A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[mariamouse]

So does anyone know how likely it is that the VGF will be open by January 2014?

I read on the DVC board that the villas will start going on sale in May/June. Is this the same thing as DVC owners being able to book specific dates? What has typically been the time lag between a new DVC property's going on sale and the property actually opening its doors to guests?

Thanks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse, I hope someone familiar with DVC will come along to answer your questions. If BCV23 pops in, she can help, I'm quite sure. I am clueless when it comes to the details for DVC.

I'd love to know the answers, too, so I hope anyone who has a good idea, has heard a rumor, or has the inside scoop can give us some info.

sydneysmom, I couldn't have said it better! Your trip will be here before you know it!

 

[Tink rules]

There is speculation that the fence that is there now is not the permanent one.

Sort of like when they put the carpeting down while they worked on the floors...

 

[Sue M]

Does the Grand Floridian have a dedicated shuttle from the airport for their guests only?

The time I used the DME it was shared with Poly, GF, CR & WL. But there were only around 6 families on the bus.

 

[BCV23]

mariamouse, last I looked the DVC site still said the villas would open late in 2013. I have seen speculation on the boards that construction appears to be behind but that is truly speculation. Who knows.

I can tell you BCV went on sale on 2/3/2002 and opened in early July of that year....7/1 I think. My younger son and I walked through BCV the morning it opened although we were actually flying home that day. I know BCV opened for sales on 2/3 as that it part of the reason I chose my DIS name. It stood for that date as well as our family (2 parents, 3 children). I have rued that name choice but I digress.

In the past, when a new property went on sale, dates were set for booking. Those who had purchased the new property had first shot at booking. All other DVC owners could try not too much later. It seems to be it has not been much of a lag...maybe a week or two? There are people on the DVC boards who have much more knowledge than I about the history of DVC openings.

 

[sydneysmom]

sydneysmom[/b], I couldn't have said it better! Your trip will be here before you know it!

I sure hope so! Because I'm way too excited to sleep!! But I do remember when my ticker was 565 days, so we are for sure getting close now!! So close... I can taste a Mickey ice cream bar!

Off topic a bit, I just want to thank you so much for doing such an amazing job on this thread... it's truly because of this thread that we tried the GF in the first place...and because of this thread that we can't go anywhere else! But seriously, it's such a wealth of information and you do such a great job. and everyone on here is just so wonderful and helpful. It's fun to be a part of this group!!

 

[BCV23]

Off topic a bit, I just want to thank you so much for doing such an amazing job on this thread... it's truly because of this thread that we tried the GF in the first place...and because of this thread that we can't go anywhere else! But seriously, it's such a wealth of information and you do such a great job. and everyone on here is just so wonderful and helpful. It's fun to be a part of this group!!

Well said, sydneysmom! k&a&c'smom does a terrific job. And it is a great group here. Everyone is positive and helpful with no cliques! Love it!

 

[mariamouse]

mariamouse, last I looked the DVC site still said the villas would open late in 2013. I have seen speculation on the boards that construction appears to be behind but that is truly speculation. Who knows.

I can tell you BCV went on sale on 2/3/2002 and opened in early July of that year....7/1 I think. My younger son and I walked through BCV the morning it opened although we were actually flying home that day. I know BCV opened for sales on 2/3 as that it part of the reason I chose my DIS name. It stood for that date as well as our family (2 parents, 3 children). I have rued that name choice but I digress.

In the past, when a new property went on sale, dates were set for booking. Those who had purchased the new property had first shot at booking. All other DVC owners could try not too much later. It seems to be it has not been much of a lag...maybe a week or two? There are people on the DVC boards who have much more knowledge than I about the history of DVC openings.

Thank you so much for the helpful info (as always)! Based on your BCV experience, it sounds like it would not out of the question for the VGF to open by late 2013 if it does go on sale within the next couple of months. We likely do not want to stay in the villas in Jan 2014 anyway, but was just curious if we could expect those extra guests at the resort then.

That is such a nice story about your username (despite your regrets)! Trust me-- I completely relate. I created my username when I joined at age 11 and, twelve years later, I think it is the cheesiest thing ever. Wish I could change it without losing all of my past posts!

Well said, sydneysmom! k&a&c'smom does a terrific job. And it is a great group here. Everyone is positive and helpful with no cliques! Love it!

Agreed!! Such a friendly chilled-out group of posters on here. That's why I keep coming back even when we are not planning a stay at the GF!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

There is speculation that the fence that is there now is not the permanent one.

Sort of like when they put the carpeting down while they worked on the floors...

