A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[phyllis1966]

I'm pretty sure Rhongepooh meant Gasparilla's Grill, the quick service place at the GF...I feel so bad that so many things went wrong for them. We have been staying at the GF almost yearly since 2002 and have never had anything remotely like those things happen to us. Hopefully the vacation improves for them.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

I'm confused, why was the GF pool closed? Was this a recent trip, Rhongepooh?

As far as room requests go, I've always been told they are not guaranteed.

I'm sorry you had a poor experience, that stinks for the money you spent. That's the good thing about Disney though, there are resorts for every type of person.

We like the Poly and GF. DH isn't a fan of the CR, he thinks it looks too sterile. I kind of like it though, especially since the monorail goes through the resort.

 

[trishadono]

I'm going to upgrade to Sugarloaf, and want to put a room request in at the same time. I'd like a pool view, but in looking at the map, can you really even see the pool? Should I request lagoon view instead? What do I look at from there. Also, do the rooms have balconies? Are first floor room, a patio or a balcony type thingy, with a railing? I prefer a walk out room.

DD and I stayed there a night last year in SL. I requested the marina side but got pool side. I didn't mind because they gave us a room at 7:30am. We were 3rd floor just left of the main door across from the pool. It was such a convenient location, just steps to hot tub and pool and close to main building, busses and marina/boats. Only down side is the lounge itself. Somewhat boring but the food is fantastic!!! Good view of pool from any room on this side, it was very close.

Go back and look at pics of GF on first pages of thread. Basically floor 2 and 3 have full balconies, 4th (some dormer rooms also on 3rd) dormer rooms have smaller balconies but more private. 1st floors are enclosed patios. There are some deluxe rooms available upon request for no additional charge as well.

Go to Google or Bing maps and check it out area. The marina side has water and monorail view. The other side is pool and gardens/walkways.

Lastly I visited GF this weekend and the pool refurb is pretty at night. They filled in the pool so it has lights in it and shallow for people to walk around in it.(on one end) So the deeper end for swimming is now a smaller area. Better for kiddies and loungers but not so good for actual swimming.

The pool with the slide is open but not beach adjacent. You can access beach and sit on chairs etc (near Boca Chica) but not open near construction/pool.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, everyone!! I'm posting a quick message for anyone wondering about the pool closure. There is a note about it on the front page of this thread (I think) that the Beach Pool is closed for a few days for repairs, starting this week. I know we discussed it, maybe I forgot to update the first page.

Gonna go find the info and then catch up with everyone when I get back.

ETA: found the info, here is what wdwmagic stated in March:

The Beach Pool will be closed from 30 May to 1 June 2013, reopening on 2 June 2013. The Beach Pool slide will be closed from 27 May to 1 June, reopening with the pool on 2 June 2013.

I didn't have it on the first page (or, maybe I had a link, but it's hard to find) so I'm doing that now. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[bdklein]

I'm going to upgrade to Sugarloaf, and want to put a room request in at the same time. I'd like a pool view, but in looking at the map, can you really even see the pool? Should I request lagoon view instead? What do I look at from there. Also, do the rooms have balconies? Are first floor room, a patio or a balcony type thingy, with a railing? I prefer a walk out room.

I could be wrong, having only stayed there once, but I don't think the SL has any great views. Maybe one or two rooms perhaps. And I don't think SL has any lagoon views either. There are pool/garden views and marina views. Our marina view had a big tree in front but you could see the water, the monorail, and some building across the marina (Sago Cay). But nothing special.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Cali-D -

Rhongepooh - OH, NO!! I'm always sorry to read a new guest of the Grand is having issues and doesn't love the resort. Very sorry for your trouble, I hope the rest of your trip is far and away better and more magical.

A couple notes - I'm surprised either of the rooms you had in Big Pine had a DVD player, last I knew only the club level rooms in the Grand (and all the deluxe resorts) had them.

The bus stop should be fairly easy to access from Big Pine by going through the main bldg. and out the front door, hanging a right. I know it isn't quite as close as Sago, but it shouldn't be a long hike, either. Did you go around Gasparilla's instead?

We have had some issues with valet at several of the WDW resorts lately. I wonder if they have cut back on staff? Very annoying, I agree.

Again, I'm so sorry you are not having a good time so far. If I were in your situation and really hated a resort, I would definitely ask about moving to another WDW resort. A bit of trouble, but better than spending all your vacation wishing you were elsewhere.

I read about a soft goods rehab for GF. Is there a timeframe estimated? Thanks!!

Tink rules and baler31 have posted it is due after the Poly refurb is completed - sometime in the fall, I think.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccccccccckkkk So in my true ch-ch-changing ways....I've changed this morning to RPC. Am I nervous about the view...NOPE. Am I nervous about the Grand...NOPE. My DS4 and DDs all keep asking about the Grand. It's my DHs 40th birthday trip..he's getting his Portofino Bay trip, which shortened MY WDW time...therefore...I booked GF (after many many changes...no shocker to my friends here). I've decided not to make any requests, it's only 3 nights...I just am going to enjoy RPC and the new pool!!!

k&a&c'smom Sorry I've been lurking..you know how I am when I am not bookedat the Grand

Hey, you, how have you been? Don't worry about lurking, I don't have as much time for the DIS when I am not planning a trip, either.

