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

[mickeynut1]

We'll be there this Sunday and can't wait!

 

[Aurora0427]

You can't carry wine on any airline anymore that I know of.

When did this become a rule? I'm curious. When I went to Vegas 7 years ago I carried on 3 unopened bottles of liquor. Granted, it's been awhile.....

 

[DisneyLover0610]

Thanks blueskies for answering my post. Yes I have apps on my phone and iPad for knowing the weather wherever we are traveling. I was curious about weather in November and what everyone where's to WDW in November since we've never been during the fall and winter. I'm shopping now before Utah malls only have winter clothes. I guess I'm more into clothes and shoes than the average person since not must response from anyone ... Oh well : )

I've been once that same week in November. I'm always cold, so I wore jeans at night with a light sweater/hoodie. That was the trip I packed entirely too much because I had no idea what to expect with temps! We go every year now in mid October and I've gotten better at packing - I watch the weather down there for a few weeks heading into our trip, and also look at some of the sites that predict out for the month to get an idea. You never know in Florida! Last year we were dying in upper 90's!
I'd personally pack on the lighter side and shop if I need something to warm me up!!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

For you, Aurora:
Since the TSA instituted the 3-1-1 Rule. You can't take any liquids over 3 oz thru the security check.
Don't know if maybe you could purchase wine at a store past the check point, if there even is such a thing.

 

[misskerri]

For you, Aurora:
Since the TSA instituted the 3-1-1 Rule. You can't take any liquids over 3 oz thru the security check.
Don't know if maybe you could purchase wine at a store past the check point, if there even is such a thing.

That rule only applies to carry-on, though. I think it read like you were saying it wasn't allowed to check wine (or other alcohol), either.

 

[Aurora0427]

For you, Aurora: Since the TSA instituted the 3-1-1 Rule. You can't take any liquids over 3 oz thru the security check. Don't know if maybe you could purchase wine at a store past the check point, if there even is such a thing.

Duh. I should've known that.... I guess our trip was prior to that rule. It seems like they've had it forever, but I guess it came later than I thought!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Here's an important question: Which store at the GF sells the Dooney & Bourke WDW handbags? (Specifically, I am looking for this one: ) Also...I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

No idea on the bag but...

I just flew with a corkscrew w/ foil cutter and 2 unopened bottles of wine in my CHECKED bag. No problems and I even had a note saying TSA hand inspected the bag. Go to the TSA website and read the section about alcohol in checked luggage. The only requirements come into play when you are transporting high alcohol content bottles- it surprised me. You could fill your luggage with wine and not violate any rules. I wrapped my bottles well in thick bubble wrap and then clothes. My biggest concern was breakage but all went just fine. Obviously nothing over 3oz through security (those mini spirit bottles under 3oz are totally acceptable, just have to fit in the ziplock and cannot be consumed on the flight). I was really nervous the first time I flew with alcohol so I read up on all the rules. I personally wouldn't try to get a corkscrew through TSA carry-on luggage check as that would be really inconvenient to have taken away lol.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

That rule only applies to carry-on, though. I think it read like you were saying it wasn't allowed to check wine (or other alcohol), either.

Oh no - sorry. I meant in checked luggage.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Duh. I should've known that.... I guess our trip was prior to that rule. It seems like they've had it forever, but I guess it came later than I thought!

I know what you mean - we traveled to New Orleans with liquor/beer in our carry-ons - and it sure doesn't seem that long ago - but I guess it was....

 

[disneymagicgirl]

So who has experience with the week after Thanksgiving? I am starting to worry about the crowd level because I saw on easywdw that the park hours have been extended and 2nd MSEP as well as Fantasmics added. They must be expecting crowds. We don't do crowds. I would switch to the last full week before Thanksgiving, but I would have to switch resorts.

 

[Jennygt]

Thanks for the pics of the cabanna. I was also looking for some shots of the view towards the lagoon from the beach and I got that in those pictures as well!

