GF or Yacht Club over Labor Day 2012?! please help me decide!

[Phelia325]

so its not a room only deal? we also have AP's, so may not work for us?!?

I'm sorry, i really don't know. we don't have the AP so that's not an issue for us. i just know we can't add dining. maybe email angela and ask?

 

[pigletto]

Do you know if any of the pools will be closed at the GF? That is my only concern. I looked through the GF thread but couldn't get a straight answer. I just figure that it's going to be hot so we are definitely going to be spending time at the pool, and stormalong bay is awesome, but i've never been to GF so i'm not sure how it compares. I know GF is supposed to be very nice but i'm afraid the construction may hamper the experience - hence the reduced rate.

I'm not sure either. From what I am seeing, they should be open. Even if they closed one, there are two large pools.
I don't believe the reduced rate has anything to do with the construction. They are offering it at YC too afterall. All of the recent trip reports during construction that I can find are very positive. Basically people are saying that of course you can notice it, but it hasn't been hampering their enjoyment of the resort at all.
I think we would have stuck with YC because we love that we could walk to two parks from there, as well as have Stormalong Bay. But we have 5 in our party this time and the GF rooms were a bit bigger and we need the space.

 

[pigletto]

so its not a room only deal? we also have AP's, so may not work for us?!?

No, you have to get a minimum of 2 day tickets with the deal and they are not upgradable (meaning you can't save them to use against your renewal rate on the AP. They expire at the end of December.

 

[Phelia325]

I'm not sure either. From what I am seeing, they should be open. Even if they closed one, there are two large pools.
I don't believe the reduced rate has anything to do with the construction. They are offering it at YC too afterall. All of the recent trip reports during construction that I can find are very positive. Basically people are saying that of course you can notice it, but it hasn't been hampering their enjoyment of the resort at all.
I think we would have stuck with YC because we love that we could walk to two parks from there, as well as have Stormalong Bay. But we have 5 in our party this time and the GF rooms were a bit bigger and we need the space.

We have 2 little ones so we are a family of 4...but size isn't a big issue b/c our kids are still young. we are traveling with grandparents who will have their own rooms. we really love the monorail convenience (especially with a double stroller!) but the last two trips have been to the beach club just because the discounts were better. Do the GF pools offer any specific themes? i thought i read that the "beach" at the GF may be closed....what does that mean exactly for pool enjoyment, if anything?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Do you know if any of the pools will be closed at the GF? That is my only concern. I looked through the GF thread but couldn't get a straight answer. I just figure that it's going to be hot so we are definitely going to be spending time at the pool, and stormalong bay is awesome, but i've never been to GF so i'm not sure how it compares. I know GF is supposed to be very nice but i'm afraid the construction may hamper the experience - hence the reduced rate.

Hello. I'm on the GF FAQ thread and wondered if you asked the pool question there and didn't get an answer? Sorry about that, we must have missed it.

If you did get an answer but not specific details - that is due to Disney's policy of guarding their construction timelines as if they were State secrets. No one knows the exact dates for completion of current construction or beginning new construction.

What we do know is that there is construction near the themed (beach)pool right now, but that pool is still open and should remain so for the foreseeable future. DISers who have recently been to the GF were told construction on the courtyard pool will only begin after the beach pool is finished. Not sure if the courtyard pool will close, but sounds like it might due to adding zero entry - I can't imagine they could do this without closing the pool.

The only timeline we've heard so far is major construction for Gasparilla's Grill & Games (expansion, possible removal of the arcade), the courtyard pool and Sandy Cove (casual store for sundries, etc. inside main bldg.) will begin between August and December. When they will start this is anybody's guess right now, as far as I can tell.

We have 2 little ones so we are a family of 4...but size isn't a big issue b/c our kids are still young. we are traveling with grandparents who will have their own rooms. we really love the monorail convenience (especially with a double stroller!) but the last two trips have been to the beach club just because the discounts were better. Do the GF pools offer any specific themes? i thought i read that the "beach" at the GF may be closed....what does that mean exactly for pool enjoyment, if anything?

The beach closure means there is fencing surrounding the beach pool which blocks the view of the lagoon. Other than the palm trees and waterfall at the beach pool, neither pool has a theme. If you would like to see photos, check out post #13 of the FAQ: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2932607

HTH!

