A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[k&a&c'smom]

We were able to walk into the GF Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner, no problem. They have evidently been fairly slow this year, but if you are going during a busy time, it would be a good idea to have a reservation.

cgulls - thanks for the new links, looks like the refurb is in full swing.

itisamymc - as phyllis1966 posted, it's not a long walk from any building to any other location at the resort. Pretty compact. Looking at the photos, the walls around the pool seem to be pretty well centralized to that area, without taking up the outer sidewalks, so it shouldn't take much longer to get to the boat dock from the beach pool, and not at all from Mizner's, which is in the main building. We don't go through the pool area from the main bldg. to the dock, as it isn't the direct route.

phyllis1966 - I'll keep my fingers crossed you are over the marina. I wouldn't want to look down on the pool construction, either.

Here are some photos we took of the expanded M. Mouse Mercantile merchandise, with Sandy Cove closed. As you can see, they have a wall of toiletries, not sure exactly what is included (I should have done a close up, but it was busy every time we were in there!) There was wine and liquor behind the cash registers.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks for the update and the nice pix!

Tom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi,everyone. We are at the GF right now and it is lovely. We are staying in a RPC TPV room. Everyone is having a fabulous time, but the construction is definitely having its impact. To wit:

1. The courtyard pool is closed. We have heard from CMs that they are not only converting it to zero entry but actually making it shallower. The feature pool is open, but has no view of the beach. This is because there is no beach. Right now, it is a construction roadway and a reinforced sea wall. Several members of the recreation department confirmed that no additional pools will be added to handle additional guests from DVC.

2. The children's Alice in Wonderland water play area is nearly ready. The expectation is that it will open this week, pending approval from the building department.


3. Gasparilla's is closed. We like their food anddon't like the options at the beach bar or Mizner's. Additionally, dining at the beach bar means dining outdoors. Not sure what this means when it rains. The selection at Mizner's transcends limited.

4. Sandy Cove is closed through November. We had to go to Walgreen's for some basic toiletries and aspirin. Some of the items are available in the upstairs gift shop.

5. Monorail service has been fine. No problems at all.


We will post photos when we return home. Now, I am going for a swim.

Glad you are having a great time! Thanks for the update, good to know the monorail is running well - we had issues while we were there a few weeks ago.

I am not surprised to hear they are planning to make the courtyard pool shallower, it is as I feared. We love the 6 feet deep end, we will miss it.

Did you look for your toiletries/aspirin at M. Mouse? It looked like they had a decent selection when we were there, but I didn't take notice of the exact items offered.

Hope you enjoy(ed) your swim.

KonaKaiTom - We are big kids, but it would seem like a huge pain for us to go over to the Poly just to swim. We have never understood the whole pool hopping thing, as it doesn't appeal in any way - schlepping around in our wet suits.

We were allowed (nay, encouraged!) to pool hop to all the Universal resort pools, but didn't take advantage, even when we were at RPR without a slide.

ETA: you're welcome! I meant to post these upon our return, but got sidetracked...

 

[pas130]

Aww, thanks, pas. I'm feeling much better.

Very very glad to hear

I managed to break my ankle on Aug. 28th so I've kinda been MIA from the Dis...missed ya!!!!

I highly recommend breakfast at Grand Floridian Cafe...... Great service and excellent food.... I wish I was there now...

Me too....let's go!!!!

Hi,everyone. We are at the GF right now and it is lovely. We are staying in a RPC TPV room. Everyone is having a fabulous time, but the construction is definitely having its impact. .

Thanks for the live update.....glad your having a Grand time!!!

junglecruiser is living it up at the BC!!!


BCV

 

[jillmc40]

Clearly this builds my case that DD and I will HAVE to go back when the construction is complete

15 days and I can hardly wait!!!!! My dd5 is up and doing great...Like she never even had her appendix out! Amazing!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Clearly this builds my case that DD and I will HAVE to go back when the construction is complete

15 days and I can hardly wait!!!!! My dd5 is up and doing great...Like she never even had her appendix out! Amazing!

I'm glad to hear she is doing so well -- not surprising, kids recover so much faster than us old folks! I do believe you have a very good rule -- all those who have been to the GF while it is under construction must go back post construction!

