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

[k&a&c'smom]

Trinityloo - Welcome! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary.

I don't know if there is a projected end date for construction, as Disney has yet to officially announce what the project is! I think the rumors are some time in 2013? but I could be wrong. If I get time later, I'll look on the DVC and rumor forums for details.

The DISers who have been there in the past few weeks have reported no real intrusion from the construction. Hard to tell how much there will be when the building begins in earnest.

As for Private Dining - yes, that is the GF's term for room service. I've never ordered from Narcoossee's (and we don't use the dining plan), but other posters here have and I'm pretty sure they stated the charge was 2 credits, though I'm not sure how the gratuities work. Again, I'll see if I can find the posts. In the meantime, if anyone has experience with this, chime in.

I'm pretty sure you can order from Citricos, too.

stitchlet - you're welcome!

midge3426 - Love the photos! Thanks for posting them. Aren't the children's areas just the cutest thing?

KC Mike - thanks for the photo - wish I was that guest, admiring the fashions.

 

[candy1]

Hi! I have been wading through this thread for awhile now and am still left with a couple of questions - amazing, I know.

We are staying at the GF 11/26/11 - 12/1/11 (54 days to go!) and this is our first time there. (We were at the WL last year and loved it!). I'm traveling with my MIL and my 3 kids (ages 3 mos, 4 and 7). I had originally booked a regular room; however, because the baby is on a wee bit different sleep schedule, I called back today and asked about getting a larger room or suite in order to have a separate space for her so that the kids don't have to tiptoe around the hotel room if she's sleeping. Wait, my kids don't know HOW to tiptoe, but I digress...

The WDW travel agent I spoke to offered me a deluxe room and said that this offers a separate seating area off of the bedroom which would afford a little privacy for the baby (I am totally cool with sleeping on the couch with the crib next to me). However, when I looked at all the pictures posted on this thread (thanks!), it appears as though the deluxe room offers a sitting area that's actually part of the room itself - it's not sequestered at all.

Can anyone help me clear this up? Is a "deluxe room" (NOT a suite on club level) just a bigger hotel room?

Do I need to go to a suite on club level in order to get a room that offers some space that's separate from the main room? If so, is the cost to upgrade to club level worth it (considering we have the DxDP and several food allergies, including Celiac)?

Hi we stayed at the GF last year in the sugarloaf building and had a tower room which had a separate sitting area with another tv in it,lots more room than standard rooms.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Trinityloo - Here are some posts regarding room service from Narcoossee's - and possibly Citricos! The first link is to page 45 of the previous FAQ; scroll down to post #673, where garada3 quotes a post from gilsan: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36528406&highlight=narcoossee+s#post36528406 Response is on the following page (46), post #677. And BCV23 had some info in post #2844 on page #190: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39682664&highlight=narcoossee+s#post39682664

HTH! I know there is a post somewhere that has direct experience with PD and the dining plan - I'll continue to look for it.

 

[KCmike]

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the pool photo, KC Mike. In our area, this weekend would have been a good time to spend at the pool, don't you think? Beautiful weather.

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Trinityloo - Here are some posts regarding room service from Narcoossee's - and possibly Citricos! The first link is to page 45 of the previous FAQ; scroll down to post #673, where garada3 quotes a post from gilsan: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36528406&highlight=narcoossee+s#post36528406 Response is on the following page (46), post #677. And BCV23 had some info in post #2844 on page #190: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39682664&highlight=narcoossee+s#post39682664

HTH! I know there is a post somewhere that has direct experience with PD and the dining plan - I'll continue to look for it.

I have experience with this! And there are some other posting on the other old threads, too, kacsmom, just so hard to go back and find them.

Yes, you can use 2 credits per person, per meal, gratuities included for Narcoosees and Citricos on the Deluxe Dining Plan. That's we've have done. I do not know if the regular DP works with gratuities included, maybe it does, but I cannot say for sure because we always get the Deluxe dining specifically for signature restaurants and room service. We've also used the credits for room service to our cabana, just a FYI.
Private dining and all TS at the Grand is divine!

Thanks for the pool photo, KC Mike. In our area, this weekend would have been a good time to spend at the pool, don't you think? Beautiful weather.

Oh, KCMike as always, I love to dream of the GF as I enjoy your photos! thank you!

Jungle Cruiser~my dear friend, you should be home today! Can't wait for the rest of the pic and the full TR~!

Meeting with my surgeon tomorrow. Getting everything all lined up.
Hope everyone else is well. Love you all!

 

[Figment1990]

Oh I'm SO excited to start planning our spring trip! We are definitely staying at the GF. Even DS, who is 3 (will be 4 for this upcoming trip) wants to go back to the GF. We just returned from the Boardwalk and we did enjoy it, but the GF is just our special place.

So... I'm starting to plan which room to book and I'm trying to figure out what would be my best approach and I am hoping one of the GF experts will have some insight.

