A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[jillmc40]

I'm not sure I'd want to request Big Pine right now - it overlooks the DVC construction on the lagoon side and the courtyard pool construction on the garden view side. If you have garden view, I think I'd request Sago Cay or Conch Key marina view. With a Conch Key request, you still have a chance of getting the courtyard construction view, so I might ask for Sago.

Ugh, I am so bad at last minute decisions. I always pick the EXACT wrong thing I was thinking close to the Poly walk way, beach pool and the main building. Where is the Alice play area? It is hard to tell from the pictures since I have never stayed there before.

I may just stay there, I am sometimes fascinated with construction (I know, I am weird)...Maybe they will give me extra coffee since I am being a construction trooper Oh, that reminds me...They have a little fridge in all the rooms, correct? What about to go cups for coffee in the room...I take my coffee drinking very serious!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Marina view is not an upgrade so don't worry about that. We've had gardenview rooms overlooking the marina in Conch Key and Sago Cay and haven't been able to see the MK. Love that location though even when there is no construction.

Forgot to add the other day that the prints with the sand pails are by David Doss. We have a numbered giclee print of his from the Art of Disney store in Epcot. Ours is of Mickey and Minnie in lounge chairs on the Polynesian beach with a Tiki and a pail that reads Disney's Polynesian resort. Love his work.

Thanks BCV23-I didn't realize they were the same category. I've been doing a collection of Larry Dotson resort prints -- I actually started liking his stuff when I bought one in Maui years ago -- now, I try to get one of his small prints each stay, eventually they will be a DW wall of remembrance at the beach house.

Tom

 

[BCV23]

Thanks BCV23-I didn't realize they were the same category. I've been doing a collection of Larry Dotson resort prints -- I actually started liking his stuff when I bought one in Maui years ago -- now, I try to get one of his small prints each stay, eventually they will be a DW wall of remembrance at the beach house.

Tom

What a great idea. I like his things, too, but we don't have any.

jillmc40, I enjoy watching the progress of construction, too. Two of us anyway. Yes, there are small refrigerators in the dressers. No to go cups last I knew. There are ceramic mugs to enjoy the coffee in your room or balcony. The Alice play area is by the Beach Pool. Sort of between it and Big Pine Key if I'm interpreting the photos correctly.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

jillmc40 - Big Pine isn't a bad choice if you want to be near all those things, I simply wanted you to be aware. I know what you mean about last minute choices, I get menu anxiety and blurt out the wrong thing to the waiter. BCV23 is exactly right, the splash zone is between the Summerhouse landing and beach pool - I think you can see that area on the map on page 1.

KonaKaiTom - We finally had a room in Sago last year and enjoyed the view very much. It faces the GF rather than MK on that side, so it's unlikely you'll have a MK view, but maybe they will upgrade! It's a bit out of the way from the pools, but right now that's a good thing and you would be close to the bus stop.

Here are photos of our marina view in Sago, 2nd floor:

Looking right, Sugar Loaf and Main Building, marina

Straight ahead, Conch Key left, Sugar Loaf right

Conch Key behind the trees!

And here are photos of the view out the back side of Sago Cay, looking at the monorail:
Left, looking toward the Convention Center

Straight ahead

Looking toward the MK

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Forgot to add the other day that the prints with the sand pails are by David Doss. We have a numbered giclee print of his from the Art of Disney store in Epcot. Ours is of Mickey and Minnie in lounge chairs on the Polynesian beach with a Tiki and a pail that reads Disney's Polynesian resort. Love his work.

Thanks for the info. We love the prints of the resorts, I need to start paying more attention to the art all over the World. I'm so forgetful, we aren't big on buying souvenirs in general but I love that type of thing. Something you can put in your home to remind you of your travels.

 

[jillmc40]

BCV23 - Thank you about the fridge and cups!

My brother just informed me he is coming for one night while we are there. The night of the Halloween party. He is going to surprise my DD5. She is going to be so excited (Tom - you have a rival for best uncle ). He is not on my hotel reservation. Can I leave a key for him at the front desk and he can go to the room and drop his stuff before coming to the party? I already have my friend on the reservation because she is coming one day too. They will both have cars as well but he just needs to leave his at the hotel, no in and out. Can he just park it in the lot and leave it until the next morning when he goes to the airport? We are leaving in 9 days...

 

[KonaKaiTom]

BCV23 - Thank you about the fridge and cups!

My brother just informed me he is coming for one night while we are there. The night of the Halloween party. He is going to surprise my DD5. She is going to be so excited (Tom - you have a rival for best uncle ). He is not on my hotel reservation. Can I leave a key for him at the front desk and he can go to the room and drop his stuff before coming to the party? I already have my friend on the reservation because she is coming one day too. They will both have cars as well but he just needs to leave his at the hotel, no in and out. Can he just park it in the lot and leave it until the next morning when he goes to the airport? We are leaving in 9 days...

Jill -- that will be a wonderful surprise for your daughter!! Now, I must buy a puppy and have it delivered to room?

