A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[itisamymc]

We check in to our first GF stay tomorrow! So excited!

 

[vettegirl]

We check in to our first GF stay tomorrow! So excited!

Lucky, enjoy!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We check in to our first GF stay tomorrow! So excited!

Awesome!! Safe travels and have a Grand vacation.

 

[Tink rules]

Tink rules has posted the courtyard fence is rumored to be a temporary one, and the permanent fence is ordered. She posted a photo of the spa fence for reference of what the rumored courtyard pool fence might look like. That's the way I took it, anyway.

Like you, I can't wait to get there and see everything in person.

The info came from a CM in RPC....

the fence that is there now... is held together by twist ties... pretty sure it's only temporary...

 

[Tink rules]

This is the picture of the fence with the plastic ties... does NOT look permanent...

& THIS is the picture of the fence by the spa... MUCH more with the themeing of the grand...

Lets hope it looks like that!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

LOL! Yes, let's hope that is NOT permanent. Thanks for clarifying, Tink rules. I think the spa fence is much prettier and definitely more in keeping with the look of the resort.

 

[dreamcruiser]

Yeah, but why a fence at all??

 

[Tink rules]

has to be ADA compliant.

 

[Rhongepooh]

So we are set to arrive in 45 more days for our first trip to the Grand as our usual hotel is the Contemporary but there were no openings when I made the reservations. We have a garden view room. I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a building that is better than another? We'd like one as close to the main building as possible.

2. My aunt LOVES to sit on the balcony and people watch. Will she be able to see anything with a garden view?

3. I've been spoiled by the contemporary running down on the elevator to refill my mugs . How big of a deal is it going to be getting to GG?


Thanks in advance for the advice

 

[Sue M]

Definitely a nicer looking fence. And if the put nice shrubs and plants around it, it won't look bad. Thanks for the info & pics!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

So we are set to arrive in 45 more days for our first trip to the Grand as our usual hotel is the Contemporary but there were no openings when I made the reservations. We have a garden view room. I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a building that is better than another? We'd like one as close to the main building as possible.

2. My aunt LOVES to sit on the balcony and people watch. Will she be able to see anything with a garden view?

3. I've been spoiled by the contemporary running down on the elevator to refill my mugs . How big of a deal is it going to be getting to GG?


Thanks in advance for the advice

Welcome! Sorry your favorite resort was booked, but congrats on booking the Grand, I think you will love the resort.

All the outer buildings are fairly close to the main building, the resort isn't very big. Big Pine Key is the closest to the main back door leading to the lobby, and is close to the themed pool. Sago Cay is closest to Gasparillas and the bus stop; Conch Key is closest to the boat dock; Boca Chica is closest to the courtyard pool. As you can see, all the buildings have their good points!

With a garden view, you will either be looking at the courtyard pool or the marina, or the back side of Sago Cay is a slight possibility. People watching is quite easy with the courtyard, less so with marina view and not at all possible with the monorail side of Sago - but you get to watch the monorail go by, which is popular with kids. If you want a view of the courtyard pool, be sure to request that on your reservation and again at check in. Be aware, there are some rooms in Big Pine Key that look right into the back of the pool house.

There are several places to fill the mugs - GG and both pool bars (beach pool bar is self serve now). They aren't an elevator ride away, but with the length of time we've spent waiting on a CR elevator, it could be just as quick! It shouldn't be much of an issue.

If you have any more questions, just ask!

 

[tommylicious]

I think the fence stays, but that netting comes off. Perhaps some kind of safety code.

This is the picture of the fence with the plastic ties... does NOT look permanent...

& THIS is the picture of the fence by the spa... MUCH more with the themeing of the grand...

Lets hope it looks like that!

 

[Sue M]

We check in to our first GF stay tomorrow! So excited!

 

[Rhongepooh]

Welcome! Sorry your favorite resort was booked, but congrats on booking the Grand, I think you will love the resort.

All the outer buildings are fairly close to the main building, the resort isn't very big. Big Pine Key is the closest to the main back door leading to the lobby, and is close to the themed pool. Sago Cay is closest to Gasparillas and the bus stop; Conch Key is closest to the boat dock; Boca Chica is closest to the courtyard pool. As you can see, all the buildings have their good points!

With a garden view, you will either be looking at the courtyard pool or the marina, or the back side of Sago Cay is a slight possibility. People watching is quite easy with the courtyard, less so with marina view and not at all possible with the monorail side of Sago - but you get to watch the monorail go by, which is popular with kids. If you want a view of the courtyard pool, be sure to request that on your reservation and again at check in. Be aware, there are some rooms in Big Pine Key that look right into the back of the pool house.

There are several places to fill the mugs - GG and both pool bars (beach pool bar is self serve now). They aren't an elevator ride away, but with the length of time we've spent waiting on a CR elevator, it could be just as quick! It shouldn't be much of an issue.

If you have any more questions, just ask!

Thanks! Like I said the Contemporary is where we usually stay but it wasn't available, I'm excited too though because it has always been one of those bucket list things!

 

[sotoalf]

Hi, thread!

