A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[Cadyrose]

So excited to be going back to GF in 49 days!

We were there for a short 3 night trip in December and got amazing pixie dust for our kids! We were celebrating our daughter's birthday and on our first day they loaded the room with presents! She got a stuffed Minnie, coloring book, crayons, balloons and a signed birthday card...they did all the same for my son with a stuffed Mickey and a signed welcome card! And when we thought that was all too much the next day, the GF CM delivered a chocolate heart shaped box filled with homemade M&Ms from the GF staff.

We know that it probably will not be recreated but are still excited to go back, this time celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. Even better is our first night, we are celebrating with dinner at Victoria and Albert's.

We also got a fantastic deal with the agency that shall remain nameless..wondering how many more Dis'ers will be there with too...

 

[BlueSkies]

So jealous! And of course very happy for you and your family.

Can't wait to hear details!

Dd and I won a DREAM HOUR at HS back when it was year of million dreams. We won at 2pm and had to wait all day to see what a dream hour was. We had one of the first ones. It was dd at 11 on our 1st mom and me trip. People wonder why I go back all the time but it stuff like this that keeps us coming back

FYI the dream hour was a rock concert in the Indy jones theatre and then Mickey and Minnie came out to tell us park getting cleared out and we could ride any ride as many times as we wanted for one full hour. We did 4 TOT's and 6 RR"s . Literally ran full speed from ride to ride cause no one there to tell us no!

Really was a great memory.

Sure wish I was at the GRande today!

Wow!! What great memories!

So excited to be going back to GF in 49 days!

We were there for a short 3 night trip in December and got amazing pixie dust for our kids! We were celebrating our daughter's birthday and on our first day they loaded the room with presents! She got a stuffed Minnie, coloring book, crayons, balloons and a signed birthday card...they did all the same for my son with a stuffed Mickey and a signed welcome card! And when we thought that was all too much the next day, the GF CM delivered a chocolate heart shaped box filled with homemade M&Ms from the GF staff.

We know that it probably will not be recreated but are still excited to go back, this time celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. Even better is our first night, we are celebrating with dinner at Victoria and Albert's.

We also got a fantastic deal with the agency that shall remain nameless..wondering how many more Dis'ers will be there with too...

How nice... I bet the kids were so excited..There is something so special about celebrating at the GF..and at WDW!

MickeyNut Just sayin HI!!

To those lucky enough to be at the GF today.. appledown..DetTigGal... Waiting patiently ?? ..LOL... to hear about todays celebrations..

 

[mickeynut1]

Dd and I won a DREAM HOUR at HS back when it was year of million dreams. We won at 2pm and had to wait all day to see what a dream hour was. We had one of the first ones. It was dd at 11 on our 1st mom and me trip. People wonder why I go back all the time but it stuff like this that keeps us coming back

FYI the dream hour was a rock concert in the Indy jones theatre and then Mickey and Minnie came out to tell us park getting cleared out and we could ride any ride as many times as we wanted for one full hour. We did 4 TOT's and 6 RR"s . Literally ran full speed from ride to ride cause no one there to tell us no!

Really was a great memory.

Sure wish I was at the GRande today!

Disney's a great place to begin with, but it's surprises like this that makes it even better .

So excited to be going back to GF in 49 days!

We were there for a short 3 night trip in December and got amazing pixie dust for our kids! We were celebrating our daughter's birthday and on our first day they loaded the room with presents! She got a stuffed Minnie, coloring book, crayons, balloons and a signed birthday card...they did all the same for my son with a stuffed Mickey and a signed welcome card! And when we thought that was all too much the next day, the GF CM delivered a chocolate heart shaped box filled with homemade M&Ms from the GF staff.

We know that it probably will not be recreated but are still excited to go back, this time celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. Even better is our first night, we are celebrating with dinner at Victoria and Albert's.

We also got a fantastic deal with the agency that shall remain nameless..wondering how many more Dis'ers will be there with too...

What a great memory to have.....I'm sure both your DD and DS will remember that for a long time to come .

MickeyNut Just sayin HI!!

Hi Blue .

 

[trishadono]

So excited to be going back to GF in 49 days!

