The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[jkstewart1800]

There are no problems with DHS and making RD with a cab.

I could even be wrong about the AK parking lot thing. I read a few other reports of them not opening it late anymore
I am just not sure how accurate or new the info is.

I wonder who the right person to contact at WDW would be.... I know there must be a department for that sort of thing, but I wonder if the people at the hotel or the park would even know ahead of time....

 

[BCV23]

Actually, DH's one and only complaint was about the drapes in the turret. They had glorious room darkening drapes on all the windows, but a sheer lace over the door leading to the patio. That let in ALOT of light in the AM (which isn't the greatest when you went to bed long after midnight)

But otherwise, the room felt nice and bright, irregadless which part you were in.

Thanks. It sounds delightful. I wonder if any of them are accessible?

Yup I did. I know taking the cab is faster once the lot opens but I can't nail down a time they open that lot!

Its also hard to tell what is old news and what is new news, KWIM?

The character meal bus must leave super early but not sure what time? If you want a reliable safe way to make it to the front of RD I am going to guess that would be the route to take.
I am also not sure who I could call and verify any answer i get on here... you know you should always take what you read on the message board with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila

I know what you mean...it is very hard to tell what is old news.

You could also take the monorail to the TTC and hop a DAK bus there. Way too much hassle for me though.

We drive.

Are there any issues with DHS parking lot opening late? i.e. if we wanted to go by cab and get there for rope drop is that a possibility?

Whether by car or cab, no issues there.

I could even be wrong about the AK parking lot thing. I read a few other reports of them not opening it late anymore
I am just not sure how accurate or new the info is.

That would be good news.

I wonder who the right person to contact at WDW would be.... I know there must be a department for that sort of thing, but I wonder if the people at the hotel or the park would even know ahead of time....

From the room, hit the WDW info button.

The lobby concierge or RPC and SL concierge should have an answer, too.

Perhaps ask a cab driver earlier in your trip for verification??

 

[heatherlynn444]

yay glad I found the new FAQ thread. I leave in less than a month
thought I would add some of my pics to help future travelers!

Honeymoon room 4021 main building January 2007

view from room

desserts royal palm club

more food

september 2008 RPC 4th floor (forgot room number)

 

[heatherlynn444]

more

taken from the wedding pavillion

 

[Misti]

Amazing pictures, heatherlynn!!

 

[hillview]

Hi,
Never been to disney (well not in 20 years) and now want to take my 2 boys (almost 2 and almost 4) to disney next week (will be in Ft Lauderdale so we will drive). We will spend 2 nights (but 2.5 full days) at the GFL (or at least that is the current plan). It will be me, 2 kids (1 and 3), my mom and my 89 year old grandmother. I am thinking of getting the Deluxe Dining Package. I am sure we will eat all meals on site. We may not eat LARGE meals every time but it *sounds* like a good deal. We plan to get one room -- which I know will be CRAMPED but doable I hope. What should I ask for? Lagoon view? Will my 3 year old appreciate the park view/fireworks? Other tips?
HELP!
Thanks
/hillary

 

[heatherlynn444]

Hi,
Never been to disney (well not in 20 years) and now want to take my 2 boys (almost 2 and almost 4) to disney next week (will be in Ft Lauderdale so we will drive). We will spend 2 nights (but 2.5 full days) at the GFL (or at least that is the current plan). It will be me, 2 kids (1 and 3), my mom and my 89 year old grandmother. I am thinking of getting the Deluxe Dining Package. I am sure we will eat all meals on site. We may not eat LARGE meals every time but it *sounds* like a good deal. We plan to get one room -- which I know will be CRAMPED but doable I hope. What should I ask for? Lagoon view? Will my 3 year old appreciate the park view/fireworks? Other tips?
HELP!
Thanks
/hillary

you want to go next week and haven't booked a room? I don't know if you will be able to get one, I book my trips at least 8 months in advance. Also, the deluxe dining plan is a lot of food, apetizers entrees adn desserts three times a day. you may be better off getting the regular plan if you don't plan on eating large meals. Good luck

 

[heatherlynn444]

Hilary, I researched all 5 of the posts you have ever made and it seems this is the 3rd summer in a row you hae talked about taking your family to disney, and people respond to your questions and you never respond back. last summer and the summer before you asked for help on a once in a lifetime trip, did you ever go?

