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

[Letterhead]

Does it cost more to get a Honeymoon Room at the GF? I haven't seen an option for it on the Disney Website and I have no idea about costs or how to go about booking one of these rooms.

 

[danyella522]

Today's the day! Tonight we will be sleeping at the Grand! Can't wait!!!

Amanda

What time did you check in? I was on the bus from
MCO to GF and couldn't help but wonder if the family right next to me was you! Haha

 

[ethanwa]

Question.... we have an Outer Building - Theme Park View room booked, not on Club Level. What building am I most likely staying in?

Also, how can I get a room on the top floor? Just ask? Or should I put a request/note on our reservation?

 

[Tink rules]

Sago and Conch are usually TP views.. I believe the building next to it also are TP.. You can request a building and a floor... they try to accomodate you but they cannot guarantee it.

I always ask for a higher floor.. personal preference.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Letterhead - Welcome! The honeymoon rooms are listed as "main building - deluxe king - club level" on the website.

As for the question as to whether they cost more, that depends on what rooms you are comparing. The main building rooms are the most expensive on property, so any room in the main bldg. is more expensive than the garden, lagoon, theme park views, and the Sugar Loaf outer club level. The king deluxe rooms specifically are more expensive than the main bldg. standard, slightly less than main bldg. theme park view. In value season, on a weekday, the rack rate for a deluxe king room is $785.

HTH!

ethanwa - As Tink rules posted, Sago Cay and Conch Key are the most popular for theme park views, but Boca Chica and Big Pine Key also have TPV rooms. If you have a preference, I would suggest adding it to your reservation now.

We, too, prefer an upper floor, but keep in mind most of the 4th & 5th floor rooms will be dormer rooms. These rooms have enclosed balconies, which you may prefer, but you have to be standing to see out. We usually request "upper floor, non-dormer room" to let the assigner know what we prefer.

danyella522 - glad to hear from you, hope you are having a magical stay!

 

[pas130]

RPC is out again for 2012. I keep getting cold feet with the construction..only because it will affect the beach, and possible noise (my DD7) will have issues. And the Grand is her favorite, so we will return when it's all completed....

I know my changes don't shock anyone, my love for the Grand remains....and we will have a monorail/Epcot split...back to BC CL it is...I actually am copying junglecruiser's current trip

Hope those there now are having a GRAND time

 

[ethanwa]

ethanwa - As Tink rules posted, Sago Cay and Conch Key are the most popular for theme park views, but Boca Chica and Big Pine Key also have TPV rooms. If you have a preference, I would suggest adding it to your reservation now.

We, too, prefer an upper floor, but keep in mind most of the 4th & 5th floor rooms will be dormer rooms. These rooms have enclosed balconies, which you may prefer, but you have to be standing to see out. We usually request "upper floor, non-dormer room" to let the assigner know what we prefer.

Are there any pictures on here that show the difference in the balcony? We have two little kids, 4 and 6, and I want them to be able to see the view easily. What do you recommend?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I've posted this elsewhere, but felt it was time to fess-up here, too since my dear, resort conflicted friend, pas130 came clean. A couple of days ago I canceled our 25th anniversary RPC Deluxe room. The primary reason was due to the DVC construction view that we probably would have had since I requested a lagoon view since we didn't want a pool/courtyard view. I also changed from AKL/CL to our favorite CL, WL. So now we're booked for 5 nights at BWI/CL and 8 nights WL/CL

I hope we can all still be friends, even though we're no longer booked at the GF. Thank you especially to k&a&c'smom for always replying to every poster with a smile on her face and Jungle Cruiser and Lulu'sMom for being supportive of my decision. Everyone here is welcome anytime on my WL thread and the Resort Changer's and CR threads which I frequent. So don't be a stranger!

 

[pas130]

I've posted this elsewhere, but felt it was time to fess-up here, too since my dear, resort conflicted friend, pas130 came clean. A couple of days ago I canceled our 25th anniversary RPC Deluxe room. The primary reason was due to the DVC construction view that we probably would have had since I requested a lagoon view since we didn't want a pool/courtyard view. I also changed from AKL/CL to our favorite CL, WL. So now we're booked for 5 nights at BWI/CL and 8 nights WL/CL

I hope we can all still be friends, even though we're no longer booked at the GF. Thank you especially to k&a&c'smom for always replying to every poster with a smile on her face and Jungle Cruiser and Lulu'sMom for being supportive of my decision. Everyone here is welcome anytime on my WL thread and the Resort Changer's and CR threads which I frequent. So don't be a stranger!

This thread is great! I think it makes me love the Grand even more, because of the wonderful people here And I definitely have to say that the CR and WL threads are pretty awesome as well...and of course our RC thread. In fact, I was perusing WL CL availability this morning (shhhhhhhh) .....one day Kook, we will be able to say we stayed at RPC, I just know it!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

This thread is great! I think it makes me love the Grand even more, because of the wonderful people here And I definitely have to say that the CR and WL threads are pretty awesome as well...and of course our RC thread. In fact, I was perusing WL CL availability this morning (shhhhhhhh) .....one day Kook, we will be able to say we stayed at RPC, I just know it!!!!

Of course the NEW and IMPROVED Resort Changer's thread is awesome because you're our awesome resort changing hostess with the mostess - changes!

 

[pas130]

Of course the NEW and IMPROVED Resort Changer's thread is awesome because you're our awesome resort changing hostess with the mostess - changes!

