A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ! - Page 144 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Tam1067 · 01-14-2013, 08:19 PM

The walkway is open. I ran from the GF to the TTC the first week of January.

haleofafamily · 01-15-2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bethclayton

hi all!

long time, no see! we don't currently have a trip booked and i have a hard time on the boards during times like that, it just makes me long for disney that much more!

i have a question for all of you fellow GF lovers.

i turn 40 at the end of august and we have pretty much decided that we should celebrate my birthday in disney. we have the opportunity to have two nights at any CL resort, complimentary. of course, i know that i will be spending those two nights at the GF RPC!

however, we will be switching resorts for the remaining 5 nights. we had some issues during our last trip and would like to give them another chance, but to be blunt, i want to hold off giving the GF any more of my money until we see how this next experience goes.

i had planned to spend the rest of the trip at the poly. we stayed there 2 years ago and absolutely loved the resort. i loved the themeing and the location. i also loved watching the fireworks.

should i also be considering any other resorts? in the back of my head i am wondering if we should try BC because we have never been there? but it is my big birthday trip and i want it to be perfect, and if i don't love BC, i might be upset. i do love the MK the most but am ready to spend more time at the other resorts this year.

right now i am not planning on doing CL at another resort because i am *assuming* there could be free dining offered. if free dining is not offered, then we would probably like to do CL (although I read that BC CL is not so great?). and we will be fine with just a standard room.

anyway, my question is, where would you spend the next 5 nights and why? where else should i be considering? i thought that this thread would actually be a great place to ask, since we all have in common that we love the GF, maybe our taste in other resorts is similar, too!

I have never stayed at GF (my trip is coming up next month and I'm so excited). I have stayed at Poly and BC and love them both!

BC:
1) Amazing pool!!! Hands down it's the best pool on property in my opinion
2) Love walking to Epcot
3) Beautiful, light decor
4) My pick if our kids are with us

Poly
1) Peaceful and beautiful grounds
2) Fireworks from beach are perfect
3) Location, location, location
4) My pick for couples only trip

TinkerbellLuvr7 · 01-15-2013, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tam1067

The walkway is open. I ran from the GF to the TTC the first week of January.

Thank You

psac · 01-15-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bethclayton

hi all!

long time, no see! we don't currently have a trip booked and i have a hard time on the boards during times like that, it just makes me long for disney that much more!

i have a question for all of you fellow GF lovers.

i turn 40 at the end of august and we have pretty much decided that we should celebrate my birthday in disney. we have the opportunity to have two nights at any CL resort, complimentary. of course, i know that i will be spending those two nights at the GF RPC!

however, we will be switching resorts for the remaining 5 nights. we had some issues during our last trip and would like to give them another chance, but to be blunt, i want to hold off giving the GF any more of my money until we see how this next experience goes.

i had planned to spend the rest of the trip at the poly. we stayed there 2 years ago and absolutely loved the resort. i loved the themeing and the location. i also loved watching the fireworks.

should i also be considering any other resorts? in the back of my head i am wondering if we should try BC because we have never been there? but it is my big birthday trip and i want it to be perfect, and if i don't love BC, i might be upset. i do love the MK the most but am ready to spend more time at the other resorts this year.

right now i am not planning on doing CL at another resort because i am *assuming* there could be free dining offered. if free dining is not offered, then we would probably like to do CL (although I read that BC CL is not so great?). and we will be fine with just a standard room.

anyway, my question is, where would you spend the next 5 nights and why? where else should i be considering? i thought that this thread would actually be a great place to ask, since we all have in common that we love the GF, maybe our taste in other resorts is similar, too!

I would suggest an Epcot resort, like maybe the Boardwalk (took over from the GF as our favorite), or the BC if you're a big pool person. We did my 40th last year at the beach club!! But for that night itself I was happy to go over to the BW and eat at Flying Fish. Enjoy!