Tom

 

[jillmc40]

So, I guess I will just have to hope I entertain her during the MNSSHP with a costume that won't have her cringe to be seen publically with me.

Good luck with that! My DD told me she would be embarrassed if I dressed up for Halloween. I'm assuming same goes for MNSSHP

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Tarzan in a loincloth it is!

Tom

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

*snipped by me*

I know, we so often have a plan to pick up a missed souvenir, but get busy and forget. I hate that we missed out on all the GF pillows.

Wait a sec...... PILLOWS? Oh do tell me about the pillows.

 

[jillmc40]

Awesome! See, my brother was only going to be a pirate...he will never top you!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Tarzan in a loincloth it is!

Tom

Lol..

I don't think they would let you in the park!!!

 

[Tink rules]

They sold the surplus pillows from the beds. I have this one.

here

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KonaKaiTom - I'm giggling over your MNSSHP costume.

My college-age DD got a black Lab mix last year, it was supposed to stay about 45 pounds. Of course, she is 18 months old and 75 pounds so far. She's here with my 18 pound Cavalier, they have a big day of chase.

*snipped by me*


Wait a sec...... PILLOWS? Oh do tell me about the pillows.

They sold the surplus pillows from the beds. I have this one.

here

Tink, they also sold those in Sandy Cove! I'm so jealous you have one, I kept meaning to get that one and the Alice tea cups pillow. BCV23 has one of the GF in needlepoint - I vaguely remember seeing it, too, but didn't grab one. My only excuse is my ignorance of shipping items home back in the day. I can't claim that for the prints, though.

I always assumed I'd have another shot at it, I do hope they bring back the needlepoint pillows someday.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Been busy enjoying WDW, but I finally got the Children's Water Play area pictures from my daughter. I don't know if someone already posted them, I am shamelessly behind, my excuse is relaxing at WDW!

And of course, being the GF right now there had to be a crane in the picture!

K&a&c'smom, though of you Sunday night as we relaxed in the lobby and listened to Christian

 

[dipastor]

All the pics you guys have posted are amazing. I feel justified in the choice to stay at the Grand and not move to Beach Club or Yacht Club. I love the views earlier of the marina. I will try for that view or similar one. I think my three kids will love the splash area! I'm obsessed (kids are too) We have only been talking Disney the last few weeks. 30 days till vacation. I can't wait... Disney Take me awaaaaayyyyyyy! Now.. if I can only find someone to go on Tower of Terror with my 7yo. Mom is afraid of rides and Dad doesn't want to go on it ever again.

di.

 

[Tink rules]

Check on ebay for the pillows... they come up from time to time.

& the new water feature... clangs alot... I think we need to get some duct tape and foam rubber and stop that thing!!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Lol..

I don't think they would let you in the park!!!

Probably not, the ladies would be too distracted!


Tom

 

[BCV23]

Tink, they also sold those in Sandy Cove! I'm so jealous you have one, I kept meaning to get that one and the Alice tea cups pillow. BCV23 has one of the GF in needlepoint - I vaguely remember seeing it, too, but didn't grab one. My only excuse is my ignorance of shipping items home back in the day. I can't claim that for the prints, though.

I always assumed I'd have another shot at it, I do hope they bring back the needlepoint pillows someday.

I actually have all three...the golden "a Dream" that Tink has, the teacups and the needlepoint all purchased at Sandy Cove some years back. I didn't realize the needlepoint pillow was no longer offered. Too bad. Love Disney shipping.

BCV23 - Thank you about the fridge and cups!

My brother just informed me he is coming for one night while we are there. The night of the Halloween party. He is going to surprise my DD5. She is going to be so excited (Tom - you have a rival for best uncle ). He is not on my hotel reservation. Can I leave a key for him at the front desk and he can go to the room and drop his stuff before coming to the party? I already have my friend on the reservation because she is coming one day too. They will both have cars as well but he just needs to leave his at the hotel, no in and out. Can he just park it in the lot and leave it until the next morning when he goes to the airport? We are leaving in 9 days...

As I'm sure you know, there is an extra charge for more than two adults. It's been years since we've had this situation, but the way we handled it then (at the suggestion of a CM) was to wait until checkin to add the adult who wouldn't be there for the entire stay. He can leave his car overnight as long as either you or he request a parking pass. Sounds like great fun.

& the new water feature... clangs alot... I think we need to get some duct tape and foam rubber and stop that thing!!

Uh, oh. Can the clangs be heard with the sliding door closed?

Doggy daycare really involves opening the door, throwing out a toy into the backyard and enjoying a cup of coffee while my Kona chases their Grace for the next 45 minutes. He never picks it up, even if it is one of his favorites, he much prefers chasing his older sister while she runs for her life.

After that, you let them back in the house where they proceed to sleep for the next two hours, then repeat the process above. It is quite entertaining.

Tom

We have an 80 lb black lab who adores romping with his litter mate who lives next door. Co much fun to watch as you said.

Probably not, the ladies would be too distracted!


Tom

 

[BCV23]

Jungle Cruiser, thanks for sharing the photos. Hope you are having a perfectly wonderful trip.