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

[s&k'smom]

I agree it's a sickness, we can't imagine staying anywhere else! Even my DH on our trip in November starts looking at different buildings and views saying that's where I want to stay next time!

 

[followthatmouse]

Hi, my dear GFers.

During our GF stay in July, we selected several gorgeous, relaxing bath bombs from Basin. We didn't get through all the bombs before we came home. I have no room for a bathtub in my apartment. But, there is always a hotel bath. I am just back from a week in Sydney - part business, part pleasure. The really pleasurable part was taking the opportunity to use my one remaining Basin bath bomb. Oh, the minute it hit the water, I was back at the GF, enjoying the main building's aroma! Mmmmm. Memories!

WDWKOOK, thank you for the Muppet pics. Love them! I remember the television special when the Muppets came to WDW. *sigh*

I do hope Mouseturtle enjoys the Christmas trip. Next year, it's our turn for a first GF Christmas.

*hugs all 'round*

 

[rcraw45425]

Hi, my dear GFers.

During our GF stay in July, we selected several gorgeous, relaxing bath bombs from Basin. We didn't get through all the bombs before we came home. I have no room for a bathtub in my apartment. But, there is always a hotel bath. I am just back from a week in Sydney - part business, part pleasure. The really pleasurable part was taking the opportunity to use my one remaining Basin bath bomb. Oh, the minute it hit the water, I was back at the GF, enjoying the main building's aroma! Mmmmm. Memories!

WDWKOOK, thank you for the Muppet pics. Love them! I remember the television special when the Muppets came to WDW. *sigh*

I do hope Mouseturtle enjoys the Christmas trip. Next year, it's our turn for a first GF Christmas.

*hugs all 'round*

So glad to hear that the bath bombs are "da bomb" (oh how I hate that phrase but could NOT resist using it!) I recommended them to my teen daughters today as Christmas gifts for friends. This makes me feel better about the recommendation!

 

[Mouseturtle]

I'm here, I'm here! And in the 12 hours since I've checked in, I have decided that THIS is THE BEST time of year to come. I am loving the festive atmosphere (although a bit hectic around the tree and gingerbread house - hard to walk around without interrupting someone's picture!)

When I checked in I was told my room was ready and was a pool view as I requested...let's just say that was not true at all. They put me in Big Pine Key, room 9120 (1st floor) and although I did not take a picture from the actual room, this was pretty much the view (taken from outside)

It's pretty much right behind the pool house, and I asked to be moved - which they did and I am thrilled with my new room on an upper floor - this is deja vu for me, same thing happened last year when they mis-described the view. I am happy they accommodated me but it's one of those "aw shucks wish they would have told me the right thing when I checked in" moments that would polish the service a bit. Anyhoo, I am THRILLED and loved the view off the balcony as I watched the fireworks. This is my 4th time here, and first time not staying at Sugarloaf. I must admit I miss it a bit but it's just as beautiful here, and with the DDP I don't need the "snacks", I just like the location of that building better. But I am at my happy place so it's all good.

I have decided I will buy a gingerbread "shingle" tomorrow. Life is tough, eh? Much love from the GF!

 

[mariamouse]

I'm here, I'm here! And in the 12 hours since I've checked in, I have decided that THIS is THE BEST time of year to come. I am loving the festive atmosphere (although a bit hectic around the tree and gingerbread house - hard to walk around without interrupting someone's picture!)

When I checked in I was told my room was ready and was a pool view as I requested...let's just say that was not true at all. They put me in Big Pine Key, room 9120 (1st floor) and although I did not take a picture from the actual room, this was pretty much the view (taken from outside)

It's pretty much right behind the pool house, and I asked to be moved - which they did and I am thrilled with my new room on an upper floor - this is deja vu for me, same thing happened last year when they mis-described the view. I am happy they accommodated me but it's one of those "aw shucks wish they would have told me the right thing when I checked in" moments that would polish the service a bit. Anyhoo, I am THRILLED and loved the view off the balcony as I watched the fireworks. This is my 4th time here, and first time not staying at Sugarloaf. I must admit I miss it a bit but it's just as beautiful here, and with the DDP I don't need the "snacks", I just like the location of that building better. But I am at my happy place so it's all good.

