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

[trishadono]

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?

The gingerbread house is usually up around the 13-15th or so but I think the tree and outside comes between then and thanksgiving.

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi BlueSkies and ahcupcake.

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

Hi Blue, ahcupcake and maxie!

After many tries to change our trip, we have decided to keep it at the original date, so it's only about 6 weeks now! Based on how hard it was to salt down at least 1 Fastpass for the Mine Train, it's gonna be a busy time of year to go!! (we have never been so close to Halloween, but have seen the decorations, which I love!)

 

[donaldrees]

Could someone confirm that the BBQ's at the GFV are propane? I did a search and haven't found anything!

 

[disneynutz]

Could someone confirm that the BBQ's at the GFV are propane? I did a search and haven't found anything!

They are natural gas.

Bill

 

[mickeyluv'r]

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.

Haven't stayed in a villa, but if you wish to check the back of your head, take the mirror.

During our recent stays at GF and CR- both rooms with wall mirrors, I still could not find a way to adjust either to see the back of my head.

 

[BlueSkies]

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

Thanks for that link Liz! and to HairyChest too!

Hi BlueSkies and ahcupcake.

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

WooHoo..Its almost time!!! ...Please take extra good care of flat Blue and dont let her get into too much trouble!!

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!

Halloween at WDW!! How wonderful...!! I only learned recently about all of the spooktacular resort happenings at the GF right on Halloween...enjoy!

Hi Blue, ahcupcake and maxie!

After many tries to change our trip, we have decided to keep it at the original date, so it's only about 6 weeks now! Based on how hard it was to salt down at least 1 Fastpass for the Mine Train, it's gonna be a busy time of year to go!! (we have never been so close to Halloween, but have seen the decorations, which I love!)

Hey you! Are you planning to attend a MNSSHP?? Such fun! I am sure that even though you couldn't change your dates..( I was hoping that they would over lap with mine! ) that you will have another GRAND time!!

Trish I thought all the decorations were put up around that time too...

MickeyNut Wishes k&a&c'smom and all of the rest of my fellow GF fans...hope that you are having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal who got her MVMCP tickets!

 

[Gitts2008]

I can't seem to quote multiple people correctly

Thanks all!

I am driving so bringing little bottles is not an issue, but good to know for the future.

I just love my foo-foo drinks I was trying to just make them so I would not need to sit at the bar and drink, but could sit on our balcony. Also, I do not like the taste of alcohol beverages, so I like to make them to my liking. BUT!!! oh....Mizner's looks fabulous. My DH will want to try the The Macallan, 25 yr. He's an expensive drinker humm.....2 bath salt tubs and soaps at Basin or 1 drink.....

Thanks again all and I will try to contact IPO about my "wish" to stay RPC.

 

[Maxie86]

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!)


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)

Looks like we will be there at the same time. Congrats on getting 2 7DMT FP's. Have fun shopping Friday.

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!

Your welcome, I'm always available for sense knocking. How fun to be at the Grand on Halloween.

Hi Blue, ahcupcake and maxie!

After many tries to change our trip, we have decided to keep it at the original date, so it's only about 6 weeks now! Based on how hard it was to salt down at least 1 Fastpass for the Mine Train, it's gonna be a busy time of year to go!! (we have never been so close to Halloween, but have seen the decorations, which I love!)

Hi grannyminnie. Looks like we will miss you by about a month.

Thanks for that link Liz! and to HairyChest too!



WooHoo..Its almost time!!! ...Please take extra good care of flat Blue and dont let her get into too much trouble!!

MickeyNut Wishes k&a&c'smom and all of the rest of my fellow GF fans...hope that you are having a terrific Tuesday... preppy GF gal who got her MVMCP tickets!

I hope flat Blue behaves herself...we always seem to have trouble with or flat friends...they get us into so much trouble. We got thrown out of SAB one year when a couple of our flat friends went pool hopping.

 

[frozengurl]

I am so excited to be staying at the Grand Floridian for the first time ever this October! We are doing a split stay~ staying the 7-12 at the Beach Club and the 12-17 at the Grand Floridian!!!! Can not wait!

 

[Mr Waggy]

Very excited for my first Disney trip in 4 weeks to GF.

I booked an Outer Building Standard Club level room. I have always assumed this would be in Sugar Loaf building but on a couple of sites there has been mention to the fact that I could get allocated a standard room in another building with access to the club lounge in Sugar Loaf.

See this from Mousesavers

Club Level provides access to a concierge lounge offering snacks. There are two Club Level lounges at this resort:

Royal Palm Club is in the main building.
Sugar Loaf Club is in the all-Club-Level Sugar Loaf Key building.
“Outer Building” Club Level rooms are assigned to Royal Palm Club or Sugar Loaf Club, depending on which is closer. In other words, they do not have a concierge lounge in the same building.

That would be a bit of a pain of course and not as good as being in Sugar Loaf itself. Can anyone confirm is this is correct or will I be in Sugar Loaf?

