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

[focusondisney]

DH and I have booked 6 nts in July for our 17 yr anniversary. We booked the "deluxe king" category in the main bldg, RPC.

We've done this once before and we got a turret room that had a view of the pools and even the MK in the far background. Our favorite part of the stay was being able to crack our door open and hear the live music in the lobby.

Now I have been reading this thread and am worried about construction. I know our category also includes rooms on the 2nd floor. If we get one of these, will we be affected by construction noise? Can you hear the lobby music from those 2nd floor rooms?

Does anyone have any input and advice on how the construction affects the deluxe King RPC rooms?

Thanks!

I stayed in a second floor deluxe king last Sept. They are actually in the back of the building, over Gasparilla's Grill & facing the marina. They are actually on the opposite side of the building from the construction, so you should not have any problem with obstructed view or construction noise.

Unfortunately tho, you are separated from the lobby, so there is no way you will be able to hear the lobby music from the room. To get to the second floor rooms, you take the elevator to the 3rd or 4th floor, then walk down a hallway & take a different elevator down to the 2nd floor. It sounds confusing, but it really isn't. And it actually was nice to walk thru the food service area & get a snack or drink on the way to the room.

I loved the room we had there. The view of MK was amazing & the area was so quiet. I don't think we saw or heard any other guests in that hallway.

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[focusondisney]

I just booked a deluxe king theme park view at the floridian also. These rooms are right above Gasparilla grill. Anyone have any noise issues from being right above it? Have fun Tigger. Please post lots of pics.[/QUOTE]

I answered on your thread but in case you missed it, I wanted to answer here, too. We stayed in the middle of that hallway last Sept. We were basically right over the enterance of Gasparilla's. We did not hear any noise from there at all. Very quiet area. I can't wait to stay there again. Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[stefani_]

Thanks everyone for the info! I love these forums and found it very useful for planning my last two years. Excited to be entering planning once again!

I have not stayed in SL, but in RPC, and I believe the offerings are the same (someone please correct me if I am wrong). Afternoon tea also included crudités, dips (ranch, spinach & artichoke, and tzatziki), bread, and breadsticks. There are no mixed drinks or cocktails, but they do serve an assortment of cordials during dessert from 8-10.

Almost the entire beach is closed. There is a small section still open. The monorail was fully operational during our stay last week. I think if you stayed in SL and did not plan to walk to the Poly or to use the beach pool, you would not really experience the construction, other than the extra people at the courtyard pool (and the games and movies held there). But, I do not think the construction will be over anytime soon. it is really just beginning. I am assuming it will be at least a year but I really have no idea.

I have been to GF but I don't think I've been by the beach, so I am only familiar with the courtyard pool in the middle of all the outer buildings. Is the construction visible/audible from that pool?

stefani_ - Welcome! Glad you've joined us!

Unfortunately, this coming year is going to be a very busy one at the GF, with the construction of the villas. Just no way around it, sorry to say. You may want to put off your visit until after the GFV is built, if you are worried about the noise and/or inconvenience.

As bethclayton posted, the afternoon tea in club level has various tea items, but it is not a full tea service like you would get at the Garden View Lounge. No little tea sandwiches or pastries. It is very good, though, and one plus - you can serve yourself as much Devonshire cream as you like! They always have scones, but usually vary the other items each day - we've seen trifle, tea cookies, and the quick breads you've mentioned.

Oh, and during the evening appetizer offerings, there is not only wine and beer but champagne!

Scones are my favorite! I would gladly give up everything else offered at Garden View for an unlimited number of scones

I will seriously be reconsidering GF for this year then... I really do want our GF stay to be as perfect as it can be, as I'm not sure we'll be able to afford another stay again! I will be able to get a pretty good discount this year which is why I've gone up a level to consider Deluxe resorts this year

I know this isn't strictly related to GF, but does anyone know if scones are available in the CL lounges of other resorts?

 

[bethclayton]

Thanks everyone for the info! I love these forums and found it very useful for planning my last two years. Excited to be entering planning once again!

