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

[CoachBagFanatic]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I have been on the DIS but I am so excited to say that we are now booked for the GF SL in June. Me and DH just couldn't bring ourselves to stay at the Poly. Sorry Poly lovers. After speaking with our DS and telling him about the surprise he was disappointed but he said he understands and he also said just as long as we stay CL he is fine with it. I don't think our conversation was over when I already had the phone in my hand and dialing the 407#. God it's good to be back home again.

 

[Cibahwewah]

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

We had the same room then! 2nd floor, end room. Very nice and quiet until the last day--some guy next door with a loud "Joisey" accent just couldn't keep his mouth shut! It's all good though, I'm sure people heard my excited kiddos and the parental shushing that follows on one or two occasions.

I was so worried I wouldn't have good coffee on that trip--and was pleasantly surprised by the Nespresso machine they had just put in the lounge. I never used the in-room drip brewer and I was even prepared to go the Poly each morning to their coffee bar, but didn't have to. If only Disney would realize the potential they have to make even more $$ if they'd put in more coffee places. And not that Nescafe crud that tastes like watery instant coffee. Or a Keurig would be nice.... Should we send around a petition to install a coffee bar at the Grand Floridian? Something open early morning, like on the Disney Dream? But alas, then they wouldn't have me paying CL prices to get my coffee. Anyway, I digress.

Can't wait! Only 2 1/2 more weeks. Hoping the nice weather will hold.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Cibahwewah - We loved that room, too! I prefer being on the pool side, but was pleasantly surprised the last time we stayed SL.

LOL about the digression. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my DD would certainly join your petition! Our best bet for decent coffee is to head to the GF Cafe and have breakfast, their lattes are very good. No fast option though, which frustrates DD and her friends when we are not in CL.

Only 2-1/2 weeks to go, woohoo!

CoachBagFanatic - welcome back! So glad you were able to switch to your favorite, it's always a good feeling when that happens.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - welcome back! So glad you were able to switch to your favorite, it's always a good feeling when that happens.

Thanks k&a&c'smom. It does feel good to be back at our favorite resort. We (me more so than DH) felt terrible about disappointing our DS by not staying at the Poly but I am really glad that he is okay with it. We have the cabana's set and ready to go. One day is the morning and the other day is the afternoon.

I have to give a shout out to my friend pas130 Hi Jeanette, I hope that you and your family are all doing well. Boy girl you are the poster queen for the "resort changers"

 

[pas130]

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.

There's a thread for that resort changing I know what you mean about the discounts!!! You figure they would want more people booking there

I will make it back to my beloved Grand....eventually

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!

Thank you, you made me much more comfortable with my decision...thank you!!! And that table looks good to me for our tea. Congrats on the May trip, and a continued healthy 2012. Can't wait for more pics

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I have been on the DIS but I am so excited to say that we are now booked for the GF SL in June. Me and DH just couldn't bring ourselves to stay at the Poly. Sorry Poly lovers. After speaking with our DS and telling him about the surprise he was disappointed but he said he understands and he also said just as long as we stay CL he is fine with it. I don't think our conversation was over when I already had the phone in my hand and dialing the 407#. God it's good to be back home again.

Nice to see you!!!!!! You will have a fantastic time

 

[pas130]

Thanks k&a&c'smom. It does feel good to be back at our favorite resort. We (me more so than DH) felt terrible about disappointing our DS by not staying at the Poly but I am really glad that he is okay with it. We have the cabana's set and ready to go. One day is the morning and the other day is the afternoon.

I have to give a shout out to my friend pas130 Hi Jeanette, I hope that you and your family are all doing well. Boy girl you are the poster queen for the "resort changers"

We were posting at the same time! I haven't told the kids about BC, because of the fact I keep changing it Glad your son is good with SL

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I am back from a wonderful vacation. More photos and a trip report later, I am off to a doctor's appointment in a bit, but I wanted to try to help clear up the construction questions.

If you compare my picture below to k&a&c'smom's picture above it might help to see the difference. Mine was taken from the second floor, but it's a pretty good comparison of how it looked before and how it looks now.

You should be able to get an idea of the beach extension that has been added between the pool and the wedding chapel. Additionally the barriers that are out in the lagoon, (according to popular opinion) are to keep debris from the construction out of the lagoon.

This picture I posted before that is below is an update from my picture above. There is now a high fence from the wedding chapel all the way past the waterfall pool and ends just after the pool bar (red roof). Looking at k&a&c'smom's picture, anything to the right of the pool bar building is going to be construction of the new structure.

