2014 Grand Floridian Resort & Villas FAQ: Vacationing in Grand Style!

[misskerri]

Congrats on getting what you wanted right at the resort . I totally get the desire to have a dinner ADR that's convenient after a long day of traveling .

Was so excited that I totally forgot to identify it as a 1900 PF ADR. LOL. My 6 year old will be excited.

 

[mickeynut1]

Was so excited that I totally forgot to identify it as a 1900 PF ADR. LOL. My 6 year old will be excited.

That is a great meal for a princess ....I'm sure your DD will have a great time .

 

[kids1617]

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....
I can't wait to go with my niece. I met my brother for lunch today and the first thing he said to me when he sat down was "you're gonna get it". He then proceeded to say that my niece won't stop talking about how she's going to Disney World to eat in the castle.....looks like I trained her right .

....
LOL about almost changing to the GF. I think you will enjoy your YC stay. You could always visit the Grand to eat and shop .

....
Add me to the list of those that love to hear the boat sounds. When we stayed at the Poly, I loved lying in a hammock on the beach listening to the boat whistles as the boats went back and forth to MK.
....

LOL about your niece, so funny!

A 700 page book about basketball?!? I'd have a hard time wading through 700 pages of anything, much less non-fiction. Good luck!

I definitely will be at the Grand during our trip, I've got a list of photos, etc.

~sigh~ Oh, the hammocks. DD is sooo upset about the loss of the GF beach hammocks. She always loved the Poly hammocks, too, I guess we need to head back there for a visit, (after the construction, yikes!)

....Your poor doggy..I'm sure people have asked you this but did you try the thunder shirt? My dog is fine with thunder. She is a Havanese, 18 months old. I grew up with 2 sheepdogs but they are too big for an apartment so we though the Havie was nice because she looks similar. She is having her beauty treatment tonight - mobile groomer because she gets car sick.

When we were in Disney last year we were sitting there at one point going "I wonder what Maggie is doing"? We called every day to check on her!

Awww, very sweet. I'll bet your baby is beautiful. We discuss what our doggies are doing without us, too. My DH rarely likes to go on vacation, so he is usually the pet sitter, lol. We have set up cameras in the past, so we can watch our dogs on Skype. We're not crazy.

We have the Thundershirt, yes. She likes it, when I ask her, "do you want your jacket?" she runs up to have it put on. But it doesn't really help, I wish it did! The Lab likes hers, too, they do seem to enjoy wearing them.

Less than 45 days out...woo hoo! My sister just rented a cabana for one of our pool days...these are at the beach pool, correct? And is the Alice in wonderland water play area near the beach pool? Thanks all!

I think your questions were answered - yes and yes, just in case. Less than 45 days, woohoo!

My family and I will be at the Grand in 9 days! We are staying Sugar Loaf. We have stayed at WL Club level and will be at BC club level for three nights before Sugar Loaf. ....
Thanks!! Very excited!

Less than 9 days, yay! I'm excited for you, it won't be long now!

The food in GF CL is wonderful, you're gonna love the selection and variety. Far more than all the other CLs on property.

Yay !!! We'll be there in 9 days too. We can't wait. We've never tried WL CL but I hear it's wonderful. We'll be doing a split stay GF RPC/CR Atrium CL. I added a couple of extra nights to try out the CR. It will be a surprise for the rest of the family. They are die hard GF RPC fans so will see how the surprise works out.

Less than 9 days to go! Looking forward to hearing all about your split, CR CL is getting rave reviews lately.

Good Morning Sorry I've been MIA, stuff going on here.......But I did want to post today to sat that today Aug 8 is the 26th anniversary of our first stay at the GF. Our first of many fab stays there. I still have & wear a watch that was left in the room as a gift........Still no actual trips planned but I am currently planning my faux Food & Wine trip

Happy 26th Grand Anniversary! A watch as welcome gift?! How cool is that?! I remember when the AKL was new, they used to give lovely things from their gift shop to the CL guests. No longer, sad to say.

We are doing Atrium cl then RPC!I think it will be amazing.

I will warm it up since my trip is just before yours

Does sounds like an awesome split!

You guys...I'm probably way more excited about this than I should be, but I just scored a dinner ADR for 1900 PF for our arrival night! We originally had an 8:30 ADR for HDDR, which was fine when we were booked for WL (although I still wanted a 6:15 instead of 8:30), but once we moved to GF, I wasn't really looking forward to traveling from resort to resort late at night, after being at the airport at 7am CST. So NOW, we are eating at our resort, and it's a princess meal, which will make my daughter happy. I just had to share, b/c finding that ADR made my day! I'm so excited for our stay at the GF!

