Sad to say that we are completely

[cseca]

Enamored with GFV 1br after our first stay.

We moved there after 4 nights at BLT. I honestly didn't think we would like it as much as I did because on paper BLT wins over GFV. However after staying there we are contemplating a way to rearrange our DVC portfolio

The bad (and understand that most of it is related to it being brand new):

1. Couldn't print one of our KTTW card when we arrived. The system went wonky.
2. Some clearance issues in the room:
- the hangers on the closet do not have enough space which means they sit crooked and could scratch the wall after repeated movement
- one of the fridge drawer has a scratch on the top already from scrapping against the other drawer door
3. The bus to DHS is horrible. Had lots people waiting
4. 1 bath in 1 br ... That still sucks
5. Engineering came to fix the Murphy bed one day while we were out and then still there when we came back. Left us out in the hallway for a bit and didn't say what the heck is going on. Just left the room and we came back in ... Weird
6. Air jet tub cleaning cycle went nuts and didn't stop going for hours. The second person from maintenance came and just turned off the breaker. Said the system is very sensitive right now and they are still trying to figure it out.
7. There is really no easy way to get to the monorail with a stroller. You have to walk around the building either through the main entrance or the ramp by the side. Then you have to take the elevator up.


The good:
1. The whole resort is so small that you don't have to walk a mile to your room.
2. We had a standard 1br and you can see some fireworks at night... that was cool.
3. 24hr Quick service ... nuff said... sometimes you just need to get something to drink/eat at 1am...
4. Plenty pool seats around the splash pool area and the little pool.
5. Boat service to and from MK is pretty good... at night they change to bigger boat to accommodate more people. 1 stop from MK to GF.
6. Washer/dryer work great.
7. Airjet tub is heavenly when working properly.
8. The layout is nice, much nicer than BLT. Makes a lot more sense than BLT. Except for the 1 bath instead of 2 bath.
9. Lots more stores to shop in... (maybe this is not a "good")
10. AC/Heater system works great! Not like BLT when their idea of getting the room warmer is just to stop running the cold air. I swear the only room temp settings BLT room has is either on or off...

The awesome:
1. Alice splash pool... it is COOL!!!
2. Sandy area for the little ones to play in.
3. The pool quick service has I think great food options (crabcake sandwich, sushi, chix nuggets, etc.) ... and it's close to the GFV. They are open until 8pm.
4. The grounds in general is very pretty. It's nice to walk through even after a long park day/night.
5. That GIANT shower... oooohhh... it's soooooo nice.
6. I love the floor... it's very comfortable and really quiet too considering it's not carpet.

The weird:
1. The giant fridge... after you open the door to that beast and then close it. Trying to open it immediately after takes quite some muscle power. I wish had taken a picture of the industrial size hinges they use. It's huuuuge.
2. We were there on the first day and we already saw scratches on the white doors, tile floor, tables and such. It's quite disappointing but oh well...
3. We honestly needed more trash can. We have 3 in the 1br, we could use a 4th one. So if you need an extra one for your still in diaper kids you might want to bring some extra trash bags
4. Our ME transportation voucher never made it to the room. We had to call ME and after some pinball action (being transferred to front desk and then to the valet), we found that the valet people are the ones who can issue you the replacement voucher. So don't bother standing in line in the front desk just go to valet directly for the voucher if you're ever in the same situation.
5. If you use soap bar in the shower just be careful, the little nook to hold the bottles is tilted out and down (as it should) BUT that means your soap bar will have trouble staying put... it'll sliiiiide right off

Some pics:

Mickey and Minnie after GFV opening ceremony


Our room view


view during fireworks

 

[stefanospops]

We're here now too. Last night and checking out tomorrow. WE had an issue with the murphy bed too. My 4 year old lay down on it and it closed on her! They came and fixed the issue. We just got back from using the gas BBQs they have available. There are two of them next to the Senses Spa. There is a small court for basketball next to it so a great way to get the kids outside while making dinner.

The staff here are all fantastic. Probably because it is brand new, but still.

Some complaints though. The fridge is very hard to open and I can see those handles breaking soon. Really wish they had that second washroom and getting back to the Floridian if you leave when everyone else is leaving is tough. At least at BLT you could walk back.

This said, we love it. We still prefer BLT for location and 2 bathrooms in the 1 bedroom, but like most everything else at VGF. Look forward to staying here again soon!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We're here now too. Last night and checking out tomorrow. WE had an issue with the murphy bed too. My 4 year old lay down on it and it closed on her! They came and fixed the issue. We just got back from using the gas BBQs they have available. There are two of them next to the Senses Spa. There is a small court for basketball next to it so a great way to get the kids outside while making dinner.

