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

[pas130]

pas130 - thanks! Every time I post a photo, or look at the photos posted by others, I wish our next trip was to the GF.

I totally understand That's how we ended up full circle back to GF (HRH and I couldn't resist)

 

[BC1836]

BC1836 - your trip is nearly here!

[Enjoy your stay, have fun planning your trip.

Thank you for your encouragement!

And we get there by driving.

In fact, our upcoming journey will be our 26th 2,000+mile round-trip drive since 2002. [We are the creators of the TRANSPORTATION thread's "For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!"]

All the best.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Officially joining in. We just this minute changed our April trip from BC to GF (we were scheduled to be at BC during the pool closure that was recently announced). Have to spend some time to day reworking our plans to be more MK-area suited.

I asked a question a page or so back but I'll try again - is the path to the Poly still open? Not sure if the construction has impacted it. Thanks!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Officially joining in. We just this minute changed our April trip from BC to GF (we were scheduled to be at BC during the pool closure that was recently announced). Have to spend some time to day reworking our plans to be more MK-area suited.

I asked a question a page or so back but I'll try again - is the path to the Poly still open? Not sure if the construction has impacted it. Thanks!

I was just catching up on this thread and just saw your original question. I think it slipped through the cracks Yes, the path is still open and it appears that it will continue to be open throughout the construction. The portion of the path from the GF to the wedding chapel does have walls up on both sides (except around the health club that is still open). The walls, complete with lights and new plantings support the theory that the path will remain open, it appears to be a long term fix. The general consensus is they wouldn't be illuminating the path with expensive fixtures and planting mini palm trees for something that would close.

We too will be there in April!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I was just catching up on this thread and just saw your original question. I think it slipped through the cracks Yes, the path is still open and it appears that it will continue to be open throughout the construction. The portion of the path from the GF to the wedding chapel does have walls up on both sides (except around the health club that is still open). The walls, complete with lights and new plantings support the theory that the path will remain open, it appears to be a long term fix. The general consensus is they wouldn't be illuminating the path with expensive fixtures and planting mini palm trees for something that would close.

We too will be there in April!

Thank you, thank you!!! Awesome news - I love that walk plus it'll make getting to our 'Ohana dinner a snap.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

LittleStinkerbelle - Welcome! Sorry your first question was missed, I often miss the last post on a page when we get rolling.

I agree with Jungle Cruiser, the consensus seems to be the path is to remain open during all phases of construction. Many DISers have been happy to hear it, as they use it regularly - I, on the other hand, almost never do. I finally forced myself to walk to the Wedding Pavilion to take photos, months before it was changed forever. Now I'm glad I did.

BC1836 - I have seen that thread on the Transportation forum, and keep meaning to read it. We often drive to Orlando and other destinations, as some of the family are afraid to fly, or the airfare is outrageous out of KC. Like you, we enjoy a good road trip.

pas130 - I knew you could relate! I am now feeling sad we aren't headed to AKL, as I have a friend there now who is sending photos of her room, the pool, etc. Very beautiful.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser, I miss your Jiminy Cricket!

 

[Figment1990]

Hello everyone. Ih ope you can assist me. For the last 4 summers I have stayed YC CL and LOVED it. Decor, pool, etc. Just ME! This summer DD13 asked to spend a few night at the Poly followed by BC CL. I am such an accomodating mom I said SURE! So I was all set.. I thought. TO ME, the poly appears tired an a bit run down. Anyone stay at Poly and GF that could offer up some help? I am feeling the GF is more "me" but based on room pics it too looks a little tired but could just be decor choices of rooms.

Is it a long walk to the pool in any building from GF? Are pools at GF better than poly? Rooms? Any info? Thank you!

I too love both the GF and the Poly and it's always a huge debate over where we stay. I like the GF just a touch more, but I would not hesistate to stay at the poly. Yes, it's a completely different feel from the GF (and YC for that matter). However, it's so beachy and FUN - especially when you are walking along the lagoon side of the resort by the beach. We love being able to walk to the TTC, and I really like the poly pools. (I love the GF pools too, don't get me wrong).

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

LittleStinkerbelle - Welcome! Sorry your first question was missed, I often miss the last post on a page when we get rolling.

I agree with Jungle Cruiser, the consensus seems to be the path is to remain open during all phases of construction. Many DISers have been happy to hear it, as they use it regularly - I, on the other hand, almost never do. I finally forced myself to walk to the Wedding Pavilion to take photos, months before it was changed forever. Now I'm glad I did.

Thank you for the welcome!!!

 

[psac]

Thank you for the welcome!!!

Awesome username.

 

[smillerguy]

Hi everyone

I am one of the unfortunate ones booked at BC for the week of Easter that is now dealing with pool being closed My son 10 and daughter 8 love the poll at BC and son really liked the Volleyball. Are the pool activities great at GF? Kids also like Poly pool bt I am thinking it may be crowded.

does anyone have information about activities on easter Day? We were planning on a day at the resort and staying by the pool. Just trying to decide if we should do a split stay with BC or switch whole ressie.

