A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[phyllis1966]

Not sure how much stock we can put into this, but the artist's rendering of Gasparilla's looks amazing! I forgot to mention this yesterday...

 

[BCV23]

Not sure how much stock we can put into this, but the artist's rendering of Gasparilla's looks amazing! I forgot to mention this yesterday...

Oh, please tell us more. I think you can count on the drawing being accurate. Not like early renderings when they include caveats.

It's been so much fun reading of your trip and other recent visitors. Thanks for keeping us up to date. We are off to WDW next week. We won't be staying at the GF but will dine there as always.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We really want to stay at GF for a potential August 2013 trip, but we haven't booked yet and I just looked and it seems like all GV rooms at GF are sold out for August 7-12, 2013 (which, in my opinion, is ridiculous). I just don't understand how all GV rooms could be booked up overnight. No conference is that large!

I mean last year we were able to book a GV room a month before 4th of July with our FL Resident rate. How can this be?

Perhaps they are planning some room renovations? They usually close down an entire building at a time, which could lead to a substantial decrease in the number of garden view rooms available.

 

[jojomickey]

Thank you all for taking the time for the updates and I hope you are having a wonderful time

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hmm, it seems to me that the only rooms that really overlook the construction are in RPC? Those in Big Pine Key are to the East and would directly face the lagoon with a view of the villas to the right. If I were offered two great rooms overlooking the villas, I think I'd ask which building?

Good luck with Sandy all of those on the East coast.

Yes, good luck to all our good friends on the East coast - we'll be thinking of you through the next few days (and weeks, if the storm is as bad as projected).

Good point about the main bldg. overlooking the villas - anyone offered a "villas view" should be sure to ask which bldg. I hope dipastor isn't kicking himself right now!

Hmm, good point, for an upgrade to RPC I might suddenly develop a fascination with ongoing villa construction.

We really want to stay at GF for a potential August 2013 trip, but we haven't booked yet and I just looked and it seems like all GV rooms at GF are sold out for August 7-12, 2013 (which, in my opinion, is ridiculous). I just don't understand how all GV rooms could be booked up overnight. No conference is that large!

I mean last year we were able to book a GV room a month before 4th of July with our FL Resident rate. How can this be?

I doubt the garden view rooms are completely booked that far in advance. There are many reasons they may not show up in inventory this far out. DISers have posted this kind of conundrum in the past, and the rooms usually open up as the dates get closer. Possibly after the first of the year.

Perhaps they are planning some room renovations? They usually close down an entire building at a time, which could lead to a substantial decrease in the number of garden view rooms available.

I like the way you are working in the theory there will soon be a room refurb! I'm right there with ya'!

That's good to know about booking a month out last 4th of July. We booked now but really are hoping for a big $ discount after the winter.

Weather today was a little cooler but still very doable! Too hot for hoodie and too cold for shorts and t-shirt.

Sitting here on balcony I can see inside the pool. The rebar is anchored in the bottom. Looks like they are ready to poor concrete any day.

Lots of east coasters bailing out today or early in the AM! Good luck!

Thanks for the update, I hope you continue to enjoy WDW. Best wishes to everyone.

Not sure how much stock we can put into this, but the artist's rendering of Gasparilla's looks amazing! I forgot to mention this yesterday...

Thanks for the info, sounds like we'll enjoy the new Gasparilla's.

 

[tamj]

DH said we can book a 2012 GF Christmas trip! (16th-21st), if I book Theme Park View, which building should I request? I will be requesting a 2Q 1day bed room for the 4 of us.

 

[tamj]

DH said we can book a 2012 GF Christmas trip! (16th-21st), if I book Theme Park View, which building should I request? I will be requesting a 2Q 1day bed room for the 4 of us.

I love the building to the left of Gasparilla's Grill (when you're looking across the marina at Cinderella Castle). Not sure what that's called, anyone? Or is there another better choice?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I love the building to the left of Gasparilla's Grill (when you're looking across the marina at Cinderella Castle). Not sure what that's called, anyone? Or is there another better choice?

Sago Cay. We've had some great TPV rooms there. The thing with Sago, you do get the direct view of the theme park which is great. Same thing with Conch Key.

The other view is from Boca Chica and Big Pine Key. This is more of an angled theme park view where you need to look to the left. These are the views we've had the most, and I enjoy seeing the entire resort area (from MK to the left, Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge straight ahead, and Polynesian to the right) with lagoon all around. These rooms also have a great view of the nightly electrical water pageant.

You do have a risk of part of the view being obstructed by trees (which is now true of every building), so some are more picturesque than others. Granted, even with a tree I can still physically "see" the castle.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I love the building to the left of Gasparilla's Grill (when you're looking across the marina at Cinderella Castle). Not sure what that's called, anyone? Or is there another better choice?

