A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[Butterflygirl35]

OMG.. that is too funny..

Here is to a "Seedless" vacation!

 

[ktlm]

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!

Thanks! If we don't move resorts, I think it is the Photopass Plus for us!

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Hi all! Well I'm finally finding time to sit down and right a review of our trip at the GF. Honestly, it's kind of sad in a way since I don't really feel a part of this thread anymore since it was probably a once in a lifetime trip there for us...being not only that we got a great deal, but we could all stay in one room since my DD was 2. Anyway....it was AMAZING!!! Wow...what a difference in many ways. We have stayed at POR and ASmu family suites before.

The grounds are just beautiful. And while at first I felt it a bit "undeluxe" to have to walk outside to a seperate building to get to our room...as the week went on I enjoyed it as the grounds are just beautiful and peaceful...while the main building seemed busy at times.

Being able to see the castle, watch the fireworks, hear the castle show and train whistle all from our room/balcony was really so special and such a great memory for disney freaks like us! I just loved watching the monorail go by, and have a glass of wine on the balcony while watching Wishes with DH while the kiddos were sleeping was....magical.

The pools were great....and EMPTY while we were there!! LOVED the courtyard pool...and the kiddos loved the slide and afternoon games at the beach pool....the fencing was a bit cumbersome...but I can only imagine how beautiful when that fence is down!

The SMELL...oh what is that heavenly seaside SMELL of the GF?!? I wish there was a candle of it...I would have bought 10!!!

While the monorail was great...there was a time just about everyday when it was down...unfortunatley one morning when it was supposed to be so special and DD and I were going for a girls only breakfast at CRT. We always called the front desk first to make sure it was up and running...the communication was not good as we got there and it was down...told to take the boat...walked all the way back there to find out they weren't running yet...and took a bus...whew!! Again...I know they are machines and life happens...but for what people pay to stay there in large part for some for the monorail...it was ...well a bummer.

The boat was great...although when leaving MK after Wishes one night we were lined up...not very far behind...and the CM told us we were looking at a 35 minutes wait till the next boat?!? So we took the monorail.

In conclusion...it was a GRAND time and I wish I could be part of the club and stay again...I am jealous...very jealous But took many pictures and have many wonderful, magical memories!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

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.

Doesn't look like it.

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

Yep, that's what it says -- seedless!!

At least I won't have to worry about seeds, just construction.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

What building and room type did you stay in? I'm going soon and booked outer building garden view - I'm curious if that's what you had and what your view was like.

TIA,

Tom

 

[runskimom]

I just have to say that I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. The smell just IS Disney World to me. The smell of the GF lobby brings back memories of when I was 12 years old and my parents brought my sister and I to stay at the GF when it first opened. When I walk in there, it is like a wave of happiness and memories comes over me and a large part of that is triggered by the scent.

SOOOO, last time I bought some soaps from the Basin store in the GF lobby that must be partly responsible for producing that smell. They are wonderful. Every time we used them at home, I was brought back to the GF. I did not buy nearly enough of them and will not make that same mistake twice! Hope Basin is ready for me!

 

[simplestar]

Well it seems that the Courtyard pool has closed. It was scheduled for refurbishments to begin "mid-September" but since I am going to be there in a week cool1 I was really hoping that mid September meant 9/28!
This info comes from calling the resort directly and speaking to a CM there. If anyone is there now and can confirm I would appreciate it!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, GF lovers! Sorry I've been MIA since our trip, right after we returned home I started battling a back injury and haven't been able to get online. I'm finally feeling a little better, so I'll try to join in here within the next few days. I wanted to check in and say I've missed everyone, hope to be back to my normal self soon.

I hope everyone headed to the World has safe travels and a magical vacation.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hello, GF lovers! Sorry I've been MIA since our trip, right after we returned home I started battling a back injury and haven't been able to get online. I'm finally feeling a little better, so I'll try to join in here within the next few days. I wanted to check in and say I've missed everyone, hope to be back to my normal self soon.

I hope everyone headed to the World has safe travels and a magical vacation.

You have my sympathy -- I've been on flexeril, heating pad, 800mg of motrin and bedrest since Tuesday afternoon myself. Finally standing upright!

Tom

 

[DetTigsGal]

Same for me -- fellow Connecticut resident!

Tom

Where are you...we are in forgotten Western CT ( as in....we break into your show because there is a storm that is looking menacing. Yeah, thanks for the heads up it's already been through here

Hope your back is on the mend

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Where are you...we are in forgotten Western CT ( as in....we break into your show because there is a storm that is looking menacing. Yeah, thanks for the heads up it's already been through here

Hope your back is on the mend

I work in forgotten Western CT -- Middlebury, but live in West Hartford. How about you?

