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

[k&a&c'smom]

Jungle Cruiser, sorry your trip is ended. Did you get snow this week? Brrr.

Thanks for all your excellent info! Your perspective has been so helpful, and love the photos. BTW - I meant to let you know if there was something else we needed photos of, but I let the time slip away.

This is the time for Sago Cay to shine, right?! LOL! We liked our stay there, but would rather be near the courtyard - but with the pool games, I think I might request a Sago room.

Thanks for the photo and description of the beach pool bar being temporarily located in the towel/hair wrap area! I had been thinking there simply wasn't a pool bar at the themed pool at the moment, good to know.

 

[mickeynut1]

I was wondering if anyone knew what the estimated finish date was for the GF construction? Or if you could point me to where I can read about it? We are planning a few nights prior to our cruise next June 2013 and as much as I want to book RPC, I'm concerned about what the view might be at that time. The overall construction isn't a big concern for us and would not deter us from booking at the Grand, but my favorite room view is of the beach pool with the Poly in the distance, and depending on what the view might be at that time would have an impact on whether or not I book there. So any input would be greatly appreciated. TIA .

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

How adorable! I'm sure DD and I will be calling it Michael's Private Elevator now, too cute!

I'm with you, any room in the main building is fantastic. Well, I have to broaden that to include any room at the GF, we just love being at the resort.

It's funny because when Michael woke up this morning, I asked him if he remembered about the elevator and he said yes, my private elevator.

I always said that I would stay in the basement at the GF if I had too. Well, maybe not the basement but you get the picture.

 

[transam1283]

I hope I didn't sound argumentative! I simply want everyone to have as much info as possible, so their trips go smoothly and they have the best vacation.

The rectangular rooms are great, as many people prefer having a balcony and the Jacuzzi tub (turret rooms have a non-jetted garden tub), and the 2nd floor is quieter.

The wording given by the CM is their official description, as some of the turret rooms do not have a view of the castle. The three that do end in "21" and have gorgeous wrap around windows. Our favorite room in all of WDW is 4021, on the 5th floor, the view is stunning. If you've been following bethclayton's reports over the last few pages, you've seen that the view is slightly marred on the Wedding Chapel side, unfortunately. Another plus to the 2nd floor rooms, they will not have a construction view.

I would contact IPO, as they sometimes take a long time to email. The phone number is 407-824-1775, and the email is Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com. Enjoy your RPC stay, it is wonderful!



How adorable! I'm sure DD and I will be calling it Michael's Private Elevator now, too cute!

I'm with you, any room in the main building is fantastic. Well, I have to broaden that to include any room at the GF, we just love being at the resort.

No, you don't sound argumentative at all. You have given me great info and saved me a lot of time searching the web for it. I wish they would make a standard size king room Theme park view a bookable room and not grouping the turret rooms with them. A couple of years ago when I stayed at the Poly I requested a room away fom the elevator. When the bellman took us to our room and we got off the elevator it was right next to it LOL. Fortunately they moved us to a different room down the hall. So i don't always trust "requests"

I know about Michael's private elevator. I used it last time I stayed at the GF. I thought it was a service elevator at first. I won't tell

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Mickeynut1 - I haven't seen a finish date, I need to go read on the DVC forums! Maybe someone over there has more info, I'll check it out if I get time tonight.

My guess is somewhere late 2013, but that's just a guess. By June 2013, I imagine there won't be much of the Poly visible from the main building rooms, but of course, you will still be able to see it from Big Pine Key. I could be overestimating how much the DVC building will block the Poly. ??

CoachBagFanatic - I'm glad he remembers, what a great childhood memory for him.

transam1283 - to be honest, I'm kind of surprised they haven't split the two king deluxe rooms into separate categories. The rooms are so different! I do like being able to book the turrets at the same price, though.

LOL about the elevator! It's fun, isn't it? You kind of feel like you are taking a secret escape route. Many of us still call it the pool elevator, so named as it was the best way to get to the courtyard pool when it was still the ONLY pool. I'm sure the guests in the large suites feel like it is their private elevator, since it is right in front of their doors.

