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

[padawans]

I am sincerely worried. We had planned on taking our son to Neverland Club, twice, from the Grand (because it's a much nicer kids' club and he had a great time last time), to do dinners out because we know the walkway was so convenient. My husband works out every morning or he's totally grumpy and "taking a shuttle" to do so, ain't gonna cut it. Plus, my son was really excited about the Disney "beach" at the Grand. (I know it's a little lame, but he's four and sand is fun.)

How do they justify the cost of an RPC club level room--which is what we're paying--with this going on? I am definitely rethinking (again, arghhh!!!) our plans. And, by the way, NO ONE has mentioned ANY construction going on at any point during any of my discussions with Disney booking or IPO, including when making reservations for the Neverland Club or asking about the gym which seems to me pretty suspect (unless what we're hearing here isn't true).

When we visited the Ritz in Cancun a few years back (paying less for room than we are the Grand, by the way), they were very careful to tell us, multiple times, that there was some resort construction going on ... And even upgraded us to a suite to "compensate" ... Though when we got there we couldn't even see it (it was mostly interior work). Nothing like the huge wall I see in this video: http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-1217.asp

Does it really stink that bad, or am I over-reacting? (We are going next month and staying for nine days.)

According to the paper it will not close until sept 19. Taking a shuttle to ssr or working out at cr is not a good option for me. I don't want to take more than an hour out of my day to work out. I'm glad I read this boards, and had ample time to change to an epcot resort. Goodluck with trip. I hope it works out for you. I agree it's a lot of money to not get eveything you think you are paying for.

 

[mommy2emily]

This is our very first time staying at GF and we have a garden room. I read something about construction, will this affect any of our stay and if so how much? Thanks for any inupt

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This article was posted yesterday on the Orlando Sentinel.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-grand-floridian-spa-closing-20110805,0,97843.story

Disney to close Grand Floridian spa for 18 months

Walt Disney World is closing the spa at its most-expensive resort for 18 months as the company embarks on an expansion project at the hotel.

The spa the Grand Floridian hotel — one of only two full-service spas in Disney World — will shut down Sept. 19.

"We are in the early stages of an expansion project at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa," Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said Friday. The spa will "temporarily close this fall as part of a planned renovation."

The Grand Floridian is considered one of the top spots to stay on Disney property. With nearly 900 rooms, the Victorian-themed hotel has standard room rates that begin at $440 a night.

Disney would not share details about the expansion project Friday, but there has been speculation the building to be constructed next to the spa will contain units to be sold by Disney Vacation Club, the company's time-share operation.

 

[lin7]

Thanks for posting CR Resort Fan, can't believe its starting so soon. Do you remember how long BLT took to complete?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for posting CR Resort Fan, can't believe its starting so soon. Do you remember how long BLT took to complete?

I want to say it took at least 2 years or maybe a bit more until Bay Lake Tower opened.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I want to say it took at least 2 years or maybe a bit more until Bay Lake Tower opened.

I do believe you are correct because we have pictures of BLT being built in 2007

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I do believe you are correct because we have pictures of BLT being built in 2007

I also remember staying at the Contemporary a few times in 2007 and 2008 because I saw it being built.

 

[JoBird]

Just talked with IPO and they told me that the Fitness Center would still be open during construction and that they are taking Spa reservations up to the 14th.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I also remember staying at the Contemporary a few times in 2007 and 2008 because I saw it being built.

Yes, We also saw it being built and have pictures from 2008 as well. Well as I said before my DH said that we are not changing from the GF so what will be will be. We will still have fun anyway.

 

[penlanspice]

OK a random question and not sure it's very appropriate but -

Does Gasparilla Grill have a toaster like at other resorts? how inappropriate would it be if I took my own bread down and used their toaster? my DH has said no way am I doing this..lol

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

OK a random question and not sure it's very appropriate but -

Does Gasparilla Grill have a toaster like at other resorts? how inappropriate would it be if I took my own bread down and used their toaster? my DH has said no way am I doing this..lol

Yes they do have a toaster and it's perfectly ok to bring your own bread if you wanted to toast it over there.

 

[KCmike]

I have had a bit of a setback and have been in the hospital for a few days. I am feeling so much better today so I went on my iPad and read the pages I have missed. KCmike, you have no idea how good it is to see your pictures of the GF. I can feel the sun, picture the views in my mind, it's been just the medicine I need. Thank you so much for posting them. We are 52 days from our next trip to Sugar Loaf. I absolutely can't wait.

Glad your feeling better! 52 days will be here before you know it.

 

[KCmike]

I have been out of touch once again, and I am quickly trying to catch up.
KC Mike LOVE the pics!

Thanks!

 

[KCmike]

Quick Eats

 

[dragonfly57005]

I popped in to see if there were any new pics. Thanks for not disappointing me!

I loved that place. So much nicer than Cap't Cooks at Poly.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Gasparilla's Grill & Games is one of my favorite places to eat at in all of Walt Disney World so thanks for posting that picture.

 

[Lulu'sMom]

I have had a bit of a setback and have been in the hospital for a few days. I am feeling so much better today so I went on my iPad and read the pages I have missed. KCmike, you have no idea how good it is to see your pictures of the GF. I can feel the sun, picture the views in my mind, it's been just the medicine I need. Thank you so much for posting them. We are 52 days from our next trip to Sugar Loaf. I absolutely can't wait.

So glad you're feeling better!

We've had to cancel our Sept trip due to my health, but hopefully, I will be well enough in November. Got a great AP rate on a GV room at the GRAND!!!
No other room views available, but that's ok, we'll take it!

PS....this will be my first time "roughing it!" (Not staying RPC or SL! LOL)

KCMike, keep those fabulous pics coming!
They're so awesome!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

So glad you're feeling better!

We've had to cancel our Sept trip due to my health, but hopefully, I will be well enough in November. Got a great AP rate on a GV room at the GRAND!!!
No other room views available, but that's ok, we'll take it!

PS....this will be my first time "roughing it!" (Not staying RPC or SL! LOL)

KCMike, keep those fabulous pics coming!
They're so awesome!

Lulu'sMom, so sorry to hear that your health has meant you have to postpone your trip. However, the key word is postpone, not cancel! Just stay strong and think magical thoughts and your trip will be here before you know it. I have to say I got a chuckle out of you saying you are "roughing it" and staying in a GV room! I can't think of any place I would rather rough it than the GF!

Take care of yourself, think about your trip and enjoy KCmike's pictures, they are the best!

 

[MommyGina]

Jungle Cruiser - I am glad to hear that you are out of the hospital and that you are feeling better!

Lulu's Mom - I hope that you get well soon. Keep your spirits up and keep looking forward to your next trip to the Grand Floridian. Somehow looking forward to things keeps the body and mind healthy.

I will keep both of you in my prayers.

 

[KCmike]

Evening is upon us