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

[Sfmarine]

should i be freaking out? we still have not received anything in the mail (coupon book, luggage tags, etc.). we are over a week past the 30 day mark and live in a suburb of a major metro area where mail delivery is definitely not slow.

I wouldn't be too concerned just yet. From my recollection, they usually send them out 2-3 weeks before arrival. So you should receive them next week sometime. I won't get luggage tags this year since I am renting a car but it's always exciting getting that "See you soon" package in the mail.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

should i be freaking out? we still have not received anything in the mail (coupon book, luggage tags, etc.). we are over a week past the 30 day mark and live in a suburb of a major metro area where mail delivery is definitely not slow.

Are you talking about package components, or ME tags? Either way, I would call and ask them to send it again - they usually send it Priority mail, and it gets to you in a couple days when you have to ask for a second mailing. Try not to freak out.

ETA: Sfmarine, I see we were posting at the same time!

 

[Sfmarine]

Sfmarine - there is accessible parking closer to the entrance, but I think you are given valet free if one of your party is in a wheelchair. I'll see if I can find that info and get back to you. (or, if BCV23 pops in, she can answer that, too )

Sounds good. I was unaware of that. I just pulled this off of allears.net

Your handicapped tag from your home state will get you free valet parking at any Disney resort.

So that will work to our advantage.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Sfmarine - Good, I see you found it! I was just coming back to post what I found on the disABILITIES forum (lot of great info over there) - here is the link to their FAQ, and the quote is below: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

This info was in the Resorts section of the FAQ, post #7.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Designated parking areas for Guests with disabilities are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. A valid disability parking permit is required.

VALET PARKING
At locations offering valet parking, vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit will receive complimentary service (instead of the fee).

 

[lulu0506]

k&a&c'smom and Jungle Cruiser ... thank you so much for your posts. Thank you k&a&c'smom for the photo!!! That really makes it clear just how far away it is! Looks like we will either be using the valet or DH will be dropping me and the boys off... park... and walk back.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Not only is their self parking lot located very far and across the street from the main entrance, it's also not that very big and at least half of it is reserved for the Grand Floridian Cast Members to park their cars.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

k&a&c'smom and Jungle Cruiser ... thank you so much for your posts. Thank you k&a&c'smom for the photo!!! That really makes it clear just how far away it is! Looks like we will either be using the valet or DH will be dropping me and the boys off... park... and walk back.

That's what we do, my husband drops me off and walks back after he parks the car. As for the size of the lot, we have never had a problem finding a parking space.

bethclayton, I called Disney last week since we are 3 weeks from our trip and hadn't received the ME package yet. They gave me ME's direct number, I called and our package was resent. I would call tomorrow just to make sure the package is on it's way.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

should i be freaking out? we still have not received anything in the mail (coupon book, luggage tags, etc.). we are over a week past the 30 day mark and live in a suburb of a major metro area where mail delivery is definitely not slow.

I would give Disney a call today to check on the status. Our packet came much later than we're used to and now I'm in the "waiting for a new packet because we changed resorts" phase. If I don't get something by Weds. or Thurs. I am going to call.

Good luck, hope it comes soon!

 

[pas130]

Yes, I think DD has made up her mind - it's Mom who is waffling.

My whole family waffled on me No one wants GF anymore....well I take it back, DH and I talked about the budget....RPC isn't in the cards...I can afford the resort, but then we can't eat, shop, etc....given the fact I am not 100% comfortable with the 5 crazy kiddos in RPC either (I know I shouldn't worry, but I do) So now they are pulling for the Poly....I have t price out non CL rooms at both resorts today.... Would it be inappropriate to book a GF room for HRH and I and a Poly room for everyone else

So I will definitely be requesting Boca Chica, but will I be in view of the fireworks each night or do you need a "theme park view" for a guaranteed vantage point?