We were there for a short 3 night trip in December and got amazing pixie dust for our kids! We were celebrating our daughter's birthday and on our first day they loaded the room with presents! She got a stuffed Minnie, coloring book, crayons, balloons and a signed birthday card...they did all the same for my son with a stuffed Mickey and a signed welcome card! And when we thought that was all too much the next day, the GF CM delivered a chocolate heart shaped box filled with homemade M&Ms from the GF staff.

We know that it probably will not be recreated but are still excited to go back, this time celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. Even better is our first night, we are celebrating with dinner at Victoria and Albert's.

We also got a fantastic deal with the agency that shall remain nameless..wondering how many more Dis'ers will be there with too...

Glad to hear they are still doing that! Ds back in 2006 turned 8 at the GF and got a toy red wagon full of stuff like a pen, autograph book, snacks etc.

 

[DetTigsGal]

So, the ceremony was very nice. We stood on the 2nd floor rail and looked down. Victorian Mickey and Minnie were escorted in by some"heritage "cms. A little speech by the general manager and singing of Happy Anniversary. About 10 minutes in total.

 

[trishadono]

So, the ceremony was very nice. We stood on the 2nd floor rail and looked down. Victorian Mickey and Minnie were escorted in by some"heritage "cms. A little speech by the general manager and singing of Happy Anniversary. About 10 minutes in total.

That's sweet! Dd loves Minnie and would have liked to have seen a Victorian one. Thanks for letting us know.

Enjoy the rest of your trip

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

So, the ceremony was very nice. We stood on the 2nd floor rail and looked down. Victorian Mickey and Minnie were escorted in by some"heritage "cms. A little speech by the general manager and singing of Happy Anniversary. About 10 minutes in total.

That would have been so cool to see! Glad you thought it was very nice! I have a 10th anniversary pin somewhere but I can't remember if there was actually a celebration.

 

[MagicPrincess]

Hi everyone,
We are back from our GRAND vacation! Had a wonderful time!

Sugarloaf was wonderful! We were on the go from morning to night, but made time for the lounge. Wonderful offerings all day long. I will add, the lounge did fill up a few times, but we had no problem taking our food up to our room to enjoy on the balcony. The CM's were happy to offer a tray if need be. Also, I did overhear the one CM say to another guest they are happy to get you anything you would like to drink throughout the day. They were so nice to our children, and offered them extra treats at night and when it was time to clean up.

My only complaint would be that they don't keep the snacks and water/coffee/tea out until the parks close. We would get back so late, a glass of water or ice tea sounded much better than pop/soda.

A few notes that are asked often:

*There were no bottles of water- only a glass container with spout to fill cups.
*The construction was nothing. I only heard a little bit of pounding over by the beach pool, and it was really nothing to be upset about.
*The waterfall was working, as was the slide.
*you can still go on the beach
*If your room is not ready when you go to check in, and they ask for your cell phone number- be sure to go back and check if you don't get a text or call. We waited and waited...they said they called- never received it. The cell service is a little spotty on site.

I am sad that our trip was over in a flash. I am trying to talk DH into another one in a few years!

I will check in later if anyone has any other questions!

 

[MagicPrincess]

At turndown service tonight , they placed a square 25th anniv chocolate, limited edition buttons and an invitation to the 25th anniv ceremony at 4pm - even the cm's don't know what exactly is going on. They also left a voice message inviting us.

How awesome! We left Saturday and were wondering when they were going to celebrate their anniversary!

 

[BlueSkies]

So, the ceremony was very nice. We stood on the 2nd floor rail and looked down. Victorian Mickey and Minnie were escorted in by some"heritage "cms. A little speech by the general manager and singing of Happy Anniversary. About 10 minutes in total.

How cool! Lucky you that you were there to see it!

I have a 10th anniversary pin somewhere .

Me too! It is a pretty white enamel pin...a 15th too...now adding the 25th to the collection!

Hi everyone,
We are back from our GRAND vacation! Had a wonderful time!

Sugarloaf was wonderful! We were on the go from morning to night, but made time for the lounge. Wonderful offerings all day long. I will add, the lounge did fill up a few times, but we had no problem taking our food up to our room to enjoy on the balcony. The CM's were happy to offer a tray if need be. Also, I did overhear the one CM say to another guest they are happy to get you anything you would like to drink throughout the day. They were so nice to our children, and offered them extra treats at night and when it was time to clean up.

