A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[michashell]

I am so excited to stay at the GF with my family for the first time - husband and sons (5 and almost 3). I'm so very amped up that I'm worried that I'm kidding myself about all of the construction. Is it really going to be that bad?

I was bummed about the QS being closed, but there is still going to be an option - just a little farther away if we get the building that we request (Sago Cay). I would be really upset if the monorail was down, but I can't imagine that it would be down during peak hours our entire week long stay. And it's not like if we switch to another monorail resort that we wouldn't be in the same situation.

So as the experts and #1 fans of GF, are you advising friends against staying there this fall? Where else would you direct them with small kids who have parents who like a Deluxe? What about getting a taxi back from the parks? I'm just thinking if we need to get back quickly for an ADR at the resort or a child in need of a nap, is this easy to do?

Thanks so much!!

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

I haven't heard Anything about the monorail being down??

 

[jillmc40]

I am so excited to stay at the GF with my family for the first time - husband and sons (5 and almost 3). I'm so very amped up that I'm worried that I'm kidding myself about all of the construction. Is it really going to be that bad?

I was bummed about the QS being closed, but there is still going to be an option - just a little farther away if we get the building that we request (Sago Cay). I would be really upset if the monorail was down, but I can't imagine that it would be down during peak hours our entire week long stay. And it's not like if we switch to another monorail resort that we wouldn't be in the same situation.

So as the experts and #1 fans of GF, are you advising friends against staying there this fall? Where else would you direct them with small kids who have parents who like a Deluxe? What about getting a taxi back from the parks? I'm just thinking if we need to get back quickly for an ADR at the resort or a child in need of a nap, is this easy to do?

Thanks so much!!

I'm with you...I can't decide if I am so excited to be able to stay there that I am fooling myself about the pool My Mom said we won't be in the pool all that much anyway but I just wanted my first time there to be *perfect* (I know nothing is perfect but I am relatively speaking). I may never get this opportunity again though, so I am going to go with it and if it isn't all roses I will just convince my dh we need to have a redo

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - Good to see you, my friend! Thanks about the YC/GF trip, we can't wait.

I've been thinking the same, the kiddie pool will likely go now there will be a water play area. I hadn't realized a kiddie pool was eliminated at the Poly, seems to agree with the theory.

I agree, a marina view will help alleviate a lot of issues for the next few months. Even the back side of Sago, with its monorail view, might be preferable for some.

michashell - I'm not sure how to answer, to be honest. I have a reservation at the GF for late summer, but we've been to the resort many times and we will be going again when everything is complete. Not the same as someone who is going for the first time, or for a big trip they may not be able to take again.

There's no way around it, there will be massive construction in the middle of the resort when the courtyard pool is worked on, as well as the work at Gasparilla's. I'm not sure I would be able to justify spending top dollar to stay at a resort where so many of the amenities were closed, especially when there are other wonderful resorts that are not under construction at a better price point. You really have to decide what is acceptable, and go with it.

For suggestions - we love most of the deluxe resorts!! The Epcot resorts of Y&BC and BWI are all lovely, I wouldn't hesitate to send friends and family to any of them. AKL is one of our favorites for the unique theming and great ambiance. Nothing like looking out your balcony at giraffes, kudu or zebras! WL is beautiful and fun - there are so many things to do when you add FW to the mix. I do feel WL and AKL are better with a car, the transportation options there are less varied. CR isn't our thing, we don't care much for the look and feel of the resort, but many people love it! The views in the tower are fantastic, whether it's bay or MK, and the walkway to the MK is convenient.

I would normally suggest the Poly, but they may be having major construction, too. Beautiful and relaxing, we always spend time there dining and shopping, even when we stay elsewhere.

Good luck with your choice, I know it's a tough one.

 

[michashell]

I haven't heard Anything about the monorail being down??

It's been happening for the last few months here and there. I don't think it has lasted more than a few days, but it has been reported to be between the hours of 11:00 and 6:00. As a person with little guys who wants to take an afternoon break at the resort, this would be a problem for us.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

It's been happening for the last few months here and there. I don't think it has lasted more than a few days, but it has been reported to be between the hours of 11:00 and 6:00. As a person with little guys who wants to take an afternoon break at the resort, this would be a problem for us.

This information was given out just as the crane work began months ago. As far as I know, there were few, if any, days where the monorail was down for hours at a time. Last I heard (from a monorail CM in May) they now have spotters who, when the crane gets close to the monorail track, go out and physically inspect the site. They stop the monorail if the crane gets close; when the coast is clear, the monorails are put back in motion. This process hasn't caused a full shut down, just moments of being paused on the track.

