A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks for the construction update. I'm sure there were a ton of logistical and weather related issues that impacted the uncertainty of when Gasparillas would be closed. We will find alternatives for QS and get by just fine, or should I say just Grand?

Tom

 

[jillmc40]

Thank you for your appendix input everyone. The Dr said she would be totally fine in 3 Weeks, but I think I will bring an umbrella stroller just in case. I'm so very excited for our trip!

 

[toodycat]

We just heard from the itinerary planning office today and the courtyard pool is officially closed until December .

 

[ktlm]

Hi all,

Gasparillas is for sure closing at the end of this week. They weren't sure if they would be able to get it completed by the holidays but have determined they can now so they will close. It's official, you can hang your hat on it...

UGH. Thanks for the update. It is good to have some certainty. We had been having a sometimes heated debate at our house about whether to see if we could change resorts, primarily due to Gasparilla's closing as we are resort CS breakfast people (DH goes and grabs it and brings it to the room) and DH also likes to stop in late at night when we get back from the parks. When we heard the closing was likely delayed until January we were so hopeful and the debate was tabled. Now it looks like the debate is going to have to start up again.

Looking forward to getting reports next week of what "extended" CS options they have at other places, and what their alternatives for breakfast or a late night drink or snack are going to be. That is probably going to make our decision. I guess we could pay for a room service breakfast every day, but I really don't want to mess with that expense or having to wait for it to be delivered.

 

[cgulls]

This from the Disney World website. It shows the new dates. they must have updated it yesterday (Tuesday):

Refurbishments*
In an ongoing effort to improve the quality of our offerings, the following amenities at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be closed for refurbishments:

Sandy Cove Merchandise: August 21 to November 17, 2012
Ivy Trellis Salon: October 20 to December 3, 2012
Gasparilla Grill & Games: September 13 to Mid December, 2012
Courtyard Pool: Mid September to Late December, 2012
The Spa: September 19, 2011 to 2013
These locations are being refreshed for your future enjoyment. In the meantime, you will have access to alternate options during your stay, so you can anticipate a truly grand vacation experience.

* Please note, refurbishment dates are subject to change.

 

[cgulls]

This from the Disney World website. It shows the new dates. they must have updated it yesterday (Tuesday):

Refurbishments*
In an ongoing effort to improve the quality of our offerings, the following amenities at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be closed for refurbishments:

Sandy Cove Merchandise: August 21 to November 17, 2012
Ivy Trellis Salon: October 20 to December 3, 2012
Gasparilla Grill & Games: September 13 to Mid December, 2012
Courtyard Pool: Mid September to Late December, 2012
The Spa: September 19, 2011 to 2013
These locations are being refreshed for your future enjoyment. In the meantime, you will have access to alternate options during your stay, so you can anticipate a truly grand vacation experience.

* Please note, refurbishment dates are subject to change.

Refurb, not refub. sorry.

 

[bdklein]

UGH. Thanks for the update. It is good to have some certainty. We had been having a sometimes heated debate at our house about whether to see if we could change resorts, primarily due to Gasparilla's closing as we are resort CS breakfast people (DH goes and grabs it and brings it to the room) and DH also likes to stop in late at night when we get back from the parks. When we heard the closing was likely delayed until January we were so hopeful and the debate was tabled. Now it looks like the debate is going to have to start up again.

Looking forward to getting reports next week of what "extended" CS options they have at other places, and what their alternatives for breakfast or a late night drink or snack are going to be. That is probably going to make our decision. I guess we could pay for a room service breakfast every day, but I really don't want to mess with that expense or having to wait for it to be delivered.

Perhaps go Club/Conceirge level? Includes breakfast, plus snacks/drinks throughout most of the day and evening/night.

 

[ktlm]

Perhaps go Club/Conceirge level? Includes breakfast, plus snacks/drinks throughout most of the day and evening/night.

Thanks! That is a good idea, but we booked GF on a bounceback rate when we were there in December last year and it would cost us an additional $2,300+ to switch to club/conceirge now. I think I can buy over a month of room service breakfasts for that !

 

[davale4]

Just this week, I was reading someone's observations on a recent WDW vacation...the OP said that while visiting the GF, (s)he felt out of place wearing jeans and a tee. We've been staying at the GF, almost exclusively, since 2002...we wear tees and shorts (capris for me), and have never felt out of place. Most of the guests we notice are dressed the same way . I don't know what it is that makes people feel that "stuffy" vibe - we just feel relaxed!

I have always wondered about people saying that....We always stay at the GF and we have never felt out of place and we have two children!!! LOVE the GF We will not consider staying anywhere else.

