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

[KCmike]

KC Mike - cool photo, nice work.
I've seen a number of your GF photos now, your photos (and others on the photography board) are a big part of what inspired me to see disney "thru the lens".
I have little kids right now (6 & 2) so I can't fully concentrate on photography down there, but I occasionally sneak in a few shots.

I noticed you're a Canon user - I'm shooting with an S90 point and shoot and a T3i (600D) - but I honestly couldn't lug the DSLR around every day.

Some day, after the kids are grown, I'll get there with plenty of time to take Mrs. Goofdad to a few nice restaurants and bring a tripod/gear/etc for photos/videos.


And, to keep in line with the GF stories here - the concierge was terrific. My DD(6) lost a tooth (quite a big deal, especially in Dis) and I mentioned it to the concierge - they arranged a "Disney" tooth fairy visit... and they were happy/giddy/excited to do it.

Thanks. I just upgraded my lens body to the 60d yesterday as part of a Christmas/birthday early gift. Wish I had it for the WDW trip this past summer. I was really debating between that and your T3i. Both look like great cameras. My kids will give me grief when I stop to take shots from all over the world. They know I love it so they put up with me. I am very much still an amateur but do love the hobby.

Thanks pas130 as well for the shout out! Your all too kind.

 

[KCmike]

 

[rcraw45425]

Like everyone else has already beautifully stated...great shots goofdad!

Grand Floridian Nightlife

Love your photos! I have a T2i with the stock lens and a 75-300. Couple of questions, for the b&w shots are you just using the standard b&w setting and how much do you use your 50mm lens? I'm contemplating one before our visit next week is why I'm curious!

 

[WDWKOOK]

A very HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING!! Don't forget to count your blessings (and the time you have left until your next trip to WDW)​

 

[bbagnall]

So, like any good Diser I've been diligently making my plans for our upcoming trip Dec 16-22. I have all the dining ADRs made, the tickets purchased, transportation arranged, etc...

Now my husband informs me last night...Hey! can we move up to theme park view? I'm very excited about this new development and I call, anxiously awaiting to make my change and nothing. They have nothing, all booked up!

So my question to all of you is, what is the chance of a theme park view popping up in the system? Is my best bet to ask at the front desk when I check in?

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and a very Merry Christmas !

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a wonderful day with family and friends.

So, like any good Diser I've been diligently making my plans for our upcoming trip Dec 16-22. I have all the dining ADRs made, the tickets purchased, transportation arranged, etc...

Now my husband informs me last night...Hey! can we move up to theme park view? I'm very excited about this new development and I call, anxiously awaiting to make my change and nothing. They have nothing, all booked up!

So my question to all of you is, what is the chance of a theme park view popping up in the system? Is my best bet to ask at the front desk when I check in?

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and a very Merry Christmas !

Welcome! It is very likely that the room you want will pop up at some point between now and your trip; the trick is to catch it! I would keep checking the website, and calling, to see if a TPV opens up. If it doesn't, you can certainly ask at check in, you might get lucky. Good luck!

 

[KCmike]

Love your photos! I have a T2i with the stock lens and a 75-300. Couple of questions, for the b&w shots are you just using the standard b&w setting and how much do you use your 50mm lens? I'm contemplating one before our visit next week is why I'm curious!

I use it about less than a third of the time. It really is a great lens especially for the money though. It's called the nifty fifty and is highly regarded as a must have which I concur. You usually can find one for under $100. It reminds me of shots taken with my old 35mm film camera. The night shots were shot in the B&W setting on my camera. I usually take the same shot in color. I don't like to post process. I love to rent the 10-22 for vacations. When I end up renting a lens I usually play with that one the most. Thanks for the nice comments.

 

[Mouseturtle]

On my way from Philly - landing in two hours and the adventure begins! Spending 2 days at US to appease the 2 teeneage boys I have along...then it's "home" to the GF and my 1st "Christmas" trip. I need some holiday spirit!

I really just want to see my ticker haha

 

[Lulu'sMom]

I use it about less than a third of the time. It really is a great lens especially for the money though. It's called the nifty fifty and is highly regarded as a must have which I concur. You usually can find one for under $100. It reminds me of shots taken with my old 35mm film camera. The night shots were shot in the B&W setting on my camera. I usually take the same shot in color. I don't like to post process. I love to rent the 10-22 for vacations. When I end up renting a lens I usually play with that one the most. Thanks for the nice comments.

WOW, KCMike!~you do alot to get such beautiful photos! No wonder my little snap and shoot camera can't capture what you do!
And I always look for your pics on the Theme Parks Community board, seems there's quite a few that post several pic threads that you've posted. JUST Beautiful!!!!

On my way from Philly - landing in two hours and the adventure begins! Spending 2 days at US to appease the 2 teeneage boys I have along...then it's "home" to the GF and my 1st "Christmas" trip. I need some holiday spirit!

I really just want to see my ticker haha

OH! Your 1st Christmas at WDW and it's at the GF!!!!!! (where's the swooning smilie?) Lucky, LUCKY you, Mouseturtle!

I'd be wanting to check the ticker, too! LOL

Now, let's get down to business.....can I come to?

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The photos everyone has been posting are great, love seeing them. AND, KCMike, we need to get you back to the GF so you can take some more for us to enjoy Your black and white ones are so amazing and unique!

