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

[Mousemommy1]

I know how I feel about my Grand...I love her. I still want to stay there. I also want evryone happy too. Maybe May won't be so bad there

Uh oh......

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WDWKOOK - I am sincerely happy you posted those links, I like being able to see what the overall picture is of the construction. Even though I'm sad the view will be drastically changed, it's good to have such a clear idea of what is going on. I understand what you are saying about the CR.

I absolutely will direct posters to BWI/WL/CR (or Poly, or BC, or AKL, lol) if it seems they are more inclined in that direction. In fact, I have done so on more than one occasion. The GF is my favorite but we enjoy many of the WDW resorts - which is why it can be tough to make a choice, right?! Split stay is usually my go-to remedy, or multiple trips in a year.

pas130 - LOL - sounds like you are almost ready for another switch. I'll have to pop over to the BWI thread.

You mentioned the tea party cost - why not just do afternoon tea with your girls? You can certainly get something more affordable (Mrs. Potts' tea is so adorable!), and have a nice afternoon at the Grand.

jenneth79 - You are very welcome! Yes, the cabanas face towards the beach and lagoon, which means they are now facing the fencing. With your trip being in October, it may be possible that the fencing will be changed - I doubt it, but you never know! As long as you don't book for your first day, you should have enough time to cancel if you get there and it looks like the cabana isn't going to be enjoyable.

Jungle Cruiser - I know, it is heartbreaking when anything you love changes. I will miss the view toward the Poly, even though I'm sure the GFV building will be as lovely as those on the main grounds. Some will likely miss the tennis courts, although I don't know how often they were booked in recent years.

I keep trying to remember the joy for all our GF posters who have been longing for years to have a DVC option at the Grand.

It's called B1 on the list. I was looking at the map and it says "theme pool". Is that the main pool?? I only see "courtyard pool" and "beach pool." Thanks!

The two bedroom suite - sweet!!

The courtyard pool is considered the "quiet pool" and is located in the center of the GF grounds. The main building and most of the outer buildings surround it, there is a bar, kiddie wading pool, bathrooms and ping pong table. The movies on the beach have been moved to the courtyard pool.

The beach pool is the themed pool, so named for the location near the beach (which you used to be able to see from the pool - however, during the construction, a lot of the beach has been fenced off) and the theming of rock waterfall, slide, pop jets, etc. All of the pool activities for kids are at the beach pool. In the photos I posted of the turret room view, the beach pool is the one pictured at the end, with the Wedding Pavilion in the background.

 

[pas130]

mousemommy & k&a&c'smom
So YEP totally ready for a switch.......after reading Kooks post...it sunk in, I have been talking myself out of GF. I booked the Poly, I like Poly, all good...my heart is with the Grand, so after 7 beautiful nights at Poly CL, we will hop the monorail for the last 3 nights we will be at.......


RPC I want to stay NOW, before the DVC building is up.....

if I get walked again...................., i won't...

 

[WDWKOOK]

I found this photo on a website called: Hotels of the Rich and Famous

WDWKOOK, I am sad that I am going to miss you at WDW by I am guessing a week. It would have been so AWESOME to meet face to face instead of via computer I think it's great you posted the pictures of the construction. The more everyone sees and knows it makes it easier to decide whether they want to stay at the GF or not. I am guessing that seeing those pictures confirms your decision not to stay at the RPC...

At least at this point the construction and even a monorail slowdown doesn't affect my vacation much. I love SL (so no chance of a construction view, or probably even noise), and my pool of choice is the courtyard pool. However, I won't be sitting on a hammock relaxing in the afternoon

I think all of us true GF lovers are sadden by the building of the DVC. I remember the view from the GF to the Poly before the wedding chapel was built! Unfortunately the DVC looks like it is going to mar the view even more once it is finished. The walk from the GF to the Poly is never going to be the same either.

We depart 4-7 which I think is right before you arrive. Someday, we all need to have a DIS split-stay meet

I agree with you about making an informed decision and weighing all the factors - good and bad. That's why this thread is so helpful - everyone is willing to give their honest opinions - no matter what

While I'm there I'm thinking I'm getting alot of shots and then I get home and its never enough.