If any current guests can give their experiences with the monorail, that would be great!

 

[dragonfly57005]

I'm completely ok with no video games at gasparillas. I'd trade that in for a bigger food selection and seating.

I hope they don't take away the baby pool! It is so nice to have a controlled area. The zero depth is great for a slightly older kid to enter the water. I know my time is limited to when I'll need the baby pool but it is so nice without having them wander into the deeper sections.

Even without the monorail you have the boat service.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Does the boat go to the ticket center or diectly to Magic Kingdom entrance?

TIA!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm completely ok with no video games at gasparillas. I'd trade that in for a bigger food selection and seating.

I hope they don't take away the baby pool! It is so nice to have a controlled area. The zero depth is great for a slightly older kid to enter the water. I know my time is limited to when I'll need the baby pool but it is so nice without having them wander into the deeper sections.

Even without the monorail you have the boat service.

I know a lot of people will be disappointed if they do away with the baby pool - we enjoy watching the little ones. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Does the boat go to the ticket center or diectly to Magic Kingdom entrance?

TIA!

The boat launch goes from the GF to the Poly and then to the MK. No stop at the TTC.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Thanks!!

 

[Tink rules]

I'd be thrilled if they'd move the games out of Gaspies... I hate hearing all that noise while eating.

 

[BCV23]

I am so excited to stay at the GF with my family for the first time - husband and sons (5 and almost 3). I'm so very amped up that I'm worried that I'm kidding myself about all of the construction. Is it really going to be that bad?

I was bummed about the QS being closed, but there is still going to be an option - just a little farther away if we get the building that we request (Sago Cay). I would be really upset if the monorail was down, but I can't imagine that it would be down during peak hours our entire week long stay. And it's not like if we switch to another monorail resort that we wouldn't be in the same situation.

So as the experts and #1 fans of GF, are you advising friends against staying there this fall? Where else would you direct them with small kids who have parents who like a Deluxe? What about getting a taxi back from the parks? I'm just thinking if we need to get back quickly for an ADR at the resort or a child in need of a nap, is this easy to do?

Thanks so much!!

I absolutely would recommend the GF this year for any guest whether it be their first trip or 100th. Disney really does a great job of minimizing the impact of refurbs on guests. Gasparilla's plays a very small part in any stay for us. The GF has so many other great dining options that we rarely use Gasparilla's. And you're correct, it's just a bit longer to walk to the beach bar. You have the right attitude. Enjoy the anticipation of a Grand vacation.

I'm with you...I can't decide if I am so excited to be able to stay there that I am fooling myself about the pool My Mom said we won't be in the pool all that much anyway but I just wanted my first time there to be *perfect* (I know nothing is perfect but I am relatively speaking). I may never get this opportunity again though, so I am going to go with it and if it isn't all roses I will just convince my dh we need to have a redo

Another great attitude. Happy planning. And one pool will be open. Hey, it wasn't that long ago that the GF had just one pool. The activity pool is relatively new.

It's been happening for the last few months here and there. I don't think it has lasted more than a few days, but it has been reported to be between the hours of 11:00 and 6:00. As a person with little guys who wants to take an afternoon break at the resort, this would be a problem for us.

The GF (and Polynesian) are so convenient for families who spend a lot of time in the MK but want to return to the hotel for naps or swimming. The little boat goes directly from the MK to GF before going on to the Polynesian. Perfect midday even if the monorail is working normally.

I'm completely ok with no video games at gasparillas. I'd trade that in for a bigger food selection and seating.

I hope they don't take away the baby pool! It is so nice to have a controlled area. The zero depth is great for a slightly older kid to enter the water. I know my time is limited to when I'll need the baby pool but it is so nice without having them wander into the deeper sections.

Even without the monorail you have the boat service.

Sorry, I don't want to start another rumor. We'll just have to wait and see. It wouldn't surprise me though as baby pools just seem to be rare these days. Maybe it's for sanitary reasons or it could be that they give parents a fall sense of security as little ones can drown in them as easily as a huge pool.

So agree about the games.

k&a&c'smom, do you have any dining plans for your GF stay?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - so far, only V&A's! We will probably do breakfast at the GF Cafe and tea, but haven't booked tea yet.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

k&a&c'smom, so excited for your upcoming trip! Is it with your DD? Victoria & Alberts, what a wonderful way to spend an evening. Have you ever been there when Christian, the piano player from the lobby is playing the harp? I know he plays in Victoria & Alberts two nights a week. If he plays the harp like he plays the piano

BVC23

I am also happy those games will be gone from Gaspirillas. Like someone said, they are rarely used, an often only as babysitters for toddlers while the parents eat!

