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

[pas130]

your very welcome. I read my post again and maybe I didn't make it clear enough that we really LOVED the GF! I miss it....I hope you have a wonderful time!



to clarify - I meant that while you are in the beach pool or sitting in a chair by the beach pool the atmosphere is killed. Because of the giant wall that hems you in and obscures the lagoon.

The GF is wonderful isn't it??? We only stayed once in August, there was a wall up at the Beach pool (not affecting the beach itself at that point) it made the area feel small, and my DD and I decided we didn't want to swim there now that the "other wall" is up So we are waiting impatiently for constructin to be completed. Glad you had an awesome stay!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Figment1990 - LOL about the Mickey waffle breakfast, and getting right to the parks! If your little guy is OK with a cupcake, then I say go with it. On the other hand, if Mom wants him to have something a little more like a birthday cake, the 6-inch cake I mentioned would be great, and I think they are around $25. I'll see if I can find a photo for you.

ETA: those Mickey waffles have been on the PD menu for as long as I can remember - I'm sure they'll still be there next month.

MikeandReneeplus5 - welcome back! Thanks for the review, I'm sure many posters will find it helpful.

I'm glad you loved the resort, it is very beautiful and serene, isn't it?! I thought I'd mention, though it won't help you now (sorry!), you can use the Tables in Wonderland card for 20% off at V&A's. Only for the main dining room - it isn't good for the Chef's Table or the Queen Victoria Room. This discount really helps when you want to go all out with the wine pairings, and/or upcharges.

Sorry your room was right next to the maintenance area. As you mentioned, this is the path that leads to the bus; even though it is a backstage area, we have never felt it was dangerous or too heavily trafficked to use. I have some photos, which I'll post below. Sago Cay is not our favorite, as we prefer being closer to the busier courtyard area, but many people like it for the quiet and proximity to Gasparilla's and the bus path.

You are exactly right about the fireworks; the Poly is straight across the lagoon from the castle, whereas the GF is at an angle. If you look at the aerial view, you can see why the fireworks aren't centered - here's the link (if you zoom out, you can see the whole lagoon, with MK/GF/Poly/CR/WL): http://www.bing.com/maps/default.as...&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=5219444

Oh, you mentioned the speakers for the private party. These are not out on a regular basis, they are provided at an extra fee for private parties. Too bad, huh?!

Again, I'm happy to hear you had a magical stay, and fell in love with the GF.

Path to bus stop; Main building/Gasparilla's to left, Sago Cay to right

A few steps further towards the path

Approaching bus stop walkway, bus stop to left, Convention Center to right

Same area, turned around and heading back to Sago, monorail overhead

Walking back to Sago, looking at maintenance area of main building

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Figment1990 - Here is a photo of the mini cakes at the GF, posted in 2010 by Tinks "SS" on the cake gallery thread. She listed the price as $30, I think that included the white chocolate castle topper. I think I incorrectly described this as 6-inch; from reading the cake forums, this is smaller than the 6-inch cakes:

Here is another photo, in November 2010, by princssdisnygina:

 

[WDWKOOK]

your very welcome. I read my post again and maybe I didn't make it clear enough that we really LOVED the GF! I miss it....I hope you have a wonderful time!



to clarify - I meant that while you are in the beach pool or sitting in a chair by the beach pool the atmosphere is killed. Because of the giant wall that hems you in and obscures the lagoon.

I have not stayed in the RPC but it seems to have many charms that you don't get in the outer buildings...and the view from there is expansive enough that it's not like you would be staring at the construction stuff...you'd be looking out over the lagoon and horizon and palms etc. So that's a trade off (charms vs some construction in your view). Also....we didn't see much heavy machinery or actual buildings going up....the beach is a mess with large piles of sand and reatiner floats out in the lagoon...and the wall...but this going to be evolving I guess as they construct the actual units so it may get worse. When who knows.

The maintenance area is for general stuff...mousekeeping and restuarant or private event supply...not the DVC construction...there are many golf carts driven by CMs humming around GF that keep the place running smoothly... but all them originate from that one spot (it seems, I didn't look everywhere!) so if you are right next to it, you see a lot of traffic. at least we did in that one end of Sago Cay.