Tom

 

[jillmc40]

I'm glad to hear she is doing so well -- not surprising, kids recover so much faster than us old folks! I do believe you have a very good rule -- all those who have been to the GF while it is under construction must go back post construction!

Tom

I think they should send us an offer we can't refuse

 

[sndral]

I have added 3 nights @ the GF to the front end of my previously scheduled YC vacation and have a couple of questions:
Most important, I have never done a 'split' stay, I am a bit independent and go crazy waiting for bell services to show up @ the room to schlepp bags for me - can I just wheel my bags myself to the lobby bell services, give them my bags and tell them to send them to the YC on GF checkout day? Then call for or retrieve them over @ the YC? Note, I always fly in and use DME to get my bags into my room on arrival and just wheel them down for RAC or DME when leaving - so this bit is new to me.
My first evening I'll be late-ish getting in (the joy of flying from the west coast,) is it possible to wander over to the Poly for dinner @ Kona - is the pathway far, lit, fairly safe feeling @ night? Or would you stick w/ the GF cafe (is that it's name?)
Despite the construction, I felt this was my last chance to enjoy the GF before the influx of DVC guests impacted things, so I decided to go ahead and give it a try. Plus, of course, I love the lobby during the holidays.

 

[ktlm]

JillMc40, glad to hear your DD is doing well!

Thanks so much Cgulls and K&A&C's mom for the updates with photos. The photos actually make me feel much better about the construction and options. The grounds and walls don't look nearly as bad as I expected, and with Mitzner's open until 2:00 a.m., that solves DH's return from park late night snack and drink issue. We stayed at the DL Hotel twice during their 2 year construction/remodel, and this doesn't look too bad at all compared to what we dealt with there, especially during our second construction stay there when practically every path through the resort was blocked at one point or another and the paths you could take were mostly just a fairly narrow path between two construction walls.

I think for DH and I, this wouldn't be bad enough to warrant switching resorts (although DH would take any excuse to switch to the Poly which he much prefers over GF). My only concern now, is the lack of a waffle or pancake anywhere other than room service for DD (6) for breakfast, which is her WDW staple. DD(6) is the biggest proponent of staying put at GF though because she loves it there, so I think I will tell her if she wants to stay there, then I don't want to hear one whine about breakfast. Toodycat, can you confirm whether the beach bar has any type of waffle or pancake available for breakfast, as it sure wasn't on the menu posted a couple of days ago. I never thought about what happens over there if it rains though...we eat breakfast in the room...but does this mean standing out in the rain to get it?

 

[ktlm]

Uh Oh-- just looked at the photos again and realized there was no beer in the Mizner's refigerator that I can see. HMMM...this might be a problem for DH when we get back from the parks after all. After a long day in the parks with DD, he generally wants -he would tell you needs- a beer when we get back (except for Epcot where he just has a beer there). Okay- nobody tell him.

 

[ruthsam]

phyllis1966 - I'll keep my fingers crossed you are over the marina. I wouldn't want to look down on the pool construction, either.

Thanks for all great info! This is my first post....We are heading down with our 5 year old in late october...Which building would anyone recommend as avoid looking at the construction! I so will miss looking out at the courtyard pool. We were booked at a garden view....

I was thinking marina view (hope for an upgrade)? - Pine Key or Boca chica, but perhaps Conch Key/garden or marina is a better request?

What do you think?

Love this forum, so much info here!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

phyllis1966 - I'll keep my fingers crossed you are over the marina. I wouldn't want to look down on the pool construction, either.

Thanks for all great info! This is my first post....We are heading down with our 5 year old in late october...Which building would anyone recommend as avoid looking at the construction! I so will miss looking out at the courtyard pool. We were booked at a garden view....

I was thinking marina view (hope for an upgrade)? - Pine Key or Boca chica, but perhaps Conch Key/garden or marina is a better request?

What do you think?

Love this forum, so much info here!

Welcome and have a great trip! I personally LOVE Conch Key Marina view.. Close to boat launch...Loved the view and watching the monorail go by !

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Pas130.... Let's go!!!!!!!

Next visit I am booked at Boardwalk but am hoping a nice bounce back will be waiting so I can book for Spring.... Love the Grand... Should come with a warning... May be highly addictive. Lol

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I managed to break my ankle on Aug. 28th so I've kinda been MIA from the Dis...missed ya!!!!
....
junglecruiser is living it up at the BC!!!

