The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[teddygurl28]

thank you all so much! i pretty much had my heart set on that view, but its nice to hear that..it gives me a little push on DF on why to pick a theme park room
...now to go back and read the rest of the thread...im only on page 10

 

[johnsonet]

I totally agree -- any room is nice, but the views of the castle and the lagoon from our rooms in Boca Chica were so very, very nice!

I love Boca Chica

Information about the boat to MK was mentioned. I was wondering if the boat launch from the MK to the GF was now running. Last year, the boat that went to the GF was taken out of the water because the water level was too low and we had to go on another boat.

The waiting area for the boat to the GF was covered and out of the sun. The one last year was not covered.

Anyone know about this?

Last summer I was so surprised that the GF boat was picking up at the big dock in the center - the WL dock?? For years we'd always gone to our little GF/Poly boat area outside of the MK and this was the first time it wasn't there. I just figured it was a cutback of some sort. But we still docked at the same place at the GF

 

[Picabo]

Does anyone have pictures of the pool they can share? I saw some of the slide but I'm looking for an idea of what the entire pool looks like and/or if there is any special area for preschool-age kids to play in?

THANKS!!!

 

[johnsonet]

Does anyone have pictures of the pool they can share? I saw some of the slide but I'm looking for an idea of what the entire pool looks like and/or if there is any special area for preschool-age kids to play in?

THANKS!!!

There is a fun sprinkler-type water play area at the Waterfall Pool for little ones. All my pics of that are "hard copies", though. I'm sure someone else will be able to help...

 

[mmmears]

Last summer I was so surprised that the GF boat was picking up at the big dock in the center - the WL dock?? For years we'd always gone to our little GF/Poly boat area outside of the MK and this was the first time it wasn't there. I just figured it was a cutback of some sort. But we still docked at the same place at the GF

It was still that way in April. The CM on the main boat dock explained that the middle dock is floating, so it can go up and down with the lagoon water level. Then he pointed to the regular GF/Poly dock, which is not floating. He said there was no way to use it at the time since the water level was so low, so they were sharing the big dock with the WL boats. It was hinted that the reason they haven't renovated the old dock was due to the cutbacks, though.

 

[johnsonet]

It was still that way in April. The CM on the main boat dock explained that the middle dock is floating, so it can go up and down with the lagoon water level. Then he pointed to the regular GF/Poly dock, which is not floating. He said there was no way to use it at the time since the water level was so low, so they were sharing the big dock with the WL boats. It was hinted that the reason they haven't renovated the old dock was due to the cutbacks, though.

That makes perfect senses, mmmears. Thanks for telling me.

 

[BCV23]

They've had so much rain there this summer it wouldn't surprise me if water levels were back to normal.

 

[mmmears]

That makes perfect senses, mmmears. Thanks for telling me.

You're welcome. I thought it was interesting,too!

They've had so much rain there this summer it wouldn't surprise me if water levels were back to normal.

Well, that's good news. I knew there was a drought so that they needed the rain. Hopefully we won't get soaked too much next week, though.

 

[BlueSkies]

When I was at the MK in June the boat launch was operating from its usual location...so I guess all of the rain did help out...

BCV I agree about the boat launch.... when I inquired about using the boat launch for an early morning visit to the MK I was told that the launches do start later than the monorail...

While it is sooo nice to take the launch back to the GF at the end of a long day the monorail is much quicker and more direct at the beginning of the day...or really at any time going to the MK....

 

[BlueSkies]

You're welcome. I thought it was interesting,too!



Well, that's good news. I knew there was a drought so that they needed the rain. Hopefully we won't get soaked too much next week, though.

Sending pixie dust your way for clear skies and lots of sunshine!!!!

 

[Figment1990]

I've read all of this thread and I haven't seen a lot of information about the SPA part of GF Resort & Spa!

DH and I are looking for some R&R during our upcoming trip (Aug 12-16) and I'm considering encouraging him to go golfing so that I can spend some time at the spa! We did a couples massage at the Mandara Spa last year and enjoyed it, but since we are staying at the Grand, I'd like to go to the GF spa instead. Anyone have any recommendations and feedback on their experiences there? I'm contemplating one of the massages, maybe a facial and one of the baths.... not sure yet....

