A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[pas130]

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day with your family and friends.

I second that!!!!

pas130 I hope all is ok with your DD. I quickly looked for a post but I didn't see once.

Just waiting for results (which will take a few more weeks) I figure no news is good news right? Thanks for checking on me Welcome home! Sorry about your friend, I am glad he is finding peace, and I pray he stays as comfortable as possible, and that he has all the time he needs and wants to spend with his family and friends So sad, so hard for everyone

 

[aprestwich]

Hi! We went to GF with our 8-month-old. We opted for the pack n' play, rather than the crib (although they have both). I have a picture but I don't know how to add it? Can someone help?

As for tips, I'm not sure how old your baby is, so I don't know what kind of tips to offer? The bathtub is really difficult to bathe the baby in - I brought a small inflatable tub to put in the bath and I had to sit on the side of the tub (it is a really wide tub surround) in order to bathe the baby.

Thanks for the info beckysko! Can't help with the pictures, I haven't tried that on here. Great idea about the inflatable tub, I could see that being a real pain! The baby isn't even born yet, he'll be two months old when we go, but we have two older sons 10 and 6 and we're going to brave it with the little one!

For the Diapers and Formula, we'll bring Formula (Canadian, so I'm sure the brands will be different) and have diapers delivered by the Garden Grocer when we order other stuff.

Agreed on the breaks, that's manditory even for the older boys. We're looking forward to being nice and close to the MK.

Andrew

 

[k&a&c'smom]

beckysko - to post photos on the DIS, you first have to upload them to a photo hosting site; I use Photobucket, but there are several others. There is a tutorial on the Tech board, here is the link (third video down): http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/video-tutorials/

Good luck! If you have any questions, just ask.

CoachBagFanatic - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It must have been hard to get the news while on vacation, I hope you were able to enjoy your visit. Best of luck to him and his family.

pas130 - sorry you won't know anything for so long, the waiting has to be tough.

aprestwich - The tub surround beckysko mentioned is in the suites (and deluxe rooms), so you may not have that issue if you are booked in a CL standard room. Here are photos to illustrate the difference, you can see the wide marble surround on the suite tubs. You can see more suite photos on page 15 of this thread, scroll down to the posts by iheartthemouse starting post #215.

standard tub

deluxe/suite tub (by Lulu'sMom from first page)

 

[Jdogbeanie]

One more sleep Thank you for the hug Lab work and xrays tomorrow....safe travels!

Hi
Our first trip to WDW. Originally we were going to stay at CR after much debate, but after the announcement of the closing of the Cal Grill during our stay we are switching to GF. We do love a good restuarant in the evening. I need help in choosing where to stay in the resort. At CR we had booked a bay side room concierge level. Am looking for a similar room with a view of water or marina. We are two 45 year olds no kids. We like a quiet place to retreat to, but also plan on doing as much as we can during our week stay.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Amy

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Hi
Our first trip to WDW. Originally we were going to stay at CR after much debate, but after the announcement of the closing of the Cal Grill during our stay we are switching to GF. We do love a good restuarant in the evening. I need help in choosing where to stay in the resort. At CR we had booked a bay side room concierge level. Am looking for a similar room with a view of water or marina. We are two 45 year olds no kids. We like a quiet place to retreat to, but also plan on doing as much as we can during our week stay.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Amy

I presume you have heard about the construction of the new DVC at the GF. Because of that the Main Building and the Big Pine Key rooms nearest the Polynesian are the one's affected. If you are considering CL, Sugar Loaf with a marina view would be perfect. Conch Key and Sago Cay are good options if you don't want CL. They are removed from the construction and away from the sometimes noisy Courtyard Pool.

Coachbagfanatic, I am so very sorry to hear about your friend. What sad news. I hope you had a good trip, we look forward to pictures and hearing more about your stay at BLT and YC (do I have it correct?)!

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! The next time I see fireworks will be in WDW!

