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

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Hi again!!! Just got back from a fun day at AK. Had breakfast at TH for the first time. We really enjoyed it. Was hoping to hit the pool this afternoon but it's been raining off and on. We're relaxing in the room instead. Very quiet - seems like no pool activities today. Tonight is dinner at Citricos - another new one for us. Can't wait.

Tomorrow is our last full day already. We've already decided that next April's trip needs to be longer

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I forgot to mention that the CS restaurant receipts are spitting out 20% off coupons good at select park gift shops between opening and noon. We saved a bunch of shopping for this morning and were able to get a nice savings.

 

[michashell]

BamaTigger:
Thanks so much for sharing your photos. I have two weird questions for you.

First, does the lobby of Sago Cay have restrooms? I have two little boys - one potty trained and the other will hopefully be by our October trip. I'm just wondering if I could dash one downstairs if the other is purposely taking his good old time. The tinkle dance can only last so long.

Second, what kind of coffee machine is in the room? Does it take pods or k-cups? We were thinking of brining our one from home. I'm a roll out of bed and drink a cup of coffee kind of girl.

Thanks so much!!

 

[bethclayton]

I am sitting in bed right now, relaxing before our reservation at V&A's, listening to the band play. It is delightful. I really cannot ask for any more than what RPC provides. The music is so amazing, the food is delicious, the whole environment is just so relaxing.

Thank you so much for the kind words from those of you who related experiences, etc. for my whole credit card debacle. I am just trying to enjoy my day right now but I am sad to report that there has not even been any follow up from the font desk despite being assured two days at that there would be.

 

[Nicole786]

Hello! Just doing a brief check in. We got here this morning and everyone has been amazing since! We are in Boca Chica facing the pool, and it's so georgeous here!! Moms surprise went perfectly (she cried!! more details later). I have a video hidden camera style of the whole surprise I can't wait to share it! As we speak I can hear her from the patio going "OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!" she's seriously freaking out which makes this priceless.

On the construction: we arrived at the TTC from Epcot around 6pm and monorail silver got stuck on the track from the resort line so they had to tow it. We opted to walk through the Poly and the wedding pavilion to come home. We ran into the ending of a wedding at the pavilion. We couldn't see over the walls enough but saw how obstructive it was near the main pool. Lucky for us we don't see the construction at all from where we are, as we speak I'm watching the CMs set up the movie by the quiet pool.

I'll be back to share details!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

So glad you're here Nicole! We're in Boca Chica too. Just had a fantastic meal at Citricos. Highly recommend!

 

[bethclayton]

Victoria amd Albert's was incredible! Even more amazing than I had read here on the disboards!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Welcome Nicole! So exciting you were able to surprise your Mom.

Sounds like we all had great meals at different GF restaurants tonight. We had a wonderful dinner, at Narcoossees. It is definately our favorite restaurant at WDW. We also enjoyed the music in the lobby tonight.

MK first thing tomorrow!

 

[peppermintpea]

EEEK! i am getting negative vibes for our June trip....monarail, pool issues, etc....

 

[bethclayton]

I think I figured out how to add the pics I took from my phone, so let me give it a shot....

Courtyard pool from main building near sunset

Main building, sorry so dark

My view as I sat at the pool the other night

Construction views from my balcony. In the daytime there is a huge red crane right in the middle

Closer view, they are definitely tearing down the building on the left closest to the lagoon

 

[bluejasmine]

Good Morning everyone! This will be our first stay at the GF and we booked SL. We are normally Poly CL ppl but they treated us like total crap last Sept.

We booked a short last minute trip for June and will be booking a day in Sept after getting off our 7 night Disney Cruise! Calling this weekend to see if we have a pin for sept we have had one under our name for past 3 yrs so hopefully, will book anyway tho.

I do have a few questions if you dont mind since its our fist stay.

1) Does SL have any view of construction?

2) what is a good room location to request in that building ( want a balcony)

3) Are the monorails running normally again (other than that planned late april 30-May2)

4) What is the check in process for CL? At the Poly you didnt do online check in and someone met you at the entrance and checked you in at the CL building. Is GF the same way?

 

[bethclayton]

Lobby, taken from the lobby

Lobby, taken from 4th floor, directly outside our room

Lounge food one evening...strawberry soup, polenta with seafood, and I forget what the other one was but it was delish!

Some of the food at V & A
First course, amuse bouche, top left was tuna, below that buffalo, to the right of that was crab, and above it, I can't remember the term but it was cauliflower pureed with heavy cream and caviar

Next course, duck with duck butter and a salad

Entree, chicken with crabmeat, asparagus, purple potatoes

Dessert, creme brûlée

Of course the names on the menu were much fancier but I don't have the menu in front of me right now! They do create a personalized menu for each person that you get to keep. Also, a huge surprise, even though we only reserved and paid for the "basic" dinner, they seated us in our own private room, the queen Victoria room, it was a night we will never forget!