I have been to GF but I don't think I've been by the beach, so I am only familiar with the courtyard pool in the middle of all the outer buildings. Is the construction visible/audible from that pool?

I know this isn't strictly related to GF, but does anyone know if scones are available in the CL lounges of other resorts?

When we sat in one area, we could hear the jackhammering in the distance (it was not loud at all, but you could still hear it). The way I would describe that area would be that it was closest to the fountain that is right there when you come out of the main building. I also THINK, but am not positive, that if you were to sit in that same area but in the chairs right next to the hot tub, you would be able to see the scrims they have up and maybe the walls booking the view of the beach. But I think 95%+ of the locations of the courtyard pool, you cannot see anything related to construction. As for hearing construction, I am not positive. I can say that when the games are going on, you definitely won't be able to hear the construction. I feel pretty confident that if you sat on the side of the pool away from construction, I can't imagine you would hear much of anything. When we did hear it, in the area closest to where there was construction, it was "off in the distance" anyway and not disturbing.

 

[bluejasmine]

HELP! lol

We will probably be at the Boardwalk until 10 or 11 pm one night how do we get back to GF using WDW tranportation? HS and EP close at 9 Mk will close at 10. If we are ready to leave by 1030 can we take a bus from BWI to MK then a boat from MK to GF? Monorail will be closed by then..

 

[jenneth79]

HELP! lol

We will probably be at the Boardwalk until 10 or 11 pm one night how do we get back to GF using WDW tranportation? HS and EP close at 9 Mk will close at 10. If we are ready to leave by 1030 can we take a bus from BWI to MK then a boat from MK to GF? Monorail will be closed by then..

Sometimes there are busses available (when parks are open, EMH, etc) but your best bet is going to be having the valet at the resort hail you a cab. There are usually a few at each deluxe property at any given time, so there is little to no wait, and it costs about 10 dollars from Boardwalk area to GF. (We did GF/YC a few times on our last trip, and it was quick and painless)

HTH!

 

[pas130]

Hello back!! I'm so glad pas responded to this, as I completely forgot. So sorry!

Our poor Grand..disrupted by all the construction, Holding out for completion....or a late fall/winter trip where I won't need the Beach pool

You know pas, I was quite surprised myself when DH and I started talking about the GF and seeing our 2008 photos on his computer that we both said, let's switch from CR to GF. Hey it's only for two nights and we at least we get our GF fix until the construction is done. Hey I say bring on the construction. We won't let it impact our stay one bit. 60 days until RPC.

My DH won't let it go....I wish. If the beach wasn't as affected we would be there

 

[tigger1972]

Thanks, focusondisney, for your insight on the RPC deluxe kings on the second floor!

I feel better now. We requested a turret room to hear the lobby music. But if we get a 2nd floor room, we will just focus on the fact that we will be avoiding the construction and will have a nice, quiet room with a great MK view!

BTW, did you find it inconvenient to access the lounge offerings from those rooms? Did it take 2 elevator rides to get to the lounge too?

Thanks!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

My DH won't let it go....I wish. If the beach wasn't as affected we would be there

As much as we will miss the beach at the GF we just have to stay there. It's not like it's going to be for the whole 10 days. Only two so I can put up with some construction and fencing. The last time we stayed in RPC was in 2006 and we can't wait. We stayed in the SL back in 2008 and although the SL was nice, it just wasn't RPC.

Thanks, focusondisney, for your insight on the RPC deluxe kings on the second floor!

I feel better now. We requested a turret room to hear the lobby music. But if we get a 2nd floor room, we will just focus on the fact that we will be avoiding the construction and will have a nice, quiet room with a great MK view!

BTW, did you find it inconvenient to access the lounge offerings from those rooms? Did it take 2 elevator rides to get to the lounge too?

If my memory serves me correctly, there is an elevator on the second floor that you can take to the fourth. Get off the elevator and turn right and walk down the hallway and it will bring you to the lounge. You don't have to go to the lobby to access the lounge unless you are in the lobby than you can take the elevator to the fourth floor.
Thanks!