Congrats on your RPC booking, we just did the exact split last month! It was heavenly.

I'm going to upgrade to Sugarloaf, and want to put a room request in at the same time. I'd like a pool view, but in looking at the map, can you really even see the pool? Should I request lagoon view instead? What do I look at from there. Also, do the rooms have balconies? Are first floor room, a patio or a balcony type thingy, with a railing? I prefer a walk out room.

Hello! Pretty much all the rooms at the Grand have balconies, with the exception of some of the deluxe rooms. Keep this in mind if you choose to request a deluxe in SL - 2 of them have balconies, but at least one does not.

The views available in Sugar Loaf are either pool side or marina side, so if you want to see the water ask for "marina view". I have a photo of the first floor balcony/patio on the marina side of SL. There are some photos of both views on the first page, I think, post #8 or so.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

The room view photos are actually in post #12, but I found this one from the 5th floor, SL, overlooking the courtyard pool. Posted by our dear Jungle Cruiser.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

The room view photos are actually in post #12, but I found this one from the 5th floor, SL, overlooking the courtyard pool. Posted by our dear Jungle Cruiser.

I just completed my upgrade to SL and my room reques t. I ended up requesting a balcony and a courtyard pool view.

I simply adore the view in this pic. Anyone have a room number on this?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I just completed my upgrade to SL and my room reques t. I ended up requesting a balcony and a courtyard pool view.

I simply adore the view in this pic. Anyone have a room number on this?

I think Sarah posted where this was taken, but not sure she mentioned the number. It was 5th floor near the main building end of SL.

 

[Jennygt]

I am a die hard poly fan,,but we are considering gf due to construction issues. Have to say this board is a very nice group!

 

[MommyGina]

Good morning friends. This may be a bit over the top, but I can actually say now that "I am going to the GF and Disney next month!

My family thinks I'm just a bit obsessed with Disney. Enjoy your weekend and stay cool if you are in the heat like we are in Connecticut.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Good morning friends. This may be a bit over the top, but I can actually say now that "I am going to the GF and Disney next month!

My family thinks I'm just a bit obsessed with Disney. Enjoy your weekend and stay cool if you are in the heat like we are in Connecticut.

You're not doing it right if your family doesn't think you're nuts.

 

[phyllis1966]

This is the first time since 2008 that we (I really) are not planning a fall trip, so I am going nuts! I am missing the World and the GF terribly!

To all of my fellow GF lovers here, enjoy your planning and I hope you all have wonderful vacations!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I am a die hard poly fan,,but we are considering gf due to construction issues. Have to say this board is a very nice group!

Everyone here is very friendly, aren't they?! Welcome aboard, good luck with your planning.

Good morning friends. This may be a bit over the top, but I can actually say now that "I am going to the GF and Disney next month!

My family thinks I'm just a bit obsessed with Disney. Enjoy your weekend and stay cool if you are in the heat like we are in Connecticut.

Over the top? No way! I'd be psyched if I could say the same, I don't blame you for getting excited. You have a great weekend as well.

You're not doing it right if your family doesn't think you're nuts.

I must be doing it right, then.

This is the first time since 2008 that we (I really) are not planning a fall trip, so I am going nuts! I am missing the World and the GF terribly!

To all of my fellow GF lovers here, enjoy your planning and I hope you all have wonderful vacations!

Awww, so sorry you don't have a trip to plan. I'm in the same boat, DD started a new job and we don't know when she'll get to travel again. She has to save her time off for the Christmas season.~sigh~ I'll have to live vicariously, I guess - I'm counting on everyone here posting reviews and photos!

 

[DetTigsGal]

Good morning friends. This may be a bit over the top, but I can actually say now that "I am going to the GF and Disney next month!

My family thinks I'm just a bit obsessed with Disney. Enjoy your weekend and stay cool if you are in the heat like we are in Connecticut.

I'm going this month!!

 

[DetTigsGal]

Good morning friends. This may be a bit over the top, but I can actually say now that "I am going to the GF and Disney next month!

My family thinks I'm just a bit obsessed with Disney. Enjoy your weekend and stay cool if you are in the heat like we are in Connecticut.

Missed the bottom... We are blazing CT, too!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, can anyone currently at the Grand confirm the Beach Pool has reopened today?

 

[MommyGina]

Hey, can anyone currently at the Grand confirm the Beach Pool has reopened today?

Contacted the IPO today about the beach pool and the following was their answer.

The beach pool is open!
Have a GRAND afternoon!

Hurray! It will be open when I'm there!!!!

 

[Jennygt]

Contacted the IPO today about the beach pool and the following was their answer.

The beach pool is open!
Have a GRAND afternoon!

Hurray! It will be open when I'm there!!!!

by opened does that mean the walls are down?

 

[Jennygt]

You're not doing it right if your family doesn't think you're nuts.