The **NEW** Grand Floridian FAQ!(MAY 2011)

[k&a&c'smom]

Disney-Kim - Good idea! The rooms overlooking the marina ARE quiet, and so pretty.

ethanwa - Thanks for the review, I'm sure posters with upcoming visits will find it helpful.

Don't you love the GF stationery? We've brought some home, too.

I'm sorry there aren't many kids at the resort at the moment, maybe it is the time of year? We usually see many children, especially at the pools and in the lobby, but we have been visiting in the summer and at Spring Break lately.

I'm glad to hear you are having a Grand time, and look forward to more posts.

 

[bowbat]

ethanwa -- Thanks so much for your review! We'll be there for the first time in a few weeks, so it's nice to get the impression of another first-timer. I'm especially glad to read you feel photos don't do the rooms justice because, well, the room photos I've seen leave me feeling very ho-hum. Hopefully I'll be as pleasantly surprised as you were!

Hope you and your family enjoy the rest of your stay! Be sure to post again with any other tidbits of info you think of.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Oh! What beautiful pictures posted by everyone!!!!

I'm just now pulling out from some respiratory problems, thank God I am feeling better~!

DH is about to give in for an extra night on our trip, and it can be at the GF, but not RPC. I told him GV and request marina would be a way not to see the construction. HE really is not into paying the BUCKS for a place with major construction going on.

Well, I am going to WDW~!!!!! Yippee! And this is our first Spring Break trip and our first trip in 10 years WITHOUT CONCIERGE.
This is going to be.....different. Keeping a gratiful and upbeat attitude about all of this.

I foresee lots of room service....

Sending lots of

Oh Lulu'sMom, I am so glad to hear you are feeling better. This darn disease we share, it just doesn't quit. That being said I am SOOOOOO
excited for you that you are going to WDW for Spring Break in March!!! No one deserves a trip to the GF more than you. Now, focus on feeling better and get ready to soak up the healing rays of sunshine and magical moments at WDW.

The construction is a pesky thing. It is coming, the walls are up, but apparently nothing major happening. It is frustrating not knowing a schedule, but I think everyone can enjoy the GF in all it's glory without being bothered too much as long as you stay away from the RPC non-theme park views (unless you get a fantasy upgrade ) and the area of Big Pine Key closest to the Main Building.

Lulu'smom can give us all an update on the construction because she is GOING TO THE GF soon!!!

A couple of iconic GF lobby decorations, the birdcage and the horse!

 

[ethanwa]

One more thing to add... today after a decently packed park day at MK (5/10 crowd level), it was wonderful to come off the monorail into the quiet lobby with the band playing. It was so relaxing! It was the first time I truly appreciated the theme of the hotel.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ethanwa - You have put your finger right on the big reason we love the GF so much. It is an oasis of calm as you return from a hectic day in the parks. As your time there wears on, it will start to seep in and I think you will love it even more. That's how they get ya!

bowbat - We much preferred the more whimsical patterns of the old room decor, but the "new" is finally starting to grow on us. Just in time for the next renovation!

Jungle Cruiser - I laughed at your characterization of the construction as "a pesky thing."

 

[WDWKOOK]

...I'm back with a question


I had a Deluxe RPC Queen room booked as part of our anniversary trip, but I canceled the booking because I was worried about having a lagoon view with the DVC construction. I requested LV because I didn't want the alternative courtyard/pool view because our favorite resort views are lake/lagoon.

I know that the regular RPC rooms do have a TPV option, unlike the Deluxe Queen room. Seeing the Castle/Wishes (TPV) isn't important to us, but it would provide a gorgeous marina/lagoon view that I know we would love.

Do you think it's worth paying more for a smaller room in order to get a TPV and therefore, no DVC construction? The Deluxe room is so much larger that I feel a little silly considering a much smaller room that costs more, so I'd love to have your opinions on this

Could someone point me in the direction of a RPC/TPV photo (I couldn't find any on the first page) or comment on your TPV from the RPC? Thank you!

 

[bowbat]

I have a question, too! How heinous is it getting from GF to Animal Kingdom (the park, not the resort) via bus? Does it take forever?

