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

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - love the photo of the gingerbread house.

followthatmouse - my DD enjoys the Basin bath bombs as well. They rarely make it back home, lol.

 

[followthatmouse]

followthatmouse - my DD enjoys the Basin bath bombs as well. They rarely make it back home, lol.

k&a&c'smom, having a leftover bath bomb was not a planned event. We had a wonderful trip. By the end of two months, though, I was just too lazy to draw a bath! Showers are wonderful, too.

KCmike, I wouldn't mind the soft sand of that lovely beach squishing through the toes. Such a relaxing view. Thank you.

 

[pixarmom]

Wow - what a wonderful thread! So many familiar "faces" here and so much outstanding information!

As you can see from my signature, we've stayed at many Disney resorts over the years, but not GF. After our APs expired earlier this year, I promised my husband a break (although I'm bringing our youngest for a day in April 2012 and we're all cruising the Disney Wonder to Alaska in August 2012.) But we'll return to WDW in February 2013, and decided to do a multi-resort trip. Our boys (ages 4, 11 and 12) are really lobbying for a mix of old (Poly, BC, BWI) and new (CR, GF.) I admitted to KCmike (from over on the DL/California board) that we've visited the GF many times, but we're not sure the main building is a good fit for us. After reading about SL, however, I think we're sold!!!! The boys are big fans of CL at BC and BWI, so I think they would enjoy SL.

pas130, we stayed in a BC 2-bedroom suite in August and I'm happy to share photos if you would like! Please let me know and I can PM!

KCmike, janeapplemeadow and all the other talented GF photographers, thanks for all the beautiful photos!

 

[pas130]

As you can see from my signature, we've stayed at many Disney resorts over the years, but not GF. After our APs expired earlier this year, I promised my husband a break (although I'm bringing our youngest for a day in April 2012 and we're all cruising the Disney Wonder to Alaska in August 2012.) But we'll return to WDW in February 2013, and decided to do a multi-resort trip. Our boys (ages 4, 11 and 12) are really lobbying for a mix of old (Poly, BC, BWI) and new (CR, GF.) I admitted to KCmike (from over on the DL/California board) that we've visited the GF many times, but we're not sure the main building is a good fit for us. After reading about SL, however, I think we're sold!!!! The boys are big fans of CL at BC and BWI, so I think they would enjoy SL.

pas130, we stayed in a BC 2-bedroom suite in August and I'm happy to share photos if you would like! Please let me know and I can PM!

After staying at YC for an Anniversary trip. BC is no longer in the running for a future trip. DH didn't like BCV when we stayed years ago, and he wasn't thrilled with YC (even though we were in a 2Br Suite) I really want to go back to GF, I LOVED SL!!!! We all did, even DS10 BUT...CR is the resort (for now ) But thank you!!!! SL had the best CMs I have EVER encountered...from mousekeeping to management!!!

 

[Tdubswife]

I visit this thread often and love all the beautiful photos posted by everyone! I hope to add some of own after our vacation and finally have some real life experiences to share! So excited! Only 5 more days!!!!!!!!

 

[pas130]

I visit this thread often and love all the beautiful photos posted by everyone! I hope to add some of own after our vacation and finally have some real life experiences to share! So excited! Only 5 more days!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear about your trip! These pics ARE beautiful, but the Grand is even more AWESOME in person!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

followthatmouse - I can relate about the showers, and I would LOVE to relate to the two-month vacation.

pixarmom - Glad you've joined us!

How exciting about the Alaska cruise! I can understand taking a break for a while to do other things, we took a year off a while back to visit Europe. It made our next trip to WDW even more fun.

I'm curious, what will take you and your son to WDW for one day? Is there a special event? How fun!

I think you will love SL. Good location and wonderful staff, and the best food offerings on property, in my opinion. Keep in mind, there are no theme park view rooms in SL, but there are lovely pool or marina views. The main bldg. (RPC) is wonderful, too, and I think it is a good fit for anyone who enjoys CL, so don't let that deter you. Some readers worry it is too stuffy, but we've never found it to be so. That being said, any of the GF room categories have their benefits, it's all good!

