A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[red712371]

I'm sure hoping that the construction will not start until January for the pool and the Grill. Fingers crossed!

 

[ireneryan]

Is it really possible that they will wait till January? That would be beyond perfect!

 

[sjs314]

I'm sure hoping that the construction will not start until January for the pool and the Grill. Fingers crossed!

Is it really possible that they will wait till January? That would be beyond perfect!

I almost switched resorts but the pool & Gasperillas being closed during my dates is why I did not.

 

[red712371]

I'm still considering switching, but I love the GF so much so I'm trying to stick it out despite construction.

 

[runskimom]

I'm sure hoping that the construction will not start until January for the pool and the Grill. Fingers crossed!

Just thought I would update you about what I found out. So I perceverated on that forum post I found with the poster saying that the Gasparilla's Grill refurb would not commence until January 2013. I called GF myself. I called GF's direct phone number, not the Disney call center and the people I were talkign to were indeed located at GF. I talked to one CM, who knew very little, who transferred me to another CM who knew more. I asked about the timing of the refurbishments, and asked them what quick service alternatives would be provided in my November stay. She said the Beach Pool Grill would be having quick service options. I asked, what about breakfast? (since the beach pool bar is not open in the morning). She then checked with a manager and came back to me and said quote, end quote, "At this point, we havent firmed up that decision yet." I asked what decision? and she told me "the decision whether or not to refurb Gasparilla's this fall. It has not been finalized yet whether it will be happening or not."

I told her, if she is able to put in my two cents, that I can take either the Courtyard Pool or Gasparilla's being closed, but not both at the same time. She chuckled a little and told me that is what is being factored in the decision and may be a reason why the Gasparilla's refurb is being pushed back.

I guess we won't know until we know, and they are changing these refurb schedules constantly and with little notice. They could change their mind again!

I hope everyone enjoys their stays at the GF! Even with construction, it is just hard for me to stay anywhere else because it is so special.

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

I've been following this thread closely. But I had to comment... I can hardly contain myself!!! We are officially 100 days until our wedding/honeymoon trip to Disney and the GF. I didn't know who to share my excitement with (since my fiance is at work lol).

Unfortunatly I called yesterday morning at 7 am to find out AP rates for our trip. No discounted rates for GF TPV rooms... So were paying rack rate for 4 nights, but for the following 3 nights at AKL we got a 30% AP discount. Guess I can't complain with that, the one discount saved us $600!

Oh and does anyone on here know if we get a king bed room (I requested one but I know there is no guarantee) do you think there would be room for a couples massage in the room? I booked one (through Saratoga) but no one can tell me if there's enough room.

I also put a request in for Sago Cay building... Is that the best building for TPV?
Oh my goodness!!! I'm getting soooo excited!

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

So excited!!! We just booked CL Sugar Loaf. This is our second visit to the GF and first on CL. Because Gasparilla's will likely be closed while we are there, I thought CL might give us some more options when we are snacky throughout the day. I'm really hoping that we will see the value in upgrading to CL. When I say "we", I mean DH.

And now a few questions:

When does IPO typically make contact?
What services does IPO offer over the phone?
Is it a one time contact with IPO, or can I call them anytime prior to check-in?
Can anyone recommend a good location to request within SL? We are a family of 4 with a 9 and 6 year old.

I am so excited for you guys!! You will love sugar loaf. We stayed there
The past 3 years; we were there last week. We always stay on
The first floor Marina view. I emailed the IPO with my room request and they called me to let me know the room. We save so much $ doing cl.
We have breakfast there everyday, love afternoon tea, and sometimes
We are so full with the evening appetizers and wine we just grab
A light bite from counter service. My DH loves cl! The staff on cl are just wonderful

 

[red712371]

