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

[Jungle Cruiser]

Good morning! We went into the MK when it opened at 7 AM and left at 9:30. We were able to do all the rides we wanted and happily got the heck out of there....it's a madhouse. The masses of people pouring in is staggering. It will probably be at capacity by noon.

Got on the launch and got to the GF for late breakfast at the GFC. They are getting ready for tonight in the lobby. The Gingerbread House closes (for the season) today at 5. They have put a dance floor down covering part of the carpeted area of the lobby the end by the band. The festivities start at 6 PM. They are going to set up a few cash bar areas and there will be complementary party hats etc. and of course dancing to the band. The balloons will be dropped at midnight right when the fireworks end. They did a test run of the fireworks last night. AMAZING! I am sure video will show upon UTube, watch and you won't be disappointed.

We will be at the GF tonight, so pictures will be taken and posted! In the meantime HAPPY NEW YEAR!

AND pas130, so excited for your RPC plans! I knew you would be there in 2012!!!

To my special friends on this thread, pixie dust and best wishes for a GRAND 2012 . A special hug to Lulu'smom and thoughts for a healthy 2012.

Finally, a special thank you to k&a&c'smom for doing this thread this past year and to KCMike for all the great photos he has posted!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Just took this picture...ahhh, what a view!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday season. I've been spending time with my kids, not much time for Mom to be on the 'net.

Jungle Cruiser - I missed your send off, so glad to hear you arrived safe and sound. Thanks for the photo, how interesting! I know you are having a fantastic time, enjoy.

BCV23 - Wouldn't tea with our group be lovely?! I'm looking forward to the photos so we can remember our times there together!

pas130 - YAY! I hoped you would end up with a few days at the GF this spring. Way to go!

I don't like dripping through the lobby, either, so we always use the pool elevator. As focusonDisney posted, it opens near Gasparilla's, so it is a bit farther to walk, but at least you can avoid the lobby!

Alli76 - Welcome! As pas130 and bowbat have explained, all of SL is club level, and most of the rooms are standard rooms. There are no TPV rooms in SL, and though some overlook the marina, others the pool, these are considered garden view.

DrMomof3 - I don't know if it is a bad idea for online check in when staying club level, but we never do. I've asked the CMs several times, and they always assure me it is not necessary, and doesn't really help in any way, as you have personal check in - no line.

I'm excited for you, won't be long now!

The best activity is simply enjoying the resort - walking the grounds, lounging in the lobby during the afternoon/evening, or having a snack while seated at the marina. For kids specifically, I agree with psac, the pool is the biggest draw - or at least it was for my kids! I hope the weather continues to be warm enough for you to spend some time there.

sillyjodes - Welcome! As Tink rules posted, there are no dumpster views at the GF, they don't even categorize their least expensive rooms as "standard" but rather, garden view.

There are a few rooms that are less desirable - the dreaded pool house views in Big Pine Key (you look directly into the back of the courtyard pool house!) and some people do not care much for the rooms on the monorail side of Sago Cay, as it is mostly grass and shrubs. It does afford the kids an expansive view of the monorail, though, so it is preferred by some.

I have a photo of the coffee setup in the rooms, and one or two of the views.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so I can't help with the brand

This is a 4th floor room in Big Pine Key, with what I think is a pretty good view - but you can see how the rooms below it would look right into the back of the pool house!

Back of Sago, looking left

Back of Sago, straight ahead

Sago, looking right (you can see the monorail heading toward the MK)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We check in tomorrow!!! My husband is running the mini also. No running for me.

The weather looks cool this week. Three nights in the 30's. I hope I brought warm enough clothing.

I will be posting lots of GFpics on my live trip report.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

So glad to hear from you, Jungle Cruiser! What a nice day you've had, I'm glad you were able to get in and out of the MK before the hordes descended. We've not been Christmas week, but have been in the MK for Easter week, and once was enough for me! Quite a press.

Thanks so much for the kind words, so sweet of you. I truly feel it has been a collaborative effort among us all, there are so many wonderful and knowledgeable posters here - not least of all you.

KCmike - I very much enjoyed the photos at the MK dock, and your "Where's Waldo" GF challenge. Brings back great memories of leaving the MK at mid-day, heading to the GF and lunch or tea.

