A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[sndral]

new photos of the DVC construction are available at

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

Wow, photo #5 makes it look so much bigger than the original GF to me. I keep thinking about all of those new people on the same old monorail.

 

[jillmc40]

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

Kudos for knowing Vera Bradley - and that your niece likes Vera Bradley! Are we limited to just GF or is DTD included in the shopping possibilities? My daughter is only 5, so luckily I am still on the not so expensive side of gifts, but once they hit teens, it seems to jump significantly. The D&B wristlet sounded good! A girl can never have to many purses or wallets - even if they are empty

 

[KonaKaiTom]

A happy female = an unbadgered man!

I don't think I've seen this answered -- are the tubs in GF rooms jacuzzi, or do I need to request that. My neck injury responds well (or at least I feel like it does) to jacuzzis.

TIA,

Tom

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Wow, photo #5 makes it look so much bigger than the original GF to me. I keep thinking about all of those new people on the same old monorail.

I had the same thought about the monorail. I know with BLT opening at the Contemporary it seemed like there was an influx of people (others have said BLT has a similar number of units to what the North Wing had, but those 2 bedroom villas do sleep 9 afterall...) so I don't know if a solution would be more watercraft service, a dedicated watercraft for the GF and another for the Polynesian, or if the rumored walking path to the MK would be enough to offset (it seems like it'd be a long walk! except, at park close, it'd still be the quickest option I bet).

As to the picture, I agree it looks large. In person, though, I didn't think it looked quite that dominating. We really need to see it once the full roofline is in place. Fingers cross it compliments the other buildings.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

A happy female = an unbadgered man!

I don't think I've seen this answered -- are the tubs in GF rooms jacuzzi, or do I need to request that. My neck injury responds well (or at least I feel like it does) to jacuzzis.

TIA,

Tom

They are just your typical shower/tub combo. Jacuzzis are in the specialty suites and the 2nd floor main building deluxe king rooms. The other deluxe rooms and some suites do have nice soaking tubs, though.

 

[followthatmouse]

They are just your typical shower/tub combo. Jacuzzis are in the specialty suites and the 2nd floor main building deluxe king rooms. The other deluxe rooms and some suites do have nice soaking tubs, though.

I can vouch for the soaking tubs! I have a back that tends to act up occasionally. There are few things nicer than a long soak -with a bath bomb - after a long day in the parks, especially if you have some aches and pains.

 

[Tink rules]

When it's open (not construction.. ) I like to hit the hot tub by the pool...

 

[jillmc40]

I really missed not having the hot tub when I was there. I could only play in cold water for so long. My dd thought it was a great game to push each other under the waterfall. After 45 minutes I was ready for a hot tub or beach chair! Is the beach pool not heated? I thought it was awfully cold!

 

[Tink rules]

Looks like they are zipping along on it. Maybe it will be done by December... I can hope at least... it's all graded and looks like they need to relay the lining of the pool... so...

 

[Butterflygirl35]

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

I have a 9 going on 19 daughter.. LOL.. She LOVES Basin white... (But my daughter is a diva in particular)... You could also surprise her with a nice gift basket from there... Basin White has amazing products..

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I have a 9 going on 19 daughter.. LOL.. She LOVES Basin white... (But my daughter is a diva in particular)... You could also surprise her with a nice gift basket from there... Basin White has amazing products..

My Sister and Brother-in-law suggested Basin White as well. Since she has a 21 year old sister, so she loves lotions and potions.

It is so nice to see "2 days until our next vacation" especially while it is pouring rain here in CT!

Tom

 

[Butterflygirl35]

My Sister and Brother-in-law suggested Basin White as well. Since she has a 21 year old sister, so she loves lotions and potions.

It is so nice to see "2 days until our next vacation" especially while it is pouring rain here in CT!

Tom

So jealous!! Have a great time!!!

Basin White is awesome. She will love it!!

I already needed to order more for my daughter!

I live near Miami and the weather is great right now!!!

 

[DetTigsGal]

My Sister and Brother-in-law suggested Basin White as well. Since she has a 21 year old sister, so she loves lotions and potions.

It is so nice to see "2 days until our next vacation" especially while it is pouring rain here in CT!

Tom

I love basin... it is such a treat to spend time there.
It is pouring here...but that's ok because my team is going to the World Series!

Safe travels and I hope it is a magical vacation, looking forward to hearing your thoughts after.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

It is pouring here...but that's ok because my team is going to the World Series!

Safe travels and I hope it is a magical vacation, looking forward to hearing your thoughts after.

Thanks -- keep rubbing it in and we will trade you A Rod! I will see if I can figure out how to post from my iPhone (I just got it Saturday, so I'm certain my niece will be the picture poster, not me.)

