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

[k&a&c'smom]

coopersmom - I get what you are saying, and see why you would feel that way. For anyone who is used to, say, walking from the Poly to the TTC or the CR to the MK, I'm sure the GF options seem lacking. For us, we have always felt the GF transportation to be on par with, if not better than the Poly, since the trip to the MK is so short.

I have some issues with my ankle, and the extra walking to the TTC from Poly is not helpful for me; same with the CR - if we had ever stayed there, lol. So, we don't end up utilizing the full resources, if you get what I mean. And we love the boat from the MK, or to hop on and stop at the Poly for dining and shopping. (again, the walking path between GF and Poly is not an option for me)

 

[turningleaf]

Hi there, we're about to stay at GF for the first time this week. We will stay CL. Quick question: Can we buy our tickets at the hotel? We are planning to get the FL Season Pass or the FL Wild for 3 Pass. Just thought I'd ask, thank you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi there, we're about to stay at GF for the first time this week. We will stay CL. Quick question: Can we buy our tickets at the hotel? We are planning to get the FL Season Pass or the FL Wild for 3 Pass. Just thought I'd ask, thank you!

Welcome! Congrats on your upcoming GF stay - so soon!

Yes, you can buy most park tickets at the resort, though I believe you need to go to the concierge desk in the main lobby - ask your CL CM at check in.

 

[jenneth79]

First off, we're very excited to say we'll be staying at the GF this coming October for three nights CL! I've always wanted to stay at this hotel, and we were finally able to make it work this time!

I do have a question, which I really couldn't make out the answer from the (very helpful!) main page. We booked a "Deluxe King Room", Main Building CL. Am I correct to assume then that this would be one of the Turret or Honeymoon rooms discussed on the main page?

As for the Monorail discussion, I think it's safe to assume the monorail will not shut down completely, but perhaps intermittently during the days construction is too close to it. On our last trip a few weeks ago, there was a huge cold snap that forced the train to slow track between GF and MK. Did it add to our trip? Yes, probably 10 minutes overall through the loop.... but it wasn't that bad.

From what I've seen Disney has stepped up bus transportation greatly since the "closing 1 hour from reg park closure" came into being. We've never felt like we couldn't get back to our resort in a timely manner. (Granted this was back to CR, so the walk was no issue... and they had buses going there as well.)

I don't know that I'd get too worked up about it at this point. I'm sure they will close it down intermittently to work on the new DVC property. It will probably not happen on weekends, when traffic is busiest. Frankly, the eyesore of construction bothers me a bit more than the transportation issues, IMHO. Most Deluxe resorts seem to be going through refurbs of one sort or another right now...I figure they want everything to be ready for Fantasyland expansion to open....and the guests that will bring back to the Parks.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

jenneth79 - Welcome! Glad you've joined us, congrats on your upcoming stay at the Grand.

Yes, the deluxe king is the current name for the turret/honeymoon/2nd floor rooms. There are two types, as you probably read on the main page - the 6 turret or octagonal rooms, and the 9 rectangular rooms on the private 2nd floor, over Gasparilla's. If you have a preference, be sure to alert IPO, they will do everything they can to accommodate you.

I agree, WDW will likely make other transportation arrangements for the period when the monorail is impacted by the construction. I think what has most posters nervous is the phrase halt monorail operations during certain times of the day in the linked article.

For many people, this will be their first, perhaps only chance to stay at the GF. I can understand wanting it to be perfect, and the idea that one of the major reasons for booking a monorail resort will be affected is likely to cause anxiety. Hopefully, over the coming months there will be enough info for prospective guests to feel confidant their trip will be all they hope for, and more.

BTW - love your title for one of your TRs, the jalapeno pretzel is a long time favorite for DD and me.

 

[KerryCM]

I have arrived!!!! We are in Sago Cay room 5440 with a great view of the Magic Kingdom. We also have lounge access, which is very nice. The weather is beautiful here. We are going to dinner at the Yachtsman tonight. Will report again when I have time.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I have arrived!!!! We are in Sago Cay room 5440 with a great view of the Magic Kingdom. We also have lounge access, which is very nice. The weather is beautiful here. We are going to dinner at the Yachtsman tonight. Will report again when I have time.

Glad to hear you got their safely! Have a GRAND time!!!

 

[P.I.G.mommy]

We will be checking into the Grand on March 28th and I have two of my Aunts that live in Florida that want to spend the day at Disney with us. Are they allowed to hang out at the hotel with us, or is it a problem with visitors? They will get their own hotel room off property for themselves, but since we will not have a rental car the only way we can see them is if they come to us....

 

[Lisann]

Where did the thread go which showcased GF photos??? I can't find it on the "Resorts and Videos" forum.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KerryCM - YAY! Glad you arrived safely and have such a beautiful view. Enjoy your time at the Grand.

P.I.G.mommy - Welcome! Your trip will be here before you know it.

Your aunts absolutely can visit you at the resort. They can spend time with you in all areas of the resort, with the possible exception of the pool. Pool hopping is a huge issue here on the DIS, but as you will be a guest of the GF I am sure the lifeguards will have no problem - unless it is during a very busy time, when the pools are at capacity for guests. My best advice if you want to spend time in the pool is to ask the lifeguards on duty.

