A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[sndral]

I prefer Narcoosees, of course my Citricos experience may have been tainted by my just learning waitress whom I had trouble communicating with - don't recall anything negative about the food, tho'.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - thanks for the photo, I was looking for that one when I found the one I copied. Beautiful shot.

CoachBagFanatic - we love Citricos! The food is wonderful and service is usually very good. We tend to choose Narcoossee's, too, but I wouldn't hesitate about Citricos if you want to give it a shot. We love the short rib and Berkshire pork, both fantastic.

Wow... you guys are troopers

We thought about driving down once... then we took a trip from STL to OKC... 9 1/2 hours.. We were ready to give up at Springfield, MO after 3 1/2 hours.


7 days til Gflo for us...

Six days to go, woohoo!

Sorry I missed this yesterday, lol about giving up at S'field, I know what you mean. My sister lives in STL, and I don't get out there nearly as much as I should, it's only a 3-1/2 hour drive for us. Well, a little less now that she's in Wentzville. (used to be in St. Charles) My son lived in Affton for a year, and I only made it there once after the move in!

For some reason, the drive to WDW doesn't seem so bad!

 

[jillmc40]

I wouldn't care for the first floor rooms because of snakes!! (yes, it HAS happened!)

As for Citricos, we have never tried that either (Narcoosee's is great, and we tend to gravitate there due to the menu and the view) but want to one day.

I would have a heart attack if there was a snake!!!!! OMG! We were on the 4th floor and there were spiders on our balcony..At one point I was sitting in a chair and a spider came down beside me like little Ms. Muffit! I freaked out, but my bro was there so he handled it (set it free...he is nicer than I am). Another night I went out there and there was a frog on the side of the wall. I had a dormer room so my balcony was a tiny little square. He was bouncing from one wall to another and I was screaming! I'm such a baby!

 

[DetTigsGal]

Ok, we drive everywhere. Maybe because when I was growing up thats what we did...or maybe I'm too cheap to fly We usually drive back to Michigan a couple of times a year, went to Indiana to visit college son over Columbus weekend- not to mention getting him settled in august and bringing him back in May (that boy has too much stuff!) and of course the two-day drive to Disney. It's all good

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Cute Tom. I'm hoping the Yankees aren't playing next week

I'm pretty sure only ARoid will be playing next week --- playing the field of ladies, nice focus Jerk!

Tom

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hello all GF fans! We visited the resort last Friday and had dinner at Narcoossee's. First, let me say, dinner was absolutely wonderful! We started out with drinks at the bar since Mizner's isn't serving. Service from Sergio was fantastic and entertaining! For starters, we had the romaine salad, oysters, and artisinal cheeses. Main courses were a shrimp & lobster scampi, scallops, and the roasted chicken. Dessert we all had the almond crusted cheesecake as it is a favorite! We ended the meal by watching Hallowishes.

No as to the resort, yes, it is a construction zone. I think as long as I knew of the construction and closures ahead of time it wouldn't be too much of a dealbreaker. The new Alice spash area is very nice, looked like the kids were having a great time playing. And the villas look to be built to the sixth floor, so they may be done with the "shell". It'll probably just get a big higher with the roofline. Can't wait to see it as they make progress finishing the exterior. We're still undecided on whether or not we'll purchase the DVC there (depends what they will charge), but I do plan on trying to get a villa the first few months after opening.

I have some pictures of the construction and the courtyard pool that I'll post either tonight or tomorrow.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the review, Cali-D!! I'm drooling over the Narcoossee's dishes, the almond cheesecake is one of DD's favorite desserts anywhere. Did they have the dark cherry sauce? If I recall, the last time she had it the sauce was different, such a disappointment - but the cheesecake was still awesome.

Looking forward to your photos.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Hello all GF fans! We visited the resort last Friday and had dinner at Narcoossee's. First, let me say, dinner was absolutely wonderful! We started out with drinks at the bar since Mizner's isn't serving. Service from Sergio was fantastic and entertaining! For starters, we had the romaine salad, oysters, and artisinal cheeses. Main courses were a shrimp & lobster scampi, scallops, and the roasted chicken. Dessert we all had the almond crusted cheesecake as it is a favorite!

What a great review -- do you think I will look like a pig if I enjoy the same meal -- by myself? Seriously, how do I pick from that?

Tom

 

[DetTigsGal]

I'm pretty sure only ARoid will be playing next week --- playing the field of ladies, nice focus Jerk!

Tom

Because of superstitions, I am limited in what I can say at the moment . Last night, I posted my reply to you and everything was hunky-dory...then the ninth inning was pins and needles time. Don't think I wasn't thinking about that Yankees post then

 

[Luvamouse]

Well, this answered it for me! I have always been happy with the room, but I'd rather interact with them in case something isn't as expected. GF is new to us also.

I do appreciate the answer-- I've been avoiding the boards for a few days. I am way to ADD to pop on too often!

I have not had good luck with online check in - we've had problems with getting checked in at the resort, lost info, lost packet, slow online check in line vs. regular line, etc. However, others have had great luck with it and love it, so it's personal preference.

My advice is to wait if you want to discuss your room assignment and possibly switch. Online check in was designed to walk up, grab your packet and keys and go, without much chat with the CM.

Good luck!

