The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[BlueSkies]

BCV It was quite a surprise!! and it was bright and early in the morning too... so much for that early morning coffee out on the balcony... We only found company out there one morning though...other times they were working out there we werent in the room thankfully!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Wow! That truly shocks and disappoints me, they should never assign rooms that are going to have work done during the guest's occupation. Very, very poor planning!

I don't blame anyone who has that experience for their irritation, they have every right to complain - and some major placating should be in order.

 

[BCV23]

BCV It was quite a surprise!! and it was bright and early in the morning too... so much for that early morning coffee out on the balcony... We only found company out there one morning though...other times they were working out there we werent in the room thankfully!

Glad you only had company one morning!

Wow! That truly shocks and disappoints me, they should never assign rooms that are going to have work done during the guest's occupation. Very, very poor planning!

I don't blame anyone who has that experience for their irritation, they have every right to complain - and some major placating should be in order.

I agree.

 

[Tam1067]

We arrive on Saturday (standard GV room), and while I'm not thrilled about the work being done, I'm not really worried about it either. I, too, was at the Poly when Captain Cook's was being redone and in the temporary location, and when lots of painting and other work was happening, and I have to say that Disney does a good job of minimizing the impact on guests. Reading these boards is great, but sometimes, it causes extra stress, you know? Now certainly, I'd feel a bit uncomfortable if I'd opened my curtains to see a guy hanging outside the balcony, but I can't imagine that this will ruin my vacation. I'll do my best to post either while we're there or when we return on 8/16.

 

[jkstewart1800]

We arrive on Saturday (standard GV room), and while I'm not thrilled about the work being done, I'm not really worried about it either. I, too, was at the Poly when Captain Cook's was being redone and in the temporary location, and when lots of painting and other work was happening, and I have to say that Disney does a good job of minimizing the impact on guests. Reading these boards is great, but sometimes, it causes extra stress, you know? Now certainly, I'd feel a bit uncomfortable if I'd opened my curtains to see a guy hanging outside the balcony, but I can't imagine that this will ruin my vacation. I'll do my best to post either while we're there or when we return on 8/16.

For some, this is there one and only trip to WDW, and their one and only trip to the GF... whether it is distance,time or money, they don't have the ability to come back for repeat trips every few months or years. I was very disapointed with all the work going on all over the hotel. I could understand if it was just one area or one building... but it was everywhere. By the boat dock, by and IN Gasparillas - all around the courtyard pool and in the main building lobby...

For me it took away the magic and the grandness of the place. It didn't ruin our vacation, but it certainly was quite a bummer. For someone who might not be able to return and paid FULL price.... it would be devastating.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

We arrive on Saturday (standard GV room), and while I'm not thrilled about the work being done, I'm not really worried about it either. I, too, was at the Poly when Captain Cook's was being redone and in the temporary location, and when lots of painting and other work was happening, and I have to say that Disney does a good job of minimizing the impact on guests. Reading these boards is great, but sometimes, it causes extra stress, you know? Now certainly, I'd feel a bit uncomfortable if I'd opened my curtains to see a guy hanging outside the balcony, but I can't imagine that this will ruin my vacation. I'll do my best to post either while we're there or when we return on 8/16.

We will be arriving on Saturday as well. I called to express my concern about the construction and noise. I spoke to a room assignor and my only request is to be away from the construction. I was offered to move to YC (rooms are being renovated), BC (no thanks) or BWI (nope). Apparently, there is no more availability at the Poly or CR. This will be our first stay at GF (and probably our only one), as the only way we could afford it was with the 4/3 deal. I do not want to give it up. I guess we'll have to see how it goes once we arrive. If our view is of a crane or we are subjected to tons of noise, I will politely ask to be moved. I, too, stayed at the Poly when Captain Cook's was being renovated. It was slightly inconvenient, but no biggie. The tile work at GF in the main building does not concern me, but the thought of being subjected to loud noise in the outdoor areas upsets me. I am planning on spending lots of time at the resort.

