The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[simplymama]

That cake you had made was absolutely amazing. Is the bakery, just a private place where they bake special requests, or is there an actual bakery where you can go in and buy things. If so I've never seen it, but OH I'D LOVE TO.

Yes I have a sweet tooth. My favorite offering in the RPC is those little tarts with fresh fruit on top...MMMMMMMM

Oh and do you have any photos of your view that aren't zoomed in. I love the photos you took. Beautiful they are, but my eyes can't zoom in that way, so would love to see the view as it actually looks from the balcony.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Scott MC - 1. Yes, there is, it is on the second floor. 2. No, not usually. 3. You CAN leave your things, but you do it at your own risk, obviously. And you would want to be sure you didn't stay away too long, and prevent others from using the washer. 4. Yes, you can, here is a price list:

Shirts - $5.50
Pants - $6.50
Socks - $2.00
Undershorts/Panties - $2.00
T-shirts - $4.50
Sweatsuit - $7.50
PJs - $6.00
Undershirts/bras - $2.00
Handkerchiefs - $2.00
Blouses - $5.50
Slips - $4.50
Nightgowns - $6.00
Tennis Shorts - $5.00
Knit Shirt - $5.00


simplymama - the GF bakery is not a store that you can enter and purchase items. It is the resort bakery, where they bake wedding cakes, etc.

 

[praline3001]

That cake you had made was absolutely amazing. Is the bakery, just a private place where they bake special requests, or is there an actual bakery where you can go in and buy things. If so I've never seen it, but OH I'D LOVE TO.

Yes I have a sweet tooth. My favorite offering in the RPC is those little tarts with fresh fruit on top...MMMMMMMM

Oh and do you have any photos of your view that aren't zoomed in. I love the photos you took. Beautiful they are, but my eyes can't zoom in that way, so would love to see the view as it actually looks from the balcony.

Thanks!!!!!

I have about a ZILLION different photos of our view...as soon as I get to them in my trip report I will post any GF photos I have here. I am just going in chronological order for my TR with the photos.

The GF bakery is not a store... you can't walk in and visit. If you would like a special cake call private dining and ask for Pat as she is the one that handles the special orders.

 

[MommyGina]

I just called the GF and talked with a CM named Sam. He told me that he was unaware of any type of construction activity going on at the GF. I asked him if was at the GF. All he said was that he was on-site. Anyway, after being put on hold, me came back on the line and told me that there was on going touch up painting to the buildings. I asked if there were going to be any cranes or lifts outside of my room. He told me again "there will only be touch up painting done on the buildings."

So how is touch up painting on top levels of the buildings going to be done if they don't use some type of lift? I told him I was coming down in three weeks. He couldn't say for sure if the "touch up" would be done by then. No date for finishing.

Just thought I would update all who are going down in the near future.

 

[Scott MC]

I feel your frustration Mommy Gina,
They seem to be very hesitant to admit that anything out of the ordinary is going on. Kim at the front desk (and I'm sure she actually was at the front desk) assured me that the work would be done by 8/19, so if it's not, I'll be sure to ask for the manager and ask why there was misinformation given.

 

[Cntrybear]

A couple of things from my insider - when you call the resort, you are not talking to a cast member at the resort, it is a call center. That's why they say they are "on site" but won't commit to being at the resort. It seems there is quite a bit of referbishment going on there from outside painting to some sort of work on the external stairwells. They also said they are also getting a new floor in the main building, but didn't know when or if it started yet. They siad it may be going on up to the holidays.

