A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm just catching up and saw this, pas130. Looks like my reading comprehension isn't what it used to be
....

I can't wait to see photos from those of you who will soon be visiting the Grand

LOL - I often misread posts and have to go back to catch the intent.

I'm waiting to see more photos of the construction, or any for that matter.

I, too, enjoy just being there. Walking around the shops, sitting on the balcony watching the people walking to and fro, stopping in at Gasparillas for a drink. Will stop by for a look this trip, can't ignore the gingerbread house and basin, and look forward to our next stay there.

Saw a couple pics of the new splash area...looks neat.

We nearly always spend time at the Grand, even when staying in other resorts.

Random question here--my wife likes to wake up early and shower/blow dry her hair without waking up the kids--is there a door between the sink/vanity area and the room or is it open to the room? Thanks so much! Considering a first stay there!

Check out post #8 on the first page - the very first photo is of the hallway leading to the beds, you can see the vanity area to the left. No doors, unfortunately for those who want to use the blow dryer while others sleep.

There is a door between the shower and the vanity area, but not between the vanity and the room. The vanity area is off a short hall, but you can still hear the dryer from the beds.

I guess I was wrong? Door between bed area and hall??

Nope. If you look at post #8 on the first page, you can see what we're talking about - I'm sure it will jog your memory.

HI All!!
I am new to this section of disboards. I am getting married in November and I booked a room at the Grand Floridian for me and all my girls to get ready in. It is a Outerbuilding deluxe room. I was wondering if anyone has stayed in this particular room and do you think it's big enough to get my hair and make up done in this room with 8 other people. Apparently it has a balcony with 2 queen beds and sitting area. Under the outline of the room the lady sent me from Disney, It says BI Lodge Tower 2 queen beds.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone could give me some advice. I am kind of stressing about this situation!!!

Thanks so much
Rebecca

Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.

I've never stayed in an outer building deluxe, but from photos I would say it will be a bit tight. Still, it could work. Check out this link from the 2010 FAQ - scroll down to post #25 for photos of the outer bldg. deluxe, posted by Little Lulu. These are of the Sugar Loaf deluxe (club level, not the BI room you are describing) and prior to the 2007 room renovations so you see the old decor - but it will still give you an idea of the size and layout. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=2

ETA: the sofa no longer folds out, for anyone wondering. You can get a rollaway, though.

I have to know why it is so bad Speaking of sinks....At the GF the sink to the right had hardly any cold water pressure, but the sink to the left had tons...My bro and I were racing each other to use that sink...Yes, we still act like we are 5 around each other AND, does anyone else think the handles move in the wrong direction? Maybe it was just our room but I could not for the life of me remember to move it correctly. I did like how the sinks were slightly outward facing though. It gives you just a little more room...

....

We have had rooms where the sinks have varying degrees of water pressure, too. It seems to be random, not every room has this issue, but annoying when you get one. Funny about you and your brother racing to the "good" sink.

Happy Monday...

Just checking to see the latest updates on Mizner and or any construction updates...

Cant wait for next week...


UPDATE: Pool side bar - is closing at 11pm.. Mizners closing at midnight. Per Julian at Concierge planning..

Thanks for the update!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Tom - when are you leaving?

Jill - in 6 LONNNNNNGGGGGG days! We just got our Halloween outfits on Saturday. Catherine is going to be Little Red Riding Hood and I am a Pirate of the Caribbean (imaginatinative, hunh?). I don't know how parents of girls deal with costumes. Catherine walked into the store and when the first person asked what she wanted to be "I'm little but I'm just turning 14 -- I don't want to be a bumblebee, but I don't want to be a ****!) Seriously, her Red Riding costume came with fishnets -- fortunately, because she isn't even 5', the length comes to her knees. But, these outfits are way to provocative for little girls.

Tom

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - I buy Stargazer lilies occasionally. The smell always reminds my daughter and me of the GF

Oh I guess I am going to have to go and get myself some lilies.

