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

[pas130]

We're considering a December visit for the first time. It is good to know that there are quiet times during that month. We usually have May trips. This year it's June-July.(Crowds, heat, I know, I know.) But, now I'm getting fuzzy excitement butterflies from the mere thought of a Pre-Christmas GF WDW visit!

Me too, me too

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, GF lovers! We are back from our beach vacation, and I am finally getting back into my daily routine. You have all been very busy, I have a lot of reading to do.

We had a great time, the weather was cool but sunny and it was a relaxing family vacation.

 

[pas130]

I booked GF today. It will be a very short trip, but well worth it. My first trip without my DH and kids, EVER! I'm am going with 2 friends, one celebrating a Birthday and one who has never been to Disney, and she just graduated Nursing school..... We are going after Thanksgiving, I booked SL


Welcome back k&a&c'smom You are always missed!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I booked GF today. It will be a very short trip, but well worth it. My first trip without my DH and kids, EVER! I'm am going with 2 friends, one celebrating a Birthday and one who has never been to Disney, and she just graduated Nursing school..... We are going after Thanksgiving, I booked SL


Welcome back k&a&c'smom You are always missed!

You're going to have a great time, pas130. You can book (or have the IPO book) your ADRs in about 5 days. Any ideas yet?

Yes, welcome back, k&a&c'smom

 

[followthatmouse]

Welcome home, k&a&c'smom. We missed you! Get all of the sand out of the suitcase, yet?


pas130,you will have a wonderful time!

 

[phyllis1966]

Menu of current amenities, thanks to Angel16 for obtaining this list:

Tuxedo or Pearl strawberries - $6 each (these can be done mixed on a plate)
Tuxedo strawberries, plate of 5 (standard) - $30
Pearl Strawberries, plate of 5 (standard) – $30
Truffle Screen Print Amenity - $30
Gourmet Cookie Amenity - $35
Fruit Box - $40
Chocolate Mickey & Tuxedo Strawberries - $55
Chocolate Minnie & Pearl Strawberries - $55
Deluxe Snack Box - $80
Fruit & Cheese Basket with water (medium) - $85
GF Chocolate Box (small) - $90
GF Chocolate Cigar Box - $90
Chocolate Lovers Amenity - $95 (Don't remember what all this included)
Deluxe Chocolate Mickey - $115
Deluxe Chocolate Minnie - $115
Gourmet Hat Box - $130
Chocolate Champagne Toast - $135 (This is two chocolate flutes filled with Truffles & chocolate champagne bottle)
GF Chocolate Box (large) - $135
Signature Chocolate Box - $135
Fairy Tale Amenity - $145 (Don't remember what this was. Sorry)
White Chocolate Figurine -$35 (Tinkerbell, Mickey, Minnie and some others. They do not do anything in Winnie The Pooh or Toy Story)

Hi all, again,

I'm hoping that someone who has ordered any of these has some additional info to share with us, or even better, a photo! The WDW Florist basket thing has been done over and over for DD, so I'd like to try one of these...is it true that I should call at least 24 hours in advance, as Tink Rules suggested? And do we call the regular Private Dining # like we would for Room Svc?

Thanks, guys!

 

[janeapplemeadow]

I booked GF today. It will be a very short trip, but well worth it. My first trip without my DH and kids, EVER! I'm am going with 2 friends, one celebrating a Birthday and one who has never been to Disney, and she just graduated Nursing school..... We are going after Thanksgiving, I booked SL

In my opinion, this is a great time to go. Although it might be a little cooler at night, the days are usually quite nice. I loved GF grounds at this time, things were a little quieter and the Christmas decorations were spectacular. Sugar Loaf is always a nice perk on top of staying at the GF. I found that park closing was earlier this time of year, but it allowed us time to relax and have some great dinners at other resorts.

 

[pas130]

In my opinion, this is a great time to go. Although it might be a little cooler at night, the days are usually quite nice. I loved GF grounds at this time, things were a little quieter and the Christmas decorations were spectacular. Sugar Loaf is always a nice perk on top of staying at the GF. I found that park closing was earlier this time of year, but it allowed us time to relax and have some great dinners at other resorts.

