The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[mmmears]

Hi mmmears! I was looking at all your summer resorts in your signature and it looks like you have quite a trip planned! I can't wait to hear all about it! Yes, I have decided to pinch pennies and save for next year. My DD's dad is taking her to WDW for April vacation, but who says I can't take her in February? I'm sure she won't mind!

Hi lissiesmum! We decided to go again this year since we have APs and not go next year. And I couldn't decide where to stay, so we're staying all over the place. I think I'll really miss the Poly, though. We've been goin back and forth on this one, but I'm not changing our reservations AGAIN!

mmmmears You really do have quite a trip planned! Looking foward to hearing all about it...we have never even done a split stay...but it is in the cards for us in the future...just two resorts though...I dont think I am organized enough to do three!!!

Hi BlueSkies! We always do split-stays (it's hard enough for me to narrow it down to 2 resorts -- I could never choose just one), but I've never tried 3 before. We may be so tired of moving that I'll regret it, but I like being on the monorail, I like being at the Epcot resorts (and DD wants to swim in SAB), and I couldn't go back to WDW and not stay at AKL. So 3 it is! We also got really bored of the food in the Poly lounge since we were there for a week (only a couple of the dinner items changed from day to day), so this way we'll have different food for each part of our trip. (All 3 are CL and I'm feeling a little spoiled).

 

[BarleyJack]

Hello Grand Floridian Experts! We are laid back, casual type folk, would we feel out of place at the GF? We visited there on our last trip just to look around and it seemed so...fancy, frilly, fru fru....but beautiful at the same time. I guess what I'm saying is.....is the GF relaxed and casual enough for one to feel relaxed in? I know everyone is different, but I just don't want to look out of place coming in in a sweaty t shirt and shorts after a day in the parks, if I'm making any sense LOL.

 

[Scott MC]

So, I got nervous today and called Disney. I had originally asked for a marina view at Conch Key. The more I thought about it, I thought that I'd rather be looking at the Grand itself, so I called and asked that my request be changed to Boca Chica with a GV and not behind the poolhouse that the Unofficial Guide warns about. Hopefully this will work out in August!

 

[BlueSkies]

BarleyJack I would describe the GF as casual elegance...when you are coming back from the parks at the end of the day in a sweaty t shirt and shorts so will everyone else!

And lucky you at the end of that day can sit in the beautful lobby and enjoy the painist or band and just relax...

It really is such a nice resort to stay at!

Scott MC You are going to love that view in Boca Chica...its just grand!

hill6 No pics yet...dont feel bad there are lots of us that are photo challanged around here...

mmmears three CLs!!! Good for you..vacation is the time for a little spoiling isnt it!! Hope you will be able to keep track of where you are staying...we wouldnt want you to get confused and end up pool hopping!!!!! JK

 

[Maxie86]

Hello Grand Floridian Experts! We are laid back, casual type folk, would we feel out of place at the GF? We visited there on our last trip just to look around and it seemed so...fancy, frilly, fru fru....but beautiful at the same time. I guess what I'm saying is.....is the GF relaxed and casual enough for one to feel relaxed in? I know everyone is different, but I just don't want to look out of place coming in in a sweaty t shirt and shorts after a day in the parks, if I'm making any sense LOL.

From one laid back causal type folk to another, we feel very relaxed at the GF. We just got back from a wonderful week at the GF. Spent lots of time just relaxing and listening to the music in the lobby. It is not fancy ,frilly, fru fru, or stuffy. As BlueSkies said, everyone else will be dragging their sweaty t shirts and shorts back at the end of the day too. When you see someone dressed up, they are either going to dinner at V&A or a wedding. The GF does have lots of weddings. Everyone else is very casual, just like any other Disney resort.

HI BlueSkies Don't you have a trip coming up soon.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi Maxie! We are counting down!! Nothing like Florida in the summer...

 

[mmmears]

Hello Grand Floridian Experts! We are laid back, casual type folk, would we feel out of place at the GF? We visited there on our last trip just to look around and it seemed so...fancy, frilly, fru fru....but beautiful at the same time. I guess what I'm saying is.....is the GF relaxed and casual enough for one to feel relaxed in? I know everyone is different, but I just don't want to look out of place coming in in a sweaty t shirt and shorts after a day in the parks, if I'm making any sense LOL.

We've stayed at the GF 3 times and loved each visit. We're not fancy, fru-fru people -- we just enjoy staying at nice resorts when we travel. And as for feeling strange in theme-park attire, I don't, especially since everyone else there is in the same. It's more elegant than the other resorts, but somehow, it's in a relaxing way. When you sit in the lobby and listen to the live music in the evenings, it's so pretty and relaxing.

So, I got nervous today and called Disney. I had originally asked for a marina view at Conch Key. The more I thought about it, I thought that I'd rather be looking at the Grand itself, so I called and asked that my request be changed to Boca Chica with a GV and not behind the poolhouse that the Unofficial Guide warns about. Hopefully this will work out in August!

Sounds great! We had a marina room once in Sugar Loaf, and I think I would have preferred a room facing inward, towards Boca Chica. I didn't know what to request at the time, so I just took what they gave us. The views from Boca Chica of the quiet pool, the gardens, and the victorian buildings are lovely.

mmmears three CLs!!! Good for you..vacation is the time for a little spoiling isnt it!! Hope you will be able to keep track of where you are staying...we wouldnt want you to get confused and end up pool hopping!!!!! JK

I just have to make sure I remember to check out in the morning!

