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

[trishadono]

Morning fellow GF fans!

Just booked our winter Disney vacay with the late winter discount!! Woohoo!! 30% at the GF..Gotta love a good discount!





Hope that everyone has a terrific Thursday! preppy GF gal who needs to add some new tickers in my siggie!

So you won't be the Poly Princess for long, eh?

Still looking forward to meeting you there next month

Congrats on booking the Grand

 

[BlueSkies]

BlueSkies,
When will you be at the Grand this winter? Great 30% discount!!! Enjoy!
Candy

January..Brrrr....lol...How about you Candy?? Maybe our trips will over lap..Getting to meet up with Trish next month...at the.... shhhh....Poly!!! lol....

Hi all! I was wondering if any of you had any reviews of the Ivy Trellis at the Grand Floridian.I am set to have a makeup application and an up do for my anniversary dinner. I just wanted to see how everyone's experience has been. Pics would help! Thanks!

Sorry Kelleigh never tried the Ivy Trellis...but I'm sure some one who has will come along and be able to give you some personal experience...in the mean time tho...there are pics on page one of this thread..with some info too... Btw..Happy Anniversary! Nice to be able to celebrate in a Grand way!

Blue! Another trip?? Did you win the lottery and not tell us??

I wish!!!! Those trips are booked for next year!!! So some time to save up for them..this is called Disney math....learned it from my friend Maxie..this goes along with Disney logic.....and a Disney budget.... Do those two things even belong in the same sentence...

Thought I quoted your post Trish...?? lol...oops... We are excited to have another trip in the planning...Surprised that you haven't booked for winter yet yourself!! Looking forward to meeting up with you and Mom next month! We will be Poly princesses all the way..for now! BTW..its almost time....MB will be shipping soon.. Gotta love getting Mickey mail....

 

[trishadono]

OOOH you must be doing the "almost time" HAPPY DANCE!

Not long now!

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

Congrats on your very first GF stay! For an outer building LV room I would suggest Conch Key or Boca Chica..Sago also has LV rooms..but both Conch and BC are more centrally located IMO...there is a map on the first page of this thread that will give you a good overall idea of where each outer building is located....Hope that you have a grand trip!

Thanks for the advice! We are very excited

 

[Raya]

I leave in less than 3 weeks and I'm starting to stress over the little details - today's crazy questions that keep popping up....

We're having dinner at Narcoossee's. Our reservations are for 9:25. We planned it that way so we could see the fireworks from our table. What are the chances that a tour group will decide to stand right outside our window come fireworks time?

We have a tour scheduled for our park day. It doesn't show up in/there's no way to link it to our MDE. How will we get the information/tickets? Also, can we take the monorail to MK in time for a 7:45 tour? When would we need to leave by?

We may get off the DME at the first stop (CR or Poly) and check out the scenery before taking the monorail to GF. Will that mess anything up?

Is there a mailbox in MK or somewhere on GF ground? I want to send myself postcards. ::

Should we skip package pickup the day before we leave or two days before we leave?

 

[oceanwave]

Hi!

We booked today a Theme Park View room and was wondering if there is a particular building to request for this view type? I can't believe we are staying TPV and can't wait!!

Thanks!

 

[phyllis1966]

Hi!

We booked today a Theme Park View room and was wondering if there is a particular building to request for this view type? I can't believe we are staying TPV and can't wait!!

Thanks!

We love Conch Key for the TPV rooms. In 2009, we had booked GV for ourselves and both sets of parents. Imagine our surprise when we checked in to find that all 3 rooms were upgraded to TPV, all in a row on the fourth floor!

Our parents were so thrilled, they had never had such a lovely view in their lives, and they were so grateful, after having paid for GV rooms. It was November, so the castle was all lit up with the ice crystal lights! What spectacular views we all had, so good that the following year, we actually PAID for that view - I think they know what they're doing when they give these upgrades!

 

[ksks11]

I leave in less than 3 weeks and I'm starting to stress over the little details - today's crazy questions that keep popping up....

We're having dinner at Narcoossee's. Our reservations are for 9:25. We planned it that way so we could see the fireworks from our table. What are the chances that a tour group will decide to stand right outside our window come fireworks time?