Littlestinkerbelle made a quick decision. I need to decide fast too. Scared rooms will fill up!

Thanks!

 

[TiggerStac]

Officially joining in. We just this minute changed our April trip from BC to GF (we were scheduled to be at BC during the pool closure that was recently announced). Have to spend some time to day reworking our plans to be more MK-area suited.

I asked a question a page or so back but I'll try again - is the path to the Poly still open? Not sure if the construction has impacted it. Thanks!

What are your dates.. we made the switch last week. We r there 4/14 - 4/21.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Awesome username.

Thanks!

Hi everyone

I am one of the unfortunate ones booked at BC for the week of Easter that is now dealing with pool being closed My son 10 and daughter 8 love the poll at BC and son really liked the Volleyball. Are the pool activities great at GF? Kids also like Poly pool bt I am thinking it may be crowded.

does anyone have information about activities on easter Day? We were planning on a day at the resort and staying by the pool. Just trying to decide if we should do a split stay with BC or switch whole ressie.

Littlestinkerbelle made a quick decision. I need to decide fast too. Scared rooms will fill up!

Thanks!

Good luck with your decision! I agonized all weekend but feel very content now!

What are your dates.. we made the switch last week. We r there 4/14 - 4/21.

Hey cool, we'll be there from the 16th to the 21st. Did you switch over from the BC?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

smillerguy - Welcome! Sorry your vacation falls during the SAB closure, so disappointing!

I have to be honest - much as I love them, the pools at the GF can't compare to SAB. The themed pool has activities in the afternoon, but they don't do volleyball like at SAB, as the pool isn't as large. They have fun dance parties, wii games, trivia, etc.

The GF pools tend to be less crowded than the Poly pools (although they will likely be busy during Easter week!), and the courtyard pool is much larger than the Poly quiet pool. Both pools have a pool bar, and there is usually a ping pong table set up at the quiet pool. Oh, and you can have Private Dining delivered to the pool.

I have some photos of both pools, if anyone would like to see them.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Jungle Cruiser, I miss your Jiminy Cricket!

He's back!!!

 

[smillerguy]

smillerguy - Welcome! Sorry your vacation falls during the SAB closure, so disappointing!

I have to be honest - much as I love them, the pools at the GF can't compare to SAB. The themed pool has activities in the afternoon, but they don't do volleyball like at SAB, as the pool isn't as large. They have fun dance parties, wii games, trivia, etc.

The GF pools tend to be less crowded than the Poly pools (although they will likely be busy during Easter week!), and the courtyard pool is much larger than the Poly quiet pool. Both pools have a pool bar, and there is usually a ping pong table set up at the quiet pool. Oh, and you can have Private Dining delivered to the pool.

I have some photos of both pools, if anyone would like to see them.

Thanks for the welcome and I thought that may be the answer. I think we will stay at BC for 46-4/9 then switch to somewhere for the rest of the week. Don't like packing again but it is like getting two resorts in on one vacation. DS10 thinks GF looks too fancy but we have loved the dining and pools look great. DH and I just like some downtime in the afternoon to have adult drinks and conversation before we hit dinner ADR's and sometimes firewoorks. Thanks for the information

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

A question for the experts - we have "high floor" noted as a request on our reservation (don't want to be on the ground floor) but now I'm wondering if that means we'll likely get a dormer room. Should I call back and change it to say "no dormer room"?

Last time we stayed at the GF we got a dormer room and I thought it was cute and cozy but the problem is I'm so short I could barely see out the balcony so we asked for a room change and they moved us down to the second floor.

ETA: Okay, I just did an image search of dormer balconies and they wall doesn't look that high - like up to the top of the chair, and I'm definitely taller than that, lol!!!! But are some dormer balconies deeper than others? I swear the one we got (end of the 4th floor in Sugar Loaf) I had to get on my tip toes to see over the wall.

 

[TiggerStac]

Thanks!






Hey cool, we'll be there from the 16th to the 21st. Did you switch over from the BC?

Yes we had 1BR villa booked at BC, now TPV at GF.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Yes we had 1BR villa booked at BC, now TPV at GF.

Theme park view - awesome!!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

smillerguy - Many people say they feel the GF is too fancy or stuffy, but report back later that it didn't feel that way at all when they stayed for the first time. We are not stuffy people at all, and we love it!

There is great fireworks viewing from the marina landing in front of Gasparilla's - sometimes with music piped in.

Jungle Cruiser - glad to see the little guy back!

LittleStinkerbelle - Yes, I always request "upper floor, no dormer" when making reservations (or, often, when I remember later and call back, lol). I prefer the open balconies, you definitely need to stand to see out of the dormers. I have a photo that shows my DD's boyfriend standing at a dormer (he is average height):