 

[tigger1972]

Thanks everyone for the input on the deluxe king rooms! Sounds like no matter which one we get, there are plenty of positives to focus on! I can't wait!

 

[mickeynut1]

Mickeynut1 - I haven't seen a finish date, I need to go read on the DVC forums! Maybe someone over there has more info, I'll check it out if I get time tonight.

My guess is somewhere late 2013, but that's just a guess. By June 2013, I imagine there won't be much of the Poly visible from the main building rooms, but of course, you will still be able to see it from Big Pine Key. I could be overestimating how much the DVC building will block the Poly. ??

Thank you . I didn't even think of going over to the DVC forums...thanks for that suggestion . It wouldn't be a deal breaker if we couldn't see the Poly, but I just don't want to look at major construction from my balcony .

 

[nannye]

Just wondering if anyone knows the price of the Princess doll sold at The Grand Floridian is? I think it comes in the aurora outfit. It's around 16-18 inches and changes of clothes for different princesses, fairies, minnie are sold separately as well. It is the same doll given at the Perfectly Princess Tea Party

Thanks
Erin

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mickeynut1 - You're welcome! I have done some reading this morning, and found a few DVC threads that might be helpful. The first was a thread about the official announcement last December; one post and the linked Orlando Sentinel article give a late 2013 opening date, yet the official details posted show a late 2014 opening. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843728&highlight=grand+floridian

OS article: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...e-industry-bay-lake-tower-time-share-property

Another DVC thread asks when the points might go on sale: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2894422

Mousesteps has an early April update, with the 2013 opening date: http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=794&Itemid=65

HTH!

tigger1972 - I'm excited for you!

Just wondering if anyone knows the price of the Princess doll sold at The Grand Floridian is? I think it comes in the aurora outfit. It's around 16-18 inches and changes of clothes for different princesses, fairies, minnie are sold separately as well. It is the same doll given at the Perfectly Princess Tea Party

Thanks
Erin

Welcome! I'm sorry, but I have never seen or priced this item. I hope someone here will be able to help.

 

[mickeynut1]

mickeynut1 - You're welcome! I have done some reading this morning, and found a few DVC threads that might be helpful. The first was a thread about the official announcement last December; one post and the linked Orlando Sentinel article give a late 2013 opening date, yet the official details posted show a late 2014 opening. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843728&highlight=grand+floridian

OS article: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...e-industry-bay-lake-tower-time-share-property

Another DVC thread asks when the points might go on sale: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2894422

Mousesteps has an early April update, with the 2013 opening date: http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=794&Itemid=65

HTH!

It does help.....thanks so much . The DVC building will most likely block the Poly like you said, but as long as the view won't be of major construction, I'm good with that . Looks like I have some thinking to do before the 2013 rates come out and it's time to book .

 

[pas130]

That's right. I was so focused on answering the question that I forgot about going to Gasparilla's from "Michael's Private Elevator". This is what our DS used to call it when he was younger as we never saw anyone else use it except for one time (room service). So we told him that it was his private elevator He was 4 at the time and thought this was the coolest thing ever.

We tried to get TPV in the main building but it was not available, so we took standard in the main building. Me and DH really don't care what the view is just as long as we are staying RPC again. It's long over due.

That is cute!!!!! TPV RPC may still open up......

Good morning! I have spent the past few days trying to catch up on life having just spent 10 wonderful nights at my beloved GF!

Thank you for the review....still think it's a shame about the beach pool but only because I can't stay there because of it

I always said that I would stay in the basement at the GF if I had too. Well, maybe not the basement but you get the picture.

There are closets there with our name on it As long as I have CL access.....

 

[k&a&c'smom]

It does help.....thanks so much . The DVC building will most likely block the Poly like you said, but as long as the view won't be of major construction, I'm good with that . Looks like I have some thinking to do before the 2013 rates come out and it's time to book .

Yes, but you have a few months to decide. I think the rates for the following year come out around August? Is that right? Anyway, good luck with your decision. I believe this time next year will see much improvement in the construction. (at least that is what I console myself with, lol)

pas130 - a CL closet doesn't seem half bad right about now...

