A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[jillmc40]

jillmc40 - We've had a lot of questions about coffee, but I think that's the first time someone has posted they might upgrade to club to get it. Coffee drinkers get pretty desperate while in the World!

Here is a photo of the new Cuisinart coffee makers taken by our friend BamaTigger. I just saw a post somewhere with the coffee pods, too, I'll see if I can find it.

I take my coffee drinking serious Thank you for the pictures. Maybe it is only in the main building. I remember Jack Spence, I think, doing a whole GF tutorial recently and seeing it there, but I thought he did say something about either club level or main room. If they will give us more pods then that will be great!

 

[MommyGina]

For the last week, I have been going on the WDW website and checking availability for the Grand Floridian for this coming week. As of three days ago, RPC was available as well as SL. I was trying to see if the resort is full when we arrive this Tuesday. Yesterday I checked again and all that was available were standard rooms. This morning, the GF is sold out for next week.

I wonder if the GF is taking rooms out of inventory due to construction. The other resorts on the monorail are not sold out.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

tartemis - Your best bet is to book the main building now if that is where you prefer to be located. Hoping for an upgrade on site may leave you disappointed - the main bldg. often books up in advance, and there are no free rooms even for those who wish to pay to upgrade at check in.

If that isn't feasible, I would look into changing your reservation to another resort. Much better to switch now than get there and be upset by the construction. The Grand will be better than ever when the renovations are complete.

I totally agree with this and you are right, the main building does book up fast. As for the GF it will be better than ever.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

For the last week, I have been going on the WDW website and checking availability for the Grand Floridian for this coming week. As of three days ago, RPC was available as well as SL. I was trying to see if the resort is full when we arrive this Tuesday. Yesterday I checked again and all that was available were standard rooms. This morning, the GF is sold out for next week.

I wonder if the GF is taking rooms out of inventory due to construction. The other resorts on the monorail are not sold out.

I have noticed this several times over the summer. You could be right, and inventory is reduced as the construction progresses. I know management told baler31 this is how they would proceed if construction impacted the rooms overlooking the beach pool - perhaps they are having to switch some RPC guests to SL.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I have noticed this several times over the summer. You could be right, and inventory is reduced as the construction progresses. I know management told baler31 this is how they would proceed if construction impacted the rooms overlooking the beach pool - perhaps they are having to switch some RPC guests to SL.

Oh boy that could make for some very unhappy GF guests if they had to switch from RPC to the SL. Not that the SL is bad or anything like that, but it's just not RPC. If we were booked at RPC and then they switched us to the SL, we would be upset.

Do you think it would make it better if the CM's at the CRO had the construction/list of rehab information and were able to pass it on to the guests before booking or if the Disney website had this information as well? This way there would be no surprises when booking?

 

[tartemis]

tartemis - Your best bet is to book the main building now if that is where you prefer to be located. Hoping for an upgrade on site may leave you disappointed - the main bldg. often books up in advance, and there are no free rooms even for those who wish to pay to upgrade at check in.

If that isn't feasible, I would look into changing your reservation to another resort. Much better to switch now than get there and be upset by the construction. The Grand will be better than ever when the renovations are complete.

I know...I just can't in good conscious pay rack rate for RPC. Frankly, I think it is a little ridiculous to pay rack rate for SL, but I'm doing it anyway. It's not that I can't afford it -- its just a money/value thing.

Does anybody have recommendations for a different resort? The first time we stayed at Disney 5 years ago was at the GF, and we have stayed there every year since. Last year we did a split stay with the BC (thinking we should probably try something else) and we absolutely hated it. I know I won't like the Poly because it is too dark for my tastes. One option, I suppose is the Yacht Club....I don't know. The SL has become our home away from home, it is just depressing to think about going somewhere else as we were all looking forward to being back at the SL.

I'm just having a really hard time envisioning how the construction will impact our stay. As everyone knows, the SL is RIGHT NEXT to the courtyard pool. And how is everything going to operate without Gasperillas? I can't imagine that the Beach Pool shack is really going to handle the volume that will be displaced. And then why shut down the Mousketeer club at that time? It almost seems like they don't want anybody staying at that resort during this phase.

Also, does anybody know if the kiddie pool and hot tub are going to be shut down?

 

[tartemis]

I have noticed this several times over the summer. You could be right, and inventory is reduced as the construction progresses. I know management told baler31 this is how they would proceed if construction impacted the rooms overlooking the beach pool - perhaps they are having to switch some RPC guests to SL.

Wouldn't it be the other way around? The construction seems like it will more impact those overlooking the courtyard pool? I was just there in February and the construction for the GF DVC was far enough away that it doesn't impact the beach pool.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Wouldn't it be the other way around? The construction seems like it will more impact those overlooking the courtyard pool? I was just there in February and the construction for the GF DVC was far enough away that it doesn't impact the beach pool.

