A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[BayGirl22]

Well, lesson learned but it will add a layer of excitement your arrival night to hop on the monorail to MK!
We are on the west coast too, and you are very ambitious doing morning EMH your first day!! it takes me 3 days to adjust to eastern time!! The first few mornings are killers!

Well unfortunately I'm not likely to get to speak at a conference at the GF again, so the lesson won't be applied. I'll be paying rack rates next time I'm there because I'm sure I'll fall in love and want to come back without the insane discount.

In terms of the time change, I travel a lot for business and find I just have to suck it up and adjust right away. Often I have to get up at 6 or 7am on the first morning for a business trip so I'm sure DH and I can motivate for Disney! My kids are also young enough that their morning process is simple and they can fall right back to sleep in the stroller, so its not like I have to motivate teenagers. Plus we have a late breakfast at Tusker House that morning and my DS4 loves Donald Duck, even has a Donald Safari shirt to wear, so he'll be so excited the sleep won't matter.

I leave Sunday and just checking the boards today got me so excited! I can barely wait to get to the GF, I am beyond impatient at this point.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I should know this but I don't. Does the GF have the keurigs in all their rooms?

No, I have yet to find a Keurig in any room, though I think baler31 had a deluxe room with one.

Here is the current coffee makers - we've had this one in rooms in Big Pine, Sago, Boca and the main bldg.

Top

Tea bag and coffee pods

 

[vicki_c]

Only the big VP and Presidential type suites have a Keurig. Or at least the Presidential Suite at the BC did, so I'm guessing it's those rooms only.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Well unfortunately I'm not likely to get to speak at a conference at the GF again, so the lesson won't be applied. I'll be paying rack rates next time I'm there because I'm sure I'll fall in love and want to come back without the insane discount.

....
I leave Sunday and just checking the boards today got me so excited! I can barely wait to get to the GF, I am beyond impatient at this point.

Very exciting!!

You may end up having to pay rack on your next visit, but there are often general public discount codes for the Grand. Not as good as the convention rates, but a discount nonetheless.

Good luck with your first night/morning plans, sounds like great fun. I wish I had that kind of energy!

 

[WDW1970]

Hello, GF lovers! I've been trying to post for a couple days, but have had computer issues. I have more photos to post, I'll try to get those on soon.

I need to read the pages I've missed, but thought I'd try to answer WDW1970's question about the Beach Pool waterfall. I was told the waterfall is off due to the DVC construction - and the rumor is the Beach Pool will be connected to a DVC pool or at least will be made larger. This isn't official by any means, just something I was told while at the resort. I hope it is true, as the lack of a DVC pool has been a concern.

Welcome back! Thanks for the reply - that was helpful! Do you know if the waterslide at the pool is working then? My kids love the waterslides and I will need to prepare them if it is not. On the waterfall, does it look like it probably won't be working until they get the DVC pool extension installed (which I assume will be some time yet)?

Thanks again!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Only the big VP and Presidential type suites have a Keurig. Or at least the Presidential Suite at the BC did, so I'm guessing it's those rooms only.

Thanks! I'll have to look at my photos from the suites to see if there are Keurigs in those rooms. I think baler31 had one in a deluxe room; not technically a suite, but it is a category up from the regular club level rooms.

Welcome back! Thanks for the reply - that was helpful! Do you know if the waterslide at the pool is working then? My kids love the waterslides and I will need to prepare them if it is not. On the waterfall, does it look like it probably won't be working until they get the DVC pool extension installed (which I assume will be some time yet)?

Thanks again!!

Thanks for the welcome back. The slide WAS working when we were there, I didn't see any evidence they were planning to close it any time soon, but I can't say for sure.

The waterfall was off - no drips, dampness, nada. I have a feeling it is off for the duration, but that is only my guess. It really changes the feel of the Beach Pool, sadly.

 

[baler31]

Thanks! I'll have to look at my photos from the suites to see if there are Keurigs in those rooms. I think baler31 had one in a deluxe room; not technically a suite, but it is a category up from the regular club level rooms.



Thanks for the welcome back. The slide WAS working when we were there, I didn't see any evidence they were planning to close it any time soon, but I can't say for sure.

The waterfall was off - no drips, dampness, nada. I have a feeling it is off for the duration, but that is only my guess. It really changes the feel of the Beach Pool, sadly.

Yes, we have had one in the queen deluxe main building for the last 3 visits. I love tea so this was wonderful. I found the photo of the waterfall, I just need to download it and post it. Hopefully late tonight when everyone else is asleep and I have a few minutes.