 

[bellebud]

I would definitely go w/ the yacht club. If the GF didn't have construction going on, possible views being blocked and a possible pool being closed, I'd consider it. Imagine all the guests trying to use the one pool. I wouldn't like that.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I think that whatever resort you decide you will have a great time! I wish this was for room only too

 

[Phelia325]

Hello. I'm on the GF FAQ thread and wondered if you asked the pool question there and didn't get an answer? Sorry about that, we must have missed it.

If you did get an answer but not specific details - that is due to Disney's policy of guarding their construction timelines as if they were State secrets. No one knows the exact dates for completion of current construction or beginning new construction.

What we do know is that there is construction near the themed (beach)pool right now, but that pool is still open and should remain so for the foreseeable future. DISers who have recently been to the GF were told construction on the courtyard pool will only begin after the beach pool is finished. Not sure if the courtyard pool will close, but sounds like it might due to adding zero entry - I can't imagine they could do this without closing the pool.

The only timeline we've heard so far is major construction for Gasparilla's Grill & Games (expansion, possible removal of the arcade), the courtyard pool and Sandy Cove (casual store for sundries, etc. inside main bldg.) will begin between August and December. When they will start this is anybody's guess right now, as far as I can tell.




The beach closure means there is fencing surrounding the beach pool which blocks the view of the lagoon. Other than the palm trees and waterfall at the beach pool, neither pool has a theme. If you would like to see photos, check out post #13 of the FAQ: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2932607

HTH!

My travel agent called and was told the courtyard pool will be closed over labor day. She said the pool with with the slide will be open - so that's the beach pool i guess.

 

[Phelia325]

Hello. I'm on the GF FAQ thread and wondered if you asked the pool question there and didn't get an answer? Sorry about that, we must have missed it.

If you did get an answer but not specific details - that is due to Disney's policy of guarding their construction timelines as if they were State secrets. No one knows the exact dates for completion of current construction or beginning new construction.

What we do know is that there is construction near the themed (beach)pool right now, but that pool is still open and should remain so for the foreseeable future. DISers who have recently been to the GF were told construction on the courtyard pool will only begin after the beach pool is finished. Not sure if the courtyard pool will close, but sounds like it might due to adding zero entry - I can't imagine they could do this without closing the pool.

The only timeline we've heard so far is major construction for Gasparilla's Grill & Games (expansion, possible removal of the arcade), the courtyard pool and Sandy Cove (casual store for sundries, etc. inside main bldg.) will begin between August and December. When they will start this is anybody's guess right now, as far as I can tell.




The beach closure means there is fencing surrounding the beach pool which blocks the view of the lagoon. Other than the palm trees and waterfall at the beach pool, neither pool has a theme. If you would like to see photos, check out post #13 of the FAQ: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2932607

HTH!

P.S. Thank you!!

 

[Phelia325]

Just an FYI, we went with the GF. I am a bit worried about the pool situation but the convenience of the monorail is a huge plus. And with the discounts offered at monorail resports the last few years, i feel like this may be our only opportunity to stay at the GF. For the price, I feel like we just can't beat it.

 

[mag73]

Just an FYI, we went with the GF. I am a bit worried about the pool situation but the convenience of the monorail is a huge plus. And with the discounts offered at monorail resports the last few years, i feel like this may be our only opportunity to stay at the GF. For the price, I feel like we just can't beat it.

GF is a great choice especially with small kids, the beach pool is nice you won't regret it, and your price is unbeatable, could you please pm me your travel agent info we would love to stay at the GF at that rate

 

[Figment1990]

I think for that price - GF is a great choice! We have stayed there 3 times, the last time in March when they started putting up the walls by the Beach Pool Area. Is the pool experience going to be as good as what you might get at the Yacht Club, probably not. There will be walls and construction for sure, at least nearby. Might your view be impacted, yes, it's possible. And Gasparillas Grill (the quick service place) will be closed as well - though I'm sure they will have quick service offerings somewhere!

As background, we have stayed at GF both during the DVC construction (during one of the 2 weeks they closed the monorail mid-day, nonetheless) and when they were replacing the tile in the lobby and painting the building exteriors. So I'm experienced in GF construction! LOL.

There are still a lot of magical things that you can experience at GF (for a great price!) There are great restaurants that are still supposed to be open - Narcoosee's, Citricos, the Garden View Tea Room - all three are some of my favorites on property.

The live orchestra should still be playing, the cast members will still be smiling, 99% of the shops will be open and bright and cheerful.

There are still beautiful flowers and beautiful white buildings with red roofs. A view of the electric water pageant and the MK fireworks across the lagoon.