I've missed all of you, too. How awful you broke your ankle! How are you doing?! I've broken my left ankle twice, I have pins, screws and a plate in it now. I used to set off the airport security and had to get the wand/pat down.

I hope you are healing well.

Clearly this builds my case that DD and I will HAVE to go back when the construction is complete

15 days and I can hardly wait!!!!! My dd5 is up and doing great...Like she never even had her appendix out! Amazing!

Poor baby, I'm glad she is all better. I'll bet that was scary for everyone. Kids seem to recover so quickly, thankfully.

I agree, the construction gives you a perfect excuse to go back and check out the new look.

I have added 3 nights @ the GF to the front end of my previously scheduled YC vacation and have a couple of questions:
Most important, I have never done a 'split' stay, I am a bit independent and go crazy waiting for bell services to show up @ the room to schlepp bags for me - can I just wheel my bags myself to the lobby bell services, give them my bags and tell them to send them to the YC on GF checkout day? Then call for or retrieve them over @ the YC? Note, I always fly in and use DME to get my bags into my room on arrival and just wheel them down for RAC or DME when leaving - so this bit is new to me.
My first evening I'll be late-ish getting in (the joy of flying from the west coast,) is it possible to wander over to the Poly for dinner @ Kona - is the pathway far, lit, fairly safe feeling @ night? Or would you stick w/ the GF cafe (is that it's name?)
Despite the construction, I felt this was my last chance to enjoy the GF before the influx of DVC guests impacted things, so I decided to go ahead and give it a try. Plus, of course, I love the lobby during the holidays.

Congrats on adding GF days, we love the Grand at Christmas!

I'm sure you can do as you say, take your bags to the bell staff and they will transfer. We hate waiting, too, so we often just wheel ours down - but usually put into a car, I've never done it with a transfer. Still, I'm sure that will be fine, no reason you couldn't do it.

The path used to be well lit, I haven't walked it since the construction started. It is easy to hop on the boat, though, and the Poly is the next stop. Usually - when we had monorail issues last month, the boat captain warned us the boat was simply for MK-GF-MK transfers, so that is a possibility. I usually ask the captain upon boarding if he doesn't announce the destination(s).

Thanks so much Cgulls and K&A&C's mom for the updates with photos. The photos actually make me feel much better about the construction and options. The grounds and walls don't look nearly as bad as I expected, and with Mitzner's open until 2:00 a.m., that solves DH's return from park late night snack and drink issue. We stayed at the DL Hotel twice during their 2 year construction/remodel, and this doesn't look too bad at all compared to what we dealt with there, especially during our second construction stay there when practically every path through the resort was blocked at one point or another and the paths you could take were mostly just a fairly narrow path between two construction walls.

I think for DH and I, this wouldn't be bad enough to warrant switching resorts (although DH would take any excuse to switch to the Poly which he much prefers over GF). My only concern now, is the lack of a waffle or pancake anywhere other than room service for DD (6) for breakfast, which is her WDW staple. DD(6) is the biggest proponent of staying put at GF though because she loves it there, so I think I will tell her if she wants to stay there, then I don't want to hear one whine about breakfast. Toodycat, can you confirm whether the beach bar has any type of waffle or pancake available for breakfast, as it sure wasn't on the menu posted a couple of days ago. I never thought about what happens over there if it rains though...we eat breakfast in the room...but does this mean standing out in the rain to get it?

Uh Oh-- just looked at the photos again and realized there was no beer in the Mizner's refigerator that I can see. HMMM...this might be a problem for DH when we get back from the parks after all. After a long day in the parks with DD, he generally wants -he would tell you needs- a beer when we get back (except for Epcot where he just has a beer there). Okay- nobody tell him.

Wow, how unlucky you had to go through the DLH refurb and are now due to be there for the GF refurb! Hopefully, it won't be as much of an impact as you describe for DLH.

I'll have to look at the photos again, but I think they have beer at M. Mouse Merc? I know they have wine and liquor. If not, I'd probably grab some from elsewhere for the room. ETA: Check out the last photo in post #1281, previous page. If you look at the bottles on the left of that cooler, I think they are single bottles of beer?

Thanks for all great info! This is my first post....We are heading down with our 5 year old in late october...Which building would anyone recommend as avoid looking at the construction! I so will miss looking out at the courtyard pool. We were booked at a garden view....