Next year will be the first time since 2001 that we are driving down to FLA. Does anyone know what the nightly valet fee is? We have no desire to make the trek across the street to self parking. TIA

 

[rnbecca09]

Rebecca - Congrats!!! What a lovely place to get married! If you were in my room it would be way to crowded, but I was not in a deluxe room, so I can't really say. Good Luck, it will be beautiful![/QUOTE]

Thanks for the information!!!!! I hope it works out!

 

[rnbecca09]

Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.

I've never stayed in an outer building deluxe, but from photos I would say it will be a bit tight. Still, it could work. Check out this link from the 2010 FAQ - scroll down to post #25 for photos of the outer bldg. deluxe, posted by Little Lulu. These are of the Sugar Loaf deluxe (club level, not the BI room you are describing) and prior to the 2007 room renovations so you see the old decor - but it will still give you an idea of the size and layout. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=2

ETA: the sofa no longer folds out, for anyone wondering. You can get a rollaway, though.


Thanks for all the information, its much appreciated!!!!!!!!


We have had rooms where the sinks have varying degrees of water pressure, too. It seems to be random, not every room has this issue, but annoying when you get one. Funny about you and your brother racing to the "good" sink.



Thanks for the update![/QUOTE]

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I have to know why it is so bad Speaking of sinks....At the GF the sink to the right had hardly any cold water pressure, but the sink to the left had tons...My bro and I were racing each other to use that sink...Yes, we still act like we are 5 around each other

FYI, even though we are both into our 50s, my sister and I still yell shotgun and race for the frontseat of the car when the opportunity arises -- although since I am the younger by 3 years and a runner, she routinely gets left in my dust!

Tom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Tom - it's not just the costumes, many clothing lines are not age appropriate. I remember when my DD went from size 6X to 7 - big change in style, no longer the little girl outfits but more teen- and adult-oriented. It was a challenge to get clothing that looked like it was meant for a child.

Only 6 days to go, woohoo!

Next year will be the first time since 2001 that we are driving down to FLA. Does anyone know what the nightly valet fee is? We have no desire to make the trek across the street to self parking. TIA

Valet is currently $12/day. Well worth it for us!

Thanks for all the information, its much appreciated!!!!!!!!

You are very welcome.

 

[DetTigsGal]

LOL - I often misread posts and have to go back to catch the intent.

I'm waiting to see more photos of the construction, or any for that matter.

We nearly always spend time at the Grand, even when staying in other resorts.

Check out post #8 on the first page - the very first photo is of the hallway leading to the beds, you can see the vanity area to the left. No doors, unfortunately for those who want to use the blow dryer while others sleep.

Nope. If you look at post #8 on the first page, you can see what we're talking about - I'm sure it will jog your memory.

Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.

I've never stayed in an outer building deluxe, but from photos I would say it will be a bit tight. Still, it could work. Check out this link from the 2010 FAQ - scroll down to post #25 for photos of the outer bldg. deluxe, posted by Little Lulu. These are of the Sugar Loaf deluxe (club level, not the BI room you are describing) and prior to the 2007 room renovations so you see the old decor - but it will still give you an idea of the size and layout. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=2

ETA: the sofa no longer folds out, for anyone wondering. You can get a rollaway, though.

We have had rooms where the sinks have varying degrees of water pressure, too. It seems to be random, not every room has this issue, but annoying when you get one. Funny about you and your brother racing to the "good" sink.

Thanks for the update!

Ok, there is a doorway between the vanity area and the hall but not an actual door like there is between the shower and the vanity area. You can still hear the dryer

 

[DetTigsGal]

Next year will be the first time since 2001 that we are driving down to FLA. Does anyone know what the nightly valet fee is? We have no desire to make the trek across the street to self parking. TIA

Sorry, we make the trek to the self-park lot many times during our stay

 

[nonzerosum]

Any updates or pictures of the courtyard pool construction?

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

The Private Dining menu is at the bottom of the first page of this thread. There is a button on your in room phone, I don't think they will take the order until 24 hours ahead, but you can certainly call and ask them questions in advance. The number is 407-824-2474.