You would need TPV for a "guaranteed view"......IDK how much more that would be though....for that price it might be worth doing Sugarloaf...JMHO though

Not yet. Have until the end of the month. If we had to decide right now the kids really don't want to go. I hope they don't just hear us parents talking about the cost.

Sounds like my house....best wishes with the decision

k&a&c'smom and Jungle Cruiser ... thank you so much for your posts. Thank you k&a&c'smom for the photo!!! That really makes it clear just how far away it is! Looks like we will either be using the valet or DH will be dropping me and the boys off... park... and walk back.

It's not too bad (compare it to the walk in the MK lot and all the steps you save not having to that walk...just a thought)...DH or I would get dropped off in the front with the kiddos only because I didn't like crossing the street with them...it is safe but I have more little ones than hands to hold them with...

I would give Disney a call today to check on the status. Our packet came much later than we're used to and now I'm in the "waiting for a new packet because we changed resorts" phase. If I don't get something by Weds. or Thurs. I am going to call.

Good luck, hope it comes soon!

Make sure you call for a new package (if you didn't already) As a chronic changer...they do send a new package, but it isn't always timely, if you don't call to request it.....

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Make sure you call for a new package (if you didn't already) As a chronic changer...they do send a new package, but it isn't always timely, if you don't call to request it.....

Thanks for the heads up! The CM in guest services that helped DH make the change said she put in a request for new documents so we'll see.

Question for you - when you've changed, did you get new DME tags and vouchers?

Everything came together in one packet this time (resort voucher, coupons, souvenier tags AND all the DME info and tags), which was a first for me (always gotten a seperate DME mailing before). The CM who made the change said we could use the old DME tags with BC on it so that made me think maybe the second mailing won't include new DME docs.

 

[pas130]

Thanks for the heads up! The CM in guest services that helped DH make the change said she put in a request for new documents so we'll see.

We changed the same week....so we just called ME and picked up the documnts at the airport, easy peasy...BUT we didn't check luggage so that doesn't help you really.....if the CM put in, hopefully you'll get everything soon

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Oh, pas!! So sorry about the budget, I do understand. Why, oh why did they ever make such a thing. RPC is outrageous these days, the rack rates are sky high and the discount less than in years past. Phooey.

Anyway, Poly will be fun, I know your kids will have a blast, and you and DH can enjoy the resort without the construction making too much of an impact. LOL about the two resorts, sounds like a plan.

lulu0506 - You are most welcome. The self park is a bit of a pain, but a lot of posters do as some suggested and have one of their party drop everyone off and go park. Every once in a while I think I will save the valet costs, but after a couple walks to the car, I give it up.

CR Fan - I know we've discussed this before, it is kind of confusing to have the self park and CM lots together, isn't it?! We have accidentally turned into the CM lot, then thought we could drive over to the guest lot - no go! We ended up wandering around, trying to find our way back out in the dark, lol.

 

[pas130]

Oh, pas!! So sorry about the budget, I do understand. Why, oh why did they ever make such a thing. RPC is outrageous these days, the rack rates are sky high and the discount less than in years past. Phooey.

I called to see they availability on the Monorail, and Poly GV and GF TPV are available with the AP discount...the difference is a little over $1000 My DH said he was OK splitting up, but I have to bring DS3 If I do Poly I would have the $$$ for a solo trip in Nov (a short one) Care to join me (you too jungle cruiser....and lulu'smom) I can totally guilt DH into letting me go if I give him Poly...

 

[mindy20]

Is a RPC Deluxe King Room larger than a Outer Bldg Garden View Room ?

 

[BCV23]

Hi everyone on this great FAQ. My ears were burning a bit from k&a&c'smom's kind words so I thought I should pop in. pas, good luck with your decisions. It's always fun to read what your latest.

