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

[pas130]

I wrote a few weeks ago that my 85 year old Mom and I were going to WDW for the first time the week of February 26th. I must admit after reading all the posts about Disney World, I thought that some people were a little over the top with love for all things Disney. Now I get it! I also understand the love affair with the GF. Oh my stars, what an awesome place. My Mom and I had an accessible room on the first floor of Boca Chica. We watched the fireworks and electric boat parade every night from our patio. The treatment from the staff was fabulous and everyone was so helpful, both at the hotel and the parks. As mom said, she didn't feel like she was a nuisance in the wheelchair, she felt like she was special! Who would have thought that going to Disney World with an 85 year old in a wheelchair would have been a fantastically relaxing vacation, but it was! We had an absolutely fabulous meal at Citrocos the first night we were there, and they made such a fuss about her birthday. It was sweet. So, if you are like me and reading this thread because you are either thinking about booking the GF, and wonder if it is worth it, or have booked it are are wondering if you will like it, rest assured it is so worth it. I now need to return with my husband! Thnaks again to all of you who put so much advice on this thread. It was so helpful.

So glad you and your mom had such a GRAND trip It is too amazing to explain in words....and YAY for a new GF trip to plan with DH

I'm so glad you all understand my addiction to resort tv.

I always feel better when my DIS friends feel the same...makes me feel less crazy...not that I care about feel crazy

 

[k&a&c'smom]

GraceandCaroline'smom - we keep posting at the same time!

Thanks for all the great info on the grocery delivery. We very nearly ordered for our stay at BC last summer, but decided in the end we didn't need $40+ worth of food for just two of us. We often eat b'fast in the room, or take a granola bar along with us on the way to the parks, but rarely eat lunch or dinner in the room. In fact, we didn't even use all the b'fast items we took with us last year!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I always feel better when my DIS friends feel the same...makes me feel less crazy...not that I care about feel crazy

Me, too!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

GraceandCaroline'smom - we keep posting at the same time!

Thanks for all the great info on the grocery delivery. We very nearly ordered for our stay at BC last summer, but decided in the end we didn't need $40+ worth of food for just two of us. We often eat b'fast in the room, or take a granola bar along with us on the way to the parks, but rarely eat lunch or dinner in the room. In fact, we didn't even use all the b'fast items we took with us last year!

I have been a little bored and in need of a Dis fix this morning so I have been quick-on-the-draw I just love gardengrocer and always jump at the chance to tout their attributes. We are well acquainted with them as DD11 has lots of food allergies so we order safe bfst foods, snacks, microwave meals, etc from them along with lots of other stuff.

Now....back to regularly scheduled programming......

 

[Figment1990]

Ok I'm back.

As promised, i wanted to touch on just a few other things about our stay. Overall, despite my frustration with how the monorail shut-down was handled, it really was a great trip - a great stay at the Grand and at Disney in general. I was so sad to leave. My son was actually ready to get home to play with his toys, but it was much harder for me to say goodbye.

We spent more time at the hotel this trip than last time, although I was not out by the pool or beach quite as much. It was a touch cooler and rainier than our last trip, so not as much opportunities and those bugs were everywhere! (not unique issue for GF, just something you deal with this time of year).

But I did manage to lounge and read and enjoy a cocktail or two on the beach, in a hammock, by the pool, on a lovely bench, and at the Garden View Tea Room.... I know I posted that we weren't sure if we were going to take our son to our Narcoosee's reservation because he was getting restless with us, but it turned out to be one of our best dinners with him. We were seated by the window and he was so amused by the monorail, the boat dock, and all the resorts that we had 4 full courses! He had the largest, cutest sweetest cupcake ever - the Nemo Cupcake. We also ate at the GF Cafe for dinner one night and once for breakfast. Also, very tasty!

There is just something about the white buildings with the red roofs against a blue sky and palm trees that relaxes me like nothing else can. I like to say that Cinderella lives in Cinderella Castle - but she vacations at the Grand.

