A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[5ctpliks]

In an email I just got from GF IPO, Courtyard Pool is scheduled to go down for refurbishment 8/28 and Gasparilla's on 8/24. No word on anything else.

We are spending long weekend 8/24 - 8/27 at the GF and would really like to confirm the closing/ opening dates of the courtyard pool, Gaspirilla's and the Beach Pool bar. Also if the Beach Pool bar is open, does that mean the splash zone would be open also???

Anyone have any updates??? TIA

 

[k&a&c'smom]

In an email I just got from GF IPO, Courtyard Pool is scheduled to go down for refurbishment 8/28 and Gasparilla's on 8/24. No word on anything else.

We are spending long weekend 8/24 - 8/27 at the GF and would really like to confirm the closing/ opening dates of the courtyard pool, Gaspirilla's and the Beach Pool bar. Also if the Beach Pool bar is open, does that mean the splash zone would be open also???

Anyone have any updates??? TIA

Welcome!! Here is bdklein's update from a day or so ago. (oops, missed that you have seen this!) The original announcement said the beach pool bar would reopen on the 24th, courtyard pool would close at that time - indicating they would wait to close the courtyard pool until the beach pool area was finished. No specific word on the splash zone, but I kind of expect it will be open.

HTH!

 

[mag73]

Ok....scratch that...I just looked at a resort map and sago cay seems like quite a hike from the beach pool...which will be the only one open when we are there! Should I request big pine key??...or are all the standard rooms facing the construction on the courtyard pool?

I would say yes most of gv rooms at Big Pine Key face the courtyard pool, but the LV rooms face the lake towards the wedding pavilion which would give you a view of even more construction. Unless you request Sago or Conch keys marina views which are considered GV you will see the courtyard pool.

 

[mag73]

[

Welcome! We finally ended up in Sago Cay last year, it was a little too quiet for us but beautiful views of the marina and the rest of the GF. And so close to the bus stop!



We had some of the best MK views at Sago Cay in a corner dormer MK view room. We also loved how close it was to Gaspies, and the marina overlooking Magic Kingdom.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

For your viewing pleasure, here is a link to new construction photos on mousesteps!! ETA: this is the first mention I've read of the splash zone being themed to Alice in Wonderland.:

We had some of the best MK views at Sago Cay in a corner dormer MK view room. We also loved how close it was to Gaspies, and the marina overlooking Magic Kingdom.

You are not alone, a lot of DISers love the MK views in Sago Cay! I love the photos Misti has posted on past threads, beautiful views.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Yikes! According to those pictures it's hard to imagine the pool bar and splash pad being open in just two weeks?!?

 

[mariamouse]

Ok....scratch that...I just looked at a resort map and sago cay seems like quite a hike from the beach pool...which will be the only one open when we are there! Should I request big pine key??...or are all the standard rooms facing the construction on the courtyard pool?

I would request Conch Key since it also has a view of the marina and is slightly more centrally located. I would normally say that *all* of the views from Conch Key are good, but the courtyard views may not be ideal due to the upcoming pool construction. I also love the courtyard garden view at Boca Chica (facing the main building), but these rooms will now look directly at the construction as well.

In sum, I would go for Conch Key marina view so that you can definitely avoid any view of construction, yet also be located in the middle of everything.

Hopefully your request will be met!

 

[bdklein]

Any pics of SL lounge somewhere??

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Yikes! According to those pictures it's hard to imagine the pool bar and splash pad being open in just two weeks?!?

I agree but I am hoping to be wrong!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse - Good to see you!

Yikes! According to those pictures it's hard to imagine the pool bar and splash pad being open in just two weeks?!?

I agree but I am hoping to be wrong!!!

It is hard to imagine they can finish in a couple weeks, but they've already pushed back the date to the 28th instead of the 24th. Possible they will have to move it out even farther.

Any pics of SL lounge somewhere??

Did I not post those on the first page, either?! I'm falling down on the job! I'll post some later tonight.

 

[bdklein]

mariamouse -

Did I not post those on the first page, either?! I'm falling down on the job! I'll post some later tonight.

I will look.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

There are food photos in post #3, but somehow I didn't put any lounge photos. I need to get all these on the first page, I know there are some posted by minniesota in a past thread, I'll find the link.

ETA: here is the link, scroll down to post #140. (SL photos nearly to the end of the post)

 

[mariamouse]

mariamouse - Good to see you!

Good to see you too, k&a&c'smom! I am always lurking on here, but sometimes don't get around to posting as often as I should! Nice to see that you are still providing so many DISers with such helpful advice-- especially as this crazy construction progresses.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse - Thanks! The construction has gotten a little out of hand, hasn't it?! Luckily it seems everything should be finished by the end of the year (except DVC, of course).

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

k&a&c'smom, thank you for posting the link to the recently taken GF DVC pictures. I have to say I am impressed by the overall progress. It will be great to see how the Beach Pool Bar and the children's play area look at the end of the month. Fortunately you will be there, so we are sure to get some great pictures! (no pressure ) By the time I go in mid-September I should be able to get an idea (and pictures) of how messy/involved the courtyard pool area, as well as around Gaspirilla's will be. Eventually the work will be done, and the Grand Floridian will be restored and look beautiful again.

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

I just heard from the IPO that the beach pool splash
Area opening has been delayed to 8/31; however, the courtyard
Pool will still be closing 8/23.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

I just heard from the IPO that the beach pool splash
Area opening has been delayed to 8/31; however, the courtyard
Pool will still be closing 8/23.

Hmmmm....this conflicts with a previous posters information that the courtyard pool closure was pushed back to 8/28.

 

[Tink rules]

the Poly pool will be packed...

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

Hmmmm....this conflicts with a previous posters information that the courtyard pool closure was pushed back to 8/28.

I know.......I wonder what the actual opening
And closing dates will be.... Has anyone else
Been told dates recently?

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I have not been told dates.. but Disney would do everything to minimize the impact on guests in their flagship resort...

My guess would be as soon as Beach Pool is completely open (quick service, splash pad and all), they close down Courtyard... They would not risk closing them both at the same time.. Too many unhappy guests in a resort like Grand Floridian would not be good business....