A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[Mrsdonaldduck]

We are heading to the GF tomorrow and I just had to say
Thank you to all of you! You have been so helpful and
I am glad I found this board!!!!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

We are heading to the GF tomorrow and I just had to say
Thank you to all of you! You have been so helpful and
I am glad I found this board!!!!

Have a great time!! And please keep us posted!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks so much for the link to the acronyms - Much appreciated. Yes, it is our first time at GF (I'm learning!). Previously we have stayed at CSR, FW, Poly, YC, Dolphin, and POR. Can't wait, even with the construction, to be in the elegant GF!

Glad to help. Any questions, ask away.

We are heading to the GF tomorrow and I just had to say
Thank you to all of you! You have been so helpful and
I am glad I found this board!!!!

One more sleep, woohoo!! Safe travels and have a Grand vacation.

 

[KB24]

guys how believable are the refurb dates quoted on the disney site?

if the pool is going to be closed we want to switch.

not that we would use the pool in december, but frosted windows/construction is not okay when youre paying what the gf charges for a room

 

[k&a&c'smom]

guys how believable are the refurb dates quoted on the disney site?

if the pool is going to be closed we want to switch.

not that we would use the pool in december, but frosted windows/construction is not okay when youre paying what the gf charges for a room

Welcome! December is a wonderful time to be at the Grand!

I don't think anyone knows how close they'll be to their projected opening dates for any of the construction. It's the plan, but it will be affected by weather, availability of materials, etc. just like when you have work done on a home project.

You have two options - switch now, or wait until closer to your trip and see how far the construction has progressed.

 

[MommyGina]

k&a&c'smom- you have wished us all a good trip and now I am wishing you a good trips as well! I am so excited for you and for all who are traveling to the GF soon. Safe travels and I can't wait to hear how the construction is progressing.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Thanks! We are getting close, I would probably be more excited but Sunday/Monday DD and I have to drive to St. Louis to pick up DS's car - he and his fiance are moving to our town next week. With that little chore before our trip, it's hard to concentrate on vacation. Not to mention my excitement over having another chick back in the nest (or nearly so).

I'll have to set aside my normal last minute packing habit and try to get some things done over the weekend. CoachBagFanatic, are you reading this?!

Have a great time!!! So much excitement! That is awesome...
Enjoy your weekend

 

[mariamouse]

k&a&c'smom- you have wished us all a good trip and now I am wishing you a good trips as well! I am so excited for you and for all who are traveling to the GF soon. Safe travels and I can't wait to hear how the construction is progressing.

Have a wonderful time!

I second this-- have a magical time!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

k&a&c'smom- you have wished us all a good trip and now I am wishing you a good trips as well! I am so excited for you and for all who are traveling to the GF soon. Safe travels and I can't wait to hear how the construction is progressing.

Have a wonderful time!

I second this-- have a magical time!

Aww, thanks! Very sweet of you both.

Have a great time!!! So much excitement! That is awesome...
Enjoy your weekend

It is an exciting weekend - which is why I'm having a hard time concentrating on just the trip. Lucky, I guess, I don't have to count down to our flight. Today we had to run up to KC to buy some flooring for a room renovation, while I'm trying to get laundry done and sorted for packing. I'm glad I have Early Bird Check In for our flights, one less thing to remember.

Thanks for the well wishes, it is much appreciated.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Aww, thanks! Very sweet of you both.



It is an exciting weekend - which is why I'm having a hard time concentrating on just the trip. Lucky, I guess, I don't have to count down to our flight. Today we had to run up to KC to buy some flooring for a room renovation, while I'm trying to get laundry done and sorted for packing. I'm glad I have Early Bird Check In for our flights, one less thing to remember.

Thanks for the well wishes, it is much appreciated.

Oh wow... You are superwoman!!!

A lot to do in such a short time!

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

Aww, thanks! Very sweet of you both.



It is an exciting weekend - which is why I'm having a hard time concentrating on just the trip. Lucky, I guess, I don't have to count down to our flight. Today we had to run up to KC to buy some flooring for a room renovation, while I'm trying to get laundry done and sorted for packing. I'm glad I have Early Bird Check In for our flights, one less thing to remember.

Thanks for the well wishes, it is much appreciated.

Ooooooo have a wonderful trip and safe travels!

 

[samlab25]

Hi everyone!

We've stayed at the Grand Floridian a few times before, but never in the main building. We typically stay Beach Club concierge lagoon view as we love the pool and access to both Epcot and Hollywood studios via walking.

We are looking at a Deluxe King Main Bldg Club Level for our visit 11/29-12/4. We have an 11 year old son and two adults. We would obviously need a room with the daybed for him, and I really like a balcony. I understand the two possible views are the spa and theme park. Obviously knowing there is construction going on, I would prefer a Theme Park view (who wouldn't). My question is twofold: how bad will construction be if we're overlooking the spa/new Grand Floridian and will GF make sure we are in a room with a daybed since there are three guests? Not sure if the room is really big enough for a rollaway and we like being comfortable. Also, do the king deluxe's with balconies have a daybed or are they configured without a daybed if they have a balcony? Lastly, has GF replaced the bedding with duvets yet, or are there will bedspreads? One of the pluses to the Beach Club concierge are the duvets and no more scratchy bedspreads and blankets?