Just thought I would update you about what I found out. So I perceverated on that forum post I found with the poster saying that the Gasparilla's Grill refurb would not commence until January 2013. I called GF myself. I called GF's direct phone number, not the Disney call center and the people I were talkign to were indeed located at GF. I talked to one CM, who knew very little, who transferred me to another CM who knew more. I asked about the timing of the refurbishments, and asked them what quick service alternatives would be provided in my November stay. She said the Beach Pool Grill would be having quick service options. I asked, what about breakfast? (since the beach pool bar is not open in the morning). She then checked with a manager and came back to me and said quote, end quote, "At this point, we havent firmed up that decision yet." I asked what decision? and she told me "the decision whether or not to refurb Gasparilla's this fall. It has not been finalized yet whether it will be happening or not."

I told her, if she is able to put in my two cents, that I can take either the Courtyard Pool or Gasparilla's being closed, but not both at the same time. She chuckled a little and told me that is what is being factored in the decision and may be a reason why the Gasparilla's refurb is being pushed back.

I guess we won't know until we know, and they are changing these refurb schedules constantly and with little notice. They could change their mind again!

I hope everyone enjoys their stays at the GF! Even with construction, it is just hard for me to stay anywhere else because it is so special.

I sure hope that info is correct. I'm staying optimistic. I'm at the 100 day mark right now. Either way, I'm going to have a great trip!

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

I'm still considering switching, but I love the GF so much so I'm trying to stick it out despite construction.

I know how u feel. We just returned from gf
We almost switched resorts because of the construction
I am so glad we didn't switch. We were not bothered by the
Construction of course the pool and gasparilla were open ( but originally
They were supposed to be closed during our stay) the grand was
So quiet compared to past years I think partly becAuse alot of folks did
Switch resorts. We were the only ones in the beach pool some nights.
We had such a great time!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I've been following this thread closely. But I had to comment... I can hardly contain myself!!! We are officially 100 days until our wedding/honeymoon trip to Disney and the GF. I didn't know who to share my excitement with (since my fiance is at work lol).

Unfortunatly I called yesterday morning at 7 am to find out AP rates for our trip. No discounted rates for GF TPV rooms... So were paying rack rate for 4 nights, but for the following 3 nights at AKL we got a 30% AP discount. Guess I can't complain with that, the one discount saved us $600!

Oh and does anyone on here know if we get a king bed room (I requested one but I know there is no guarantee) do you think there would be room for a couples massage in the room? I booked one (through Saratoga) but no one can tell me if there's enough room.

I also put a request in for Sago Cay building... Is that the best building for TPV?
Oh my goodness!!! I'm getting soooo excited!

I don't know the answers to your questions but just wanted to say Congrats!!! and wish you lots of

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

I don't know the answers to your questions but just wanted to say Congrats!!! and wish you lots of

Awww thanks so much!!! Still seems far away but time is flying by. We can't wait!!!

 

[red712371]

Awww thanks so much!!! Still seems far away but time is flying by. We can't wait!!!

Congrats! Looks like you arrive on the same day that we do. We will be celebrating 22 happy years being married this trip. May you be just as happy as we are!

 

[cgulls]

Is it really possible that they will wait till January? That would be beyond perfect!

. . . that depends on when your trip is scheduled (April, 2013 for us). Better for some, not so much for others.

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

Congrats! Looks like you arrive on the same day that we do. We will be celebrating 22 happy years being married this trip. May you be just as happy as we are!

Oh my gosh! 22 years!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!! I hope your trip is amazing!

I made a mistake... We actually arrive in 99 days (Dec 7th) and our wedding day is in 100 days. So if you see a wedding going on Saturday December 8th in the morning at the wedding pavilion with a reception at GF.... That's us!!!!!

