A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[k&a&c'smom]

Thank you!!!

You're welcome. I forgot to mention one of the great features of Sago Cay - its proximity to the bus stop. Very short walk!

 

[mariamouse]

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 completely agree with this! The video games also seem so out of place in the midst of the GF's "proper" Victorian-theme, but that is JMO.

 

[annej]

I know you all can help me as I have lost track of the construction going on. We have reservation at the Grand from 11/22/12- 12/1/12. What exactly will be affected by construction during this time? We were holding firm on keeping the reservation until I heard rumors of the Courtyard pool and Gasparilla's being worked on. If you could help with the construction during the time frame we are there, I would be sooooo grateful.

TIA!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I completely agree with this! The video games also seem so out of place in the midst of the GF's "proper" Victorian-theme, but that is JMO.

LOL - I hadn't even thought of this. I too think losing the arcade is really no great loss, but there may be many out there whose kids love it - I just rarely see anyone playing them.

I know you all can help me as I have lost track of the construction going on. We have reservation at the Grand from 11/22/12- 12/1/12. What exactly will be affected by construction during this time? We were holding firm on keeping the reservation until I heard rumors of the Courtyard pool and Gasparilla's being worked on. If you could help with the construction during the time frame we are there, I would be sooooo grateful.

TIA!!!

Here is the allearsnet listing of the closures - I need to get it on the first page, so lazy.

MAJOR Rehab and Closure Announcements as of July 10, 2012


A number of refurbishments will be taking place at the Grand Floridian Resort between now and the end of the year.

The following Food and Beverage Locations will be closed during the dates listed:

• Mizners: July 9-14
• Beach Pool Bar: April 2-Aug. 24
• Narcoosee’s: July 9-22
• Citricos: July 23-Aug. 4
• Gasparilla Grill and Games - August 24 - December

While the above are closed the following locations will be open:

• Citricos (while Narcoosee’s is temporarily closed)
• Narcoosee’s (while Citricos is temporarily closed)
• Grand Floridian Cafe
• 1900 Park Fare
• Private Dining

When the Beach Pool Bar re-opens it will have a grill and extended quick service items. Also, once it re-opens the following will occur:

• The Courtyard pool will temporarily close beginning Aug. 24, reopening in late November. During this time, a new zero-entry slope will be added. The Beach Pool and Slide will remain open during this time.

• Gasparilla Grill and Games will be renovated to include additional seating. During this time, an extended menu will be available at the Beach Pool Bar and a selection of pre-packaged food will be available at Mizner's Lounge.

The amenities at the Polynesian will be open to Grand Floridian guests (including the pool) during this time.

Sandy Cove will be closed beginning August 21st for refurbishment and reopen in December. While closed, you can purchase sundries at the M. Mouse Mercantile on the 2nd floor.

The Mouseketeer Club will be closed during the refurbishment at Gasparilla Grill and Games.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Does anybody know if the pool activities are going to be effected? or just moved to Beach Pool?

Am I right in assuming that if we wanted to do campfire and movie on labor day weekend we would need to go to Poly?

TIA!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Does anybody know if the pool activities are going to be effected? or just moved to Beach Pool?

Am I right in assuming that if we wanted to do campfire and movie on labor day weekend we would need to go to Poly?

TIA!

Welcome! Your first question gave me a little giggle, as the pool activities are normally held at the beach pool but were moved to the courtyard pool for the duration of the renovations to the beach pool. I realized this will confuse so many new visitors to the GF. Yes, I assume when the themed (beach) pool reopens, and the courtyard pool closes for refurb, the activities will move back to the themed pool.

As far as I know, the camp fire has been discontinued due to the closure of the beach for DVC construction. I can't imagine where it would be held, now that most of the beach has been fenced off. Have you read the Poly is having a camp fire now? If so, that would be my best advice.