Ooh, interesting! I hope this is true, and they plan on installing a less conspicuous fence. I have to confess, it sort of stands out like a sore thumb, to me.

The time I used the DME it was shared with Poly, GF, CR & WL. But there were only around 6 families on the bus.

How long ago was your experience? I ask because I will be using DME in a couple weeks and wonder what resorts are on the route now.

I didn't post earlier, but one night when we got in very late (nearly midnight) we had CR/Poly/GF, but also the Port Orleans resorts - so 4 stops before getting to the Grand! I know it was due to the low number of guests on the bus, but it was still frustrating, we were tired and just wanted to get in our room.

I sure hope so! Because I'm way too excited to sleep!! But I do remember when my ticker was 565 days, so we are for sure getting close now!! So close... I can taste a Mickey ice cream bar!

... everyone on here is just so wonderful and helpful. It's fun to be a part of this group!!

Wow, that was a long wait! I can't imagine planning for so many months, I have a hard time waiting 3 or 4. I am impressed.

Thank you so much for the sweet words, and I agree, everyone here is wonderful and so knowledgeable.

Well said, sydneysmom! k&a&c'smom does a terrific job. And it is a great group here. Everyone is positive and helpful with no cliques! Love it!

Thank you so much for the helpful info (as always)! Based on your BCV experience, it sounds like it would not out of the question for the VGF to open by late 2013 if it does go on sale within the next couple of months. We likely do not want to stay in the villas in Jan 2014 anyway, but was just curious if we could expect those extra guests at the resort then.

That is such a nice story about your username (despite your regrets)! Trust me-- I completely relate. I created my username when I joined at age 11 and, twelve years later, I think it is the cheesiest thing ever. Wish I could change it without losing all of my past posts!



Agreed!! Such a friendly chilled-out group of posters on here. That's why I keep coming back even when we are not planning a stay at the GF!

Thanks to you both for your kind words. It IS a great group here, I'm so glad to be a part of it.

I had to quote your response to BCV23, our resident DVC expert. I knew she would have the answer if anyone did. We are so lucky to have her years of experience to help us navigate this new phase of the Grand Floridian! Can't wait for her first stay in the VGF, so we can get a review.

I laughed at both your comments regarding usernames, I kick myself for mine. I had never posted on a message board and had NO idea I (and everyone else) would have to type this silly thing over and over and over. My DIS friends from way back shortened it to kacsmom - why I didn't think of that, I don't know.

 

[Tink rules]

This is the fence they installed over by the spa...

 

[WDWOswald]

Checking into the grand floridian on Saturday.

Please let me know if there is anything you want photos of or any questions you have about things happening on property. I'd be happy to help!

 

[WDW1970]

Thanks, Cali-D, what great info! I went to the link, but need to take some time to read the disclaimer page before I commit. I will look it over in a bit.

I wonder why they chose to eliminate a planned extra bathroom? I'm sure people will be disappointed, an extra bath is an exciting prospect for most families.

WDW1970 - to the DIS!!

After the change in room categories a few years ago, it became more difficult to figure out what rooms WDW considered lagoon and which they felt were theme park view. I assume there are some lagoon view rooms in each of the outer buildings (except Sugar Loaf) but I don't know that for sure.

I believe some of the BPK-end rooms in Boca are considered lagoon, simply from posts of returning guests. If the view of the MK is totally blocked in any room facing the lagoon, that room should be a lagoon view, IMO.

All of the photos of the lagoon views from BPK have the DVC construction featured pretty prominently, so each guest will have to decide if it will mar the view of the Poly to the extent they prefer another room. For me, I'd much rather have a garden view room, as the views of the resort are so pretty. I felt that way even without the construction, btw.

I have never seen a room layout diagram like the one for WL. From what I gather, the WL layout was provided to a DISer who was friends with someone high up at the resort years ago. There are some diagrams for a few other resorts on a website called DisneyZone, but the Grand isn't one of them. I know the layouts for Y&BC on that site are a bit outdated at this point, but it still gives some insight as to where you might end up.

Thanks for the welcome and information k&a&c'smom!!

For anyone that has recently stayed in a Big Pine lagoon view room how was the construction in your opinion? While I am sure it would be better once the construction is complete does it overwhelm the view or is it still a great view given lagoon/poly "to the left".

Thanks!!

 

[MommyGina]

Checking into the grand floridian on Saturday.

Please let me know if there is anything you want photos of or any questions you have about things happening on property. I'd be happy to help!