As for the DVC construction, they were not putting up any of the building yet, still moving land. and yes, there was a wall at the zero-entry point of the beach pool (you could still sit on the beach chairs and look at the pool, monorail and beautiful GF). But you could not HEAR much work going on yet. I can see how you might be able to hear more, as things get more underway. But honestly the construction was less obtrusive than those orange lifts were when they were painting and working on the outside staircases back in August of 09. It is far enough away right now that you don't notice too much unless you are sitting on the beach or in Boca Chica staring at it. The DVC person said they are supposed to open in late 2013, if that helps to estimate the construction schedule for anyone.

I am not sure what to say about the monorail interruption in the future. It was back up and running at 2pm on March 12 (we took it back from the MK just because we could!). I have been to Disney on July 4 and the week between Christmas and New Years and the MK on 3/12 was nearly that busy. It was SO crowded. I don't think there is any way they could transport all those people without the monorail. No way. Eventually the "reason" they said it was taken offline was so that they could bring necessary equipment in OVER the monorail beam. That would imply that the interruption would not be something that would occur for extended periods of time over the next few years. But who knows, really. All I can say is that if you are aware that it will be happening during your trip, you can either plan around it, or save the Grand for another trip if you know you want to hop back and forth to Epcot or the MK during the middle of the day a lot.

 

[BC1836]

Ok I'm back.

There is just something about the white buildings with the red roofs against a blue sky and palm trees that relaxes me like nothing else can. I like to say that Cinderella lives in Cinderella Castle - but she vacations at the Grand.

Your descriptive quote sums it up rather nicely.

All the best.

 

[nonzerosum]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my grocery question. It really helps to know a mid-trip delivery is also possible. Much appreciated input!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

GraceandCaroline'smom - I can relate to being bored this morning, though I am loving our weather (70s and sunny) and the Daylight Savings Time!

LOL about regularly scheduled programming.

nonzerosum - glad you were able to get the info you needed! Isn't the DIS great?!

Figment1990 - Welcome back, and thanks for the review. I know exactly what you mean regarding the GF's grounds and buildings melting your cares away. We spend far more downtime when staying there, as it is so relaxing.

 

[TiggerStac]

It looks like my family will be visiting GF for first time next month We are booked at BCV 1 BR, but the slide at SAB is going to be closed while we are there. I have a 10 year old that LOVE slides. When we are at the pool, thats all he does. first choice was 1br savannah view at kidani (to keep the extra space) but nothing avail. I've narrowed it down to TPV or Standard club level. We have done CL at BWI and enjoyed it, but I really think I want TPV. I'm definitely going back and forth.

What building would we end up in with TPV? trying to figure this all out. I'm sooo indecisive.

 

[pas130]

but it was much harder for me to say goodbye.

There is just something about the white buildings with the red roofs against a blue sky and palm trees that relaxes me like nothing else can.

Last day is always the hardest on me. I take it hard I guess, it's going back to the real world....I don't like it at all. We plan for months and it comes and goes way to quick. My DDs call the Grand "The castle hotel"

Thanks all for your advice. I guess if we can't go wrong no matter where we stay in the Sugarloaf building!!!

Exactly

Me, too!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

TiggerStac - Congrats on your possible first visit to the Grand, you will love the resort!

I understand your indecision, it's tough to choose. All outer buildings except Sugar Loaf have a TPV option, with Sago Cay and Conch Key getting the most positive reviews for great views. Sugar Loaf, of course, is the outer lodge club level building, and though it does not have TPV rooms, it has very pretty views of the marina and pool.

Good luck with your decision! Hard to make a bad choice, both options are great. For me, the access to club lounge trumps the view, as we've had great TPV rooms in the past. But, if I had a little one, or it was a first stay, we might have to go with the view.

BTW - if you can swing the main building club level, there is the possibility for both club level AND theme park view. Just a thought.

 

[TiggerStac]

TiggerStac - Congrats on your possible first visit to the Grand, you will love the resort!

I understand your indecision, it's tough to choose. All outer buildings except Sugar Loaf have a TPV option, with Sago Cay and Conch Key getting the most positive reviews for great views. Sugar Loaf, of course, is the outer lodge club level building, and though it does not have TPV rooms, it has very pretty views of the marina and pool.

Good luck with your decision! Hard to make a bad choice, both options are great. For me, the access to club lounge trumps the view, as we've had great TPV rooms in the past. But, if I had a little one, or it was a first stay, we might have to go with the view.