For anyone interested - the first thread linked in my above post has some great visuals on page 2. One poster superimposed the filing plans on the aerial view of the existing GF, to give an idea of what the layout will be. Further down the page are some artist's renderings of the new building.

 

[pas130]

pas130 - a CL closet doesn't seem half bad right about now...

Right? showers in the pool house....complete with shampoo, soap, hairdryers....CL lounge to chill out...give me my cot in the closet...good to go

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes, but you have a few months to decide. I think the rates for the following year come out around August? Is that right? Anyway, good luck with your decision. I believe this time next year will see much improvement in the construction. (at least that is what I console myself with, lol)

Yeah, I have some time, but I don't know if that's good or bad because I have changed my mind a million times in my head since we decided on dates to go....so there's no telling how many times I'll change (or want to change) once I book .

You're right....the rates usually come out in August, although the 2012 rates came out in early to mid June 2011.....it would be nice if they came out early again . I agree that it will probably be a big improvement construction-wise by this time next year. I am anxious to see what it looks like completed (or almost completed) .

 

[johnnyr]

I have a garden view room reserved in August. I want to request a 1st floor room with a patio. I thought about requesting Boca Chica, but given the fact that there is contruction going on not too far from there, would I be better off requesting something on the other side of the property?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas - Sounds good to me!

mickeynut1 - Too much time can be a bad thing, if you are prone to changes. I tend to leave mine until nearly the last minute, and THEN start second-guessing myself.

I'll keep my fingers crossed the rates for next year are out early this year, too.

I have a garden view room reserved in August. I want to request a 1st floor room with a patio. I thought about requesting Boca Chica, but given the fact that there is contruction going on not too far from there, would I be better off requesting something on the other side of the property?

Hi! Actually, Boca Chica is one of the buildings more removed from the construction - Big Pine Key is the one closest to where the building is being done. Several posters in this thread have recently been in Boca Chica, and have not had too much impact from the construction itself.

Everyone with a balcony over the courtyard reports the noise from the pool games is sometimes difficult, but that is only for a few hours in the afternoon. They moved the pool games to the courtyard from the themed pool a few weeks ago, and the movie on the beach is now a dive in movie in the courtyard.

If you want to be completely away from the noise, you could request Sago Cay. It is further from the pools, but close to the bus stop, marina and Gasparilla's. We stayed in this building last year, and it was very quiet.

 

[mickeynut1]

mickeynut1 - Too much time can be a bad thing, if you are prone to changes. I tend to leave mine until nearly the last minute, and THEN start second-guessing myself.

I'll keep my fingers crossed the rates for next year are out early this year, too.

In all of our trips since 2002, I'd book and never change a thing. Then all of a sudden for our December 2010 trip I started second guessing my choice and that's where I lost it......I think I changed 20 times before I finally made a decision . At that time we were getting close to our 45 days, so I knew it was time to make a final decision as I didn't want to pay any change fees . Now this darn construction is making me think twice about the GF (as I'm sure it has been with lots of others too).

 

[dragonfly57005]

Boca Chica is our fav building. We love the lagoon view.

And....I'll tale a CL closet too!

 

[pas130]

pas - Sounds good to me!

It may be a bookable category soon

Boca Chica is our fav building. We love the lagoon view.

And....I'll tale a CL closet too!

Wait list for the RPC broom closet

Yeah, I have some time, but I don't know if that's good or bad because I have changed my mind a million times in my head since we decided on dates to go....so there's no telling how many times I'll change (or want to change) once I book .

You're right....the rates usually come out in August, although the 2012 rates came out in early to mid June 2011.....it would be nice if they came out early again . I agree that it will probably be a big improvement construction-wise by this time next year. I am anxious to see what it looks like completed (or almost completed) .

The earlier I book the more changes I make....ugh who am I kidding....I change, and change some more...but the 45 day change fee makes you think

 

[bluejasmine]

Everything im reading says SL CL is crowded how bad will it be mud June? Will we even be able to get food/ drink especially breakfast and afternoon snacks? Planned on being at breakfast around 730