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

[WDWKOOK]

Jungle Cruiser is right it was the Boca Chica.

I suspected that - thank you and Jungle Cruiser. It was TPV, correct? SL has no similar views I suppose



Could someone identify the buildings pictured here in Robo's map that have that same water view facing toward the monorail, CR and MK and NOT toward the Poly and DVC construction? Are they all TPV categories?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - Do you mean those rooms facing the red line and arrow? Those two buildings are Sugar Loaf and Conch Key, and most of the rooms facing the marina are considered garden view. The TPV rooms are on the ends of Sago and Conch, and the water side of Boca.

SL has no TPV rooms - only marina and pool views (both considered garden).

KC Mike - love the photo, as usual.

bdd012 - Welcome! Best wishes for your upcoming wedding and honeymoon.

I'm sorry to say, there are no club level buildings that will put you "right on the water." The only buildings that look directly onto the water facing the MK are Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, and some of those rooms are set back from the water.

Your best bet is a suite in an outer building, all the suites have club level privileges. There is a photo of the view from the Everglades Suite (first floor in Conch Key) on the first page of this thread, post #7 nearly to the end of the post.

Sugar Loaf and the Main Building are all club level, neither of which are directly on the water, although Sugar Loaf does have some great marina views. No theme park views in SL.

The "honeymoon" rooms are the same as the king deluxe room you have booked. There are 9 rectangular rooms on the second floor, overlooking the marina and right at the MK. Several DISers have posted photos of these views, I'll see if I can find one.

There are 6 octagonal, or turret king deluxe rooms, which have no balcony but beautiful wrap-around windows that give a panoramic view of the resort. Unfortunately, these rooms will be looking right down on the DVC construction for the foreseeable future.

I have some photos of the marina side of Sugar Loaf, and some turret king deluxe views. I'll try to post them later tonight or tomorrow morning, if someone else doesn't post something.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Cibahwewah - Sounds like you've had a very magical vacation! Thanks for all the great reviews, I've enjoyed reading about your trip and living vicariously.

I hope your travel home was safe and uneventful.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

WDWKOOK, looking at Robo's map, the rooms in the Main building right over Gasparilla's Grill are the ones that will have an NON construction view. SL, as k&a&c'smom said only has marina and pool views. The lagoon views in Boca Chica are TPV, as well as those rooms facing the lagoon at the ends of Sago Cay and Conch Key. The rooms at the end of Big Pine Key are also TPV, however the other rooms on the lagoon (to the very left on Robo's map) will in all probability have at least a partial construction view. (aka PCV )

To put the map in perspective, Narcoossee's has a TPV from everywhere on it's deck, so any building that faces the same direction on the lagoon will have a TPV.

Ironically, of the outer buildings the only one that doesn't have any rooms with TPV is Sugar Loaf.

Hope this helps

 

[bdd012]

After doing a little more looking around and reading your great answers, I think we have exactly what we want! The everglades suite is very nice, but I think more than what we need. The king deluxe I think we will perfect. We are very happy, and even more excited! Thank you!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK - Do you mean those rooms facing the red line and arrow? Those two buildings are Sugar Loaf and Conch Key, and most of the rooms facing the marina are considered garden view. The TPV rooms are on the ends of Sago and Conch, and the water side of Boca.

SL has no TPV rooms - only marina and pool views (both considered garden).



I'm sorry to say, there are no club level buildings that will put you "right on the water." The only buildings that look directly onto the water facing the MK are Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, and some of those rooms are set back from the water.


Sugar Loaf and the Main Building are all club level, neither of which are directly on the water, although Sugar Loaf does have some great marina views. No theme park views in SL.

Thank you for explaining this. I expected that to be the case, but hoped I had overlooked something. "Right on the water" is exactly what I was hoping for, but CL - like Poly CL/LV or CR/BLV... I love the water views with nothing else nearby - just water and resorts far in the distance.