From one laid back causal type folk to another, we feel very relaxed at the GF. We just got back from a wonderful week at the GF. Spent lots of time just relaxing and listening to the music in the lobby. It is not fancy ,frilly, fru fru, or stuffy. As BlueSkies said, everyone else will be dragging their sweaty t shirts and shorts back at the end of the day too. When you see someone dressed up, they are either going to dinner at V&A or a wedding. The GF does have lots of weddings. Everyone else is very casual, just like any other Disney resort.

Very well said! I like seeing the wedding parties all dressed up, but it doesn't make me feel out of place. We see that all the time in Hawaii and we're in our swimsuits & goggles there.

 

[BlueSkies]

Maxie I love your new ticker!!!!! DCL might never be the same...

 

[Maxie86]

Maxie I love your new ticker!!!!! DCL might never be the same...

I'm sure it won't be.

I have to plan another trip to the GF too before then. It is too long to wait. Maybe I'll do a split stay in Oct. Poly-GF, or maybe next spring.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Does anyone know the depth of the beach pool?

It's not too deep. It starts out zero entry by the beach and is probably 4 feet (or alittle over) at its deepest by the pool slide.

 

[BlueSkies]

It's not too deep. It starts out zero entry by the beach and is probably 4 feet (or alittle over) at its deepest by the pool slide.

Thats what I thought too....about 4 feet...how about the courtyard pool I think that one is about 6 feet at its deepest point...

 

[mmmears]

Thats what I thought too....about 4 feet...how about the courtyard pool I think that one is about 6 feet at its deepest point...

Sounds about right to me, too. There's nowhere in the waterfall pool where I can't stand comfortably, but I know that there are parts in the courtyard pool where it has to be at least 6 feet deep.

 

[BelleNBeastLUVMM2]

Love the DIS boards and love the GF thread. We're DVC members and have stayed with our points at YC annually for the past 15 years but this July we're staying at GF and no matter how much Disney we know, there's always more to learn. Anyways, reading your posts about the Disney Crocs; here's a website for Disney Crocs and jibbitz http://www.surfanddirt.com/nofear/d...ame=Disney+Crocs&dept_id=6396&WT.svl=deptnav2

So looking forward to our 1st trip to DW as GF residents. It makes the excitement revamp like our early years at Disney. Counting the days like a 50 year old kid!

 

[BCV23]

Love the DIS boards and love the GF thread. We're DVC members and have stayed with our points at YC annually for the past 15 years but this July we're staying at GF and no matter how much Disney we know, there's always more to learn. Anyways, reading your posts about the Disney Crocs; here's a website for Disney Crocs and jibbitz http://www.surfanddirt.com/nofear/d...ame=Disney+Crocs&dept_id=6396&WT.svl=deptnav2

So looking forward to our 1st trip to DW as GF residents. It makes the excitement revamp like our early years at Disney. Counting the days like a 50 year old kid!

Welcome to the GF FAQand thanks for the link.

Do you also use points at the DVC resorts?

I agree with everyone else. The beach pool is probably 4' and maybe 8 or 10 inches at its deepest. All of the newer pools at WDW seem to be rather shallow.

 

[Calissto31]

I can't wait I extended my trip to the GF and now we will be getting there on July 2nd for our 1yr wedding anniversary. My husband has never stayed there so it is a surprise. Will definitely make sure I post when I get back.

 

[BlueSkies]

BelleNBeast Thanks for the crocs link! Enjoy your first GF stay!

Calissto31 What a great place to spend your first anniversary...and what a nice surprise...have you planned any special events to help celebrate your anniversary...any special dinners?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hi lissiesmum.

The campfire and movie at the GF are new this year so I don't think anyone knows the answer to that yet. Even a concierge would only be guessing. The campfire/movie are year round at Y&BC/BCV though so perhaps if it's a success at the GF/Polynesian the same will be true. Time will tell I guess.

Hi BCV Wow, a campfire and movie at the GF? That is great to hear! Looking forward to experiencing that one!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hello Grand Floridian Experts! We are laid back, casual type folk, would we feel out of place at the GF? We visited there on our last trip just to look around and it seemed so...fancy, frilly, fru fru....but beautiful at the same time. I guess what I'm saying is.....is the GF relaxed and casual enough for one to feel relaxed in? I know everyone is different, but I just don't want to look out of place coming in in a sweaty t shirt and shorts after a day in the parks, if I'm making any sense LOL.

I think you are going to love the GF! I was telling a coworker today who is going down about how relaxing the resort is after returning from a busy day at the parks, and pretty much described your situation! Be sure to experience everything, and don't worry about being under dressed, the resort attire is very casual!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Here are some room pics, we were in Sago Cay room 5409.

That's it for now...I will try to post a few more a little later.

Loralie

Stunning photos! Really enjoyed seeing them, I haven't had that particular view before, and never thought about actually being able to see over to the courtyard pool!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Just got back from a great trip to the GF. Our room was absolutely amazing, direct theme park view in Sago Cay. Loved the privacy of the building and yet how close it was to Gasparilla's. Very peaceful location. One gripe, if I could find one, was how crowded the courtyard pool is everyday. You could never find a chair in the afternoon and there were towels everywhere. NO ONE cleans up after themselves. C'mon people, it takes two seconds to scoop up your towels. Not to mention it seemed like there were more towel returns than trashcans so no excuses not to clean up. New favorite drink at the pool bar is the Pina Co'lava. Pina Colada with raspberry puree and Bacardi Razz Rum. Delicious! Had two great meals at Narcoossee's, too. Overall, a great trip to the GF. Okay, picture time:

View from my room

Continue with the pix with another post..

Misti! Great pictures! I had that same room a few years ago, for the 4th of July no less! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! And it looks great with some renovations! Sounds like you've been doing well. Oh, and I must say, I am a HUGE fan of the Pina Colava too, as well as the Mellon Colada!