A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[BlueSkies]

thisismyusername, jillmc40 and CandyOrlando Congrats on becoming VGF owners!!! How exciting!

mommygina I never thought the waterfall seemed like such a heavy stream of water either... but it seems it was an issue for the life guards..maybe to see little ones that might wander behind it??? I was always a fan of the courtyard pool..and never really spent that much time at the beach pool..unless we were doing some cabana time...but I know the kids did spend a good amount of time around that waterfall area...

k&a&c'smom is all I have to say about the new fence around the courtyard pool....I understand it needs to be there due to some safety standards..I think...??? It really does change the look of the whole area... Maybe just too much change at one time... Although I do like the way the new and improved Gasparilla's looks...

MickeyNut What a surprise that your fave view from the GF is of the Poly!!!! Sorry to say..but the VGF does block that pretty Poly view...Now what are you going to do??? ...LOL...

dfarner Thanks for sharing your lovely GF pics...

 

[appledown]

Thanks for all if the great ideas! 24 hours from now we'll be at the GF!

I just realized I never made a building request. I'm checking in online tonight. I know it's late, but which building would you choose for a standard garden view? I'm leaning Big Pine Key, but would love to hear opinions.

 

[dfarner]

I got a wild hair today and called about changing to Sugarloaf. We are staying 9 nights. The difference was around $1,100, which is more than I want to bite off ( our room and tickets are paid off!). However, 8 nights Sugarloaf is a difference of around $550-580 or so. I would consider that, but I am not keen on losing a night.

What would you all do? Thoughts anyone? We stayed Sugarloaf a few years ago, so we are aware of all the pros-location, etc...

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Just wanted to give a little photo update of the progress on the villas construction. This is from last night:

While we didn't stay at the GF this trip (stayed at BLT, and loved it!), we spent a bit of time eating at the resort. Dinner at Narcoossee's and Citricos were fantastic as usual, our server at Narcoossee's actually remembered us from last year. We also had dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe which we haven't done in a long time.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the photo, Cali-D!! Your dinners sound wonderful, we love Citricos and Narcoossee's, too. What did you think of the new courtyard pool?

MommyGina - sorry about your hand, I hope it is healed soon. Good luck with your VGF decision - I laughed at your aside "anything related to the GF is in my best interest"! We can all relate.

Blue Skies - I agree about Gasparilla's, and we thought the new Beach Pool bar was nice. Not as big a fan of the Sandy Cove changes, they do not seem to have as much variety of merchandise for some reason. Maybe due to adding the food items.

Candy Orlando - congrats on your VGF purchase!

Thanks for all if the great ideas! 24 hours from now we'll be at the GF!

I just realized I never made a building request. I'm checking in online tonight. I know it's late, but which building would you choose for a standard garden view? I'm leaning Big Pine Key, but would love to hear opinions.

Safe travels and have a Grand vacation!

With garden view, I prefer the location of either Boca or Conch Key. Boca has good pool views and a lovely view of the Main bldg., good proximity to the courtyard pool and boat dock. Conch Key is centrally located, close to courtyard pool and boat dock with easy access to the marina and Gasparilla's out the back. Not to mention, the marina view is considered garden view, if you prefer a water view over pool.

I got a wild hair today and called about changing to Sugarloaf. We are staying 9 nights. The difference was around $1,100, which is more than I want to bite off ( our room and tickets are paid off!). However, 8 nights Sugarloaf is a difference of around $550-580 or so. I would consider that, but I am not keen on losing a night.

What would you all do? Thoughts anyone? We stayed Sugarloaf a few years ago, so we are aware of all the pros-location, etc...

That's a tough one. We do love club level, but over $120/night difference is a bit high. Depends on the number of people in your party, though, we usually have only 2. If you have 3+, the breakfast alone is worth the difference when you factor in convenience. ETA: I notice now, you have 4!

Why is the one night over $500 extra? Seems off, unless one is with discount while the other is not. I definitely would NOT book that one night if this is the case, not worth that much more. Why not book it garden view and the rest SL, if it is at the beginning (probably wouldn't want to switch at the end, lol).

 

[dfarner]

That's a tough one. We do love club level, but over $120/night difference is a bit high. Depends on the number of people in your party, though, we usually have only 2. If you have 3+, the breakfast alone is worth the difference when you factor in convenience. ETA: I notice now, you have 4!

Why is the one night over $500 extra? Seems off, unless one is with discount while the other is not. I definitely would NOT book that one night if this is the case, not worth that much more. Why not book it garden view and the rest SL, if it is at the beginning (probably wouldn't want to switch at the end, lol).

