The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[Chironicus]

Just want to say Thanks for a wonderful thread. This year hubby and I are going to WDW (my first time!!) and staying at the GF at RPC. I'm so excited, have pored over the many photos and read so many wonderful tips. Makes me even more jazzed to be heading out!

Is there any news on the construction there? Does it look like it will be wrapped up by Thanksgiving?

Also, should I add a request for a bottle of water in my room daily or simply mention it when I get there?

I'm so thrilled!! I really cannot wait.

--Chiron

 

[dizneedoll]

Hey everyone I have some news.
Just got an alert from my TAs facebook page that the GF RPC is now charging for MK views and that it is a room category available now. I guess I should not be surprised as they are doing this at the CR and the Poly and also charge for the bunk bed rooms at the WL and AKL.

Here is the link to her facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/*********************/100802887433?ref=ts

I'm wondering if they didn't change several of the booking catagories. I booked a GV but when I looked it up online it's listed as a "landscape view" Does anyone know if the booking catagories have been re-named or is this just Disney's online reservation system doing strange things again??

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I'm wondering if they didn't change several of the booking catagories. I booked a GV but when I looked it up online it's listed as a "landscape view" Does anyone know if the booking catagories have been re-named or is this just Disney's online reservation system doing strange things again??

Before we switched to Club Level, we were booked GV and I noticed that when I looked up my reservation on the WDW site it said "landscape view" but when I got my email confirm it said "garden view."

 

[minniesota]

Hmm....we are already booked for RPC in January and have requested castle view...before the theme park view even existed. I wonder if we should re-book. We have always put in a request for castle view and gotten it. What to do, what to do...

 

[cosmicrays]

I just booked RPC as well for Jan but I booked the GF RPC MK view.
I wonder how they will handle requests from regulars who MK views now? I dont think there are that many as is. I am going to see if I can find out how many there are.

 

[leane]

Leane, have you spent much time on the DVC forums? There are some real experts over there in terms of the ins and outs of the financial side of DVC.

TOO much time

Those resorts in my signature are those at which we have points. My DH and I absolutely love BCV. So far we've only stayed at BLT once. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and love forward to using our points there as well. We have vacations booked there for Dec. and May.

I really look forward to hearing about your stays!

The contracts are for so long that I would buy where you think you would be happiest without considering the ages of your girls. Their preferences might change several times over. Both resorts do have much to offer them at their current ages though. SAB is fantastic and we really enjoy Dune Coves pool as well. The pool at BLT is nice and the slide is fun according to my DH. Both resorts offer activities for children. Both have many restaurants in their respective areas that are easy to access. That is an important part of Disney trips for us. Most people would consider the views at BLT far superior to BCV. Our villa in September had a drop dead view of Bay Lake....fantastic. However, we also enjoy the quiet views at BCV.

If you had to choose a lagoon or mk view which would you? They have one on hold both are available... I need a room for the 27th.

When you say book without the tour, do you mean buy or just book a single trip through Disney Reservation Center? I personally wouldn't buy without doing some research. We did the DVC tour in 94 or 95ish but didn't buy until BCV went on sale in 02. We bought there before it opened but had done quite a bit of DIS research. Since the two resorts you wish to buy are both open, I would consider trying them both or at least visiting them since you have a trip coming up soon.
Decided to go this weekend to see them. Can't stay on the resort but we are going to tour them. I have a feeling it wont help I am torn between the two terribly! I asked our guide if we could do 100 BLT and 80 BCV he said he didn't think they would but would call back. Called to say they will. Someone on tgm site suggested a quick trip. I looked up southwest and away we are going. We have family in cocoa beach and friends in tampa so we will stay on one coast or the other I FROZE today it was 35 degrees when I left for work. So we may just decide this weekend. It would take care of the room problem on the 27th and the contract is exactly what i would have built myself...

One big advantage of BLT IMO is the second bathroom in a one bedroom. Very convenient.

Don't forget to include the cost of yearly dues in your calculations.

Just to get on topic , if there were to be a GF DVC, would you buy there?
OH HECK YEAH SIGHT UNSEEN But for me this is a vacation investment.

Good luck with your decisions.

As I mentioned I have been doing nothing but research. I could have gotten in so much trouble today at work.... I think we are already leaning towards he purchase.. Because my dad was ill we couldn't go anywhere but I dont know if we would have. I just refuse to go another 10 years before I get out of town this will help that. My mom is helping with part of the cost. She says she wants to give her great grandchildren wdw.. and this is what my dad would have wanted... he said take my girls to disney.. well she is doing more than that. We might not be able to move to FL quite as soon as I had wanted after this purchase but at least we would be able to visit...
Given the contract they agreed to it for me is the best of both worlds. The long length possibility of a better resale not much i know but it is better than if it was the BCV contract.. and I think the BCV looks great! we saved a little not buying the full 160 BLT and we should be fine on points no matter which resort we might choose as our home for that visit.
I just hope he can come through with the loaded contract. what an excuse.. sorry honey we have to go for xmas otherwise will will waste points He said he has to get a manager to bank the points. hope they don't mess with me on that one. I have heard read some horror stories.

