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

[mindy20]

We are getting ready for a May 2012 Disney Vacation at GF RPC. I have been worried about our room after readng posts on this board. I called the Club Level Dept and he requested my room be on he hidden 2nd floor he said these roms would not have a Construction view. It is a Deluxe KIng rom. Can someone who is familiar with GF tell me if that is correct ?

 

[garada3]

Mindy20

Not the official welcoming committee, but had a moment to respond to your question : )

The second floor king deluxe rooms look out over the marina towards the castle, so no view of the DVC construction. The rooms are located directly above Gasparilla's, the quick service restaraunt. There might be the top of a palm tree in your view but no heavy equipment.

To get to the second floor from the main lobby use the gold elevators to ascend to floor 3 (staff desks) or 4 (lounge), then proceed around to the left and down the hall to find the 'pool' elevator on your left.

This elevator will take you to the second floor (laundry) or will stop on the first floor in an alcove just to the left of Gasparilla's. Often called the 'pool' elevator, this lift allows access to the pools without parading through the lobby in your swimming attire.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

garada3 - You absolutely are part of the official welcoming committee! Great description of the second floor deluxe king rooms.

mindy20 - Welcome! Sorry our discussion of the construction has you worried about your vacation. As garada3 posted, you won't be anywhere near the construction - in fact, almost as far away as you can get, and still be at the GF.

bowbat - thanks for the review, and welcome back! Sorry the GF didn't seem like the right fit, I know what you mean, we've had that reaction at a couple resorts. To be honest, we felt that way our very first GF stay, and didn't return for a few years. I finally booked another stay, and fell in love with the resort.

We sometimes have a trip that just feels off, or we don't feel the magic. Sorry that was the case for this trip, but luckily you are so close!

KCmike - thanks for the photos, we had 4 inches of snow yesterday, even though we are south of you!

Jungle Cruiser - hammock missing?! Say it isn't so! That is DD's favorite spot, too, to unwind and return calls.

zad's mom - I'm glad we were able to help. Remember, as JoBird posted, you will have the CL CMs available to help rearrange any scheduled meals that you would like to change.

JoBird - howdy, neighbor! You definitely were missed. How much snow did you end up getting, or is it still going? We got some very wet snow, my doggie keeps returning with big clumps stuck all over her long fur.

Figment1990 - awww, sorry about the little guy, I hope he gets well soon. I hope you don't have to rearrange the whole trip.

Someone posted photos here of the beach with the walls up, I'll see if I can find them.

We love WL, but I know what you mean about dreaming of a beach-y feel for the vacation. Have you thought about doing YC/BC? Very much a beach vibe, we have fallen in love with BC lately. I know you are probably going to spend a lot of time at MK, so maybe that won't work for you, but being able to walk into Epcot and a boat ride from DHS is wonderful.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Figment1990 - Jungle Cruiser posted some photos of the construction on page 164, there is some discussion and perhaps another couple photos on page 165 and a few more photos on page 167. Here is a link to a website with a lot of overall photos, and a link in the first sentence of that article to a webpage with a video : http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=718&Itemid=65
link to video (scroll about halfway down the page, after the Christmas photos)
http://jefflangedvd.com/2011/12/dis...tion-club-walt-disney-world-photos-and-video/

 

[pas130]

Pas--- Sorry I didn't get back on here last week to respond to you-- I've missed being on here. I always try to keep up with the thread even if I don't have anything to add, so thanks for saying I've been missed.

You WERE missed! I really haven't been on as much as I would like lately...and I am totally not keeping up, but I think of you all even when I am not here...no apologies necessary!

WDWKOOK - I think I made it sound as if I were glad you made a choice for our sake (you mentioned us "putting up with" you - as if!). I meant I'm glad for you, I know how tough making the decision can be. When I'm in resort choosing mode, I can't think of anything else!

I can never think of any thing else and I really enjoy kook being here as well!!!

Good morning! It's been a tough week, I was in the hospital, however I am out and feeling better. What better to think about when you are having a rough week than the GF?

Glad you are feeling better!!! And the GF is one of my most favorite things to think about when I am having a tough time

to you, my friend!!!

DH and I plan to book a BB when we're at the BC next month for the GF during the fall or holidays!So excited !

Hugs to YOU!!!! Nice to see you!!!

You might want to take credit for talking me out of RPC, but I assure you that I am single-handedly capable of changing resorts all on my own

Yes, yes you are

Good morning GF friends...

I think I cursed myself last week when I created my ticker and posted on this board. DS now has another ear infection, and if the fluids not gone or mostly gone by next wednesday, I'm going to have to cancel and rebook our trip for April, May or June.