Last year, we stayed in a Deluxe outer building room in Conch Key, on the side facing Narcoosee's/Boca Chica/Courtyard pool. It was an upgrade that we weren't expecting and we all thought it was the best room we'd ever stayed in, at any of the Disney hotels. We loved the location, the view, the size, the layout. It was all perfect. I would love to be able to reserve that exact room but I know that's not possible. So I guess what i'm debating is whether to:

a) book a Deluxe outer building room and request Conch Key/with balcony/Narcoosee's side.
b) Book CL outer building, and request a deluxe room/Courtyard pool side/with balcony.

I don't know how to figure out our odds of success. I would say that we would also be fine in Boca Chica, but I really really loved being on this particular side of Conch Key (that view!) and the proximity to the boat dock. I wish you could actual book a specific room! I can't even decide which is a priority to me - the size of the room, or the view, or the balcony (balcony is more important to me with that view, of course).

Advice?!?

When you book CL, do you know your room assignment before you go through the IPO?

(FWIW - we are planning either Mar 3-12 or Apr 14-22.)

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

maybe i should just call... but i'll ask anyway.

this is piggybacking the private dining.

do you think you could order the appy and dessert from citricos and the entree from narcoossee's?

we've been switching between narcoossee's and citricos back and forth and this would solve our dilemma

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Lulu'sMom - Thanks for the info! Your post was one of those I was searching for, but haven't been successful. Sometimes hard to know what terms to enter in the search, glad you popped in.

I hope you are doing well, and your health is improving.

Figment1990 - Hello! How have you been?

It's hard to know what I would do in your case. My only input is that the CL cast members seem to do their best to help you get the room location you desire. On the other hand, there are few deluxe rooms in SL, the odds aren't that good you'll get one. If you definitely want the deluxe, I would book the outer bldg. deluxe and put in your request as "Conch Key, pool side" - if you know the room number, you could ask the CM to put that in last, maybe add the words "if possible." As we all know, getting the exact room you request is pretty slim, but it has happened.

To answer your question about room assignment - we have never been given our room assignment prior to checking in. Anything could change your assigned room at the last minute: previous guest extends their visit, maintenance issues, etc.

Good luck! Fun to be planning another GF trip, isn't it?!

LuvLuvLuv - I've never read of anyone doing this, but I suppose it might be possible! If on the dining plan, it could get tricky, but if paying OOP they may allow it. I would call PD, the number is 407-824-2474, or you can wait and call from your room.

 

[KCmike]

I agree. Here in Missouri it was Mid 80's and we haven't had rain in like 20 days. It sprinkled today though. A nice swim would have been nice. Thanks for the nice comments. Can't believe its October 10th now. This year is winding down. Where did it go? Hard to believe it was almost 5 months ago when we took our vacation celebration. Here is another photo to get the week started...

 

[mariamouse]

I agree. Here in Missouri it was Mid 80's and we haven't had rain in like 20 days. It sprinkled today though. A nice swim would have been nice. Thanks for the nice comments. Can't believe its October 10th now. This year is winding down. Where did it go? Hard to believe it was almost 5 months ago when we took our vacation celebration. Here is another photo to get the week started...

Love the picture, KCmike! We are considering requesting one of those Boca Chica rooms facing Narcoossee's for our GF stay in LESS THAN 2 MONTHS!

 

[mariamouse]

I have a few very random, specific questions:

1. Where is the Big Pine Key entrance in relation to the main building? Is the entrance on the end of BPK closest to the main building or in the middle facing the courtyard pool area? Or beach side?

2. Does anyone have pictures of Conch View GV rooms facing the inner courtyard/Narcoossee's (as opposed to the marina)?

3. Does anyone that has visited the GF in December remember whether or not Christmas music was piped in to the grounds outside? If so, where? Marina? Beach? Boat dock/Gasparilla?

Thank you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KC Mike - you are so right, the month of October seems to be flying by! I hate winter, so I'm not looking forward to the next few months.

mariamouse - if you look at the map on the first page, you can see the path leading around the resort, which leads to the main entrance for BPK in the middle, behind the pool house. There are exits on or near the ends of all the buildings, for the fire escape - here is a photo that shows that area on the BPK end of Boca:

I don't have any photos of the view from Conch overlooking the courtyard; I hope someone else can post some! I do have a few photos of the courtyard, standing in the general vicinity of Conch Key:

I'm not sure if the Christmas music is broadcast outdoors, but I would guess you would hear it all around if it is. I do not recall hearing it, but that doesn't mean much, as we haven't been during December in several years.

Hope that helps some, and that others can give more info.

 

[mariamouse]

Thank you, k&a&c'smom! You are always so helpful.

 

[BreezysMom]

Hello GF Lovers, popping in from the Poly thread to ask a favor

If you are going to the GF in the near future and are concerned about the monorail and transportation issues and you have not already done so, please send a e-mail to guest relations about your concerns.