Please join in while you make your plans for 2013, and ask anything you like - there are so many knowledgeable GF lovers here!

pas130 - Aw, that's too bad that the BC is now out of the running. We have fallen in love with it, and enjoy it so much when we take a break from the GF, or do a split stay. Love the beach-y atmosphere, the pool, and the easy access to Epcot! I do miss the variety at Gasparilla's, though, the Marketplace doesn't have as many choices for breakfast. But, that's what room service is for!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I visit this thread often and love all the beautiful photos posted by everyone! I hope to add some of own after our vacation and finally have some real life experiences to share! So excited! Only 5 more days!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited for you! Are you packed yet?!

 

[pas130]

pas130 - Aw, that's too bad that the BC is now out of the running. We have fallen in love with it, and enjoy it so much when we take a break from the GF, or do a split stay. Love the beach-y atmosphere, the pool, and the easy access to Epcot! I do miss the variety at Gasparilla's, though, the Marketplace doesn't have as many choices for breakfast. But, that's what room service is for!

I thought the kiddos would love BC, but if DH is not happy.....you know how that goes.... Plus he has the power to talk DD out of just about anything....except CR and GF apparently. I'm trying to talk them into a split stay, trust me, but DD said to go to SeaWorld, she wants to stay at the Seaworld hotel...which is OK because I'll save a bundle


update at 1pm Booked BC for spring break.....2 rooms GV CL then we will head over to CR...DH sayd he doesn't care because it will change again! Now to tweak the breakfast ADRs...

 

[pixarmom]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I've really enjoyed reading through this thread, and I know I'll have more questions as we start planning the details!

pas130, how funny about the switch to a BC/CR split stay! I love the 1pm update!

I'm curious, what will take you and your son to WDW for one day? Is there a special event? How fun!

k&a&c's mom, thanks for the additional thoughts regarding SL! In response to your question, my parents own a condo in SW Florida, and we often fly out of the Orlando airport after a few days at the beach. So we can fit in a day or so at WDW (sometimes with parks, sometimes without) "on the way to the airport!" That's the case in April, when I'm traveling back home from the condo with our youngest son. But it will be particularly special because he just hit the 40 inch mark recently and is very excited about Test Track. He will be lining up with his "future rider" card in hand!

I'm sorry I won't have anything to contribute to this thread for quite a while, but I did find this view from our Poly balcony in January to share!

 

[KCmike]

k&a&c'smom, having a leftover bath bomb was not a planned event. We had a wonderful trip. By the end of two months, though, I was just too lazy to draw a bath! Showers are wonderful, too.

KCmike, I wouldn't mind the soft sand of that lovely beach squishing through the toes. Such a relaxing view. Thank you.

Beautiful photo, KCmike!

11 days!

Nothing better than a lovely day on the beach. Thanks you all.

 

[KCmike]

Wow - what a wonderful thread! So many familiar "faces" here and so much outstanding information!

As you can see from my signature, we've stayed at many Disney resorts over the years, but not GF. After our APs expired earlier this year, I promised my husband a break (although I'm bringing our youngest for a day in April 2012 and we're all cruising the Disney Wonder to Alaska in August 2012.) But we'll return to WDW in February 2013, and decided to do a multi-resort trip. Our boys (ages 4, 11 and 12) are really lobbying for a mix of old (Poly, BC, BWI) and new (CR, GF.) I admitted to KCmike (from over on the DL/California board) that we've visited the GF many times, but we're not sure the main building is a good fit for us. After reading about SL, however, I think we're sold!!!! The boys are big fans of CL at BC and BWI, so I think they would enjoy SL.

pas130, we stayed in a BC 2-bedroom suite in August and I'm happy to share photos if you would like! Please let me know and I can PM!

KCmike, janeapplemeadow and all the other talented GF photographers, thanks for all the beautiful photos!

Awesome seeing you over here!!! May I ask why you pick February? Thanks for all your help over on the Disneyland area. Can't wait to go back to California but must admit that the Grand Floridian was awesome. WDW has the best hotels and CA has the best parks.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Catching up on the past few days of this thread. Ohhh KCMike, how I would love to be walking that path and ending up with my feet in the white, warm sand! Your pictures are wonderful, they make me feel like I am there.

I laughed when I saw the picture of the pool(house) view. That has to be one of the very few really bad room views at the GF!

 

[Tdubswife]

I'm so excited for you! Are you packed yet?!