 

[Alli76]

The entire Sugar Loaf building is CL. There are some suites there, but I believe other than that, all of the rooms are considered "standard." The rooms should all have balconies or patios, but there are rooms on the top floor called "dormer rooms" that have a balcony with a solid-wall. We'll be staying there in February, and our one request was no dormer room -- with the solid-wall balconies, you can't see anything if you're seated on the balcony. Some people prefer them because they offer more privacy (and some prefer them because they have small kids & regular balconies make them nervous).

Alli76 - Welcome! As pas130 and bowbat have explained, all of SL is club level, and most of the rooms are standard rooms. There are no TPV rooms in SL, and though some overlook the marina, others the pool, these are considered garden view.

Thank you both so much for the help!!! One last question - does anyone know if there are first floor rooms - where you can come and go from a patio door? This was one of my favorite thing about our last trip to the Poly... when the kids were asleep one of us would be able to sneak out and get food/drinks from the lounge!

Thanks again!

 

[sillyjodes]

Hello, everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday season. I've been spending time with my kids, not much time for Mom to be on the 'net.

Jungle Cruiser - I missed your send off, so glad to hear you arrived safe and sound. Thanks for the photo, how interesting! I know you are having a fantastic time, enjoy.

BCV23 - Wouldn't tea with our group be lovely?! I'm looking forward to the photos so we can remember our times there together!

pas130 - YAY! I hoped you would end up with a few days at the GF this spring. Way to go!

I don't like dripping through the lobby, either, so we always use the pool elevator. As focusonDisney posted, it opens near Gasparilla's, so it is a bit farther to walk, but at least you can avoid the lobby!

Alli76 - Welcome! As pas130 and bowbat have explained, all of SL is club level, and most of the rooms are standard rooms. There are no TPV rooms in SL, and though some overlook the marina, others the pool, these are considered garden view.

DrMomof3 - I don't know if it is a bad idea for online check in when staying club level, but we never do. I've asked the CMs several times, and they always assure me it is not necessary, and doesn't really help in any way, as you have personal check in - no line.

I'm excited for you, won't be long now!

The best activity is simply enjoying the resort - walking the grounds, lounging in the lobby during the afternoon/evening, or having a snack while seated at the marina. For kids specifically, I agree with psac, the pool is the biggest draw - or at least it was for my kids! I hope the weather continues to be warm enough for you to spend some time there.

sillyjodes - Welcome! As Tink rules posted, there are no dumpster views at the GF, they don't even categorize their least expensive rooms as "standard" but rather, garden view.

There are a few rooms that are less desirable - the dreaded pool house views in Big Pine Key (you look directly into the back of the courtyard pool house!) and some people do not care much for the rooms on the monorail side of Sago Cay, as it is mostly grass and shrubs. It does afford the kids an expansive view of the monorail, though, so it is preferred by some.

I have a photo of the coffee setup in the rooms, and one or two of the views.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so I can't help with the brand

This is a 4th floor room in Big Pine Key, with what I think is a pretty good view - but you can see how the rooms below it would look right into the back of the pool house!

Back of Sago, looking left

Back of Sago, straight ahead

Sago, looking right (you can see the monorail heading toward the MK)

Thanks so much! Especially for the pictures of the views! We can so live with greenery. Although, the back of the pool house didn't seem too picturesque.
So, they have regular 4 cup coffee pots. Have they not switched to pods yet? We are so terribly addicted to coffee! It's especially difficult for my espresso swigging hubby!
Another question, are the lodge rooms with seating area a separate bookable code? I'm unclear as to which category they fall into.
Thanks,
Jodie

 

[sillyjodes]

Ok, impatience overruled and hubby called the resort itself. They now have cuisinart 1 or 2 cup coffee makers! He was so happy with the interaction that we just called to switch.
We are now booked for the GF May 14-21!!
I didn't ask for special requests, as I was unsure of what to request.
We are super excited!! I'm looking forward to a magical vacay!!
Jodie

 

[DrMomof3]

Thanks for the suggestions! The predictions are for highs around 75 degrees so we'll likely spend some time at the pool. My 3 y/o has been awful recently so I wouldn't risk the afternoon tea (for the sake of others!). I started packing this weekend!!!

