A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[k&a&c'smom]

Thank you! And K&A &C's mom - the picture said it all! It seems nearly identical to the bed at the Poly After our 60 degree weekend, I am staying positive! The fact that it is freezing in some of the southern states does have me leery. The fact that we drive makes a huge difference IMHO, as we do not need to worry about flight issues. Getting very excited and thinking no-snow thoughts.. .

I agree, driving helps alleviate the travel worries, for the most part. No angst about flight delays/cancellations, no worries about luggage. Plus, you have your car while in the World!

 

[Tink rules]

Welcome! I quoted tatar63 below, who posted on 11/11. It takes a couple weeks to complete the gingerbread house, so it will likely still be in progress next Monday.

It only takes 2-3 days to construct it. I was there to watch it once.. it's fascinating to watch..

 

[k&a&c'smom]

It only takes 2-3 days to construct it. I was there to watch it once.. it's fascinating to watch..

Interesting - I was sure in the past I read of guests who were there for a whole week and it still wasn't finished when they departed. Good to know!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Interesting - I was sure in the past I read of guests who were there for a whole week and it still wasn't finished when they departed. Good to know!

I think it does take closer to a week. When we were at WDW in Nov 2010 we visited the GF on Nov 8th, and they were just starting to set up the frame and the finishing date was to be the 15th. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39223675&postcount=262 And when we went in Nov 2009 we visited the GF on Nov 11th and they were pretty far into it and it was set to be done on Nov 16th. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34686155&postcount=419


We are really looking forward to seeing it completed in a few weeks!!

 

[DetTigsGal]

In both 2009 and 2010 we arrived on the Sunday before T'giving and it was up and selling...we are not staying at the Grand this trip, but am planning on going over to smell and shop

 

[andyman8]

For those interested in the GF Gingerbread House, here's an update from WDWMagic.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...-gingerbread-house-now-under-construction.htm

Also, if anyone cares, we're considering visiting in early June (when the kids get out of school) instead of August. GV rooms are available but we're still talking it over.

On another note, a random thought occurred to me at work today. I remember those red and white GF sailboats we saw at the GF several years ago and realized that, although "Sailboat" was still an option at the marina, we didn't see any. Do they still have them or do they just use the ones at the Polynesian?

Remember, they look like this:

They even still have it on the official GF website. Thanks!

 

[Tink rules]

Here's a video of them putting it together.

Often people will sit in the lobby and just watch them...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m5T26CioUKc

 

[jojomickey]

Great video!

Does anyone know if the tree was started yet?

 

[lala3291]

Hello from the Grand!

We just arrived yesterday at around 10:45, and were greeted off of the ME bus by a lovely CM who took us to SL to check in. Our room was not ready, so we went straight to the MK, where we got to see the new Fantasyland!

Our room was ready at about 2:00, the only minor complaint I have is the view. The only thing I requested was marina view (as I am sure a lot of other people are requesting with the construction). We are literally facing a huge tree, with a little bit of the courtyard pool. We can't see much, but I am totally fine with that!

We are off to 1900 Park Fare in a few for breakfast then it is off to Epcot!

I will try to check in tonight, but if there are any questions that anyone has, please feel free to ask!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello from the Grand!

We just arrived yesterday at around 10:45, and were greeted off of the ME bus by a lovely CM who took us to SL to check in. Our room was not ready, so we went straight to the MK, where we got to see the new Fantasyland!

Our room was ready at about 2:00, the only minor complaint I have is the view. The only thing I requested was marina view (as I am sure a lot of other people are requesting with the construction). We are literally facing a huge tree, with a little bit of the courtyard pool. We can't see much, but I am totally fine with that!

We are off to 1900 Park Fare in a few for breakfast then it is off to Epcot!

I will try to check in tonight, but if there are any questions that anyone has, please feel free to ask!

Hey Lauren! Sorry about your view. That's probably the room we will get too.

Have a nice breakfast and a great day!!

 

[jojomickey]

Hi Lauren

Hope you are having a great time!


Sorry about the view it happened to us once too

Thanks for the update!!!

How's the pool and grille coming along?

 

[tatar63]

They started putting the gingerbread on the house this morning at 10:30, making good progress! They should be done with the gingerbread tomorrow, then will do the landscaping, etc. the store inside will open Monday morning

Last night they started hauling everything in for the tree and other decorations around 9:30. I stayed up watching til after midnight, peeked outside around 5:00 am and they were still working. We left our room at 7:30 & it was all done!

 

[tatar63]

There has not been much action on the pool this week, only one or two people working every now & then when I check. The CM who checked us in said it would be February before it is done?!? I almost blurted out Noooo, the dis says December, lol! Hopefully she is wrong.

She also said Sandy's should open this Saturday.

 

[jojomickey]

Thanks for the update!!!

Hope you are having a grand Day

We will be there next week can't wait

 

[cgulls]

a couple items in here should please some of the readers, including the opening date

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...isney-retake-operation-of-the-resort-spas.htm

 

[glovergirls]

Hi,

Someone on the club level forum mentioned how the turret rooms gave her a lot of extra space, do they still have these and how many do they sleep? Are these upper level rooms? We have stayed at the GF before but didn't realize these existed.


Thanks in advance for your help, I really appreciate it!

 

[dansdad]

Hi,

Someone on the club level forum mentioned how the turret rooms gave her a lot of extra space, do they still have these and how many do they sleep? Are these upper level rooms? We have stayed at the GF before but didn't realize these existed.


Thanks in advance for your help, I really appreciate it!

Please see Mickeynut1's reply to your question below.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=46705657#post46705657

 

[glovergirls]

I saw that but thanks. That person suggested I post on this thread to get some more info )

 

[nonzerosum]

Can someone enlighten me about the selling of gingerbread? I wasn't aware there was such an option.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hi,

Someone on the club level forum mentioned how the turret rooms gave her a lot of extra space, do they still have these and how many do they sleep? Are these upper level rooms? We have stayed at the GF before but didn't realize these existed.


Thanks in advance for your help, I really appreciate it!

Hi there, I assume you mean in the Outer Lodge Club Level? There are three of these turret rooms in Sugar Loaf (floors 2, 3, and 4). The rooms on floors 2 & 3 have a balcony, but the one on floor 4 does not (due to the exterior & service room). Bedding is 2 queens only, no daybed. There is a sofa (love seat size) in the turret but it does not pull out. You also get an extra tv in the turret area. Hope that helps! If you are looking for info on the regular turret rooms (Outer Lodge - Deluxe Room - Garden View) let me know.