A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I just can't get excited about the Poly DVC, it just looks cramped, ruined beach by Tahiti, and turning it into dvc, and sticking another DVC building in the middle. Bleck! They should have just stuck with the one DVC at the end. They are getting greedy, and ruining one of the nicest resorts.

I agree with you completely. If they HAVE to put up DVC at the Poly, they should just keep it on one end - the GF end, and leave everything else alone. I am so sad they are going to possibly ruin one of the best WDW resorts like this.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Does anyone know if these Poly DVC plans are more concrete now, has any paperwork been filed? Last time I read about it (a while back, granted) most of the details were guess work.

I did ask about a refurb on our last visit and one of the kind guest service mgr's in RPC mentioned that they were told a soft goods refurb would begin sometime between Thanksgiving and the New Year. After New Year's seems more likely to me as the holidays are a busy time and I cannot see limiting your occupancy during that time But anyway that is what I was told.

Thanks! I agree, it would be a strange time to have buildings down for maintenance, but then, they had SAB down during Spring Break a while back. Hopefully, it will wait until after the first of the year.

Thanks! That makes sense. We are deciding if we should go for the marathon or wait for a number of reasons (snow white ride, possible splash mountain closure) and this may add to it.

Good luck with your plans!

I want to thank everyone on this thread SO much for the wealth of information you provide as well as super nice comradery!! As I've told everyone before, we went back and forth on resorts, but decided to come back to the Grand mostly because of all of your stories, pictures and good trip reports. Regardless of the construction, I know it will be just magical.

It's been a VERY long 560 (and some odd) days since our last Disney vacation, and you have all been so awesome in sharing your trips and tips and have gotten me through this time quicker! We're down to 16 days until we're in the car to Disney. It's hard to believe it's actually almost here. And we have STILL kept the secret from our DD7!!! She thinks we're going to the beach, but when she wakes up and we're at Disney, we're doing to tell her that "oops, Daddy took a wrong turn!!".

I don't think people realize what great fun it is to chat with everyone and learn what's new at the parks and the resorts... I know alot has changed since we were there in 2010, and I cannot wait to jump right into the magic!! It's nice that everyone can be so kind to each other here... it's my favorite thread on the Dis, for sure.

Thank you to everyone.... one thing I will do when we're there is report back to everyone on the mugs!! Just in case they're new....

Down to the last 2 weeks, so exciting! LOL about the mugs.

Those final weeks before a vacation are always so exciting-- especially when it's been a long Disney hiatus! And congratulations on keeping the secret this long.. I think your plan sounds great!

And agreed about the awesomeness that is this thread... so many friendly posters always willing to help out in any way!

I hope you have an absolute blast at the Grand, sydneysmom!!

Ditto!

We are going to be there the same time! We leave in 12 days but are taking 2 days to get down since we won't leave till lunch or after on Tuesday. It will be me, 45, my aunt, 74, my daughters, 18 and 24 , my son in law ,26 and my grandson 2. If you see my broad say hi! I'm Rhonda!

Woohoo! Won't be long now.

Hi everyone! Newbie here...just wanted to post & say we checked into the GF yesterday & were so happy to be the "GF Family of the Day" I booked a garden view for 6 nights & got an upgrade to the RPC so it can happen! That's our third time getting a CL upgrade after booking a garden view, so I must say I'm very lucky! Also, I'm at the pool now (courtyard) and cannot hear the construction at all.

Wow, that is incredible good luck! So happy for you, what is involved with the "GF Family of the Day"? Could you describe how it came about, e.g. time of day, how they approached you, etc.? I'm sure everyone would love to hear your story.

Glad to hear you can't hear any construction noises at the courtyard pool.

Congrats again on your delightful surprise.