We returned a week and a half ago from a wonderful split stay at BCV and AKV on the club level. Although no stay at the GF this trip, we did dine there as always. I checked out the view of construction from a balcony in the main building and don't think it is bad at all. With the angles involved, I don't think guests in Old Pine Key will see anything from inside the rooms. It's too far to the right if you know what I mean. Views from the balcony might be affected epecially for those closest to the pool. I also think the tall trees near the pool will block the view from those relatively few RPC rooms that face the construction at least for some time. Oh, and someone reported the hammock was gone from the beach a month or so ago. It was back when we were there. The GF was as lovely as ever.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I originally requested a Handicapped room with a garden view since one of the members in my party will be in a scooter. They only have a limited number of rooms so I had to upgrade to a lagoon view.

Pas130- I like that texting option!

There are indeed few accessible rooms at the GF. We've usually had to go with whatever category is available when we've stayed there with our daughter. I just wanted to let you know that needing a scooter isn't an automatic "sentence" to an accessible room. In fact, on our recent trip (without our daughter who was away at college) my DH needed a scooter for the first part of the trip as he recovered from major surgery. We didn't need an accessible room at all. If she doesn't need the special features of those rooms, she might be happier in a regular room. One nice thing about those rooms for someone in a scooter or power wheelchair is that the doors will open automatically once that feature is activated. The bathrooms are not split in roll in shower rooms. That makes for a very open situation for someone in a wheelchair but eats up some space in the room which is nice with a scooter. Hope that helps a bit. Good for you to think of the needs of your family member.

k&a&c'smom- I will be sure to request Boca Chica as my building then. I forget do you submit your requests when you sign up for express check-in or can you just call up reservations and have them add it?

It sounds like you already figured this out, but a request won't help in your situation. My understanding is that the accessible rooms are assigned when booked. There are so few rooms at the GF to begin with anyway. Many years ago, a CM marked the buildings in which accessible rooms were located. At least at that time, one building had none according to him. I'm not sure but suspect it was Boca Chica since it is the furthest from the main building. At any rate, we've had accessible rooms in Conch Key, Sugar Loaf and RPC and once were assigned a garden view room in Old Pine Key. We never saw that room as they ended up switching us due to a problem that they had with that room.

So I will definitely be requesting Boca Chica, but will I be in view of the fireworks each night or do you need a "theme park view" for a guaranteed vantage point?

I also forgot to take into consideration of my Aunt and the handicapped room I requested for her. That was the reason I had to upgrade to a lagoon view. They had no garden view rooms left. Gf only has a limited number of those rooms available so I may be stuck and just have to go with the flow on which building they choose for us.

Maybe I can talk my way into a few free scones and admission to the infamous afternoon tea. I will definitely need to pack my bowler hat now!

Those wonderful scones are served at tea which anyone can book! Enjoy.

Wouldn't it be nice if the scones were served at Gasparillas?

Hope Lulu'smom is having a Grand vacation.

Happy planning, fellow GF lovers.

 

[Lulu'sMom]

I called to see they availability on the Monorail, and Poly GV and GF TPV are available with the AP discount...the difference is a little over $1000 My DH said he was OK splitting up, but I have to bring DS3 If I do Poly I would have the $$$ for a solo trip in Nov (a short one) Care to join me (you too jungle cruiser....and lulu'smom) I can totally guilt DH into letting me go if I give him Poly...

hahhahaa~methinks a trip to the GF for the three of us in Nov sounds GREAT~! And no hubbies!

Well, I'm back and I forgot my camera to take pics of the GF. No kidding, half way to the GF in the cab, I remember.
Fabulous meal at Citricos, simply fabulous. And when at the MK, I would look over and notice at high noon the monorail was running, this was several times during the trip at many different times. DH also made the comment that maybe we should've stayed THIS trip at the Grand as the construction wasn't that bad. Infact, it wasn't hardly noticeable in terms of noise. But, he nixed future trips for the year as he looked over the site and said there was alot of work, LOUD work, left to be done.
Me? I don't care. Him, he cares, and he pays the bills.

I will say another thing. Out of all the resort merchandise, the GF has the best quality. Hands down. DH did score a nice windbreaker at the YC, but the polo shirts were itchy polyester, no way. The GF ones felt like butter, no contest.