As Cali-D posted, it is Sago Cay. Here is a link to photos posted by Misti in an old FAQ: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108&highlight=sago+cay+pictures&page=39 Beautiful shots of the view of the MK from the end rooms of Sago, and the surrounding area.

 

[followthatmouse]

I would like to wish our NE GFers well for the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I hope everyone stays safe during this crazy weather..

There could be no availability because sometimes rooms are blocked for agency exclusives... When the time comes closer they release any unbooked rooms...

 

[jojomickey]

Thanks wishing we were at the GF !!!!!

Waiting to see what this storm brings us!!

For all of you there hope you are having a Grand time

 

[tamj]

As Cali-D posted, it is Sago Cay. Here is a link to photos posted by Misti in an old FAQ: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108&highlight=sago+cay+pictures&page=39 Beautiful shots of the view of the MK from the end rooms of Sago, and the surrounding area.

That is so helpful. Thank you!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Sandy is slowly approaching our area and it's just a waiting game. So glad we still have power so I can come here to the DIS and get away from it even for a few minutes.

We are contemplating whether to upgrade to the SL or stay in a regular GV room. It's between purchasing another piece of art from the Art of Disney or upgrading to the SL. DH says SL and me and our DS16 say art piece (which will last us a lot longer than the SL). I think we know who is going to win this one.

 

[MomtoGKC]

Hi everybody,

I'm trying to plan a weekend Christmas trip this December. I'm torn between GF and BWI. The construction doesn't worry me too much unless I hear from you guys that it is loud. I haven't stayed at the GF since I was in high school and I am now 40! We do go there a lot because we valet park to go to MK and then shop once in a while. I want to surprise my kids and DH by booking it but needed some help on which building to request if I take the plunge.

It looks like only the outer building rooms are available. There are garden, lagoon and theme park view rooms. I don't think I care about the theme park view because we aren't home to enjoy it that much and it is almost $300 more, but haven't decided on that for sure yet.

If we go with the garden view which building is closest to the main building? My mother is coming from Mass to surprise the kids and she has a bad back - I'm trying to keep the walking to a minimum. Also - do the first floor rooms have patios to the grass? We had that at the Poly and the kids loved it!

This is a hard decision - I want to pick one of the hotels that is decorated nicely for the holidays, but I also want to make this a special surprise for the family. The Boardwalk is about $250 less than the GF but of course no monorail, fireworks, water parade...

Thanks for any help!

 

[BCV23]

Sandy is slowly approaching our area and it's just a waiting game. So glad we still have power so I can come here to the DIS and get away from it even for a few minutes.

We are contemplating whether to upgrade to the SL or stay in a regular GV room. It's between purchasing another piece of art from the Art of Disney or upgrading to the SL. DH says SL and me and our DS16 say art piece (which will last us a lot longer than the SL). I think we know who is going to win this one.

Thinking of you tonight. I hope your power remains and that your family is snug as a bug through the storm. Good luck with the debate.

MomtoGKC, Big Pine Key is closest to the lobby. Sago Cay is closest to the bus stop. Sago Cay and Sugar Loaf are near Gasparilla's but Sugar Loaf is club level. Happy planning!

 

[MomtoGKC]

MomtoGKC, Big Pine Key is closest to the lobby. Sago Cay is closest to the bus stop. Sago Cay and Sugar Loaf are near Gasparilla's but Sugar Loaf is club level. Happy planning!

Thank you so much! Now I have to go figure out my budget and see if my mom has any input!

 

[Simba's Girl]

Forgive me if this is someplace else, but I don't have time to search the 100+ pages...

Can you see Wishes from the RPC...and can you see Wishes from a CLMK view (RPC)?

What about Wishes from a nonCL MK view?

Thx

 

[k&a&c'smom]

CoachBagFanatic - I hope you and all our posters in and around the East coast are safe and well today. I'll be thinking of you.

MomtoGKC - Welcome! Most garden view rooms have a lovely view of the grounds, we usually choose garden view over lagoon or theme park view (we've gone many times and don't have little ones).

As BCV23 posted, Big Pine Key is nearest the main lobby, but the Grand is quite compact. None of the buildings are very far, probably the farthest is a 4 minute walk.

First floor rooms have patios, but they are enclosed by railing - I'll post a photo so you can visualize.

Forgive me if this is someplace else, but I don't have time to search the 100+ pages...

Can you see Wishes from the RPC...and can you see Wishes from a CLMK view (RPC)?

What about Wishes from a nonCL MK view?

Thx

You can see Wishes from some of the seating in RPC, especially on the upper floors. There are theme park view rooms in the main building, you can book "main building - theme park view - club level" if it is available.

There are many non-CL theme park view rooms. These are available in the booking engine as "outer building - theme park view."

HTH!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

MomtoGKC - Here is the photo I mentioned, you can see the enclosed patios on the first floor.