 

[Anne5555]

A few months ago I found lagoon view rooms at the GF this September through the Disney website for $400 a night with free dining included. (This is lower than rack rate per Mouse Savers, so maybe the room was discounted, too?) I was looking at prices for next year to decide where we might want to stay with a bounce back offer, and the lowest rates for next year around the same time seem to be around $561, with the moderate level Beach Club and Yacht Club around $400 per night.

I just checked for September 2014, and I'm seeing that same $561 for this year, too, for the same Lagoon view rooms! Does anyone know why the prices jumped from $400 with free dining to $561 in the same month? If we want to spend less money per night on next year's trip, should we consider using a bounceback offer or are the discounts better a few months before a vacation (if you can still find rooms available?) I wanted to have a plan for a possible bounceback offer before we even start our vacation.

Thanks!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Very excited for my first Disney trip in 4 weeks to GF.

I booked an Outer Building Standard Club level room. I have always assumed this would be in Sugar Loaf building but on a couple of sites there has been mention to the fact that I could get allocated a standard room in another building with access to the club lounge in Sugar Loaf.

See this from Mousesavers

Club Level provides access to a concierge lounge offering snacks. There are two Club Level lounges at this resort:

Royal Palm Club is in the main building.
Sugar Loaf Club is in the all-Club-Level Sugar Loaf Key building.
“Outer Building” Club Level rooms are assigned to Royal Palm Club or Sugar Loaf Club, depending on which is closer. In other words, they do not have a concierge lounge in the same building.

That would be a bit of a pain of course and not as good as being in Sugar Loaf itself. Can anyone confirm is this is correct or will I be in Sugar Loaf?

Last time we stayed in SL the concierge explained the club level access to us as follows:

Booking SL (Outer Building Club Level) gave access to SL only and you stayed in SL building.
Booking Outer Building Suite gave access to both SL and RPC with rooms located in various buildings.
Booking Main Building Rooms (any) gave access to RPC only with rooms located in Main Building.

This may not still be accurate as it has been a year since we stayed but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken.

Hope this is some help!

and Happy Wednesday! Hope everyone has a Grand day.

Liz

 

[KonaKaiTom]

A few months ago I found lagoon view rooms at the GF this September through the Disney website for $400 a night with free dining included. (This is lower than rack rate per Mouse Savers, so maybe the room was discounted, too?) I was looking at prices for next year to decide where we might want to stay with a bounce back offer, and the lowest rates for next year around the same time seem to be around $561, with the moderate level Beach Club and Yacht Club around $400 per night.

I just checked for September 2014, and I'm seeing that same $561 for this year, too, for the same Lagoon view rooms! Does anyone know why the prices jumped from $400 with free dining to $561 in the same month? If we want to spend less money per night on next year's trip, should we consider using a bounceback offer or are the discounts better a few months before a vacation (if you can still find rooms available?) I wanted to have a plan for a possible bounceback offer before we even start our vacation.

Thanks!

Beach Club and Yacht club are deluxes, not moderates. I agree that it is tough to plan ahead on rates unless you are willing to play the book now and hope for a discount lottery down the road.

Tom

 

[jacknsally19]

BlueSkies - you mentioned that you recently learned about spooktacular happenings at the GF. Would you be willing to share the details? I'm going to be at the GF for Halloween with my daughter so I'm certainly interested.

Very excited for my upcoming trip... less than 6 weeks away. Work has been a complete nightmare for me lately so I am ready for a vacation!

 

[Gitts2008]

Last time we stayed in SL the concierge explained the club level access to us as follows:

Booking SL (Outer Building Club Level) gave access to SL only and you stayed in SL building.
Booking Outer Building Suite gave access to both SL and RPC with rooms located in various buildings.
Booking Main Building Rooms (any) gave access to RPC only with rooms located in Main Building.

This may not still be accurate as it has been a year since we stayed but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken.

Hope this is some help!

and Happy Wednesday! Hope everyone has a Grand day.

Liz

I am so very confused I asked a similar question in the CL thread and I must have misunderstood.

As abk96 posted, there is main building CL (Royal Palm Club) and outer building CL (Sugar Loaf). Just wanted to add that there are a few deluxe rooms in each CL and are a bookable category in RPC, but can only be requested in SL (not a bookable category in SL).

Yes. You will either book a room in the Main Building or Outer building (Sugar Loaf) club level.

So, all of this means that we could be put in a building that is NOT the main or Sugar loaf but we would access the CL lounge of which ever is closer?? I so hope that I am wrong. I do not want to leave my building to go to the CL Lounge with my mom in a wheelchair. Please say that I am wrong

 

[jacquelynb]

I think my question got lost in the shuffle...which is ok. I know that can happen easily in a thread as active as this. I was wondering if the laundry machines take just quarters or if you can pay for them with your magic band? TIA!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

BlueSkies - you mentioned that you recently learned about spooktacular happenings at the GF. Would you be willing to share the details? I'm going to be at the GF for Halloween with my daughter so I'm certainly interested.

