A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

I'm wondering about that too. We are booked at AoA for 10 days in April 2013. Read the great reviews about AoA but we've stayed at deluxes almost every visit (stayed at POR last year and was totally bummed).. Don't want to spend a fortune to look at construction walls.

When will the beach walls come down??????

I noticed you are a big family too! Just curious...will you get two rooms at GF? We would need two rooms next time and I just can't afford it....at GF at least

 

[runskimom]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...nd-floridian-courtyard-pool-refurbishment.htm

 

[Butterflygirl35]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...nd-floridian-courtyard-pool-refurbishment.htm

Thanks for sharing!! I can't wait to see all the changes when we go back in Sept!!

 

[sydneysmom]

I'm SOOO excited, I just had to share with everyone....we just booked our trip! We're all booked for June 1-8 !!! I'm so excited that we're going "home to the Grand!!" And what did my DH say ? I knew I'd convince you !!

I'm just WAY too excited to sleep!!!!! The countdown is really on now!

 

[johnsonet]

Hope all you GF guys and gals are doing well.

k&a&c'smom, the FAQ looks great
Hi BCV23

We are headed to the Grand after Christmas and I cannot wait We haven't stayed there in at least 3 years ...been trying out other resorts (BLT, BC, YC, WL) and, my all-time favorite, AKL

Can't get over those pics of the courtyard pool construction. Hopefully the pool, Gasparilla Grill and Sandy Cove will all be open by the time we get there. So excited

 

[BCV23]

Hope all you GF guys and gals are doing well.

k&a&c'smom, the FAQ looks great
Hi BCV23

We are headed to the Grand after Christmas and I cannot wait We haven't stayed there in at least 3 years ...been trying out other resorts (BLT, BC, YC, WL) and, my all-time favorite, AKL

Can't get over those pics of the courtyard pool construction. Hopefully the pool, Gasparilla Grill and Sandy Cove will all be open by the time we get there. So excited

Hi GF Gal! So glad to see you here. So excited for you. I hope everything is finished by your stay and that the decorations are still up!

Butterflygirl35 and sydneysmom, congrats to you on your upcoming Grand plans as well.

runskismom, thanks for posting the photos. Does it appear to the rest of you that the shape of the pool is remaining as it was? I know it's early days.

Hi CoachBagFanatic. The years with our children go way too fast, don't they? Happy Grand planning.

k&a&c'smom, great news on the jobs. As for decorations at the GF, it varies year to year. In one recent year, the decorations came down on 1/1. Another year we left on 1/12 and most were up until that day. We've seen everything in between. I do think the gingerbread house tends to go up on the early side now even if the rest of the decorations lag behind. I think they like to keep us guessing. It is so magical to awaken to a decorated resort. When we first started going to WDW in the early 80s, everything was decorated overnight in the week following Thanksgiving. Parks and resorts. Of course, there were just two parks and two resorts plus FW and the villas by the Markeptplace in those days. Anyway, it was so magical!

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks, BCV23

Hi CoachBagFanatic. The years with our children go way too fast, don't they? Happy Grand planning.

I am learning this way too quickly these days.

It is so magical to awaken to a decorated resort. When we first started going to WDW in the early 80s, everything was decorated overnight in the week following Thanksgiving. Parks and resorts. Of course, there were just two parks and two resorts plus FW and the villas by the Markeptplace in those days. Anyway, it was so magical!

So magical.

Are they doing a rehab of the rooms at all? Is the decor going to remain the same? (bedspreads, etc.?)

 

[MommyGina]

Hi folks! I have been catching up on this thread and saw some news about the GF Spa.

When I booked my trip last week for July, 2013, our TA said that the spa would still be closed.

Just thought that I would pass that along.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Hi CoachBagFanatic. The years with our children go way too fast, don't they? Happy Grand planning.

Hey lady. Oh way too fast. My DH is on the Disney web site right now looking at dates for next June at the GF for just the three of us. We also talked about bringing John with us in 2014 for their HS graduation and stay at Michael's favorite, The Poly as a big surprise instead of bringing John with us next summer. I think Michael would really enjoy that better. He likes the GF but has always loved the Poly even though we never stayed there.