So, the picture below is the view of the lagoon from the waterfall pool. You can't see the lagoon from the pool, it's now a wall. It's dark behind the wall, since I took the picture at night.

Hope this helps. Can't say how noisy it will be, that's anyone's guess, but there is no way to build a structure that size without noise!

k&a&c'smom, the current bounceback is 35% off the deluxes with various blackout dates. I have the information is you are curious about a date.

Got to run, more later!

 

[pas130]

junglecruiserWelcome back! It's depressing to me to have the lagoon view blocked when you are at the Beach Pool. I remember thinking "I don't like this wall so close to the pool" that was beginning of September. But the kiddos were still able to run around on the beach at least....Good luck at the Doctors Congrats again on your Bounce back trip!!!!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

We were posting at the same time! I haven't told the kids about BC, because of the fact I keep changing it Glad your son is good with SL

Oh I love the YC/BC and I am sure your kids will have a great time no matter where they stay. I say that now because who knows you could have changed your ressie by now. You make giggle.

I too am glad that Michael is happy with the SL. I was really upset after we spoke and went in the bathroom and had a good cry. I really don't like to disappointing him but me and DH just can't seem to bring ourselves to stay at the Poly. I don't know what it is. The GF is such a special place for us and we are all looking forward to going back. Construction and all.

Jungle Cruiser Thanks so much for the update. I hope all goes well at the Dr's for you.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser - Welcome back! I'm glad you had a wonderful trip, thanks for all the on the spot reporting.

What a great comparison you have done with the photos, thank you! I think it will be very helpful for those wondering how the construction is progressing.

Good luck at the doctor's appt., I hope you are getting excellent news.

pas130 - Yes, I hear the resort changers thread is great! I need to pop over there soon, I just haven't been spending as much time on the DIS lately.

We will make it back to the GF eventually, too, but we may wait until the construction is over - or, at least until there is a better discount.

CoachBagFanatic - I can understand not wanting to disappoint your son, I'm glad he's onboard with the switch to GF! My DD has given up, I often say we are booking one resort, only to switch once or twice during the wait.

 

[pas130]

Oh I love the YC/BC and I am sure your kids will have a great time no matter where they stay. I say that now because who knows you could have changed your ressie by now. You make giggle.

I too am glad that Michael is happy with the SL. I was really upset after we spoke and went in the bathroom and had a good cry. I really don't like to disappointing him but me and DH just can't seem to bring ourselves to stay at the Poly. I don't know what it is. The GF is such a special place for us and we are all looking forward to going back. Construction and all.

My DD7 is very frustrated about the construction, but she really loves the GF. My heart of hearts tells me the kiddos will love wherever we stay. I just bought an AP to bump our Poly discount up. Now I am re-thinking the split stay...maybe all Poly. Maybe BC... I have 101 days til our trip. All good!!!

Jungle Cruiser - Welcome back! I'm glad you had a wonderful trip, thanks for all the on the spot reporting.

What a great comparison you have done with the photos, thank you! I think it will be very helpful for those wondering how the construction is progressing.

Good luck at the doctor's appt., I hope you are getting excellent news.

pas130 - Yes, I hear the resort changers thread is great! I need to pop over there soon, I just haven't been spending as much time on the DIS lately.

We will make it back to the GF eventually, too, but we may wait until the construction is over - or, at least until there is a better discount.

CoachBagFanatic - I can understand not wanting to disappoint your son, I'm glad he's onboard with the switch to GF! My DD has given up, I often say we are booking one resort, only to switch once or twice during the wait.

This is why I have stopped asking the kids where they want to go. My girls check the ticker (smart kids I have) So far no meltdowns....but they haven't noticed the BC one yet. We will be back at the Grand soon (I hope)! I hope all is well with you, I hate it when life cuts into my DIS time...seriously

 

[SallyNeko21]

Stepping out of lurkedom to ask a question! Has anyone ever rented a cabana? How far in advance can you book it? Do you pay when you book? I'd love to hear someone's first hand experience with cabana rental! Considering it for half a day during our stay there. Thanks!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

CoachBagFanatic - I can understand not wanting to disappoint your son, I'm glad he's onboard with the switch to GF! My DD has given up, I often say we are booking one resort, only to switch once or twice during the wait.

It's funny that you say your DD has given up because every time I am on the phone with Disney, my DS says here we go again.

My DD7 is very frustrated about the construction, but she really loves the GF. My heart of hearts tells me the kiddos will love wherever we stay. I just bought an AP to bump our Poly discount up. Now I am re-thinking the split stay...maybe all Poly. Maybe BC... I have 101 days til our trip. All good!!!