I think you're right, my math is off. I was quoted the $1,100 for the 9 nights, but did 8 in my head and I'm realizing now I'm not correct. I'm just going to call tomorrow to get the 8 night quote. My head tells me to just leave things alone and finish packing!!

 

[Sue M]

I think you're right, my math is off. I was quoted the $1,100 for the 9 nights, but did 8 in my head and I'm realizing now I'm not correct. I'm just going to call tomorrow to get the 8 night quote. My head tells me to just leave things alone and finish packing!!

I would go with a longer stay vs SL. I enjoy CL, but not at the expense of a shorter trip.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for all if the great ideas! 24 hours from now we'll be at the GF!

I just realized I never made a building request. I'm checking in online tonight. I know it's late, but which building would you choose for a standard garden view? I'm leaning Big Pine Key, but would love to hear opinions.

I'm agonizing over pool view vs marina view just can't decide.

 

[swimfly]

I'm agonizing over pool view vs marina view just can't decide.

I don't know the layout at GF (yet) but have found the pool views at Poly and BC/YC to be extremely noisy. At Poly, we couldn't get to bed until the movie on the beach was over each night. I also didn't like that I never had "privacy" on our patio/balcony.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm wondering if the dormers with no connecting door are the ones with the daybed, as those rooms seem to have a bit more space across from the beds.

You could be right .

I've never been able to stay at the Grand because I need a kitchen while on vacation. I own a piece of the Grand now. I will be able to stay in a one bedroom each year for two weeks. I will be at my new home in Dec. and again in Jan. for a week each time. I'm so HAPPY!!!

Congratulations on the VGF purchase . You're going to love the Grand.....it's amazing .

MickeyNut What a surprise that your fave view from the GF is of the Poly!!!! Sorry to say..but the VGF does block that pretty Poly view...Now what are you going to do??? ...LOL...

As much as I hoped that wasn't the case, that is what I figured. I think the DVC building is going to be beautiful (just like the GF resort building), but I'm sad that Poly view is gone .

Thanks for all if the great ideas! 24 hours from now we'll be at the GF!

Have a great time .

I got a wild hair today and called about changing to Sugarloaf. We are staying 9 nights. The difference was around $1,100, which is more than I want to bite off ( our room and tickets are paid off!). However, 8 nights Sugarloaf is a difference of around $550-580 or so. I would consider that, but I am not keen on losing a night.

What would you all do? Thoughts anyone? We stayed Sugarloaf a few years ago, so we are aware of all the pros-location, etc...

I'd keep the 9 nights .

Just wanted to give a little photo update of the progress on the villas construction.

Love the pic .

I'm agonizing over pool view vs marina view just can't decide.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one .

 

[BlueSkies]

CaliforniaDreaming Thanks for the updated VGFconstruction photo..looks like everything is really coming together....Glad that you enjoyed your GF meals...and how nice that the server remembered you! The GF is the only monorail resort left with so many dining options..Poly and CR have both down sized in that department over the years unfortunately...

Swimfly There is a map on the first page of this thread that will show you the layout of the GF grounds...since the DVC construction has begun the evening movies on the beach were moved to the courtyard pool area...so marina view might be a better choice for you...although last summer we were in SL and I didn't think thete was a noise issue at all... but the marina view might feel more serene...lots of comings and goings thru the courtyard area...and its much more lit up in the evening than the marina area...

K&a&c'smom That new Sandy Cove gets a from me...lol....the change over to offer more foods changed the whole ambiance that the store had before....I thinks its the decor of the counter area mostly...remember those pretty GF mirrors? Wonder what they did with them? Again...so many changes at once...lol...

 

[BlueSkies]

Good morning MickeyNut! We were posting at the same time...

 

[Syndrome]

Just wanted to give a little photo update of the progress on the villas construction. This is from last night:


While we didn't stay at the GF this trip (stayed at BLT, and loved it!), we spent a bit of time eating at the resort. Dinner at Narcoossee's and Citricos were fantastic as usual, our server at Narcoossee's actually remembered us from last year. We also had dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe which we haven't done in a long time.

Thanks for the photo update !!! Its looking good.
We are hoping that in 32 days they are done with the exterior !!!

32 days to go until we ar at in Sugarloaf !!!!

Thanks to everyone who is posting the up to date pictures.

Syndrome

 

[dfarner]

I'm agonizing over pool view vs marina view just can't decide.

Tough call, both are fabulous. A bit more action facing the pool, but the marina is so serene...

 

[dfarner]

Thanks for your votes everyone. I think we'll keep the 9 nights garden view. I'm almost embarrassed to call guest services again. Between the resort changes I've made and the various room requests, I know they must think I'm crazy!!