I'm guilty of the same thing. I take so many photos and I always think I've taken way too many (again) and then when I'm in-between trips and looking at photos, I wish I had taken even more

WDWKOOK - I am sincerely happy you posted those links, I like being able to see what the overall picture is of the construction. Even though I'm sad the view will be drastically changed, it's good to have such a clear idea of what is going on. I understand what you are saying about the CR.

I absolutely will direct posters to BWI/WL/CR (or Poly, or BC, or AKL, lol) if it seems they are more inclined in that direction. In fact, I have done so on more than one occasion. The GF is my favorite but we enjoy many of the WDW resorts - which is why it can be tough to make a choice, right?! Split stay is usually my go-to remedy, or multiple trips in a year.

Soooo thankful for the split, too and a DH who doesn't mind them (as long as WL is in there)

I know GF will still be your favorite even after DVC. Just another WDW change we'll all have to get use to. I used to keep track of what has changed or is no longer available from visit to visit. But, I think I've finally lost track. But no matter what changes or disappears, the magic is still there

mousemommy & k&a&c'smom
So YEP totally ready for a switch.......after reading Kooks post...it sunk in, I have been talking myself out of GF. I booked the Poly, I like Poly, all good...my heart is with the Grand, so after 7 beautiful nights at Poly CL, we will hop the monorail for the last 3 nights we will be at.......


RPC I want to stay NOW, before the DVC building is up.....

if I get walked again...................., i won't...

I KNEW IT!. Soooo happy for you, Jeanette! Did you and HRH do a scone dance? (a sticker for HRH).

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

SOOO excited for pas and HRH, yay for the RPC! That's where your heart is, that's where you should be! I can't wait to hear all about it...and no changing! Give us the details, what did you book?

WDWKOOK, we get to the GF on 4/13 , sorry we will just miss you!

KCMike, I have been looking at your latest, wonderful picture and I am ashamed to admit I am not sure where it is taken from

 

[TomorrowlandFamily]

The two bedroom suite - sweet!!

Noooo, the one bedroom suite, I had to check to make sure what I booked.

BUT now that you mention it, I looked at the two bedroom and saw that there's a king bed and two queens. We sleep in a king bed at home, so now I'm thinking if there's a two bedroom with king available, I'm going to switch! The kids can have their own beds! (Not that they need them being so little.) I'm thinking since we have a longish stay there it'll be better to sleep more comfortably in a bigger bed that we're used to.

And now comes the confusion. I chose the main building to be close to the monorail and to be in the middle of the action. But would it be better to choose one of the lodges? I know we'd have to walk longer to/from the monorail, but I'm thinking it's no biggie, my kids can walk, and if they're tired at night, I MAY be bringing the stroller for the little guy, and if I don't oh well, we'll manage. We just won't exhaust them that they can't walk.

Hmmm any advice? I'm going to call now to see if I can switch to a two bedroom, who knows it might be too late.

By the way, this is so fun. This is the first time I ever took care of ALL vacation bookings and arrangements. We always used a travel agent for any vacations. I'm loving this. It's addicting!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK, we get to the GF on 4/13 , sorry we will just miss you!

I can't recall if you'll be there in August

Noooo, the one bedroom suite, I had to check to make sure what I booked.

BUT now that you mention it, I looked at the two bedroom and saw that there's a king bed and two queens. We sleep in a king bed at home, so now I'm thinking if there's a two bedroom with king available, I'm going to switch! The kids can have their own beds! (Not that they need them being so little.) I'm thinking since we have a longish stay there it'll be better to sleep more comfortably in a bigger bed that we're used to.

And now comes the confusion. I chose the main building to be close to the monorail and to be in the middle of the action. But would it be better to choose one of the lodges? I know we'd have to walk longer to/from the monorail, but I'm thinking it's no biggie, my kids can walk, and if they're tired at night, I MAY be bringing the stroller for the little guy, and if I don't oh well, we'll manage. We just won't exhaust them that they can't walk.