My only complaint would be that they don't keep the snacks and water/coffee/tea out until the parks close. We would get back so late, a glass of water or ice tea sounded much better than pop/soda.

A few notes that are asked often:

*There were no bottles of water- only a glass container with spout to fill cups.
*The construction was nothing. I only heard a little bit of pounding over by the beach pool, and it was really nothing to be upset about.
*The waterfall was working, as was the slide.
*you can still go on the beach
*If your room is not ready when you go to check in, and they ask for your cell phone number- be sure to go back and check if you don't get a text or call. We waited and waited...they said they called- never received it. The cell service is a little spotty on site.

I am sad that our trip was over in a flash. I am trying to talk DH into another one in a few years!

I will check in later if anyone has any other questions!

Thanks for your review and tips too! Glad that you enjoyed SL..and made the most of the lounge offerings! They used to have individual 8oz water bottles..but did away with them quite some time ago..We miss having them available too...

 

[beautifultomorrow]

We had an amazing honeymoon at Grand Floridian in 2011, now I am super excited to be returning with the whole family in a 2-bedroom villa Oct. 31-Nov.6. Can't wait to stay in the new building!

 

[Mousemommy1]

How cool! Lucky you that you were there to see it!



Me too! It is a pretty white enamel pin...a 15th too...now adding the 25th to the collection!



Thanks for your review and tips too! Glad that you enjoyed SL..and made the most of the lounge offerings! They used to have individual 8oz water bottles..but did away with them quite some time ago..We miss having them available too...

Just as an FYI, the Epcot resorts do provide 20 oz. bottles of water to take to the parks. It would be nice if the GF did the same.

 

[Syndrome]

Anyone know what kind of beer and wine they have available in Sugarloaf ? Just wondering

23 sleeps until Sugarloaf ........... getting close now !

Thanks,
Syndrome

 

[MommyGina]

Anyone know what kind of beer and wine they have available in Sugarloaf ? Just wondering

23 sleeps until Sugarloaf ........... getting close now !

Thanks,
Syndrome

I remember the beer was Sam Adams and Heineken. I'll search my pictures to see if I have photos of the wine bottles.

 

[Syndrome]

I remember the beer was Sam Adams and Heineken. I'll search my pictures to see if I have photos of the wine bottles.

Thanks !

Syndrome

 

[AudreyLovesTheMouse]

HI !!!
I have a GF stay coming up at the end of August... SO EXCITED.
I was wondering if GF guests are able to participate in the Fastpass+ trial. If so, do you find out when you check in at the desk? Anyone out there lucky enough to have tried it?

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi everyone,
We are back from our GRAND vacation! Had a wonderful time!

I am sad that our trip was over in a flash. I am trying to talk DH into another one in a few years!

Glad you had a great stay . I hope you are able to get back to the GF again soon.

We had an amazing honeymoon at Grand Floridian in 2011, now I am super excited to be returning with the whole family in a 2-bedroom villa Oct. 31-Nov.6. Can't wait to stay in the new building!

Congrats on booking a villa....they look beautiful. I'm sure you'll have a very magical trip .

 

[MommyGina]

Found a picture of a bottle of wine. It is Mirassou. It is a red wine. Also available are white wines and blush wines. Champagne was available too last year.

 

[MagicPrincess]

Anyone know what kind of beer and wine they have available in Sugarloaf ? Just wondering

23 sleeps until Sugarloaf ........... getting close now !

Thanks,
Syndrome

Sugarloaf served Champagne every day. Last week I overheard one CM mention that you can ask for champagne in the mornings for mimosas, too!

I skipped the champagne each day because it tends to give me a headache, add in the extreme heat- not a good combo! I did however enjoy a glass or 2 of chardonnay each evening! They also had a pinot noir and a blush/zin.

The beer selections were Yuengling light, Heineken, Bud Light, Sam Adams Summer Ale, Mich Ultra.

 

[MagicPrincess]

HI !!!
I have a GF stay coming up at the end of August... SO EXCITED.
I was wondering if GF guests are able to participate in the Fastpass+ trial. If so, do you find out when you check in at the desk? Anyone out there lucky enough to have tried it?

We did not get to participate in the trial but we did see another family on the monorail with their wrist bands on. I really wanted to try it- they seem so much easier than pulling out those cards to enter the parks and pay for stuff.