WDWKOOK, looking at Robo's map, the rooms in the Main building right over Gasparilla's Grill are the ones that will have an NON construction view. SL, as k&a&c'smom said only has marina and pool views. The lagoon views in Boca Chica are TPV, as well as those rooms facing the lagoon at the ends of Sago Cay and Conch Key. The rooms at the end of Big Pine Key are also TPV, however the other rooms on the lagoon (to the very left on Robo's map) will in all probability have at least a partial construction view. (aka PCV )

To put the map in perspective, Narcoossee's has a TPV from everywhere on it's deck, so any building that faces the same direction on the lagoon will have a TPV.

Ironically, of the outer buildings the only one that doesn't have any rooms with TPV is Sugar Loaf.

Hope this helps

It does help and thank you for so clearly explaining it to me. Wonder why they didn't put SL where Boca Chica is so there would be a LV/TPV CL option. Oh, well, nobody asked me

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDW KOOK and bdd012 - I have found some photos that Misti posted in an old thread that are of Sago Cay TPV. Here is the link, her TPV room is in the top post, but you can scroll down to post #577 for a look at the Cape Coral Suite: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108&page=39

WDW KOOK - in that sense, the TPV rooms are "right on the water" - there is nothing blocking the view between the building and the water and MK. You may want to think about booking one of the rooms showcased on that page.

Jungle Cruiser - very good explanation, far better than I came up with.

bdd012 - It is very exciting! There are some photos by heatherlynn444 of the view from a turret deluxe king at this link, scroll down to post #632: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108&page=43

and here are photos by minniesota of the MK view from the rectangular king deluxe rooms on the 2nd floor, in post #71: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=5

 

[KCmike]

Thanks k&a&c'smom!

 

[bethclayton]

Help! I also posted a similar post in the discount codes forum, but wanted to see if any of you GF'ers could help me, or if you have ever used an AP rate at GF without the AP in hand before. We are booked for two rooms for the GF RPC in April. I called and got the AP rate applied to both rooms.

I do not physically have an AP in my hand. I know I have to have one at check in for them to honor the rate.

I think I am really stressed about it being an ordeal when we arrive. We will have my parents (impatient and easily worn out from the long day of travel) and my two kids (same, lol) with dh and I. My understanding is that I will need to leave them in the hotel lobby or shops while I go to MK and purchase the AP for myself, then return so we can check in.... as opposed to being whisked away to the CL lounge upon our arrival, which I know is what everyone is looking forward to.

Is this correct? Is there any better way to do it? I emailed the IPO and they were no help at all.

I am fine with the scenario as-is. But my parents, who are paying for both rooms, get so tired and anxious during travel (not the trip itself, just the travel days, they do not fly well AT ALL). I know last time when we arrived at the GF, we initially had a very tense moment due to a bad experience with the limo driver, but once we were whisked away to check in, all was well with the world. I am just worried that waiting an hour for me to complete my round trip to the MK to buy the AP might just be the straw that breaks the camel's back... But we definitely want the AP, for multiple reasons. If there's an easier way, I would love to know aout it. Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDW KOOK and bdd012 - I have found some photos that Misti posted in an old thread that are of Sago Cay TPV. Here is the link, her TPV room is in the top post, but you can scroll down to post #577 for a look at the Cape Coral Suite: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108&page=39

WDW KOOK - in that sense, the TPV rooms are "right on the water" - there is nothing blocking the view between the building and the water and MK. You may want to think about booking one of the rooms showcased on that page.

Thanks so much for the link to a perfect LV (IMHO). But, alas, no CL and we don't want to book a suite. But, whenever I even contemplate not booking CL, I tell myself, "We could eat room service breakfast everyday and still come out cheaper than CL." But, DH doesn't like eating in the room. So then I think that we could eat a TS breakfast every morning for still less than CL

My other concern (other than it not being CL) is there is no guarantee that we would get a top floor TPV without a connecting door that is in a building that's not a DVCCV (DVC Construction View). So that would be another factor to consider.