Hmmm any advice? I'm going to call now to see if I can switch to a two bedroom, who knows it might be too late.

By the way, this is so fun. This is the first time I ever took care of ALL vacation bookings and arrangements. We always used a travel agent for any vacations. I'm loving this. It's addicting!

It is addicting and oh, so much fun! I'm glad you've discovered the pleasure of resort reservation changing/tweaking/making. I hope you get your two-bedroom so that I can live vicariously through you

 

[KCmike]

SOOO excited for pas and HRH, yay for the RPC! That's where your heart is, that's where you should be! I can't wait to hear all about it...and no changing! Give us the details, what did you book?

WDWKOOK, we get to the GF on 4/13 , sorry we will just miss you!

KCMike, I have been looking at your latest, wonderful picture and I am ashamed to admit I am not sure where it is taken from

Oh no! I can't remember.

 

[TomorrowlandFamily]

It is addicting and oh, so much fun! I'm glad you've discovered the pleasure of resort reservation changing/tweaking/making. I hope you get your two-bedroom so that I can live vicariously through you

No luck with the two bedroom but the agent (CM, it feels so good to be in on the proper lingo, now I feel legit!!) said I should call back daily because people sometimes cancel. I was hoping to leave my number and ask them to call me if there was one available, but first, I got embarrassed to be so bold, and second, I realize I WANT to call every day! Should I get a life? LOL

My 5 year old daughter and I were looking at pictures of the Grand Floridian, and she asked me if that was another castle in Walt Disney World!

 

[dragonfly57005]

My 5 year old daughter and I were looking at pictures of the Grand Floridian, and she asked me if that was another castle in Walt Disney World!

That is so sweet!

 

[pas130]

Oh no! I can't remember.

I don't believe it!!!!

SOOO excited for pas and HRH, yay for the RPC! That's where your heart is, that's where you should be! I can't wait to hear all about it...and no changing! Give us the details, what did you book?

All the wonderful pics reminded me that the beach pool is a teeny part of the beuty of the GF. And I remember sitting on the balcony watching DH, DS11, and HRH walk hand in hand around the resort, swim, etc...it was so beautiful!!! I did standard RPC with the AP discount (it's something right) I am at peace...like really at peace...

I KNEW IT!. Soooo happy for you, Jeanette! Did you and HRH do a scone dance? (a sticker for HRH).

We totally did a scone dance I will show her the sticker when she gets home

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Pas here's a little something for you and HRH to look at...the "snack room" at tea time at the RPC!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - Great photo! I've kicked myself many times for missing that angle in the RPC lounge, I have one of the table with tea foods, but not looking towards the drinks and kids table.

KCmike - Is that photo of the walkway leading from the front entrance of Boca, walking toward Narcoosee's and Conch Key? Kind of looks like it to me.

pas130 - YAY! Resort changed to the GF, woohoo! AND - RPC!

I'd love to see the scone dance, or at least get a description.

WDWKOOK - yes, I know I will continue to love the resort, and eventually get used to the changes. I was sooo bummed at the 2007 decor change, but have finally made peace with it.

HAHAHAHA regarding the "Hotels of the Rich and Famous"!

TomorrowlandFamily - Doh!! I even looked at the first page description of the suites, and by the time I posted, got it wrong. Still, a suite of any kind is pretty sweet.

Sorry you weren't able to nab the 2-BR (and sorry I caused you to question your choice!), but hopefully it will be available soon. Keep checking, the availability changes frequently.

Regarding your question of whether an outer lodge suite would be better: my answer would usually be an emphatic no! I love being in the main building, so given a choice, I'd go with it every time. On the other hand, if you can get a bigger suite by doing so, it might be worth it for you. Don't take my love of the main building as a swipe at the outer lodges, btw; we often book garden view, or Sugar Loaf (outer lodge club level). I'm just partial to the ambiance and convenience of the main building.