 

[teentoddlermom]

Just came back from 6 nights in Sago Cay, room 5223. Barely noticed any construction at all going on. The room location met my request (made through a travel agent.) It was a marina view. Loved this building because of convenience to Gasparillas, Main Building, and there is a great shortcut to the bus stop around the right side of Gasparillas. I encourage anyone nervous about noise and construction to relax. There were some fences around blocking work being done on the lagoon side of Sago. Did not notice much else except the minor minor noise with the floor. The tilers did not work on the weekends either. We noticed landscape teams around during the days. Once they tore up and replaced a large section of sod outside Sugarloaf in less than an hour, and then they were gone without a trace! Keep in mind that to keep the resort so pristine and beautiful, maintenance must be done, and be glad that they don't let things slip into mediocrity! Also, summer is the low season with the cheapest rates, so if I were management, I would insist that maintenance be done during this time.
I loved this resort/marina view. Keep in mind that if you pay extra for a theme park view, the castle is really far away even from the GF. I think a lot of pictures taken from rooms with theme park views are zoomed in. You can see the electrical water pageant every night at 9:15. MK Fireworks while we were there were always at 10 pm. You can see them from many places in the resort. We saw them from outside Gasparillas, the themed pool, and the boat dock. If you watch them from the boat dock, the wishes music is piped in from Narcoosees. The main pool is open 24 hours without a lifeguard, The theme pool is really open 24 hours too, but the lifeguards leave, and the slide/waterfall is closed at 10pm. We noticed that lady with the suitcase and stuffed animals in the lobby twice. Hope I don't get flamed here, but she makes me uncomfortable. She sits with her arms folded and stares straight ahead.
Transportation was a breeze, no long waits for monorail, bus, or boat.

 

[teentoddlermom]

By the way, we thought all the parks were very crowded. Best to get there early before ride wait times get ridiculous, and fastpasses run out. Since we've been to WDW so much, we really enjoyed our resort more and spent more down time at the beautiful GF. I think it will remain crowded in the parks because of all the room discounts in play from now throughout the fall.

 

[johnsonet]

Just came back from 6 nights in Sago Cay, room 5223. Barely noticed any construction at all going on. The room location met my request (made through a travel agent.) It was a marina view. Loved this building because of convenience to Gasparillas, Main Building, and there is a great shortcut to the bus stop around the right side of Gasparillas. I encourage anyone nervous about noise and construction to relax. There were some fences around blocking work being done on the lagoon side of Sago. Did not notice much else except the minor minor noise with the floor. The tilers did not work on the weekends either. We noticed landscape teams around during the days. Once they tore up and replaced a large section of sod outside Sugarloaf in less than an hour, and then they were gone without a trace! Keep in mind that to keep the resort so pristine and beautiful, maintenance must be done, and be glad that they don't let things slip into mediocrity! Also, summer is the low season with the cheapest rates, so if I were management, I would insist that maintenance be done during this time.
I loved this resort/marina view. Keep in mind that if you pay extra for a theme park view, the castle is really far away even from the GF. I think a lot of pictures taken from rooms with theme park views are zoomed in. You can see the electrical water pageant every night at 9:15. MK Fireworks while we were there were always at 10 pm. You can see them from many places in the resort. We saw them from outside Gasparillas, the themed pool, and the boat dock. If you watch them from the boat dock, the wishes music is piped in from Narcoosees. The main pool is open 24 hours without a lifeguard, The theme pool is really open 24 hours too, but the lifeguards leave, and the slide/waterfall is closed at 10pm. We noticed that lady with the suitcase and stuffed animals in the lobby twice. Hope I don't get flamed here, but she makes me uncomfortable. She sits with her arms folded and stares straight ahead.
Transportation was a breeze, no long waits for monorail, bus, or boat.

Great post Hopefully you just made everyone going soon feel much better

Also wanted to add a pic I took from our MK view room in the Main Bldg. last summer, using no zoom:

 

[billnang]

That sight is just beautiful.. and you were in Room #?????


Thanks for all the feedback for those ust getting back.. I made the decision to move to the Main building, but that was for personal reasons as well...
My dh and I have 4 children and I think with strollers it will be easier, and we are willing to pay more for that convience off the monorail and not having to go in and out of buildings for naps and monorail...

Now to try to secure a nice view!!

Oh btw, I have no idea what is meant by the lady with the bears.. anyone care to fill me in?
Angela

 

[simplymama]

That sight is just beautiful.. and you were in Room #?????