For anyone who wants to know...Re-fillable mugs are the same Mickey and friends beach scene as before with the pink/blue/black lids. (Annnnd...they're $1 cheaper at the beach pool bar than they are at Gasparilla's)

What a great tip, thanks! Funny how we are all hoping for a new mug. Such a small detail, but so much fun to find a new design.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Omg - my husband just told me that for my 40th birthday (it's in July, but we're going to Orlando for a family thing over Thanksgiving!) that after the family thing, we are staying CL TPV in the main building!!!! It's just another Disney dream
come true!!

Now I have to search this thread for CL info - I've never done it before!! Tips welcome.

So excited!!!

Oops, I missed this on my first scroll through the thread. Very exciting news, so happy for you! What a wonderful DH to make your Disney dream come true for your 40th birthday.

There is a lot of CL info on the first page - I think around post 3 or 4? (I'll have to check) Love GF CL, and especially RPC, you are going to be so pampered.

I have some photos of the latest food offerings, if I get a chance this weekend I'll get them on Photobucket and post.

 

[turningleaf]

Is the fence around the Courtyard Pool a new thing at the GF? I can't remember there being a fence before and I hate the idea of it.

Was planning a short 2 night stay this week, but I just read that the Beach Pool is closing on May 30 and that the Rock Waterfall isn't running anymore. Is this true?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Is the fence around the Courtyard Pool a new thing at the GF? I can't remember there being a fence before and I hate the idea of it.

Was planning a short 2 night stay this week, but I just read that the Beach Pool is closing on May 30 and that the Rock Waterfall isn't running anymore. Is this true?

Yes, there is a new fence around the courtyard pool - no, it was not there before the refurb. I'm not a fan of the fence in general, but the fence itself is pretty white wrought iron. (I'll add a photo below - I have some close ups of the new fence but couldn't find them, I'll have to look)

Yes, the waterfall is off at the Beach Pool, it is rumored to be due to a complete overhaul of the Beach Pool, including a new section. Hope this is true, as the DVC opening will likely add to the number of bathers.

Courtyard pool from the main building, April 25, 2013:

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Found my courtyard pool photos! Sorry, I didn't get any of the entire pool as there were people in it at the time. I think there is a link to the refurb photos somewhere. In my photos, they were in the process of installing the newer, prettier wrought iron fence - after it was completed, the ugly fencing was taken down.

Here is the lawn in front of Boca, with the dive in movie screen and the first, ugly, utilitarian fencing:

Close up of old utility fence:

Inside the fence, you can see the new wrought iron with the utility fence in the background along with the movie screen:

Looking left, same position, Conch Key in background; again, you can see both fences:

A little more fence, activities sign:

Zero entry with pop jets:

As you can see in this series of photos, the new fence might not be what we are used to - but it's a lot better than that first eyesore!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Had to post another photo! Today, I received a Thank You from WDW for our recent visit - inside the envelope was a card signed by the characters, it is frameable quality. Nice touch!

If you can't read the text, it has our name (blocked out) and this message:

From all your Disney pals, we hope you created magical memories during your visit to Walt Disney World Resort in 2013.

 

[Candy Orlando]

I'm sitting at the courtyard pool and its starting to get dark out. The blue lights in the pool are so beautiful. They are little fountains that have a very peaceful sound. The music in the background adds a nice touch. It's a warm night at this fabulous new pool. The fence gives it a cozy feel.

 

[turningleaf]

Thanks for replying and posting pics!

I have to say, I just hate the fence. It may be for safety or access purposes but still I think it affects the open look of the GF grounds. I guess they are preparing the pools for the DVC - they may start checking Key Cards.

I think we'll pass on GF this stay. We love staying there esp at SL, but there's too much going on right now.

 

[Sue M]

Had to post another photo! Today, I received a Thank You from WDW for our recent visit - inside the envelope was a card signed by the characters, it is frameable quality. Nice touch!

If you can't read the text, it has our name (blocked out) and this message:

From all your Disney pals, we hope you created magical memories during your visit to Walt Disney World Resort in 2013.

Very nice!

Yes I think they must have filed the papers, because Tikiman has been waiting to report the new plans, and he never lets the cat out of the bag unless its 100% correct.

