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

[LittleStinkerbelle]

LittleStinkerbelle ~ was that Boca Chicago room considered GV? I don't know much about the views at GF...

Yes, that was a GV room.

LittleStinkerbelle,you are so right, we could have waved from our balconies! The weather here has finally cleared and the humidity gone. It's more like the weather at the beginning of the week.

Glad the weather cleared up! Hope you enjoyed your extra day!

LittleStinkerbelle - sorry for the nasty weather, always a bummer when you are trying to get back in the swing. Definitely keep the toiletries in mind for next trip - we love the body wash!

I forgot to say what a beautiful view you had in Boca Chica!! As I posted to Jungle Cruiser, that view would almost make a dormer balcony worth it!

Thanks, it's cold and rainy here today! It's so chilly in the house I'm tempted to turn the heat back on.

I loved our view and while I was hoping not to get a dormer room, in the end I liked it. Our requests were "upper floor, away from construction" and in my head I predicted we'd get put in Sago Cay and that's exactly where they had us at check-in. I asked if we could get Boca Chica instead and the CM was very nice to call the room assigner and get us switched so when I found out it was a dormer room I figured I'd better not push my luck anymore with requests. But like I said, we were quite happy there and as it turns out, I'm glad we were as high as possible given that the movies were right below us.

 

[bluejasmine]

In yalls experience what is the quickest way to EP from GF? Monorail to TTC and switch to monorail to EP or take monorail to Poly, walk to TTC and take express to Epcot?

How long does the first one take?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

In yalls experience what is the quickest way to EP from GF? Monorail to TTC and switch to monorail to EP or take monorail to Poly, walk to TTC and take express to Epcot?

How long does the first one take?

Since the resorts monorail stops at the TTC before the Poly from the GF, you would not take the monorail to the Poly for the TTC.

There is an option to walk to the Poly (most DISers say it's about 10 minutes to walk there), then on to the TTC.

We've only done the monorail to TTC, switch to Epcot monorail version. It should take 25-30 minutes, if everything goes smoothly. We allow 45+ minutes, though, just in case.

Here is a link to the DIS transportation search engine. You can estimate your travel times that way. Oops, I need to add the link, lol: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/transportation/transportation1.cfm

HTH! With all the monorail issues, it may end up they will have other transportation options for your stay.

 

[Nicole786]

Home now, wow the GF definitely exceeded my expectations! I have the pictures importing now, i'll share them in a few (and the video once I figure out how to post that haha) We had a ground floor room in Boca Chica, it was perfect, we had a picture perfect view and no noise from the pool at all!

Although it rained most of the time, it was brief and it made perfect weather!

We only had one issue the whole time we were there. We were at the marina outside Gasparilla's enjoying dinner waiting for Wishes to start and there were extremely rambunctious kids running around. Normally, this is just fine, kids will be kids, but they were SCREAMING at the top of their lungs about vulgar things, playing around. One mother pulled her son away, but the father that was sitting RIGHT THERE, did nothing to stop his kids (the one actually causing the trouble) I wish I taped it because words can't describe how these kids were acting. There wasn't much we could do, but there were several people gathered around trying to watch Wishes and it was just unbearable. Nobody could get over it. I was more surprised that neighboring GF staff didn't say anything because of the rooms that sit above Gasparilla's. Oh well, it wasn't their fault, it was the parents. Just picture every 10 seconds kids shouting "THE MAGIC KINGDOM IS ON FIRE!!!!!" then screaming as loud as they can, followed by 4 or 5 other kids literally screaming.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time, staff was great, check in was smooth (I did online check in and they had me ready to go at Concierge within minutes) We loved coming home and seeing bridal parties walking around. We chatted with a couple of brides as well. It was just lovely! We went to the beach pool for about 30 minutes, I loved the slide (and i'm 25!) we missed the zero entry, and I could see where having the activities and such at this pool versus the quiet pool would have been nice, but we enjoyed our brief time there. We moved over to the quiet pool, and definitely enjoyed the size. We got caught in a storm shortly after we arrived, but we had an amazing relaxing time that afternoon.

The monorail access was wonderful, but since we ended up spending most of our time at Epcot, I missed the easy access to the TTC from the Poly, but since we all loved the monorail it was never an issue. Except the first day when Monorail Silver broke down on the track so we had no choice but to walk through the Poly to get to the GF.