I'd also like to thank all those posting Valet comments. We drive down from RI and have been spoiled by parking fairly close at the Poly-- the smaller side lot by the TTC-- to go to Tahiti. I am unsure if we will want the long walk to the self park at the GF. I think it is the tips that would get me if we are in and out a few times a day... I think we'll try self park for a day at least-- especially because my Suburban will be a mess upon arrival

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Here are a few pictures to give you all an idea of what is currently going on.

From the front entrance, the new villa building:

From the beach pool, the new villa building:

The new splash area:

Courtyard Pool:

Courtyard Pool zoomed in:

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the review, Cali-D!! I'm drooling over the Narcoossee's dishes, the almond cheesecake is one of DD's favorite desserts anywhere. Did they have the dark cherry sauce? If I recall, the last time she had it the sauce was different, such a disappointment - but the cheesecake was still awesome.

Looking forward to your photos.

I think you're right, the sauce didn't seem quite as I remember it being years ago, I think it is the same that we got last year though. I did take a picture, and I do think the sauce was darker before?

What a great review -- do you think I will look like a pig if I enjoy the same meal -- by myself? Seriously, how do I pick from that?

Tom

Go for it! You probably can't go wrong with anything on the current menu. Just make sure you go hungry, we left absolutely stuffed!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Thanks for the photos -- I'm sure my niece won't wait very long before she goes down that slide. The walls and contruction don't look so horrible as to ruin my vacation. One of my first vacations was at the Kaui Westin and they were in the midst of renovations -- we had a beachfront room and didn't mind the construction at all as they were not allowed to make any noise prior to 8am and had to stop by 4pm. The funny thing was looking at all the newly planted coconut trees, that literally had 2'8"s hold them up at their bends until they took root.

Tom

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - we love Citricos! The food is wonderful and service is usually very good. We tend to choose Narcoossee's, too, but I wouldn't hesitate about Citricos if you want to give it a shot. We love the short rib and Berkshire pork, both fantastic.

Well so much for the surprise dinner. Showed DS the menu for Citricos and he said "What pass up my Filet Mignon with Lobster. No way." So Narcoossee's it is. DH will try Citrico's when DS goes off to college.

Hello all GF fans! We visited the resort last Friday and had dinner at Narcoossee's. First, let me say, dinner was absolutely wonderful! We started out with drinks at the bar since Mizner's isn't serving. Service from Sergio was fantastic and entertaining! For starters, we had the romaine salad, oysters, and artisinal cheeses. Main courses were a shrimp & lobster scampi, scallops, and the roasted chicken. Dessert we all had the almond crusted cheesecake as it is a favorite! We ended the meal by watching Hallowishes.

No as to the resort, yes, it is a construction zone. I think as long as I knew of the construction and closures ahead of time it wouldn't be too much of a dealbreaker. The new Alice spash area is very nice, looked like the kids were having a great time playing. And the villas look to be built to the sixth floor, so they may be done with the "shell". It'll probably just get a big higher with the roofline. Can't wait to see it as they make progress finishing the exterior. We're still undecided on whether or not we'll purchase the DVC there (depends what they will charge), but I do plan on trying to get a villa the first few months after opening.

I have some pictures of the construction and the courtyard pool that I'll post either tonight or tomorrow.

Oh thanks so much for the great review especially Narcoossee's. Already have it marked on my dining itinerary. Now I have to wait until Christmas morning to make my ADR's.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Oh thanks so much for the great review especially Narcoossee's. Already have it marked on my dining itinerary. Now I have to wait until Christmas morning to make my ADR's.

I bet that will be the first Christmas present you look forward to unwrapping. Speaking of unwrapping -- since I will be at GF for a few days before my niece arrives, any suggestions as to what I should surprise her with in the room? What is the latest and greatest the GF has to offer for a teenage girl?

TIA,

Tom

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I bet that will be the first Christmas present you look forward to unwrapping. Speaking of unwrapping -- since I will be at GF for a few days before my niece arrives, any suggestions as to what I should surprise her with in the room? What is the latest and greatest the GF has to offer for a teenage girl?

TIA,

Tom

Yes, Merry Christmas to me once I have made our ADR's.

Ok I am assuming that your niece is the 14 year old that you were speaking of a couple of posts back.

It's been a long time since I have bought anything for a girl but here goes. How about a nice mickey charm bracelet or earrings or both. Also depending on how much you want to spend they have those cute Dooney and Bourke Disney Wristlet. I am sure they are not that cheap but that's what came off the top of my head. Like I said, we have all boys in the family, so girl shopping is only done for myself.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Like I said, we have all boys in the family, so girl shopping is only done for myself.

I bet you had a wry smile on your face as you were typing that. Thanks for the suggestions -- she is a Vera Bradley girl, so maybe I will see if they have something like that.

Tom

 

[cgulls]

new photos of the DVC construction are available at

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/dis...nd-floridian-resort-dvc-wing-construction.htm

 

[HFC1969]

Here are a few pictures to give you all an idea of what is currently going on.

Thank you!!

Time to get out of STL... its getting chilly here..

Next week this time... I hope to have drink in hand.. while sitting on the balcony while DW gets everyone ready for MNSSHP...

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I'll be having a drink, watching you have a drink while your DW gets the rest ready for MNSSHP -- we are going on the 28th to the party. I will be in the world in 3 days! Safe travels.

Tom