Thanks everyone for all the guidance and suggestions -- I'm certain I won't be online here tomorrow so I will check back when I am in the 407!

Tom

 

[BCV23]

Tom, have a truly Grand trip. Be sure to check out Summer Lace on the first floor for your niece's gift. Lots of choices including those Dooney wristlets. Like others, I love Basin White. I always ship some bath bombs home. If you have an AP, there is a discount. An even larger DVC discount is available.

Cali-D, thanks for the photos. Can't wait to see the building as it's finished.

Jungle Cruiser, I hope you are feeling better.

CoachBagFanatic, on your plans. Our DD is like your son, a huge fan of Narcoossee's.

to all the rest of the GF Gals and Guys.

 

[jillmc40]

Thanks -- keep rubbing it in and we will trade you A Rod! I will see if I can figure out how to post from my iPhone (I just got it Saturday, so I'm certain my niece will be the picture poster, not me.)

Thanks everyone for all the guidance and suggestions -- I'm certain I won't be online here tomorrow so I will check back when I am in the 407!

Tom

Have a wonderful time Tom!!! I have issues posting pictures with my new IPhone as well...Of course your niece could probably teach you in 5 seconds!

 

[MommyGina]

Tom - have a great time at the Grand!!! Can't wait to hear what building you were in and how you liked it. Safe travels.

 

[pas130]

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

Thanks -- keep rubbing it in and we will trade you A Rod! I will see if I can figure out how to post from my iPhone (I just got it Saturday, so I'm certain my niece will be the picture poster, not me.)

Thanks everyone for all the guidance and suggestions -- I'm certain I won't be online here tomorrow so I will check back when I am in the 407!

Tom

Have a GRAND trip Tom!!! SAFE TRAVELS!!!!!

to all the rest of the GF Gals and Guys.

Back at ya!!!

jungle cruiser, coachbagfanatic, k&a&c'smom, butterflygirl...anyone I misses...my apologies...

Thanks to all for the updates, pics new & old!!! I am behaving and staying away from GF next month..Sugarloaf is no longer available so it's easier..and luckily RPC only with rack rate....GF will have to wait for the Pas clan until 2013 or 2014

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 and pas, good to see you!

CoachBagFanatic - I get you regarding the Narcoossee's pick, sounds like Citricos will have to wait for another time.

Wow, photo #5 makes it look so much bigger than the original GF to me. I keep thinking about all of those new people on the same old monorail.

I had the same thought about the monorail. I know with BLT opening at the Contemporary it seemed like there was an influx of people (others have said BLT has a similar number of units to what the North Wing had, but those 2 bedroom villas do sleep 9 afterall...) so I don't know if a solution would be more watercraft service, a dedicated watercraft for the GF and another for the Polynesian, or if the rumored walking path to the MK would be enough to offset (it seems like it'd be a long walk! except, at park close, it'd still be the quickest option I bet).

As to the picture, I agree it looks large. In person, though, I didn't think it looked quite that dominating. We really need to see it once the full roofline is in place. Fingers cross it compliments the other buildings.

I have wondered about the monorail as well. To me, the addition of BLT has had an impact on the number of people using the monorail - we seem to always end up in a long line waiting whenever we visit the CR. In the past, it seemed easier, but that might be a biased view.

Thanks so much for the photos! Does it look as though the zero entry is being added to the Big Pine end of the pool? What used to be the deep end? That would make the entire pool barely chest deep for us and DD and I are short!

I have a 9 going on 19 daughter.. LOL.. She LOVES Basin white... (But my daughter is a diva in particular)... You could also surprise her with a nice gift basket from there... Basin White has amazing products..

I agree, Basin White sounds like a good choice, along with the D&B wristlet. Tom, my DD has one of the wristlets, and I think it was around $45-$50, if that helps.

There is a list of in-room amenities, like chocolate strawberries, truffles, etc. on the first page. I used to order the strawberries for my daughter, and I know others have ordered from Disney Florist for their girls. Some very nice things there, and they will customize a basket for you if that is your desire.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks so much for the photos! Does it look as though the zero entry is being added to the Big Pine end of the pool? What used to be the deep end? That would make the entire pool barely chest deep for us and DD and I are short!

It's hard to tell in the picture, but when I was looking at it while there, I figured it was going to be on this end (closer to Conch Key/end of Boca Chica) where the stairs used to be, the orange-ish blocks? I would have expected to see more of an "expansion" but its hard to tell until some more progress is made.

The slope over toward Big Pine Key, I think they used that to move machinery in/out as they were filling in the deep end, aka my favorite section of the pool...

I still have hopes that between the villas and the rock/slide area of the beach pool they'll put in a 'deeper' leisure pool. Quite doubtful it will happen, but I can dream!