Sorry about the babble I am done now... I think.

 

[rie'smom]

Does anyone have information on the room codes like BJ? I remember seeing something but I can't remember where.

 

[BCV23]

leane, sounds like you have done your research! Personally, I think that is a great combination. Make sure you get the same use year but I bet you know that. Good luck with your decision.

We would buy a GF or Polynesian DVC in a heartbeat....well, at least I would.

We've not had a MK view villa but after our Bay Lake view, that's what I will book in the future I think. Loved it. We have standard view next trip but I waitlisted for Bay Lake view.

Didn't someone post about MK view in RPC being a separate category a week or two ago? I do think it makes sense. minniesota, I sure hope you get your request.

 

[BlueSkies]

minniesota I would give IPO a call on that one...just to be sure that they will note that you booked before the category change...I sure hope that you get the view that you requested....

cosmicray You have an awesome TA!!

Leane A little more OT discussion on the BLT view...I agree with BCV that Bay Lake view is incredible...although I love the GF I am along time CR fan as well...I have always requested the BL view at the CR....the surise in the morning is remarkable...and the tranquility during the day (watching the lauches dock and hearing their whisltes blow on the water...) not to mention the EWP n the evenings...Just love it!!! BTW DVC at the GF would be incredible!!!! Good luck making a decision!!!

 

[dizneedoll]

Before we switched to Club Level, we were booked GV and I noticed that when I looked up my reservation on the WDW site it said "landscape view" but when I got my email confirm it said "garden view."

I just double checked my email confirmation and it does say GV also.

 

[leane]

leane, sounds like you have done your research! Personally, I think that is a great combination. Make sure you get the same use year but I bet you know that. Good luck with your decision.

We would buy a GF or Polynesian DVC in a heartbeat....well, at least I would.

We've not had a MK view villa but after our Bay Lake view, that's what I will book in the future I think. Loved it. We have standard view next trip but I waitlisted for Bay Lake view.

I asked for a march use year on each. I am not positive on which would have been better FEb or Mar. if we take winter trips they will be completed by March any spring trips would be in May. I thought the Mar UY would be easier because I can bank in Nov/Dec. I didnt want to screw myself up not being able to bank after the june/july/aug/sept no bank rule.

minniesota

Leane A little more OT discussion on the BLT view...I agree with BCV that Bay Lake view is incredible...although I love the GF I am along time CR fan as well...I have always requested the BL view at the CR....the surise in the morning is remarkable...and the tranquility during the day (watching the lauches dock and hearing their whisltes blow on the water...) not to mention the EWP n the evenings...Just love it!!! BTW DVC at the GF would be incredible!!!! Good luck making a decision!!!

I think I will ask our guide to keep the bay lake view. I dont think we will make it back for wishes anyway and I was told by the guide the lagoon view is FAB... Thanks for your input.


Off to FL soon! so excited. I am again freezing. Not looking forward to being in the airplane. i have had a killer sinus headache 4 days now. maybe I just need some warm weather to help me out.

 

[thesupersmartguy]

Hi all,

25 days for me, and I was able to extend my Dec GF trip from 6 days to 9 days!

 

[Mouseturtle]

Hi all,

25 days for me, and I was able to extend my Dec GF trip from 7 days to 9 days!

YAY! Have a blast!

 

[BCV23]

leane, this is so but the June,July, Aug, Sept no bank rule only applies to Sept use years. It is only in the last four months of your use year that you can not bank points. Good luck and have fun!

supersmartguy, have fun!

BlueSkies, I agree. Sunrise over Bay Lake is amazing.

 

[LMO429]

what is the best thing to order at the garden view tea? going for the 1st time what should i try?

 

[BCV23]

Just want to say Thanks for a wonderful thread. This year hubby and I are going to WDW (my first time!!) and staying at the GF at RPC. I'm so excited, have pored over the many photos and read so many wonderful tips. Makes me even more jazzed to be heading out!

Is there any news on the construction there? Does it look like it will be wrapped up by Thanksgiving?

Also, should I add a request for a bottle of water in my room daily or simply mention it when I get there?

I'm so thrilled!! I really cannot wait.

--Chiron

Welcome to the thread. RPC...what a wonderful introduction to WDW.

On a separate thread a day or two ago someone posted new pictures of the floor and guessed that the floors were near completion. I haven't seen any official word.