Lisann - The photo thread is still on the Resort Photo and Videos forum, about halfway down the page. (for anyone who is wondering, above the regular Resorts threads on the main Resorts page, with the Codes & Rates and Countdowns forums) Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1768829

 

[pas130]

I have arrived!!!! We are in Sago Cay room 5440 with a great view of the Magic Kingdom. We also have lounge access, which is very nice. The weather is beautiful here. We are going to dinner at the Yachtsman tonight. Will report again when I have time.

Nice!!!

Well I'm alive again. Came down with some sort of influenza since Wednesday and it brought me down to my knees. I haven't been this kind of sick since back in my grade school days. Had a fever of 104 at one point. Feeling like I turned the corner this morning. Need to go back to work tomorrow so I hope I can continue to the upswing. Everyone make sure they are washing their hands and all that health stuff. This flu knocked me down and I hardly ever get sick.

Glad you are feeling better!!

You bring up a very good point. With no spa, the extensive construction walls, the impact on all the Lagoon Views and views from the chapel and the probable reduced monorail capacity, they should absolutely reduce their rates. Although, even with 40% off, I canceled our RPC reservation due to the construction, so the discount would have to be more than that for me to re-book.

It really is crazy! For the same price as GF GC I can have YC CL (AP discount BTW)

With these jacked up 2012 rates, even 40% off isn't cutting it. Sorry, Disney.
This stuff just keeps adding up and here I'm looking at doing a GF BB when we go in less than 3 weeks.


I may just go ahead and book it and get back on the resort changers thread for the next six minths!

Hope everyone is well!

Come back to us!!!! Even if you don't change.....you too k&a&c'smom

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - thanks! I need to pop in there once in a while. I've been bad about only looking at this thread lately - no other DIS surfing.

 

[pas130]

pas130 - thanks! I need to pop in there once in a while. I've been bad about only looking at this thread lately - no other DIS surfing.

No worries. I am the same way with the RC thread (but my Grand thread is a CLOSE second)

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

k&a&c'smom and lulu'smom, I read and post on the RC thread and I almost never change resorts If I book the GF, I don't change

I agree that the prices, even with discounts are getting very high. We are fortunate that our kids are grown and school vacations no longer dictate when we visit, so we can take advantage of non-peak times. I wanted to go the first week in April, however with Easter it was crazy expensive. By waiting 2 weeks we there was a sizable price drop. We also generally go at the end of September for a couple of weeks, it can still be a bit hot, but it's not crowded. We got a good rate at for the BC deluxe room then (BB offer), but it would have gone up a lot in October because of the F&W festival.

lulu'smom, so excited for you that your trip is so soon. You deserve it my friend.

Another grey day in NJ, so how about another sunny picture from the GF?! It's recycled, but a favorite!

 

[KCmike]

 

[KCmike]

From Boca Chica

 

[MommyGina]

KerryCM - can't wait to hear more about your trip. I hope that you are having a good time. You said that you are staying in Sago Cay and have access to the lounge. Which lounge? When we stayed in Sago, we didn't have access to any lounge.

KCMike - keep those pictures coming. It is another cloudy day here in Connecticut. Seeing pictures of the Grand brightens up my day!

I agree. The Grand has gone up in price. We are booked for July, but don't have any discounts. This could be our last year going to the GF because DS is going to college soon. His education comes first. Not far behind him is DD going off to college. It may be a long time until we have a vacation again!

 

[KerryCM]

KerryCM - can't wait to hear more about your trip. I hope that you are having a good time. You said that you are staying in Sago Cay and have access to the lounge. Which lounge? When we stayed in Sago, we didn't have access to any lounge.

We have access to RPC. It was a surprise and I think due to us celebrating our 40th anniversay. I really wanted a theme park view that was unobstructed and that is just what I got. We have a dormer room and we love it. We really haven't done much since we got here, but today we are going into the Magic Kingdom.

I am a very loyal BWI guest and I love it here too. We have had a wonderfully relaxing time. We come down so often, we don't need to spend all our time in the parks. We love just enjoying the resort. We went for a nice walk to the Poly and back after dinner last night.

I did have a cabana booked for Monday, but cancelled it. With the constuction going on it just didn't seem worth doing. I also was not too fond of the location of them.

 

[KCmike]

KerryCM - can't wait to hear more about your trip. I hope that you are having a good time. You said that you are staying in Sago Cay and have access to the lounge. Which lounge? When we stayed in Sago, we didn't have access to any lounge.

KCMike - keep those pictures coming. It is another cloudy day here in Connecticut. Seeing pictures of the Grand brightens up my day!

I agree. The Grand has gone up in price. We are booked for July, but don't have any discounts. This could be our last year going to the GF because DS is going to college soon. His education comes first. Not far behind him is DD going off to college. It may be a long time until we have a vacation again!

Per your reqeust

 

[MrJNT]

Per your reqeust

That is a very awesome and beautiful picture...love how massive the resort looks!