Hopefully, this work will not be terribly intrusive.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

For anyone looking for dates at either the Poly or CR, I found numerous room categories for each resort available all through the month of August at rack. When I moved to the booking engine for the general public code, there were still rooms in each resort, starting on August 9 and going through the end of the month. Of course, the further out you go, the better the selection, but there were rooms available.

If you truly want to find another resort, you might go to the website, look at all the offers, and play with your dates to see if you can come up with a better option. I hate for anyone to feel they are "stuck" at a resort they are worried won't make them happy.

Good luck!

 

[minniesota]

I know this from first hand experience...And yes I did open my curtains one morning to find myself face to face with a workman on my balcony!!! He smiled and I turned everyshade that you can think of.... I did say good morning...polite is in my blood!!! And then I reclosed my curtains!!

Hey BlueSkies!

Was he at least a hottie?

 

[goofygal531]

I called the GF right after my last post. Now this is the story I got. I spoke to Loddy who did call the GF for me. She came back on the line and told me that "all the high reach areas" of the buildings have been complete resulting in no more cranes or lifts being in the way. Did not have an exact date of when that will be done, but "should" be done in two weeks from now. Great, I leave two weeks from tomorrow.

However, the luggage room, near the entrance I'm guessing, is being done over as well as the tile work in the main lobby, which we all knew about.

I'm hoping we hear from others who are there now and can give us updates on what is REALLY going on.

The luggage room is RIGHT NEXT to the beach pool. It's located directly behind the restrooms/changing facilities. I had to visit it a few times so I got very familiar with it's layout. The doors open on both sides, the front entrance and the back by the pool. It's a very discrete building, I never noticed it before having to visit my carryon luggage We forgot the sunscreen in one of our bags so I got to scope out the place. I don't think this construction would bother anyone's stay.

Narcoossees? We have always wanted to walk around the GF, but could never afford to stay there. With free dining we are planning to eat at Narcoossees and then see wishes from the beach/dock. Will the construction be bad in those areas? Should we plan another meal elsewhere? We are getting a sitter so we can enjoy a little romance without the kids and I don't think construction will be very romantic!

Narcoossee's is located at the tip of the marina. I can't see how any of the construction would effect the restaurant or your experience there - unless they were refurbing the restaruant itself. Enjoy your meal there! It's our favorite restaurant on property! The scallops over risotto is delish!

Hey BlueSkies!

Was he at least a hottie?

Well, was he?

BlueDeb: I remember your only complaint about your trip was the lack of balcony time. However, you never mentioned your surprise guest before!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

After careful consideration, we decided to bite the bullet, so to speak , and upgrade to RPC in December!!!!

Since all of our previous GF stays have been in the outer lodges, we are REALLY looking forward to it!

Any tips for me???

 

[goofygal531]

After careful consideration, we decided to bite the bullet, so to speak , and upgrade to RPC in December!!!!

Since all of our previous GF stays have been in the outer lodges, we are REALLY looking forward to it!

Any tips for me???

Congrats! You will love it!

Are you doing the DxDDP again? We felt we lost out on the evening food offerings because we were always out for dinner. I'd do only one character breakfast as the breakfast food in the lounge is really more than enough. Make sure to hit afternoon tea a few days, those scones are delish!

Enjoy it, we really did!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Congrats! You will love it!

Are you doing the DxDDP again? We felt we lost out on the evening food offerings because we were always out for dinner. I'd do only one character breakfast as the breakfast food in the lounge is really more than enough. Make sure to hit afternoon tea a few days, those scones are delish!

Enjoy it, we really did!

Thanks Mare! It just seemed to make sense this trip to upgrade. We fly in the day after Thanksgiving for 10 days. Since DS and I were just there, this is supposed to be a more relaxing trip with a lot of resort time etc.

No DxDDP this trip... we are using the TiW card.

Thanks for the breakfast tips! (You remember how character breakfast crazy we are ) We will probably just stick with CP and CM and stick with the lounge for the rest...

mmmm...afternoon tea sounds good!