 

[praline3001]

Hi,
Never been to disney (well not in 20 years) and now want to take my 2 boys (almost 2 and almost 4) to disney next week (will be in Ft Lauderdale so we will drive). We will spend 2 nights (but 2.5 full days) at the GFL (or at least that is the current plan). It will be me, 2 kids (1 and 3), my mom and my 89 year old grandmother. I am thinking of getting the Deluxe Dining Package. I am sure we will eat all meals on site. We may not eat LARGE meals every time but it *sounds* like a good deal. We plan to get one room -- which I know will be CRAMPED but doable I hope. What should I ask for? Lagoon view? Will my 3 year old appreciate the park view/fireworks? Other tips?
HELP!
Thanks
/hillary

Have you checked the Disney website or called to see about availablity? The GF usually stays booked by 2 weeks out

 

[hillview]

Hi Heather,
Thanks for your interest. No we haven't yet made it. My MIL from the UK just wasn't up for the trip of a lifetime. I think we are going to make it happen this time -- have approval from DH to go solo and so I am just looking for any last minute tips. The room shows available so think I am good to go. Just trying to sort out the room (lagoon or garden) and the dining package.
Thanks!
/hillary

 

[heatherlynn444]

Hi Heather,
Thanks for your interest. No we haven't yet made it. My MIL from the UK just wasn't up for the trip of a lifetime. I think we are going to make it happen this time -- have approval from DH to go solo and so I am just looking for any last minute tips. The room shows available so think I am good to go. Just trying to sort out the room (lagoon or garden) and the dining package.
Thanks!
/hillary

surprised their is availability, but if there is I say go for it, but I would rethink the deluxe dining package

 

[hillview]

Have you checked the Disney website or called to see about availablity? The GF usually stays booked by 2 weeks out

Ok now you all have me scared! I should go book it! Can I assume the lagoon view is the way to go? Anything I should do when I reserve online?
Thanks!
/hillary

 

[hillview]

surprised their is availability, but if there is I say go for it, but I would rethink the deluxe dining package

Ok on the dining we'd arrive before lunch on day 1, we'd be there all day day 2 and be there til night time day 3 (know we have to check out). We are driving the 3-4 hrs from Ft. Lauderdale and are early risers. What do you think?
/hillary

 

[mmmears]

I can't comment on the dining plan since we've never used it, but the Deluxe plan looks like way too much food for my family!

I will say that we had a lagoon-view room at the GF when my DD was 2 1/2. It was in Boca Chica, and we could watch the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks from that room -- in our jammies! She loved watching them from there. But, if you choose a GV room, you can still watch the fireworks from the GF marina. So, either way would work -- just depends on what you want.

I hope you have a great time at the GF! It's a beautiful resort!

 

[heatherlynn444]

we do the deluxe plan, but we always eat a TON of food and it is still sometimes too much for me. maybe doing a quick service meal and one TS meal a day would be good. plus TS meals can take 1-2 hours on the deluxe plan and so if you are doing 3 a day thats a lot less time actually spent in the parks playing

 

[hillview]

Wahoo I booked!! I am SOOOO excited. Thanks everyone! Off to plan my park visits
Thanks again,
/hillary

 

[hillview]

Oops another question. It sounded like I'd be better off DRIVING from the GF to the animal park with 2 kids etc if we wanted a first thing in the am animal drive?
TIA!
/hillary

 

[Tink rules]

Ok... 1 week out and I was able to get Garden View AND a AAA discount on the room (I'm 2 days short of getting the room rate code...)

Can't believe I could get the discount this close to going... (we leave hopefully on the 5th... I have a work project that must get done by Friday so I can go or we delay... oh well... we'll see... )

 

[praline3001]

Ok... 1 week out and I was able to get Garden View AND a AAA discount on the room (I'm 2 days short of getting the room rate code...)

Can't believe I could get the discount this close to going... (we leave hopefully on the 5th... I have a work project that must get done by Friday so I can go or we delay... oh well... we'll see... )

That's great Michelle

 

[gonzo76]

I make my ADR's tommorrow for our GF trip!!!! We are getting closer.