Tom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

You have my sympathy -- I've been on flexeril, heating pad, 800mg of motrin and bedrest since Tuesday afternoon myself. Finally standing upright!

Tom

Sorry to hear you've been fighting it, too. I hope you continue to improve.

My treatment plan sounds quite similar to your treatment plan, except I decided not to take the Flexeril. DH tried to get me to use it, but I relied on the Motrin, alternating heating pad/cold packs and a few Tylenol 4. I was this close to the Flexeril, but started to feel better so decided to wait and see. Is it helping you? Must be, if you are standing upright today (congrats on that accomplishment!) - maybe I'll use it quicker next time.

I've forgotten - did you go on your big trip with the niece yet? If so, I hope you had a fantastic time. If not, hope you are completely healed before heading to the World.

DetTigsGal - I laughed at your description of the "forgotten" part of CT.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Sorry to hear you've been fighting it, too. I hope you continue to improve.

My treatment plan sounds quite similar to your treatment plan, except I decided not to take the Flexeril. DH tried to get me to use it, but I relied on the Motrin, alternating heating pad/cold packs and a few Tylenol 4. I was this close to the Flexeril, but started to feel better so decided to wait and see. Is it helping you? Must be, if you are standing upright today - maybe I'll use it quicker next time.

I've forgotten - did you go on your big trip with the niece yet? If so, I hope you had a fantastic time. If not, hope you are completely healed before heading to the World.

DetTigsGal - I laughed at your description of the "forgotten" part of CT.

Thanks for the kind thoughts. 2 years ago next month I was in a very bad car accident -- 5 cars -- I was the first one hit -- guy rearended me because he was texting and not paying attention and didn't notice the SUV that was at a dead stop in front of him on the highway. He knocked me clear across 3 lanes of highway and proceded to hit the car in front of me, chain reaction style into the car in front and once more. I woke up with the fire department cutting my car open and a tiny little female paramedic sitting on my lap taping my head to a backboard. Long story short, neck was broken at C1/2 and C4/5, fractured skull, ruptured eardrum, broken tibia, 3 crack ribs and tore all the muscles in my neck -- 7 months of physical therapy and I can walk!!!!!! I do look a little stiff most days and I have some permanent limitations, however, thanks to God, I'm almost normal!

Therefore, the flexeril is needed periodically, I start my day, everyday, with an 800mg ibuprofen at 5am, that way I can get out of bed at 5:45am. I have a traction machine I use at home, as well as a microwavable heating pad I use at work. But, I'm not letting it stop me! I did my first 5k back in June, missed last night's due to next pain, but have another scheduled for September 30!!!!

Trip is 5 weeks from today!!! Can't wait!

Tom

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello, GF lovers! Sorry I've been MIA since our trip, right after we returned home I started battling a back injury and haven't been able to get online. I'm finally feeling a little better, so I'll try to join in here within the next few days. I wanted to check in and say I've missed everyone, hope to be back to my normal self soon.

I hope everyone headed to the World has safe travels and a magical vacation.

We missed you

I hope that at least your vacation wasn't spent in pain. Follow Dr's orders and take it easy and rest.

Thanks for the kind thoughts. 2 years ago next month I was in a very bad car accident -- 5 cars -- I was the first one hit -- guy rearended me because he was texting and not paying attention and didn't notice the SUV that was at a dead stop in front of him on the highway. He knocked me clear across 3 lanes of highway and proceded to hit the car in front of me, chain reaction style into the car in front and once more. I woke up with the fire department cutting my car open and a tiny little female paramedic sitting on my lap taping my head to a backboard. Long story short, neck was broken at C1/2 and C4/5, fractured skull, ruptured eardrum, broken tibia, 3 crack ribs and tore all the muscles in my neck -- 7 months of physical therapy and I can walk!!!!!! I do look a little stiff most days and I have some permanent limitations, however, thanks to God, I'm almost normal!

Therefore, the flexeril is needed periodically, I start my day, everyday, with an 800mg ibuprofen at 5am, that way I can get out of bed at 5:45am. I have a traction machine I use at home, as well as a microwavable heating pad I use at work. But, I'm not letting it stop me! I did my first 5k back in June, missed last night's due to next pain, but have another scheduled for September 30!!!!

Trip is 5 weeks from today!!! Can't wait!

Tom

How horrible. We've all seen those multi-car accidents and thought, "That could have been me," but you actually lived through it which must have been a nightmare. It seems you're counting your blessings and that is such a great attitude.

Continued recovery to you and k&a&c'smom

 

[ireneryan]

Hello, GF lovers! Sorry I've been MIA since our trip, right after we returned home I started battling a back injury and haven't been able to get online. I'm finally feeling a little better, so I'll try to join in here within the next few days. I wanted to check in and say I've missed everyone, hope to be back to my normal self soon.