If you would like a large glass bottle of water, just ask in the lounge. They do not typically stock refrigerators for guests.

Have a great time and welcome to the GF thread.

what is the best thing to order at the garden view tea? going for the 1st time what should i try?

I've enjoyed everything I've tried. My family had a private tea a few years ago and I think we ended up with most things from the menu. Everything was great.

 

[BlueSkies]

LMO429 We always enjoy the afternoon tea at the Gardenview Lounge...there are so many nice things on the menu as BCV said...but we things that I think we enjoy most...and order time and again are the strawerries and cream(so so good!!! that fresh whipped cream!!!)..the scones(of course)...and the British Cheese Plate ( I think thats what it is called...) it comes with a variety of cheeses and some fruit and crackers too...delish!!! This is such a nice way to spend an afternoon! enjoy!!!

BCV I would love to know more about the private tea that you had with your family...was it in the GV Lounge...or elsewhere kind of like when you do something thru PD...details...please!! Thanks

Chironicus Sorry I missed saying so before WELCOME!! from me too!

 

[Maxie86]

I just booked my first GF stay because we got a 40% off PIN! I'm getting married at WDW June 14, 2010 and this Pin made it possible for us to stay at the GF during that time.

I ended up booking Outer Lodge club level. Now I know what concierge gets us but what building is outer lodge? I hope it's not a trek to transportation or the monorail.

Congrats on the wedding and staying at the GF. SL is very convenient and not far from anything.

I got a PIN for 40% off during first half of 2010. I think I will book GF for March or May. Any advice on which month would be better based on any special events that may take place at the resort?

Congrats on the code. I like May, the weather is great and the Flower and Garden Festival is in Epcot.

Hey everyone I have some news.
Just got an alert from my TAs facebook page that the GF RPC is now charging for MK views and that it is a room category available now. I guess I should not be surprised as they are doing this at the CR and the Poly and also charge for the bunk bed rooms at the WL and AKL.

Here is the link to her facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/*********************/100802887433?ref=ts

Bummer, I knew it would only be a matter of time before they started charging extra for those rooms.

Just want to say Thanks for a wonderful thread. This year hubby and I are going to WDW (my first time!!) and staying at the GF at RPC. I'm so excited, have pored over the many photos and read so many wonderful tips. Makes me even more jazzed to be heading out!

Is there any news on the construction there? Does it look like it will be wrapped up by Thanksgiving?

Also, should I add a request for a bottle of water in my room daily or simply mention it when I get there?

I'm so thrilled!! I really cannot wait.

--Chiron

Congrats, what a great way to be introduced to WDW. I just returned two weeks ago and it looked to me like the construction should be pretty much done by Thanksgiving.

Hi all,

25 days for me, and I was able to extend my Dec GF trip from 6 days to 9 days!

Have fun.

LMO429 We always enjoy the afternoon tea at the Gardenview Lounge...there are so many nice things on the menu as BCV said...but we things that I think we enjoy most...and order time and again are the strawerries and cream(so so good!!! that fresh whipped cream!!!)..the scones(of course)...and the British Cheese Plate ( I think thats what it is called...) it comes with a variety of cheeses and some fruit and crackers too...delish!!! This is such a nice way to spend an afternoon! enjoy!!!

BCV I would love to know more about the private tea that you had with your family...was it in the GV Lounge...or elsewhere kind of like when you do something thru PD...details...please!! Thanks

Chironicus Sorry I missed saying so before WELCOME!! from me too!

Hi BlueSkies, I don't have time to check in during the week so I haven't been around much.

The tea sounds great, maybe I'll book one in April. DS's DGF is coming with us and I know she would enjoy this.

 

[Chironicus]

Welcome to the thread. RPC...what a wonderful introduction to WDW.

On a separate thread a day or two ago someone posted new pictures of the floor and guessed that the floors were near completion. I haven't seen any official word.

If you would like a large glass bottle of water, just ask in the lounge. They do not typically stock refrigerators for guests.

Have a great time and welcome to the GF thread.

Yay on the floors being near completion!! Thanks so much for the welcome. And for the info about the water. I'm so excited about my trip I'm about to burst! Can't wait to see the Christmas decorations in person!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Hey Maxie!! I think the tea with DSs DGF is a great idea!! We always enjoy it!! Maybe a little girls only time....and dont forget the strawberries and cream...worth every calorie...

Chironicus The GF is beautiful at any time but especially so at Christmas...the tree is incredibe...and the ginger bread house makes the lobby smell wonderful...not to mention that there is holiday entertainment in the lobby during this time as well...in the past we have seen carolers...a bell choir...what a way to get into the holiday spirit!!!