Was so excited that I totally forgot to identify it as a 1900 PF ADR. LOL. My 6 year old will be excited.

I don't blame you, I would be excited, too. We love HDDR, but after a long travel day, I would prefer to eat at a more convenient location, too. Woohoo!!

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

AWESOME!! Enjoy your incredible upgrade, looking forward to your photos.

To post photos on the DIS, you first have to make an account with a photo hosting website, like Photobucket or Flickr. After uploading there, you click on the html code and then past in your DIS posts.

 

[ahcupcake]

Hmmmm twice in one day

Hey ahcupcake Nice to see you!

Sorry that you have no actual trips planned right now...but hoping that you will soon.... I bet they miss you over at V&A's!

Awww thanks. Fingers crossed that the 4 legged patient will be coming home soon.......Is it too early to make & post a ticker for MK's 50th B-day?.....Oh how did you guess that I'm missing V&A? Just found that they changed the night of their HUGE F&W dinner from a Sun to a Fri

You guys...I'm probably way more excited about this than I should be, but I just scored a dinner ADR for 1900 PF for our arrival night! We originally had an 8:30 ADR for HDDR, which was fine when we were booked for WL (although I still wanted a 6:15 instead of 8:30), but once we moved to GF, I wasn't really looking forward to traveling from resort to resort late at night, after being at the airport at 7am CST. So NOW, we are eating at our resort, and it's a princess meal, which will make my daughter happy. I just had to share, b/c finding that ADR made my day! I'm so excited for our stay at the GF!

Congrats on getting you ADR, love Lady Tremaine and the Evil Step Sisters

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

CONGRATS on the mega dose of!!!!!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

That is the most WONDERFUL News!
Enjoy!

 

[trishadono]

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

How fun is that???

Your kids are at a nice age to appreciate it too

Thanks for sharing

 

[lynredles]

How fun is that??? Your kids are at a nice age to appreciate it too Thanks for sharing

How nice, that is great. We arrive next Saturday I am hoping for a little pixie dust!

 

[davale4]

Nine days!!! Sounds like nine is a lucky number around here today!! As MickeyNut said we recently did the same split...just with the CR first...

What a nice surprise for your family!

We had a terrific stay at the CR (not our first stay..but it had been several years.. since we are die hard GF fans too)...the lounge there has such spectacular views ....we found ourselves spending more time there watching Wishes.[/B].and just relaxing than I thought that we would....very different than RPC ..but still wonderful...I am sure that your family will enjoy it..

Good morning MickeyNut!

And to all of my fellow GF fans....Hope that you have a fantastic Friday!

I'm really hoping that they enjoy the view for the CR. I'm looking forward to this new experience.

We are doing Atrium cl then RPC!I think it will be amazing

I will warm it up since my trip is just before yours

This is the first time we do a split vacation. Hope it all goes well. I'm still trying to figure out if I should have them move my luggage or if I should just take a taxi and bring everything with me.

 

[disney meema]

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

How fabulous ... I know I can't wait to read all the details (( happy dance moment ))

 

[oceanmarina]

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

Fantastic! Gotta love a free upgrade, they are so rare. Yes, definitely post pics if you can

 

[Nathaniel41]

Hello,
Am supposed to check in August 21 and am really confused about early transportation from the Floridian to Magic Kingdom. Spoke to several cast members and somebody at the Floridian and can't seem to get a consistent reply.
I understand the limited monorail schedule. We have an 8:15 Cinderella breakfast on August 22, a day the park opens at 9:00. How are we supposed to get there? Cast member told us to take a taxi - to where? TTC? And then ferry, or bus?
Was also told that everyday the Floridian ferry doesn't start until 10:30 - is that accurate?
We have never stayed on site before, and are splurging on this trip, and I feel like we are wasting our money staying at a monorail resort now. We also have a 10 month old baby and two kids, 6 and 9. How do they ride in a taxi without car seats?
This is all so confusing and all we wanted was to spend extra to be on the monorail for convenience and that doesn't seem to be the case. Thank you for any advice!!!

 

[disney meema]

Just paid the balance of our vacation and 92 days until we arrive at AKL CL and then our beloved GF RPC for a 14 night extravaganza of MVMCP, illuminations & tomorrowland wishes fireworks dessert parties, sunrise safari & breakfast, keys to the kingdom tour and some incredible dining reservations ... Yippee! Feels so good to pay off your trip every time!
Here are our dining reservations:
At AKL - Boma for breakfast & dinner, Saana, Jiko's
At Epcot - Chef de France, Rose & Crown, Via Napoli, Teppan Edo, Le Ceilier, Monsieur Paul
At AK- Yak & Yeti, Tuskers House for breakfast
At DHS - Hollywood Brown Derby, Sci Fi, Mama Melrose
At MK - BOG, Cinderella Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace for breakfast
At GF - Narcossee's, Citrico's, Garden View tea room and V&A for 35th anniversary
At other resorts - 'Ohana, California Grill and Kona's for breakfast

I'm I missing anything? Jiko's, Monsieur Paul, BOG dinner and V&A are all new for us, also we will be splitting meals at several dinners or 1 of us order a dinner salad and the other an entree and share ... except a few we plan on eating : )
Any park experiences we must try I missed?