 

[stefani_]

When we sat in one area, we could hear the jackhammering in the distance (it was not loud at all, but you could still hear it). The way I would describe that area would be that it was closest to the fountain that is right there when you come out of the main building. I also THINK, but am not positive, that if you were to sit in that same area but in the chairs right next to the hot tub, you would be able to see the scrims they have up and maybe the walls booking the view of the beach. But I think 95%+ of the locations of the courtyard pool, you cannot see anything related to construction. As for hearing construction, I am not positive. I can say that when the games are going on, you definitely won't be able to hear the construction. I feel pretty confident that if you sat on the side of the pool away from construction, I can't imagine you would hear much of anything. When we did hear it, in the area closest to where there was construction, it was "off in the distance" anyway and not disturbing.

Thank you! I think I am mostly decided against GF until they finish the construction though. It is upsetting to say the least, but I'd rather get the full GF experience later than sacrifice some of the experience for the present. Although I suppose it will never the same as it was before!

Just to confirm, is the tennis center being demolished for sure?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

stefani_ - they have scones at the AKL CL, but not sure about any of the others. AND - not sure they are the same scones as at the GF, maybe someone else who has been recently can chime in.

The tennis courts are already gone, by looking at the photos.


transam1283 - Welcome! The main building king deluxe rooms can be either the 2nd floor rooms, or the turret king deluxe. If you prefer the 2nd floor, be sure to request one from IPO.

HELP! lol

We will probably be at the Boardwalk until 10 or 11 pm one night how do we get back to GF using WDW tranportation? HS and EP close at 9 Mk will close at 10. If we are ready to leave by 1030 can we take a bus from BWI to MK then a boat from MK to GF? Monorail will be closed by then..

Sometimes there are busses available (when parks are open, EMH, etc) but your best bet is going to be having the valet at the resort hail you a cab. There are usually a few at each deluxe property at any given time, so there is little to no wait, and it costs about 10 dollars from Boardwalk area to GF. (We did GF/YC a few times on our last trip, and it was quick and painless)

HTH!

I agree with jenneth79, your best bet is to grab a cab. We haven't been able to get a $10 fare from the Epcot resorts/DTD area in a long while, though, ours usually run around $17. Still, much easier and the peace of mind is worth it.

Thanks, focusondisney, for your insight on the RPC deluxe kings on the second floor!

I feel better now. We requested a turret room to hear the lobby music. But if we get a 2nd floor room, we will just focus on the fact that we will be avoiding the construction and will have a nice, quiet room with a great MK view!

BTW, did you find it inconvenient to access the lounge offerings from those rooms? Did it take 2 elevator rides to get to the lounge too?

tigger1972, I'm glad focusondisney was able to help you feel better about your booking, we have so many knowledgeable posteres here! If you read through bethclayton's posts over the last couple pages, you can get a sense of how the turret rooms are affected by the construction. (you probably have, just wanted to remind everyone!)

If my memory serves me correctly, there is an elevator on the second floor that you can take to the fourth. Get off the elevator and turn right and walk down the hallway and it will bring you to the lounge. You don't have to go to the lobby to access the lounge unless you are in the lobby than you can take the elevator to the fourth floor.

Your memory is great, this is exactly right! I wanted to add, that elevator also takes guests down to the ground level, you walk out next to Gasparilla's.

I agree with your thinking on the GF stay - it is just 2 nights, you will be in RPC, and I think you will have a great time.

 

[focusondisney]

BTW, did you find it inconvenient to access the lounge offerings from those rooms? Did it take 2 elevator rides to get to the lounge too?

Thanks!

I personally didn't mind the elevator ride to the lounge. We were in the middle room, so I think we walked past 4 other rooms before we got to the elevator. There aren't many people using that elevator, so there was never a long wait for it. Then down another small hallway of guest rooms & right into the lounge. Maybe 2 - 3 minutes total. The only tricky part would be balancing snacks & beverages while pushing the elevator buttons. But we also have that problem when we have to unlock our room door, so it was no biggie to us!

