A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[jillmc40]

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.

I actually didn't know it was a charge for more than 2, I thought it was 3, thanks for telling me! I just thought it was silly to put all these people on the room if they were only staying one night, since they are different nights. Ok, I'll figure it out.

Tom - What is your niece going to be? How old is she again? I have a Cinderella costume you can borrow

 

[jillmc40]

Thanks Jill, she is just turning 14. I have no idea, she says she has a costume and I will see it there. My sister and brother-in-law will definitely inspect it prior as she would not be allowed out of the house in anything inappropriate.

Tom

14....Worst year of my life! I was so awful! That's great that she wants to spend time with her Uncle at Disney at that age. PS - My brother has french mastiffs and keeps threatening to send us a puppy because my kids love them so much. Our cats are the only thing from stopping him!

How is the wi-fi at the hotel? I have heard a mixed bag and would like to get away with only bringing my IPad. Worst case I can turn my phone into a hotspot I guess...

Thank you for the pictures of the play area...Now I see beach pool in the background. It looks like so much fun!

 

[BCV23]

I actually didn't know it was a charge for more than 2, I thought it was 3, thanks for telling me! I just thought it was silly to put all these people on the room if they were only staying one night, since they are different nights. Ok, I'll figure it out.

Tom - What is your niece going to be? How old is she again? I have a Cinderella costume you can borrow

Jill, since you will only have two adults at a time, I don't think there will be a charge for a third adult. Maybe call WDW and ask or explain your situation to the CM at checkin?

Tom, where's the love for Chewbacca?

 

[WDWKOOK]

From the latest AllEars Newsletter:

Grand Floridian Chef Jack Butler shares details on the new menu items at the Beach Pool Bar: The menu now includes: Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad with Red Onion Vinaigrette; Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad; Crab Cake Sandwich; Citrus Chicken Salad Sandwich; 1/3-lb. Angus Cheeseburger; Grilled Vegetable Focaccia; Roast Beef on Sunflower Bread; and Chicken Breast Nuggets.

 

[Ame4]

I'm new to the boards and am not familiar with the layout of GF. We will have a garden view room and will be traveling with my 70 year old mother. I'd appreciate suggestion about room requests. Thanks!

 

[sndral]

I'll add my which building question as well, someone up thread mentioned being asked re: location when they did online check in, as I love looking @ water (but not pools) would 'marina view' sago or conch key be a good request for a GV room? Unlike you construction aficionados, I'd rather not have a front row seat on the construction (plus I stay on west coast time, which means I sleep in when on vacation on the east coast and don't want a construction alarm clock equivalent.)
Plus, I'll confess, I just wanted to see my ticker count down - although I'm actually arriving @ GF 3 days earlier than the ticker shows, I haven't updated it to show the added 3 night GF stay before the original longer YC stay.

 

[jillmc40]

I agree, they are adorable pups, but we are not home enough for a dog...that's what I keep telling myself anyway!

I am on an app so I can't see the pp but someone just posted a picture of a marina view and it really looked pretty.

Jill

 

[dipastor]

I'll add my which building question as well, someone up thread mentioned being asked re: location when they did online check in, as I love looking @ water (but not pools) would 'marina view' sago or conch key be a good request for a GV room? Unlike you construction aficionados, I'd rather not have a front row seat on the construction (plus I stay on west coast time, which means I sleep in when on vacation on the east coast and don't want a construction alarm clock equivalent.)
Plus, I'll confess, I just wanted to see my ticker count down - although I'm actually arriving @ GF 3 days earlier than the ticker shows, I haven't updated it to show the added 3 night GF stay before the original longer YC stay.

We had the same question a while back. We are definitely going to try for Sago or Conch Key. They seem like the best bet away from DVC Construction. I'm not sure how the Gasparilla's Grill construction will affect outer buildings (prob. not). You can see from maps of property at beginning of this thread, Marina view looks nice. There are also some pictures posted from views of Sago (I think... or Conch) on the Grand Floridian Construction thread. We also requested (via travel agent) to be away from construction. Not sure if that helps when checking in. Have a nice stay!

 

[dipastor]

We had the same question a while back. We are definitely going to try for Sago or Conch Key. They seem like the best bet away from DVC Construction. I'm not sure how the Gasparilla's Grill construction will affect outer buildings (prob. not). You can see from maps of property at beginning of this thread, Marina view looks nice. There are also some pictures posted from views of Sago (I think... or Conch) on the Grand Floridian Construction thread. We also requested (via travel agent) to be away from construction. Not sure if that helps when checking in. Have a nice stay!

Sorry SNDRal... I meant page 91 of this thread... there are some pics of Marina.

 

[cgulls]

I'm new to the boards and am not familiar with the layout of GF. We will have a garden view room and will be traveling with my 70 year old mother. I'd appreciate suggestion about room requests. Thanks!

Hello. Here is a map of GF's layout.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/GFMap.pdf

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I'm going to request a Sago marina view first choice with Conch being my second choice. Thanks everyone for the guidance and suggestions. 3 weeks to go and I will be in WDW!!!!!

Tom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - I think you have the best excuse for falling behind on the boards (enjoying WDW)! Thanks for the photos.

Too bad DD and I couldn't be there enjoying the music along with you.