I sent an e-mail two weeks ago and got a call back within 48 hours. The CM stated that this issue has incited the most complaints they have ever received on any issue so please, keep the e-mails with your concerns coming!!

If you are leaving in two days, two weeks or two months, please take a minute to send a short e-mail with your concerns!

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[garada3]

I agree. Here in Missouri

KCmike - Thank you for the wonderful GF photos! Every time I think I have seen my favorite photo of yours, you post another fantastic shot

Have you ever photographed whatever is at the address of the Disney's Laugh-O-Grams studios in Kansas City?

On a driving trip through your area, I managed to visit Marceline Mo. but did not remember the the Laugh-O-Gram studio. I am still kicking myself because I don't think I will ever drive out that way again.

Please keep posting GF photos - hopefully I will return 'home' soon

 

[stitch1986]

oh man these photos are making my day, and getting me excited for my trip in 29 days!!

 

[rcraw45425]

Hello GF Lovers, popping in from the Poly thread to ask a favor

If you are going to the GF in the near future and are concerned about the monorail and transportation issues and you have not already done so, please send a e-mail to guest relations about your concerns.

I sent an e-mail two weeks ago and got a call back within 48 hours. The CM stated that this issue has incited the most complaints they have ever received on any issue so please, keep the e-mails with your concerns coming!!

If you are leaving in two days, two weeks or two months, please take a minute to send a short e-mail with your concerns!

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Here is a copy of the email I just dashed off:

Good morning, we are long time repeat WDW resort guests. We frequently visit (usually at least twice per year over the past 14 years) and generally stay onsite in deluxe properties. Our favorite resorts are the Contemporary (our first onsite WDW property, holds a special place in our hearts), the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian. We've also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Boardwalk Inn and even Port Orleans French Quarter and All Star Sports. We have an upcoming holiday stay booked at the Grand Floridian for December 2-5 2011. I have just heard that as a cost saving measure WDW has implemented the early shut down nightly of the resort monorail, along with the express. As I understand it, monorail resort guests are now required to board the small resort launches or buses in order to return to their hotels from the Magic Kindgom and EPCOT. To quote Martha Stewart, this is NOT a good thing. Guests choose the deluxe properties for many reasons, but convenient transportation to the theme parks is a major one. Shutting down the monorails at night and forcing guests to be hearded like cattle onto buses and small boats is not going to encourage rebooking for those properties. We, along with others, may begin exploring other, offsite options for accomodations along with other vacation venues.

 

[Bertie131]

Here is a copy of the email I just dashed off:

Good morning, we are long time repeat WDW resort guests. We frequently visit (usually at least twice per year over the past 14 years) and generally stay onsite in deluxe properties. Our favorite resorts are the Contemporary (our first onsite WDW property, holds a special place in our hearts), the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian. We've also stayed at Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Boardwalk Inn and even Port Orleans French Quarter and All Star Sports. We have an upcoming holiday stay booked at the Grand Floridian for December 2-5 2011. I have just heard that as a cost saving measure WDW has implemented the early shut down nightly of the resort monorail, along with the express. As I understand it, monorail resort guests are now required to board the small resort launches or buses in order to return to their hotels from the Magic Kindgom and EPCOT. To quote Martha Stewart, this is NOT a good thing. Guests choose the deluxe properties for many reasons, but convenient transportation to the theme parks is a major one. Shutting down the monorails at night and forcing guests to be hearded like cattle onto buses and small boats is not going to encourage rebooking for those properties. We, along with others, may begin exploring other, offsite options for accomodations along with other vacation venues.

We are big Poly fans. Been really busy lately and missed this announcement. What time is the monorail being shut down in the evenings? Thanks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse - you are welcome! I hope other posters will have some input. Here are a couple more photos of the area in front of Conch Key, until someone can post photos of the view - these were taken March of this year.
Coming through the path between Conch & SL - Boca Chica ahead:

Looking towards courtyard:

Looking towards courtyard, slightly right of the path:

Turning left, towards Narcoossee's (that circular area is normally full of color, but had just been replanted):

BreezysMom - thanks for the info, and the encouragement! Good to know so many guests are making their feelings known.

Bertie131 - a few months ago, the monorails were discontinued after park closing. No monorail for after-hours parties or EMH. Boats and buses are provided, but DISers have reported they are overloaded and it takes a good long while to reach your destination. It also makes dining at monorail resorts a bit more difficult, should you book after the MK closes.

garada3 - we haven't taken photos, but here is a link to an article that has past and current photos of the building: http://www.kcstudio.org/page.cfm/archives/walt-disney-s-laugh-o-gram-studio-needs-community-help Marceline is in an out-of-the-way spot in Missouri, but it is quite near where my DD goes to college - I can't believe we haven't been yet, thanks for the reminder.