 

[focusondisney]

tigger1972, I'm glad focusondisney was able to help you feel better about your booking, we have so many knowledgeable posteres here!

Actually, I was thrilled to be able to answer a few questions. I got so much help & info from you & all the other regulars here last year when I was planning my trip. It's nice to be able to "pay it forward" so to speak!

I loved our RPC stay so much, I can't wait to stay there again. I picked YC for a quick 4 night stay for Flower & Garden in May, then we will do Disneyland in Dec. But I'm thinking GF & RPC in Sept 2013!

 

[transam1283]

k&a&c'smom- Thanks, I'm 99% sure it's on the second floor, When I made the reservation my choice was a turret room or theme park view. I was told the theme park view deluxe king rooms are basically standard size rooms with a king bed. The turret rooms are larger but no balcony and no theme park view.
focusondisney- Thanks for your reply (replies). Great to hear the noise wasn't a problem for you.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

k&a&c'smom- Thanks, I'm 99% sure it's on the second floor, When I made the reservation my choice was a turret room or theme park view. I was told the theme park view deluxe king rooms are basically standard size rooms with a king bed. The turret rooms are larger but no balcony and no theme park view.
focusondisney- Thanks for your reply (replies). Great to hear the noise wasn't a problem for you.

The second floor king deluxe and the turret king deluxe are the same category. I'm not sure if you booked through a TA, or with Disney's center, but they should have alerted you that you could end up with either of these rooms.

Even though they don't have the same square footage, they are considered the same for booking purposes - these rooms are usually referred to as "honeymoon suites" by the RPC cast members. You cannot book just second floor or turret, but you can request one or the other, and it is usually most helpful if you request through IPO. A request is not guaranteed, but they try very hard to get you what you want in RPC.

Three of the turret king deluxe DO have a castle view, they are located over the Summerlace store (in lobby) and Commander Porter's (2nd floor). The other three turret king deluxe rooms are located over the check in desk (lobby) and M. Mouse Mercantile (2nd floor).

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Actually, I was thrilled to be able to answer a few questions. I got so much help & info from you & all the other regulars here last year when I was planning my trip. It's nice to be able to "pay it forward" so to speak!

I loved our RPC stay so much, I can't wait to stay there again. I picked YC for a quick 4 night stay for Flower & Garden in May, then we will do Disneyland in Dec. But I'm thinking GF & RPC in Sept 2013!

Sounds like a great plan (in fact, all your plans sound wonderful!), I hope most if not all the construction will be finished by then!

 

[transam1283]

The second floor king deluxe and the turret king deluxe are the same category. I'm not sure if you booked through a TA, or with Disney's center, but they should have alerted you that you could end up with either of these rooms.

Even though they don't have the same square footage, they are considered the same for booking purposes - these rooms are usually referred to as "honeymoon suites" by the RPC cast members. You cannot book just second floor or turret, but you can request one or the other, and it is usually most helpful if you request through IPO. A request is not guaranteed, but they try very hard to get you what you want in RPC.

Three of the turret king deluxe DO have a castle view, they are located over the Summerlace store (in lobby) and Commander Porter's (2nd floor). The other three king deluxe rooms are located over the check in desk (lobby) and M. Mouse Mercantile (2nd floor).

You are 100% correct. I booked through disney. My reservation says Main Bldg-Deluxe King Room - Club Level. Then at the bottom it says request rectangular theme park view. So it is just a request. When I asked about the views of the turret rooms I was told the views were of the courtyard, pool and monorail. I think your info is more accurate. Thanks for the info.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Your memory is great, this is exactly right! I wanted to add, that elevator also takes guests down to the ground level, you walk out next to Gasparilla's.

I agree with your thinking on the GF stay - it is just 2 nights, you will be in RPC, and I think you will have a great time.

That's right. I was so focused on answering the question that I forgot about going to Gasparilla's from "Michael's Private Elevator". This is what our DS used to call it when he was younger as we never saw anyone else use it except for one time (room service). So we told him that it was his private elevator He was 4 at the time and thought this was the coolest thing ever.