Thank you so much! We plan to spend most of the time checking out decorations, so it's all good And the first night we are doing the XMas party

pas130,you will have a wonderful time!

I know. I'm jazzed

You're going to have a great time, pas130. You can book (or have the IPO book) your ADRs in about 5 days. Any ideas yet?

Wow, ADRs....forgot.............And dining without kidsGotta get on it

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Hello, GF lovers! We are back from our beach vacation, and I am finally getting back into my daily routine. You have all been very busy, I have a lot of reading to do.

We had a great time, the weather was cool but sunny and it was a relaxing family vacation.

Glad to see you back, kacsmom!

I can't believe it, I was able to book a bounceback for our anniversary at the RPC for the DELUXE QUEEN !!!! YES!!!! (Just back from the YC CL)
Last year we were there for mom's birthday and took the girls (RPC -queen deluxe) but this year it'll be for DH and I!

There was nothing else left in the main building, hoping for the king deluxe, but I'll take the Queen deluxe!

kacsmom, how many posts do I need to send you a pm for you to post pics in your posts?

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Hi all, again,

I'm hoping that someone who has ordered any of these has some additional info to share with us, or even better, a photo! The WDW Florist basket thing has been done over and over for DD, so I'd like to try one of these...is it true that I should call at least 24 hours in advance, as Tink Rules suggested? And do we call the regular Private Dining # like we would for Room Svc?

Thanks, guys!

Call private dining to order.

 

[Lyons Family]

Morning, someone recently posted on one of the threads on the amount of MOSQUITOS at the GF.................anyone recently there that can say if the problem is worse or better..............
Are the bugs abundant to attack if you are just walking thru or are they around the pools.

Thanks

Safe travels

See you GF end of June.

 

[bwolfe]

We are headed to our second home in just a few days...where can I find a list of times and movies for the GF. My kids love watching the movies on the beach.

 

[skibum25]

Subscribing

 

[HFC1969]

Does anyone use the sitting service for children?

Our DD soon to be 5... would prablay love it... but DS11 not so much...

Looking for 1 night out this trip,, DW & I.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome back! I need to get caught up here, I've been busy unpacking, doing laundry, catching up on household chores.

A couple thoughts:

bwolfe - Congrats on your upcoming trip! The last I heard, the movies on the beach at the GF had been discontinued. Someone did post a couple months ago they spoke with a CM, who said they might be reinstating the program this summer - it may already have been discussed here, and I've simply not gotten to that page yet. If so, I hope someone has a recent activities schedule to post.

HFC1969 - I have not personally used the sitting service, but have heard of others who have. I think they were pleased, but I can't give any details or a better review. Perhaps, if no one here has any input, you could post a general question on the Resorts forum?

You also have the option of using the Mouseketeer Club, as your children are both over 4. I've heard very good things about the MC, and I think most children enjoy their evening there.

pas130 - a girl's trip, woohoo! I think you'll love the week after T'giving, the weather is usually good and the crowds low.

Lyons Family - I'm not sure when the poster you've referred to was in the World, but I can honestly say we have yet to experience much in the way of bug bites. There was one summer trip to the Poly, where we hated to open our sliding door for fear of allowing stray mosquitoes to enter, but that was an anomaly. I do carry cortisone cream in my toiletries, just in case, but it is rare we need it for more than a single bite in a trip.

Lulu'sMom - I'm not sure how many posts it takes to PM, but the number 25 seems to be rattling around in my pea brain?! lol

phyllis1966 - Angel16 submitted that list last year, I believe it was sent to her by the Private Dining staff at the GF. I see your question has been answered, but here is a copy of a photo DD took of a page of the PD menu in our room in March. As you can see, it includes a portion of that list, and it indicates calling PD for your in-room amenities, with some items requiring a 24-hour advance notice. We've ordered a few things, like chocolate covered strawberries and a chocolate box.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are headed to our second home in just a few days...where can I find a list of times and movies for the GF. My kids love watching the movies on the beach.

k&a&c'smom already posted about the discontinuation, but just so you know, the website that posts the movie schedules is located here:

http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php#floridian

 

[followthatmouse]

Thank you for the special amenities menu, k&a&c'smom. Hmm. 'Tis a pity there is so much chocolate. I was hoping for a little something for my DM's birthday. But, as she has an allergy to chocolate, I guess I will look at other options. Flowers perhaps.

