A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[Melodious]

Hey, I just wanted to make certain I understand what's going on with the Gasparilla's refurb. What time do the beach pool bar and Mizner's close? 11pm? And the pool bar is the only place to buy and refill refillable mugs? And Mizner's is not currently serving drinks at night? Thanks for the information

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - Good to see you! I meant to wave in my last msg. but flubbed it.

Hey, I just wanted to make certain I understand what's going on with the Gasparilla's refurb. What time do the beach pool bar and Mizner's close? 11pm? And the pool bar is the only place to buy and refill refillable mugs? And Mizner's is not currently serving drinks at night? Thanks for the information

There have been some posts from recent visitors regarding the current hours for Mizner's and the pool bar, but I have forgotten. I'll see if I can find anything. Mizner's has been converted from a lounge to a quick serve location - so, no, you cannot get alcoholic drinks in the evenings. Here is a link to the story and some photos: http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/mizn...izner's-opens-at-quick-service-restaurant.htm

I'm pretty sure they are selling refillable mugs in M. Mouse Mercantile, and I believe you can fill at Mizner's. ETA: I see in one of the photos in the link you can buy the mugs at Mizner's.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Melodious - I found this a few pages back; HFC1969 posted it on October 15:

UPDATE: Pool side bar - is closing at 11pm.. Mizners closing at midnight. Per Julian at Concierge planning..

 

[andyman8]

I wouldn't worry too much - the CMs in reservations can only tell that the rooms are not in inventory, not whether they were "booked" or blocked for convention, TAs, etc. Don't give up, you will likely be able to get a garden view room in the next few months, if that is what you still desire. Keep checking.

Thanks! Yeah. I'll be checking daily but actually hoping they don't open up until maybe January, as we usually start planning then. Just going to have to wait and see. Thanks!

 

[bek]

I'm considering switching my mid-December 2012 reservation to GF or Poly. GF is my first choice but I'm concerned about construction. How is construction affecting "outer bldg - garden view"?

 

[johnsonet]

Thanks for the pics, BCV23 and k&a&c'smom
Looks like Gasparilla's will be really nice!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks! Yeah. I'll be checking daily but actually hoping they don't open up until maybe January, as we usually start planning then. Just going to have to wait and see. Thanks!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

I'm considering switching my mid-December 2012 reservation to GF or Poly. GF is my first choice but I'm concerned about construction. How is construction affecting "outer bldg - garden view"?

Right now the courtyard pool construction is a bit unsightly for those with upper floor courtyard views. With the pool construction due to be finished by mid-December, you might be lucky enough to miss the worst of it.

When we were in Boca Chica overlooking the courtyard in August, we didn't hear anything from the DVC construction.

Thanks for the pics, BCV23 and k&a&c'smom
Looks like Gasparilla's will be really nice!

Doesn't it look lovely? I hope they keep the mossy green color scheme, green is my favorite color.

 

[MommyGina]

Wow. Just saw the artist rendition of Gasparilla's. It looks beautiful. Having teenagers, does anyone know if an arcade will be located at the GF at all?

Tom - sorry to hear of the destruction from Sandy.

 

[pas130]

pas130 - Good to see you! I meant to wave in my last msg. but flubbed it.

No worries my dear friend..I lurk often. But hard to post without being tempted to change my reservation. LOL

 

[autumnpalm]

Just booked the Grand Floridian for August 29-September 2 2013 (split stay with BC).

I am SO excited... it is our dream resort. Hoping all the construction will be finished by then.

Now the hard part will be waiting!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Just booked the Grand Floridian for August 29-September 2 2013 (split stay with BC).

I am SO excited... it is our dream resort. Hoping all the construction will be finished by then.

Now the hard part will be waiting!

Congrats!! We have the same dates!!! Did you do the Magical Vacations exclusive deal?

I have two Disney trips before this and I am most excited about GF as it is my favorite!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Wow. Just saw the artist rendition of Gasparilla's. It looks beautiful. Having teenagers, does anyone know if an arcade will be located at the GF at all?

Tom - sorry to hear of the destruction from Sandy.

There has been very little discussion about the arcade. Not sure if they plan to have one somewhere, but if the other DVC properties are any guide, they will have an arcade at GF. Where is a good question.

No worries my dear friend..I lurk often. But hard to post without being tempted to change my reservation. LOL

I get you...it's hard to read and post about your favorite resort without running to the phone (website)to book!