You're making me blush

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - I am not at all surprised at your change, and expect to hear of more in the near future. I can't say much, as I have become pretty good at switching reservations lately.

WDWKOOK - Of course, you are still welcome and we are all friends here! No judgement for changing from my fave, the GF, as we are prone to resort hop. We don't stay at WL often, but do enjoy it, and usually make it to WCC each trip.

I don't blame anyone for making a change during the construction, especially if you had planned for the main bldg. Those rooms are so high, it's tough to shell out the dough if you might be overlooking a mess. I hate to harp on it, but I can't believe they've given a lesser spring GP discount for the GF this year, with the ongoing construction.

ethanwa - If I were hoping for a good view for small children, I'd choose a non-dormer room. I am biased, though, as we don't like the enclosed balconies!

There are several photos throughout the thread, I'll try to find some examples from within the room. For an outside perspective, here is a photo of Boca Chica - you can see the lower balconies are slatted, while the upper floor balconies are enclosed.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ethanwa - Here is a link to page 1 of this thread, if you scroll down to post #6, the first photo shows the regular balconies. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2718331

Here is a photo that shows the enclosed balcony, from inside the room (you can see it comes up to the waist of this teen boy!):

Close up of the balconies from outside, Sugar Loaf building, marina side:

And here is a link to page 45 of the previous FAQ, scroll down to post #669 where gilsan has posted photos of a dormer room (the dormer rooms have vaulted ceilings, making them feel more spacious). http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427062&page=45

 

[Maddiesmommi]

K&a&c'smom-- Thank you so much for the link. The lounge looks wonderful. My parents aren't into the dining plan and trip planning like I am, so I think they'll love club level.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Our last night at WDW for awhile but we booked a trip to the GF the first week in May with the bounce back offer. As long as my doctors let me go, I will be returning to my beloved resort soon!

Was over at the GF last night and saw a new wall up for the construction. I took this picture from the pool at the zero entry end. Not exactly a great view. I am sorry to hear pas130 and WDWKOOK aren't going to be staying at RPC this year but the construction is going to be a factor.

Now then, it's time to plan "virtual tea " until we can all meet at the GF! How is this for our table? Shall we all think about tea one afternoon next week? We can all be there in spirit!

I have more GF pictures I will post when I am home. Pas130, you might not be staying at the GF but the Polynesian CL/Beach Club CL is a great trip!

 

[ethanwa]

Thank you for the pics. How much smaller are the dormer rooms compared to normal rooms? Just a few sqr feet? Or is it significant?

 

[s&k'smom]

Thanks for the pics, I'm glad we missed the construction in November, they hadn't put up the fencing yet. I must say it doesn't look very appealing.

It's funny you posted the pic of the virtual tea and here I am drinking a cup.

 

[Cibahwewah]

Close up of the balconies from outside, Sugar Loaf building, marina side:

Hey! That's "my" room! We just loved Sugarloaf so much, we're saying there again. 19 days to go. Ideal combo of all my favorite things: DH, Mickey, GF, and coffee (the espresso machine in the lounge).

 

[bethclayton]

Our last night at WDW for awhile but we booked a trip to the GF the first week in May with the bounce back offer. As long as my doctors let me go, I will be returning to my beloved resort soon!

Was over at the GF last night and saw a new wall up for the construction. I took this picture from the pool at the zero entry end. Not exactly a great view. I am sorry to hear pas130 and WDWKOOK aren't going to be staying at RPC this year but the construction is going to be a factor.

Now then, it's time to plan "virtual tea " until we can all meet at the GF! How is this for our table? Shall we all think about tea one afternoon next week? We can all be there in spirit!

I have more GF pictures I will post when I am home. Pas130, you might not be staying at the GF but the Polynesian CL/Beach Club CL is a great trip!

Ok. So clearly, I have been reading this thread but not comprehending it. We will be there April 16th for 8 days. Our last view was overlooking the waterfall pool, directly across the atom from the RPC lounge. My mother was planning to request the same room. Judging from some of the posts I am reading, that will probably be a terrible view, right? Maybe we should just not request anything?

Is the view of construction predicted to be a big issue in April?

Jungle Cruiser, can you elaborate on where you were standing when you took that picture? Was the view that was blocked by that barrier, the view of the lake?

Thanks for your help!
Beth

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Maddiesmommi - I think your parents will enjoy SL, we love it!

Jungle Cruiser - Love the table you've chosen, count me in for virtual tea.

Thanks for the photos, looking forward to more. I'm so happy you are heading back to the GF in May! Can I ask, what is the current BB?

ethanwa - The dormer rooms are slightly smaller, I think allears has reported they are 3 square feet less than the other standard rooms? Not sure how accurate that is, but it isn't a huge difference.

Cibahwewah - Which room is yours? We had the end room on the second floor, loved it. Only 18 more days, woohoo!

bethclayton - I'm sorry to say, I think the view from the lagoon side of BPK and RPC are the most impacted rooms. We love that area, too, as it is so convenient to the lounge and you can hear the music in the evenings.

I hope Jungle Cruiser can post more photos. I don't have any with the construction, but for reference I'll post the view from the lagoon side of RPC, 3rd floor. In the photo below, it is my understanding that the construction for the extended beach area begins right past the beach pool. You can see how it will be affected, as the area between the pool bar (red roof) and the Wedding Chapel is being prepared for major construction. (Jungle Cruiser, correct me if I've gone wrong!)