BTW - if you can swing the main building club level, there is the possibility for both club level AND theme park view. Just a thought.

Thanks for the advice! This will prob be our only stay at GF, we tend to do 1BR villas so hubby and I can have our own space! with 3 boys (10, 5 and 2), it's so nice to be able to chill out in your own room. I ended up going for the view. If TPV and club was avail, I would have grabbed that! I'm still going to watch the site and see if it opens up. I'm a vacation planner, so it's TA rooms that I'm watching. We had a great room at BWI in October and my oldest and I went out on balcony whenever we were there and could see illuminations from our balcony (perfect view of eiffel tower).

We have stayed club at BWI, used it and would definitely use it. But where I think this may be kids only time at GF, went w/the view. Hubby and I will prob be back w/out them!

Thanks for the advice!! we arrive 1 month from today!! 4/14-4/21!

 

[focusondisney]

It looks like my family will be visiting GF for first time next month We are booked at BCV 1 BR, but the slide at SAB is going to be closed while we are there. I have a 10 year old that LOVE slides. When we are at the pool, thats all he does. first choice was 1br savannah view at kidani (to keep the extra space) but nothing avail. I've narrowed it down to TPV or Standard club level. We have done CL at BWI and enjoyed it, but I really think I want TPV. I'm definitely going back and forth.

What building would we end up in with TPV? trying to figure this all out. I'm sooo indecisive.

Can I ask where you found this out? We are staying at YC in May. I know there has been some work going on in & around the pool but I didn't hear anyhting about the slide closing. Thanks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

TiggerStac - glad you were able to make a choice, theme park view is nice, especially if you spend a lot of time on your balcony or have younger children who like to see the castle change color at night.

I am with focusondisney, I wondered about the SAB slide closure. With it having recently been renovated (it was down around this time last year, if I recall) I'm surprised it will be down this year. Very frustrating for all the BC lovers with upcoming trips.

 

[Nicole786]

Not sure if this has been posted, but this makes me feel much better about my April trip!
From WDWMagic:

It looks as though things have gone quicker than expected over at the Grand Floridian construction site, and the monorail beam daytime closures are now scheduled to end after today. *This means that from tomorrow (March 15 2012), the monorail should return to its regular operating hours. *No word yet on whether any future closings will be required due to the construction project.

Source: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Transportation/Monorail/News/14Mar2012-Monorail-beam-closures-update.htm

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Nicole786 - thanks for the info, I'm sure many here will be relieved!

 

[turningleaf]

Does anyone know what is that wonderful scent in the Grand Floridian lobby?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Does anyone know what is that wonderful scent in the Grand Floridian lobby?

Hello! It does smell wonderful, doesn't it?! Many have wondered what the scent is, the only suggestion has been the Green Clover & Aloe products from Bath & Body Works are a close match. Others say this is the smell from the BC lobby; I have not smelled the B&BW products, so can't comment.

BTW - those products are not currently available at B&BW, they seem to offer them periodically throughout the year.

 

[TiggerStac]

Can I ask where you found this out? We are staying at YC in May. I know there has been some work going on in & around the pool but I didn't hear anyhting about the slide closing. Thanks!

TiggerStac - glad you were able to make a choice, theme park view is nice, especially if you spend a lot of time on your balcony or have younger children who like to see the castle change color at night.

I am with focusondisney, I wondered about the SAB slide closure. With it having recently been renovated (it was down around this time last year, if I recall) I'm surprised it will be down this year. Very frustrating for all the BC lovers with upcoming trips.

The slide and part of SAB will be closed 4/9 - 4/23, per TA site. It was just posted 3 days ago...and that's when I started looking. My son spends our entire pool slide going up the stairs to the slide. Could use BW slide, but that's usually where we stay, so nothing new for him. All he wanted to do was the slide at BC...maybe next year

 

[nonzerosum]

How long does it take to get from GF to Boma? I'm assuming one takes the monorail to MK then the bus to AK. In the past I remember it taking forever from the Poly. Would a taxi be more advisable? Any thoughts on the fare for this distance?

Any reports on the monorail situation today? Is it back up and running as usual now?