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

[WDWKOOK]

Nice, close-up photos, Jungle Cruiser! How great to be at the MK by 8, AND return for breakfast at the Grand. Where will you eat tonight?

Take it easy and thanks for checking-in with us.

 

[bethclayton]

Jungle Cruiser, thank you so much for the pictures! That was extremely helpful. I just told my 12 year old dd today about the beach situation and she was so sad, because she said the beach and pool were what she was looking forward to most this trip. I am going to show her these pics later today so she can be prepared, and so she can see that there definitely is some beach left (I wasn't sure until I saw your pics, in case things had progressed since WDWKOOK's recent pics).

Too bad that they did away with the hammocks. I wish they would have worked out a way around that.

TWO DAYS!!!!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Thanks for the pictures Jungle Cruiser! I'm hoping the courtyard pool isn't too crazy with the activities being moved there - we enjoyed the serenity of that pool last time.

I'm annoyed right now because JetBlue won't allow us to check in online for our flight. DH called and they said it could be a security issue. I'm concerned about tomorrow and now having to get to the airport even earlier than planned. But also worried about the trip home because if RAC can't check us in for the flight I think that means we can't check our luggage and that just adds more time to store and retrieve luggage on our short last day.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the photos and update, Jungle Cruiser!! Glad you arrived safe and sound, and have a lovely SL room over the pool. Your photos are very helpful. Can't wait to hear more about your trip, and see some beautiful photos of the Grand.

pas, did I miss something?! You seem to be booked at WL now for May?

bethclayton - one more sleep, woohoo!

LittleStinkerbelle - aww, sorry to hear about your flight check in issues. Not cool. Hopefully, it will go more smoothly tomorrow, and you will be able to use RAC on the return flight.

One more day until the GF!

 

[pas130]

pas, did I miss something?! You seem to be booked at WL now for May?

DH let me know that DMIL decided to go with us, not the problem, problem is DH didn't want to share the space....first I considered booking her a value room.....then I changed to SSR to have the villa... then after readingI Kooks WL review....I started pricin it out...voila WL I am just not in a villa frame of mind this trip.

Because I am a huge spoiled brat I had to book RPC for September fo HRH's birthday (this I have yet to tell DH)

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DH let me know that DMIL decided to go with us, not the problem, problem is DH didn't want to share the space....first I considered booking her a value room.....then I changed to SSR to have the villa... then after readingI Kooks WL review....I started pricin it out...voila WL I am just not in a villa frame of mind this trip.

Because I am a huge spoiled brat I had to book RPC for September fo HRH's birthday (this I have yet to tell DH)

HAHAHA! Fun about September in RPC, good luck breaking the news.

I understand about the space thing, it starts getting more complicated when you throw extra adults into the mix. We love WL, btw - not a huge fan of their CL, but mostly due to the enclosed balconies and the locked lounge between service. I think I heard that is now changed? Great news, if so, and we might actually consider doing CL there again in future.

We will definitely book WL again, CL or no, as it is a lovely resort and great value. I do require a car there, as we prefer the short 3-4 minute drive to the other MK resorts over WDW transp.

 

[bethclayton]

Thanks for the pictures Jungle Cruiser! I'm hoping the courtyard pool isn't too crazy with the activities being moved there - we enjoyed the serenity of that pool last time.

I'm annoyed right now because JetBlue won't allow us to check in online for our flight. DH called and they said it could be a security issue. I'm concerned about tomorrow and now having to get to the airport even earlier than planned. But also worried about the trip home because if RAC can't check us in for the flight I think that means we can't check our luggage and that just adds more time to store and retrieve luggage on our short last day.

sheesh! i have been trying to post the whole entire day and it would not let me in! ever since the update, it kept saying i didn't have permission. i finally thought to restart my browser and that did the trick!

anyway, little stinker belle, i am so sorry to hear of your airport annoyance! that is the kind of thing that would totally stress me out, too. thankfully, when all is said and done, you will have the most relaxing place i can think of to settle down into.

this time tomorrow night i will be standing somewhere in the magic kingdom! pixie dust:

i will try to post pics on my trip if i can. i will only have my iPad so i am not sure if that will even be possible. but i will try!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

LittleStinkerbelle - aww, sorry to hear about your flight check in issues. Not cool. Hopefully, it will go more smoothly tomorrow, and you will be able to use RAC on the return flight.