BCV23 - I thought you had all three pillows, but remember the needlepoint one specifically. I've been on the watch for that pillow, I keep hoping it will return.

Ame4 - Welcome to the DIS!! Congrats on your first trip to the Grand, I hope you love the resort even with all the construction.

With a garden view, you could have a pool view (courtyard pool, under construction for the next few months), marina view or a view out the back of Sago Cay of landscaping and the monorail. When is your trip? If it is soon, I would request Sago Cay marina view, as it is away from the courtyard construction. I posted photos of the marina and monorail views a couple pages back.

sndral - we just did a YC/GF split, great trip!

I think Conch Key or Sago Cay, marina view would be a good request for the near future. When you check in, discuss your assignment with the CM and request again to be facing the marina.

dipastor - good point about the Gasparilla's construction. Not sure how that will be as it progresses, but someone (cgulls?) posted a link to photos that show it is only a sign on the door at this point. Hopefully it remains as unobtrusive, but in any case, if you get a marina view that is on the lagoon end of Conch or Sago, you probably won't have much impact. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

pas130 - I agree, watching from the couch is nice. I do like seeing some movies on the big screen, especially the big action/adventure movies.

KonaKaiTom - I know what you mean, DD's Lab sometimes visits other Labs in town and they chase each other around at top speed until they can't run any longer. Then sleep for two days.

 

[sndral]

Sorry SNDRal... I meant page 91 of this thread... there are some pics of Marina.

Hello. Here is a map of GF's layout.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/GFMap.pdf

Yep, it was lurking in this thread and seeing those photos posted plus the info. that garden view included marina view that led me to study the map and decide Sago and Conch were probably the places to request - previously I hadn't really intended to request anything.
Thx. for the help.

 

[cgulls]

Good morning all,

If you had to choose one, Citricos or Narcoosees?

Will be me, wife, daughter 15, son 13, daughter 8 (very well behaved). The dinner will be too early to watch Wishes from the table so that's not a consideration. We all have different food tastes, but I would value your opinions.

Thanks!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

I debated between the two and made ADR for Narcoosees. But purely subjective matter of taste -- I'm a fisherman, so seafood first choice always.

Tom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

And since he has been neutered -- no worries about any offspring to support!!! I really love my dog!

Tom

Awww. We are crazy about our dogs, too.

Yep, it was lurking in this thread and seeing those photos posted plus the info. that garden view included marina view that led me to study the map and decide Sago and Conch were probably the places to request - previously I hadn't really intended to request anything.
Thx. for the help.

You are most welcome!

Good morning all,

If you had to choose one, Citricos or Narcoosees?

Will be me, wife, daughter 15, son 13, daughter 8 (very well behaved). The dinner will be too early to watch Wishes from the table so that's not a consideration. We all have different food tastes, but I would value your opinions.

Thanks!

Such a tough choice. For many years we ate at Narcoossee's each trip, rarely at Citricos simply due to the menu. After having a couple great meals at Citricos, we usually eat at both.

The two have a different feel; Citricos is quieter, a bit more upscale and refined, but not too much so. Great food and service. Narcoossee's is more like a Florida seafood house, with cloth table linens and great wine. Right on the water, so you can look at Seven Seas Lagoon and the Castle. We've had wonderful food and service here, too - but I stay away from the surf & turf, it can be tough.

If I had to choose only one, it would probably be Narcoossee's simply because we usually choose seafood. We live in a land-locked state! The menu there is a bit longer as well, if that matters.

Good luck, you can't make a bad choice.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Maybe it is because it is cold and pouring rain all day here, but I can't wait to see more of Jungle Cruiser's pictures -- hopefully too busy enjoying the magic to post, but can't wait for the pics as the ones I have seen so far have been amazing!

Tom

 

[jillmc40]

Maybe it is because it is cold and pouring rain all day here, but I can't wait to see more of Jungle Cruiser's pictures -- hopefully too busy enjoying the magic to post, but can't wait for the pics as the ones I have seen so far have been amazing!

Tom

ME TOO! This day is so junky and 5 days just seems like a lifetime away

I have never been to either restaurant...Boo! When the kids are older, I'm all over it!

All this rain today is making me nervous it will rain the whole time we are there...Better find the ponchos! I would only be sad if it rained during the MNSSHP. That would be a bummer!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

ME TOO! This day is so junky and 5 days just seems like a lifetime away

I have never been to either restaurant...Boo! When the kids are older, I'm all over it!

All this rain today is making me nervous it will rain the whole time we are there...Better find the ponchos! I would only be sad if it rained during the MNSSHP. That would be a bummer!

Jill: I just looked at weatherchanel.com - thunderstorms from October 1 - October 6 (40-50% chance each day). So, I say you need to use your magic and make it go away!

They are generally wrong half the time anyhow, so maybe you will only have 1 the entire time there!

Tom

 

[jillmc40]

Jill: I just looked at weatherchanel.com - thunderstorms from October 1 - October 6 (40-50% chance each day). So, I say you need to use your magic and make it go away!

They are generally wrong half the time anyhow, so maybe you will only have 1 the entire time there!

Tom

Florida says rain almost all the time anyway and sometimes it is just a 10 minute thundershower...So I am putting my blinders on and thinking that is what it means