P.S. I'm so glad you had a good trip.

 

[MommyGina]

We are headed to our second home in just a few days...where can I find a list of times and movies for the GF. My kids love watching the movies on the beach.

Can't wait to hear all about your trip to the GF. Be sure to post pictures when you come home.

 

[KCmike]

We'll we're back. We did a split stay between our old favorite Riverside and Grand Floridian. Riverside was beautiful like always but GF was amazing. We were upgraded to a Lagoon View in Boca Chica and it was everything I could ever dream of. We could see mainstreet station, Cindy's Castle, Astro Orbiter, Contemporary, Bay Lake Towers, Wildnerness Lodge, Poly and so much more. For all those wondering about if its worth it to stay at a Deluxe the answer is YES! We had such a good time. The resort is beautiful. So off the top of my head here is what we loved so much...
1. The beauty of the resort. So much of it reminded us of the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego (which is where they got the idea). The rooms, the hallways...
2. Restaurants were fantastic!
3. Pools were great. Parents loved the big quiet pool while the kids loved the zero entry pool with slide.
4. Hammocks and hooded lounge chairs. Oh my.
5. Boats and monorails.
6. The bus stop had many woodens benches, fans, tv to pass the time, and an attendant.
7. Loved the one stop to Magic Kingdom.
8. Music in the lobby. I loved coming back to the resort and hearing someone playing the piano or the band playing up above. Grand Californian only had a piano player. I really enjoyed the band.
9. Electric water pageant.
10. Movies on the beach. Yes I did it!

Other notes.
1. This vacation was more about the resorts for us. We relaxed and did more extra stuff. (sea raycers, parasailing, girls did spa)
2. The parks seem tired. We have been to Disneyland the past many years after taking a break from WDW and the parks have much to be desired in my opinion. Magic Kingdom lacks the magic, ambiance, and feel of Disneyland. My wife even commented that it felt big and empty lacking of emotion. Epcot (I probably feeling a little nostalgic here) was missing something in future world. I didn't like Spaceship Earth's new ending (missing Tomorrow's Child), Living Sea's just isn't the same for me. Journey into imagination is just plain bad. They really need to bring back the former.
3. Wishes is third rate compared to Disneyland's Remember Dreams Come True and their summer Magical show.
4. With all the negatives being said WDW has the patent down on Resorts and Food! We never had a bad meal.

Alright now with my first picture.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Good afternoon, everyone! My internet has not been cooperating the last few days, it has been down as much as up. I promise that I've got more photos to add to the first page, and I intend to get the pages I've missed read soon.

followthatmouse - thank you! We did have a great trip, very relaxing.

I'm sorry to hear your DM is allergic to chocolate, as they have some wonderful chocolate goodies. You might call PD and ask what they have available, as there may be more than what is on the list. The cookies are very good, and only a few types have chocolate; the strawberries can be covered in white chocolate, which, as you know, isn't truly chocolate. Fruit, I think. Good luck, I hope you are able to find something special.

KCMike - Welcome back! Thanks for the review, it sounds like you had a fabulous time at the GF and POR. Isn't the GF wonderful for resort time?! So much to do, or not do, as your heart desires.

Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy the parks as much as in the past, I've had that feeling once or twice. Something seems to be missing, for whatever reason. Luckily, I usually get it back on our next trip.

You mentioned that you did the movies on the beach - so they are back?! Good news! If you have a copy of your activities schedule, I'd love for you to post the listing for your week(s).

Thanks again, and glad you enjoyed the Grand. P.S. Love the photo!