Hi Raya...
I am also leaving for GF in 3 weeks. We will be there from Nov. 1 to Nov. 9th.
I just wanted to let you know -- I'm not sure what day you have your dinner reservation at Narcoossees, but when I am there in November the fireworks are at 9:00 pm.
Wanted to throw that out there in case you want to change your reservation if it happens to be at 9:00 pm.
Kim
Can't wait... We are beyond excited!

 

[grannyminnie]

OOOH you must be doing the "almost time" HAPPY DANCE!

Not long now!

No, not long at all! Your trip isn't really that far away either! How neat you will get to meet Blue!

I agree with you, Blue...the words "Disney" and "budget" do NOT belong in the same sentence!! But we make it work, don't we?

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Hey ya'all!

After last summer's wonderful stay, it was a no brainer to pick next summer's hotel. Last summer we stayed in a regular club level room in Sugar Loaf. Next summer, we have a Queen Deluxe booked in the main building. As the kids grow, we are finding that we like a little more space to spread out.

Do we have photo verification that there is now a queen sleeper in these rooms? When I booked, the CM told me that there is a booking capacity of four, which is fine, as we are a party of four. That being said, I do prefer the kids sleep in separate beds as they are boy/girl and four years apart. It looks like the pictures on the first page depict a roll away, so that would be fine as well. Has anyone ever had a problem getting a roll away at the GF? The room certainly seems large enough.

Thanks,
Adrianna

 

[followthatmouse]

Hey, all! I hope all is well in GF land.

Congratulations to all who have booked a GF visit!

We are 60 days out today! I have just picked a few Fastpasses and couldn't think of a better place to spend a little time than this lovely thread. The next deadline will be the IPO's email enquiring about room requests, time of arrival and such like. Happy days, indeed!

 

[BlueSkies]

I leave in less than 3 weeks and I'm starting to stress over the little details - today's crazy questions that keep popping up....

We're having dinner at Narcoossee's. Our reservations are for 9:25. We planned it that way so we could see the fireworks from our table. What are the chances that a tour group will decide to stand right outside our window come fireworks time?

We have a tour scheduled for our park day. It doesn't show up in/there's no way to link it to our MDE. How will we get the information/tickets? Also, can we take the monorail to MK in time for a 7:45 tour? When would we need to leave by?

We may get off the DME at the first stop (CR or Poly) and check out the scenery before taking the monorail to GF. Will that mess anything up?

Is there a mailbox in MK or somewhere on GF ground? I want to send myself postcards. ::

Should we skip package pickup the day before we leave or two days before we leave?

In our experience people always head out of the restaurant and stand right along the railing to watch the fireworks..thus blocking some of the view... I think that the only access to that area is thru the restaurant...so the only peeps out there would be fellow diners...rude ones...lol..

As for the tour..they do not show up in MDE for some reason...but I am sure at check in they give you some sort of confirmation..as for travel time to the MK..even though it's so close..I would give it 1/2 hour travel time via monorail if its up and running at that hour..or by the water launch...which heading to the MK will stop at the Poly first...

If you are staying CL I don't think that getting off of the ME to sight see would be a good idea...I do believe that when you check into ME the resort is notified and greeters will be waiting to help you get checked in...also even if not CL...getting checked in earlier will probably give you more opportunity to be sure that you are assigned to a room that you are happy with...just my 2 cents on that...

Hi!

We booked today a Theme Park View room and was wondering if there is a particular building to request for this view type? I can't believe we are staying TPV and can't wait!!

Thanks!

Let me second phyllis' recommendation of Conch Key...

We love Conch Key for the TPV rooms. In 2009, we had booked GV for ourselves and both sets of parents. Imagine our surprise when we checked in to find that all 3 rooms were upgraded to TPV, all in a row on the fourth floor!

Our parents were so thrilled, they had never had such a lovely view in their lives, and they were so grateful, after having paid for GV rooms. It was November, so the castle was all lit up with the ice crystal lights! What spectacular views we all had, so good that the following year, we actually PAID for that view - I think they know what they're doing when they give these upgrades!

and what a nice bit of pixie dust!!!

Hey ya'all!