Amanda

 

[pas130]

Pas, even if there are further changes ahead, I'm still betting you end up at a monorail resort! Your DH cannot complain - he has Vero! (And he can always trade in those Vero days for the Poly.)

DH now has his Poly, and I have RPC And I got my changes done before 2012

Good morning! We went into the MK when it opened at 7 AM and left at 9:30. We were able to do all the rides we wanted and happily got the heck out of there....it's a madhouse. The masses of people pouring in is staggering. It will probably be at capacity by noon.

Got on the launch and got to the GF for late breakfast at the GFC. They are getting ready for tonight in the lobby. The Gingerbread House closes (for the season) today at 5. They have put a dance floor down covering part of the carpeted area of the lobby the end by the band. The festivities start at 6 PM. They are going to set up a few cash bar areas and there will be complementary party hats etc. and of course dancing to the band. The balloons will be dropped at midnight right when the fireworks end. They did a test run of the fireworks last night. AMAZING! I am sure video will show upon UTube, watch and you won't be disappointed.

We will be at the GF tonight, so pictures will be taken and posted! In the meantime HAPPY NEW YEAR!

AND pas130, so excited for your RPC plans! I knew you would be there in 2012!!!

To my special friends on this thread, pixie dust and best wishes for a GRAND 2012 . A special hug to Lulu'smom and thoughts for a healthy 2012.

Finally, a special thank you to k&a&c'smom for doing this thread this past year and to KCMike for all the great photos he has posted!

I am very happy you had such a fantastic day, and you beat the crowds...Happy New Year!!!!

pas130 - YAY! I hoped you would end up with a few days at the GF this spring. Way to go!

I don't like dripping through the lobby, either, so we always use the pool elevator. As focusonDisney posted, it opens near Gasparilla's, so it is a bit farther to walk, but at least you can avoid the lobby!

I can't wait!!!!!! Glad you've had lots of family time for the holiday! Missed you!

We check in tomorrow!!! My husband is running the mini also. No running for me.

The weather looks cool this week. Three nights in the 30's. I hope I brought warm enough clothing.

I will be posting lots of GFpics on my live trip report.

Can't wait for the pics! Save travels!!!!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Happy New Year! A few festive photos!

The was taken from the second floor about 11:30 last night. Only had my phone, so the quality isn't great but it give you an idea of what it looked like. The mass of people are an the dance floor. There was a cash bar set up where the little kids tables and tv usually are near Summer Lace). Hundreds of balloons fell from the ceiling at midnight and by 12:05 kids were popping them as fast as they could!

This is a picture of the balloons we collected as well as the hats they were giving out at the GF last night. Everyone wore the hats, even the CMs!

AND any true GF lover will appreciate this picture.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Looks like the construction is getting underway. The main observation is it appears that they are going to be able to fit this building in by creating more beach/land. They have to contend with the monorail and the size of the building(s) which means they need more room. Below is what they have been working on the past couple of days. It appears that the new shoreline is marked. There are piles of large rocks on the beach. You can't see them in the picture, but they will probably be a support for the land extension.

This second picture is taken from the beach right by the pool. You can see the construction is close by.

I don't know the RPC well, having only stayed there once but it seems that a lot of the views will be impacted since the work extends into the lake. I don't see how it won't be noisy. I think people know I usually put a positive spin on things, but it is going to affect a lot of people.

Finally, an additional facade up right at the wedding chapel. I feel badly for the brides, the view going into the wedding chapel is gone.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Happy New Year! A few festive photos!

The was taken from the second floor about 11:30 last night. Only had my phone, so the quality isn't great but it give you an idea of what it looked like. The mass of people are an the dance floor. There was a cash bar set up where the little kids tables and tv usually are near Summer Lace). Hundreds of balloons fell from the ceiling at midnight and by 12:05 kids were popping them as fast as they could!

This is a picture of the balloons we collected as well as the hats they were giving out at the GF last night. Everyone wore the hats, even the CMs!

AND any true GF lover will appreciate this picture.