Our plan right now is to go to AK on our arrival day, just for a few hours in the afternoon. We were going to drive to GF, check in, then bus it over to AK. But now I'm wondering if it would be better to just drive to AK & check in at GF when we're done there.

 

[wbh1964]

We were at the GF from Christmas eve until NewYears eve on my dd Make A Wish trip and stayed in bldg 5 room 5319. Unfortunately because of the nature of the trip and everything being so crowded and me trying to motivate my dd in her wheelchair with such crowds, I have realized that I don't have ANY good pics of the GF. I am a huge scrapbooker and with this being such an important trip for my dd (16yrs old) I wanted to document everything. When we walked into our room, beds and bathroom were to our right and then onto a balcony. Does ANYONE have any photos of a GF room laid our similiar to ours? Also, if anyone was there during that time and has any pics of the GF that they would share, I would REALLY appreciate it!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - I have the Bing maps link on the first page, but found this one on another site: http://dizfanatic.com/Documents/sKeating028_DVC_Grand_Floridian_2012-01-12.jpg
Do you have links to any others? I love the aerial views of the World!

k&a&c'smom That's the link that I have as well. I too love the aerial views of the World. Me and DH look at them all the time.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

...I'm back with a question


I had a Deluxe RPC Queen room booked as part of our anniversary trip, but I canceled the booking because I was worried about having a lagoon view with the DVC construction. I requested LV because I didn't want the alternative courtyard/pool view because our favorite resort views are lake/lagoon.

I know that the regular RPC rooms do have a TPV option, unlike the Deluxe Queen room. Seeing the Castle/Wishes (TPV) isn't important to us, but it would provide a gorgeous marina/lagoon view that I know we would love.

Do you think it's worth paying more for a smaller room in order to get a TPV and therefore, no DVC construction? The Deluxe room is so much larger that I feel a little silly considering a much smaller room that costs more, so I'd love to have your opinions on this

Could someone point me in the direction of a RPC/TPV photo (I couldn't find any on the first page) or comment on your TPV from the RPC? Thank you!

Good morning WDWKOOK, I think I can help. We were upgraded to a RPC TPV room several years ago from a GV room. Ours was a king room, but here are the pictures I have of the room and the view. We don't traditionally watch wishes from the balcony, but did in this case. Picture this, get dessert, a glass of wine, whatever from the concierge area, go back to your room, sit on your chairs and watch WISHES. It is magical. Let me know if you have any other questions and I can help!

Our room, sorry it's a bit messy, but you get the idea!

View from the balcony, looking right towards the pool.

A bit blurry, but a picture of the castle and marina at dusk from the balcony.

Just for fun the flower arrangement we passed in the hall on the way to the room!

 

[KerryCM]

Has anyone here rented one of the cabanas? I was thinking it would be a good thing for Jim. It is his birthday on the 3rd and thought it would be a nice surprise for him. I am also trying to think of something special for our anniversary celebration, so if anyone has an idea please let me know.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Good morning WDWKOOK, I think I can help. We were upgraded to a RPC TPV room several years ago from a GV room. Ours was a king room, but here are the pictures I have of the room and the view. We don't traditionally watch wishes from the balcony, but did in this case. Picture this, get dessert, a glass of wine, whatever from the concierge area, go back to your room, sit on your chairs and watch WISHES. It is magical. Let me know if you have any other questions and I can help!

Our room, sorry it's a bit messy, but you get the idea!

View from the balcony, looking right towards the pool.

A bit blurry, but a picture of the castle and marina at dusk from the balcony.

Just for fun the flower arrangement we passed in the hall on the way to the room!

Oh, thank you, Jungle Cruiser! It appears that the TPV/RPC rooms have a straight on water view then? Were there foliage obstructions?

I know that you were upgraded, but in your opinion, would you book a RPC TPV or a less expensive Deluxe room with a DVC/Poly/LV?

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Has anyone here rented one of the cabanas? I was thinking it would be a good thing for Jim. It is his birthday on the 3rd and thought it would be a nice surprise for him. I am also trying to think of something special for our anniversary celebration, so if anyone has an idea please let me know.