 

[pas130]

- sorry you won't know anything for so long, the waiting has to be tough.

No news is good news I am trying, it really helps that everone of the kiddos are so sweet and supportive to their sis And my Dis family is helping me

 

[Jdogbeanie]

I know some of the construction will be completed this year. Pool area? Spa? Any ideas for the DVC?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

....
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! The next time I see fireworks will be in WDW!

YAY for WDW fireworks! We have a late August trip planned, probably BC but maybe a couple days at AKL at the start.

No news is good news I am trying, it really helps that everone of the kiddos are so sweet and supportive to their sis And my Dis family is helping me

I know some of the construction will be completed this year. Pool area? Spa? Any ideas for the DVC?

Welcome!

The beach pool may be completed this year, but I doubt the spa area will be finished - that is right in the heart of the DVC construction. What month are you planning? Jungle Cruiser gave the best advice, Sugar Loaf rooms that overlook the marina are wonderful. I think I have some photos posted on the first page - if not, I'll post a couple for you if you like. ETA: On page 1, post #12 are photos of the SL, Conch Key and Sago Cay marina views.

 

[beckysko]

Thanks for the info beckysko! Can't help with the pictures, I haven't tried that on here. Great idea about the inflatable tub, I could see that being a real pain! The baby isn't even born yet, he'll be two months old when we go, but we have two older sons 10 and 6 and we're going to brave it with the little one!

For the Diapers and Formula, we'll bring Formula (Canadian, so I'm sure the brands will be different) and have diapers delivered by the Garden Grocer when we order other stuff.

Agreed on the breaks, that's manditory even for the older boys. We're looking forward to being nice and close to the MK.

Andrew

No problem! We are Canadian also, but I was able to find the same kind of formula (Similac) at the Publix - ordering from Garden Grocer is a great idea though - we also bought some baby food and snacks for us (but you won't need any with a 2-month-old anyhow!) FYI, in terms of the baby care centres for feeding your baby, you are only allowed in the 'feeding' rooms if you are breastfeeding I bottle feed and I was not allowed to go in, despite all of the baby care centres having extremely uncomfortable hard chairs with no arms - NOT comfy for feeding! I ended up just feeding him in the stroller as it was easier than trying to hold him in an armless chair!

beckysko - to post photos on the DIS, you first have to upload them to a photo hosting site; I use Photobucket, but there are several others. There is a tutorial on the Tech board, here is the link (third video down): http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/video-tutorials/

Thanks! Am uploading to photobucket now!

 

[beckysko]

hope this works!

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Hi everyone! I can't believe I'm joining this thread! I never dreamed my family would ever stay at a Deluxe resort...let alone the GF! Long story short...we were booked with free dining for the end of August at AoA suite....but got a great deal for the GF...but no dining plan this will be our first time paying OOP with no plan...but this will most likely be the only chance we have to stay at GF since we are a family of six and my youngest is 2. Sooo...I was going to choose the YC but at the last minute the travel agent convinced me to do GF for the monorail with my young kids.

But I have to say...I'm a bit concerned with all the construction and the closure of one pool...right? Does anyone have any recent pictures of the pool area and construction? We have a standard room booked with garden view...cheapest I'm sure...and yes I know it will be cramped...but one can always hope for a free upgrade...right? again...this is really a once in a lifetime chance for our family as we just can't afford suites at Deluxes in the future....but I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision.

Oh...and what building should I request with nice views not of construction. Also...the resort looks soooo big? No? Is it a long walk to the main building for transportation/monorail? Sorry so many questions...thank you!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BlessedwithTriplets - Welcome! Glad you've joined us.

The rooms at the GF are some of the largest on property - a standard room is at least 408 sq. ft., and some reports are 440. Not as big as a suite, of course, but we've stayed at the GF and Poly (around same size rooms) with several teens and not felt cramped. Bathroom is a different story, but still doable.

The beach pool is not closed, but it is surrounded by fencing at present. Look back a page or so, Jungle Cruiser posted photos of the pool and construction.