Here is another strike against Sago Cay - if you are over there your quickest route to the resort bus stop would be to walk between it and the main building. If you look at the first map in the first post on this thread I'm talking about the path right above the number 21 where you walk to get to number 1, the bus stop.

But that area around that traffic circle (see the map) is the maintenance area...truck deliveries...huge steel racks...laundry...very industrial and loud with humming machinery. that road that goes in from the traffic circle to the main building appears to be the supply for the whole resort....

And finally...I have to believe that's where convention guests stay - our whole group was there - because of the proximity to the convention center so you may not want to look at people in professional dress with tags on and brief cases or pulling rolling carryons frequently.....

It sounds worse than it is I suppose and it really didn't bother us, but then again I didn't pay for my room and I amy have felt differently if I was on a full family vacation (rack is $460 for that room ).....

Thank you for answering all my questions. This makes a difference to me now that you've clarified that you were talking about the view from the beach pool being compromised and not necessarily expansive views from much higher up. The view from the pool area isn't important to me and I feel better now about reconsidering booking RPC - thanks!

BTW, I didn't think you were coming across as negative at all and even if you were, I really appreciate an honest review that includes the good, the bad and the ugly.

The GF is wonderful isn't it??? We only stayed once in August, there was a wall up at the Beach pool (not affecting the beach itself at that point) it made the area feel small, and my DD and I decided we didn't want to swim there now that the "other wall" is up So we are waiting impatiently for constructin to be completed. Glad you had an awesome stay!!!!

Does HRH like the "quiet pool?" I know it's not as much fun, but it would be quieter for her.

MikeandReneeplus5 - welcome back! Thanks for the review, I'm sure many posters will find it helpful.

I'm glad you loved the resort, it is very beautiful and serene, isn't it?! I thought I'd mention, though it won't help you now (sorry!), you can use the Tables in Wonderland card for 20% off at V&A's. Only for the main dining room - it isn't good for the Chef's Table or the Queen Victoria Room. This discount really helps when you want to go all out with the wine pairings, and/or upcharges.

Sorry your room was right next to the maintenance area. As you mentioned, this is the path that leads to the bus; even though it is a backstage area, we have never felt it was dangerous or too heavily trafficked to use. I have some photos, which I'll post below. Sago Cay is not our favorite, as we prefer being closer to the busier courtyard area, but many people like it for the quiet and proximity to Gasparilla's and the bus path.

What a great tip about V&A. Thank you for posting those photos of the maintenance area. I now know exactly what MikeandReneeplus5 was talking about and I love being able to picture it all in my mind now - thank you.

Who wants to convince me to re-book RPC and actually request the LV?! I'm very tempted, but seeing that I managed to convince myself once before that the DVCCV would bother me, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive. RPC just seems like the perfect 25th anniversary resort, but the construction could put a damper on the ambience

 

[pas130]

Does HRH like the "quiet pool?" I know it's not as much fun, but it would be quieter for her.

She actually liked the Beach pool better. The movies were played at the Courtyard pool, and when we were there, it was the "busier pool" Plus DS11 liked the slide...when the little ones napped, DH took then to swim in the courtyard pool though, and I sat watching them from the balcony with my coffee

 

[MrJNT]

Love the pics in this thread! Getting me excited as my wifetobe and I will be staying that the grand for 7 nights!! ))))

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

MikeandReneeplus5[/b] - welcome back! Thanks for the review, I'm sure many posters will find it helpful.

I'm glad you loved the resort, it is very beautiful and serene, isn't it?! I thought I'd mention, though it won't help you now (sorry!), you can use the Tables in Wonderland card for 20% off at V&A's. Only for the main dining room - it isn't good for the Chef's Table or the Queen Victoria Room. This discount really helps when you want to go all out with the wine pairings, and/or upcharges.

Sorry your room was right next to the maintenance area. As you mentioned, this is the path that leads to the bus; even though it is a backstage area, we have never felt it was dangerous or too heavily trafficked to use. I have some photos, which I'll post below. Sago Cay is not our favorite, as we prefer being closer to the busier courtyard area, but many people like it for the quiet and proximity to Gasparilla's and the bus path.

Oh, you mentioned the speakers for the private party. These are not out on a regular basis, they are provided at an extra fee for private parties. Too bad, huh?!