Thanks for all the feedback for those ust getting back.. I made the decision to move to the Main building, but that was for personal reasons as well...
My dh and I have 4 children and I think with strollers it will be easier, and we are willing to pay more for that convience off the monorail and not having to go in and out of buildings for naps and monorail...

Now to try to secure a nice view!!

Oh btw, I have no idea what is meant by the lady with the bears.. anyone care to fill me in?
Angela

The main building is beautiful. We have a large family and it was so much easier the 5 days we were in the main building than the last two that we had to move to SL. Just down the elevator and on to the monorail. The SL is pretty convenient too, but it meant coming down the elevator in that building, into the main building, and back up the elevator to the monorail, instead of just one elevator ride to the second floor.

We saw the lady with the Teddy bears almost every day. I'm not sure if she is the one who lost her husband and comes to listen to the music. When you get off the gold elevators, she would always be sitting near by in the main lobby lounge. Never bothered anybody or anything. Very sweet it seems.

 

[BCV23]

Praline, that cake is absolutely amazing. Your son's expressions are priceless. Talk about making memories .....I'm sure you all will remember that evening.

Thanks for sharing. I finally have a bit of time to start reading your trip report.

 

[praline3001]

Praline, that cake is absolutely amazing. Your son's expressions are priceless. Talk about making memories .....I'm sure you all will remember that evening.

Thanks for sharing. I finally have a bit of time to start reading your trip report.

I couldn't have asked for a better cake for my son at his age!
Richard (the chef who did it) was such a wonderful guy

I promise I have some really good GF shots coming ... as soon as I sort through them all...

 

[praline3001]

Here is a copy and paste of my TR about the GF band. I thought you GF music fans might enjoy it!


As we were walking out of the Basin, the band was playing.

They are redoing the floors in the main building (from carpet to tile) and because of this they have moved the band over in front of the monorail station.

My son and Husband are extremely musically talented. I sadly can't carry a tune to save my life!

They were in awe of the old base sax the band was playing. This is not a baritone sax (for those who know instruments) but a 100 year old base sax. It is owned by the GF and not the band. Don't you just LOVE the details at Disney?!?! The GF band was using a turn of the century instrument for the theme of the resort and I bet 99% of people don't even notice! Well my son sure did and for the rest of our stay ran down to listen to the band every chance he got. The band members have the patients of saints for his millions of questions! I often had to remind Ryan not to make a pest of himself but the band members quickly corrected me saying they were flattered that such a young kid took such an interest in them! It isn't often you get a kid so enthusiastic for that style of music!
So I let him asked his questions and admire the band while I shopped at the Basin each night LOL

Here is a video my husband shot of the band using this base sax. If you love the GF music ..you will enjoy this.
Of course I tried to get my son ENJOYING himself and tapping his feet and having a good time ...but as soon as he noticed that him enjoying himself was being recorded he quickly stopped and went back to being a bored pre teen! LOL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qSeKK5xZWI


Here are some photos... I want to say these guys are some of the nicest guys EVER! They were just so wonderful with my son!

 

[praline3001]

We had ADRs for GF cafe. I want to say my entire family always enjoys this place. I am not sure why it gets mediocre reviews.. maybe because there are no characters or gimmicks?! Not sure but its always a fav of ours! They have a new chef now and he is really nice...and GOOD! YUMMY

Here is Savannah dying of starvation while we waited for our table... we only waited 5 minutes but thats 5 years in kid time!

Here is Ryan laying down the law that I was NOT to photograph him while he was eating LOL ....

He HATES to be photographed but was putting up with it until NOW ... he had his limits he he

As you can see, the little angel didn't starve to death after all

First up was the basket of bread they brought to the table!