I am getting excited, 5 weeks from today I will be waking up at the Polynesian looking at the GF...wish I was staying there, but paying rack rate means saving a bit of money, for, hopefully another trip this spring! As long as the doctor says okay there could be a week at SL in March!!! Lulu'sMom, we will have a daybed at the Polynesian over New Years if you are interested!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Saw the Muppet Movie today and thought I'd share these "vintage" photos from today's Disney Parks Blog:

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Love, Love, Love the photos WDWKOOK! I have never seen them before, they are priceless!

 

[KCmike]

Thanks Lulu's Mom and Jungle Cruiser. Your all very nice. This thread is nice to come back to.

 

[Goofdad]

I use it about less than a third of the time. It really is a great lens especially for the money though. It's called the nifty fifty and is highly regarded as a must have which I concur. You usually can find one for under $100. It reminds me of shots taken with my old 35mm film camera. The night shots were shot in the B&W setting on my camera. I usually take the same shot in color. I don't like to post process. I love to rent the 10-22 for vacations. When I end up renting a lens I usually play with that one the most. Thanks for the nice comments.

Agreed on the "nifty fifty". I love the lens. Having that 1.8 and shallow DOF is terrific... but I actually find that 50 is too zoomed in for me with the kids/family playing around, etc.

Take Toy Story Mania for example - if I want a shot of them in line by Mr. Potato Head, the 50 won't work - I need something wider (so I stick with the kit lens)... I just can't back myself far away enough with the 50 to capture them and the scenery.

 

[pas130]

Love, Love, Love the photos WDWKOOK! I have never seen them before, they are priceless!

Me too Thanks KOOK! The girls and I are loving them!

Junglecruiser You are SO close...NYE at the Poly....NICE And if a SL March trip is in the works........that's awesome!!!

Continued prayers for you and my friend Lulu'sMom

Here's a hello and a "sticker" from DD7 (AKA HRH)

 

[psac]

We just returned from the GF Sugar Loaf after a five night stay. Although we are huge fans of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, we took advantage of the 30 percent discounting. We found the property to be simply impeccable, and very, very quiet when compared with BC/YC. We actually enjoyed the change and welcomed the new location and proximity to MK.

As it relates to staying in the Main Building, I am unsure what all of the fuss is about. It is critical to note, that there is about a 25 percent price difference from the outer buildings of the resort. Although the main building is gorgeous, this is many times overshadowed by the throngs of tourists who just want to take a peek around. From an aesthetic and efficient standpoint, I get it. I know, I know, the rooms are bigger and the restaurants and stores are right there.. But so what, the rooms in the rest of the resort are plenty big enough and offer excellent views of the property. In a nutshell, I just think it is one of those bragging rights things to do, which is cool when you are telling a story to someone. Or, you have so much money, why not?

Overall on the GF. Outstanding stay, and the entire concierge staff at the Sugar Loaf were incredible. The Club Level never disappoints at Disney, and the Sugar Loaf building is located right between the marina and main pool area. Perfect for the kids and adults as it is easy to go back and forth to grab food and drinks from the 5 daily food and beverage offerings.

Just my two cents....

The one time we stayed in the main building, it was to book a King room, which is only available there. Having the extra benefits of the convenience of being closer to the monorail was a big plus. (Especially since one day we were coming back from Epcot and it was POURING.) The extra ambiance of the piano player, etc., just adds to it. But I think I agree, if I was just booking a regular room, I would probably just book non-club level completely. I personally don't find the cost of club level "worth it," but as I said, we shelled out a bunch for the king room, which I thought was worth every penny. Point being, people like spending money on different things, and I've learned not to question others people preferences.

 

[s&k'smom]

Just when I was dreaming of another trip to GF I see a response to our GF thread in my inbox. I know I don't come around alot but I really appreciate you guys keeping this thread alive (especially you k&a&c'smom). I've head some mightly stressful times and just when I'm done another post comes through. I've found it hard to come down off the high of our recent trip but now with the joy of the holidays I'm back to my old self again, just waiting for our next trip. Or should I say our next GF trip.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KCmike - thanks for the photo, I love seeing the paths, makes it feel as though we are there!

psac - I agree, everyone makes a room choice based on what is important to them at the time. We mix it up; some trips we like the extra touches of club level, others we just want to be in the World. It's all good!

s&k'smom - Sorry to hear you have had some challenges lately, but I'm glad you are enjoying the thread and hope you are able to plan another trip to the GF soon!

On my way from Philly - landing in two hours and the adventure begins! Spending 2 days at US to appease the 2 teeneage boys I have along...then it's "home" to the GF and my 1st "Christmas" trip. I need some holiday spirit!

I really just want to see my ticker haha

You are there, yay! We have made a 2- or 3-day stop at US/IOA a few trips, and then on to WDW for the majority of our vacation. It makes the kids enjoy WDW even more.

Enjoy your first Christmas trip!

I am getting excited, 5 weeks from today I will be waking up at the Polynesian looking at the GF...wish I was staying there, but paying rack rate means saving a bit of money, for, hopefully another trip this spring! As long as the doctor says okay there could be a week at SL in March!!! Lulu'sMom, we will have a daybed at the Polynesian over New Years if you are interested!!!

Won't be long now, how nice to have another trip to plan! I'll keep my fingers crossed, for both a thumbs up from the doc, and a week at SL.

WDWKOOK - Love the photos, thanks! How did you like the Muppet movie? DD nearly went with friends, but they changed their minds last minute - she was disappointed.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Since we all seem to be changing our signatures to reflex the upcoming holiday, I thought a picture from the GF last Christmas would be appropriate!

 

[rcraw45425]

Just booked CSR for Thursday night to give us a full three days to enjoy the GF! It's a sickness!