Keep 'em coming!! I am a RPC newb!

 

[PaulaSB12]

I have contacted Disney about my concerns and will let you know if I get a reply.

 

[Scott MC]

After much grumbling with my party, the bottom line is, they're not going to pay another cent to move hotels due to the construction (all that's left at CR and Poly for our stays are MK views or Lagoon views, both of which would require more $$ from us). We will be staying at the Grand in a few weeks, and I called and ammended my request. I requested 1. Upper Floor, 2. Boca Chica or Big Pine Key 3. As far from refurb as possible. Hopefully, our requests will be met and hopefully what Mommy Gina heard was true. As for the luggage room, what I was told was that they are connecting it to the Main Building...I don't know what that will entail.
Anyways, 2 random questions.....here we go...

1. Are toothbrushes included in the bathroom? I seem to recall seeing them in some people's pictures.

2. The poolhouse that is mentioned in the Unofficial Guide affects Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, which is where I have requested to stay. As long as we're not on the ground floor, this should not be an issue though correct?

 

[goofygal531]

Kristin, your son will LOVE the DVD player in the room! Each night we'd take DS5 down to the 3rd FL CMs to get a new movie. The selection is HUGE! He was so happy to watch all his Disney favorite movies "Shark Boy and Lava Girl", "Spy Kids", "Beethoven" etc... They had three cabinets full of DVD to choose from. It's so cute to see the kids line up in their PJs to get their evening DVD

Back in Nov, the BWI-CL only had THREE movies to choose from with only ONE available. Let me tell you how tired I got of Nemo after the 4th night!

My boys are character breakfast crazy too, so we just scheduled them a little later in the mornings, around 10am. I'd hit the CL lounge at 7am for coffee, cereal, fruit, bagel and cheese danishes (those are SO good!) Everyone uses the trays to take food back to their rooms, nothing to feel uncomfortable about. I even passed on a tip to a Dad while at breakfast, he was holding the tray and trying to assemble milk, cereal, bowl, spoon to go. I told him to place the tray on the upper ledge/counter and just load up the tray from there. It was funny to see others doing the same thing at 7am each morning!

Oh best part of RPC, the slippers! They place two pairs of GF Slippers by your bed the first night! I'm wearing them right now!!! I smile and think of our wonderful trip each time I slip them on!

You will enjoy it!!! The only bad thing will be trying to find a way to swing it AGAIN! Once you stay CL, it's so difficult not to!

 

[goofygal531]

Anyways, 2 random questions.....here we go...

1. Are toothbrushes included in the bathroom? I seem to recall seeing them in some people's pictures.

2. The poolhouse that is mentioned in the Unofficial Guide affects Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, which is where I have requested to stay. As long as we're not on the ground floor, this should not be an issue though correct?

I *think* toothbrushes are only available in club level. I know they do have more toiletries like the H2O Foot Cream, Q-tips, and cotton balls. I've heard if you asked housekeeping, they'd give you any of the toiletries, they're very generous with them. I have shopping bags full!

Yes, there is a poolhouse at the courtyard pool. It's in front of Boca Chica to the side of Big Pine Key. Are they doing work on it? It's also a pool bar. I can't imagine they'd close a pool bar in the summer.

The luggage room is off to the side of the front of the building, set back by the beach pool. It's a very non-descript building. I don't see what all the fuss is over the luggage room? If you're taking DME, they let you off right in the front of the resort and with this heat, you'll run right in to the lobby. You will NOT notice the luggage room.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Kristin, your son will LOVE the DVD player in the room! Each night we'd take DS5 down to the 3rd FL CMs to get a new movie. The selection is HUGE! He was so happy to watch all his Disney favorite movies "Shark Boy and Lava Girl", "Spy Kids", "Beethoven" etc... They had three cabinets full of DVD to choose from. It's so cute to see the kids line up in their PJs to get their evening DVD

Back in Nov, the BWI-CL only had THREE movies to choose from with only ONE available. Let me tell you how tired I got of Nemo after the 4th night!