Very excited for my upcoming trip... less than 6 weeks away. Work has been a complete nightmare for me lately so I am ready for a vacation!

I think I was the one that told BlueSkies about the Halloween events. We were at the GF in Sago for Halloween. On Halloween late afternoon, early evening they had a DJ in he courtyard in front of Gaspy's along with CMs giving out tons of candy. At some point Mickey and Minnie came to visit dressed in western attire. The CMs led the little kids in doing the Thriller dance. I believe the entire week they ran "halloween" type movies as well.

Tom

PS -- that was Halloween of Superstorm Sandy -- we ended up getting stranded at the GF for 4 extra days -- that was the upside, the downside, Sandy got up close and personal with our home, however, we are rebuilt better than ever.

 

[BlueSkies]

I hope flat Blue behaves herself...we always seem to have trouble with or flat friends...they get us into so much trouble. We got thrown out of SAB one year when a couple of our flat friends went pool hopping.

Flat Blue will be on her best behavior...lol... SAB??? Pool hopping??? lol...If I recall the life gurards were happily posing with that naughty flat Disney90..and her equally trouble making DH!! And some construction workers too.... lol....

I am so excited to be staying at the Grand Floridian for the first time ever this October! We are doing a split stay~ staying the 7-12 at the Beach Club and the 12-17 at the Grand Floridian!!!! Can not wait!

Congrats..what a wonderful split!!!

Very excited for my first Disney trip in 4 weeks to GF.

I booked an Outer Building Standard Club level room. I have always assumed this would be in Sugar Loaf building but on a couple of sites there has been mention to the fact that I could get allocated a standard room in another building with access to the club lounge in Sugar Loaf.

See this from Mousesavers

Club Level provides access to a concierge lounge offering snacks. There are two Club Level lounges at this resort:

Royal Palm Club is in the main building.
Sugar Loaf Club is in the all-Club-Level Sugar Loaf Key building.
“Outer Building” Club Level rooms are assigned to Royal Palm Club or Sugar Loaf Club, depending on which is closer. In other words, they do not have a concierge lounge in the same building.

That would be a bit of a pain of course and not as good as being in Sugar Loaf itself. Can anyone confirm is this is correct or will I be in Sugar Loaf?

TinkerBellLiz Posted the most accurate and current info on this...that I am aware of.... The only CL rooms that are not located in a building that offers a CL lounge are the outer building suites...with the exception of the suites in SL..as that is a designated CL building...including a lounge and all of its offerings...

Last time we stayed in SL the concierge explained the club level access to us as follows:

Booking SL (Outer Building Club Level) gave access to SL only and you stayed in SL building.
Booking Outer Building Suite gave access to both SL and RPC with rooms located in various buildings.
Booking Main Building Rooms (any) gave access to RPC only with rooms located in Main Building.

This may not still be accurate as it has been a year since we stayed but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken.

Hope this is some help!

and Happy Wednesday! Hope everyone has a Grand day.

Liz

Was the same when we were at the GF a few months back...

I think my question got lost in the shuffle...which is ok. I know that can happen easily in a thread as active as this. I was wondering if the laundry machines take just quarters or if you can pay for them with your magic band? TIA!

No answer from me...sorry...I do not do laundry on vacation... ..lol...hopefully some one who does will come along and have an answer for you! Did you check the info on the first page??? k&a&c'smom has lots of good stuff listed there...

I think I was the one that told BlueSkies about the Halloween events. We were at the GF in Sago for Halloween. On Halloween late afternoon, early evening they had a DJ in he courtyard in front of Gaspy's along with CMs giving out tons of candy. At some point Mickey and Minnie came to visit dressed in western attire. The CMs led the little kids in doing the Thriller dance. I believe the entire week they ran "halloween" type movies as well.

Tom

PS -- that was Halloween of Superstorm Sandy -- we ended up getting stranded at the GF for 4 extra days -- that was the upside, the downside, Sandy got up close and personal with our home, however, we are rebuilt better than ever.

Yes Tom you did!! Which prompted me to look through my files and find the Activiites guide for last October...which had lots of fun activities listed just for Halloween ....

jacknsally I will happily get that back out and post the info for you!

Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a wonderful Wednesday! preppy GF gal who needs to get moving.....but would rather be here trip plannning..and sharing info...

 

[jacknsally19]

Thanks Tom & BlueSkies! My daughter already has three costumes for Halloween week (Princess Tiana, Pocohantas, and Izzy a Neverland Pirate) so we are ready for some spooktacular fun.

I feel like I am more excited to stay at GF than I normally would be since everyone on this board is so lovely. So thanks friends

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hey Blue:

It appears from our signatures that we will just miss each other. Although in October I will be cheating on the Grand as we are doing a quick 3 day Food and Wine trip and staying at the Yacht Club. But back at the Grand in February with a split stay at FT. Wilderness.

Tom