We have rented the cabana's many times at the GF and love them. We prefer to be in either #3 or #4 which have a better view. We have rented them for half days both in the morning (10am-2pm) and in the afternoon (3pm-7pm). On one trip we would rent in the morning when do the dining plan and on another we would rent in the afternoon when we don't do the dining plan.

As garada3 very graciously reminded me that there is a green construction wall that lines the beach of the themed pool at the GF. This may obstruct your view. The cabana's are at one of the themed pool and the beach is at the other end. I can't remember but a few pages back on this thread is a picture of the green construction wall. This was one of the reasons why we switched from the GF. I truly apologize for leaving this out of my post.

The link below is an aerial view of the construction at the GF. You can see the cabana's at the top of the picture and the green wall on the beach.
http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/8520/i-ndwqk9w

We always enjoy dining at a signature restaurant like Narcoossee's or the Cali Grill for our anniversary. I do know there are specialty cakes that you can order or have an in room celebration with chocolate covered straw berry's with a nice glass of wine or champagne. I am sure the wonderful people here on the GF thread will come up with some really great ideas.

Have a wonderful trip and happy anniversary.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

WDWKOOK, until the construction I would have said I would save a bit of money and book the Poly/lagoon view in the RPC. However, as you know I have seen the beginnings of the construction and wouldn't want that view. We have never paid for a TPV, I have always been of the mindset to save the money, since almost all views at the GF are beautiful and I can step out of the building and see the TPV. I hate to leave things to chance and the "pesky" construction is a possible deal breaker in my opinion. I don't want to go on vacation and step out on the balcony and look at bulldozers. Nothing big is happening yet, but it is coming. I know no one else has posted that it is a concern, but those of us who research our rooms want the information! Lulu'sMom is going in March and will post a good update!

Wbh1964, I was at the GF NYE and took some pictures which I posted pages back. What are you looking for specifically, maybe I can help? I only had my phone on my camera so the pictures aren't the best. I have pictures of the balloons before the drop, the crowds, the party hats and so on.

 

[garada3]

View from the balcony, looking right towards the pool.

A bit blurry, but a picture of the castle and marina at dusk from the balcony.

Just for fun the flower arrangement we passed in the hall on the way to the room!

Jungle Cruiser Do you happen to remember what floor this room was on?

The balcony pictures, and the king bed, make me think the room was on the second floor. But the flower arrangement picture looks like the third or fourth floor, at the bend in the hall by the suites.

Thank you!

 

[garada3]

We have rented the cabana's many times at the GF and love them. We prefer to be in either #3 or #4 which have a better view. We have rented them for half days both in the morning (10am-2pm) and in the afternoon (3pm-7pm). On one trip we would rent in the morning when do the dining plan and on another we would rent in the afternoon when we don't do the dining plan.

We always enjoy dining at a signature restaurant like Narcoossee's or the Cali Grill for our anniversary. I do know there are specialty cakes that you can order or have an in room celebration with chocolate covered straw berry's with a nice glass of wine or champagne. I am sure the wonderful people here on the GF thread will come up with some really great ideas.

Have a wonderful trip and happy anniversary.

I am thinking that the cabana views would be obstructed by the construction walls that are up around the theme pool

I second the idea of strawberries and champagne as part of an in-room celebration. On our last trip, we had both delivered one evening but were too tired from a busy park day to enjoy. The next morning we went to the lounge for pastries and then returned to the room for a very indulgent breakfast.

Champagne before rope drop

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Jungle Cruiser Do you happen to remember what floor this room was on?

The balcony pictures, and the king bed, make me think the room was on the second floor. But the flower arrangement picture looks like the third or fourth floor, at the bend in the hall by the suites.

Thank you!

I honestly don't remember the room number but we were on the same floor as the food, so that has to be the third floor.

The flowers are on a table outside one of the large suites, we were just down the hall.