I have decided I will buy a gingerbread "shingle" tomorrow. Life is tough, eh? Much love from the GF!

Mouseturtle- in regard to that first view! That is pretty much the worst garden view room view possible, so I am glad that the GF moved you and that you are enjoying your new and improved view!

We will be at the GF in just 12 days and are SO excited to experience the holidays there! I appreciate your report and look forward to hearing more. Have a fantastic trip!

 

[psac]

I guess they mistook "pool view" for "pool HOUSE view". It's surprising they would give that view to anyone in what should be a relatively slow time, unless there is a convention going on there now.

 

[Lcaemom]

It's unofficially official that we will FINALLY get back to the GF in 2012!! For so many reasons we have not been there since 2008...I thought I could get my WDW fix last year with a quick trip to CBR...WRONG!!! Once we ended up in the GF lobby...I vowed I could never to return to WDW again, unless we were staying at the GF. I can now unofficially officially say that we are returning...the dates are set, the party (just my DD and I...a mother/daughter trip) is set, the budget is set...it's just not booked, as I am holding out for a pin/code/deal (the only part that makes it all unofficial.)
It is absolutely killing me not to be there this year...I can see it, smell it (I even have a candle that smells exactly like the lobby)...it's going to be a long year but, knowing it will actually happen makes me very, very happy!

 

[Mouseturtle]

I guess they mistook "pool view" for "pool HOUSE view". It's surprising they would give that view to anyone in what should be a relatively slow time, unless there is a convention going on there now.

It's suprising to me too, especially since there was another room immediately available. I know "someone" has to have that room when they are sold out - I am just glad I was able to move. It would have kind of ruined my vacation - I am all about the view - the sight of the pool and tall palm trees helps relax me! Plus, it's 40 degrees and miserable at home - I will have enough dreariness when I get back!

 

[Mouseturtle]

Maybe someone already mentioned this but the Grand now has FREE wireless internet access! Last time I was here I dropped $70 for my week. When the bellman brought my luggage he started his spiel about "refrigerator, washer and dryer downstairs, free wireless internet, blah blah blah" I made him stop and repeat himself! He said that they're the "first hotel to get it" so I imagine the rest will follow suit....?
SOOOOO happy that Disney is catching up with the other brands - this should be an expected service in these times! Yay!

 

[phyllis1966]

Still missing the GF since returning home last Saturday (sniff), but glad all of you who are there right now are having a blast!

The only 2 (teeny-tiny) complaints we had about this trip, if I were pressed to admit any, were that we had the slowest filling toilet tank I've ever encountered and that the WiFi was "crappy," as DH so eloquently put it. FaceTime timed out every time DD tried to contact her grandma, and DH couldn't watch "Boardwalk Empire" on HBO Go.

I only mention this because I know lots of people are looking forward to the free WiFi...

I can't believe I still haven't made time to post some photos, especially of the lovely surprise treat Private Dining sent up for DD...hopefully tomorrow...

No ticker...

 

[rcraw45425]

It's unofficially official that we will FINALLY get back to the GF in 2012!! For so many reasons we have not been there since 2008...I thought I could get my WDW fix last year with a quick trip to CBR...WRONG!!! Once we ended up in the GF lobby...I vowed I could never to return to WDW again, unless we were staying at the GF. I can now unofficially officially say that we are returning...the dates are set, the party (just my DD and I...a mother/daughter trip) is set, the budget is set...it's just not booked, as I am holding out for a pin/code/deal (the only part that makes it all unofficial.)
It is absolutely killing me not to be there this year...I can see it, smell it (I even have a candle that smells exactly like the lobby)...it's going to be a long year but, knowing it will actually happen makes me very, very happy!

I'd love to know about this candle!

 

[Lcaemom]

I'd love to know about this candle!

