at the GF resort for the added days.

I saw on a previous post some photos. Have all the rooms at the GF been renovated? Anyone have some more photos to share of the renovated rooms?

Thanks a bunch for any information

I *think* all the room renos will be completed by the end of July....Enjoy you stay!

 

[trishadono]

We had no problem getting a ressie at the tea room (even at only 70 days out)

Potted shrimp, scones, champagne..... tarts too

So even though not staying at the Grand, we will get our favorite fix.

Also my "coupon clipping" friends I added one more night to our vacation. Orbitz gave us $53.12 to apply on a future booking and with all the stackable discounts I could add a night at a value for only $54!!! However, DD wants the room with Flounder (AKA the Little Mermaid room at AOA) so I had to pay $98 for that one but still a good deal and we can check that off of our "try every resort list".

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thanks for all of the answers on the "pool house view"!

 

[yce22princess]

I may have asked this a while back and just can't find it, and you guys are all so nice and friendly here I figured I'll ask again....Which buildings would be the best suggestions for lighter sleepers? Just looking at the layout I would guess maybe Sago or Conch?

Thanks!!