My boys are character breakfast crazy too, so we just scheduled them a little later in the mornings, around 10am. I'd hit the CL lounge at 7am for coffee, cereal, fruit, bagel and cheese danishes (those are SO good!) Everyone uses the trays to take food back to their rooms, nothing to feel uncomfortable about. I even passed on a tip to a Dad while at breakfast, he was holding the tray and trying to assemble milk, cereal, bowl, spoon to go. I told him to place the tray on the upper ledge/counter and just load up the tray from there. It was funny to see others doing the same thing at 7am each morning!

Oh best part of RPC, the slippers! They place two pairs of GF Slippers by your bed the first night! I'm wearing them right now!!! I smile and think of our wonderful trip each time I slip them on!

You will enjoy it!!! The only bad thing will be trying to find a way to swing it AGAIN! Once you stay CL, it's so difficult not to!

Slippers?! Now you're talking!

I am so glad we made the upgrade BEFORE my ADR date this time...

Does everyone here have IPO make their ADR's or do them themselves?? I have always done my own so it makes me nervous having someone else do it (Especially at a popular time of year...)

And lol on wanting to only stay CL again! I am still angling for another June SWW trip for DS and I next year, and the best headway I have made so far is 5 days at Pop

 

[goofygal531]

Does everyone here have IPO make their ADR's or do them themselves?? I have always done my own so it makes me nervous having someone else do it (Especially at a popular time of year...)

Kristin, I had them change things to better times but always prefer to do the initial 90 day batch myself. I just like the control

Have you considered the AK Discovery Tour? DH and DS5 did it last Nov and LOVED it! I couldn't take DS2 since there is a min age of 3. We went to see the Lion King while they toured. The IPO has to book the tour for you. They even had to change my Tusker House breakfast for me since it didn't work with the tour time. IPO was able to contact the restaurant manager and get us in. I forgot the guy from IPO's name, but he call me at 9:30 pm on a Sat night to tell me he got us into Tusker House and the last two spots on the tour. He was more excited than I was They are amazing and will go out of their way to accommodate you. To me, that's worth the price of CL itself. The food is a bonus. It's the amazing service that makes it all worth wild.

I'm really excited for you. You will get to experience the GF in a whole new way!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Kristin, I had them change things to better times but always prefer to do the initial 90 day batch my own. I just like the control

Have you considered the AK Discovery Tour? DH and DS5 did it last Nov and LOVED it! I couldn't take DS2 since there is a min age of 3. We went to see the Lion King while they toured. The IPO has to book the tour for you. They even had to change my Tusker House breakfast for me since it didn't work with the tour time. IPO was able to contact the restaurant manager and get us in. I forgot the guy from IPO's name, but he call me at 9:30 pm on a Sat night to tell me he got us into Tusker House and the last two spots on the tour. He was more excited than I was They are amazing and will go out of their way to accommodate you. To me, that's worth the price of CL itself. The food is a bonus. It's the amazing service that makes it all worth wild.

I'm really excited for you. You will get to experience the GF in a whole new way!

what's this tour??? sounds interesting....

 

[goofygal531]

what's this tour??? sounds interesting....

Wildlife Discovery Excursion
Animal Kingdom

Guests staying on the concierge level at a Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort can take advantage of a unique tour called Wildlife Discovery Excursions. An animal expert will accompany you in a specially designed climate controlled vehicle for a one hour journey into the 110 acre savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This tour is very educational and full of information regarding Disney's animal programs. You stop at pre-selected locations in the savannah for photo opportunities. The tour is held rain or shine (unless the weather is severe). During our tour it rained quite heavily at times, however the animals were out all over the savannah.

Small groups (14 maximum) head out for this adventure twice a day (10am or 1pm) at a cost of $45 each. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Advance reservations are required. Contact your concierge or resort itinerary planner at your deluxe Disney resort.


Check out this thread for lots of CL tips:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1943943

They also have the correct email address for GF IPO. Make sure to include your resort reservation in the subject line.