I was thinking marina view (hope for an upgrade)? - Pine Key or Boca chica, but perhaps Conch Key/garden or marina is a better request?

What do you think?

Love this forum, so much info here!

Welcome! Glad you've joined the DIS and the FAQ!

To be clear, marina views are from either Sago Cay or Conch Key (with garden view - you can also get a marina view in Sugar Loaf, but that is a club level building). The marina is in front of Gasparilla's, check out the map on the first page. A marina view or pool view are both part of the "garden view" category.

If you want a water view in either Boca Chica or Big Pine Key, it would be classified as "lagoon view" and an upgrade from garden view category. Confusing, right?! At present, Big Pine is the building you might want to stay away from, especially lagoon view, as it is closest to the construction - lagoon view rooms there would overlook the DVC building construction. We were in Boca Chica this past trip and loved it, but garden view rooms will likely overlook the pool construction. Lagoon would be nice, if they see fit to upgrade.

I agree with Butterflygirl, Conch Key is in a wonderful location. Great access to the boat launch and courtyard pool (thought it sounds like you'll be there while the courtyard pool is closed), with a back door to the marina and Gasparilla's. Sago Cay is a bit more removed, but it is the closest to the bus stop.

Hope this helped a little.

 

[pas130]

Pas130.... Let's go!!!!!!!

Next visit I am booked at Boardwalk but am hoping a nice bounce back will be waiting so I can book for Spring.... Love the Grand... Should come with a warning... May be highly addictive. Lol

I'm at BWI too (always subject to change though)

OK let's roll...off to the Grand...everyone hop in

I've missed all of you, too. How awful you broke your ankle! How are you doing?! I've broken my left ankle twice, I have pins, screws and a plate in it now. I used to set off the airport security and had to get the wand/pat down.

I hope you are healing well.

Last year I broke my left foot, got my right ankle this go around....I need to stay off it..but that's not quite happening

 

[KonaKaiTom]

It sounds like they are trying to keep the construction as unobtrusive as possible. Since my niece and I are both early risers, I doubt we will hear any construction noise as we will already either be in a park or on our way to a park when they are working. I asked her which view she hoped we had as I had booked garden view. Her response was "It is the Grand Floridian, I don't care if we have a view of the garbage cans." She does manage to put a smile on my face on a regular basis!

Tom

 

[Butterflygirl35]

It sounds like they are trying to keep the construction as unobtrusive as possible. Since my niece and I are both early risers, I doubt we will hear any construction noise as we will already either be in a park or on our way to a park when they are working. I asked her which view she hoped we had as I had booked garden view. Her response was "It is the Grand Floridian, I don't care if we have a view of the garbage cans." She does manage to put a smile on my face on a regular basis!

Tom

Awww. Smart girl! and what an awesome uncle...

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I'm at BWI too (always subject to change though)

OK let's roll...off to the Grand...everyone hop in

LOL... I like your taste in resorts...

 

[jillmc40]

Awww. Smart girl! and what an awesome uncle...

I was just about to say the same thing!!!

 

[ktlm]

Wow, how unlucky you had to go through the DLH refurb and are now due to be there for the GF refurb! Hopefully, it won't be as much of an impact as you describe for DLH.

I'll have to look at the photos again, but I think they have beer at M. Mouse Merc? I know they have wine and liquor. If not, I'd probably grab some from elsewhere for the room. ETA: Check out the last photo in post #1281, previous page. If you look at the bottles on the left of that cooler, I think they are single bottles of beer?

Thanks! I was focusing on Mizner's and not paying that much attention to what was added at M. Merc. You are absolutely right! Well, there's another issue solved. Since M. Merc closes at 10 and a lot of times we don't get back to the room in time to make that, DH will just have to buy a few when we get there and put them in the refrigerator in the room for his nightly WDW post-park wind down. He can still wander over to Mizner's to find a snack to go with it. Funny what little vacation rituals we pick up! Now DH is taken care of, so the only issue we have left is DD's pancake/waffle issue.

We are definitely refurb unlucky lately when it comes to resorts! I hadn't been keeping up, and I couldn't believe it when I got the letter from WDW advising of the construction that would be going on when we were there. I thought we were done with that! Oh well, I'd rather deal with some rehab at a Disney resort than be at home any day!