The particular construction you are describing will impact the courtyard pool, but it won't start until the beach pool is finished. The DVC and beach pool construction are going on right now. The RPC rooms that overlook the beach pool are definitely impacted. ETA: I forgot your question about the hot tub and kiddie pool - with the courtyard pool renovations to include adding zero entry, I have to believe the whole pool area will be closed. Wouldn't be safe otherwise.

You may want to look into the Boardwalk Inn CL - many posters love that resort and the CL level gets top marks from anyone who stays there. We've stayed in both regular and CL rooms, and enjoy the resort, it has a lightness reminiscent of the GF, but in a more beach-y way, if that makes sense.

The rumor has been the Mouseketeer Club was planned to be closed permanently - but there were so many complaints, they decided to rethink that decision.

CoachBagFanatic - we happened to be staying RPC during the 2007 room renovations, and had to move out to the SL building. We knew in advance, so it wasn't a huge surprise, but we kept trying to get a room in the main bldg. No go. They were working a floor at a time, which is why we were able to have a main bldg. room for part of the reservation.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I know a lot of people are very upset about all the construction at the GF, especially the closings of the courtyard pool and Gaspirillas. Those of us that read the DIS are fortunate, at least we have a sense of what is happening, as opposed to those just picking up the phone a booking. It's going to be a long fall at the GF. I feel so badly for posters who have been planning on going this fall.

I am just guessing that the discount they might throw out there that might help fill up the rooms, would be for conventions. Companies willing to book might get a bit of a discount, that's one way to keep the resort fairly full with people who are much less concerned about the resort as a whole.

The GF is going to be wonderful when the construction is finished, but that doesn't help those who booked this fall. Rumors are the Poly is next...

k&a&c'smom Did I read somewhere you booked the CL at the YC at the end of August?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - Good to see you, I hope you are feeling well.

Yes, DD and I are doing a split stay - YC CL and GF garden view. Can't wait! I know we are taking a chance the GF will have many services closed, but we'll be keeping an eye on the construction reports and will change our plans if necessary. We're old hands at WDW resort construction, and can roll with it.

 

[jillmc40]

I know...I just can't in good conscious pay rack rate for RPC. Frankly, I think it is a little ridiculous to pay rack rate for SL, but I'm doing it anyway. It's not that I can't afford it -- its just a money/value thing.

Does anybody have recommendations for a different resort? The first time we stayed at Disney 5 years ago was at the GF, and we have stayed there every year since. Last year we did a split stay with the BC (thinking we should probably try something else) and we absolutely hated it. I know I won't like the Poly because it is too dark for my tastes. One option, I suppose is the Yacht Club....I don't know. The SL has become our home away from home, it is just depressing to think about going somewhere else as we were all looking forward to being back at the SL.

I'm just having a really hard time envisioning how the construction will impact our stay. As everyone knows, the SL is RIGHT NEXT to the courtyard pool. And how is everything going to operate without Gasperillas? I can't imagine that the Beach Pool shack is really going to handle the volume that will be displaced. And then why shut down the Mousketeer club at that time? It almost seems like they don't want anybody staying at that resort during this phase.

Also, does anybody know if the kiddie pool and hot tub are going to be shut down?

Why did you hate the BC? I was thinking of staying there for 2 nights in February.

 

[tartemis]

Why did you hate the BC? I was thinking of staying there for 2 nights in February.

It felt so massive, it smelled funny, and it was sort of dingy. I know GF is large, but I think the different buildings really help break up the feel of the place and make it more personal -- plus, you aren't stuck walking through interior hallways at great lengths. At the BC it was literally a 15 minute walk to our room from the lobby through (what seemed to be) never-ending winding indoor corridors. And then it was a 15 minute walk back to just grab a drink or do anything. The pool may have been nice for older kids, but ours are only 2 or 4 so we had to keep an eye on them at all times. But, given the layout and size of the pool it was very difficult. The water slide started pretty far way on a different segment of the pool then where it ended up, so it was a lot of me out walking around the pool -- not very relaxing. But, we were also there in February and was a little cool outside of the water, so I kept freezing every time I had to hop out and run to the next "segment" of the pool.

I would never do the BC again. I may consider the Yacht Club, however, as it seemed to be more centrally located to the various activities. Or, if I were forced to do BC, I would request a room closer to the pool and/or lobby. Our last trip (split stay between BC and GF) was such a bad experience, I'm just gun shy to stay anywhere other than GF.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

tartemis - I'm really sorry to hear you had such a bad experience on your first BC stay. Tough to pay so much and plan for so long only to be disappointed. I'm surprised at the word "dingy" as that is the last word I would apply to the BC!! So light and airy. I wonder if you were there before the recent refurb?