After last summer's wonderful stay, it was a no brainer to pick next summer's hotel. Last summer we stayed in a regular club level room in Sugar Loaf. Next summer, we have a Queen Deluxe booked in the main building. As the kids grow, we are finding that we like a little more space to spread out.

Do we have photo verification that there is now a queen sleeper in these rooms? When I booked, the CM told me that there is a booking capacity of four, which is fine, as we are a party of four. That being said, I do prefer the kids sleep in separate beds as they are boy/girl and four years apart. It looks like the pictures on the first page depict a roll away, so that would be fine as well. Has anyone ever had a problem getting a roll away at the GF? The room certainly seems large enough.

Thanks,
Adrianna

Congrats on booking another stay at the GF! Queen deluxe room are so very nice!! and spacious! I am surprised that they have not changed the room capacity to five in these rooms....I do believe that I read some where that those rooms do indeed now have a sleep sofa/daybed rather than just a small sofa....and I know that another poster..posted a GF reivew a while back that included pics of a deluxe room in an outer building...and the small sofa there had been replaced with a sleep sofa/daybed...

So...no difinitive answer..lol... But another suggestion would be...since you are staying CL is to call the Itinerary Planning Office and inquire....they are a wealth of info...and very helpful too! Happy planning!

grannyminnie SINGLE DIGITS!!!! ....

followthatmouse I am sure that time will fly!!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fab Friday!! preppy GF gal who has been trying all morning to tweak some dining..but can't because the dining system seems to be down...

 

[mickeynut1]

Mickeynut...."I try to drag others down with me"...funniest thing I've read on here!!!!!

It's a sickness, but it's more fun with friends along .

Hi everyone! I booked GF for a very special trip. We will be celebrating my MIL 75th birthday and her FIRST time to WDW. We will be staying in a Garden View room with my two children (four of us total). The one issue we have is that my MIL is a smoker. Are there Garden View rooms that are close to the smoking area? I looked at the map and they seem to be pool or water views. Is there a certain building I should request along with being close to the smoking area?

Your question has been answered, but I just wanted to say I hope you have a great trip . The GF is a great choice for your MIL's first trip and to celebrate her birthday .

Just booked our winter Disney vacay with the late winter discount!! Woohoo!! 30% at the GF..Gotta love a good discount!

MickeyNut So..what have you planned for us so far??? I know that you will be prepared when that 180 window opens up!

Ok so no feed back from my fellow GF fans on my HDDR or Trails End dilemma?? I can not decide...Help!

Congrats on booking with the discount . I've been looking at those discounts as well .

Nothing planned so far as I need some input from my Dis pals that will be going along .

I can't help with HDDR or Trails End as we haven't been to either one, but HDDR is a show we want to try and I have read a lot of good things about Trails End .

Hi all! I was wondering if any of you had any reviews of the Ivy Trellis at the Grand Floridian.I am set to have a makeup application and an up do for my anniversary dinner. I just wanted to see how everyone's experience has been. Pics would help! Thanks!

I can't help with Ivy Trellis as I've never gone, but hopefully others will be able to give some input . Hope you have a great anniversary dinner.

So you won't be the Poly Princess for long, eh?

She will change rolls and go back to being a Poly princess next August as I talked her into booking a girls trip .

Hi!

We booked today a Theme Park View room and was wondering if there is a particular building to request for this view type? I can't believe we are staying TPV and can't wait!!

Thanks!

I can't help as we've never stayed TPV, but wanted to say I hope you have a great time .

I agree with you, Blue...the words "Disney" and "budget" do NOT belong in the same sentence!! But we make it work, don't we?

Yes, we do find ways to make it work .

Hey ya'all!

After last summer's wonderful stay, it was a no brainer to pick next summer's hotel. Last summer we stayed in a regular club level room in Sugar Loaf. Next summer, we have a Queen Deluxe booked in the main building. As the kids grow, we are finding that we like a little more space to spread out.

Do we have photo verification that there is now a queen sleeper in these rooms? When I booked, the CM told me that there is a booking capacity of four, which is fine, as we are a party of four. That being said, I do prefer the kids sleep in separate beds as they are boy/girl and four years apart. It looks like the pictures on the first page depict a roll away, so that would be fine as well. Has anyone ever had a problem getting a roll away at the GF? The room certainly seems large enough.