I can't wait to try AKL for our first stay and then feel at home at GF .. The best of both worlds in a way

 

[trishadono]

Just paid the balance of our vacation and 92 days until we arrive at AKL CL and then our beloved GF RPC for a 14 night extravaganza of MVMCP, illuminations & tomorrowland wishes fireworks dessert parties, sunrise safari & breakfast, keys to the kingdom tour and some incredible dining reservations ... Yippee! Feels so good to pay off your trip every time!
Here are our dining reservations:
At AKL - Boma for breakfast & dinner, Saana, Jiko's
At Epcot - Chef de France, Rose & Crown, Via Napoli, Teppan Edo, Le Ceilier, Monsieur Paul
At AK- Yak & Yeti, Tuskers House for breakfast
At DHS - Hollywood Brown Derby, Sci Fi, Mama Melrose
At MK - BOG, Cinderella Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace for breakfast
At GF - Narcossee's, Citrico's, Garden View tea room and V&A for 35th anniversary
At other resorts - 'Ohana, California Grill and Kona's for breakfast

I'm I missing anything? Jiko's, Monsieur Paul, BOG dinner and V&A are all new for us, also we will be splitting meals at several dinners or 1 of us order a dinner salad and the other an entree and share ... except a few we plan on eating : )
Any park experiences we must try I missed?

I can't wait to try AKL for our first stay and then feel at home at GF .. The best of both worlds in a way

I am available if any family member backs out

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

k&a&c'smom Awwwww! Sorry I don't know how to extract that one little quote about the doggies! That's cute they ask for their thundershirts! Maggie is asking for her little sweatshirt now after being groomed because she is FREEZING!

That is very funny about the skype cameras! LOL.

I have to ask, are we the only people not staying CL? LOL...I think we are out-priced to be honest but I haven't even looked since we were moved from WL to GF...it's been enough just learning about the new resort.

 

[disney meema]

I am available if any family member backs out

Lol made my day! It's our very trip with just my husband and myself ... One of my daughters and some of the grand kiddies are so wanting to go and totally giving me the pout look. I've felt bad a few days planning a trip without them but looking forward to being able to roam the shoppes, go on what they would call boring attractions and eat places without chicken nuggets having to be on the menu : ) But planning a granddaughter trip for 2015 to help my guilt ... And it's working feel better already!

Anything I missed experience wise?

 

[davale4]

Just paid the balance of our vacation and 92 days until we arrive at AKL CL and then our beloved GF RPC for a 14 night extravaganza of MVMCP, illuminations & tomorrowland wishes fireworks dessert parties, sunrise safari & breakfast, keys to the kingdom tour and some incredible dining reservations ... Yippee! Feels so good to pay off your trip every time!
Here are our dining reservations:
At AKL - Boma for breakfast & dinner, Saana, Jiko's
At Epcot - Chef de France, Rose & Crown, Via Napoli, Teppan Edo, Le Ceilier, Monsieur Paul
At AK- Yak & Yeti, Tuskers House for breakfast
At DHS - Hollywood Brown Derby, Sci Fi, Mama Melrose
At MK - BOG, Cinderella Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace for breakfast
At GF - Narcossee's, Citrico's, Garden View tea room and V&A for 35th anniversary
At other resorts - 'Ohana, California Grill and Kona's for breakfast

I'm I missing anything? Jiko's, Monsieur Paul, BOG dinner and V&A are all new for us, also we will be splitting meals at several dinners or 1 of us order a dinner salad and the other an entree and share ... except a few we plan on eating : )
Any park experiences we must try I missed?

I can't wait to try AKL for our first stay and then feel at home at GF .. The best of both worlds in a way

V&A is one of the dinners we are looking forward in having. It will also be our 1st too. The good thing about staying at GF RPC is that we don't have to worry about the wine pairing and feeling a little "happy" at the end of the meal .

 

[ahcupcake]

Good Evening my fellow GF lovers I'm back again

Happy 26th Grand Anniversary! A watch as welcome gift?! How cool is that?! I remember when the AKL was new, they used to give lovely things from their gift shop to the CL guests. No longer, sad to say.

