The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[MsStinkerBelle]

I am SO missing the big gingerbread house at the GF! DD and I make it a point to spend time in the GF on Christmas day.

Can't wait until we're there for *real* Christmas 2010!

 

[BCV23]

During one of my families visits to Gasparilla's Grill & Games we went for their Starwberry Yogurt and while we were sitting down this persons wife asked us if we wanted their large pizza which she and her husband they could not finish. They said not to lose their dining credits for that night they were kind of forced to get it when they were not hungry, so we said sure will take it. In fact the husband was surprised we did because he told his wife that we would not want it. Anyway we thanked them a few times and even offered to get them something but they said we didn't have to.

Glad you were able to enjoy that yogurt, CRFan!

We had a very magical stay at the GF this past weekend. It was our first time there, so I admit my expectations were high, but we were thrilled. From the valet that met us to bell services (which is insanely prompt!) to our waitress at the Cafe, everyone was gracious and helpful. Seriously, every CM we encountered at the resort greeted us and wished us a Merry Christmas. The decorations were beautiful, and my daughter loved the giant gingerbread house.

Mickey and Minnie in their Victorian garb were there for photos in the evenings. We were given hot cider and roasted chestnuts upon our return to the resort. Our room was sparkling clean, quiet and convenient. Our mousekeeper was so kind, bringing my daughter extra chocolates, asking when was a good time for turn down and so on. Really, my expectations were exceeded. I had my daughter's portrait done by the artist there, and though I won't see the finished product for a bit, the bit that she did from life was amazing. She was quite talented. It wasn't cheap, but definitely a unique keepsake to treasure. I get why everyone loves it. We like to stay all over the place and have different experiences, but this was definitely special.

Oh, that sounds so lovely. Glad your trip was so perfect. Our first two GF vacations were during the holidays. It is so perfectly celebrated there, isn't it?

I hope this hasn't been asked recently; I'm new to this thread...I've been looking at the GF, and was curious if you can see the fireworks from the GF beach and if they pipe in music like they do at the Poly?

You can't see Wishes from the part of the beach closest to the GF as the buildings block the view....you would need to walk toward the Polynesian. however, both the marina and the dock near Narcoossee's are great viewing spots and the music is normally very easy to hear from both.

We just got back Sunday from our first stay at GF. We had a King bed and a view of the castle from our room. We did have to pay extra to reserve the king bed, but we didn't even ask for the castle view, figuring that everyone asks for that and there would be no chance of getting it. We were beyond thrilled when we opened the curtains and there was the castle! I took over 2000 pictures on this trip, so once I go through them, I will post pictures of the room and view.

This is the first report I've seen of a different rate for a king bed other than the honeymoon rooms on the 2nd floor of RPC and the king deluxe rooms also in RPC. Were you in the main building?

Looking forward to your pics Did you have a good trip?

Just decided on the GF for our Jan trip.
I really wanted to stay at the CR but didn't have available on the discount for 8 days so GF is it. My DH couldn't be more thrilled.
I have learned a lot for this board already can't wait for an amazing trip in just 3 weeks.

Happy Holidays

I hope you enjoy the GF. You're almost there!

I am SO missing the big gingerbread house at the GF! DD and I make it a point to spend time in the GF on Christmas day.

Can't wait until we're there for *real* Christmas 2010!

It will be here before you know it!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Glad you were able to enjoy that yogurt, CRFan!

Well that night we didn't really eat much of it because we were eating that Pizza which was a total surprise, however we want back and got it another night.

 

[mrskckitty]

mrskckitty,

What building/room were you in?

On my honeymoon (back in June 2000) my DH and I had a king bed room with a view of the castle in Sago Cay - room 5441. It was a magical location and view. I know there aren't many rooms with king beds. In fact, I remember booking a lagoon view and requesting:

1. View of castle
2. Dormer room (the room with vaulted ceilings)
3. King bed

I was pixie dusted in a big way and got all three wishes.
Hope you had a magical trip!

We were in the main building (RPC) room 4209. We did have a magical trip and celebrated my husband's 40th birthday while we were there. We stayed at SSR for the first 3 nights (my Aunt is a DVC owner and let us stay there for free), so with the money we saved from the 3 nights at SSR, we switched over to GF for the last 3 nights with the 40% off code (which actually turned into 4 nights because our flight got cancelled on our last day). It's going to be SOOO hard to stay anywhere else now!

 

[Figment1990]

GF is really a pretty compact resort so nothing is more than a few minutes walk - except the spa which is more like 10 minutes. (AT least for me).

Boy is that the truth! We're just back from a stay at AKL-kidani village and while I found the bus transpo to be extremely efficient and very tolerable, our room was the 72nd out of 80 down the longest hallway I've ever walked down in my life! It just went on and on and on forever! I kept telling dh how much more I appreciated GF's smaller size in comparison! Holy moly it was exhausting. Plus the long hallways are nothing exciting (even with the animals outside the windows) compared to the lush flowers, buildings, and monorail/boats/lagoon to look at on the way to your GF room.