Just booked the Grand Floridian for August 29-September 2 2013 (split stay with BC).

I am SO excited... it is our dream resort. Hoping all the construction will be finished by then.

Now the hard part will be waiting!

Congrats!! I'm very excited for you, booking your dream resort. You're gonna love the Grand.

 

[baler31]

We just returned from at few days at WL OFC but we did visit GF. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the Grand Suite and Walt Disney suite, will post a few photos but I only had my phone and the photos are very low quality.

I was also told that the Courtyard pool construction is quite behind and they do not know if it will be finished on schedule. I am sure it has been reported but will mention that they had the RFID reader for the concierge elevator, seemed to work much better than the cards. This was especially nice at WL as they only have the one floor for CL it just automatically selects the floor for you.

Will get my pictures downloaded and post later. We also were lucky enough to eat lunch and dinner at BOG during our Fantasyland Passholder preview and have some photos of that. I have never done a trip report but may give it a try.

 

[Tinks]

Hey there! Just checking on the Disney reservation center and I'm wondering if something is up with the RPC MK view rooms for Jan-Mar time frame. I checked quite a few dates and even did single night checks in a variety of weeks, but RPC MK view rooms never came up. At.all. Very unusual. Anyone know if they are rehabbing these rooms in the new year?

 

[autumnpalm]

Congrats!! We have the same dates!!! Did you do the Magical Vacations exclusive deal?

I have two Disney trips before this and I am most excited about GF as it is my favorite!!!

Yes I did! Honestly it is a dream come true for us. We were planning on staying at a mod and doing one night at the GF at the end of the trip and now we are doing a 4 night GF/3 night BC split stay. Talk about some Disney magic!!

 

[lala3291]

Hello fellow GF fans!

We will be in Disney one week from tomorrow! We JUST switched our resort from the Poly to the GF- Sugarloaf! We stayed in SL last year during this same week. We are SO excited! We can't wait to see all of the Christmas decorations!

I am so sorry if I missed this (I don't have time to read this whole thread), but is there somewhere to get a quick service meal with Gasparilla's being closed? I think I heard you can get something at Mizner's...

Thanks for any information! I also will try to give some live reports once at the GF, as I will have my laptop with me.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello fellow GF fans!

We will be in Disney one week from tomorrow! We JUST switched our resort from the Poly to the GF- Sugarloaf! We stayed in SL last year during this same week. We are SO excited! We can't wait to see all of the Christmas decorations!

I am so sorry if I missed this (I don't have time to read this whole thread), but is there somewhere to get a quick service meal with Gasparilla's being closed? I think I heard you can get something at Mizner's...

Thanks for any information! I also will try to give some live reports once at the GF, as I will have my laptop with me.

Hey Lauren!

I think you can get quick service at Mizners and at the beach pool bar now....

Live reports would be awesome!!

 

[lala3291]

Hey Lauren!

I think you can get quick service at Mizners and at the beach pool bar now....

Live reports would be awesome!!

Hey Shelly!

Thank you! Good to know.

I am definitely going to try to report live from the GF. I always intend to do live reports, but sometimes we are too busy to even think about the computer! But I am sure I will be able to report at least a few times!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Yes I did! Honestly it is a dream come true for us. We were planning on staying at a mod and doing one night at the GF at the end of the trip and now we are doing a 4 night GF/3 night BC split stay. Talk about some Disney magic!!

It definitely is magical. That is a great split.. Best of both worlds!! Epcot area and MK area.

I found out here last year about the Labor Day exclusive for 2012 and had an amazing time... I still can't believe it! Needless to say I am ECSTATIC that they are doing it again for 2013!! Love GF and feel so lucky to be able to stay there again!

I am completely booked for my 2013 Disney Vacations!!

Jan - Boardwalk
May - Bay Lake Towers
August - Grand Floridian (My favorite)
October - Wilderness Lodge

Now comes the hard part.... waiting.......

 

[followthatmouse]

Hello fellow GF fans!

We will be in Disney one week from tomorrow! We JUST switched our resort from the Poly to the GF- Sugarloaf! We stayed in SL last year during this same week. We are SO excited! We can't wait to see all of the Christmas decorations!

I also will try to give some live reports once at the GF, as I will have my laptop with me.

Have a wonderful stay! It promises to be a magical time of year. We are not far from our own trip to the GF. It would be very kind of you to take the time to provide live reports. Any news would be both fun and helpful!