Anyone taken recent photos of Mizner's? Thanks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks! Like I said the Contemporary is where we usually stay but it wasn't available, I'm excited too though because it has always been one of those bucket list things!

Well, yay for the opportunity! In a way, it's kind of nice when that happens, you may find a new favorite. On the other hand, then you are in a quandary as to which resort to choose on the next trip.

Hi, thread!

Anyone taken recent photos of Mizner's? Thanks!

Hi back atcha!

I think I have some from last August, but nothing since the switch to quick serve and back again. I'll be there in a couple weeks, though, and plan to take lots of photos of all the new-ness.

We make several visits to Mizner's in a trip, so I'm sure I'll remember to get those!

 

[DetTigsGal]

So we are set to arrive in 45 more days for our first trip to the Grand as our usual hotel is the Contemporary but there were no openings when I made the reservations. We have a garden view room. I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a building that is better than another? We'd like one as close to the main building as possible.

2. My aunt LOVES to sit on the balcony and people watch. Will she be able to see anything with a garden view?

3. I've been spoiled by the contemporary running down on the elevator to refill my mugs . How big of a deal is it going to be getting to GG?

Thanks in advance for the advice

We used to stay at the contemporary, but it was full one time and we used that opportunity to try the Grand. Now, it's our resort of choice. So happy to be back June 25-July 6!! Some of you may remember this past Thanksgiving we stayed WLCL because of the construction. Had a great time, but happy to be returning to the Grand.

 

[WDWOswald]

Checked out of the GF today after a two night stay.

Oh. My. God.

There are not enough superlatives that could describe how perfect it was. The best two days if my life. Endlessly perfect in every way. By FAR the nicest Disney resort and maybe the best overall resort if the country. I've been to a lot of top rated places. The floridian smokes them all. Insane.

Paid for a garden view and ended up in boca chica facing the lagoon with a view of the contemporary, poly, and the magic kingdom including the castle. It was serene and quiet. We were treated like royalty. Narcoossees prepared us the best seafood we have ever tasted. Gaspsrilla's is quick service with a view of the castle. All the other guests were lovely people. Conceirge was pitch perfect. The courtyard pool and hot tub are AMAZING. The smell, the ambiance, the music, the lighting are all magical. Watching wishes from the marina was a perfectly serene experience.

The room was huge by any standard and beautifully decorated and way nicer in person than in photos. Perfectly clean. Housekeeping was outstanding. I would feel guilty paying any less than Disney is asking for the grand. It is that good.

 

[mariamouse]

Checked out of the GF today after a two night stay.

Oh. My. God.

There are not enough superlatives that could describe how perfect it was. The best two days if my life. Endlessly perfect in every way. By FAR the nicest Disney resort and maybe the best overall resort if the country. I've been to a lot of top rated places. The floridian smokes them all. Insane.

Paid for a garden view and ended up in boca chica facing the lagoon with a view of the contemporary, poly, and the magic kingdom including the castle. It was serene and quiet. We were treated like royalty. Narcoossees prepared us the best seafood we have ever tasted. Gaspsrilla's is quick service with a view of the castle. All the other guests were lovely people. Conceirge was pitch perfect. The courtyard pool and hot tub are AMAZING. The smell, the ambiance, the music, the lighting are all magical. Watching wishes from the marina was a perfectly serene experience.

The room was huge by any standard and beautifully decorated and way nicer in person than in photos. Perfectly clean. Housekeeping was outstanding. I would feel guilty paying any less than Disney is asking for the grand. It is that good.

Wow! So glad to hear that you had a perfect stay.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We used to stay at the contemporary, but it was full one time and we used that opportunity to try the Grand. Now, it's our resort of choice. So happy to be back June 25-July 6!! Some of you may remember this past Thanksgiving we stayed WLCL because of the construction. Had a great time, but happy to be returning to the Grand.

YAY for your June trip! It is hard to book anywhere else, isn't it? We love several WDW resorts but usually end up booking at least a split stay.

Checked out of the GF today after a two night stay.

Oh. My. God.

There are not enough superlatives that could describe how perfect it was. The best two days if my life. Endlessly perfect in every way. By FAR the nicest Disney resort and maybe the best overall resort if the country. I've been to a lot of top rated places. The floridian smokes them all. Insane.

Paid for a garden view and ended up in boca chica facing the lagoon with a view of the contemporary, poly, and the magic kingdom including the castle. It was serene and quiet. We were treated like royalty. Narcoossees prepared us the best seafood we have ever tasted. Gaspsrilla's is quick service with a view of the castle. All the other guests were lovely people. Conceirge was pitch perfect. The courtyard pool and hot tub are AMAZING. The smell, the ambiance, the music, the lighting are all magical. Watching wishes from the marina was a perfectly serene experience.

The room was huge by any standard and beautifully decorated and way nicer in person than in photos. Perfectly clean. Housekeeping was outstanding. I would feel guilty paying any less than Disney is asking for the grand. It is that good.

Welcome back! I'm glad you had such a magical stay, the resort is wonderful, isn't it? Congrats on the upgrade!

I must say, though, I have never felt guilty getting a discount. More money to spend elsewhere in the World.