The staff here are all fantastic. Probably because it is brand new, but still.

Some complaints though. The fridge is very hard to open and I can see those handles breaking soon. Really wish they had that second washroom and getting back to the Floridian if you leave when everyone else is leaving is tough. At least at BLT you could walk back.

This said, we love it. We still prefer BLT for location and 2 bathrooms in the 1 bedroom, but like most everything else at VGF. Look forward to staying here again soon!

Ohh, gas grills!

 

[disneynutz]

Late model refrigerators and freezers create a vacuum after having the door open due to a temperature differential. The door seals on newer units does a better job of keeping warm air out. As soon as the inside cools down, the pressure will equalize and it will be easy to open the door again.

Bill

 

[cseca]

We're here now too. Last night and checking out tomorrow. WE had an issue with the murphy bed too. My 4 year old lay down on it and it closed on her! They came and fixed the issue. We just got back from using the gas BBQs they have available. There are two of them next to the Senses Spa. There is a small court for basketball next to it so a great way to get the kids outside while making dinner.

The staff here are all fantastic. Probably because it is brand new, but still.

Some complaints though. The fridge is very hard to open and I can see those handles breaking soon. Really wish they had that second washroom and getting back to the Floridian if you leave when everyone else is leaving is tough. At least at BLT you could walk back.

This said, we love it. We still prefer BLT for location and 2 bathrooms in the 1 bedroom, but like most everything else at VGF. Look forward to staying here again soon!

Oh NO!
I hope your 4yo is ok...

Yeah that's another bad with the monorail... if you're there with everyone else it's just like the bus but with shorter drive.

Late model refrigerators and freezers create a vacuum after having the door open due to a temperature differential. The door seals on newer units does a better job of keeping warm air out. As soon as the inside cools down, the pressure will equalize and it will be easy to open the door again.

Bill

It's a REALLY nice fridge ... I can use one at home...

 

[Disney Spaz]

We are here at VGF now in a std 1 bdrm. We love it we even have a view of the fireworks at night from our balcony. We are in room 1327. A higher floor would have an even better view. So far no issues with the Murphy bed. Our 7 year old has slept on it every night. As for the fridge we called maintenance twice before we realized it was operator error and DH and I agree it helps us get everything we need out in one shot.

DH has always loved SSR and I was a little worried he wouldn't love VGF as much. We bought points at VGF because I love GF. But I am happy to report he loves VGF almost as much as me. We finally bought the right home resort for us.

 

[cseca]

We are here at VGF now in a std 1 bdrm. We love it we even have a view of the fireworks at night from our balcony. We are in room 1327. A higher floor would have an even better view. So far no issues with the Murphy bed. Our 7 year old has slept on it every night. As for the fridge we called maintenance twice before we realized it was operator error and DH and I agree it helps us get everything we need out in one shot.

DH has always loved SSR and I was a little worried he wouldn't love VGF as much. We bought points at VGF because I love GF. But I am happy to report he loves VGF almost as much as me. We finally bought the right home resort for us.

Isn't it an amazing place?
I am still dreaming about it ... next time we want to go there for 4 days with no park days. Just going to let us enjoy everything the resort has to offer along with the other monorail resorts.

Enjoy your stay there... I'm jealous cause you guys probably are having the perfect weather right now.
We left just when the weather turns wonderful...

 

[automaticsoap]

Thanks for the review! And that is a beautiful photo of the fireworks! I"ll be staying in a standard studio in May, so hopefully I'll have a view of them too.

 

[pouncingpluto]

Thanks for this! We are very excited about our mid-December stay. Can you explain more about stroller logistics? Is there a more direct way to get to the monorail if we have our daughter get out and carry the stroller up some stairs or an escalator? Is the boat a convenient alternative, generally speaking?

 

[cseca]

Thanks for this! We are very excited about our mid-December stay. Can you explain more about stroller logistics? Is there a more direct way to get to the monorail if we have our daughter get out and carry the stroller up some stairs or an escalator? Is the boat a convenient alternative, generally speaking?

Yes you can either:
1. Take the covered walkway and then turn right to the side entrance by the splash pool area.
Or
2. Take the shortcut through the small pool area to get to the side entrance

Then
Have your child get out and walk up short steps to the doors into GF. Then you can either take the elevator or walk up to the 2nd floor to the station.