Please check out the refillable mugs. What do they look like. I think many of us are hoping to have new ones this year. They have been the same for two years now. Most of all, have a wonderful time and a safe trip! Send pictures if you can!

 

[dreamcruiser]

The fence (possibly being a temporary one) referred to in the above posts...is it the one around the CY pool being referred to?

10 more days and we're checking in!!! Just cannot wait!!

 

[Sue M]

k&a&c'smom 2010 when we stayed at Poly. We flew in late afternoon, and had a short 5 min wait for DME. They're were only around 6 families on the bus. After everyone was on we left for wdw. And it was just the MK area resorts for the drop offs. We were the only ones getting off at Poly.

We rarely use DME coming in because we usually fly into Lauderdale to visit family first, then drive up to wdw, but this trip we did it in reverse, so flew into MCO.

I was very pleased with DME. No waiting on bus for more people, that some report, and when we arrived, we went to our room to chance into bathing suits for a did into the pool, then when we got back to our room our luggage was there. We were gone not even an hour.

Our other trip we flew in, jan 2012 for WL stay we used DME too, and again, only MK resorts on bus.

I'm really surprised that there was a POR drop off on your DME. It must have been a fluke.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the photo, Tink rules - I like that fence much better. I'd rather have no fence, but one that looks like the photo would be prettier than the utility look of the one there now.

I wish they had used a natural fencing, like taller shrubs, or at least camouflaged the fencing like they do at AKL.

Checking into the grand floridian on Saturday.

Please let me know if there is anything you want photos of or any questions you have about things happening on property. I'd be happy to help!

One more day, woohoo!! Safe travels, have a Grand vacation!

If you think of it, you might check if the new courtyard pool still has ping pong. I can't see the table in any of the photos, but it's possibly relocated.

The fence (possibly being a temporary one) referred to in the above posts...is it the one around the CY pool being referred to?

10 more days and we're checking in!!! Just cannot wait!!

Yes, we've been discussing the new fence around the courtyard pool. The photo Tink rules posted is from the GF spa.

Ten more days, woohoo!!

k&a&c'smom 2010 when we stayed at Poly. We flew in late afternoon, and had a short 5 min wait for DME. They're were only around 6 families on the bus. After everyone was on we left for wdw. And it was just the MK area resorts for the drop offs. We were the only ones getting off at Poly.

We rarely use DME coming in because we usually fly into Lauderdale to visit family first, then drive up to wdw, but this trip we did it in reverse, so flew into MCO.

I was very pleased with DME. No waiting on bus for more people, that some report, and when we arrived, we went to our room to chance into bathing suits for a did into the pool, then when we got back to our room our luggage was there. We were gone not even an hour.

Our other trip we flew in, jan 2012 for WL stay we used DME too, and again, only MK resorts on bus.

I'm really surprised that there was a POR drop off on your DME. It must have been a fluke.

Yes, it absolutely was a fluke, as the driver was asked if he could take the guests on the PO route and he popped his head in and said we'd be making a detour. I know it was due to the late hour, but I'm sure everyone was tired and having two extra resorts in the Epcot area wasn't happy news.

Thanks for describing your experience! We've used ME 3 or 4 times, and each time it has been slightly different. Twice we had to sit on the bus and wait for more guests to board - seemed they were waiting for a bus load, if you know what I mean. Once, we headed off right after boarding.

It's a great option if you prefer not to rent a car - and as you say, the luggage service is convenient.

 

[Tink rules]

they are waiting for the new fence to arrive...

 

[mariamouse]

they are waiting for the new fence to arrive...

For the courtyard pool, you mean? If so, any indication as to what the new fence will look like? Similar to the spa fence pic you posted perhaps?

 

[dreamcruiser]

For the courtyard pool, you mean? If so, any indication as to what the new fence will look like? Similar to the spa fence pic you posted perhaps?

Same question here...I'm confused by above posts as to whether it's the CY pool fence or the fence by the spa that is temporary. Either way, I'm eager to learn (in a few days ) whether or not that fence around the pool totally takes away that free-flowing aspect of the grounds of the GF.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Same question here...I'm confused by above posts as to whether it's the CY pool fence or the fence by the spa that is temporary. Either way, I'm eager to learn (in a few days ) whether or not that fence around the pool totally takes away that free-flowing aspect of the grounds of the GF.

Tink rules has posted the courtyard fence is rumored to be a temporary one, and the permanent fence is ordered. She posted a photo of the spa fence for reference of what the rumored courtyard pool fence might look like. That's the way I took it, anyway.

Like you, I can't wait to get there and see everything in person.