 

[ktlm]

I have a question I was hoping someone could answer. I have heard rumors that if you purchase the photopass plus, that you can exchange your voucher for the card somewhere at the Grand, instead of having to stand in line at the parks to do so. Can someone verify whether this is true and if so where to go to make the exchange? I'm thinking about purchasing photopass plus, and if we can exchange the voucher at the resort before heading out to the parks, that will probably be enough to make up my mind (if we don't change resorts). Thanks!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We are staying at the GF SL for a few nights early December -- 9th-11th. We never received the letter everyone else did so yesterday I emailed IPO to ask what refurbs would be going on during our stay and this was the response from them:

Thank you for your email. During your length of stay, some of our amenities will be under refurbishment. Our courtyard pool will be closed while we are making it into a zero-entry pool. At this time, we do not have a definite date on the courtyard pool opening back up. Our beach pool with our new pool bar and grill and our new Mad Hatter theme water activity center will be open during your vacation time. Also, our Gasparilla Grill and Games will be closed for refurbishment. Our beach pool bar, Beaches, will be serving quick service items and our Mizner's and M. Mouse Mercantile will have grab and go items. Our Mousekeeter Club has permanently closed. The Neverland Club at the Polynesian Resort is still open and able to hold up to 99 children. Our hope is that all of our refurbishments will be completed early to mid December. We aim to make this experience as seedless and as magical as possible for you and your family, as well as any other future visits for your family. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

[runskimom]

I have a question I was hoping someone could answer. I have heard rumors that if you purchase the photopass plus, that you can exchange your voucher for the card somewhere at the Grand, instead of having to stand in line at the parks to do so. Can someone verify whether this is true and if so where to go to make the exchange? I'm thinking about purchasing photopass plus, and if we can exchange the voucher at the resort before heading out to the parks, that will probably be enough to make up my mind (if we don't change resorts). Thanks!

Yes, there most definitely is a PhotoPass Desk in the 2nd floor of the main lobby in the GF. MUCH more convienent for GF guests!

 

[P.I.G.mommy]

Is a theme park view worth the cost? We stayed at the Floridian last March in a basic garden view room, which was perfectly fine. We are heading back this coming March, this time traveling with another family from school....the mom has shown interest in upgrading the rooms.....our kids are all within 6-2 years old.....

Club level has never made sense for us yet....we always do character meals for breakfast, parks during the day and table service dinners.....it just didn't seem like we would get much out of the experience...correct me if I am wrong!

 

[EpcotPixie]

I'm going to be at the Grand in about 2 weeks and I'm getting very nervous about the construction going on. Do you think we should be calling to change resorts? Right now we have a lagoon view room booked. I love the Grand but I'm worried it isn't going to be the same lovely place at the moment. Please let me know if I'm just being silly. Thank you!

 

[baler31]

We are staying at the GF SL for a few nights early December -- 9th-11th. We never received the letter everyone else did so yesterday I emailed IPO to ask what refurbs would be going on during our stay and this was the response from them:

Thank you for your email. During your length of stay, some of our amenities will be under refurbishment. Our courtyard pool will be closed while we are making it into a zero-entry pool. At this time, we do not have a definite date on the courtyard pool opening back up. Our beach pool with our new pool bar and grill and our new Mad Hatter theme water activity center will be open during your vacation time. Also, our Gasparilla Grill and Games will be closed for refurbishment. Our beach pool bar, Beaches, will be serving quick service items and our Mizner's and M. Mouse Mercantile will have grab and go items. Our Mousekeeter Club has permanently closed. The Neverland Club at the Polynesian Resort is still open and able to hold up to 99 children. Our hope is that all of our refurbishments will be completed early to mid December. We aim to make this experience as seedless and as magical as possible for you and your family, as well as any other future visits for your family. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.

Thanks for the updated info. We were told about the Mousekeeter Club during out June trip but the CL CM's mentioned that many guests were upset and wondered if they would change their mind. Guess not.

 

[cgulls]

We are staying at the GF SL for a few nights early December -- 9th-11th. We never received the letter everyone else did so yesterday I emailed IPO to ask what refurbs would be going on during our stay and this was the response from them:

Thank you for your email. During your length of stay, some of our amenities will be under refurbishment. Our courtyard pool will be closed while we are making it into a zero-entry pool. At this time, we do not have a definite date on the courtyard pool opening back up. Our beach pool with our new pool bar and grill and our new Mad Hatter theme water activity center will be open during your vacation time. Also, our Gasparilla Grill and Games will be closed for refurbishment. Our beach pool bar, Beaches, will be serving quick service items and our Mizner's and M. Mouse Mercantile will have grab and go items. Our Mousekeeter Club has permanently closed. The Neverland Club at the Polynesian Resort is still open and able to hold up to 99 children. Our hope is that all of our refurbishments will be completed early to mid December. We aim to make this experience as seedless and as magical as possible for you and your family, as well as any other future visits for your family. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.

Well, at least they're trying to make it seedless. I hate when seeds interfere with an otherwise nice family vacation.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Well, at least they're trying to make it seedless. I hate when seeds interfere with an otherwise nice family vacation.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Well, at least they're trying to make it seedless. I hate when seeds interfere with an otherwise nice family vacation.

I guess I don't need to pack dental floss since they are planning on my vacation being seedless! Thanks for sharing!

Tom

 

[DetTigsGal]

My brain must auto correct...I had to go back and reread to find "seedless"

 

[KonaKaiTom]

My brain must auto correct...I had to go back and reread to find "seedless"

Same for me -- fellow Connecticut resident!

Tom