Just curious, for those of you who made specific GF room location requests such as "top floor" or a specific building, was your request granted?

Help! I also posted a similar post in the discount codes forum, but wanted to see if any of you GF'ers could help me, or if you have ever used an AP rate at GF without the AP in hand before. We are booked for two rooms for the GF RPC in April. I called and got the AP rate applied to both rooms.

I do not physically have an AP in my hand. I know I have to have one at check in for them to honor the rate.

I think I am really stressed about it being an ordeal when we arrive. We will have my parents (impatient and easily worn out from the long day of travel) and my two kids (same, lol) with dh and I. My understanding is that I will need to leave them in the hotel lobby or shops while I go to MK and purchase the AP for myself, then return so we can check in.... as opposed to being whisked away to the CL lounge upon our arrival, which I know is what everyone is looking forward to.

Is this correct? Is there any better way to do it? I emailed the IPO and they were no help at all.

I am fine with the scenario as-is. But my parents, who are paying for both rooms, get so tired and anxious during travel (not the trip itself, just the travel days, they do not fly well AT ALL). I know last time when we arrived at the GF, we initially had a very tense moment due to a bad experience with the limo driver, but once we were whisked away to check in, all was well with the world. I am just worried that waiting an hour for me to complete my round trip to the MK to buy the AP might just be the straw that breaks the camel's back... But we definitely want the AP, for multiple reasons. If there's an easier way, I would love to know aout it. Thanks!

I completely understand your concerns and I don't think I can be of much help, but we use APs as well, but are very lucky to be able to book with the Military room rate so I'm able to check us all in and then I head to SOG and get the vouchers. In your case, these are your options:

From: http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwannualpass.html


How to Buy an Annual Pass

If you buy a Walt Disney World Annual Pass in advance by phone at (407) W-DISNEY or online, you will receive a plastic card that is your "exchange certificate" for an actual Annual Pass. The exchange certificate must be "activated" (exchanged for the actual Annual Pass) at Guest Services outside of one of the Walt Disney World theme parks, or at the Guest Services Offices in Downtown Disney. To activate the exchange certificate, you'll have to show photo ID (for adults) and you'll get a finger scan that links your pass to you personally (which prevents sharing of the pass). Each time you enter the theme parks with the Annual Pass, you'll have to put your index finger in a scanner. If the scan fails, you'll be asked to show ID.






Walt Disney World Annual Passes can be purchased at the following locations in the Orlando area:

Guest Services offices in Downtown Disney sell activated passes and activate pre-purchased vouchers

Guest Services windows and park ticket booths at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks sell activated passes and activate pre-purchased vouchers

Disney gift shops* at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Disney's Character Premiere* store in Orlando

Orlando Auto Club South office sells discounted Annual and Seasonal passes for AAA members

*These locations sell new, fully-activated passes only and cannot activate pre-purchased exchange certificates. They also do not offer the Florida resident discounted passes at these locations -- only full-price Annual Passes.

You cannot buy an Annual Pass at the front desk of the Walt Disney World resort hotels.











Beth, If you aren't using any sort of discount such as AAA or Military, then I would just order them by phone and have the vouchers in hand when you arrive. Another option might be to book an afternoon tea or an ADR at the GF for the family (or even a spa treatment at SSR for the folks?) while you go to the MK and get the tix. I'm thinking it might actually take you less than an hour to get them IF you don't go around park opening time. There is also the slight possibility that if you explain to the IPO in advance that you need to get the APs after arrival, but before check-in, maybe they would let your family into the lounge for an hour while you purchase the APs. I feel the RPC should do that for your family since you have a confirmed reservation and they aren't issuing any KTTW cards to you or letting you into a room - you're just sending the family to the lounge for an hour.

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing

 

[bowbat]

bethclayton -- I *think* you have 24 hours to present the AP to the resort. There's a sticky thread for ticket stuff on the theme park board; you may find the answer there. Also? When we stayed CL at BWI, we were able to buy our FL resident Seasonal Passes from the CL CM. So you *may* be able to buy your APs from the GF CL, too. If you really don't want to sweat it, though, your best bet is to do what WDWKOOK recommended -- buy the APs online or over the phone now so you have your voucher in hand when you arrive.