Sorry for all the questions, I just wanted know know what I was getting into before I book. I am rarely lucky with rooms, so I'd most likely end up with king, no daybed, no balcony overlooking construction and I'd really like to avoid a few of those possibilities. Thanks for your help!

 

[AudreyLovesTheMouse]

I just booked my first GF stay for next August! I was talking to "the mouse" regarding our annual WL trip this week, and found out that I could book the trip and modify if I get the Bounce back offer that's usually in my room. So, it's booked and my daughter (a teen) and I are over the moon! We decided to resist the park hopper, because we figured that would assure that we plan more time to enjoy the hotel. So, I'd like to know the special things that go on at the GF throughout the day. I'm sure you GF veterans know all the cool stuff!
Please keep in mind that we're not CL ($$$), but we'd rather be standard for the full 7 nights than shorten our stay.
Thanks in advance!
Did I mention I'm sooo happy?!!!

 

[tnkrbl289]

I just booked my first GF stay for next August! I was talking to "the mouse" regarding our annual WL trip this week, and found out that I could book the trip and modify if I get the Bounce back offer that's usually in my room. So, it's booked and my daughter (a teen) and I are over the moon! We decided to resist the park hopper, because we figured that would assure that we plan more time to enjoy the hotel. So, I'd like to know the special things that go on at the GF throughout the day. I'm sure you GF veterans know all the cool stuff!
Please keep in mind that we're not CL ($$$), but we'd rather be standard for the full 7 nights than shorten our stay.
Thanks in advance!
Did I mention I'm sooo happy?!!!

You are absolutely going to love it! My daughter and I are planning on going next year in August with her two sons and myself. Son-in-law is not a real Disney person like we are. We just love the Grand!!!!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I just booked my first GF stay for next August! I was talking to "the mouse" regarding our annual WL trip this week, and found out that I could book the trip and modify if I get the Bounce back offer that's usually in my room. So, it's booked and my daughter (a teen) and I are over the moon! We decided to resist the park hopper, because we figured that would assure that we plan more time to enjoy the hotel. So, I'd like to know the special things that go on at the GF throughout the day. I'm sure you GF veterans know all the cool stuff!
Please keep in mind that we're not CL ($$$), but we'd rather be standard for the full 7 nights than shorten our stay.
Thanks in advance!
Did I mention I'm sooo happy?!!!

Awesome! I am waiting for my first visit to GF and then hopefully I can answer your post better But I am sure some GF veterans here will be able to answer! Regardless.. .WELCOME!!

We are going for the first time in 11 days!! So excited

 

[tobin04]

I just booked my first GF stay for next August! I was talking to "the mouse" regarding our annual WL trip this week, and found out that I could book the trip and modify if I get the Bounce back offer that's usually in my room. So, it's booked and my daughter (a teen) and I are over the moon! We decided to resist the park hopper, because we figured that would assure that we plan more time to enjoy the hotel. So, I'd like to know the special things that go on at the GF throughout the day. I'm sure you GF veterans know all the cool stuff!
Please keep in mind that we're not CL ($$$), but we'd rather be standard for the full 7 nights than shorten our stay.
Thanks in advance!
Did I mention I'm sooo happy?!!!

You will love it! We have stayed Club Level and in a standard room, and both were wonderful!

I'll be interested to hear what people have to say about the special things that go on. When are you going? We were there the week before Christmas and the lobby was decorated SO nice! The gingerbread was awesome. That was definitely special.

I also love to shop at the bath store upstairs in the main building.

We also enjoy walking over to the Poly and walking around. DH loves sushi so he gets that and we eat in Captain Cook's at the Poly.

 

[AudreyLovesTheMouse]

I had no idea you could walk over to the Poly. That's great.
We'll be there the last week of Aug 2013. This year (in 4 days) we're at WL.

 

[AudreyLovesTheMouse]

Butterfly...
I hope you have a great trip (of course you will). If you find out any "not to be missed" things at the GF, please let me in on the secrets.

 

[phyllis1966]

The walk to the Poly is lovely, especially at night when the tiki torches are lit. We usually walk there for breakfast at Kona one morning, and walk back from dinner at Kona one night.

As far as doings and happenings, there are kids' activities every afternoon by the beach pool (DD is 13 now, so that's out!), and every night (I think) they show movies by the courtyard pool. Other than that, I don't know of any special activities during the summer - maybe someone who has visited recently can tell us more.

A mother-daughter spa day would be nice. They have facials, leg and foot massages, reflexology, manicures, pedicures, etc. I'm not a full-body massage person, but the leg and foot massage and reflexology are 2 things I've tried, and they were heavenly...easier on the pocketbook, too!

Have a great time!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Butterfly...
I hope you have a great trip (of course you will). If you find out any "not to be missed" things at the GF, please let me in on the secrets.

Thanks

I will keep you posted