We spent our first night at Kidani village, on friends points, that was great (nothing compared to the GF!) but I will say having DirectTV access was amazing, and I can't wait for the GF to gain this! One note, when we arrived at Kidani, check in pulled us to the couch, sat us down, and since we did online check in, did the whole thing right there! It was great! I wonder if they did that because of the new check in experience at Art of Animation?

Overall, it was such an amazing resort, and I was grateful I could stay there, and surprise my mom with it! She cried when we pulled up, and of course none of us wanted to leave!

 

[dragonfly57005]

Loved the pics LittleStinkerbell and bethclayton!

Nicole786: can't wait to see your pics!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Nicole786 - Thanks for the review, so glad you had a magical vacation! Can't wait to see your photos and video. I watched the video in your link, what a lovely surprise for your parents! Have they taken their cruise yet?

dragonfly57005 - Nice to see you!

Thanks, it's cold and rainy here today! It's so chilly in the house I'm tempted to turn the heat back on.

I loved our view and while I was hoping not to get a dormer room, in the end I liked it. Our requests were "upper floor, away from construction" and in my head I predicted we'd get put in Sago Cay and that's exactly where they had us at check-in. I asked if we could get Boca Chica instead and the CM was very nice to call the room assigner and get us switched so when I found out it was a dormer room I figured I'd better not push my luck anymore with requests. But like I said, we were quite happy there and as it turns out, I'm glad we were as high as possible given that the movies were right below us.

We have had our heat on for nearly a week. For a few days, I only had it on in the morning, and shut it off early afternoon - but it has been gloomy and cold this past weekend. Ick. We were spoiled by 80s temps right before Easter! Due to get back in the 70s today, woohoo!

I'm glad you liked the dormer room, good point about the noise. LOL about not wanting to push your luck, I know what you mean. If we ask for a different room than assigned, I always hate to refuse that one, too, although I have done it when we got a room that should have been out of service.

 

[BCV23]

Good morning, everyone.

Nicole786, how sweet about your mother. Glad you had such a great GF vacation. Can you tell me about the new checkin at Aof A?

 

[pas130]

Home now, wow the GF definitely exceeded my expectations! I have the pictures importing now, i'll share them in a few (and the video once I figure out how to post that haha) We had a ground floor room in Boca Chica, it was perfect, we had a picture perfect view and no noise from the pool at all!

Although it rained most of the time, it was brief and it made perfect weather!

We only had one issue the whole time we were there. We were at the marina outside Gasparilla's enjoying dinner waiting for Wishes to start and there were extremely rambunctious kids running around. Normally, this is just fine, kids will be kids, but they were SCREAMING at the top of their lungs about vulgar things, playing around. One mother pulled her son away, but the father that was sitting RIGHT THERE, did nothing to stop his kids (the one actually causing the trouble) I wish I taped it because words can't describe how these kids were acting. There wasn't much we could do, but there were several people gathered around trying to watch Wishes and it was just unbearable. Nobody could get over it. I was more surprised that neighboring GF staff didn't say anything because of the rooms that sit above Gasparilla's. Oh well, it wasn't their fault, it was the parents. Just picture every 10 seconds kids shouting "THE MAGIC KINGDOM IS ON FIRE!!!!!" then screaming as loud as they can, followed by 4 or 5 other kids literally screaming.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time, staff was great, check in was smooth (I did online check in and they had me ready to go at Concierge within minutes) We loved coming home and seeing bridal parties walking around. We chatted with a couple of brides as well. It was just lovely! We went to the beach pool for about 30 minutes, I loved the slide (and i'm 25!) we missed the zero entry, and I could see where having the activities and such at this pool versus the quiet pool would have been nice, but we enjoyed our brief time there. We moved over to the quiet pool, and definitely enjoyed the size. We got caught in a storm shortly after we arrived, but we had an amazing relaxing time that afternoon.

The monorail access was wonderful, but since we ended up spending most of our time at Epcot, I missed the easy access to the TTC from the Poly, but since we all loved the monorail it was never an issue. Except the first day when Monorail Silver broke down on the track so we had no choice but to walk through the Poly to get to the GF.

