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

[Renysmom]

A few hours ago, the First Annual Easter Egg Display debuted at the Grand Floridian Resort! Located inside the main entrance, guests will delight at the marvelous chocolate delights created by Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek and his talented staff! In previous years, select eggs would be located at various GF restaurants; however, now they are assembled for a prime time view.

We had the pleasure to congratulate Erich on his joyous display. "I have a great staff," he replied.

[No doubt, someone will be posting photos soon.]

All the best.

Just posted several on my blog tonight. Feel free to take a look here

 

[k&a&c'smom]

When we were at the GF last May, there were two hammocks on the beach. From the photos of the newly-blocked-off beach, it looks like one of the hammocks may still be there - only one was in the boarded-up area. Can anyone confirm? Still looking forward to our May trip, but a little disappointed about so much of the beach being off limits. Are there chairs and lounges in the beach area that is still open?

I've looked through the photos WDWKOOK posted, and it looks like both hammocks are gone. There are the fasteners on the two palms within the fencing, and those on the palms outside the fencing, neither of which have a hammock. There is a swing set up just outside the fencing, near the Summerhouse landing - the second hammock was on the palms in front of that swing.

Kind of disappointing for so much of the beach to be blocked off, but hopefully it won't last the whole construction timeline!

TiggerStac - congrats on snagging your favorite room, and one better situated for your family size. I'm sure you will enjoy your family trip, and yay for the August GF stay (and wedding, fun!).

Renysmom - thanks for the link, beautiful photos!

 

[peppermintpea]

Does anyone know if you are at the pool with the slide and cabanas if the construction blocks the view of the lake???

 

[bethclayton]

Does anyone know if you are at the pool with the slide and cabanas if the construction blocks the view of the lake???

from the pictures i have seen, it appears that the view of the lake is obstructed by the scrims.

 

[peppermintpea]

from the pictures i have seen, it appears that the view of the lake is obstructed by the scrims.

Boo!!! Thanks!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Just stopping in to say...one week from today!! (can you tell I'm a little excited?!)

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

k&a&c'smom - thanks for the additional pool pictures. Aw, it's so pretty without the walls.

 

[toodycat]

We're thinking of returning to the GF in September. Has anyone got any insight into how far along the construction will be by then or how much beach access will be available? I don't mind for myself, but some other family members are concerned. Thanks!

 

[mindy20]

What is the difference between a outer bldg - garden view and a outer bldg deluxe room garden view ?

 

[pas130]

Just stopping in to say...one week from today!! (can you tell I'm a little excited?!)

Excited for you!!!! And all our other GF Disfriends going soon (4days jungle cruiser)

We just returned yesterday from 12 days at the GF. Once I've dug myself out from under the pile of post vacation to-dos, I will post all of my thoughts and experiences on our stay. In the meantime, however, I just wanted to give a heads up to people about the construction. For the first part of the trip, it was not so bad. The walk from the GF to the Poly was okay, and Disney certainly does it's best with trying to minimize the ugliness of construction, however we did miss seeing the beach. The first time we walked past the construction walls toward the Poly, my DS5 light up with excitement and went on and on about how lucky the people at the Poly were to have a beach. He asked that we make it a part of our daily routine to walk along the beach by the Poly. It was obvious that there really isn't much of a beach left at the GF. This became glaringly evident when more walls went up a few days ago around the beach pool rendering it beachless. Essentially the walls are placed where the beach used to begin, right as you enter the zero entry side of the pool. Also alot of the surrounding beach was swallowed up in this erection of walls. Like most things at Disney that just seem to magically appear out of nowhere, the latest beach swallowing construction walls seemed to arrive with the wave of Tinkerbell's wand. To answer a PP's question about cancelling the cabana, there would be no question for me...I would definitely cancel as your view is a construction wall. We only went to the Beach Pool once and this was because of the lack of view. At least at the other pool you have a view of the pretty building all around you.

Thank you for posting your thoughts.....I agree with you to mindy I would cancel the cabana as well!

Thank you so much for this information. It helps me to be mentally prepared for this sort of thing.

RPC !!!!! It will be great!!!!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

In poking around the 'net today, I found this blog post from 4/5 with some more photos of the construction as well as a link to a video with some footage of the construction from various angles. I know there are a few of us getting there real soon and if you're like me, interested in prepping yourself for what it'll look like.

I hope it's okay to post the link here:
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=794&Itemid=65

 

[Lisann]

What is the difference between a outer bldg - garden view and a outer bldg deluxe room garden view ?

Both garden views, but different type of room.

It's my understanding that the Deluxe room outer bldg used to be the Lodge Tower room, which is a standard room with an additional sitting room/area. It's now the Deluxe Room Outer Bldg Garden View. That's a mouthful!

I think the WDW website description still has the words Lodge Tower in the description when you try and reserve that room.

 

[mouselike-harrier]

In poking around the 'net today, I found this blog post from 4/5 with some more photos of the construction as well as a link to a video with some footage of the construction from various angles. I know there are a few of us getting there real soon and if you're like me, interested in prepping yourself for what it'll look like.

I hope it's okay to post the link here:
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=794&Itemid=65

Thank you for posting these. We are going to the GF for the first time on the 19th, after our cruise. While I would prefer no construction, it doesn't look too bad and certainly won't ruin our stay!

 

[pas130]

So here are my thoughts....I miss the GF a LOT. We are staying at the Poly ....so why not book a few nights GV on Memorial Day weekend before we move over to the Poly..... Could we be lucky enough to get the slide to ourselves Is it wrong that I want the construction to keep others away.....

just kidding, or am I?????

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Does anyone know if the construction is effecting Narcoossee's? I've been trying for months (since my 180 day mark) to get a reservation for July and it keeps saying there is no availability.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

So here are my thoughts....I miss the GF a LOT. We are staying at the Poly ....so why not book a few nights GV on Memorial Day weekend before we move over to the Poly..... Could we be lucky enough to get the slide to ourselves Is it wrong that I want the construction to keep others away.....

just kidding, or am I?????

Enjoy your stay at GF ....

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

So here are my thoughts....I miss the GF a LOT. We are staying at the Poly ....so why not book a few nights GV on Memorial Day weekend before we move over to the Poly..... Could we be lucky enough to get the slide to ourselves Is it wrong that I want the construction to keep others away.....

just kidding, or am I?????

Sounds like a plan!

 

[Nicole786]

Does anyone know if the construction is effecting Narcoossee's? I've been trying for months (since my 180 day mark) to get a reservation for July and it keeps saying there is no availability.

I was able to secure a reservation for the 20th of this month, a few weeks ago. That was after a few days of trying. Must be free dining!

 

[bethclayton]

Just stopping in to say...one week from today!! (can you tell I'm a little excited?!)

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

k&a&c'smom - thanks for the additional pool pictures. Aw, it's so pretty without the walls.

ME, TOO!!! ME, TOO!!!

we can hardly contain ourselves over here!!!!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

ME, TOO!!! ME, TOO!!!

we can hardly contain ourselves over here!!!!

 

[pixiepirate]

In a handful of days I will be checking in for my first stay at the Grand! I have diligently been making my way through this thread and I thank everyone for all the wonderful information. With only a few days left and a lot of pages to go, I apologize if this question has already been asked. Is there a way to hear the music from Wishes when we are watching the fireworks from our balcony?