It's called Cinnamon Toast...the brand is For Every Body, at Kohls...smells identical to the lobby at Christmas time, once the gingerbread house is up.

 

[pas130]

It's pretty much right behind the pool house, and I asked to be moved - which they did and I am thrilled with my new room on an upper floor - this is deja vu for me, same thing happened last year when they mis-described the view. I am happy they accommodated me but it's one of those "aw shucks wish they would have told me the right thing when I checked in" moments that would polish the service a bit. Anyhoo, I am THRILLED and loved the view off the balcony as I watched the fireworks. This is my 4th time here, and first time not staying at Sugarloaf. I must admit I miss it a bit but it's just as beautiful here, and with the DDP I don't need the "snacks", I just like the location of that building better. But I am at my happy place so it's all good.

I have decided I will buy a gingerbread "shingle" tomorrow. Life is tough, eh? Much love from the GF!

Glad you were able to get a better view Enjoy the Grand!!!

It's unofficially official that we will FINALLY get back to the GF in 2012!! For so many reasons we have not been there since 2008...I thought I could get my WDW fix last year with a quick trip to CBR...WRONG!!! Once we ended up in the GF lobby...I vowed I could never to return to WDW again, unless we were staying at the GF. I can now unofficially officially say that we are returning...the dates are set, the party (just my DD and I...a mother/daughter trip) is set, the budget is set...it's just not booked, as I am holding out for a pin/code/deal (the only part that makes it all unofficial.)
It is absolutely killing me not to be there this year...I can see it, smell it (I even have a candle that smells exactly like the lobby)...it's going to be a long year but, knowing it will actually happen makes me very, very happy!

I hope you can book OFFICIALLY soon

 

[Tdubswife]

This is the first time we are checking into GF and also our first time during the Christmas season. Normally, we stay off-site or at SSR, but decided to try one of the monorail hotels. We are getting really excited about our upcoming week at GF. Our kids do not know about the trip, so it is an early Christmas present/surprise for them! CANNOT WAIT!!!!!

 

[Mouseturtle]

This is the first time we are checking into GF and also our first time during the Christmas season. Normally, we stay off-site or at SSR, but decided to try one of the monorail hotels. We are getting really excited about our upcoming week at GF. Our kids do not know about the trip, so it is an early Christmas present/surprise for them! CANNOT WAIT!!!!!

You're going to love it! The lobby is festive and gorgeous, and I am happy to say they have Photopass photographers to catch you in front of the tree & gingerbread house! I've been here 4 times but never at Christmas and it's HANDS DOWN my favorite time of year now. Already booked my trip for next year (-:

 

[KCmike]

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

Thanks k&a&c'smom!! I love the long paths the GF provides as you stroll the grounds.

Lagoon view from the beach.

 

[mariamouse]

Thanks k&a&c'smom!! I love the long paths the GF provides as you stroll the grounds.

Lagoon view from the beach.

11 days!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Beautiful photo, KCmike!

I'm glad you all liked The Muppets photos. I found one more, but it's just a still from a movie:

 

[followthatmouse]

Kermit on the GF monorail station. I like it, WDWKOOK! Thank you for the memories of a fun TV special.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Mouseturtle - glad you've arrived safely and are enjoying your room view! I'm so glad you weren't stuck with your first "pool view" - we got a similar view last March, and were able to move to Sago Cay.

Have a Grand vacation.

rcraw45425 - Ooh, won't be long now!

Lcaemom - Welcome! Congrats on your unofficial official GF booking! I hope it is official official soon, how lovely to have a mother/daughter trip to plan. I'm hoping DD and I can make it back soon, too.

mariamouse - so close!

Tdubswife - Welcome! Less than a week until you're soaking up the Grand atmosphere! Enjoy your first stay Christmas at the GF.

phyllis1966 - It sounds like the issue with the wifi comes in when you need higher download speeds? If we are simply looking at email, is it likely to time out? Just wondering, we won't be back for several months.

Looking forward to your photos!