Again, I'm happy to hear you had a magical stay, and fell in love with the GF.

I'm always amazed at how much INFO is on the DIS!!! Who knew you would have pictures of that path to the bus from Sago???

Whenever I walked it there always was a large delivery truck parked in that circle...also....the worst view is the one to the left as you walk to the stop and to the right as you walk back...you can just see the black GF on the gate in your last photo...this is what I mean...the days I was there that gate was permenently open so you could see right in to inner workings/delivery area as you strolled by. maybe it was just that I happened to catch it when a truck was there and the gate was open? ah well, no matter, it really didn't deter from our good time . and certainly not too heavily trafficked to use I agree.....

yes the speakers were great...I highly recommend mooching on to them if anyone sees a private party being set up in front of Gasparilla's. You wouldn't be infringing at all because - at least for the one I was at - the roped off area for guests does not extend all the way to Gasparilla's...you could happily stand near by and hear pristine Wishes soundtrack while not invading the party space at all.....

And no worries on TIW...I am not AP or Fla resident so I don't think I qualify.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - Glad the photos helped you visualize. I'm the same way, I like to see what the poster is describing, which is why I'm always adding photos if I have them.

If you want to book RPC, go for it! I would not hesitate to book a RPC deluxe room, although I doubt I would request the lagoon view. It is our favorite, but I would rather not look down on all the construction, since the courtyard view is so pretty. Think of it this way - if you request lagoon, and decide the construction is too unsightly, you can always ask to be moved. The RPC staff will bend over backwards to make you happy.

ETA: I should add, the possible view of construction would not change my plans, were I debating booking. I do have trouble booking at the GF at all for this spring, as the discount percentage is less for GF than for other deluxe resorts. I'm irritated they have so much construction, yet are not offering as much discount as at resorts without construction, if you get me. Seems backwards.

pas130 - When you were there last summer, was the courtyard pool hosting the afternoon pool activities which are normally at the beach pool? Your post about the courtyard pool being the busiest made me wonder, as it is usually fairly quiet, except in extremely busy periods (e.g., Easter), when both pools are packed. The courtyard pool is our favorite, not only for the fewer number of swimmers, but the warmer water!

MrJNT - Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Are you honeymooning at the GF? Very romantic.

MikeandReneePlus5 - LOL! I thought I had even more photos of the path, for instance looking into the back stage area you are describing. When I'm taking these photos, I try to get as many shots as possible but start to think I'm going overboard. Only to have this type of conversation pop up, and then don't have the detail I was hoping for, phooey!

I am sorry your balcony looked right down on the maintenance area, as there are so few bad views at the GF. Very unlucky there, as the marina views just a few doors down are so pretty. Thanks for the info on this view, it will help future guests, I'm sure. If you have photos, we'd love to see them! **For anyone going soon, if you happen to get one of these rooms, ask to move; unless the resort is at 100% capacity, you are highly likely to get a better view.

Sorry, too, about the TiW card, but at least you aren't kicking yourself for not asking.

The audio for private parties is pretty sweet, which it should be, for the cost! Your tip is great, I'm sure many guests have been disappointed to see the marina roped off for a party, only to be pleasantly surprised they get the upgraded sound effects. There are hidden speakers around the resort for Wishes music, but they are kind of spotty. We've yet to catch them working, except for at Narcoossee's.

 

[mariamouse]

Hi all!

It has been a while since I posted on this thread and I just wanted to say that I am still lurking and loving the trip reports, pics, etc! I cannot believe it has already been two months since we were soaking up the Christmas vibe at the GF. I am already feeling anxious to get back to WDW, but am trying to restrain that since our next trip may not be for quite a while. I will just have to keep getting my Disney fix on lovely threads like this one! Thank you all again for your informative posts.

Now back to studying for the LSAT this Saturday... yikes.

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK - Glad the photos helped you visualize. I'm the same way, I like to see what the poster is describing, which is why I'm always adding photos if I have them.

If you want to book RPC, go for it! I would not hesitate to book a RPC deluxe room, although I doubt I would request the lagoon view. It is our favorite, but I would rather not look down on all the construction, since the courtyard view is so pretty. Think of it this way - if you request lagoon, and decide the construction is too unsightly, you can always ask to be moved. The RPC staff will bend over backwards to make you happy.