The long way is to take the covered walkway all the way to the front of the building and then go in and find the elevator upstairs.

The short ways do not really cut too much walking, just a little bit.

Oh how old is your child?
Depending on the weather if you want to play in the sand it is wise to bring some sand toys. Or you'll be buying some from the store like we did

 

[pouncingpluto]

Thanks! She's 2 1/2. That's a great tip about sand toys.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Yes you can either: 1. Take the covered walkway and then turn right to the side entrance by the splash pool area. Or 2. Take the shortcut through the small pool area to get to the side entrance Then Have your child get out and walk up short steps to the doors into GF. Then you can either take the elevator or walk up to the 2nd floor to the station. The long way is to take the covered walkway all the way to the front of the building and then go in and find the elevator upstairs. The short ways do not really cut too much walking just a little bit.

Oh how old is your child?
Depending on the weather is you want to play in the sand it is wide to bring some sand toys. Or you'll be buying some from the store like we did

We have wiggly twin infants and will be wheeling them around in February--it sounds like it's not too much of a hassle to just go all the way via the walkway? I cannot wait for February. Looks like a unit as high as possible is the order of the day.

Our brand new chest freezer is the same way with crazy suction. You get used to it. I think it's probably much more energy efficient.

 

[cseca]

Thanks! She's 2 1/2. That's a great tip about sand toys.

Oh jeepers I just realized how many typos were in my previous post.
Darn phone...
Sorry about that....

And regarding the boat.
During the day they operate the small boat. So not that much capacity but we have never found it too be too crazy busy.
Then again you can kind of eyeball it to see how many people in queue and decide whether the monorail or boat would be faster.

At busy times they run the bigger covered boat.
It can get crowded but it has so much more capacity that chances are you can probably fit in it albeit standing room only.

Remember that either boat would require you to fold your stroller.

Even on the monorail during the busy times we find it easier to fold the stroller then trying to find a big spot for ours.

We like the boat to GF... it's fast only 1 stop.

If you want to remember:

Boat Back to GF (BB) - 1 stop
Monorail to Magic Kingdom (MMK) - 1 stop

 

[cseca]

We have wiggly twin infants and will be wheeling them around in February--it sounds like it's not too much of a hassle to just go all the way via the walkway? I cannot wait for February. Looks like a unit as high as possible is the order of the day.

Our brand new chest freezer is the same way with crazy suction. You get used to it. I think it's probably much more energy efficient.

Don't sweat it... we have doubles too and we've done the covered to the front of the building many times. It's not crazy far.

We just like to be efficient in our walking so we try to figure out the best way to go.

You'll love your stay really.
It is a beautiful place. I have to say I've gone from feeling "eh" about the place to feeling "Holey WOW! I want more points!!". The only other DVC resort that came close for me would be GCV. And we piled on points on that one.

Wish GFV is cheaper

 

[DVC Mike]

We have our first stay at VGF on Sunday. Just one night tacked on to our BWV trip we are on right now, but we have 1-week stays booked in Dec and Mar.

Thanks for posting your thoughts.

 

[mrsp1030]

Has anyone stayed Ina studio or 2 bedroom lockoff yet? Curious about closet space since lack of storage in studio and also if the alcove that connects the studio to one bedroom could be used.

 

[Lorien728]

Leaving in 45 minutes and checking in tomorrow....sooooooo excited! We're in a lakeview studio.

 

[cseca]

Leaving in 45 minutes and checking in tomorrow....sooooooo excited! We're in a lakeview studio.

We have our first stay at VGF on Sunday. Just one night tacked on to our BWV trip we are on right now, but we have 1-week stays booked in Dec and Mar.

Thanks for posting your thoughts.

Sooo jealous of you both!!!
Especially Mike and his wife with 2 trips
Have fun!

Take lots of pictures!!!

 

[madaboutMickey]

This may be a really silly question but I haven't seen any thing posted about it yet. I thought I remebered reading a while ago that there would not be a separate Bell Service at VGF. I have a wheelchair rented for our stay in Nov and need to let them know where it should be delivered.

 

[cseca]

This may be a really silly question but I haven't seen any thing posted about it yet. I thought I remebered reading a while ago that there would not be a separate Bell Service at VGF. I have a wheelchair rented for our stay in Nov and need to let them know where it should be delivered.

OK this might not answer your question but I took a picture of the front of GFV after the big ceremony and I saw a bell service stand.



Again, I can't tell you if it's there permanently or just for the first day and if it's there 24hrs because I can tell you some nights really late there is nobody at the check in area in the GFV building.