On a related issue, DH and I only have 4 actual days on this trip. And it's in the middle of August so we'd like to avoid too much park time in the middle of the day. We've never stayed at GF and I'm very excited to spend some time at the actual resort. We have 1 son, who is 17 months old, and will not be traveling with us this time. We brought him in March and he'll be going in December when we go with DH's family. So DH and I really want to do the things in the parks that we don't do when we go with DS (like ToT and leisurely shop in the World Showcase). We want to spend a little time in MK, because we love the atmosphere and I LOVE Wishes. But on the other hand, I would love to relax more on this trip, sit by the pool, explore the Grand, have a spa treatment, rent Sea Raycers or a pontoon to view the Seven Seas from a different perspective.

We have some great ADRs already: Citricos, Yachtsman, Chefs de France, and GF Afternoon tea. We are thinking of adding Hoop Dee Doo (one of our faves we haven't done in a while and don't forsee taking our DS for a few more years) and then going back to the GF to watch Wishes from the beach.

Do you think we are crazy for not hitting the parks full throttle but instead staying at the resort more on this trip? Will we really regret it? Is Wishes from the GF beach overrated or magical? Will we have enough time to do BTMRR, HM, Liberty Belle, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, and Buzz during 5 hours on an EMH night at MK?

Okay, I think that's it for now (spa, golf, parks/GF time... yep!)

TIA everyone!
And are there any guys (or gals) out there that have played golf at disney in the mid-August heat? Was it unbearable and not fun?

 

[jkstewart1800]

Thanks guys for the info on the boats.... it is my DH's favorite way to travel at disney and I thought it would be magical for him to get to the park that way.... maybe not a rope drop I guess by the info you all are sending me... but maybe when we head back out for dinner and such.

We are getting all settled in.... tomorrow is packing day! since we just finished with the UNpacking day LOL.

Can't wait to see everyone soon!!!

 

[johnsonet]

Figment1990 - sounds as though you have a great trip planned.
I have been to the GF Spa a bunch over the past 5 years and have always enjoyed it tremendously. My favorite treatments are Spa Manicure/Pedicure Combo, Facial and 80-minute massage. I have had body scrubs before and they do make your skin very, very soft all over but what I really like is a good massage!
I would walk over to the spa once you get settled and talk to the people at the front desk about treatments and therapists. They will probably have a helpful opinion re. who they think would work well for you, based on your preferences (male, female, morning, afternoon, relaxing massage vs. sports massage...) Or you can, of course, just call.
I hope you have a great vacation and that you get to really relax and have fun with your DH Your dinner and park plans sound like lots of fun.
You will fall in love with the Grand

Thanks guys for the info on the boats.... it is my DH's favorite way to travel at disney and I thought it would be magical for him to get to the park that way.... maybe not a rope drop I guess by the info you all are sending me... but maybe when we head back out for dinner and such.

We are getting all settled in.... tomorrow is packing day! since we just finished with the UNpacking day LOL.

Can't wait to see everyone soon!!!

If you're having dinner at Kona Cafe or 'Ohana one evening, the boat would work well for that Have a great trip.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you're having dinner at Kona Cafe or 'Ohana one evening, the boat would work well for that Have a great trip.

Don't forget there is also the walkway to the Polynesian.

 

[johnsonet]

Don't forget there is also the walkway to the Polynesian.

Yes
I just gave that as an example b/c Julia was saying that her husband loves to travel by boat at WDW

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Yes
I just gave that as an example b/c Julia was saying that her husband loves to travel by boat at WDW

Oh I did not see that part.

 

[MommyGina]

Thank you all for the information on the boat launch. I'll be at the GF in 26 more days!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I agree BCV23, we usually take the monorail to the MK; the boat launch from the MK.

Figment1990 - I certainly do not think you are crazy for planning down time at the resort, rather than going non-stop at the parks, as that is what we nearly always do after many trips to the World! The GF is a wonderful resort for that, as it has so much to offer and is so beautiful and relaxing.

I have only had massages at the spa, but enjoyed them very much and the therapists I had there were quite good and very friendly. And the facilities are nice, I enjoy the walk there! I always ask for a woman when I make the appointment, as I don't feel comfortable with a male masseuse, they are very accommodating about requests.

Picabo - I don't have any shots from within the pool area, but I do have a couple photos from overhead - taken from the main building. This is the best I can do, you at least get the general idea, this is the themed pool:


Hopefully, someone has some better shots to post!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Here is a link to the GF page on allears - scroll down to "Recreation and Fun", there are several pool photos there.

http://allears.net/acc/g_gf.htm

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Everyone!

Okay, please don't kill me. What building would you recommend for Lagoon view? LOL! I think the concierge may be out, I think I would want a better view such as lagoon rather than concierge and it's much cheaper.

Thanks all (once again!)