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

[MrsB919]

For anyone who's stayed in the villas..do you know if they have a pull out mirror in the bathroom? I'm trying to decide if I need to take my hand held mirror for checking the back of my head (when doing my hair). TIA.

 

[trishadono]

For anyone who's stayed in the villas..do you know if they have a pull out mirror in the bathroom? I'm trying to decide if I need to take my hand held mirror for checking the back of my head (when doing my hair). TIA.

Thanks for the excuse to watch one of my videos from our visit in January

We were in a 2 bedroom and there is a wall mounted make up mirror in both the bathroom of the master bedroom and the bathroom of the 2nd bedroom too.

 

[opal6779]

I have browsed through, but haven't seen the answer, so sorry for a repeat question. What is the earliest that the GF will be all decorated for Christmas?

 

[MrsB919]

Thanks for the excuse to watch one of my videos from our visit in January

We were in a 2 bedroom and there is a wall mounted make up mirror in both the bathroom of the master bedroom and the bathroom of the 2nd bedroom too.

Haha I'm glad I gave you an excuse. We will be staying in a studio. Hopefully they also have them in there. The less I have to carry the better. More room in my luggage for souvenirs.

 

[Candy Orlando]

Haha I'm glad I gave you an excuse. We will be staying in a studio. Hopefully they also have them in there. The less I have to carry the better. More room in my luggage for souvenirs.

I always stay in a one bedroom but I have photos of a studio and the bathroom has a pull out mirror.

Candy

 

[MrsB919]

I always stay in a one bedroom but I have photos of a studio and the bathroom has a pull out mirror.

Candy

Oh that's great to hear. Thanks so much.

 

[Gitts2008]

Only 6 more days until we check in

I like foo-foo drinks, mudslide, pina colada's etc...What type of alcohol is served in the CL Lounges? I do not drink wine or beer. I saw pictures of amaretto and Kahlua in a CL picture? Has anyone ever brought with them stuff to make themselves a drink ie Sour mix? Do they serve Whiskey or Vodka?

I am booked for SL (roll in shower) and wonder if a roll in shower room maybe available in the main bldg when we check in, whom do I ask? At on line check in? I am contemplating upgrading, but just not sure if the extra money will be available.

 

[trishadono]

Only 6 more days until we check in

I like foo-foo drinks, mudslide, pina colada's etc...What type of alcohol is served in the CL Lounges? I do not drink wine or beer. I saw pictures of amaretto and Kahlua in a CL picture? Has anyone ever brought with them stuff to make themselves a drink ie Sour mix? Do they serve Whiskey or Vodka?

I am booked for SL (roll in shower) and wonder if a roll in shower room maybe available in the main bldg when we check in, whom do I ask? At on line check in? I am contemplating upgrading, but just not sure if the extra money will be available.

I went to my local liquor store and got mini bottles of Captain Morgan for dh and made his c&c in the lounge. I was just discreet about it

A Kailua and cream would be easy. If you ask for milk it's available all day(ds drinks all day long).

Also, I didn't believe my dh so I asked myself, you can bring the mini alcohol bottles in YOUR CARRY ON!!!!

So this last year for work or pleasure my dh brings rum and scotch of his favorites with him vs buying what the airline offers:

You just put in a Baggie with your other 3oz or less items

 

[kirstenh]

We are staying at GF in 3 weeks! We have a Deluxe Garden View room, and I'm curious where these are on property. How far is the beach pool, monorail, parking lot?

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi!
My first time staying in the Grand Floridian- just wondering a few things... maybe you all can help me.
We booked a Lagoon view room for the first week of November. I requested the Sago Cay building with the Marina view. I think the marina looks so nice with that marina with the boats. I would love sitting on my balcony looking out at the marina while my kids are napping.

• Is the marina as nice as it looks in the pics?
• Is Sago Cay very far from everything [buses, monorail, boat launch, pools]? What are the odds of getting your building request?
• What is the best floor in Sago Cay? [I don't want the bottom/first floor or the top floor b/c the balconies are different on the top floor]
• What is the weather usually like Nov. 1st to Nov. 9th? Is it humid/ what do you normally wear/ pack? Can the kids go swimming comfortably/ go on water rides [splash mtn, etc]?
• Is there anywhere in the bathroom to put an over the door shoe organizer in order to keep bathroom items off of the counters?