I know the dining plan has become a must for many DISers, but we've never used one due to the way we eat. Depending on the ages of your children, you may find it easier and cheaper without - at least more flexible. We split entrees, sometimes have only appetizers and rarely get dessert, so it comes out cheaper for us without the dining plan, especially when you figure in tips. Not to mention we aren't locked into dining reservations if we feel like having a lighter meal.

beckysko - thanks for that photo! Do you mind if I copy it to the first page?

 

[mariamouse]

Hi everyone! I can't believe I'm joining this thread! I never dreamed my family would ever stay at a Deluxe resort...let alone the GF! Long story short...we were booked with free dining for the end of August at AoA suite....but got a great deal for the GF...but no dining plan this will be our first time paying OOP with no plan...but this will most likely be the only chance we have to stay at GF since we are a family of six and my youngest is 2. Sooo...I was going to choose the YC but at the last minute the travel agent convinced me to do GF for the monorail with my young kids.

But I have to say...I'm a bit concerned with all the construction and the closure of one pool...right? Does anyone have any recent pictures of the pool area and construction? We have a standard room booked with garden view...cheapest I'm sure...and yes I know it will be cramped...but one can always hope for a free upgrade...right? again...this is really a once in a lifetime chance for our family as we just can't afford suites at Deluxes in the future....but I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision.

Oh...and what building should I request with nice views not of construction. Also...the resort looks soooo big? No? Is it a long walk to the main building for transportation/monorail? Sorry so many questions...thank you!!

Congrats on your decision! I replied to your original thread when you were trying to decide and definitely think you made the right choice!

With regard to construction, it is definitely not ideal, but should not ruin your stay. You are traveling this upcoming August, correct? The themed pool on the beach is definitely not ideal since it is currently surrounded by walls and the beach may be walled off too, but it IS still open. Please also keep in mind that the large courtyard pool in the center of the resort (essentially a huge quiet pool) is open and not impacted. We have never found it to be too crowded! I know that there are recent pics of the construction on this thread (including the beach pool), but maybe someone can re-post them for you.

We were at the GF this past December when construction started and never heard a sound. Of course, this may have changed as construction progresses, but keep in mind that the resort itself is not centered around the construction area-- the only times we noticed it were while we were at the beach pool, walking to the Poly, or riding the monorail between the Poly and GF. You will likely spend more of your time away from the construction in the lobby, by the marina/boat dock where the castle view is, etc. The main letdown is not having access to the beach (someone correct me if I am mistaken about this) and not having that pretty Poly lake view.

Construction issues aside, I do still think the GF is the better choice over the YC (which we also love!) if you will spend more time in MK. That quick access to the GF via boat/monorail for afternoon breaks in the August heat will be invaluable. Heck-- the larger GF rooms alone make it the better choice for a family of 6!

As for buildings to request, I would personally opt for a garden view in either Boca Chica or Conch Key-- well located and not a bad view to be had in either! Lucky for you, none of the garden view rooms will overlook the construction- only lagoon view rooms in Big Pine Key. As for resort size, I do not find it to be spread out at all- in fact, it is the perfect size to me! Certainly not as spread out as the values and I would imagine AoA. If you want a building really close to the main building, I would opt for Big Pine Key (garden views overlook the quiet pool). The walking difference between Big Pine and the other buildings is pretty minimal, though.

Have a GREAT time! It is pretty special that your first deluxe stay will be at the flagship. Try not to fall too in love with it!

ETA: I do not think you are missing out with the dining plan at all! Who wants lots of heavy meals in intense heat?! This should save you some $ and give you greater flexibility.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Thanks for the info and replies! Si I'm still a bit confused...are there two pools at the resort and is one closed or just walled off? Can you go on the beach at all to watch the fireworks or is there no beach access? Is there any construction going on around the pool with the waterfalls and slide? I was looking at a trip report and the poster stayed at a standard room...can't remember the name of the building....but the view off the balcony was sp pretty....of the pool and all the pretty buildings surrounding it...I'm wondering if that is where the construction is??