We are poly transplants, we spend alot of time at the pool over there and I love the view of the lagoon from the pool, I was curious to see what the view was like from the GF pool.

Is there music at the pool area, besides the kids activity music?

Thanks for all the advice!!

 

[Jennygt]

I was also curious what does the interior of the outer buildings look like?

 

[Sue M]

Inquiring mind here too....I don't think that I've ever seen the chocolate covered pineapples...Citrus swirl can be found at the Sunshine Tree Terrace... its super refreshing...

THANKS! Sounds GREAT! What exactly is a citrus swirl? Is it ice cream or is it like a smoothie or something?

Yum..."Whatever" it is, sure sounds AWESOME!

It is kinda like a Dole Whip, but tangy. And has dairy in it. Dole Whip is non dairy.

Thought I'd pop in for a quick report.
We arrived at MCO at 9:30a this morning, were on the ME bus by 10:00 and at the GF by 11:00!! Not sure if the bus route changes but today's drop-off was Poly, GF, WL & CR.

Check-in was a breeze and we were told our room was ready (in all our trips, we've never had our room ready upon arrival ). We had requested Boca Chica, upper floor, non-dormer and received the right building but a dormer room . While it wasn't terrible, we really felt the room looked dark and small and since we do like to sit on the balcony, I decided to go back to the front desk and ask if they had another room. Well, not only was our request granted, but that room was ready also .

So far, our vacation is off to a great start: we have a great view from our room, the weather is amazing today (hot but very sunny) and we've enjoyed walking around the resort and just taking it easy. I can already see why you all love this resort...it is beautiful!

Here's the view from our balcony:

Great view!! Same thing happened to us last time. Requested Boca, upper floor, non dormer. We got a dormer. I also went back down to desk and asked for another room. We got one on 2nd floor and we loved it. This time I'm NOT requesting upper floor because seems they don't get the no dormer part!! So I requested no ground floor or dormer! Will see what we end up with this time, but if room isn't what we want, the key is not to touch anything, and just go back to desk. That's the first question asked. Did you touch anything?

Here's an important question:

Which store at the GF sells the Dooney & Bourke WDW handbags?

(Specifically, I am looking for this one:

)

Also...I want to bring my own wine. Any good recommendations for how to accomplish that on a plane? Is it OK to pack a corkscrew in checked luggage?

I've bought Dooney at Summer & Lace. The store on Main Street also has a good selection. So if you don't see it or like pattern placement at Summer & Lace, you can always go to Main Street. I've also seen them at Epcot Mouse Gears, I think at DHS, as well as WOD in DTD. At ak too!

 

[Sue M]

Wow our time is flying by why do Holidays go by too fast?? We've been in Ft Lauderdale area since aug 7. Saturday we leave for Universal. Can time slow down now please?

 

[Scott MC]

Just wanted to say Bon Voyage to y'all!
We leave tomorrow!

We will be at BC from 8/15-8/17, YC from 8/17-8/23 and will finish off at GF from 8/23-8/25. We're also eating at every restaurant at GF except V&A's on this trip. Can't wait!

Here's wishing all upcoming travelers a GRAND stay, magic abounding, good weather, low crowds, and loveliness as far as the eye can see!

 

[BlueSkies]

Just wanted to say Bon Voyage to y'all!
We leave tomorrow!

We will be at BC from 8/15-8/17, YC from 8/17-8/23 and will finish off at GF from 8/23-8/25. We're also eating at every restaurant at GF except V&A's on this trip. Can't wait!

Here's wishing all upcoming travelers a GRAND stay, magic abounding, good weather, low crowds, and loveliness as far as the eye can see!

Scott Safe travels! Have a wonderful super deluxe vacation!!!

 

[BC1836]

Just wanted to say Bon Voyage to y'all!
We leave tomorrow!

We will be at BC from 8/15-8/17, YC from 8/17-8/23 and will finish off at GF from 8/23-8/25. We're also eating at every restaurant at GF except V&A's on this trip. Can't wait!