The monorail and boats will still be taking you to the MK. As far as I know the monorail is not planned to be down right now. In my experience, yes, it was a big disappointment to arrive and learn they would be shutting it from 11:30-6pm each day of my trip b/c i have a toddler who naps and we planned to go to and from the room during that time. But in the end, we worked it out. And I was paying MUCH more than your rate. The monorail was not down all day every day, to clarify.

And I would also add that I've never seen the actual POOLS so crowded that one pool could not handle the guests. Even in August heat. I know some people have had crowded pools during spring break times, but you should be fine over labor day.

I think you are right to be cautious and know what to expect going in, but you can still have a wonderful stay!!!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Just an FYI, we went with the GF. I am a bit worried about the pool situation but the convenience of the monorail is a huge plus. And with the discounts offered at monorail resports the last few years, i feel like this may be our only opportunity to stay at the GF. For the price, I feel like we just can't beat it.

Because of your thread we changed our dates and will also be at GF labor day weekend!!!! Amazing deal!!

 

[Phelia325]

Because of your thread we changed our dates and will also be at GF labor day weekend!!!! Amazing deal!!

That's awesome!! Did you book through the agency contact that sent?

I'm just working on flights now. I've been watching the past few weeks and today was the cheapest yet.

Once flights are settled my next project is to try to get a rezzie at O'Hana's! My husband says it's not a Disney trip without O'hana's!

 

[Phelia325]

I think for that price - GF is a great choice! We have stayed there 3 times, the last time in March when they started putting up the walls by the Beach Pool Area. Is the pool experience going to be as good as what you might get at the Yacht Club, probably not. There will be walls and construction for sure, at least nearby. Might your view be impacted, yes, it's possible. And Gasparillas Grill (the quick service place) will be closed as well - though I'm sure they will have quick service offerings somewhere!

As background, we have stayed at GF both during the DVC construction (during one of the 2 weeks they closed the monorail mid-day, nonetheless) and when they were replacing the tile in the lobby and painting the building exteriors. So I'm experienced in GF construction! LOL.

There are still a lot of magical things that you can experience at GF (for a great price!) There are great restaurants that are still supposed to be open - Narcoosee's, Citricos, the Garden View Tea Room - all three are some of my favorites on property.

The live orchestra should still be playing, the cast members will still be smiling, 99% of the shops will be open and bright and cheerful.

There are still beautiful flowers and beautiful white buildings with red roofs. A view of the electric water pageant and the MK fireworks across the lagoon.

The monorail and boats will still be taking you to the MK. As far as I know the monorail is not planned to be down right now. In my experience, yes, it was a big disappointment to arrive and learn they would be shutting it from 11:30-6pm each day of my trip b/c i have a toddler who naps and we planned to go to and from the room during that time. But in the end, we worked it out. And I was paying MUCH more than your rate. The monorail was not down all day every day, to clarify.

And I would also add that I've never seen the actual POOLS so crowded that one pool could not handle the guests. Even in August heat. I know some people have had crowded pools during spring break times, but you should be fine over labor day.

I think you are right to be cautious and know what to expect going in, but you can still have a wonderful stay!!!

Thanks! This definitely makes me feel better about the decision! I had sort of planned on a laid back trip b/c it will be so hot but we are traveling with my in-laws who have not been to Disney in years so I suspect we'll be hitting the parks hard and the location along the monorail will be ideal.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

That's awesome!! Did you book through the agency contact that sent?

I'm just working on flights now. I've been watching the past few weeks and today was the cheapest yet.

Once flights are settled my next project is to try to get a rezzie at O'Hana's! My husband says it's not a Disney trip without O'hana's!

Yes I used the agency contact you sent me!! She was great!! We are driving up so no flights needed.... Now I need to change Mermaid Makeover date for DD.

 

[Figment1990]

Phelia325 - would you mind PMing me your contact as well? We don't have a trip planned but for that rate or near it, I'm definitely re-considering.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Well I think we now kow why they are offering that great deal at the Grand...did you see the courtyard pool and quick service restaurant will both be closed

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Has there been talk of the monorail being down now or in August?? Or was that just during your past trips? There is a store that is closed too? Which one?

So even with Gasparillas, the big courtyard pool, and construction/blocked views at the beach pool people are still booking?! I was so upset and regretting it.....

 

[Phelia325]

Well I think we now kow why they are offering that great deal at the Grand...did you see the courtyard pool and quick service restaurant will both be closed

Hmm...i'm not sure the deal is b/c of construction...it's also offered at the YC. and i'm not aware that there is any construction there....although, i could be wrong.