Not yet! I took off this Friday and I plan on getting all our packing done then. It is a surprise for our kids, so I need to pack when they are both in school, so the surprise will not be ruined! I look forward to packing for our trip. Just a couple more days.....

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - LOVE your update, so funny! I should have known you would change your mind. Your DH's attitude is hilarious, btw.

Tdubswife - I understand, and kudos for being able to surprise your kids! I can never keep the secret.

I'm a last minute packer by choice, rather than necessity, as I forget what I packed otherwise and have to start over.

pixarmom - How wonderful you get to spend so much time in Florida, my dream. I get the day at WDW on the way home, how fun for your kids.

Thanks for the shot of the GF, it's always nice to see an overall photo.

Jungle Cruiser - I know, right?! The worst view at the GF, though I have heard reports there are a couple rooms on the end of Sago that overlook the loading area next to Gasparilla's. Can't imagine they don't have at least a partial view of something pretty.

We've gotten the back of the pool house at least twice, but were lucky enough to move to a better view.

 

[JoBird]

Just popping in on a cold morning to get a GF fix. So wish we were there right now.

 

[pas130]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I've really enjoyed reading through this thread, and I know I'll have more questions as we start planning the details!

pas130, how funny about the switch to a BC/CR split stay! I love the 1pm update!



k&a&c's mom, thanks for the additional thoughts regarding SL! In response to your question, my parents own a condo in SW Florida, and we often fly out of the Orlando airport after a few days at the beach. So we can fit in a day or so at WDW (sometimes with parks, sometimes without) "on the way to the airport!" That's the case in April, when I'm traveling back home from the condo with our youngest son. But it will be particularly special because he just hit the 40 inch mark recently and is very excited about Test Track. He will be lining up with his "future rider" card in hand!

I'm sorry I won't have anything to contribute to this thread for quite a while, but I did find this view from our Poly balcony in January to share!

Now BC-GF

pas130 - LOVE your update, so funny! I should have known you would change your mind. Your DH's attitude is hilarious, btw.

2 changes today. Changed CR to Poly....then.............GF Time to change the ticker...AGAIN

Just popping in on a cold morning to get a GF fix. So wish we were there right now.

Happy holidays friend, nice to see you. I can't believe the drop in the temps here!!!

 

[Lcaemom]

Not yet! I took off this Friday and I plan on getting all our packing done then. It is a surprise for our kids, so I need to pack when they are both in school, so the surprise will not be ruined! I look forward to packing for our trip. Just a couple more days.....

I don't know how on earth you are able to keep this trip a secret!?! THAT is amazing! I keep checking the weather...looks perfect through Monday...80 and sunny!

Just popping in on a cold morning to get a GF fix. So wish we were there right now.

I said to my DD this AM...wouldn't it be nice to sit at the marina and have breakfast while listening to the boat and train whistles...

 

[followthatmouse]

I said to my DD this AM...wouldn't it be nice to sit at the marina and have breakfast while listening to the boat and train whistles...

Have you been listening to our conversations?! I said something very similar to my DM yesterday.

 

[pixarmom]

Awesome seeing you over here!!! May I ask why you pick February? Thanks for all your help over on the Disneyland area. Can't wait to go back to California but must admit that the Grand Floridian was awesome. WDW has the best hotels and CA has the best parks.

Thanks, KC Mike!!! I have to credit WDW with the best dining, too!

As for February, we currently live in a climate that's too cold for me and winters are too long. (I was originally a California girl, and then lived on the east coast in a moderate climate.) I use all of this weather stuff to justify my "travel bug" and in January/February, we must escape. The value season prices are always amazing and the crowds are super low. WDW is a good destination for us then because unpredictable February weather doesn't interfere with WDW as much as it does with beach or city/sightseeing trips. (We usually save those for the March - October "travel bugs.") The boys are ages 4, 11 and 12, but we can usually find a day or two that they are off from school and then they miss another day or two. If you are ready for unpredictable weather, I highly recommend February!

Tdubswife, I'd love to hear more about your surprise! Be sure to report back!

Now BC-GF

pas130, I love it! I'm like that with ADRs. Our solution to resort uncertainty is a crazy ridiculous split stay - but I'm sure I'll rethink that until the 5-day mark!