For the movie that used to be on the beach after the camp fire - it is now being held at the courtyard pool. What they will do when the courtyard pool is closed is unclear - I haven't heard anything specific. If anyone has current info, please jump in.

Keep in mind, sometimes the best laid plans are thwarted, these dates may be moved due to weather and construction delays. Hopefully, we'll hear more about how close to schedule the work is as we get closer to the middle of August.

 

[MommyGina]

My kids will be sad to see the arcade go. We have 100 arcade points to cash in tomorrow when we arrive.

I loved Sago when we stayed there. We always had a marina view and it was so peaceful. Asked for a marina view this time in SL. Hopefully that's what we will get tomorrow when we check in!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm so excited, just completed the reservation at V&A's for our late August trip. One of our favorite servers is no longer with the restaurant, we will miss her.

My kids will be sad to see the arcade go. We have 100 arcade points to cash in tomorrow when we arrive.

I loved Sago when we stayed there. We always had a marina view and it was so peaceful. Asked for a marina view this time in SL. Hopefully that's what we will get tomorrow when we check in!

Aww, I'm sorry the kids will miss the arcade. Perhaps they'll open one in another location? I know there is one at most deluxe resorts.

One more day, woohoo! Safe travels, and I hope you have a magical vacation.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Thank so much!!!!



Have a great trip!!! I think my kids will love the beach pool...

Since we drive we could always got to FW for sing a long..

My kids also love arcades but we could always take monorail to CR..

 

[followthatmouse]

I'm so excited, just completed the reservation at V&A's for our late August trip. One of our favorite servers is no longer with the restaurant, we will miss her.

I'm so sorry that you will miss a favorite person. But, congrats on the reservation. We love V&A and we love the wonderful, attentive service. Our booking is for Christmas Day! Marvellous for us, but I'm always sorry that people in the hospitality trade miss out on family time during the holidays.

 

[bethclayton]

I'm so excited, just completed the reservation at V&A's for our late August trip. One of our favorite servers is no longer with the restaurant, we will miss her.

i had read so much over the years about v&a's. not to sound like a jerk, but we (and my parents ESPECIALLY) have done our share of fine dining in and around philadelphia over the years. i really figured v&a's was "disney's version of fine dining." well, i was totally blown away. it is one of the best meals we have ever had in our lives. we were so impressed. i know you already know all tis and have been there before, but just wanted to chime in to say how happy i am for you, it will be a fabulous meal!

who is the server who left? i am wondering if it was the female server we had when we were there in april. middle aged/ older woman with longer hair?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thank so much!!!!



Have a great trip!!! I think my kids will love the beach pool...

Since we drive we could always got to FW for sing a long..

My kids also love arcades but we could always take monorail to CR..

I'm excited to see what they do with the beach pool area. I was a bit worried when I saw them tearing down parts of the pool bar, but now they've announced more of their plans, it sounds great.

I'm so sorry that you will miss a favorite person. But, congrats on the reservation. We love V&A and we love the wonderful, attentive service. Our booking is for Christmas Day! Marvellous for us, but I'm always sorry that people in the hospitality trade miss out on family time during the holidays.

Very festive! I know what you mean, I felt very guilty last Christmas when we had to go purchase...something, I've forgotten what it was!

i had read so much over the years about v&a's. not to sound like a jerk, but we (and my parents ESPECIALLY) have done our share of fine dining in and around philadelphia over the years. i really figured v&a's was "disney's version of fine dining." well, i was totally blown away. it is one of the best meals we have ever had in our lives. we were so impressed. i know you already know all tis and have been there before, but just wanted to chime in to say how happy i am for you, it will be a fabulous meal!

who is the server who left? i am wondering if it was the female server we had when we were there in april. middle aged/ older woman with longer hair?

We have eaten there several times, but love to hear the experience of others! I was just reading about and looking at photos of your dinner there, I was so excited about our booking.