One more day until the GF!

anyway, little stinker belle, i am so sorry to hear of your airport annoyance! that is the kind of thing that would totally stress me out, too. thankfully, when all is said and done, you will have the most relaxing place i can think of to settle down into.

Thank you both - I've been worrying about it off and on all day. I never sleep well the night before we leave but I'm sure tonight will by a sleepless doozy! And because I am such a worry wart, I can never see that something might just be a fluke so I'm pre-worrying for the return trip . My little dd had some profound words as we were finishing up the packing, "tomorrow we'll be on rides and we won't even remember what happened today!" Out of the mouths of babes, right?

Bethclayton-have a safe trip down tomorrow and have a wonderful, fantastic trip!!!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

LittleStinkerbelle and Bethclayton, safe travels tomorrow. It is perfect here, looking forward to seeing you both!

This is the view from our balcony. We are in a dormer room on the 4th floor.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

LittleStinkerbelle and Bethclayton, safe travels tomorrow. It is perfect here, looking forward to seeing you both!

This is the view from our balcony. We are in a dormer room on the 4th floor.

Thank you!

Look at that view!!! Awesome!!! How are you liking the dormer room?

Can't wait to be there

 

[peppermintpea]

Thanks for posting pix around the beach area and slide pool...Doesn't look like we are going to get a cabana now. We loved laying there and looking at the lagoon.
I am not too happy about the kids activites being moved over to the courtyard pool....Loved the quiet relaxing ambiance over there!

 

[bethclayton]

LittleStinkerbelle and Bethclayton, safe travels tomorrow. It is perfect here, looking forward to seeing you both!

This is the view from our balcony. We are in a dormer room on the 4th floor.

oh! i gasped out loud when i saw your pic! something so much more exciting about seeing these pics when you know you will be there in less than 24 hours! thanks for posting. you have a gorgeous view. looks like the courtyard pool is not too crowded at al!

how much of a nerd am i... earlier tonight, i was literally so excited i was sick to my stomach! l-o-s-e-r! i think i have too much time on my hands. normally we are frantically packing until about midnight before we leave, and today we were done packing , house was clean, everything squared away, etc., by about dinnertime. i have been keeping busy by looking up disney restaurant menus. and the glass of wine didn't hurt.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

We're at the gate waiting to board!!! Woohoo- no problems checking in after all my worrying. Will post from the Grand soon!!!

 

[pas130]

oh! i gasped out loud when i saw your pic! something so much more exciting about seeing these pics when you know you will be there in less than 24 hours! thanks for posting. you have a gorgeous view. looks like the courtyard pool is not too crowded at al!

how much of a nerd am i... earlier tonight, i was literally so excited i was sick to my stomach! l-o-s-e-r! i think i have too much time on my hands. normally we are frantically packing until about midnight before we leave, and today we were done packing , house was clean, everything squared away, etc., by about dinnertime. i have been keeping busy by looking up disney restaurant menus. and the glass of wine didn't hurt.

Safe travels! You are not a loser, I am the same way!!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

We're at the gate waiting to board!!! Woohoo- no problems checking in after all my worrying. Will post from the Grand soon!!!

Fantastic news!!!!

HAHAHA! Fun about September in RPC, good luck breaking the news.

I understand about the space thing, it starts getting more complicated when you throw extra adults into the mix. We love WL, btw - not a huge fan of their CL, but mostly due to the enclosed balconies and the locked lounge between service. I think I heard that is now changed? Great news, if so, and we might actually consider doing CL there again in future.

We will definitely book WL again, CL or no, as it is a lovely resort and great value. I do require a car there, as we prefer the short 3-4 minute drive to the other MK resorts over WDW transp.