 

[Sue M]

I'm sitting at the courtyard pool and its starting to get dark out. The blue lights in the pool are so beautiful. They are little fountains that have a very peaceful sound. The music in the background adds a nice touch. It's a warm night at this fabulous new pool. The fence gives it a cozy feel.

sounds wonderful! Just a little green with envy!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for replying and posting pics!

I have to say, I just hate the fence. It may be for safety or access purposes but still I think it affects the open look of the GF grounds. I guess they are preparing the pools for the DVC - they may start checking Key Cards.

I think we'll pass on GF this stay. We love staying there esp at SL, but there's too much going on right now.

Oh, that is a shame! I totally understand and don't blame anyone for wanting to visit another resort during the renovations, but we did not find the construction to be too intrusive. We were not there during the next round of pool closure, though, so that is a good point.

Very nice!

Yes I think they must have filed the papers, because Tikiman has been waiting to report the new plans, and he never lets the cat out of the bag unless its 100% correct.

Thanks for the info! I was on Steve's site last week, but got called away before I was able to read much about the upcoming plans. I hope all the Poly fans will keep us updated, as the two resorts are so close I feel one complements the other.

I'm sitting at the courtyard pool and its starting to get dark out. The blue lights in the pool are so beautiful. They are little fountains that have a very peaceful sound. The music in the background adds a nice touch. It's a warm night at this fabulous new pool. The fence gives it a cozy feel.

Sounds like a perfect evening. Enjoy!

 

[WDW1970]

Is the fence around the Courtyard Pool a new thing at the GF? I can't remember there being a fence before and I hate the idea of it.

Was planning a short 2 night stay this week, but I just read that the Beach Pool is closing on May 30 and that the Rock Waterfall isn't running anymore. Is this true?

I saw on wdwinfo that the pool is closed 5.30-6.1 and the waterslide is closed 5.27-6.1. I am hoping this means it will remain open for the rest of June. Does anyone have any update on what this refurb is all about?

Thanks!

 

[MommyGina]

I'm sitting at the courtyard pool and its starting to get dark out. The blue lights in the pool are so beautiful. They are little fountains that have a very peaceful sound. The music in the background adds a nice touch. It's a warm night at this fabulous new pool. The fence gives it a cozy feel.

It's nice to hear that there is music in the background. Did you notice if the music is now piped in during the fireworks too?

 

[mariamouse]

I'm sitting at the courtyard pool and its starting to get dark out. The blue lights in the pool are so beautiful. They are little fountains that have a very peaceful sound. The music in the background adds a nice touch. It's a warm night at this fabulous new pool. The fence gives it a cozy feel.

Love this description! Makes me feel like I am there.

What is the music you are referring to? Just Victorian music around the resort grounds or is there now music piped in at the courtyard pool specifically?

 

[swimfly]

Greetings! I'm a newbie to GF but WDW regular. We just switched our ressie for 4th of July from YC to GF TPV. I hope we truly have a TPV. We live in Jacksonville so we'll only be in WDW for 1 night. Have to get a dose of the patriotic magic.

 

[Candy Orlando]

It's nice to hear that there is music in the background. Did you notice if the music is now piped in during the fireworks too?

I don't know because I wasn't at the pool during the fireworks.

 

[Candy Orlando]

Love this description! Makes me feel like I am there.

What is the music you are referring to? Just Victorian music around the resort grounds or is there now music piped in at the courtyard pool specifically?

I think it is the Victorian music they play around the resort.

 

[Belle72]

Hi! Can anyone give their best guess as to how intrusive construction will be in October? Is there still a sandy beach area at GF? And where would the fireworks be best viewed?

We have already booked GF but are considering Poly (since the rooms will be recently updated) for our October stay. We are planning quite a bit of resort time this trip. Thanks!!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

We've managed to squeeze a WDW weekend into our South Florida summer vacation. So excited to stay at the GF, even its its only 2 nights....hey, gotta start somewhere.