Thanks k&a&cI should say this is when it was called "Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort Yeah they left all kinds of goodies this is the watch

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They also left a travel alarm that's still in use as well

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Hello,
Am supposed to check in August 21 and am really confused about early transportation from the Floridian to Magic Kingdom. Spoke to several cast members and somebody at the Floridian and can't seem to get a consistent reply.
I understand the limited monorail schedule. We have an 8:15 Cinderella breakfast on August 22, a day the park opens at 9:00. How are we supposed to get there? Cast member told us to take a taxi - to where? TTC? And then ferry, or bus?
Was also told that everyday the Floridian ferry doesn't start until 10:30 - is that accurate?
We have never stayed on site before, and are splurging on this trip, and I feel like we are wasting our money staying at a monorail resort now. We also have a 10 month old baby and two kids, 6 and 9. How do they ride in a taxi without car seats?
This is all so confusing and all we wanted was to spend extra to be on the monorail for convenience and that doesn't seem to be the case. Thank you for any advice!!!

Nathaniel41 You should be able to use the boat that leaves the GF from the dock near Narcoossee's after it picks up at the GF it then travels to the Poly then to the MK......Hope this helps

 

[abk96]

Congrats on the upgrade kids1617.Have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it.

ahcupcake...We have things that were left in our room as welcome gifts too when we stayed at GF in 96. We got a GF cookie jar which is in my kitchen now, coasters, and a tie. That was such a surprise.

 

[BlueSkies]

You guys...I'm probably way more excited about this than I should be, but I just scored a dinner ADR for 1900 PF for our arrival night! We originally had an 8:30 ADR for HDDR, which was fine when we were booked for WL (although I still wanted a 6:15 instead of 8:30), but once we moved to GF, I wasn't really looking forward to traveling from resort to resort late at night, after being at the airport at 7am CST. So NOW, we are eating at our resort, and it's a princess meal, which will make my daughter happy. I just had to share, b/c finding that ADR made my day! I'm so excited for our stay at the GF!

WTG on getting an ADR at 1900 PF...its a fun place to dine...I am sure that your DD will love it...and sounds like the perfect fit on your arrival day!

So we just got off the bus and we were selected for family of day! Got upgrade to main building club level. I was and am still in shock. What a magical start to our family vacation!!! once I figure out how to post pictures I will. Got a really beautiful button too!

Congratulations!!! That sure is a magical way to start your vacation! RPC is wonderful..You and your family are in for a treat! Enjoy every minute! Looking forward to your pics!

Hmmmm twice in one day Awww thanks. Fingers crossed that the 4 legged patient will be coming home soon.......Is it too early to make & post a ticker for MK's 50th B-day?.....Oh how did you guess that I'm missing V&A? Just found that they changed the night of their HUGE F&W dinner from a Sun to a Fri

I hope that your 4 legged patient will be coming home soon too..... Its never too early to start planning a new Disney vacation...even if it is a ways off...and also never too early for a ticker either....

I do know how much you and Mom love your dinners at V&A... Its always about the food isn't it!

Thank for posting your momento pics..love that watch! We have several momentos that say GF Beach Resort too...

Hello,
Am supposed to check in August 21 and am really confused about early transportation from the Floridian to Magic Kingdom. Spoke to several cast members and somebody at the Floridian and can't seem to get a consistent reply.
I understand the limited monorail schedule. We have an 8:15 Cinderella breakfast on August 22, a day the park opens at 9:00. How are we supposed to get there? Cast member told us to take a taxi - to where? TTC? And then ferry, or bus?
Was also told that everyday the Floridian ferry doesn't start until 10:30 - is that accurate?
We have never stayed on site before, and are splurging on this trip, and I feel like we are wasting our money staying at a monorail resort now. We also have a 10 month old baby and two kids, 6 and 9. How do they ride in a taxi without car seats?
This is all so confusing and all we wanted was to spend extra to be on the monorail for convenience and that doesn't seem to be the case. Thank you for any advice!!!

Staying at a monorail resort is very convenient...not just because of the monorail...but the proximity to the other monorail resorts and the options to travel to them as well as to the MK..There is a water launch that starts running before the monorail that should be able to get you to the MK on time as ahupcake mentioned...I also think that during the monorails modified hours there are buses available.... I did read infoto that effect on the Poly thread which was postd by some folks that are there now...HTH...

meema Thats quite an ambitious dining itinerary... Enjoy!! While we do enjoy our family trips...my DH and I always enjoy our couple only trips to WDW.... I am sure you will too...

Hi k&a&c'smom

MickeyNut Are we posting at the same time again...maybe we are going for the trifecta today!!

abk Love that cookie jar..I have seen it pop up on ebay every once in a while....