 

[scanne]

Boy is that the truth! We're just back from a stay at AKL-kidani village and while I found the bus transpo to be extremely efficient and very tolerable, our room was the 72nd out of 80 down the longest hallway I've ever walked down in my life! It just went on and on and on forever! I kept telling dh how much more I appreciated GF's smaller size in comparison! Holy moly it was exhausting. Plus the long hallways are nothing exciting (even with the animals outside the windows) compared to the lush flowers, buildings, and monorail/boats/lagoon to look at on the way to your GF room.

We felt the same exact way last summer at the Beach Club. We were ALL the way down the Epcot end...man, that was a long walk! I love the theming at the Beach Club, and the convenience to Epcot, but nothing beats the monorail resorts for me.

In fact, we're booked at the GF for this coming July. I'm looking forward to being on the monorail, being able to see the lagoon and castle as we're walking the grounds and having the option of taking the boat to the MK or the Polynesian.

 

[dreamfinder222]

My DW and I just got back from 6 great nights at the Grand Floridian. We had a landscape view in Boca Chica (our first time there w/o an upgrade), but the room was in good repair and the building was very quiet, despite being right next to the elevators.

We were concerned about crowds, but honestly, if you stayed away from MK during the day, we didn't notice much difference from our usual spring break trips. In fact, we were at Epcot on the 24th, and its crowds were eerily sparse.

Some details (I'll post more in my trip report): (1) the tile in the lobby, including just outside of the Cafe is finished, and looks great! (2) no cranes or any equipment anywhere in the resort, except the usuall palm-tree-trimmers (3) we had THREE medical scares (not us) on the trip, one in FotLK, another on BTMR and the last one during a SpectroMagic parade!

My last comment is this...I think it would be difficult to find a vacation destination with a friendlier crowd than WDW. We had so many encounters with genuinely friendly guests & CMs during our trip. Guests, in general, are very polite (lots of "excuse me's" and "no, no, go ahead's") in the parks, on transportation, and in the resort. My DW even commented that it was so nice being somewhere for a week where she heard virtually no profanity...and both of us being public school teachers, welcomed the change! It's just amazing that with that many people, crowds and waiting that individuals CAN still be nice to each other. Very refreshing!

If you have questions let me know...

Eric

 

[2manypets]

So glad you had a great time and you enjoyed your room!

 

[fitzpat]

I have stayed in just about every resort in and around the WDW complex with the exception of the GF, and now I have plans to be there in 2010. This trip is to celebrate both a big birthday (you know, one of the birthdays that end in '0') AND its a honeymoon! So we have pulled out all the stops... well at least I think we have. We have made a reservation for a delux king bedroom overlooking the MK, concierge level, and we are on the platinum plan. With that plan, we can and have booked a million and one tours, experiances, and eating, eating, eating galore. Any thoughts? Recommendations? Comments on room selection?? This is all new to me and obviously I want to make it as spectacular as possible.

PS -- I proposed last year at Victoria & Alberts while staying at the AKL so the destination for the honeymoon was easy.

 

[Figment1990]

I have stayed in just about every resort in and around the WDW complex with the exception of the GF, and now I have plans to be there in 2010. This trip is to celebrate both a big birthday (you know, one of the birthdays that end in '0') AND its a honeymoon! So we have pulled out all the stops... well at least I think we have. We have made a reservation for a delux king bedroom overlooking the MK, concierge level, and we are on the platinum plan. With that plan, we can and have booked a million and one tours, experiances, and eating, eating, eating galore. Any thoughts? Recommendations? Comments on room selection?? This is all new to me and obviously I want to make it as spectacular as possible.

PS -- I proposed last year at Victoria & Alberts while staying at the AKL so the destination for the honeymoon was easy.

Just one thought.... can I forward your plans to my DH!?!?!
Sounds like you have an amazing honeymoon/birthday celebration planned - that is the time to go "all in" and I can't think of anything you've missed. Enjoy!!! I'm CERTAIN it will be amazing!

 

[BCV23]

My DW and I just got back from 6 great nights at the Grand Floridian. We had a landscape view in Boca Chica (our first time there w/o an upgrade), but the room was in good repair and the building was very quiet, despite being right next to the elevators.

We were concerned about crowds, but honestly, if you stayed away from MK during the day, we didn't notice much difference from our usual spring break trips. In fact, we were at Epcot on the 24th, and its crowds were eerily sparse.

Some details (I'll post more in my trip report): (1) the tile in the lobby, including just outside of the Cafe is finished, and looks great! (2) no cranes or any equipment anywhere in the resort, except the usuall palm-tree-trimmers (3) we had THREE medical scares (not us) on the trip, one in FotLK, another on BTMR and the last one during a SpectroMagic parade!

My last comment is this...I think it would be difficult to find a vacation destination with a friendlier crowd than WDW. We had so many encounters with genuinely friendly guests & CMs during our trip. Guests, in general, are very polite (lots of "excuse me's" and "no, no, go ahead's") in the parks, on transportation, and in the resort. My DW even commented that it was so nice being somewhere for a week where she heard virtually no profanity...and both of us being public school teachers, welcomed the change! It's just amazing that with that many people, crowds and waiting that individuals CAN still be nice to each other. Very refreshing!