Thank you so much for your help!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ok, there is a doorway between the vanity area and the hall but not an actual door like there is between the shower and the vanity area. You can still hear the dryer

Oops - sorry, I didn't mean the "nope" comment for you. I quoted you to highlight the fact there is a doorway but not an actual door. Didn't make it very clear, which illustrates the "meaning of posts" discussion, lol.

Sorry, we make the trek to the self-park lot many times during our stay

I know many people don't mind the self park walk, some even enjoy it. I periodically think I'll save that $12/day, and make it through one day of hot car, rain, etc. before throwing in the towel and using valet.

Any updates or pictures of the courtyard pool construction?

I think it was cgulls who posted this link a week or so ago: http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...nd-floridian-courtyard-pool-refurbishment.htm I haven't seen anything newer yet.

Thank you so much for your help!!!!

You're welcome.

 

[bdklein]

How about the beach pool construction? Is that done? Walls still up? Maybe not until DVC is done? Which to me appears to be way too close the volcano pool and beach.

 

[DetTigsGal]

Oops - sorry, I didn't mean the "nope" comment for you. I quoted you to highlight the fact there is a doorway but not an actual door. Didn't make it very clear, which illustrates the "meaning of posts" discussion, lol.

I know many people don't mind the self park walk, some even enjoy it. I periodically think I'll save that $12/day, and make it through one day of hot car, rain, etc. before throwing in the towel and using valet.

I think it was cgulls who posted this link a week or so ago: http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/gallery/05oct2012-grand-floridian-courtyard-pool-refurbishment.htm I haven't seen anything newer yet.

You're welcome.

No problem take care

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Valet is currently $12/day. Well worth it for us!

Thanks so much. Yes, worth it for us as well.

Now for another question. Do they put the valet fee for entire trip on your final bill or does it have to be paid daily? I am asking as we would like to use a Disney gift card to pay for that as well. Who ever handles our car, we will pay them their tip. We used the gift cards last year even the cabana with tip at CR and it was great.

Sorry, we make the trek to the self-park lot many times during our stay

It's good exercise right. Our lives are very hectic as I am sure a lot of others are as well so when we go on vacation, we try to leave all that stuff behind. That includes trekking to the car. I am most scared about the drive down. I don't know what it is and can't put my finger on it. Oh wait, yes I can, my DH driving my new car..Ok I will stop with the emoticons.

 

[baler31]

Valet fees have always been on our folio at check out with the exception of one visit when the computers were not working on the day we checked out and they asked us to pay for the final day in cash as they were unable to post it to the room. Unlikely that would happen to you and it was just one nights fee.

[/U]

Thanks so much. Yes, worth it for us as well.

Now for another question. Do they put the valet fee for entire trip on your final bill or does it have to be paid daily? I am asking as we would like to use a Disney gift card to pay for that as well. Who ever handles our car, we will pay them their tip. We used the gift cards last year even the cabana with tip at CR and it was great.



It's good exercise right. Our lives are very hectic as I am sure a lot of others are as well so when we go on vacation, we try to leave all that stuff behind. That includes trekking to the car. I am most scared about the drive down. I don't know what it is and can't put my finger on it. Oh wait, yes I can, my DH driving my new car..Ok I will stop with the emoticons.

 

[jillmc40]

Thanks so much. Yes, worth it for us as well.

Now for another question. Do they put the valet fee for entire trip on your final bill or does it have to be paid daily? I am asking as we would like to use a Disney gift card to pay for that as well. Who ever handles our car, we will pay them their tip. We used the gift cards last year even the cabana with tip at CR and it was great.



It's good exercise right. Our lives are very hectic as I am sure a lot of others are as well so when we go on vacation, we try to leave all that stuff behind. That includes trekking to the car. I am most scared about the drive down. I don't know what it is and can't put my finger on it. Oh wait, yes I can, my DH driving my new car..Ok I will stop with the emoticons.

I'm sure they will put it on your room...They put everything on your room! I told my brother to go park his car and he looked at me like I was crazy after circling the lot...He did valet both nights he was there.

