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

[k&a&c'smom]

Good morning, k&a&c'smom.

Isn't the parade once a week?

Hello! I see we were posting at the same time!

LOL - I don't know how often, I should have said, "every day they perform." Thanks for the info.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

One time many years ago, we were in the MK in the evening when Main Street became all but impassable. It was very scary to me as we tried to keep all three children with us. I was so grateful when we were offered the option of leaving via backstage. With Disney, safety always trumps show as I understand it.

I'm glad you and the kids were able to get out safely, and yes, I agree, safety first. If there is an emergent situation, there is no question, the quickest way to get everyone out is the right thing to do - show is irrelevant.

I'm shocked that Disney is knowingly using the backstage areas for guest overflow on a regular basis. They have a good idea in advance what their crowd levels will be, and they are so good at hiding un-magical construction, I'm just surprised they allow guests to sit next to backstage areas for fireworks viewing without some kind of screening. Or, to shunt guests through that area for end of the night park exit without a plan to keep it out of sight. They use very creative screening onstage, I expected they would do the same backstage.

Sorry, I've rambled off topic! Here is a photo of...something. Oh, the entrance under the portico, returning from the bus stop:

 

[KCmike]

 

[elleinad16]

I just added on 2 extra nights to our Grand Floridian reservation! 4 nights just didn't seem like enough! So now we have 6 nights booked and I couldn't be more excited! 107 days to go...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

elleinad16 - Welcome! Congrats on adding to your GF stay! More days is always a good thing in my book.

KC Mike - Nice shot of the beach pool, we don't see that angle often.

 

[kaffinito]

So sorry! But I wanted to clear up my confusion on the mousekeepers parade.

So it happens once a day in the morning around 8 or 8:30 am?

I would love to see it on our trip!

 

[Mrs K]

So sorry! But I wanted to clear up my confusion on the mousekeepers parade.

So it happens once a day in the morning around 8 or 8:30 am?

I would love to see it on our trip!

We saw it last Monday morning 7/18/11. We were outside around 8am. I'm not sure if it goes on everyday because our room was on the marina side.

 

[msmith1026]

Hi everyone! I've been MIA for awhile, wrapping up the busy wedding season for my cupcake business. Now i can start focusing on our upcoming vacation. 89 more days to go!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

So sorry! But I wanted to clear up my confusion on the mousekeepers parade.

So it happens once a day in the morning around 8 or 8:30 am?

I would love to see it on our trip!

BCV23 posted that it is once a week. I was posting that I wasn't sure how often it was performed, sorry for the confusion.

We saw it last Monday morning 7/18/11. We were outside around 8am. I'm not sure if it goes on everyday because our room was on the marina side.

Thanks for the info!

Hi everyone! I've been MIA for awhile, wrapping up the busy wedding season for my cupcake business. Now i can start focusing on our upcoming vacation. 89 more days to go!

Glad to hear you are getting a breather, but happy that you have had so much business. Now, on to the countdown!

 

[KCmike]

KC Mike - Nice shot of the beach pool, we don't see that angle often.

Thanks. Your up early this morning!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks. Your up early this morning!!

Yes, I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. Phooey.

 

[disneydreamin247]

I made this the background on my iPad so I can dream every time I see it.

We're so close!

 

[JoBird]

39 days to go for us!

We are so excited and can't believe it's coming up so quickly.

Quick question, tried to do a search but maybe I missed it--

We are staying in SL - (first time CL) I usually tip Mousekeeping $10 a day depending on what I need and how many are travelling with us.

Do you leave more $$ for Mousekeeping in CL versus a regular room?

Also how much do you tip for turndown every night? I was thinking $10 in the morning and $5 for night? Is this in line or should I plan for more?

thanks!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

39 days to go for us!

We are so excited and can't believe it's coming up so quickly.

Quick question, tried to do a search but maybe I missed it--

We are staying in SL - (first time CL) I usually tip Mousekeeping $10 a day depending on what I need and how many are travelling with us.

Do you leave more $$ for Mousekeeping in CL versus a regular room?

Also how much do you tip for turndown every night? I was thinking $10 in the morning and $5 for night? Is this in line or should I plan for more?

thanks!

Unless someone leaves a lot of dishes in the room for mousekeeping to clean up they don't do anything more than a regular room at the GF. I think this is very generous and will be greatly appreciated.

As for the mousekeeping parade Mrs K also saw it at 8:00 AM, so I think we have the time correct. I just can't remember what day we saw it, but I am fairly certain it's not everyday. Our patio looked right out over the pool and we were often getting ready for the day and out on the patio having coffee around 8 AM. Maybe the next person at the GF can ask!

Plus, I would also to thank k&a&c'smom for all you do on this thread! Also, thank you to KCmike for the gorgeous daily photos! I have mentioned I have been dealing with a serious health issue and reading about and planning trips to the GF (I am so lucky to be able to go several times this year) just keeps me going.

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Unless someone leaves a lot of dishes in the room for mousekeeping to clean up they don't do anything more than a regular room at the GF. I think this is very generous and will be greatly appreciated.

As for the mousekeeping parade Mrs K also saw it at 8:00 AM, so I think we have the time correct. I just can't remember what day we saw it, but I am fairly certain it's not everyday. Our patio looked right out over the pool and we were often getting ready for the day and out on the patio having coffee around 8 AM. Maybe the next person at the GF can ask!

Plus, I would also to thank k&a&c'smom for all you do on this thread! Also, thank you to KCmike for the gorgeous daily photos! I have mentioned I have been dealing with a serious health issue and reading about and planning trips to the GF (I am so lucky to be able to go several times this year) just keeps me going.

Can you believe out of all the times we've stayed at the GF, never seen the mousekeeping parade! Jeeez! It's like I've been missing out on one of the main deals of staying at the Grand! My bad!


Jungle Cruiser-your last sentence really hit me hard as I been battling some stuff too and just wanted to give you some 's and send positive thoughts and prayers! I hear you on Disney keeping us going, my friend!
God Bless!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

JoBird - you're getting close!

I agree with Jungle Cruiser, I leave the same tip in CL that I do in a regular room, the service is the same. We are usually a party of 2-3, and are fairly tidy, so I leave around $5 for mousekeeping and $2-3 for turn down.

Jungle Cruiser - what a sweet compliment, thank you. There are so many knowledgeable people on this thread, aren't there?

I hope you are doing relatively well, and I'm so glad you are able to enjoy planning several trips throughout the year.

Your photos are very beautiful, thanks for sharing them with us.

Lulu's Mom - I hope you, too, are doing well.

Don't feel too bad regarding the mousekeeping parade - I've only seen it a couple times! It's like a Mickey sighting when we see their parasols.

 

[KCmike]

Plus, I would also to thank k&a&c'smom for all you do on this thread! Also, thank you to KCmike for the gorgeous daily photos! I have mentioned I have been dealing with a serious health issue and reading about and planning trips to the GF (I am so lucky to be able to go several times this year) just keeps me going.

I must have missed that your dealing with health problems. Keep up the good thoughts, know that some prayers are coming your way along with some good old Disney pixie dust.

 

[KCmike]

I made this the background on my iPad so I can dream every time I see it.

We're so close!

I having those post vacation blues right now. It's so bad that I'm checking flight costs and looking at my kids' school calendar for a Christmas getaway. It's been 100 degrees or more for several days. Today we finally had a break and its 93. It's been brutal. Glad I could help with the pic.

 

[bean bunny]

Hello GF fans! I remember reading somewhere in my research that white chocolate "statues" of Mickey were available at the GF gift shop. Is that still true? Does anyone know if they are the same as the ones from in room dining? Thanks so much!!