Our first BC stay was right after a wonderful stay at AKL, and we didn't love it. BC was nice, but didn't have the intense theming of AKL and we were there in December when there was a cold snap and weren't able to use the pool. We liked it, but did not feel the magic. Tried YC a couple years later and enjoyed it immensely, loved the rooms and the feel of the resort and the CMs were so charming. We agreed if we wanted to stay in the Epcot area, YC would be our go to resort.

A few years went by, and a friend reported on her first trip to the BC (she's a big AKL & GF fan, too) and she was in love! Her review was so glowing, and her photos of the new room decor looked so inviting we wanted to give the resort another shot and booked a few days before our GF stay. LOVED the resort! The new room decor is restful, the CMs were very sweet to us and we loved SAB and the short walk to Epcot.

It seems many GF lovers do tend to prefer YC over BC - not sure why, as Yacht is all dark woods and leather, rich tones. Still, it is a quieter resort than BC and that serenity may appeal to those who are used to the GF. As I said earlier, the Boardwalk is a good choice if you prefer the lighter colors, it's a beautiful resort and I think the rooms are prettier than YC's current room decor. It is a convention resort as well, so the vibe at the Inn may feel more like the GF. The proximity to so many restaurants in the Epcot area is a huge plus!

Good luck! I hope you are able to make a choice that you feel good about.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I am a GL lover who really likes the BC. That is our go to resort when we stay in the EPCOT area. I agree with k&a&c'mom that it has the light and airy feel, similar to the GF (although it is a distant second to my beloved GF ). I think with many resorts the first stay, first impression is hard to shake, no matter what anyone says. The wonderful thing is there are so many resorts to try!

 

[HFC1969]

The rumor has been the Mouseketeer Club was planned to be closed permanently - but there were so many complaints, they decided to rethink that decision.

When I spoke with the MGR last week about Gasparillas... He told me they are making it bigger... Maybe they would use the Mouseketeer Club.. That thing is sooooooo small.... Our thought about it... but she said no,, when we offered to let her stay there couple weeks ago.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

When I spoke with the MGR last week about Gasparillas... He told me they are making it bigger... Maybe they would use the Mouseketeer Club.. That thing is sooooooo small.... Our thought about it... but she said no,, when we offered to let her stay there couple weeks ago.

For a resort the size of the GF Gasparillas is very small. Plus, I know people like their video games, but honestly they take up so much seating room. Expanding Gasparillas and getting rid of the video games will be a huge help, especially when the GF DVC is done and those guests use Gasparillas also!

 

[Phelia325]

Can someone tell me about the Sago Cay building? Would that be a preferred location in light of the courtyard construction? Any downsides? Thank you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Can someone tell me about the Sago Cay building? Would that be a preferred location in light of the courtyard construction? Any downsides? Thank you!

Welcome! I would agree the Sago Cay building will likely be the best bet for anyone wanting to remove themselves from the current construction. Not sure how the Gasparilla's renovations will impact the marina area, but I am guessing there would simply be fencing around Gasparilla's, and therefore Sago Cay would still be a good choice. The courtyard will likely be more affected than the marina area where Sago is located.

The only downside of Sago Cay for us is the distance to the pools, but with the courtyard pool set to be out of commission, and the construction that will disrupt those rooms overlooking it, I would request Sago.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

When I spoke with the MGR last week about Gasparillas... He told me they are making it bigger... Maybe they would use the Mouseketeer Club.. That thing is sooooooo small.... Our thought about it... but she said no,, when we offered to let her stay there couple weeks ago.

Do you know, I've never opened the door to the Mouseketeer Club, so I was unaware of the size of it until BCV23 mentioned it in a recent post. I assumed, when the rumors surfaced of the MC being shut down permanently, they were planning a Community Hall for the DVC and therefore the MC would be obsolete.

For a resort the size of the GF Gasparillas is very small. Plus, I know people like their video games, but honestly they take up so much seating room. Expanding Gasparillas and getting rid of the video games will be a huge help, especially when the GF DVC is done and those guests use Gasparillas also!

I agree, the arcade needs to go to allow more seating. I'm sure they want to expand the cash and carry items like all the other DVC counter service, so those in the villas can have a bigger selection of staples.

To be honest, I rarely see anyone playing the arcade games when we are in Gasparilla's.

 

[Phelia325]

Welcome! I would agree the Sago Cay building will likely be the best bet for anyone wanting to remove themselves from the current construction. Not sure how the Gasparilla's renovations will impact the marina area, but I am guessing there would simply be fencing around Gasparilla's, and therefore Sago Cay would still be a good choice. The courtyard will likely be more affected than the marina area where Sago is located.

The only downside of Sago Cay for us is the distance to the pools, but with the courtyard pool set to be out of commission, and the construction that will disrupt those rooms overlooking it, I would request Sago.

Thank you!!!