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

[WDWKOOK]

k&a&c'smom: Thank you for the photo of the courtyard from the lounge. It offers a very interesting perspective of the pool/courtyard area I hadn't seen. And, yes, in your absence, I was well taken care of with very helpful responses from Jungle Cruiser and baler31. I'm glad I had an excuse to drop in today

 

[k&a&c'smom]

wbh1964 - I looked at our photos from last year, and unfortunately the Sago Cay room was the opposite of what you need (bathroom and beds on left). I do have a few photos of a room in Big Pine Key with the layout you want, but we didn't get a shot from the door to the balcony.

There is a GF photo thread, where you can probably find the layout you want. Here is the link to that thread, you will have to scroll through, it is very old: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1768829

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - I'm glad you dropped in, too! I wish I had better photos of the view from our deluxe room, but I let the kids loose with the camera.

I laughed at your dilemma regarding the DVC construction view vs. DVC view! I can relate, but I'm sure the building will be beautiful, once completed. I will miss the lovely view of the Wedding Pavilion, that was one of our favorite views in the World.~sigh~

 

[bowbat]

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.

Good information and excellent advice! Thank you, as always, for your help.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

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

Ah yes, you are correct. Oh my bad for forgetting to mention the ugly green wall. How can I forget to mention that as that was one of the reasons why we switched from the GF. I will go an edit my post.

Wow, what a nice indulgence for breakfast. This would be me as I don't drink very often.

 

[wbh1964]

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.

We actually left NYE morning so I am looking for more Chirstmas pics and mainly some of the room with the 2 queen beds and bath on the right as you walk in the room...or any pics from bldg 5...thank you!!!!!

 

[wbh1964]

wbh1964 - I looked at our photos from last year, and unfortunately the Sago Cay room was the opposite of what you need (bathroom and beds on left). I do have a few photos of a room in Big Pine Key with the layout you want, but we didn't get a shot from the door to the balcony.

There is a GF photo thread, where you can probably find the layout you want. Here is the link to that thread, you will have to scroll through, it is very old: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1768829

Thank you! I will look thru it and see what I can find...

 

[psac]

From a Contemporary TPV view (July 2011)

 

[discorsner]

My DH and I went on a kid's free 4 night quick getaway. We did a split stay between boardwalk and GF becuase we wanted to try both.

Our first two nights were at BW and had an amazing time! Then we went to GF and it was insane. We had booked theme park view (not main building) and we got it on the annual passholder rate no less.

When we arrived we were walked in by the host at the door and a girl came to us to check us in, we didn't even have to go to the desk. She said she would escort us to our room. We thought well maybe this is normal at GF BUT... when she went to the bank of elevators in the main building that were labeled for suites or concierge only I just looked at DH with a funny look on my face.

She brought us to a theme park view in the main building that was club level. She left and we were like wow we got some pixie dust! We were there about 15 minutes and we had a knock on the door. We laughed and said maybe someone realized they put us in the wrong place! But when we opened the door it was just that they were bringing us some champagne for our anniversary. We sat on the balcony drooling at the castle view over the marina and drinking our bubbly.

We had a great two nights. It was really chilly one night and we returned to the room to watch wishes which was kind of surreal.

We really enjoyed the club level. I would have never never paid for club level but now I loved it. I left feeling pretty spoiled.

I told DH I think the GF has ruined me (in a good way!)

 

[psac]

Glad you had a great stay and congrats on your anniversary and the upgrade!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

garada3 - I missed the post where you mentioned champagne before rope drop, how fun!

psac - thanks for the beautiful photo! We love looking across the lagoon at the GF from Cali Grill, so pretty.

discorsner - Welcome back! What a wonderful surprise, congrats on the upgrade. I'm glad you loved the GF, and the BWI, very nice anniversary trip.

LOL about being ruined, we can all relate!

bowbat - You are very welcome!

wbh1964 - Good luck with your search. I'll add a few photos from our BPK room, in case you don't find what you are looking for - they should look the same as your Sago room.

 

[pas130]

I told DH I think the GF has ruined me (in a good way!)

I am sure it's hard to want to go anywhere else after that upgrade!!!! Glad you had a Grand time!!!!!


I am trying to NOT change my April trip to the Grand....under instructions from the family.....it isn't easy after looking at all the wonderful pics. Right now I am back to BC/Poly CL...Must be my 30th change at least

 

[threebeesatdisney]

Does anyone know the fee for the valet parking per day? 11 days until we check in!

 

[sydneysmom]

From a Contemporary TPV view (July 2011)

It's just so hard to price out another Disney resort when I see pictures like this!! My DH keeps telling me, "just give it up, you know we're going back to the Grand!". The Grand absolutely spoiled all of us for anything else!!

 

[baler31]

Does anyone know the fee for the valet parking per day? 11 days until we check in!

It is $12 per day gratuity not included. After you pay the $12 per day, you may utilize the valet at any resort without any additional cost (other than gratuity).

 

[threebeesatdisney]

Thanks! I believe we will be using that since I am on VACATION and I don't want to hoof it back and forth across the road to the "convenient" self-parking area.

 

[wbh1964]

wbh1964 - Good luck with your search. I'll add a few photos from our BPK room, in case you don't find what you are looking for - they should look the same as your Sago room.

Thank you!!! These are perfect!!!

 

[baler31]

Thanks! I believe we will be using that since I am on VACATION and I don't want to hoof it back and forth across the road to the "convenient" self-parking area.

We use it as well, even at the other resorts as it is nice to be able to just use our car to go to dinner at other resorts and valet there. Have a wonderful trip should be a great time of year to be at Disney.

 

[garada3]

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.

Thanks Jungle Cruiser .

I did not realize that there were king theme park view rooms on the third or fourth floor! Keeping the request in mind for a future adults only trip

I thought that type of room was only on the second floor, accessible via two elevator rides from the main lobby or the 'pool' elevator over by Gasparilla's.

Love this thread! We are not at the GF that often but this thread is my daily visit to my happy place~ thanks to all!

 

[pas130]

Love this thread! We are not at the GF that often but this thread is my daily visit to my happy place~ thanks to all!

Me too