 

[baler31]

...I'm back with a question


I had a Deluxe RPC Queen room booked as part of our anniversary trip, but I canceled the booking because I was worried about having a lagoon view with the DVC construction. I requested LV because I didn't want the alternative courtyard/pool view because our favorite resort views are lake/lagoon.

I know that the regular RPC rooms do have a TPV option, unlike the Deluxe Queen room. Seeing the Castle/Wishes (TPV) isn't important to us, but it would provide a gorgeous marina/lagoon view that I know we would love.

Do you think it's worth paying more for a smaller room in order to get a TPV and therefore, no DVC construction? The Deluxe room is so much larger that I feel a little silly considering a much smaller room that costs more, so I'd love to have your opinions on this

Could someone point me in the direction of a RPC/TPV photo (I couldn't find any on the first page) or comment on your TPV from the RPC? Thank you!

Personally, we would opt for the extra space. We have stayed TPV at GF RPC and it is not my favorite but I prefer the close up at the CR over any of the others parking lot and all.

I have stayed with our Deluxe Queen RPC that we were able to book with the AP discount for our June trip even though I really wanted to go with a Deluxe at BWI (family all voted for GF). We are not very picky about views though and would always take more space so if you utilize the balcony/view a lot it may mean more to your family.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - I see you've gotten some great answers, but thought I'd give my opinion on the courtyard view deluxe room. We loved it, and given the option of paying less for a larger room, or more for the castle view, we would go with the larger room! I have to admit, we love the castle view, but the room space is more important to us these days.

I do agree with Jungle Cruiser that the RPC rooms overlooking the pool/Wedding Pavilion are going to have the worst views for a while, so if IPO can't give you a good idea whether you can get the courtyard view, I would go with the TPV.

Here is a photo of the view from our deluxe, to give you an idea

And a photo of the courtyard from the lounge

bowbat - It takes around 35-40 minutes to take the bus to AK, and that does not include waiting time for the bus! Drive time is about 15 minutes, but the bus stops at BB on the way there and back, so it takes longer.

If it were me, I would go check in, then take my own car to AK. Much quicker, we often take a cab there if we are in a hurry, as it pulls right up to the walkway into the park.

wbh1964 - Welcome! Most of the standard GF rooms are laid out the same, but mirror images of each other. I took the photos of a standard room on the first page, which are the opposite of what you describe. I'll have to look at our Sago Cay (building 5) photos from last year, they may be what you are looking for - I do not have any actual photos, only digital. Will that help? I'll go check, we may not have taken many, as we have a lot of photos of the rooms in the other configuration.

KerryCM - Great idea about the cabanas, I think it would make a fun surprise. Unfortunately, my DH isn't a WDW lover, so we have never been there together on our anniversary - I'm not much help in the romance dept. I do like the idea of the champagne and strawberries; there is a list of Private Dining room amenities on the first page, bottom of post #4.

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK, until the construction I would have said I would save a bit of money and book the Poly/lagoon view in the RPC. However, as you know I have seen the beginnings of the construction and wouldn't want that view. We have never paid for a TPV, I have always been of the mindset to save the money, since almost all views at the GF are beautiful and I can step out of the building and see the TPV. I hate to leave things to chance and the "pesky" construction is a possible deal breaker in my opinion. I don't want to go on vacation and step out on the balcony and look at bulldozers. Nothing big is happening yet, but it is coming. I know no one else has posted that it is a concern, but those of us who research our rooms want the information! Lulu'sMom is going in March and will post a good update!

As always, I appreciate your honest opinion and your points are well taken - thank you.

Personally, we would opt for the extra space. We have stayed TPV at GF RPC and it is not my favorite but I prefer the close up at the CR over any of the others parking lot and all.

I have stayed with our Deluxe Queen RPC that we were able to book with the AP discount for our June trip even though I really wanted to go with a Deluxe at BWI (family all voted for GF). We are not very picky about views though and would always take more space so if you utilize the balcony/view a lot it may mean more to your family.

I'm leaning toward the "value" of a Deluxe RPC room. But, I'm still undecided about re-booking it. I guess I have to weigh the option of staying this summer Vs. staying in '13 and which view I would hate less: a DVC construction view or a DVC view