You know you are right, your kids will be happy no matter where you stay. I mean it's Disney after all.

Stepping out of lurkedom to ask a question! Has anyone ever rented a cabana? How far in advance can you book it? Do you pay when you book? I'd love to hear someone's first hand experience with cabana rental! Considering it for half a day during our stay there. Thanks!

Hi There, the cabana's can be rented 180 days out and all you have to do is give a CC # just to hold the cabana. You pay when you check in for the cabana. Last time I remember we were able to charge the additional cost of the cabana to our room. We have rented them in the past and have them reserved for our trip in June. We love them. Oh I just saw that it's your first WDW trip. I hope you all have a magical vacation.

 

[pas130]

It's funny that you say your DD has given up because every time I am on the phone with Disney, my DS says here we go again.



You know you are right, your kids will be happy no matter where you stay. I mean it's Disney after all.

Your DS sounds like my DH Glad to see you back on the boards BTW

 

[SallyNeko21]

It's funny that you say your DD has given up because every time I am on the phone with Disney, my DS says here we go again.



You know you are right, your kids will be happy no matter where you stay. I mean it's Disney after all.



Hi There, the cabana's can be rented 180 days out and all you have to do is give a CC # just to hold the cabana. You pay when you check in for the cabana. Last time I remember we were able to charge the additional cost of the cabana to our room. We have rented them in the past and have them reserved for our trip in June. We love them. Oh I just saw that it's your first WDW trip. I hope you all have a magical vacation.

Thanks so much! What a speedy reply! That is awesome! I'm going to call today and see about renting one for the afternoon. I'm so excited! I've been dreaming about this trip since I was a little girl. Finally getting to see THE WORLD!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - Yes, it is frustrating for daily life to take precedence. Everything is well here, I'm simply trying to get the house back in order after the Christmas festivities, and we're still working on renovations. My new pantry is wonderful, but we are waiting for the door.

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about your son.

If you don't mind, I'm going to add your cabana info to the first page.

SallyNeko21 - Welcome out of lurkdom! I hope you'll join in regularly. Congrats on your first WDW trip, how exciting!

I'm so glad CoachBagFanatic was able to answer, I am no help with the cabana rentals.

 

[Piglet4Ever]

Dh and I will be stay at GF for the first time this coming Nov!! We are going down with DH's family to celebrate his folks 50th Annivesary. We are super excited, we have walked around the resort many times but never thought we'd get to stay there.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Thanks so much! What a speedy reply! That is awesome! I'm going to call today and see about renting one for the afternoon. I'm so excited! I've been dreaming about this trip since I was a little girl. Finally getting to see THE WORLD!!!

You are so very welcome. I remember my first time to The World, was back in 1991. We stayed off property as we were down in FLA for the whole month of February. So we did a lot of traveling back then. 2001 was my very first "on Disney property" stay and it was the GF. I fell in love the moment we pulled into the resort. I cried when we left.

Your excitement is jumping out of your post and I am so very happy for you and your family. When our dreams finally come to life, there are no words to describe it.

CoachBagFanatic[/b] - LOL about your son.

If you don't mind, I'm going to add your cabana info to the first page.

I know, my DS is a funny guy.

I don't mind at all about the cabana info. So glad I was able to help.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Your DS sounds like my DH Glad to see you back on the boards BTW

Thanks pas. It's good to be back.

Sometimes I am amazed at what comes out of my DS's mouth. Some good some not so good. He turns 16 tomorrow so I can't really complain too much. He's a great kid.

 

[SallyNeko21]

Thanks so much for the welcome!!

You are so very welcome. I remember my first time to The World, was back in 1991. We stayed off property as we were down in FLA for the whole month of February. So we did a lot of traveling back then. 2001 was my very first "on Disney property" stay and it was the GF. I fell in love the moment we pulled into the resort. I cried when we left.

Your excitement is jumping out of your post and I am so very happy for you and your family. When our dreams finally come to life, there are no words to describe it.



I know, my DS is a funny guy.

I don't mind at all about the cabana info. So glad I was able to help.

Yeeeeeah, I realized after I'd submitted the post that I'd shouted through more than half of that... My husband is military so we've taken 1 family vacation ever and that was just 2 days at the beach. It was nice, but wasn't a true vacation. I'm definitely over the moon about this one. I've been loving looking at the photos that are posted here daily and I'm not ashamed to admit, I've snagged several and used them as my wallpaper on my comp. I can understand your sentiments about your first visit! I am not by any means the emotional type. I rarely cry at movies. But I just know I'm going to be a blubbering mess when this trip comes around. Thanks again for the help! I've got my cabana booked!