 

[pas130]

bethclayton -- I *think* you have 24 hours to present the AP to the resort.

This is what I was told as well. I have my voucher but I need to activate it and show it within 24 hours of check in...I did confirm it with IPO as well who said no prob (but BC not GF) The GF CMs are wonderful, I doubt you'll have a problem bethclayton

KCMike Nice to see you posting pics, missed you


KOOK, junglecruiser, lulu'smom, k&a&c'smomMorning! I totally need not lurk here.... but I miss it here.....

 

[pas130]

. I got the king bed request, thanks pas130!

You are so welcome!!! Glad they took good care of you! I heard ya about MK...told DH this trip in May will be more Epcot focused for sure!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

bethclayton - Try not to stress, I'm sure it will be perfectly fine for you to purchase your AP and show it upon your return from the park. Remember, you have a legitimate reservation - the only thing the AP is doing is giving you the discounted rate.

WDW KOOK - isn't that a gorgeous view?! I'm not a huge fan of Sago Cay, as we prefer to be in the middle of the action, but it's hard to believe anyone wouldn't love that room!

I hear you regarding the CL access, tough to make that choice. We alternate booking CL and regular rooms, and when we want to have breakfast at various restaurants, we go with the regular room. We love b'fast at the GF Cafe, Kona and often take newbies to Crystal Palace breakfast for the characters and entry to a nearly empty MK.

I have made many requests that were honored over the years, but usually it is only a one or two line request. Harder to get "top floor, non-connecting, no construction view." lol I will say, when we've gotten an undesirable room, they have done their best to move us to a better location as soon as possible. A few times, it meant waiting until the next day, but that is usually when we arrive later in the day.

pas130 - I know what you mean, reading about it makes you want to book the Grand right away.

 

[addiedisney]

Hi!

Can anyone give me details as to where to work out or go jogging at the GF? We will be there in March.

Thanks!
Addie

 

[k&a&c'smom]

addiedisney - the health club is located in the spa at the GF, near the Wedding Pavilion. So far, it seems to be open, though the DVC construction has walls up all around. The jogging/walking path that leads along the lagoon and to the Poly may or may not be open at the time you visit. I hope someone who uses it and has been recently can verify that it is open at present.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Here is a link to DVC construction photos on Mousesteps (WDW walking website), there is a video linked in the first sentence that shows much of the construction. I'll post that link, too.

http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=718&Itemid=65

video link, scroll about halfway down this page
http://jefflangedvd.com/2011/12/dis...tion-club-walt-disney-world-photos-and-video/

 

[CWarkenthien]

This is my first time staying at the Grand Floridian and have two questions.

1- Do they have free wifi? I'll be there at the end of April. When I was in Disney during F &W they were offering free wifi as they "tried it out", but I don't know if its still free. Ive read contradictory report online.

2- Is there a Bakery onsite that we can purchase baked goods/pastries from? I know there is the bakery that does all of the special order cakes, but I do love my pastries

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

k&a&c'smom, I just looked at the links you posted for the construction. He did a great job capturing what I saw when I was there a month ago. As for the pathway between the Poly and the GF it is supposed to stay open through the construction. They have planted baby palm trees and installed lights along the path which supports the theory that the path is staying.

CWarkenthien, yes they have free wifi. I believe all the deluxe resorts have free wifi now.

There is no bakery at the GF. However you can get a couple of different pastries at Gasaparilla, similar to what you can get at most of the hotels. Honestly, if you want good pastries, I think you should hold out for the Main Street Bakery!

 

[KCmike]

Don't know if you all know about a website called "Travel with Rick"? He is a video blogger and talks about all things Disney. Well his latest is a tour of the Grand Floridian.

http://travelwithrick.com/