I am learning this way too quickly these days.

Time sure does fly especially when it comes to our children. The GF at Christmas is so wonderful. Happy planning.

 

[LINDATHEPOOH]

I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong area but can anyone explain why they are getting rid of the deep end in the courtyard pool? The only resorts I was aware of that had a pool with a deep end were the GF and the Poly. My husband is 6'3" and although I would never cancel my reservation to the GF just because of the pool depth I am curious why it's being done after all these years. Thanks for any answers!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

HFC1969 - thanks for the Mizner's update. That's a shame, as I think many were happy to hear the hours would be long enough to stop by after park closing.

MommyGina - thanks for the spa news.

runskimom - thanks for the link, I've been hoping someone would post photos! I have not spent any time online looking for news lately, I'm glad you kept us in the loop.

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about the Poly being your DS's fave, even though you haven't stayed there! Your plans sound great, I'll bet the boys will enjoy the trip.

johnsonet - good to see you, my friend! Exciting about the GF plans, woohoo!

I have not heard anything about a room refurb, though some of us have speculated it is nearly time for one again.

BCV23 - I was just going to mention they seem to be leaving the shape of the courtyard pool intact! YAY! Doesn't it look like they are also leaving the baby pool and hot tub, or is that wishful thinking?

Thanks for the decorations info.

I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong area but can anyone explain why they are getting rid of the deep end in the courtyard pool? The only resorts I was aware of that had a pool with a deep end were the GF and the Poly. My husband is 6'3" and although I would never cancel my reservation to the GF just because of the pool depth I am curious why it's being done after all these years. Thanks for any answers!!

Welcome! No apologies needed, this is the place for GF discussion.

I wish I could answer that question! Is it official they ARE filling the deep end? Someone posted CMs have suggested this is the case, and it sure looks like it from those photos, doesn't it?

DD and I are not very tall, but we love the deep end and can't imagine why it would need to be 4 ft. (or whatever) rather than 6. With the splash zone and zero entry at both pools, seems like there is plenty for the small fry - the adults should have an area of their own.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about the Poly being your DS's fave, even though you haven't stayed there! Your plans sound great, I'll bet the boys will enjoy the trip.

I think taking John for their HS graduation will make the trip much more special. Not telling Michael about the Poly as I really want this to be a special surprise for him. We are thinking of a split stay between the Poly and the Portofino for that year. I think that will be a great trip for all.

OK LOOK BELOW!!!
I can't control my excitement. It will be 5 years since we have stayed at the GF. I am already packed.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I think taking John for their HS graduation will make the trip much more special. Not telling Michael about the Poly as I really want this to be a special surprise for him. We are thinking of a split stay between the Poly and the Portofino for that year. I think that will be a great trip for all.

OK LOOK BELOW!!!
I can't control my excitement. It will be 5 years since we have stayed at the GF.

Very exciting!!

Your plans for the grad trip sound perfect - a Poly/PBH split would be awesome.

I am already packed.

 

[johnsonet]

...The GF at Christmas is so wonderful. Happy planning.

Thank you!

johnsonet - good to see you, my friend! Exciting about the GF plans, woohoo!

I have not heard anything about a room refurb, though some of us have speculated it is nearly time for one again.

Thanks

OK LOOK BELOW!!!
I can't control my excitement. It will be 5 years since we have stayed at the GF. I am already packed.

Woohoo It's been years for us too and we are really excited. I just created a countdown ticker too.

 

[The V Gang]

I noticed you are a big family too! Just curious...will you get two rooms at GF? We would need two rooms next time and I just can't afford it....at GF at least

Yep...we r a big family! My in laws rent from all star vacations. They offer to take my little ones (ages 6 and 1) home with them in the evenings so we can enjoy EMH. Otherwise GF wouldnt be an option. Definitely too expensive to get two rooms!