CaliforniaDreaming · 01-15-2013, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psac

I would suggest an Epcot resort, like maybe the Boardwalk (took over from the GF as our favorite), or the BC if you're a big pool person.

I agree with the BoardWalk, we stay there often. I like the smaller size as compared to Y&BC, and enjoy the inn leisure pool, its always very quiet and relaxing.

toodycat · 01-15-2013, 08:35 PM

We love AKL. We have stayed there twice---once in a savannah view room and once CL for DH's birthday. Both times, we had lovely stays. There's nothing like gazing at the animals in the savannah, hanging out in the breath taking lobby or having a fabulous meal at Jiko or Boma. The pool is beautiful as well.

We are hardcore GF fans, but the AKL is our second favorite. We've stated at the Poly twice and the WL once, but the AKL is even better in terms of theming.

bethclayton · 01-15-2013, 09:10 PM

omg, you guys are amazing! i knew i asked this in the right place. thank you so much for the replies and by all means keep the opinions coming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by haleofafamily

I have never stayed at GF (my trip is coming up next month and I'm so excited). I have stayed at Poly and BC and love them both!

BC:
1) Amazing pool!!! Hands down it's the best pool on property in my opinion
2) Love walking to Epcot
3) Beautiful, light decor
4) My pick if our kids are with us

Poly
1) Peaceful and beautiful grounds
2) Fireworks from beach are perfect
3) Location, location, location
4) My pick for couples only trip

glad to know that both resorts are equally lovable!

very helpful to hear from someone who loves both.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psac

I would suggest an Epcot resort, like maybe the Boardwalk (took over from the GF as our favorite), or the BC if you're a big pool person. We did my 40th last year at the beach club!! But for that night itself I was happy to go over to the BW and eat at Flying Fish. Enjoy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaDreaming

I agree with the BoardWalk, we stay there often. I like the smaller size as compared to Y&BC, and enjoy the inn leisure pool, its always very quiet and relaxing.

thank you so much. all four of us have major clown issues so i don't think we could do boardwalk.

we also vacation every year on the "real" boardwalk in new jersey so different is probably better in this case. psac, glad to hear you spent your 40th at the BC! how cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by toodycat

We love AKL. We have stayed there twice---once in a savannah view room and once CL for DH's birthday. Both times, we had lovely stays. There's nothing like gazing at the animals in the savannah, hanging out in the breath taking lobby or having a fabulous meal at Jiko or Boma. The pool is beautiful as well.

We are hardcore GF fans, but the AKL is our second favorite. We've stated at the Poly twice and the WL once, but the AKL is even better in terms of theming.

toody, i think actually where i first saw your posts may have been about AKL, years ago! we loooove AKL. we had a fabulous stay there and definitely want to return. we did not have any problem at all with the transportation. however, after they built kidani, we visited AKL and the transportation seemed to have become a major issue. what was a 3 min ride to (or from?) AK became nearly 20 mins. how have you found the transportation to be since kidani?

thank you all again for your thoughtful replies! you guys are the best!

butternut · 01-16-2013, 02:11 PM

Hi everyone! I will be a first timer at the GF so i do need some advice from the pros here. My DH has a conference in March and the family is going along for the fun. I need some advice on room locations and views. We would love a lagoon view or even theme park or some fireworks would be awesome. A cast member said they try to put convention people in Sago cay since it is near the conference center. Is this good? I know most views at GF are special but i don't need to be facing a pool since my children are old enough to walk anywhere. Are there any other buildings i may request that might be good? Are some room buildings newly renovated? Sorry for all the questions but any help or pictures would be much appreciated. Oh,and its my DH 60th birthday while we are there.!

toodycat · 01-16-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bethclayton

omg, you guys are amazing! i knew i asked this in the right place. thank you so much for the replies and by all means keep the opinions coming!

glad to know that both resorts are equally lovable!

very helpful to hear from someone who loves both.

thank you so much. all four of us have major clown issues so i don't think we could do boardwalk.

we also vacation every year on the "real" boardwalk in new jersey so different is probably better in this case. psac, glad to hear you spent your 40th at the BC! how cool!

toody, i think actually where i first saw your posts may have been about AKL, years ago! we loooove AKL. we had a fabulous stay there and definitely want to return. we did not have any problem at all with the transportation. however, after they built kidani, we visited AKL and the transportation seemed to have become a major issue. what was a 3 min ride to (or from?) AK became nearly 20 mins. how have you found the transportation to be since kidani?

thank you all again for your thoughtful replies! you guys are the best!