Here's wishing all upcoming travelers a GRAND stay, magic abounding, good weather, low crowds, and loveliness as far as the eye can see!

A coincidence of sorts: our drive (#33 since 2002) starts tonight [we are the founders of the "For 2,000+ Mile Round Trip Drivers Only!" sub-thread on the Transportation thread].

See you at the Grand Flordian Resort!

All the best!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

k&a&c We are waiting patiently....kind of ...to fiind out more about those yummy sounding chocolate covered pineapples... lol..

.... Another recommendation are Sperry's...also comfy for lots of walking...but I would recommend breaking them in before your trip...

Oops, sorry, we were posting at the same time last night! WDWKOOK said they have the choc pineapple spears at Main St. Confectionery.

Thought I'd mention, for anyone that needs it, I have a new pair of Sperry Topsiders, and there is very little arch support. I can wear them for going to restaurants, etc., but not for walking any distance.

I've never had one of those, but that sure looks good .

The citrus swirl is good, but we mourn the loss of the strawberry swirl - same thing, but with frozen strawberry puree. It was our favorite treat.

Thanks for the pics of the cabanna. I was also looking for some shots of the view towards the lagoon from the beach and I got that in those pictures as well!

We are poly transplants, we spend alot of time at the pool over there and I love the view of the lagoon from the pool, I was curious to see what the view was like from the GF pool.

Is there music at the pool area, besides the kids activity music?

Thanks for all the advice!!

I don't think there is music, except for when the activities are going on. We don't spend nearly as much time at the Beach Pool as the Courtyard, busier and the water seems colder, but maybe someone who does can answer for sure.

I was also curious what does the interior of the outer buildings look like?

There should be some photos linked in one of the first page posts, but of course, they are prior to the refurb. The decor is different now - apparently, they have powder blue walls and black tables, etc.

I'll try to post the link of the old photos, not sure if I'll find those refurb photos - there was only one, and it was mid-renovation, so I didn't save it.

Great view!! Same thing happened to us last time. Requested Boca, upper floor, non dormer. We got a dormer. I also went back down to desk and asked for another room. We got one on 2nd floor and we loved it. This time I'm NOT requesting upper floor because seems they don't get the no dormer part!!

For the bolded part - many of the rooms on floors 4 and all of those on 5 are dormers (except suites). If your requests have "upper floor" listed first, they may not have any non-dormers available, and so they give priority to the part of your request that says you want an upper floor, rather than the part that says non-dormer. If non-dormer is your highest priority, list it first.

Wow our time is flying by why do Holidays go by too fast?? We've been in Ft Lauderdale area since aug 7. Saturday we leave for Universal. Can time slow down now please?

Enjoy your last few days at the beach!

Just wanted to say Bon Voyage to y'all!
We leave tomorrow!

We will be at BC from 8/15-8/17, YC from 8/17-8/23 and will finish off at GF from 8/23-8/25. We're also eating at every restaurant at GF except V&A's on this trip. Can't wait!

Here's wishing all upcoming travelers a GRAND stay, magic abounding, good weather, low crowds, and loveliness as far as the eye can see!

Safe travels, have a magical vacation. Loved your sweet travel wishes for your fellow DISers, right back atcha!

How is Grace, btw? Much better, I hope.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

A coincidence of sorts: our drive (#33 since 2002) starts tonight [we are the founders of the "For 2,000+ Mile Round Trip Drivers Only!" sub-thread on the Transportation thread].

See you at the Grand Flordian Resort!

All the best!

Safe travels, have a Grand vacation!

Incidentally, we are 2,000+ milers, when we drive from our home, but from the Midwest. If I recall, isn't your thread mostly about I-95, or am I mis-remembering? I'm not often on the Transportation boards, but have perused your thread a couple times.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jennygt - Here is a link to a post with photos of the lobby of Sago Cay at the top. If I can find it, I'll post the photo that shows the new decor...brb.