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the info and replies! Si I'm still a bit confused...are there two pools at the resort and is one closed or just walled off? Can you go on the beach at all to watch the fireworks or is there no beach access? Is there any construction going on around the pool with the waterfalls and slide? I was looking at a trip report and the poster stayed at a standard room...can't remember the name of the building....but the view off the balcony was sp pretty....of the pool and all the pretty buildings surrounding it...I'm wondering if that is where the construction is??

Take a look at the map on the first page of this thread. The construction is surrounding the Wedding Chapel and Spa, on the pathway to the Poly. Not in the center of the resort, where you likely saw views of the courtyard pool and outer buildings.

There are two pools at the GF - one (courtyard) quiet pool, with ping pong table, bar, kiddie pool, etc. and one (beach) themed pool, with waterslide, pop jet area, bar, hair wrap station, etc. The themed (beach) pool is near the construction, and the beach pool BAR is having renovations, but the pool itself is still open. Just surrounded by fencing, so the view of the lagoon is missing.

Both pools are currently open, and will likely be open in August.

There is still a very narrow strip of beach open near the Summerhouse (events building) but you can't watch the fireworks there. The beach has never been the best spot to watch fireworks due to the direction it faces - again, look at the map on the first page to get your bearings. Best fireworks viewing is in front of Gasparilla's, as mariamouse posted, or near the boat dock.

HTH!

Edited to Add: check out page 23 of this thread, posts 341 & 344 for photos of the construction and the beach pool with fencing, posted by bethclayton and Jungle Cruiser.

 

[GFmom]

Can I exchange my pre-order PhotoPass + voucher at the Mouse Mercantile in the GF or do I need to go to DTD or a Park?

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Thank you again! Very helpful! Doesn't anyone know of a link to a recent TR to GF? Also, are there any plan to close down any pools in late August or the future for the construction? I know if the beach pool was closed that would be a deal breaker for my kids. I'm getting so very excited!

 

[pigletto]

Thank you again! Very helpful! Doesn't anyone know of a link to a recent TR to GF? Also, are there any plan to close down any pools in late August or the future for the construction? I know if the beach pool was closed that would be a deal breaker for my kids. I'm getting so very excited!

Ha! You picked the GF too did you?
We aren't worried about the construction at all. I look at it this way, it may not be ideal, but I have never known Disney to do anything in a messy guest disturbing way. Sure we'll notice the area being worked on, but I am not seeing huge complaints about the state of things.

We are very much looking forward to the monorail access. I too had a hard time deciding between the Grand and Yacht club as you know. But we stayed at the Boardwalk last summer and it's been 2 years since the Poly so we thought we'd mix things up a bit

I think we're all going to have a wonderful time. We are bringing dd's friend with us and not telling her she's staying at GF. I can not wait to see her reaction. She is so grateful to be coming at all and is such a wonderful kid!!

I am also excited to break free of the ddp to be honest. We rarely eat the dessert and it's nice to have different restaurant options and to be able to order 2 appetizers or just an entree or whatever I feel like eating! My ds was having trouble with the same few choices on the kids meals last time too. He'll still get them most of the time but I am sure he will get to be more adventurous which is great.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

I was just about to message you "piglet" yes...we were assigned a new agent who convinced us to go for the GF. While I do have a confirmation number, it doesn't say any tickets....but she said not to worry?

 

[pigletto]

I was just about to message you "piglet" yes...we were assigned a new agent who convinced us to go for the GF. While I do have a confirmation number, it doesn't say any tickets....but she said not to worry?

Mine is the same. I am pretty sure the tickets they give you with their packages are promotional and that's why they can't be upgraded. It would also be why they don't show up on the official confirmation. I think they are listed on the confirmation I got from the agency in my email.. but they don't show on the website.