I hope everyone headed to the World has safe travels and a magical vacation.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

 

[Retro Magic]

How is the Alice Splash area coming along...has it opened yet? It was made to seem like it should be opening any day now, if not.

 

[dragonfly57005]

How is the Alice Splash area coming along...has it opened yet? It was made to seem like it should be opening any day now, if not.

I can't wait to see pictures !

 

[mariamouse]

Hi all! Well I'm finally finding time to sit down and right a review of our trip at the GF. Honestly, it's kind of sad in a way since I don't really feel a part of this thread anymore since it was probably a once in a lifetime trip there for us...being not only that we got a great deal, but we could all stay in one room since my DD was 2. Anyway....it was AMAZING!!! Wow...what a difference in many ways. We have stayed at POR and ASmu family suites before.

The grounds are just beautiful. And while at first I felt it a bit "undeluxe" to have to walk outside to a seperate building to get to our room...as the week went on I enjoyed it as the grounds are just beautiful and peaceful...while the main building seemed busy at times.

Being able to see the castle, watch the fireworks, hear the castle show and train whistle all from our room/balcony was really so special and such a great memory for disney freaks like us! I just loved watching the monorail go by, and have a glass of wine on the balcony while watching Wishes with DH while the kiddos were sleeping was....magical.

The pools were great....and EMPTY while we were there!! LOVED the courtyard pool...and the kiddos loved the slide and afternoon games at the beach pool....the fencing was a bit cumbersome...but I can only imagine how beautiful when that fence is down!

The SMELL...oh what is that heavenly seaside SMELL of the GF?!? I wish there was a candle of it...I would have bought 10!!!

While the monorail was great...there was a time just about everyday when it was down...unfortunatley one morning when it was supposed to be so special and DD and I were going for a girls only breakfast at CRT. We always called the front desk first to make sure it was up and running...the communication was not good as we got there and it was down...told to take the boat...walked all the way back there to find out they weren't running yet...and took a bus...whew!! Again...I know they are machines and life happens...but for what people pay to stay there in large part for some for the monorail...it was ...well a bummer.

The boat was great...although when leaving MK after Wishes one night we were lined up...not very far behind...and the CM told us we were looking at a 35 minutes wait till the next boat?!? So we took the monorail.

In conclusion...it was a GRAND time and I wish I could be part of the club and stay again...I am jealous...very jealous But took many pictures and have many wonderful, magical memories!

I am so glad to hear that you had a great trip! I remember your debating between the YC and GF for a while and am happy to hear that you have no regrets (despite the monorail issues)! Please do not feel that you are no longer in "the club" just because you may not be staying there again in the near future! This FAQ is a place for all GF lovers-- not just those planning a future trip to the GF! We likely won't be at the GF for a while since we love other deluxes just as much (or more), but I still post here because of my happy GF memories and the great sense of community here.

Hello, GF lovers! Sorry I've been MIA since our trip, right after we returned home I started battling a back injury and haven't been able to get online. I'm finally feeling a little better, so I'll try to join in here within the next few days. I wanted to check in and say I've missed everyone, hope to be back to my normal self soon.

I hope everyone headed to the World has safe travels and a magical vacation.

I am so sorry to hear about your back injury, k&a&c'smom! I hope your recovery is speedy and not too painful! I will be thinking of you.



And greetings to all of my fellow Connecticuters! I am from the (not as forgotten) southeast region, but am appreciating all of the CT lovin'

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Hi, lol, I'm still laughing at the seedless comments.

Well I had originally wondered in a previous post if they had any beachy prints or prints showing the GF resort for sale in the GF gift shop and I'm here to answer that question... When we were at the GF gift shop last month, they had four prints. One was of the GF resort, one was the incredibly cute sand pail print, and the other two had to do with newlyweds/just married. I didn't pay too much attention to the newlywed prints, sorry. So I bought a smaller print of the GF resort. I love it. I wanted the sand pail one, but I didn't buy it (this time)

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Hi, lol, I'm still laughing at the seedless comments.

Well I had originally wondered in a previous post if they had any beachy prints or prints showing the GF resort for sale in the GF gift shop and I'm here to answer that question... When we were at the GF gift shop last month, they had four prints. One was of the GF resort, one was the incredibly cute sand pail print, and the other two had to do with newlyweds/just married. I didn't pay too much attention to the newlywed prints, sorry. So I bought a smaller print of the GF resort. I love it. I wanted the sand pail one, but I didn't buy it (this time)

I never saw prints?!? I would have loved one! Would you mind posting a picture?