If you have questions let me know...

Eric

Eric, what a great report. I loved your description of the friendly crowds.

I can't wait to see the finished tilework by GF Cafe.

I have stayed in just about every resort in and around the WDW complex with the exception of the GF, and now I have plans to be there in 2010. This trip is to celebrate both a big birthday (you know, one of the birthdays that end in '0') AND its a honeymoon! So we have pulled out all the stops... well at least I think we have. We have made a reservation for a delux king bedroom overlooking the MK, concierge level, and we are on the platinum plan. With that plan, we can and have booked a million and one tours, experiances, and eating, eating, eating galore. Any thoughts? Recommendations? Comments on room selection?? This is all new to me and obviously I want to make it as spectacular as possible.

PS -- I proposed last year at Victoria & Alberts while staying at the AKL so the destination for the honeymoon was easy.

Sounds like a wonderful plan.

I've never stayed in a king deluxe in RPC but perhaps you have a preference for a particular floor. If on the third, the concierge desks are very close. If you prefer the ability to grab a quick cup of tea in the morning, the lounge is on the 4th. Happy planning....it sounds so delightful. For many years we did the old Gold Key plan (different names over the years) and we thoroughly enjoyed all our experiences.

Hope you report back to us on your trip.

Best wishes!

 

[leane]

I need help

I dont know if I want to go RPC for 2 (or 3) days next Dec or just skip GF go with BLT MK view *have to see that at xmas* for 3 nights and 5 night CL BC. We can always visit GF a lot.... oh lordy this is killing me. I dont know if I have the right personality to own DVC and to be able to plan this many trips. I am too indecisive and obsessed.

I really really don't know what to do. Maybe it would be better if I wait until after our March trip. I just think my mom might actually like the BC as well and we got a deluxe room which for the 5 of us, the extra space will be nice.

Can you give a guess would the deluxe room at BC be bigger/better for 5 than the standard GF RPC TPV room?

My other option is holding out and hoping I can book a 2 BR at 7 mo for the first week of Dec.

 

[s&k'smom]

God I can't wait for our trip in October, I start my "florida" job, (babysitting job to help pay for trip) in just a few weeks. I have a post card from GF on my desk here at home so that every time I get overtired I just think it's worth it we'll be in GF in 10+ months!

Can we buy water park tickets from guest services at GF?

 

[scanne]

God I can't wait for our trip in October, I start my "florida" job, (babysitting job to help pay for trip) in just a few weeks. I have a post card from GF on my desk here at home so that every time I get overtired I just think it's worth it we'll be in GF in 10+ months!

Can we buy water park tickets from guest services at GF?

LOVE the comment about your "Florida" job! I will also be working a bit more in the coming months to pay for our trip. I teach private voice lessons and I am increasing my student load, plus I'm going to be teaching two classes through my school as after school activities. One will be a Scene Study acting class and the other one I'm calling "Music and Movement: Disney Style!" So that should keep me motivated.

And yes, I believe you will be able to purchase water park tickets from guest services/concierge at the Grand Floridian.

Have fun planning!!!

 

[s&k'smom]

Thanks scanne, I will have fun and I hope you do to!!!

 

[chuckml]

We booked a bounceback for GF during our recent trip to AKL. How is the bus service to the parks? I know MK will be fine with the monorail, but I wondered about the others. What resorts does the GF share busses with?
Thanks in advance!

 

[dreamfinder222]

How is the bus service to the parks? I know MK will be fine with the monorail, but I wondered about the others. What resorts does the GF share busses with?

Our bus experiences last week were very good. No waits longer than 5-10 minutes. The longest was about 10 minutes, waiting to go to AK. We always used the monorail for both MK and Epcot.

Park buses were generally shared with WL and/or FWCamping. The DD bus went to CR first, I think...then on to DD Mktplace.

I don't recall any trips where we stopped at more than one other resort, though, before ending up at "home".

One other "plus"...there's always a WDW transportation CM at the bus stop, so if the wait becomes too long, or a bus fills up, they can radio for another or check to see how long it might be. It's nice knowing that at least SOMEONE knows you're waiting

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Question.... we were just upgraded to theme park view, club level. Will we still be in the main building?

 

[minniesota]

Question.... we were just upgraded to theme park view, club level. Will we still be in the main building?

Yes you will! Congratulations!

 

[disneydaisyndonald]

Hi all. Just recently booked our first stay at GF in just two weeks.
We booked the standard GV room but I now see today a Lode Tower Room has come avail.
I have done a search online and think I get what the room is but not sure.
so here are a few questions for you guys...

Is it true it may or may not have a balcony?
What buildings could these rooms be in?
It is an extra $51.00 a night is this a good value?
ARe the rooms bigger or just rearranged differently b/c they only sleep 4

Anything else I need to know about these rooms?

thanks guys appreciate the help.