Tom - Glad we are not the only ones. I still have the best time with him! My dd is still in young girl clothes but I am terrified of what is around the corner BTW - I saw Tarzan in a loin cloth with Jane in AdventureLand and was tempted to get my picture with him and send it to you - if only they had photopass there.....

I put on my Tinkerbell lotion this morning and realized now I smell like the Poly lobby....I wonder if one of the other lotions smells like the GF lobby (and if that is a good or a bad thing )

I actually have a parking question...When we go in Feb we are going to have a car. One day we have plans to go to MK and have dinner at GF Cafe. I would like to park at the GF, go to MK, go to dinner at the Cafe and then have our car there so we don't have to go back to the TTC. If we valet park in the morning can I use my TIW card at night to get my parking validated after dinner?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

How about the beach pool construction? Is that done? Walls still up? Maybe not until DVC is done? Which to me appears to be way too close the volcano pool and beach.

So far, the walls around the beach pool are still up, though the beach pool bar is finished and open, and the splash zone is open. Most seem to think they will leave those walls up until at least the outside DVC work is complete, as they seem to be using that area of the beach for staging.

Now for another question. Do they put the valet fee for entire trip on your final bill or does it have to be paid daily? I am asking as we would like to use a Disney gift card to pay for that as well. Who ever handles our car, we will pay them their tip. We used the gift cards last year even the cabana with tip at CR and it was great.

You can do it either way, but I prefer to have it added to the bill each day. Makes it easier to see they didn't charge twice for the same day. I've had that happen a couple times and had to have the folio corrected.

Whichever way you do it, I would use that method for every day, or at least get a receipt for the days you pay. That way, if they accidentally add it to your folio, you can show you paid for the day.

....I am most scared about the drive down. I don't know what it is and can't put my finger on it. Oh wait, yes I can, my DH driving my new car..Ok I will stop with the emoticons.

I like the emoticons.

LOL about your DH driving your new car. We've driven down from Missouri many times, and the long drive can be boring. We try to make it more fun by stopping off at the beach on the way, or planning a favorite restaurant during the trip. For instance, there's a great seafood place in Pensacola we all love, so it's a treat to plan a stop there.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I see we were all posting at the same time!

Valet fees have always been on our folio at check out with the exception of one visit when the computers were not working on the day we checked out and they asked us to pay for the final day in cash as they were unable to post it to the room. Unlikely that would happen to you and it was just one nights fee.

Hey, you, good to see you! How was your trip in August?

I'm sure they will put it on your room...They put everything on your room! I told my brother to go park his car and he looked at me like I was crazy after circling the lot...He did valet both nights he was there.

Tom - Glad we are not the only ones. I still have the best time with him! My dd is still in young girl clothes but I am terrified of what is around the corner BTW - I saw Tarzan in a loin cloth with Jane in AdventureLand and was tempted to get my picture with him and send it to you - if only they had photopass there.....

I put on my Tinkerbell lotion this morning and realized now I smell like the Poly lobby....I wonder if one of the other lotions smells like the GF lobby (and if that is a good or a bad thing )

I actually have a parking question...When we go in Feb we are going to have a car. One day we have plans to go to MK and have dinner at GF Cafe. I would like to park at the GF, go to MK, go to dinner at the Cafe and then have our car there so we don't have to go back to the TTC. If we valet park in the morning can I use my TIW card at night to get my parking validated after dinner?

LOL about Tarzan.

I'm not sure about the TiW validation, as I think it says something about 3 hours of parking? I'll have to go look that up, maybe I'm thinking of something else.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Suitcase is now packed and travel documents are in carryon. Camera bag is ready as well. It appears it is going to be mid-80s day and high 60s at night -- I'm either in Sago or Conch -- as far as Pixie Dust goes, the forecast is all I need!

Quick last minute question -- I'm actually staying at Buena Vista Palace for first 3 days for conference I am speaking at -- that leaves me the luxury of checking in whenever I want at GF -- what do you recommend? I don't think Buena Vista Palace has baggage transfer with GF -- I will confirm when there, but not big deal, I 'm going to take a cab, so bags can go with me.

TIA,

Tom