Thank you so much!
These Disboards about the GF have been such a lifesaver planning our first ever trip to Disney. I am used to planning activities/ staying organized, as I am a Special Ed. teacher... but planning a Disney World Trip is A LOT of work!!!! [but it sure is fun ] My family is counting down the days on our Countdown to Disney Chart... can't wait!!!!!
Kim

I know that Maxie did a good job of answering your questions... Just wanted to say WELCOME and congrats on your first GF stay!!

I have browsed through, but haven't seen the answer, so sorry for a repeat question. What is the earliest that the GF will be all decorated for Christmas?

I do think that the decorations start going up mid November...but not totally done until Thanksgiving weekend... Hopefully someone who has a more decisive answer will be along to share that info....

Only 6 more days until we check in

I like foo-foo drinks, mudslide, pina colada's etc...What type of alcohol is served in the CL Lounges? I do not drink wine or beer. I saw pictures of amaretto and Kahlua in a CL picture? Has anyone ever brought with them stuff to make themselves a drink ie Sour mix? Do they serve Whiskey or Vodka?

I am booked for SL (roll in shower) and wonder if a roll in shower room maybe available in the main bldg when we check in, whom do I ask? At on line check in? I am contemplating upgrading, but just not sure if the extra money will be available.

Alcoholic beverages in the CL lounges are basically wine, beer, champagne, (all available in the evenings..but I understand can be requested at other times of the day?? ) and cordials like amaretto and kahlua ...no other alcohol or mixers....For those yummy fluffy drinks that you are thinking about.. I would say Mizner's or one of the pool bars would have a nice variety.... ..

As for upgrading at check in to a room with a roll in shower ..I would suggests checking with IPO ahead of time..they will probably be able to give you an idea of how many of those rooms are available in RPC....How nice if you are able to do it...but SL is so very nice also!

We are staying at GF in 3 weeks! We have a Deluxe Garden View room, and I'm curious where these are on property. How far is the beach pool, monorail, parking lot?

There are deluxe GV's in all of the outer buildings...I would recommend requesting Boca Chica...those GV deluxes over look the whole courtyard area..including the pool and the main building....very pretty!

Maxie Happy to see you stopping by!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a magical Monday!! .. preppy GF gal who is patiently waiting for the winter discount offers to come out...

 

[ahcupcake]

Only 6 more days until we check in

I like foo-foo drinks, mudslide, pina colada's etc...What type of alcohol is served in the CL Lounges? I do not drink wine or beer. I saw pictures of amaretto and Kahlua in a CL picture? Has anyone ever brought with them stuff to make themselves a drink ie Sour mix? Do they serve Whiskey or Vodka?

I am booked for SL (roll in shower) and wonder if a roll in shower room maybe available in the main bldg when we check in, whom do I ask? At on line check in? I am contemplating upgrading, but just not sure if the extra money will be available.

The wine & champagne is available from 5pm to 7pm and the sweeter after dinner liquors(Grand Marnier, DiSaronno, Bailey's(or something similar), Cognac) are out from 8 to 10. Don't think they have any of the harder stuff or the mixes in the CL lounges... Hope this helps

 

[BlueSkies]

Hey there ahcupcake!!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Hope everyone has a Grand Monday!

Copying this link for HairChest's post that has been pushed pages back! This SO makes me want to be there NOW!

Liz



This ones for all you fellow grand floridian lovers. Just got back from an amazing trip and i LOVE the in room tv music at the grand, so I made this. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/q_NSjMtHEPo

 

[Maxie86]

Hi BlueSkies and ahcupcake.

I have been lurking a bit lately getting ready for my trip. 12 days

 

[ksks11]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes! You all are so nice and helpful...
So... I just booked O'hana (finally got a reservation- have been trying forever) and this is my family's first time to Disney World [my husband went one other time]. We have obviously never been to O'hana's and everyone says it is a must.
Here's my question- my son is 5 and my daughter is 3... the only reservation I could get is 9:40 pm... we would be going on a day that we would be going to MK when it has the Mickey Christmas Party [we are NOT going to the Mickey's Christmas party]... so we can leave the park and have plenty of time to rest/ nap... but I still think 9:40 is so late.

