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

[s&k'smom]

Oh how I love those pictures. Now that I have the new computer I can jump back to this thread on a regular basis. My dd and I were just talking about the GF last night.

 

[pas130]

We have access to RPC. It was a surprise and I think due to us celebrating our 40th anniversay. I really wanted a theme park view that was unobstructed and that is just what I got. We have a dormer room and we love it. We really haven't done much since we got here, but today we are going into the Magic Kingdom.

I am a very loyal BWI guest and I love it here too. We have had a wonderfully relaxing time. We come down so often, we don't need to spend all our time in the parks. We love just enjoying the resort. We went for a nice walk to the Poly and back after dinner last night.

I did have a cabana booked for Monday, but cancelled it. With the constuction going on it just didn't seem worth doing. I also was not too fond of the location of them.

Giving you RPC access sounds like a really nice surprise. Glad you can just enjoy the resort. I would've probably cancelled the cabana too...

Oh how I love those pictures. Now that I have the new computer I can jump back to this thread on a regular basis. My dd and I were just talking about the GF last night.

Nice to see you!!!!

KCMike That beach slide pic is what got my DS11 excited about the Grand last summer. Now he can't wait to go back. He doesn't even care about the construction...we are making him settle with the Volcano pool and BWI (BWI is a surprise...but he has mentioned how bad he wants to try the slide)

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am a very loyal BWI guest and I love it here too. We have had a wonderfully relaxing time. We come down so often, we don't need to spend all our time in the parks. We love just enjoying the resort. We went for a nice walk to the Poly and back after dinner last night.

I would love to read your opinion on BWI/CL Vs. GF/CL. Since you love both, I'd be very interested in reading your comparison/contrast of the two resorts and in particular, CL.

Thank you and and I hope you're having a fantastic 40th anniversary!

 

[jenneth79]

jenneth79 - Welcome! Glad you've joined us, congrats on your upcoming stay at the Grand.

Yes, the deluxe king is the current name for the turret/honeymoon/2nd floor rooms. There are two types, as you probably read on the main page - the 6 turret or octagonal rooms, and the 9 rectangular rooms on the private 2nd floor, over Gasparilla's. If you have a preference, be sure to alert IPO, they will do everything they can to accommodate you.

I agree, WDW will likely make other transportation arrangements for the period when the monorail is impacted by the construction. I think what has most posters nervous is the phrase halt monorail operations during certain times of the day in the linked article.

For many people, this will be their first, perhaps only chance to stay at the GF. I can understand wanting it to be perfect, and the idea that one of the major reasons for booking a monorail resort will be affected is likely to cause anxiety. Hopefully, over the coming months there will be enough info for prospective guests to feel confidant their trip will be all they hope for, and more.

BTW - love your title for one of your TRs, the jalapeno pretzel is a long time favorite for DD and me.

Thank you so much for the clarification! I'm debating now just what kind of a view a lower room would have vs. a turret.... I really do love having a balcony, and worry about missing out!

I agree with you about those who are experiencing their first and/or only stay at GF. Plus with what the other posters have been saying about the price, it is very steep, and we're only doing it because we're there 3 nights out of our 10 overall...so it works for us financially. I'm not 100% sure I'd want to stay there the full time with all that's going on construction wise.

And thanks for the comment about the TR! We're pretty addicted to the pretzel, and that was the first thing we did when we arrived at Disney on our last trip this February.... I think we're crazy!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KCmike - as usual, nice photos!

KerryCM - what a lovely anniversary surprise! Glad you are getting time to enjoy the resort, I hope your DH is recovering from his surgery.

Jenneth79 - LOL about the pretzel - DD and I have been known to go to AK simply to get the delicious things, so I can relate!

It's tough to decide which deluxe king is the best. My favorite room in all of WDW is the infamous deluxe king turret, room 4021, but we don't use a balcony much. I have some photos of the view, if you'd like to see them. There is a trade off - the turret rooms have no balcony, but beautiful wrap around windows, lots of room and a great walk in closet/dressing area. Here is a link to page 5 of the previous FAQ, scroll down to post #71 for a view from a 2nd floor deluxe king, posted by minniesota: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=5


to everyone else! Hope you have a great weekend!

 

[minniesbiggiestfan]

I'm booked as of today for September for the GF in main building club level with a mk view. And free dining!!!! So excited can't wait!!!! Hope th monorail issues are over by then. Now to get dining plans going!!! Woohoo!!!!

 

[jenneth79]

Jenneth79 - LOL about the pretzel - DD and I have been known to go to AK simply to get the delicious things, so I can relate!

It's tough to decide which deluxe king is the best. My favorite room in all of WDW is the infamous deluxe king turret, room 4021, but we don't use a balcony much. I have some photos of the view, if you'd like to see them. There is a trade off - the turret rooms have no balcony, but beautiful wrap around windows, lots of room and a great walk in closet/dressing area. Here is a link to page 5 of the previous FAQ, scroll down to post #71 for a view from a 2nd floor deluxe king, posted by minniesota: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=5


to everyone else! Hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks so much, this is exactly what I was looking for! That really is a lovely view, but if you do get a chance (no rush at all!) would you PM me the photos of this infamous room? (Or on the board, not sure how much space ) I'd really appreciate it!