Also want to say HELLO to our new lulu on our thread and to everyone else!

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Those wonderful scones are served at tea which anyone can book! Enjoy.

Wouldn't it be nice if the scones were served at Gasparillas?

Hope Lulu'smom is having a Grand vacation.

Happy planning, fellow GF lovers.

Hello lovey! I've been thinking of you, too!

 

[pas130]

Hi everyone on this great FAQ. My ears were burning a bit from k&a&c'smom's kind words so I thought I should pop in. pas, good luck with your decisions. It's always fun to read what your latest.

We returned a week and a half ago from a wonderful split stay at BCV and AKV on the club level. Although no stay at the GF this trip, we did dine there as always. I checked out the view of construction from a balcony in the main building and don't think it is bad at all. With the angles involved, I don't think guests in Old Pine Key will see anything from inside the rooms. It's too far to the right if you know what I mean. Views from the balcony might be affected epecially for those closest to the pool. I also think the tall trees near the pool will block the view from those relatively few RPC rooms that face the construction at least for some time. Oh, and someone reported the hammock was gone from the beach a month or so ago. It was back when we were there. The GF was as lovely as ever.

Welcome home...VERY NICE to see you back here Everyone here is SO awesome and understanding how my heart is with the Grand, but I am always ch-ch-changing away I just changed my GF stay to Poly GV, and booked a cabana for DDs birthday so we can party in luxury I will definitely visit my Grand in May.....I absolutely must

Glad you had a lovely trip !!!!!!

hahhahaa~methinks a trip to the GF for the three of us in Nov sounds GREAT~! And no hubbies!

Well, I'm back and I forgot my camera to take pics of the GF. No kidding, half way to the GF in the cab, I remember.
Fabulous meal at Citricos, simply fabulous. And when at the MK, I would look over and notice at high noon the monorail was running, this was several times during the trip at many different times. DH also made the comment that maybe we should've stayed THIS trip at the Grand as the construction wasn't that bad. Infact, it wasn't hardly noticeable in terms of noise. But, he nixed future trips for the year as he looked over the site and said there was alot of work, LOUD work, left to be done.
Me? I don't care. Him, he cares, and he pays the bills.

I will say another thing. Out of all the resort merchandise, the GF has the best quality. Hands down. DH did score a nice windbreaker at the YC, but the polo shirts were itchy polyester, no way. The GF ones felt like butter, no contest.

Welcome home to you too!!!!! Yeah, NO hubbies for our trip....tea and scone party The fact that the construction was not in full swing was why I switched back to GF....eh, best laid plans

Too bad you forgot your camera, I do stuff like that all the time...what is important is you got to visit our beloved GF

 

[lulu0506]

Also want to say HELLO to our new lulu on our thread and to everyone else!

Thank you for the warm welcome So glad I found you all.... it's helping raise my excitement level for our first GF stay !!

 

[BCV23]

Hello lovey! I've been thinking of you, too!

I just saw your post on the Y&BC FAQ. Sorry I had you at the wrong resort but it sounds like a wonderful time was had. We just missed each other. We were at BCV from 2/23-2/29 and then club in a villa at AKL until 3/7. How are you doing?

Good point about the noise but won't that just affect the rooms that face that way? Or maybe the construction workers use magical equipment to deaden the sound?

Welcome home...VERY NICE to see you back here Everyone here is SO awesome and understanding how my heart is with the Grand, but I am always ch-ch-changing away I just changed my GF stay to Poly GV, and booked a cabana for DDs birthday so we can party in luxury I will definitely visit my Grand in May.....I absolutely must

Glad you had a lovely trip !!!!!!

Thanks. What a great way to celebrate your DD's birthday. The cabanas at the Polynesian look awesome.

Thank you for the warm welcome So glad I found you all.... it's helping raise my excitement level for our first GF stay !!

Welcome. I'm going to need to pay attention to keep you two straight.