As previously has been said, the GF discounts for spring are not as good as they used to be, so now I'm looking at the Poly again... This is going to be a double whammy for DS, who was so looking forward to his birthday in Disney, and the GF. I think I can handle re-directing his anticipation, but I can't believe i'm considering a different resort, and possibly having to rebook ALL our dining again. (and the flights....)

Thanks k&a&c's mom for the reassurance on the mickey waffles. That was his honest request. I was so glad because I could NOT get Chef Mickey's (what I thought he would want).

If anyone has any photos of how the beach book looks with the walls/construction, I'd be super grateful to see it. Perhaps this is the year to skip the GF. Of course, I'd probably be seeing all that from the Poly anyway.

Maybe I should go back to the WL. It has special memories for us (our honeymoon and also DS's first trip). But I SO wanted a spring-y "beach" trip this year and to be on the monorail...

I hope your DS is better. And anywhere is WDW will be a "springy trip"

Overall I'd say it's a fabulous resort with a lot to offer, I understand why so many love it & I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I just don't think it was "the one" for us.

Thanks to everyone on this thread for all the helpful info & insight!

Welcome home and I get what you mean. Glad you enjoyed the Grand

KC Mike As always.....

k&a&c'smomDid I respond to your pool question...I want to say no. The activities were still at the Beach pool. But the crowd was at the Courtyard pool. Being in SL, the Courtyard pool was so much more convienent for the kiddos too. Perhaps with the thunderstorms guests wanted to stay closer to their buildings maybe

 

[mindy20]

Thank you for making me feel like we will have a nice view ! I know its not a guarentee but it makes me feel good that we have it requested. I just hate to spend the extra money and have a awful view. Thanks to all of you, I have learned alot from this thread

 

[KCmike]

KC Mike As always.....

Your Funny!

KCmike - thanks for the photos, we had 4 inches of snow yesterday, even though we are south of you!

I thought two inches was bad. Sorry to hear that!

 

[nonzerosum]

A few random questions from a GF first timer...

Are there life vests available for kids to use at both pools?

Are the photos of the toiletries on page 1 still the ones being used?

Is the monorail the quickest and easiest way to get to MK, and the boat the quickest and easiest way to get back?

And finally, the hardest question of them all....I'm looking for suggestions on which building to request. We booked a standard garden view and we are a family of four with an 8 and 5 year old.

Thanks!

 

[bowbat]

A few random questions from a GF first timer...

Are there life vests available for kids to use at both pools?

Are the photos of the toiletries on page 1 still the ones being used?

Is the monorail the quickest and easiest way to get to MK, and the boat the quickest and easiest way to get back?

And finally, the hardest question of them all....I'm looking for suggestions on which building to request. We booked a standard garden view and we are a family of four with an 8 and 5 year old.

Thanks!

I can't answer all your questions, but we're just back from the GF and I can tell you YES the toiletries on page 1 are still the ones you receive (they're wonderful!) and YES we found monorail to MK and boat back to be the most efficient.

Sidebar: in looking at those photos I noticed something. The room we had did NOT have the wallpaper. It had it in the little entryway but not in the main bedroom. In fact, I even commented to my husband that they should've put the wallpaper in the bedroom because the beige-painted walls were so blah. Weird.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

bowbat - isn't that weird? Some of the rooms have paint in the bedroom, rather than the beige toile that is in the rest of the rooms. Not sure why, we've had a dormer room that had blue paint. I agree, the wallpaper is prettier, though I still miss the more whimsical patterns of the previous decor.

I forgot to answer your question about the chair and ottoman, I'm sure you saw in the photos that yes, you should have had one!

nonzerosum - Welcome! Congrats on your first GF stay, you will love the resort!

I believe there are life vests at both pools, but we have never used them, so I hope someone with first hand knowledge can respond. They have them at the marina.

Regarding the toiletries, as bowbat posted, they are still the same, but the photo on the first page is from a club level room. A garden view will have slightly less - shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bath & hand soaps. If you need anything, just call housekeeping, they will bring it up.

For building request, that really depends on location preference. Our favorite outer building is Conch Key, for its proximity to the courtyard pool and boat dock, and the ease of heading out the back door to the marina and Gasparilla's.

Boca Chica is nearly as well situated, being close to the boat dock and courtyard pool, with a pretty view of the main bldg.; Big Pine Key is the closest non-CL building to the main building, close to both pools, but it does have some rooms that overlook the back of the courtyard pool house. Sago Cay is the furthest from the pools and activity, but it is quiet, has pretty marina views or a great close up view of the monorail, and is close to the bus stop and Gasparilla's.

KCmike - It wasn't too bad, our snow is nearly all melted off now! Not a big deal, for so little winter weather, although our schools closed on Monday. DH and I were talking about how we never got snow days as kids, they held school here if they had to teach to only 10 students.

pas130 -

Thanks about the pool activities, I guess other guests are finally figuring out the courtyard pool is the better one! Phooey.