 

[pmaurer74]

I am feeling very sad about leaving tomorrow. Everything has been really great from the weather and the crowds for the most part. Our DD was sick all week though so she was miserable. We really enjoyed our room and view. The mold growing on the bath tub rail and along the edge was really gross and the monorail being down really affected our dinner reservations but we tried working around it. The baby ducks that are out are really cute. The worst part of the trip, beside our sick DD, was there were NO MICKEY BARS the first 4 days!


I really enjoyed the GF but the WL is still our home and we hope to go back there next year again.

 

[pmaurer74]

I was surprised to see that they had a bus yesterday that did a loop for Contemporary, Poly, GF and TTC so that helped us get to our Chef Mickey's ADR. Just FYI during the monorail being down.

 

[pas130]

I was surprised to see that they had a bus yesterday that did a loop for Contemporary, Poly, GF and TTC so that helped us get to our Chef Mickey's ADR. Just FYI during the monorail being down.

That is great they did that with the bus. Sorry your DD is sick. Glad you enjoyed the Grand. I've never stayed at WL, but I have no doubt it is a great place as well. Hope you get one of the refurbed rooms there next year Safe travels home!

pas130 - YAY! Resort changed to the GF, woohoo! AND - RPC!

I'd love to see the scone dance, or at least get a description.

Thank you! The scone dance is similar to a hula with some jumping jacks in a circle thrown in

Pas here's a little something for you and HRH to look at...the "snack room" at tea time at the RPC!

We were online this morning...HRH is trying to talk me into a full RPC stay, she said the snack room at RPC is better than the Polynesian....how she knows that....a mystery

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

We were online this morning...HRH is trying to talk me into a full RPC stay, she said the snack room at RPC is better than the Polynesian....how she knows that....a mystery

pas, she knows because it is just one of the magical WDW things! However, the Poly "snack room" isn't bad!

KCMike, it is time for a return trip to the Grand Floridian if you can't remember where a picture is taken from! I think k&a&c'smom might be right about the location. Perhaps when I am there in 36 days I can get a definitive answer

pmaurer74, sorry to hear your DD was sick but that you are enjoying your vacation. That's great news about a bus doing the monorail loop. It supports my suspicion that WDW wasn't going to leave monorail resort guests without options. I know the monorail would be a preferred mode of transportation but at least you could make your ADR.

 

[pas130]

pas, she knows because it is just one of the magical WDW things! However, the Poly "snack room" isn't bad!

The DH will kill me if we don't do Poly She knows she can see the castle from the Poly snack room, and this is making us all HAPPY HAPPY! Can't blame her for wanting more days at RPC though


soon you will be under 1 month to go!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pmaurer74 - Awww, sorry the time has come to say goodbye to the Grand, and the World! Too bad your DD had to be sick the whole time, no fun. And - no Mickey bars?!? We very much enjoy WL, too, I can see why you long to return.

Safe travels, and thanks for the bus info, I'm sure it will help others.

pas130 - LOL! I love the scone dance, very cute. Funny about HRH making the distinction between RPC and Poly CL.

Jungle Cruiser - 36 days to go, woohoo! I like your theory that if you forget a photo, or a location, another trip is required.

 

[Figment1990]

Hi Everyone! Were here now and sorry this is the first chance I got to post! Things are beautiful as ever here, even with the construction I still enjoyed my beach hammock time!

I'll be sure to give a full report about the monorail issues when I return but so far it has been down in the afternoon but up again earlier than the estimated 6pm. Like I said, more on all that later when I can type with more than my thumbs!

DS is starting to get a bit cranky at meal times (he's 4, I can't blame him too much because he usually eats with my parents a few nights a week so this is different for all of us). But we have narcoosees ressies tonight. Thinking about using the mouseketeer club for a few hours to give him a break from all that (and from us) (and for us, I suppose). I feel guilty because it's vacation and that's supposed to be our family time but I'm still thinking he might actually like it. Has anyone used the gf kids club? If so, what did you think and what did your kids think?

I havent read all the pages I've missed but there are definitely cute ducks and ducklings at the courtyard pool.

And tea yesterday was Devine as always!!!!