 

[mindy20]

BethClayton:

Since you are over looking construction are you in a King deluxe RPC ? I really want to stay in main bldg but not sure since our room would over look construction and it is so much higher. From your pictures the view doesnt look to bad. Is your room on the larger side (650sqft)? Im going to leave it up to you since you are there to make my decision for me Im driving my DH CRAZY trying to decide what to do. Should I change my Lodge Tower Room (Outer Bldg Deluxe room) to King Deluxe Main Bldg RPC for $1300 ? We have the Deluxe Dining Plan so I dont think we will use the RPC lounge to much. We stayed CL in Sept at BWI and went to the lounge twice in a 8 day stay, BUT I have read such wonderful things about Main Bldg RPC at GF, it makes me want it !!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

She is heading to the Grand Floridian this Sunday and booked a theme park view. Can she request main building? Or is main bldg all concierge? Opinion from the GF experts... what requests should she put in. I do know she doesn't like ground floor.

Welcome! All of the main building rooms are club level, theme park view rooms are located in the outer buildings. Most DISers agree the best TPV rooms are in Sago Cay and Conch Key, and she can put in the request for upper floor. Keep in mind, most of the upper floor rooms will have a dormer balcony, but some people prefer these rooms for the illusion of space from the cathedral ceilings.

BamaTigger:
Thanks so much for sharing your photos. I have two weird questions for you.

First, does the lobby of Sago Cay have restrooms? I have two little boys - one potty trained and the other will hopefully be by our October trip. I'm just wondering if I could dash one downstairs if the other is purposely taking his good old time. The tinkle dance can only last so long.

Second, what kind of coffee machine is in the room? Does it take pods or k-cups? We were thinking of brining our one from home. I'm a roll out of bed and drink a cup of coffee kind of girl.

Thanks so much!!

I'm not BamaTigger, but wanted to say Welcome! I don't think there are bathrooms in any of the outer building lobbies. I've not seen one, anyway, sorry.

I hope someone who is at the resort now will answer about the coffee makers. Up until recently, there were Mr. Coffee-type machines, but someone posted they were to be replaced by Cuisinart makers. Not sure if this has been done in all rooms so far.

Good Morning everyone! This will be our first stay at the GF and we booked SL. We are normally Poly CL ppl but they treated us like total crap last Sept.

We booked a short last minute trip for June and will be booking a day in Sept after getting off our 7 night Disney Cruise! Calling this weekend to see if we have a pin for sept we have had one under our name for past 3 yrs so hopefully, will book anyway tho.

I do have a few questions if you dont mind since its our fist stay.

1) Does SL have any view of construction?

2) what is a good room location to request in that building ( want a balcony)

3) Are the monorails running normally again (other than that planned late april 30-May2)

4) What is the check in process for CL? At the Poly you didnt do online check in and someone met you at the entrance and checked you in at the CL building. Is GF the same way?

Welcome! I'll try to answer your questions.

1) If you check out the map on the first page of this thread, you can see SL is smack in the middle of the resort. The construction should all be blocked by the other outer buildings.

2) All GF rooms have a balcony or patio (other than a few suites and deluxe rooms), so that's not an issue. SL has a view of either the marina or pool - lately the children's pool activities have been re-located to the courtyard pool, so I would request the marina view.

3) Jungle Cruiser posted about the monorail issues a few posts up, she is at the resort right now! Others have posted the monorail will likely be down periodically for the foreseeable future.

4) GF check in for CL works about the same as the Poly. No need for online check in; a CM should greet you at the front of the resort, and escort you to the SL building, where you will have a private check in (like Hawaii).

HTH! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

BethClayton:

Since you are over looking construction are you in a King deluxe RPC ? I really want to stay in main bldg but not sure since our room would over look construction and it is so much higher. From your pictures the view doesnt look to bad. Is your room on the larger side (650sqft)? Im going to leave it up to you since you are there to make my decision for me Im driving my DH CRAZY trying to decide what to do. Should I change my Lodge Tower Room (Outer Bldg Deluxe room) to King Deluxe Main Bldg RPC for $1300 ? We have the Deluxe Dining Plan so I dont think we will use the RPC lounge to much. We stayed CL in Sept at BWI and went to the lounge twice in a 8 day stay, BUT I have read such wonderful things about Main Bldg RPC at GF, it makes me want it !!

I can't answer regarding the view, but wanted to give my 2 cents on the CL. I would not consider adding $1300 for club level if I had the DxDP and no plans for utilizing the lounge. The main building is great, but the outer buildings at the GF are wonderful, and usually have great views.

DD and I love RPC, but we save it for trips when we don't plan to do a lot of Signature/sit down meals. There is so much food available in the lounge, we usually do smaller table service lunches and snack for dinner.

You have to choose for yourself, of course, whatever makes your vacation special is the right thing to do.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

So many of you at the Grand now, sounds like you are all having a wonderful time!!