 

[Mike&AllisMom]

Thanks for all if the great ideas! 24 hours from now we'll be at the GF!

I just realized I never made a building request. I'm checking in online tonight. I know it's late, but which building would you choose for a standard garden view? I'm leaning Big Pine Key, but would love to hear opinions.

Hope you have a great time & get lots of pixie dust

 

[mickeynut1]

Good morning MickeyNut! We were posting at the same time...

Hi Blue .

32 days to go until we ar at in Sugarloaf !!!!

You'll be there before you know it .

I think we'll keep the 9 nights garden view. I'm almost embarrassed to call guest services again. Between the resort changes I've made and the various room requests, I know they must think I'm crazy!!

I think you made a good choice . I know what you mean about calling so much....LOL. For our December 2010 trip, I went back and forth SO MANY times I told my DH and kids that Disney will eventually block my number because they're going to get tired of dealing with the crazy lady calling every other day to make a change .

 

[Mike&AllisMom]

I wanted to share this news with people that I know will appreciate it much more than my non Disney friends We are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary & my sons 12th birthday at Disney this October and as a surprise I called last night & upgraded our room to Sugarloaf CL - this is our first time staying CL

 

[Syndrome]

I'm agonizing over pool view vs marina view just can't decide.

Now you guys have me thinking about adding a request. We are staying in SL, and the only request we made was a balcony. I am thinking of adding marina view request now. I know the coutyard can get pretty busy with GF visiters just checking out the resort (like we always do too ! ), and we are ok with that...........love to relax and "people watch" once in a while,lol. But we are a little worried about the night time movies and pool noise in general.
Since this is our first time at GF, just wondering where exactly these movies are located ???
I think we are going to request marina side so we will have somewhat of a water view, and be away from the noisey side of SL.

Sound like a plan ? What are the pro's and cons of SL marina vs. pool side ?

Syndrome

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the photo, Cali-D!! Your dinners sound wonderful, we love Citricos and Narcoossee's, too. What did you think of the new courtyard pool?

I didn't think the courtyard pool was bad, I can live with it. We actually really enjoyed the zero entry at the Bay Cove Pool at BLT. My niece and nephew were along, they are 2 and 1, so it was perfect for them. Maybe it isn't a half bad idea... I'm going to miss the deep end regardless.

CaliforniaDreaming Thanks for the updated VGFconstruction photo..looks like everything is really coming together....Glad that you enjoyed your GF meals...and how nice that the server remembered you! The GF is the only monorail resort left with so many dining options..Poly and CR have both down sized in that department over the years unfortunately...

Swimfly There is a map on the first page of this thread that will show you the layout of the GF grounds...since the DVC construction has begun the evening movies on the beach were moved to the courtyard pool area...so marina view might be a better choice for you...although last summer we were in SL and I didn't think thete was a noise issue at all... but the marina view might feel more serene...lots of comings and goings thru the courtyard area...and its much more lit up in the evening than the marina area...

K&a&c'smom That new Sandy Cove gets a from me...lol....the change over to offer more foods changed the whole ambiance that the store had before....I thinks its the decor of the counter area mostly...remember those pretty GF mirrors? Wonder what they did with them? Again...so many changes at once...lol...

I know, right! I'm disappointed with the Polynesian food offerings, it'd be nice if they had a signature there. I've always had terrible service at Kona Cafe, so won't be back any time soon. We did try 'Ohana this trip, it had been 13 years since we were last there so I figured it was time to return with all of the "demand" the restaurant gets. Needless to say, the food was a disappointment. The only things I really liked were the potstickers and dessert. Maybe with the new Poly DVC we will see some better options.

We still haven't tried the Wave at the Contemporary. I really wish the California Grill was open now as it is one of my favorites at WDW. We've had some varying experiences over the years, but the last few visits have been excellent. Can't wait to try it after the renovation (hopefully soon!). But yes, I think the MK resorts need some new restaurant options. If it was easy to walk into the park for some good options (like in the Epcot area) that'd be a different story.

I agree with everyone on Sandy Cove, I don't care for it. They ruined this store with the renovation. Have you been in the M Mouse Mercantile lately? Wow, did it look bare! I almost wanted to ask the staff where all the merchandise went!

Thanks for the photo update !!! Its looking good.
We are hoping that in 32 days they are done with the exterior !!!

32 days to go until we ar at in Sugarloaf !!!!

Thanks to everyone who is posting the up to date pictures.

Syndrome

Enjoy your trip!! I think the exterior should be pretty much completed in a month or so, and they'll be working on the interior. They've made GREAT progress since I saw it in October!