We are over at BWI CL next time as we are going just for a long weekend for Star Wars Weekend.

 

[vicki_c]

Sorry for my misinformation on the Keurigs. Let's say very few rooms had them!

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Thanks ladies!
I'd figured we would have one in our deluxe queen RPC room in Oct, but was asking for a friend in regards to a standard garden room. Never have stayed in a non-cl GF room, so I no clue to the coffee makers. LOL

Many thanks for the quick responses!


baler31, don't you just love that queen deluxe room? It's a mini-suite!

Been lurking on this thread and let me tell you, I picked the YC for the graduating niece, since she loves SAB. But, I am so wanting to change it the GF!
Only thing available is SL with my AP discount. SL is OK, not the RPC, some of you reading understand what I am saying, but SL is better than YC CL.
But, I fear I am now falling down the rabbit hole.........

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Yes, we have had one in the queen deluxe main building for the last 3 visits. I love tea so this was wonderful. I found the photo of the waterfall, I just need to download it and post it. Hopefully late tonight when everyone else is asleep and I have a few minutes.

We are over at BWI CL next time as we are going just for a long weekend for Star Wars Weekend.

Can't wait to see the photo! (but take your time! )

Oh, my DD will be so envious about the SWW - she is a huge SW fan. We barely missed an opening event for the new Star Tours.

Sorry for my misinformation on the Keurigs. Let's say very few rooms had them!

No worries, it isn't misinformation. Good to know about the suites, I just happened to remember posts about the deluxe rooms at GF. I haven't had time to look at my new suite photos, but noticed the Keurig in the Grand Suite photos on the first page.

Thanks ladies!
I'd figured we would have one in our deluxe queen RPC room in Oct, but was asking for a friend in regards to a standard garden room. Never have stayed in a non-cl GF room, so I no clue to the coffee makers. LOL

Many thanks for the quick responses!


baler31, don't you just love that queen deluxe room? It's a mini-suite!

Been lurking on this thread and let me tell you, I picked the YC for the graduating niece, since she loves SAB. But, I am so wanting to change it the GF!
Only thing available is SL with my AP discount. SL is OK, not the RPC, some of you reading understand what I am saying, but SL is better than YC CL.
But, I fear I am now falling down the rabbit hole.........

Good luck with your choice, we love YC CL, too! SAB is pretty hard to beat, I understand your niece's dilemma.

 

[carol-lamb]

Hopefully some people on this thread will be able to help me make a decision. It has always been a dream of mine to stay at the Grand Floridian. I visit WDW often, but so far the only deluxe resort I have stayed at is the Poly. My husband has given the green light to switch my current resort reservation (CBR) to the Grand. I was thinking of what they call "Outer Building Club Level". I assume that means Sugarloaf? The thing that is making me hesitate is the DVC construction. I have been to the Grand a couple of times while the construction is going on, but I really didn't pay that much attention because I was just waiting outside to be called for a lunch reservation. Will it really have much of a negative impact on my stay there? Thanks for any replies.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hopefully some people on this thread will be able to help me make a decision. It has always been a dream of mine to stay at the Grand Floridian. I visit WDW often, but so far the only deluxe resort I have stayed at is the Poly. My husband has given the green light to switch my current resort reservation (CBR) to the Grand. I was thinking of what they call "Outer Building Club Level". I assume that means Sugarloaf? The thing that is making me hesitate is the DVC construction. I have been to the Grand a couple of times while the construction is going on, but I really didn't pay that much attention because I was just waiting outside to be called for a lunch reservation. Will it really have much of a negative impact on my stay there? Thanks for any replies.

Welcome! Congrats on your first GF stay, you will love the resort.

We just returned from the Grand a little over a week ago, and I can honestly say the DVC construction did not impact our stay all that much. I can see why anyone would worry, as there is some noise during the day and the Beach Pool is surrounded by fencing and the waterfall is disabled, but the noise was not discernible inside our room (and Dr Ken recently posted he was in a SL room and could not hear it inside his room). I think the Big Pine Key lagoon view rooms are probably the most affected, along with main building rooms overlooking the Beach Pool.

Outer building club level IS Sugar Loaf, it is a good choice if you want the option of advanced planning, easy access to onsite planners and snacks in the lounge. There are no theme park view rooms in the Sugar Loaf building, but you will have either a lovely view of the pool or an equally lovely view of the marina.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[dreamcatcherkwe]

I'm super excited about our first trip at the GF in November. Just posting to say that.

We've stayed at the Polynesian in the past and were ready to try something new.

 

[JenniD44]

Hi all. I just finished reading the whole thread. Lots of great info, especially about the construciton.