 

[cgulls]

Just thought I would update you about what I found out. So I perceverated on that forum post I found with the poster saying that the Gasparilla's Grill refurb would not commence until January 2013. I called GF myself. I called GF's direct phone number, not the Disney call center and the people I were talkign to were indeed located at GF. I talked to one CM, who knew very little, who transferred me to another CM who knew more. I asked about the timing of the refurbishments, and asked them what quick service alternatives would be provided in my November stay. She said the Beach Pool Grill would be having quick service options. I asked, what about breakfast? (since the beach pool bar is not open in the morning). She then checked with a manager and came back to me and said quote, end quote, "At this point, we havent firmed up that decision yet." I asked what decision? and she told me "the decision whether or not to refurb Gasparilla's this fall. It has not been finalized yet whether it will be happening or not."

I told her, if she is able to put in my two cents, that I can take either the Courtyard Pool or Gasparilla's being closed, but not both at the same time. She chuckled a little and told me that is what is being factored in the decision and may be a reason why the Gasparilla's refurb is being pushed back.

I guess we won't know until we know, and they are changing these refurb schedules constantly and with little notice. They could change their mind again!

I hope everyone enjoys their stays at the GF! Even with construction, it is just hard for me to stay anywhere else because it is so special.

First, bonus points for using "perseverated" in a sentence.
Second, are you willing to share that phone number that is direct to GF? The one I have (407-824-3000) is to the call center. Thanks!

 

[ireneryan]

. . . that depends on when your trip is scheduled (April, 2013 for us). Better for some, not so much for others.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by that about other trips, you're absolutely right! The best thing would be to have a construction schedule and follow it to the date and then everyone could plan better. I'm used to posting on a date specific thread and forgot my manners. Just excited to learn all there is about the GF.

 

[jillmc40]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by that about other trips, you're absolutely right! The best thing would be to have a construction schedule and follow it to the date and then everyone could plan better. I'm used to posting on a date specific thread and forgot my manners. Just excited to learn all there is about the GF.

At the same time though....At least they will not BOTH be closed together. I for one could give a hoot about Gasparillas, I want the pool, and I am just not going to get it! I'm ok with it, I think we will have fun wandering over to Poly and being at the beach pool, and the new kiddie area!!! Besides, maybe once I am there I WILL give a hoot about Gasparillas. Actually, I am pretty upset about the gift shop and want to make sure I can find a CD of the band and have it autographed for my DH. If only in a perfect world.....Ok, perfect world I would be in a suite in the main building...baby steps.....

 

[jillmc40]

Oh my gosh! 22 years!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!! I hope your trip is amazing!

I made a mistake... We actually arrive in 99 days (Dec 7th) and our wedding day is in 100 days. So if you see a wedding going on Saturday December 8th in the morning at the wedding pavilion with a reception at GF.... That's us!!!!!

Congrats to you!!! OMG, you must be so excited! I'll bet that will be beautiful! Will the spa at GF be open by then? Didn't I just see they updated it to be Dec 5?

 

[ireneryan]

At the same time though....At least they will not BOTH be closed together. I for one could give a hoot about Gasparillas, I want the pool, and I am just not going to get it! I'm ok with it, I think we will have fun wandering over to Poly and being at the beach pool, and the new kiddie area!!! Besides, maybe once I am there I WILL give a hoot about Gasparillas. Actually, I am pretty upset about the gift shop and want to make sure I can find a CD of the band and have it autographed for my DH. If only in a perfect world.....Ok, perfect world I would be in a suite in the main building...baby steps.....

There are 2 pools at GF and the smaller one will be open with the kiddie splash area but not the larger pool in November, is that correct? I think I've read too many posts and it's all jumbled in my brain...

Maybe you can find the CD of the band on ebay and have it with you? And is there more than one gift shop? So many questions, sorry...

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

Congrats to you!!! OMG, you must be so excited! I'll bet that will be beautiful! Will the spa at GF be open by then? Didn't I just see they updated it to be Dec 5?

I heard Dec 5th too, but yesterday when I called to update our AP discounts, they transferred me to GF to ask, they said they have not been given an new date of completion. Still saying early 2013.

Thank you for the congrats!!! Sooo excited!!