We spent our first night at Kidani village, on friends points, that was great (nothing compared to the GF!) but I will say having DirectTV access was amazing, and I can't wait for the GF to gain this! One note, when we arrived at Kidani, check in pulled us to the couch, sat us down, and since we did online check in, did the whole thing right there! It was great! I wonder if they did that because of the new check in experience at Art of Animation?

Overall, it was such an amazing resort, and I was grateful I could stay there, and surprise my mom with it! She cried when we pulled up, and of course none of us wanted to leave!

That is WONDERFUL!!! Glad th Grand was as beautiful as you dreamed. I LOL'd at the slide comment....the pool issue is the only reason I booked BC in May over GFafter my WL stay...I would never hear the end of it from DH...

pas130 - aww, I'm sorry one bad experience has made you so anxious. I don't blame you, though, we refuse to book the last flight anywhere, after a bad situation on a flight to Chicago a few years ago.

I just picture standing there with HRH being told there isn't an RPC room....

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Nicole786, how sweet about your mother. Glad you had such a great GF vacation. Can you tell me about the new checkin at Aof A?

Good question!! Thanks for reminding me, I wondered about this as well!

I just picture standing there with HRH being told there isn't an RPC room....

Aww, that is a sad thought! I know you are gonna love your WL/BC split, both fun resorts, and you have the GF later this year.

 

[pas130]

Aww, that is a sad thought! I know you are gonna love your WL/BC split, both fun resorts, and you have the GF later this year.

I just need to buckle down a date. Book for August...but I think Sept will be better...need a Fall AP discount...

 

[sjs314]

I just need to buckle down a date. Book for August...but I think Sept will be better...need a Fall AP discount...

Hey pas :wave
I need that Fall discount too, I gave up the idea of Sept/Oct With FD I am just afraid it will be too hot. Fall or maybe a late Nov/Dec trip to my dream resort GF

 

[pas130]

Hey pas :wave
I need that Fall discount too, I gave up the idea of Sept/Oct With FD I am just afraid it will be too hot. Fall or maybe a late Nov/Dec trip to my dream resort GF

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Christmas decorations at the Grand

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Back from 10 glorious nights at the GF and have begun to catch up on life. I thought I would give a short trip report about our time at the GF.

We were in SL and it was wonderful. We hadn't stayed in SL since last September and they have changed up the food offerings and set up a bit for Twilight Refreshers. A few of the hot appetizers are new, however the biggest change is in the cold appetizers. They had three or even four a day, instead of the two they had before. Most of the cold appetizers are new. A couple new ones are cold strawberry soup and deconstructed BLT's. By in large they are more modern takes on old appetizers. They also now have the cold appetizers and cheese on tiered platters. The nice thing about this is it is harder for little kids to reach and honestly by in large these appetizers aren't what they enjoy. As always, the food was replenished quickly.

One of the "complaints" about SL is the small size of the lounge. The only times we found it crowed was at 8 AM for breakfast and for Twilight Refresher at 5 the nights it rained. They were always quick to clear the tables, so we always found a place to sit for breakfast, however we took our appetizers up to the room a couple of times when it was crowded. That being said, on our many rainy nights it was wonderful to have the food offerings and not have to go out in a downpour, unless we had an ADR.

The flowers, the grounds, the lobby were all wonderful. In the middle of our trip they were pulling up flowers in the flower beds and planting new flowers, obviously a change for the season.

It was also nice to see CMs who are there every trip. Of course Richard, the greeter, and many others who remember us since we are frequent visitors over the past years.

Now, for what I hate to admit. The construction has changed the GF. The obvious is the view and the area at the waterfall pool. In addition, the wonderful walk from the GF to the Polynesian just isn't pretty anymore and we really missed the beach. That is to be expected, but there is something less tangible that both my DD and I felt. It was a less peaceful environment, something that has always appealed to us about the GF. The kids activities at the courtyard pool changes the feel there, as well as the movies at night. Everything seems a bit more closed in, and although not noisy, there is a heightened noise level. The feel of the resort is smaller and more crowded. It makes sense, the construction has essentially taken our a whole area of the resort. I am sure the DVC will be a beautiful building when it is done, however the view over to the Polynesian will never be the same and I think the resort will always feel more crowded. This probably won't bother new guests to the resort, however it is sad for us who have been faithful visitors to the resort over the years.