 

[Figment1990]

Good morning! Funny to hear everyone talking about snow. I've been reading this board for a few years now and every February we all return to saying "oh how nice it is to look at these beautiful beach pictures while its cold/windy/snowy/dreary up here." I know i do! I'm so grateful for them!

DS is still not hearing me all the time so I have a feeling we will be postponing our trip. But Im trying to stay positive about that prospect. Dumbo will probably be open in April, and closed if we go in march so that's something I gues.... The hardest part is that I have not packed or gotten a single thing ready and if we go- we leave in less than 3 weeks!

I hope the courtyard pool doesn't get too crowded.... That's my favorite, along with the cabanas and the hammocks, and the benches by the fountain... Lol

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Figment1990 - LOL, my favorites list is long, too. Hard to choose at the Grand!

Sorry to hear your DS is still not well, poor little fella. Too bad you'll have to postpone, but it's good you are thinking of the benefits, it will make it easier. So hard when you've set your mind to a date, DD and I had to cancel a trip this past January due to her work schedule.

Our snow is already a distant memory, lol. Lasted less than 24 hours, it is projected to be in the 50s here today. You are so right, normally we are looking out at the weather, longing for Florida - I still do, but not with the same fervor.

 

[pas130]

Your Funny!

Can't help it! Adore the pics..always

pas130 -

Thanks about the pool activities, I guess other guests are finally figuring out the courtyard pool is the better one! Phooey.

My pleasure! And I think they DO have life vests at both pools, but I have a memory block for some reason DS11 said yes. How I miss my Grand

Good morning! Funny to hear everyone talking about snow. I've been reading this board for a few years now and every February we all return to saying "oh how nice it is to look at these beautiful beach pictures while its cold/windy/snowy/dreary up here." I know i do! I'm so grateful for them!

DS is still not hearing me all the time so I have a feeling we will be postponing our trip. But Im trying to stay positive about that prospect. Dumbo will probably be open in April, and closed if we go in march so that's something I gues.... The hardest part is that I have not packed or gotten a single thing ready and if we go- we leave in less than 3 weeks!

I hope the courtyard pool doesn't get too crowded.... That's my favorite, along with the cabanas and the hammocks, and the benches by the fountain... Lol

I miss the balcony overlooking the pool I do hope DS feels better soon. But either way you are GOING TO DISNEY!!!!! MArch April all good

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - thanks for the info on the life vests! I need to put that on the first page, for some reason it isn't there. I was pretty sure I had seen them at both pools, but my memory plays tricks on me, too.

 

[beckysko]

We are going in June and my son will be 8 months...I am thinking of getting a swim float for him to be in the pool...are they allowed?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We are going in June and my son will be 8 months...I am thinking of getting a swim float for him to be in the pool...are they allowed?

Welcome! This is a tough question, as some items are allowed by the lifeguards, and some are not. I hope someone with recent experience will pop in with input, I've never had a baby in the pools at WDW. I do know swim diapers are required, they sell them in Sandy Cove and at the pool house at the beach pool - not sure at the courtyard pool.

I saw a couple with their baby in a small round float in the BC pool last year, but it is a larger area. My recent memories at GF are of babies in arms at the pools. Arm floats are allowed, but bigger bed type floats usually are not, for safety reasons.

Here is a link to a thread about swim gear and the WDW pools in general, you might find it helpful: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2521534&highlight=pool+floats

HTH!

 

[beckysko]

thanks! Will wait until we get there before purchasing then!

 

[pmaurer74]

We are leaving 2 weeks from today! We have a LV and did not know about the construction. From the pictures I have seen it will be rather far away right? I thought about requesting a building but I am just glad to be there and the LV is an upgrade so I don't want to be picky.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We are leaving 2 weeks from today! We have a LV and did not know about the construction. From the pictures I have seen it will be rather far away right? I thought about requesting a building but I am just glad to be there and the LV is an upgrade so I don't want to be picky.

Welcome! You are nearly there, yay!

If you are in a lagoon view in Big Pine Key, you will be looking directly at the construction. I have a couple photos of those room views, I'll post below, but sorry to say - it will be right off your balcony. If they assign you to Boca Chica, your balcony will be facing the CR, rather than the Poly, and you won't see much, if anything.

If it were me, I would request to be moved if assigned to a lagoon view in BPK. I would even rather get a downgrade to garden view, rather than face the construction, if there is nothing else available - the garden views are so pretty.

Here is a link to an aerial map of the GF, the construction is on the beach and out in the lagoon between the beach pool and the Wedding Pavilion: http://www.bing.com/maps/default.as...&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=5219444

Photos of Big Pine Key lagoon views
Wedding Pavilion

Poly (Wedding Pavilion on right)

Wedding Pavilion and part of beach from another room

 

[KCmike]