To be honest, I can't say much about transportation because we always rent a car. I think we took the bus once last time and it was fine.

jojomickey · 01-16-2013, 03:08 PM

Sago key is one of my favorite buildings and we also like the Conch key. You will love it there!!! I would ask for TPV or lagoon view

haleofafamily · 01-16-2013, 04:20 PM

Well I'm sad to say that I'm switching resorts. This was going to be my first GF stay and possibly the only one. I was hoping the pool would be done by the time our trip came around. The travel agent site said end of Feb until today now it says April 11 for the pool rehab to be completed. So off to YC but hopefully next year I will make it to GF.

Thanks for this great thread! You have all been so helpful!!!

TinkerbellLuvr7 · 01-16-2013, 05:02 PM

Just a few questions before we arrive on Friday as first-timers!

1. We plan on doing Valet for the car. When we pay the next day what are some payment options? I've done Valet before but used TIW card for dining so it was free and we tipped the drivers.

2. Since the main pool is closed, is there a hot tub at the other pool location? The weather is supposed to drop this weekend (drop for a Floridian that is).

3. Is the QS Location still 24 hours?

4. We are eating dinner at Narcoossee..what are some good options there?

Thanks in advance!

jojomickey · 01-16-2013, 06:19 PM

Hi Tinkerbellluvr7,

I'm not sure about the valet parking,and I would think that the grille is opened 24 hours like before and no their is no hot tub at the other pool

Hope you have a grand vacation!!!!!!!

jd99 · 01-16-2013, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinkerbellLuvr7

Just a few questions before we arrive on Friday as first-timers!

1. We plan on doing Valet for the car. When we pay the next day what are some payment options? I've done Valet before but used TIW card for dining so it was free and we tipped the drivers.

2. Since the main pool is closed, is there a hot tub at the other pool location? The weather is supposed to drop this weekend (drop for a Floridian that is).

3. Is the QS Location still 24 hours?

4. We are eating dinner at Narcoossee..what are some good options there?

Thanks in advance!

When we stayed at the Poly and they were working on their pool area, we were encouraged to walk to the GF for the hot tub. Did the Poly put in a hot tub with that rehab. Haven't stayed there since so I don't know and if that is the case, I'd think that going there would be ok.

butternut · 01-17-2013, 07:53 AM

Thanks everyone for your building choices. I will request a lagoon view or tpv for sure. Just hoping its possible since it is a conference. Anyone ever taken a conference and been upgraded to lagoon or tpv? Not quite sure i would like a monorail view. Also wonder what they would charge extra if we needed to pay for the upgrade. As i said we are on a conference rate so i don't know what the possibilities are for the request. Thanks!

01-14-2013, 08:19 PM	#2146
Tam1067 LOVES LOVES LOVES the Poly Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,504	The walkway is open. I ran from the GF to the TTC the first week of January. __________________ I've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, the Disneyland Hotel, Wilderness Lodge, the Polynesian, Fort Wilderness Cabins, and the Grand Floridian.