 

[nonzerosum]

I am so upset, I could cry. I just read another thread about the monorail shut downs effective almost immediately. We're staying at the GF in less than 3 weeks, and paying FULL PRICE for 12 nights. Our package is already paid for, so switching is not going to be easy at this point. We chose the GF because we have young kids and wanted access to the monorail for midday breaks. Between the construction, lack of the spa, lack of movies on the beach, and the monorail, I feel like we're getting the shaft. It's not like the monorail resorts are going to do anything to compensate us. I'm not one to easily complain, but we live very far from WDW, in another country, so getting to WDW is a big deal. I am so very upset about this!

 

[pmaurer74]

We are here now! The monorail is down and they said it would be for several days. I got the impression it was going to be down 11-6 every day? Kinda bummed but we are in Boca Chica with a theme park view! I was surprised to see the castle! We got our request of Boca Chica from the online check in but they messed up and have 7 people in our room hopefully it will not impact our package that starts tomorrow.

Weather seems great except for Sunday's forecast. We are thrilled to be here and love our room and view! We had 3 ducks greet us in front of our balcony.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

minniesbiggestfan - Welcome! Congrats on your first stay at the Grand, and in RPC to boot! Very nice.

Great you were able to snag free dining! Keep watching for room only discounts, as you may find a room only discount of even 25% will be more than the free dining discount. Keep in mind, too, that there is food available in the club lounge all day - so the dining plan may be more than you need. Just a thought.

jenneth79 - I'll be glad to post the turret photos, I have to get some of them uploaded to my photobucket account. I'll try to do that within the next day.

pmaurer74 - Glad you've arrived safely and are enjoying the Grand! Sounds like you may have gotten an upgrade? Sorry to hear the monorail shut down has already begun, very disappointing. Wow, that's a long period during the main part of the day.

nonzerosum - I'm sooo sorry! I can't blame you for feeling upset. If I were in your shoes, and wanted to change resorts (you would probably need to switch to the Epcot area) I would call, or have your TA call, and ask for a supervisor in guest services. They should be able to do something, under the circumstances.

 

[KerryCM]

Pmaurer74, we are here now too!! We are in Sago Cay with a perfect castle view!! I am not finding the monorail closure that bad. Hey, I am on vacation and if I have to put up with a little inconvience I can handle that!!!

 

[TomorrowlandFamily]

TomorrowlandFamily - Welcome! What a wonderful first trip you have planned!

Thank you, how dear you are for your welcome! I'm learning so much here. I appreciate all the help and advice everyone is sharing.

 

[pmaurer74]

I spoke to a transportation person today while waiting for a bus to DTD and he said that the monorail will be closed about 11-6 every day for 2 weeks starting today for upgrades to the system. Everyone hear at the grand has been fabulous so far! The squirrel at Gasparillas is a little frightening and very bold!

 

[nonzerosum]

I spoke to a transportation person today while waiting for a bus to DTD and he said that the monorail will be closed about 11-6 every day for 2 weeks starting today for upgrades to the system. Everyone hear at the grand has been fabulous so far! The squirrel at Gasparillas is a little frightening and very bold!

Good to hear from a couple of people that the monorail closures aren't that bad. I feel better now. Thank you so much.

 

[MommyGina]

KCmike - thank you for the beautiful picture! That is one of my favorite places at the GF - on that swing!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KerryCM - thanks for the info on the monorail. I meant to say, I don't blame you for canceling the cabana, not an opportune moment for lazing at the beach pool.

nonzerosum - glad you are feeling a bit better about your trip.

pmaurer - thanks for the clarification on the monorail, I hope it is only for 2 weeks. LOL about the squirrel.

MommyGina - I understand about the college thing, our 3rd child is in her last couple years, whew.

jenneth79 - Here is the layout for the two deluxe king rooms. I'll try to get the view photos up today.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

A few interior shots of the turret deluxe king.
old decor (3 photos)

new decor

walk in closet

 

[P.I.G.mommy]

I am so upset, I could cry. I just read another thread about the monorail shut downs effective almost immediately. We're staying at the GF in less than 3 weeks, and paying FULL PRICE for 12 nights. Our package is already paid for, so switching is not going to be easy at this point. We chose the GF because we have young kids and wanted access to the monorail for midday breaks. Between the construction, lack of the spa, lack of movies on the beach, and the monorail, I feel like we're getting the shaft. It's not like the monorail resorts are going to do anything to compensate us. I'm not one to easily complain, but we live very far from WDW, in another country, so getting to WDW is a big deal. I am so very upset about this!

Ok, so we will be there in 25 days.....I just saw about the monorail issue, but I did not realize that the movies on the beach are cancelled too???? We really wanted to enjoy the hotel with the kids, and was looking forward to the nightly movies.....why are they cancelled?

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Ok, so we will be there in 25 days.....I just saw about the monorail issue, but I did not realize that the movies on the beach are cancelled too???? We really wanted to enjoy the hotel with the kids, and was looking forward to the nightly movies.....why are they cancelled?

Unless something has changed recently(we were there in the beginning on January), the movies on the beach haven't been cancelled, they have been moved. They are now shown at the courtyard pool, the screen is on the grass facing the shallow end. In September kids were in the pool watching, parents relaxing on lounge chairs enjoying themselves. There are also rooms with balconies you could see from. There is no longer a campfire, but the movies are still being shown!

 

[s&k'smom]

Hold the phone can someone confirm that the gf monorail will be closed? For how long? Is it because of the construction. I have to tell you it's my son's favorite part of the hotel.