 

[tartemis]

i had read so much over the years about v&a's. not to sound like a jerk, but we (and my parents ESPECIALLY) have done our share of fine dining in and around philadelphia over the years. i really figured v&a's was "disney's version of fine dining." well, i was totally blown away. it is one of the best meals we have ever had in our lives. we were so impressed. i know you already know all tis and have been there before, but just wanted to chime in to say how happy i am for you, it will be a fabulous meal!

I've been on the fence about V&A's for a while for this reason. Does anybody know how it compares to a place like Alinea in Chicago? The fact that it gives you a choice of 3 or so meals per course makes me wonder if it won't be very cohesive.

 

[pas130]

I didn't realize the WL rooms were being rehabbed, I'll have to go take a look. I think you will love the WL, it is beautiful and relaxing, but with so many interesting areas to explore.

It's our first trip there, DH said our kiddos are getting so crazy, it'll be our final solo trip for awhile....we both need it !!!! Kook has some pics of the refurb up at the beginning of her thread

pas130, that's wonderful news!!! It's so hard waiting for test results.

They came a week earlier than expected...SO happy

My kids are excited for the zero entry at the CY pool. Mind you, my DD5 is 39 in tall so this is good for her.....anticipating a AoA/GF split for F&G 2013

junglecruiserNice to see you!

 

[tartemis]

Come on down...

We will be there then.. We had the opportunity to change from SL/Gflo to somewhere else... but love Gflo unconditionally

All of the activities will be there... just have to walk over to the beach pool...

Hands down the best place at WDW...

Thanks. I talked to my family and they all agreed that they want to say at the GF construction or no construction so we will be there!

I just hope it isn't too much of a pain! I will have to check reports frequently as the fall approaches about how the GF is managing. I would bet that the beach pool could get really crowded without the larger courtyard pool. I'm also wondering how quick service dining will work there. Normally, I wouldn't care as I don't particularly care for quick service food, but we have free dining so I don't want it to go to waste. I know you can use it at the parks, but we spend a LOT of time at the resort because the GF is (usually) so wonderful!

 

[red712371]

Does anyone know if while Gasparilla's is closed if they will have self service beverages for the refillable mugs somewhere else?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - we have only managed to hear Chris at the harp once and he was equally as good. It's amazing how he is able to fold his tall frame to get to the instrument. He is our favorite pianist, no offense to the others, they are wonderful but we've chatted with Chris more often.

tartemis - we haven't eaten at Alinea, so I can't compare. V&A's is the best restaurant we've tried, the food is excellent and the presentation is beautiful, the service is outstanding. I can't comment on whether it feels cohesive, as I don't really look at the meal in that way. Each dish stands on its own for me.

If you want an experience where the chef chooses the courses (it may be more what you are looking for, I'm sure Chef Scott does an excellent job) try booking the Queen Victoria room.

I'm glad you and your family have discussed the construction and still want to stay at the Grand, at least you are prepared. I always hate to sway anyone to stay there when they may encounter difficulties - I feel so guilty when they don't have a great time.

I know what you mean regarding spending so much time at the resort, DD and I often spend whole days without going to any park. Hopefully, the QS dining will work out and the beach pool won't be too crowded in October. If you get a marina view in SL, you may not even notice the worst of the construction, as you will only be walking past the walls - not looking down on it from your balcony. We've been during a lot of the refurbs during recent years, and as BCV23 has posted, Disney is great at minimizing the impact.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

It's our first trip there, DH said our kiddos are getting so crazy, it'll be our final solo trip for awhile....we both need it !!!! Kook has some pics of the refurb up at the beginning of her thread


My kids are excited for the zero entry at the CY pool. Mind you, my DD5 is 39 in tall so this is good for her.....anticipating a AoA/GF split for F&G 2013

Your first trip to WL, how exciting to be trying something new. Thanks, I checked out the refurb photos - nice! I still miss the cute wallpaper in the bathroom and dressing area.~sigh~

Does anyone know if while Gasparilla's is closed if they will have self service beverages for the refillable mugs somewhere else?

Welcome! I haven't seen it mentioned, but I imagine they will have it available at the beach pool bar since that is where they are having most of the QS options. Maybe in Mizner's as well, I think it is slated to offer some QS items.