01-15-2013, 08:35 PM	#2151
toodycat DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 947	We love AKL. We have stayed there twice---once in a savannah view room and once CL for DH's birthday. Both times, we had lovely stays. There's nothing like gazing at the animals in the savannah, hanging out in the breath taking lobby or having a fabulous meal at Jiko or Boma. The pool is beautiful as well. We are hardcore GF fans, but the AKL is our second favorite. We've stated at the Poly twice and the WL once, but the AKL is even better in terms of theming. __________________ Grand Floridian 00, 01, 09 '11 12 Polynesian 06, 00 Wilderness Lodge 05 Grand Californian 04 Animal Kingdom Lodge 02, 10 Coronado 02, 01 Disney Magic 12, 09, 06, 02, 01 Disney Wonder 05 offsite 83, 89, 91

01-16-2013, 04:20 PM	#2156
haleofafamily DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,063	Well I'm sad to say that I'm switching resorts. This was going to be my first GF stay and possibly the only one. I was hoping the pool would be done by the time our trip came around. The travel agent site said end of Feb until today now it says April 11 for the pool rehab to be completed. So off to YC but hopefully next year I will make it to GF. Thanks for this great thread! You have all been so helpful!!! __________________ Me DH DS(15) DS(13) DS(10) DS(9) DD(7) DD(5) June 85 Off, July 92 Off, June 00 AsSp, Sept 04 SSR, May 06 OKW, Sept 07 WL/BCV, May 08 BWV, Dec 08 SSR, Mar 09 Off, Sept 09 AKV Kidani/OKW, May 10 POP/VWL/Dol, Dec 10 AKV, FEB 11 BCV (1st Princess Half Marathon), FEB 12 Poly (2nd Princess Half Marathon), May 12 AKV and THV(Family Reunion!!) Nov 12 FLE Preview SSR/AoA, FEB 13 CSR/YC (3rd Princess Half Marathon)

01-16-2013, 05:02 PM	#2157
TinkerbellLuvr7 Tinkerbellluvr7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 5,035	Just a few questions before we arrive on Friday as first-timers! 1. We plan on doing Valet for the car. When we pay the next day what are some payment options? I've done Valet before but used TIW card for dining so it was free and we tipped the drivers. 2. Since the main pool is closed, is there a hot tub at the other pool location? The weather is supposed to drop this weekend (drop for a Floridian that is). 3. Is the QS Location still 24 hours? 4. We are eating dinner at Narcoossee..what are some good options there? Thanks in advance! __________________ Me(Megan) WDWCP Spring 2008 at BBB, WDWPI Fall 2008 Education Presenter, and Currently a WDW Seasonal CM!! TR: CLUB LEVEL, DISNEY CRUISE, AND CASTLE FUN!! (Mar 23-31, 2013)

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01-16-2013, 02:11 PM	#2153
butternut Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 48	Hi everyone! I will be a first timer at the GF so i do need some advice from the pros here. My DH has a conference in March and the family is going along for the fun. I need some advice on room locations and views. We would love a lagoon view or even theme park or some fireworks would be awesome. A cast member said they try to put convention people in Sago cay since it is near the conference center. Is this good? I know most views at GF are special but i don't need to be facing a pool since my children are old enough to walk anywhere. Are there any other buildings i may request that might be good? Are some room buildings newly renovated? Sorry for all the questions but any help or pictures would be much appreciated. Oh,and its my DH 60th birthday while we are there.!

01-16-2013, 03:08 PM	#2155
jojomickey Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 82	Sago key is one of my favorite buildings and we also like the Conch key. You will love it there!!! I would ask for TPV or lagoon view

01-16-2013, 06:19 PM	#2158
jojomickey Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 82	Hi Tinkerbellluvr7, I'm not sure about the valet parking,and I would think that the grille is opened 24 hours like before and no their is no hot tub at the other pool Hope you have a grand vacation!!!!!!!

01-17-2013, 07:53 AM	#2160
butternut Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 48	Thanks everyone for your building choices. I will request a lagoon view or tpv for sure. Just hoping its possible since it is a conference. Anyone ever taken a conference and been upgraded to lagoon or tpv? Not quite sure i would like a monorail view. Also wonder what they would charge extra if we needed to pay for the upgrade. As i said we are on a conference rate so i don't know what the possibilities are for the request. Thanks!