 

[BCV23]

Hi folks! I have been catching up on this thread and saw some news about the GF Spa.

When I booked my trip last week for July, 2013, our TA said that the spa would still be closed.

Just thought that I would pass that along.

That is so intersting, Gina. It conflicts with the info posted in another thread saying it would reopen under Disney management and that they hoped to be open by the holidays.

Hey lady. Oh way too fast. My DH is on the Disney web site right now looking at dates for next June at the GF for just the three of us. We also talked about bringing John with us in 2014 for their HS graduation and stay at Michael's favorite, The Poly as a big surprise instead of bringing John with us next summer. I think Michael would really enjoy that better. He likes the GF but has always loved the Poly even though we never stayed there.

I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong area but can anyone explain why they are getting rid of the deep end in the courtyard pool? The only resorts I was aware of that had a pool with a deep end were the GF and the Poly. My husband is 6'3" and although I would never cancel my reservation to the GF just because of the pool depth I am curious why it's being done after all these years. Thanks for any answers!!

It certainly is a trend isn't it? The original activity pool at the Polynesian had a truly deep section....10 or 12 feet deep. My oldest is still boycotting the Polynesian pool although I think that has more to do with the new volcano slide vs the original and much more charming (in our opinion) shorter slide. My guess for making pools shallower is for safety/insurance issues but it's just a guess.

Speaking of room decor, who besides me can't wait to see the villa decor?

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Thank you!
Woohoo It's been years for us too and we are really excited. I just created a countdown ticker too.

I bet you all are very excited and I am excited for you. It will be here before you know it.

k&a&c'smom I thought you would get a kick out of the I am already packed comment. Trust me my mind is already packing for me.

Thanks BCV23 I know I said we weren't going back to the GF until 2014 but we just cant keep ourselves away any longer. Besides, the Poly for a surprise graduation trip for Michael is

We are booked in a GV room so I was wondering if the Big Pine Key is a great building for this view. It doesn't matter to us how far the main building is as we like to walk anyway. I was looking at the Sago Cay building and I don't think I would like to be in one of the rooms that face the monorail. Any thoughts? TIA

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - Interesting about the Poly themed pool. I didn't realize it had ever been 10-12 feet deep, did they have a diving board? Seems like the photo you posted of the old baby pool had a board next to it, if I recall. I can see why your DS is still disgusted.

I'm sure you are right about the liability issue, but as has been discussed in the past, anyone can drown in a small amount of water. Doesn't seem like a couple feet will help in that regard, but maybe insurance companies have a cut off. So many resorts are going to the wading pool vs. swimming, it seems. Phooey.

Yes, I am looking forward to seeing the rooms for the villas!

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about the packing, it did make me laugh.

For a garden view, I hesitate to suggest Big Pine Key due to the number of rooms that look directly into the back of the courtyard pool house. If you get a higher room, it's not an issue (see photo below of a 4th floor room in that area), but if on floor 3 or below, it's not a pretty view.

I would highly recommend Boca Chica, even though some of the rooms in that building also have a pool building view. Or my favorite, Conch Key! Lovely views there of either the pool or marina, and so close to everything.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Here are the photos of the Big Pine garden view, forgot to post them in my last message.
Looking left toward main building

Over the pool house, toward Sugar Loaf

Looking right toward Boca Chica

Further right, you can see the lagoon between Boca and Big Pine

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about the packing, it did make me laugh.

For a garden view, I hesitate to suggest Big Pine Key due to the number of rooms that look directly into the back of the courtyard pool house. If you get a higher room, it's not an issue (see photo below of a 4th floor room in that area), but if on floor 3 or below, it's not a pretty view.

I would highly recommend Boca Chica, even though some of the rooms in that building also have a pool building view. Or my favorite, Conch Key! Lovely views there of either the pool or marina, and so close to everything.

Oh thanks so much for the advise and the pictures. Yeah, we wouldn't be too happy looking at the pool house. We didn't even think about Conch Key and I am going to add that building request to my ressie. Thanks again k&a&c'smom