• What are the odds we can get in earlier for our reservation? Or does O'hana usually run late on seating families?
• Or do you suggest I cancel the reservation and just keep looking for a better time?

Thoughts?
Kim

 

[jacquelynb]

Do I need quarters for the washers or can we use our magic bands?

 

[Maxie86]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes! You all are so nice and helpful...
So... I just booked O'hana (finally got a reservation- have been trying forever) and this is my family's first time to Disney World [my husband went one other time]. We have obviously never been to O'hana's and everyone says it is a must.
Here's my question- my son is 5 and my daughter is 3... the only reservation I could get is 9:40 pm... we would be going on a day that we would be going to MK when it has the Mickey Christmas Party [we are NOT going to the Mickey's Christmas party]... so we can leave the park and have plenty of time to rest/ nap... but I still think 9:40 is so late.

• What are the odds we can get in earlier for our reservation? Or does O'hana usually run late on seating families?
• Or do you suggest I cancel the reservation and just keep looking for a better time?

Thoughts?
Kim

That is way too late for me. I can't imagine your little ones enjoying a dinner that late, and then not being crabby the next day because they are over tired. O'hana's is OK but not a must do for us. I would keep trying for an earlier time if you really want to eat there, people do cancel.

 

[ksks11]

That is way too late for me. I can't imagine your little ones enjoying a dinner that late, and then not being crabby the next day because they are over tired. O'hana's is OK but not a must do for us. I would keep trying for an earlier time if you really want to eat there, people do cancel.

You're right Maxie! I knew it was too late... just needed to hear it from someone else. Thanks for knocking some sense into me. I'm just learning all the Disney's ins and outs.
Hopefully someone will cancel... that's how I got BOG.
It's getting close... I cannot control my excitement to stay at the GF. We leave on Halloween!

 

[jerseygal]

You're right Maxie! I knew it was too late... just needed to hear it from someone else. Thanks for knocking some sense into me. I'm just learning all the Disney's ins and outs.
Hopefully someone will cancel... that's how I got BOG.
It's getting close... I cannot control my excitement to stay at the GF. We leave on Halloween!

Enjoy HALLOWEEN at GF! WOW!

 

[twoolle]

Only 6 more days until we check in I like foo-foo drinks, mudslide, pina colada's etc...What type of alcohol is served in the CL Lounges? I do not drink wine or beer. I saw pictures of amaretto and Kahlua in a CL picture? Has anyone ever brought with them stuff to make themselves a drink ie Sour mix? Do they serve Whiskey or Vodka? I am booked for SL (roll in shower) and wonder if a roll in shower room maybe available in the main bldg when we check in, whom do I ask? At on line check in? I am contemplating upgrading, but just not sure if the extra money will be available.

There is a picture of the beach pool bar menu in the photos section and lots of yummy drinks on there!

Hi BlueSkies and ahcupcake. I have been lurking a bit lately getting ready for my trip. 12 days

We leave in 10 days and arrive in 12. Woo Hoo! My MIL is taking DS4 and DS3 to the zoo on Friday so DD1 and I can make our final shopping trips (I hope!)

Thanks for all the warm welcomes! You all are so nice and helpful... So... I just booked O'hana (finally got a reservation- have been trying forever) and this is my family's first time to Disney World [my husband went one other time]. We have obviously never been to O'hana's and everyone says it is a must. Here's my question- my son is 5 and my daughter is 3... the only reservation I could get is 9:40 pm... we would be going on a day that we would be going to MK when it has the Mickey Christmas Party [we are NOT going to the Mickey's Christmas party]... so we can leave the park and have plenty of time to rest/ nap... but I still think 9:40 is so late. [*]What are the odds we can get in earlier for our reservation? Or does O'hana usually run late on seating families? [*]Or do you suggest I cancel the reservation and just keep looking for a better time? Thoughts? Kim

My kids are close to that age. They might not be so crabby at that time but I can't imagine them wanting to eat a big meal then. I would definitely keep searching. Stalk the dining page!

I have been tweaking our FP+ ressies almost every day. Originally I did not schedule 7DMT for our arrival night, thinking we would just stay at hotel. But over the weekend I decided it might be fun to go over for a couple hours. Today I was able to snag 2 FP+ for 7DMT! (After stalking it for the last 3 days)