Then my FAVORITE food in all of Disney ..those who have gotten to know me KNOW how I am about the GF cafe french onion soup! Its my version of a mickey bar LOL
I can't go to disney and not have at least 1 bowl..or 2 ...or 3... I kind of stirred all of that gooey cheese around a bit so you could see the crusts of bread and the soup as well YUM I am drooling just looking at the photo LOL

Here is a photo of my Husband's Caesar Salad ... I was now just taking photos to irritate him while he was trying to eat LOL

Both Dave and I ordered the rib eye

Grilled Rib-Eye - with house-made French Fries, Haricot Verts and a Red Wine Sauce

It was REALLY REALLY good! This steaks at the GF are now the best in Disney IMO... much better than YC or Les Ciellers I will tell you that much!

Here is Savannah with her kid's cheese pizza

Ryan ordered the Grand Floridian Burger but didn't realize it came with Asparagus He kept saying the only thing green that belongs on burgers is pickles! LOL

Grand Floridian Burger - Angus Chuck Burger, Lobster, Asparagus and Horseradish-Chive Hollandaise Served with Tomato Salad

I LOVE his face in this photo ... he was trying to keep his manners but the look is priceless LOL

Here is a photo of it minus the asparagus!

and a close up of my steak

As always, after eating at the GF cafe we were too full for dessert!!!! But the server was kind enough to bring out a birthday surprise for my son.... he had the NERVE to ask me, "How did they know it was my Birthday?!" ...yeah he isn't the sharpest crayon in the box some days LOL

Key Lime Pie - Chocolate Crust topped with Carmelized Sugar

 

[praline3001]

Every evening I practiced my photography while looking at the pretty GF sites

I thought those who were going soon or wanting to go would like to see some of my photos. These are from the RPC areas

I did not build the tower... only recorded it for history lol

I LOVE the floral arrangements at the GF. Did you know they had their own floral dept and you won't find any fake flowers anywhere at the GF? They change them out weekly!

The kids area in RPC

no, normally I don't photograph light bulbs but I was really working on my lighting which is sadly lacking ...
it seemed a good thing to practice on LOL

 

[praline3001]

Here are a few photos I took outside....
I told you guys I took a ton of photos!!!

ohhhh it was getting dark ..you know what that means ..dessert and cordials in the lounge woooohoooo

Drat I wasn't quick enough .... at least they left something to take photos of LOL

Ryan loaded up our first night on dessert LOL
He kept telling me : But mom, I am getting 2 servings of fruit, a dairy serving (cheese cake) and my bread
I let it go the first night but after that I restricted him to 2 desserts a night!

this is one of the funnier photos I have! We were at the pool so she is a mess and I wanted to get back to the room and get bath time over before the fireworks started. I told her she had had enough dessert and to put her plate up with the lounge cm. She DID NOT want to leave her lonely strawberry behind LOL
Since we checked in I had seen several slobs staying in RPC who would throw food (minus plate and tray) onto the carpet! I was REALLY careful to make sure my kids didn't get any ideas ... but I explained to her that the plate had to stay in the lounge as I didn't want to have to bring it back wearing my PJ's ha ha
So she told me she would hold it VERY carefully and not drop a crumb all the way to our room.... I gave her the motherly "you better not" speech...so she tip toed all the way back to the room like her strawberry was the most valuable treasure in the entire world
That girl cracks me up everyday over something I swear she does!

Next up ~ can Brook take a decent photo of fireworks?! ... we shall see...

 

[praline3001]

Here are my first attempts of fireworks ~ back to the drawing board LOL
I didn't know those suckers were going to be so hard to capture LOL
first some night shots zoomed in before they started:

I caught the castle changing colors!

oops missed it LOL

Here are a few NOT zoomed in

oh well maybe next time ..this was only my first try.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi everyone,

Can someone tell me which building you need to be in for Magic Kingdom views please?

Is it BOCA CHICA?

Thanks

 

[k&a&c'smom]

JohnnySharp2 - there are several buildings that have theme park views: Big Pine Key, Boca Chica, Conch Key and Sago Cay. The buildings that get the most raves for great MK views are Conch Key and Sago Cay, though there are many who say they love the MK view from Boca Chica!

Praline3001 - nice photos!