Jungle Cruiser - thanks for the update on the monorail issues, sorry to hear you were trapped in it for so long! I'm glad they finally let you out.

Thanks, too, for the info on the pool games. I guess it's nice one of the CMs is a bit quieter, at least you get a few days with less noise!

Dinner at Narcoossee's is one of our favorite things, happy you had a great dinner.

bethclayton - isn't V&A's divine?! Thanks for the photos, loved them!

Nicole786 - Glad you arrive safe and sound, and your surprise went off without a hitch. What a sweet reaction from your mom, I'll be looking forward to the video.

BamaTigger - better late than never, right?! Thanks for the photo links, I'm headed there right now to view.

LittleStinkerbelle - Aww, sorry your last full day has arrived. It goes so fast, doesn't it?! Your AK day sounds like fun, awesome about the 20% off coupons.

I'm glad you got a break from the pool activities, even though you weren't able to enjoy the pool! That quiet you spoke of is the norm, too bad it wasn't that way for your entire trip.

We love Citricos, too, we try to eat there every GF trip.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

micashell - in BamaTigger's photos, I see they have switched the coffee makers (thanks, BamaTigger! hope you don't mind me posting this) :

Doesn't look like a k-cup set up, the coffee packets are in the photo, the packaging says it's a pod.

 

[Stasieki]

Welcome! All of the main building rooms are club level, theme park view rooms are located in the outer buildings. Most DISers agree the best TPV rooms are in Sago Cay and Conch Key, and she can put in the request for upper floor. Keep in mind, most of the upper floor rooms will have a dormer balcony, but some people prefer these rooms for the illusion of space from the cathedral ceilings.

Thank You

 

[bethclayton]

BethClayton:

Since you are over looking construction are you in a King deluxe RPC ? I really want to stay in main bldg but not sure since our room would over look construction and it is so much higher. From your pictures the view doesnt look to bad. Is your room on the larger side (650sqft)? Im going to leave it up to you since you are there to make my decision for me Im driving my DH CRAZY trying to decide what to do. Should I change my Lodge Tower Room (Outer Bldg Deluxe room) to King Deluxe Main Bldg RPC for $1300 ? We have the Deluxe Dining Plan so I dont think we will use the RPC lounge to much. We stayed CL in Sept at BWI and went to the lounge twice in a 8 day stay, BUT I have read such wonderful things about Main Bldg RPC at GF, it makes me want it !!

We are just in a standard RPC room. It is not a deluxe or king. RPC is amazing, however, we do make use of it a lot. If you will be doing DxDP, it sounds like you might not be around enough to experience it. Personally, I would do one or the other, either the dining plan or club level.

 

[PrincessShanShan]

Just got back yesterday from a DVC stay at OKW. We (dh and I) will be back Labor Day weekend to celebrate my b'day.

We were originally booked at WL ffor the trip, but we were able to use the current Bounceback offer and book a dxl room in RPC at the GF. I have stayed RPC AND sugar Loaf before but never in a dxl room. I wanted a dxl king, but none were available with the discount.

I know there are two room layouts for the dxl rooms and i also know the room locations. I'm trying to get opinions from others who are familiar with the rooms s to which layout/room is best. We will be spending most of our time at the resort and our biggest priority is juat to relax.

We will be happy with whatever room we get, but i'm just wondering if there is one that most like over the other? I know the rooms are 4319, 4419, 4320, 4420 in the more rectangular design with the smaller balcony and 4322 and 4422 in the more triangular layout with the bigger balconi'm leaning more to the more rectangular design, but wanted to get some info from anyone who has stayed in these rooms as to which is better. I know it's luck of the draw and as i said, we'll be happy either way. Just wanted to know which to request. TIA!

 

[coopersmom]

I know the rooms are 4319, 4419, 4320, 4420 in the more rectangular design with the smaller balcony and 4322 and 4422 in the more triangular layout with the bigger balconi'm leaning more to the more rectangular design, but wanted to get some info from anyone who has stayed in these rooms as to which is better. I know it's luck of the draw and as i said, we'll be happy either way. Just wanted to know which to request. TIA!

If search was working I'd check and see what room number we were in exactly, but I know it was one of the "triangle" queen deluxe. I can't say which is "better," since it's the only RPC deluxe we've been in, but I can say that the view would be pretty bad right now as it DIRECTLY faces the construction, making the lovely large balcony (which we really enjoyed during our stay) kind of a moot factor. Have no idea if the more standard layout deluxe would suffer from the same problems.

We did like being on the same floor as the lounge though, and the large entry area with wet bar (though, oddly, the fridge isn't in this area) was useful and created a nice separation between the bath and bed space, though it wasn't really "usable" floor space, in terms of living and relaxing.

The other caveat I would add is that the beds are very far away from the TV, which is no larger than the regular room TVs, so if you're trying to watch from bed vs. the loveseat, you are pretty far away. Not a huge issue, but something we noticed. (Of course, we are spoiled with ridiculously large TVs at home, so maybe that was just us.)