We tried to get TPV in the main building but it was not available, so we took standard in the main building. Me and DH really don't care what the view is just as long as we are staying RPC again. It's long over due.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

You are 100% correct. I booked through disney. My reservation says Main Bldg-Deluxe King Room - Club Level. Then at the bottom it says request rectangular theme park view. So it is just a request. When I asked about the views of the turret rooms I was told the views were of the courtyard, pool and monorail. I think your info is more accurate. Thanks for the info.

I hope I didn't sound argumentative! I simply want everyone to have as much info as possible, so their trips go smoothly and they have the best vacation.

The rectangular rooms are great, as many people prefer having a balcony and the Jacuzzi tub (turret rooms have a non-jetted garden tub), and the 2nd floor is quieter.

The wording given by the CM is their official description, as some of the turret rooms do not have a view of the castle. The three that do end in "21" and have gorgeous wrap around windows. Our favorite room in all of WDW is 4021, on the 5th floor, the view is stunning. If you've been following bethclayton's reports over the last few pages, you've seen that the view is slightly marred on the Wedding Chapel side, unfortunately. Another plus to the 2nd floor rooms, they will not have a construction view.

I would contact IPO, as they sometimes take a long time to email. The phone number is 407-824-1775, and the email is Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com. Enjoy your RPC stay, it is wonderful!

That's right. I was so focused on answering the question that I forgot about going to Gasparilla's from "Michael's Private Elevator". This is what our DS used to call it when he was younger as we never saw anyone else use it except for one time (room service). So we told him that it was his private elevator He was 4 at the time and thought this was the coolest thing ever.

We tried to get TPV in the main building but it was not available, so we took standard in the main building. Me and DH really don't care what the view is just as long as we are staying RPC again. It's long over due.

How adorable! I'm sure DD and I will be calling it Michael's Private Elevator now, too cute!

I'm with you, any room in the main building is fantastic. Well, I have to broaden that to include any room at the GF, we just love being at the resort.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Good morning! I have spent the past few days trying to catch up on life having just spent 10 wonderful nights at my beloved GF!

I have been reading the thread, just not posting, but I have a couple of additional comments about the construction. Bethclayton has done a great job describing and posting pictures from the perspective of the RPC. We stayed in SL so the construction affected us a bit differently.

Construction Observations

First off you cannot hear the construction from SL. Additionally having walked the grounds, I never heard any construction noise from anywhere around the marina or the courtyard pool. I can't speak for rooms in Big Pine Key closest to the Summerhouse, they may hear some noise.

You can't see any construction from SL, except for the big crane. We were on the 5th floor overlooking the pool and could see the crane from our balcony. They do take the crane down at night.

The rooms facing the courtyard pool are nosier than they used to be. This is due to the fact the kids games are now by the baby pool area at the courtyard pool. The level of noise depends on how crowded the pool is, how loudly the CMs play the music and how often they talk in the microphone.

The beach front pool is very noisy. The construction is a factor, as well as the fact is is now a very enclosed area with all the walls up.

There have been many pictures of the construction posted, but I have a couple of pictures of the beach front pool to add.

This tunnel in front of the enclosed area where the Beach Pool Bar used to be is how you get to the zero entry area of the pool. The concrete area in front of the zero entry is about 5 feet deep.

This next picture shows the new location of the Beach Pool Bar. You can order room service and drinks. There is also a freezer there with ice cream bars etc to buy on the spot.

Finally, in terms of construction noise, they did NOT work on the two weekends I was there. This may change in the future, but at this point that appears to be the case.

We loved staying at the GF and the construction wouldn't keep us from staying there again. However, if anyone is concerned about the construction there is a lot of good information on this thread from people who have visited in the past month. My advice it to read about the construction, look at the photos and then you can make a decision on whether it is a concern for your family!

P.S. You can see from my ticker our next trip is to the BC. This has nothing to do with the construction, we just wanted to stay at an EPCOT resort!