I posted a number of photos during the trip, but obviously have more. Here's today's picture. It was taken from our balcony on the 4th floor of SL, of the location of the movies at night. The building in the background is Boca Chica.

 

[pas130]

junglecruiser welcome home my friend I am glad you had a grand Sugarloaf stay! Your take on the construction is kinda what worried me. The serenity of the GF is what pulls me there. It is almost as if HRH has a "sixth sense" as she doesn't like the construction at all. But she can forgo that if she has her lobby and her music I am hoping she will find peace at WL this trip. DH and the kiddos do a lot of swimming....a true shame about the beach, and Main pool...did you bring some rain back home....we could use it!!!! So still BC in September????

 

[Nicole786]

I'm on my lunch break from work, but typing on my phone so I'll upload the pics later just wanted to answer the Kidani village check in question!

Art of animation does not have a check in desk. Instead they have small tables with chairs. When I first saw this I wasn't sure how it would work, but i found out because I guess they are testing it at AKL!

When we pulled up there was a CM with a clipboard who asked us if we did online check in. We told her we had so she called over a neighboring CM, who walked us into the lobby, say us down on the couches and told us she was going to check us in right there! She had our packet already (weird but maybe they radiod from the guard shack?) and laid everything out as if we were standing at the counter! Gave us out KTTW cards for the night and we were on our way! It was such a wonderful experience! Time will tell if other hotels adapt this process, I had a standard check in experience at the GF!

Hopefully I can upload some pics later today!

 

[Nicole786]

Jungle Cruiser we could have waved to each other from our rooms! We were ground floor second room from the left in Boca Chica!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the review, Jungle Cruiser! So glad that your stay in SL was as good as expected. The new hors d'oeuvres sound very good. We, too, have never had any trouble getting a table, even though it can get busy, in the mornings especially.

Your take on the construction and overall feel of the resort is exactly what has worried me, too. I keep hoping it will go back to being the serene resort we love after the new building is finished, but I fear not. The only consolation is there are not many GFV rooms - I think it is 143 keys? Not positive about that, but at any rate, those guests will have to use the two pools, which means they will be more crowded.

Nicole786 - thanks for the info on the AoA check in process, sounds nice! Maybe the check in at AKL is in response to complaints; we had a very bad experience a couple years back with online check in and haven't wanted to use it since. We waited in a very long line, with the one CM gone from sight, for over 30 minutes! All the while, the regular check in line had numerous CMs, almost no guests. Weird.

Anyway, glad you had such a good experience and nice to know they are trying to upgrade the check in process.

pas130 & sjs314 - I'll keep my fingers crossed for that fall/winter discount.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Ok I am super duper excited and I know we swore up and down that we wouldn't stay at the GF until the construction was done but we just couldn't stay away. Just switched our first 2 nights from CR TPV CL to GF RPC and then we head to BLT for the next 7. We are coming home again.

We have already told ourselves that the construction is not going to bother us and we just can't wait to be home. OMG I feel like the next two months is going to take forever.

 

[BCV23]

Ok I am super duper excited and I know we swore up and down that we wouldn't stay at the GF until the construction was done but we just couldn't stay away. Just switched our first 2 nights from CR TPV CL to GF RPC and then we head to BLT for the next 7. We are coming home again.

We have already told ourselves that the construction is not going to bother us and we just can't wait to be home. OMG I feel like the next two months is going to take forever.

So excited for you. Both of best worlds and especially in that order.

Nicole, thanks for the explanation. Sounds delightful.

I hope the GFV doesn't change the GF as much as many of you fear. Personally we can't wait. The worries remind me a bit of our concern as frequent Polynesian guests when construction started on the GF. It did change the monorail, launches and the view of Seven Seas Lagoon forever but we've ended up loving the GF, too.

 

[pixarmom]

Hello GF fans (including so many familiar "faces!")

I'm stopping by again as I start to focus on our multi-split stay (which includes GF) in February 2013. I was sidetracked by our YC/POFQ trip earlier this month, and may be sidetracked again if I use our APs for an extra visit this summer.

I started to wonder about February 2013 - it will be our first GF stay and I'm not sure about introducing the family to the GF during the construction. I was thinking it might be better to wait until GF is in tip-top shape! Sarah, I really appreciate your detailed report - that's really helpful in managing expectations. I'll be following along to see how the construction progresses, but a GF stay is definitely on our "to-do" list!