Will the RPC staff come over to the Atrium Club?. I might have sort of, kind of, booked the Atrium Club yesterday. I've decided to save RPC for after the DVC is built. We just love the CR and since we're going to WL for spring break, I was able to drop it from the summer itinerary. So we now have 7 nights BWI/CL and 6 nights Atrium Club. At least the IPO staff is the same for GF and CR. I hope I get Marijane

Thank you all for putting up with my RPC ambivalence

 

[Ikesmom]

I just wanted to say thank you to all who have posted on this thread. Over the past week I have read every post! I will be at GF February 26th for four nights celebrating my Mom's 85th birthday. It will be our first trip and just a Mom/daughter trip. We are so excited! Mom is in a wheelchair, so we will be in a wheelchair accessible room with a TPV. (took me many pages of reading before I figured out that was theme park view!) The woman I talked to when booking was so nice and so excited when she learned that neither one of us had been to Disney and that we were celebrating Mom's birthday. When I got the reservation I had to call back as I didn't see the accessible room on the reservation and I needed to make sure that there were two beds in the room. The man I talked to that day was equally as delightful and assured me that I had a great room, accessible with two beds and that my reservation was screaming ALERT at him when he opened it up! He made me laugh and between the two of them and this thread any apprehension I had about being able to manage with Mom at Disney went away. I am sure there are many other lurkers like me out there, and so I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who take the time to write and post pictures. From as far north as you can get in Minnesota, we are counting down the days!

Peggy

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ikesmom - to the DIS, and the GF FAQ!! How exciting you have booked your first ever WDW trip, and at the Grand.

I think you are going to love the resort, it is so beautiful. WDW is one of the best vacation destinations for anyone with mobility issues, you will be pleasantly surprised at the willingness of everyone to make your stay easier. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Regarding the TPV acronym, or any subject, do NOT hesitate to ask when you can't figure out what we are talking about! All of us were in your shoes when we started.

mariamouse - Wonderful to see you! I hope you are having a great year so far. I know what you mean about missing the Grand, and WDW in general, I feel that way, too.

Good luck with your LSATs.

WDWKOOK - Good for you, glad you have made your decision. (though, I know it is subject to change, lol) You have some wonderful trips coming up! Wish I could stow away in your luggage.

 

[followthatmouse]

pas130 - When you were there last summer, was the courtyard pool hosting the afternoon pool activities which are normally at the beach pool? Your post about the courtyard pool being the busiest made me wonder, as it is usually fairly quiet, except in extremely busy periods (e.g., Easter), when both pools are packed. The courtyard pool is our favorite, not only for the fewer number of swimmers, but the warmer water!

k&a&c'smom, we were at the GF last summer. If my memory is still intact, the Beach Pool still hosted the activities. The courtyard was busy, though. We could look out our window and see people in the pool at all times of the day and night... often with ducks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

followthatmouse - thanks, good to know! Maybe more guests are using the courtyard pool than usual due to the fencing? LOL about swimming with the ducks.

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK - Good for you, glad you have made your decision. (though, I know it is subject to change, lol) You have some wonderful trips coming up! Wish I could stow away in your luggage.

Thank you - I'm glad you approve

k&a&c'smom, we were at the GF last summer. If my memory is still intact, the Beach Pool still hosted the activities. The courtyard was busy, though. We could look out our window and see people in the pool at all times of the day and night... often with ducks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - I think I made it sound as if I were glad you made a choice for our sake (you mentioned us "putting up with" you - as if!). I meant I'm glad for you, I know how tough making the decision can be. When I'm in resort choosing mode, I can't think of anything else!

 

[KerryCM]

Three weeks from today Jim and I will be at the Grand. We are so looking forward to this trip. The doctor gave Jim the go ahead today when they removed his staples.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Woohoo, Kerry!! Great news about the doctor, glad Jim has made it through the worst part of his surgery/recovery. Now, on to the Grand for some much-needed R-and-R!

 

[bowbat]

We check in tomorrow!

Any other DISers I should keep my eye out for while I'm there?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We check in tomorrow!

Any other DISers I should keep my eye out for while I'm there?

One more sleep, yay!!