I'll bet you are talking about Teri - we have had her and another woman server every time we've eaten at V&A's. Sorry to hear Nancy has moved on, but I know all the servers are wonderful - we just happen to like them both so much. I hate to even name any one cast member, as I feel it makes it sound like we don't like them all, when nothing could be further from the truth!

 

[pas130]

I'm so excited, just completed the reservation at V&A's for our late August trip. One of our favorite servers is no longer with the restaurant, we will miss her.

Nice

Dropping by to say hello and that DD5's test all came back A-OK !

BTW I did another RC....no more RPC switched to a Honeymoon room at WL...3 nights there was less than 2 nights RPC King room...just too much going on at GF...wonder if it's safe to book April there....hmmmmm

 

[Bravesfan]

I have reservations for my 2 grandsons on the children's cruise during the week of Thanksgiving. Will there be any problems with the construction and the boats in the lagoon?

 

[HFC1969]

Arghh...I just learned of the GF closures and we are scheduled to stay at the Sugarloaf at the end of October.

We stayed at the BC last year and hated it and swore up and down we would never stray from the GF again.

Come on down...

We will be there then.. We had the opportunity to change from SL/Gflo to somewhere else... but love Gflo unconditionally

All of the activities will be there... just have to walk over to the beach pool...

Hands down the best place at WDW...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Bravesfan - Welcome! I think the cruises should be fine, the marina area for the boats is away from Gasparilla's. The DVC construction that disrupted the lagoon was months ago - as far as I know, that part is finished. Keep checking back as we get closer to T'giving, we'll try to update on any new developments.

BC1836 - I have to agree, it IS the best place. I don't blame anyone for putting off a stay there until the construction ends, it will be even better when everything is in place.

Nice

Dropping by to say hello and that DD5's test all came back A-OK !

BTW I did another RC....no more RPC switched to a Honeymoon room at WL...3 nights there was less than 2 nights RPC King room...just too much going on at GF...wonder if it's safe to book April there....hmmmmm

OH, pas!! I'm so happy to hear your little princess is OK. What a relief for you and your whole family.

Let's celebrate.

Sorry about the RPC, but we love WL! So beautiful.

 

[Bravesfan]

Thank you! I will keep checking, but now I won't worry so much

 

[pas130]

OH, pas!! I'm so happy to hear your little princess is OK. What a relief for you and your whole family.

Let's celebrate.

Sorry about the RPC, but we love WL! So beautiful.

It'll be our 1st WL stay...in a newly refurbished room, all good!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thank you! I will keep checking, but now I won't worry so much

That's great, I'm glad we were able to ease your mind a bit.

It'll be our 1st WL stay...in a newly refurbished room, all good!

I didn't realize the WL rooms were being rehabbed, I'll have to go take a look. I think you will love the WL, it is beautiful and relaxing, but with so many interesting areas to explore.

 

[BCV23]

pas130, that's wonderful news!!! It's so hard waiting for test results.

Personally, I can't imagine the GF moving RPC guests to Sugar Loaf unless it was at the request of a particular family. Only a relatively small portion of the rooms overlook the construction and I haven't noticed anyone saying they minded it anyway. So many families concentrate on the parks and the GF always seems to have convention guests who probably don't care at all. I think it's different than when all of RPC was closed a few years back.

Will anyone else not be surprised if the kiddie pool is gone after the courtyard pool is refurbished? With a water play area at the activity pool and zero entry at both pools, little ones will have plenty of space to play in the water. When the volcano pool was rebuilt at the Polynesian some years ago now, the kiddie pool was eliminated.

Add me to the GF fans who would be delighted to have the games removed from Gasparillas. I've always felt for the CMs who have to listen to that noise for hours.

I think if I were booking the GF in the Fall and didn't want to see the construction walls around the pool from my room, I'd request marina view. Actually, that's what I request any time as I love looking at the marina.

Hope everyone is well. k&a&c'smom, congratulations on booking the GF and YC this summer!