We were all set at SSR, until HRH looked at pics from Kooks TR...then Mom had to make a ch-ch-change...I was tining of bringing DS3 as his bday is Oct. 1st, BUT HRH would rather not


junglecruiser Amazing view!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

bethclayton - safe travels, the day is finally here! You are NOT a loser, we can all relate to your excitement. I'm giddy when preparing for a trip, especially to WDW.

I am the same regarding packing, too, I'm always packing until late on the day before our flight.

LOL about the glass of wine - hey, whatever works.

LittleStinkerbelle - Great news about the check in, safe travels! Too cute about your DD, she has the right idea!

I live with a whole family of anxious people, so I can definitely relate. Telling anyone with that tendency not to worry is pointless, but I hope you are able to relax through your vacation and everything goes perfect the rest of the trip.

Jungle Cruiser - what a lovely view! I might even enjoy a dormer balcony for that view. Hope you are having a magical stay.

pas130 - HAHA regarding the DS! HRH would obviously like some alone time with Mommy, so sweet.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for posting pix around the beach area and slide pool...Doesn't look like we are going to get a cabana now. We loved laying there and looking at the lagoon.
I am not too happy about the kids activites being moved over to the courtyard pool....Loved the quiet relaxing ambiance over there!

I knew I was forgetting a post! Sorry you won't be enjoying a cabana this trip, very disappointing.

The idea of the calm of the courtyard pool being disturbed by the activities IS a little annoying, especially for those of us who spend more time there to escape the beach pool frenzy!! Maybe the fencing around the pool won't take long, and the activities will be moved back to the themed area soon.

 

[peppermintpea]

I knew I was forgetting a post! Sorry you won't be enjoying a cabana this trip, very disappointing.

The idea of the calm of the courtyard pool being disturbed by the activities IS a little annoying, especially for those of us who spend more time there to escape the beach pool frenzy!! Maybe the fencing around the pool won't take long, and the activities will be moved back to the themed area soon.

Let's cross our fingers

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Relaxing in the room before we head off to the California Grill for an early dinner. I have the sliding door open and can hear the music by the pool. It doesn't bother me, but if you don't want to hear YMCA, The Chicken Dance etc. in the afternoon you might want to request a room that doesn't overlook the pool! Realistically there isn't a quiet pool at the GF right now in the afternoon.

My DD and I went to the Spa at Saratoga Spring today. We were leery of the transportation there, but decided to try it anyway. It was amazing! If you have an appt. the concierge desk will make arrangement for a car (yes, a nice car, not a van) to pick you up and drive you. They ask when you will be done and a car will be waiting for you. It worked perfectly. This free service is only for guests at the Polynesian and the GF.

Also, a quick construction update. They do NOT work on the weekends, so there is no construction noise on Sat or Sun. Also, there is a huge crane up during the day. Happily, when they are done for the day, the crane is lowered.

Time to change for California Grill!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Relaxing in the room before we head off to the California Grill for an early dinner. I have the sliding door open and can hear the music by the pool. It doesn't bother me, but if you don't want to hear YMCA, The Chicken Dance etc. in the afternoon you might want to request a room that doesn't overlook the pool! Realistically there isn't a quiet pool at the GF right now in the afternoon.

My DD and I went to the Spa at Saratoga Spring today. We were leery of the transportation there, but decided to try it anyway. It was amazing! If you have an appt. the concierge desk will make arrangement for a car (yes, a nice car, not a van) to pick you up and drive you. They ask when you will be done and a car will be waiting for you. It worked perfectly. This free service is only for guests at the Polynesian and the GF.

Also, a quick construction update. They do NOT work on the weekends, so there is no construction noise on Sat or Sun. Also, there is a huge crane up during the day. Happily, when they are done for the day, the crane is lowered.

Time to change for California Grill!

So good to hear from you and know that you're have a great time. The spa "delivery" service sounds wonderful!

I used to love CA Grill, but I've found the service to be inconsistent. Please let us know what you thought of your meal and service. If you feel it's off-topic for this thread, please post to the CR thread if you get a chance.

 

[Toystoryfan32]

Just wanted to pop in and say how much I am enjoying the updates from people who are currently at the Grand. I am getting more and more excited as I read this thread!