A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[lrab1126]

Hi all! Heading to GF in six days staying in SL . Quick question... With the pool area being a bit torn up, do they still have the cabanas? Is the bar closed up? Can't wait to get back to our "happy place" !!!! Love reading everyone's updates here and the awesome pics! Thanks!!! Lisa

 

[jd99]

I can't even believe you haven't packed! It is one of my favourite things to do. I feel like I should just drive down there and pack you guys up myself. Although, I suppose it won't take TOO long, as your kiddies are older (aren't THEY excited about packing? It really is the best thing!). My DH however, hasn't packed at all. He is planning on doing it the night before. I, on the other hand, made a two-page list detailing what will go in each suitcase and have packed my own suitcase the baby's suitcase (just have to do the last minute stuff and the random electronics/cords/chargers in the carry on).

Don't want to make your head explode but we are just starting packing. It's 11:30 p.m. DD13 is skipping swim practice at 7 tomorrow AM so that she can get her stuff done. Not the best idea but necessary I guess. Will never plan a trip like this so close to so many other activities.

 

[koho]

I have two quick questions about the grand. We ae thinking of staying here in April 2013 so we are still waiting to make reservations.

Any way, where is the self parking lot? I have heard people that drive there for dinner reservations have to park across the street. Is this the same lot you self park if you are staying at the resort? I only ask because we are driving down.

Secondly, which build provides the best view of the electric water pageant? We are thinking of a lagoon view and my wife and kids love this parade. We just stayed at the the contemporary and could see it from our room. This was one of the biggest reasons for choosing the Grand this next time. My wife did care for the Contemporary. It was very busy and the elevators in the evening were slow and packed.

Thanks for the help.

 

[HFC1969]

Hi all! Heading to GF in six days staying in SL . Quick question... With the pool area being a bit torn up, do they still have the cabanas? Is the bar closed up? Can't wait to get back to our "happy place" !!!! Love reading everyone's updates here and the awesome pics! Thanks!!! Lisa

The cabanas are at the other end of the pool opposite of the bar so I am assuming they are there.

However it looks like the bar is completely closed.. or at least it is surrounded by that huge tarp.

We will be there in 2 weeks...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

HFC1969 - Only two weeks to go, woohoo!

Don't want to make your head explode but we are just starting packing. It's 11:30 p.m. DD13 is skipping swim practice at 7 tomorrow AM so that she can get her stuff done. Not the best idea but necessary I guess. Will never plan a trip like this so close to so many other activities.

Good luck, I hope the packing went well! Safe travels and have a wonderful vacation.

Hi all! Heading to GF in six days staying in SL . Quick question... With the pool area being a bit torn up, do they still have the cabanas? Is the bar closed up? Can't wait to get back to our "happy place" !!!! Love reading everyone's updates here and the awesome pics! Thanks!!! Lisa

Welcome! As HFC1969 posted, the beach pool bar is closed but the cabanas are still open, though I doubt I would book one with the beach pool completely surrounded by fencing. No view of the beach. You can see Jungle Cruiser's photos of the current beach pool on page 1, scroll down to post #5.

The courtyard pool bar is still open.

I have two quick questions about the grand. We ae thinking of staying here in April 2013 so we are still waiting to make reservations.

Any way, where is the self parking lot? I have heard people that drive there for dinner reservations have to park across the street. Is this the same lot you self park if you are staying at the resort? I only ask because we are driving down.

Secondly, which build provides the best view of the electric water pageant? We are thinking of a lagoon view and my wife and kids love this parade. We just stayed at the the contemporary and could see it from our room. This was one of the biggest reasons for choosing the Grand this next time. My wife did care for the Contemporary. It was very busy and the elevators in the evening were slow and packed.

Thanks for the help.

Welcome! Yes, the self park is the same lot you hear from others is across Floridian Way. There is a stop light at the crossing, and it isn't a very busy road, but still - across the street. Here is a link to an aerial of the GF; the bigger black topped parking lot is the valet lot. The smaller grey lot across Floridian Way is the self park (not the smaller grey at the top, but to the left or west of the valet lot). http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2932607

Bit of a hike, but many DISers have the driver drop them off at the door, and one person go fetch the car and pick up the rest at the door. Me, I gladly shell out the $12/day for valet! Worth it to me for the convenience, and I love a cool car when I get in.

The best views of the EWP will be from Boca Chica, as it stops very close to it.

 

[pas130]

iheartthemouseThank you for posting the SWEET pics..love the pic of your 3 mouseketeers

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Wowsa! Beautiful photos, i heart the mouse! What wonderful pixie dust to be upgraded with so much room! Thank you for your review and for posting the pictures. Your boys are cuties even from the back!
I'm glad you had a wonderful trip!

i_heart_the_mouse - Wonderful photos, thank you!! If I make space on the first page, do you mind if I post some of these? I wish I had left a couple more empty posts, phooey. You think you've left more than enough, but always need more.

I can see why you mentioned some of the rooms have a lot of empty space - feels like they could have more furniture, doesn't it? Still - I'd take it.