Looks like the construction is getting underway. The main observation is it appears that they are going to be able to fit this building in by creating more beach/land. They have to contend with the monorail and the size of the building(s) which means they need more room. Below is what they have been working on the past couple of days. It appears that the new shoreline is marked. There are piles of large rocks on the beach. You can't see them in the picture, but they will probably be a support for the land extension.

This second picture is taken from the beach right by the pool. You can see the construction is close by.

I don't know the RPC well, having only stayed there once but it seems that a lot of the views will be impacted since the work extends into the lake. I don't see how it won't be noisy. I think people know I usually put a positive spin on things, but it is going to affect a lot of people.

Finally, an additional facade up right at the wedding chapel. I feel badly for the brides, the view going into the wedding chapel is gone.

You're a peach, Jungle Cruiser. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your vacation with the less fortunate. Looks like it was a grand celebration last night. Last Christmas, we left the WL on NYE, so I didn't know they put on a little "party." Thanks for posting your great photos and I find your DVC photos particularly helpful as we are booked in a RPC Deluxe room with a LV. I have to say that I don't think I would be very happy with that view now. I have some decisions to make soon regarding that...

A happy and healthy 2012 to all!​

 

[KCmike]

I guess with the Fantasyland expansion they are going to want to build as fast as they can to capitalize all the cash they can grab. I was opposed to the Bay lake Tower building but I think it turned out nice. This will be interesting to follow for sure. Great pics!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

TgrLvsPooh - safe travels, though I assume you are on your way or there by now! Enjoy, we'll be looking forward to photos.

Jungle Cruiser - Thanks so much for the NYE photos, it looks so festive and fun! Love the photo with Richard, he is certainly a favorite fixture.

Glad to see new photos of the construction, it does appear the lagoon views on the Poly side will be rather glum for a while. The original plans posted several months ago on the DVC boards indicated an extended beach, looks like that is in the works.

pas130 - Thanks! It was nice to have everyone home, I love a full house.

sillyjodes - the rooms formerly listed as "lodge tower" with the separate seating area are now designated "outer building - deluxe - garden view" and are a separate bookable category.

I'm glad you were able to get the info you needed from the resort. The photos of the coffee maker were taken this past August, so they have apparently switched out since then.

Alli76 - Yes, there are rooms on the first floor with patios, but you may have to climb over the railing! Here is a photo of the SL building, marina side:

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

You're a peach, Jungle Cruiser. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your vacation with the less fortunate. Looks like it was a grand celebration last night. Last Christmas, we left the WL on NYE, so I didn't know they put on a little "party." Thanks for posting your great photos and I find your DVC photos particularly helpful as we are booked in a RPC Deluxe room with a LV. I have to say that I don't think I would be very happy with that view now. I have some decisions to make soon regarding that...

A happy and healthy 2012 to all!​

I don't want to try to talk anyone out of staying at the RPC that has booked. Until I saw how far out the beach is going to be expanded I didn't think it would be that bad, but views will be
impacted. Maybe someone on this thread can make a suggestion on a LV room that might be better than others. Hopefully people will be posting updates as the construction progresses.

Leaving CL at the Poly and moving to CL at the BC tomorrow for 6 nights! No more view of the GF in the morning, but I am excited to be so close to EPCOT!

 

[danyella522]

Leaving Thursday! I cannot wait. It will be our first time staying at GF. This thread has been super helpful for this lurker

 

[DrMomof3]

Leaving Thursday! I cannot wait. It will be our first time staying at GF. This thread has been super helpful for this lurker

We're arriving the same day with similarly aged children. Maybe we'll see you!!!

Amanda

 

[danyella522]

Awesome! You are running the marathon? I ran the marathon last year. We are leaving for Disney cruise on the 8th so I opted out this year. Good luck!!!

 

[ethanwa]

Quick question...

We have a Outer Building - Theme Park View room booked. It's a standard size room. We'd like a bit bigger room than standard. We're with a 6 and 4 year old.

We'd like a King for us and a Queen or two beds for them. Keeping the theme park view is a MUST. Is there a larger room that can do that? Even if it's on the Club level is OK, we just want a bigger room because we're going to be there for so long (13 nights!).

What other rooms are there that could do this for us?