Thanks,
Adrianna

Congrats on booking RPC, you're going to LOVE it . I don't know for sure, but I think there is a queen sleeper in the deluxe rooms. Hopefully someone who has stayed in one since the refurb will be able to verify that or correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I've seen reports that they were added .

Hey, all! I hope all is well in GF land.

Congratulations to all who have booked a GF visit!

We are 60 days out today! I have just picked a few Fastpasses and couldn't think of a better place to spend a little time than this lovely thread. The next deadline will be the IPO's email enquiring about room requests, time of arrival and such like. Happy days, indeed!

It won't be long before you'll be on your way .

I agree about this being a great place to spend time prior to your trip .

Hope you were able to get all of the FPs you wanted .

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Good morning GF friends -- I may have spent 47 minutes on hold - which wasn't all that bad since I was driving (hands free bluetooth) home from work which is an hour twenty so I didn't mind.

But I got our February trip into the recently released Stay, Play and Dine. The CM went through all the questions, said "hmmm, is it okay with you if you pay net $7 less AND get free dining?" That's for 4 of us. We are only doing regular dining plan, so Narcossees and Shulas will be out of pocket, but we can use those two nights TS for lunch in Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Speaking of Epcot, look out F&W, we will sample everything soon!

Tom

 

[mickeynut1]

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a fab Friday!! preppy GF gal who has been trying all morning to tweak some dining..but can't because the dining system seems to be down...

Hi Blue ....we were posting at the same time .

 

[mickeynut1]

Good morning GF friends -- I may have spent 47 minutes on hold - which wasn't all that bad since I was driving (hands free bluetooth) home from work which is an hour twenty so I didn't mind.

But I got our February trip into the recently released Stay, Play and Dine. The CM went through all the questions, said "hmmm, is it okay with you if you pay net $7 less AND get free dining?" That's for 4 of us. We are only doing regular dining plan, so Narcossees and Shulas will be out of pocket, but we can use those two nights TS for lunch in Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Speaking of Epcot, look out F&W, we will sample everything soon!

Tom

Congrats on being able to take advantage of the discount .

 

[BlueSkies]

Good morning GF friends -- I may have spent 47 minutes on hold - which wasn't all that bad since I was driving (hands free bluetooth) home from work which is an hour twenty so I didn't mind.

But I got our February trip into the recently released Stay, Play and Dine. The CM went through all the questions, said "hmmm, is it okay with you if you pay net $7 less AND get free dining?" That's for 4 of us. We are only doing regular dining plan, so Narcossees and Shulas will be out of pocket, but we can use those two nights TS for lunch in Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Speaking of Epcot, look out F&W, we will sample everything soon!

Tom

Tom Congrats!! Thats terrific!!! Gotta love a good Disney deal!!

MickeyNut Hey there!! I see that we were posting at the same time!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

It's almost time!!!! We are all so excited it's a race in the mornings to see who gets the first countdown text in This is 2 50 somethings and 2 twenty somethings mind you

Furry kids KNOW something is up now so I try to spend some quality time with them both each day. Back to packing and watching

Congratulations on everyone's upcoming stays and discounts are always a bonus!

Liz

 

[jacquelynb]

We leave tomorrow!!! Kids STILL don't know!!! The suspense is killing me!!!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

We leave tomorrow!!! Kids STILL don't know!!! The suspense is killing me!!!

Our first trip to WDW we were stationed in Cali and combined it with a Thanksgiving week visit with my parents first. We didn't tell DS anything about the WDW trip so he could enjoy visiting his grandparents. When we boarded the flight to Orlando he asked why we were going there. DH said flight was changed but we could have lunch at WDW before we flew home. Surprise still intact!

Getting off the plane in Orlando, the flight attendant stopped DS to give him a WDW sticker and asked if he was going to stay with Mickey. DS promptly said No but Dad said I could have lunch there, and proceeded off the plane! BOY did that flight attendant give us the stink eye!

DS and I got a table at Kona while DH checked us into the Poly. It wasn't until he walked into the room that he realized we were staying for a week!

It was hard to keep the surprise but well worth it in the end!

Liz