We are returning to the GF the week after Thanksgiving. We are booked in SL and have stayed there before, as well as RPC. The last time we went, I requested one of the SL turret rooms and we got it. It was great for our family of 5 to have the extra room. I'm planning to request one again.

Here's my question though. Do they ever upgrade anyone who is already paying for CL in SL to RPC? We will be there over my 50th birthday (yes, it hurts just a bit to say that) and I was hoping for some extra pixie dust. The price differnce to book RPC would be over $2,000 and with our DS just a year away from college, I can't justify the extra money right now. However, we would of course welcome an upgrade. I'm afraid they normally upgrade those in a standard view to get them "hooked" like we are already. Any hope for an upgrade for us?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

dreamcatcherkwe - very excited for you!

JenniD44 - Glad you are heading back to the Grand to celebrate your big day!

Of course, pixie dust can happen to anyone but I have to say, we have only had one upgrade in all of our WDW stays - from GF garden view to lagoon view. It seems most of the upgrades these days are for administrative reasons - e.g. they have all the garden view rooms booked but few lagoon and they want to open up the cheapest room option, or they were overbooked in TPV, etc.

I would never count on an upgrade, it only leads to disappointment. Either spring for the RPC room now so you can be sure you get what you want, or plan on staying in SL. If a surprise happens, all well and good, but you don't want to spend your special trip thinking of what might have been.

 

[baler31]

From our NYE trip.

We were fortunate to tour a few of the suites as it was not busy at the resort. I was so busy talking I forgot to take many photos.







Out last 3 or 4 trips the slippers and chocolate have been in our room.

 

[baler31]

Can't wait to see the photo! (but take your time! )

Oh, my DD will be so envious about the SWW - she is a huge SW fan. We barely missed an opening event for the new Star Tours.



No worries, it isn't misinformation. Good to know about the suites, I just happened to remember posts about the deluxe rooms at GF. I haven't had time to look at my new suite photos, but noticed the Keurig in the Grand Suite photos on the first page.




Good luck with your choice, we love YC CL, too! SAB is pretty hard to beat, I understand your niece's dilemma.

I am having difficulty with the camera I used for that one it is quite old and I cannot find the download cord. I did post some photos from our last 3 trips since New Years.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I am having difficulty with the camera I used for that one it is quite old and I cannot find the download cord. I did post some photos from our last 3 trips since New Years.

No worries, I'd love to see the photos but understand. I have a ton of them from our recent trip that I need to upload. Oh - can you insert your memory card directly into your computer? I used to forget I could do that, until I got my latest camera and rarely know where I've put the cord.

Thanks for the photos, love the one of the lobby with the Christmas decorations. Is that the Grand Suite? The layout looks similar to the ones posted by Pralines&Cheese that we have on the first page. Gorgeous, isn't it?! I have some of the Victorian Suite (beautiful, I'm dying to stay in it now!) and a 2-BR that is mostly like regular rooms, just roomier.

 

[mariamouse]

k&a&c'smom- So glad to read that you had a nice stay at the Grand despite the lingering construction! Welcome back.

These Poly DVC construction rumors are making me think that we may very well end up back at the GF in January 2014. We prefer to go back to the Poly since it's been a while, but I would certainly not complain about being back at the GF! Looking forward to seeing the completed DVC and maybe even a pool expansion too?

Then again, this late summer 20% room-only discount that just came out for the Poly/GF is making me nervous that the days of 30-35% off might be over, in which case we could be swayed to stay elsewhere. We've been spoiled by past steep discounts, I guess. Wish I had a discounts crystal ball!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

k&a&c'smom- So glad to read that you had a nice stay at the Grand despite the lingering construction! Welcome back.

These Poly DVC construction rumors are making me think that we may very well end up back at the GF in January 2014. We prefer to go back to the Poly since it's been a while, but I would certainly not complain about being back at the GF! Looking forward to seeing the completed DVC and maybe even a pool expansion too?

Then again, this late summer 20% room-only discount that just came out for the Poly/GF is making me nervous that the days of 30-35% off might be over, in which case we could be swayed to stay elsewhere. We've been spoiled by past steep discounts, I guess. Wish I had a discounts crystal ball!

I know what you mean, if the discounts dry up we will not be able to visit as often. Probably alternate with Y&BC or AKL. I feel it isn't as much about being spoiled by the 30%+ discounts - during the days of deep discount, they took the opportunity to raise rack by quite a lot to offset. Now, with rack rates steeper, the 20% barely scratches the surface.

I need to check out the Poly rumors, I tend to stick around my own little pond.