Hi all! Heading to GF in six days staying in SL . Quick question... With the pool area being a bit torn up, do they still have the cabanas? Is the bar closed up? Can't wait to get back to our "happy place" !!!! Love reading everyone's updates here and the awesome pics! Thanks!!! Lisa

iheartthemouseThank you for posting the SWEET pics..love the pic of your 3 mouseketeers

Thanks to all for the kind words. You are quite welcome.

k&a&c'smom feel free to post whatever you'd like!

 

[4Joyces]

Hi, there. Does anyone know the summer operating hours for the watercraft rental at the GF Marina? Does it really close at 5pm? That's so early when it's light until 10!

I had planned to rent a pontoon or Montauk on the afternoon we arrive to tool around the lake before a 7:50 ADR at 1900PF. But if the marina closes at 5, I guess I will have to make other plans. I don't want to be stuck with almost 3 hours of time to kill at the GF (not with an almost 4 yr old, anyway!)

We are staying at the CBR, so maybe an afternoon of swimming and head over to GF around 6:30.

 

[dragonfly57005]

I mouse: love the pics!

 

[Candy Orlando]

k&a&c'smom,

You did a fabulous job on the first page of this GF thread!!!

Thank You!!!

 

[jd99]

We are here. And construction and all the Grand is Grand!! We are in SL this trip and with a pool view don't even know its out there. On way to AK now. Woo hoo.

 

[beckysko]

We are here. And construction and all the Grand is Grand!! We are in SL this trip and with a pool view don't even know its out there. On way to AK now. Woo hoo.

YAY! You made it! How's the weather? Is the resort crowded? We are going to be there TOMORROW!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

iheartthemouse - thanks! When I get time, I'll see if I can move things around so I can post some of yours with the other suite photos. I'm only allowed 25 images per post - sounds like a lot until you start trying to organize.

Hi, there. Does anyone know the summer operating hours for the watercraft rental at the GF Marina? Does it really close at 5pm? That's so early when it's light until 10!

I had planned to rent a pontoon or Montauk on the afternoon we arrive to tool around the lake before a 7:50 ADR at 1900PF. But if the marina closes at 5, I guess I will have to make other plans. I don't want to be stuck with almost 3 hours of time to kill at the GF (not with an almost 4 yr old, anyway!)

We are staying at the CBR, so maybe an afternoon of swimming and head over to GF around 6:30.

Welcome! The photos of the marina on the first page were taken in March 2011, so the summer hours are possibly longer. However, I asked DD if it is usually closed by 5 p.m., as we've had numerous occasions when some of our party have tried to rent and weren't able to for various reasons - she says 5 or so is pretty close to the year 'round closing. You will not be able to rent if there is lightning detected, either; we've tried at 2 in the afternoon and not gotten to rent due to weather.

Perhaps someone who is at the resort now can take a look at the current hours and report back!

k&a&c'smom,

You did a fabulous job on the first page of this GF thread!!!

Thank You!!!

Aww, thanks. I have even more photos to add of the Wedding Chapel, various buildings, etc. I'll post an update as I add them.

We are here. And construction and all the Grand is Grand!! We are in SL this trip and with a pool view don't even know its out there. On way to AK now. Woo hoo.

YAY! Glad you arrived safe and sound and are enjoying the resort. Hope you are having a great time at AK.

 

[dragonfly57005]

Jd99: hope you are having a magical time!

 

[beckysko]

Off to pack up the last minute things - will try to check in here during our visit! Our flight is at 10am tomorrow, so leaving for the airport at 7am Will update you all soon, hopefully LIVE from the Grand!

 

[4Joyces]

Welcome! The photos of the marina on the first page were taken in March 2011, so the summer hours are possibly longer. However, I asked DD if it is usually closed by 5 p.m., as we've had numerous occasions when some of our party have tried to rent and weren't able to for various reasons - she says 5 or so is pretty close to the year 'round closing. You will not be able to rent if there is lightning detected, either; we've tried at 2 in the afternoon and not gotten to rent due to weather.

Perhaps someone who is at the resort now can take a look at the current hours and report back!

thanks- we'll have to have a plan B and keep checking as we get closer.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Off to pack up the last minute things - will try to check in here during our visit! Our flight is at 10am tomorrow, so leaving for the airport at 7am Will update you all soon, hopefully LIVE from the Grand!

Safe travels, and have a Grand vacation.

thanks- we'll have to have a plan B and keep checking as we get closer.

Hopefully someone can give us a current report.

 

[David 1980]

We are so excited it will be our first stay at the GF and cant wait. We are packed and leave Indiana early Tuesday and will arrive mid afternoon. I pray Mother Nature is nice to us.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Good morning and Happy Fathers day to all you Dad's out there.

Just wanted to drop in and say hello to the wonderful GF junkies. We have 8 more days to go. Still a bit sad that we won't be at the GF but can't wait to visit.

Still haven't packed yet. Now my DS keeps asking me when are we going to pack and I am like soon.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Happy Father's Day to all the dads on the forums.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

David 1980 - Oooh, so close! Safe travels and I hope the weather cooperates. Have a Grand vacation!

CoachBagFanatic - I'm so impressed with your willpower, way to go! LOL about your son's confusion, I'm sure he's wondering what's up with Mom?!