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

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for our trip - just two more days.

WDWKOOK - Thanks for your support, I know the thread will be in good hands with so many knowledgeable GF fans to carry on.

Jungle Cruiser - All the best for tomorrow, take good care of yourself and hope you don't get too worn out. Pixiedust, I'll be thinking of you, my friend.

micashell - Welcome! Congrats on your upcoming GF stay, I think you will love the resort even with the construction.

Try not to worry too much about the flight and travel details. It's such a small part of the vacation, and after a short travel day you'll be enjoying the resort and the magic of WDW with your little ones.

pixie921 - Welcome, and thanks for coming out of lurkdom to give us your review. I'm glad you loved the main building overall, and had a good stay - cute about your son and the band! It isn't normally the type of music I would listen to, either, but at the GF it just fits. We can listen for hours, it's one of our favorite pastimes.

So sorry to hear about the glove mixup, but I'm glad your whole stay wasn't affected!

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about wanting to be in the LMPC - we'll make you an honorary member. I wish I could be more like you and BCV23, and get it done early, but MY personality won't let me. I'm so afraid of leaving something crucial behind, I can't start until I can pack it all.

pas - Oh, that tricky WDW video!

 

[michashell]

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for our trip - just two more days.

WDWKOOK - Thanks for your support, I know the thread will be in good hands with so many knowledgeable GF fans to carry on.

Jungle Cruiser - All the best for tomorrow, take good care of yourself and hope you don't get too worn out. Pixiedust, I'll be thinking of you, my friend.

micashell - Welcome! Congrats on your upcoming GF stay, I think you will love the resort even with the construction.

Try not to worry too much about the flight and travel details. It's such a small part of the vacation, and after a short travel day you'll be enjoying the resort and the magic of WDW with your little ones.

pixie921 - Welcome, and thanks for coming out of lurkdom to give us your review. I'm glad you loved the main building overall, and had a good stay - cute about your son and the band! It isn't normally the type of music I would listen to, either, but at the GF it just fits. We can listen for hours, it's one of our favorite pastimes.

So sorry to hear about the glove mixup, but I'm glad your whole stay wasn't affected!

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about wanting to be in the LMPC - we'll make you an honorary member. I wish I could be more like you and BCV23, and get it done early, but MY personality won't let me. I'm so afraid of leaving something crucial behind, I can't start until I can pack it all.

pas - Oh, that tricky WDW video!

Thanks so much everyone for calming my construction fears! I am so super excited to stay at GF and to experience DW with my children. It will be such a different adventure than when my husband and I use to vacation there pre-kids.

I have a few more questions.

Laundry
And now that I have kids, I also plan to have to do laundry at the resort as not to completely overpack. I believe each building has a laundry room except SL. Is there a better time of day to plan on washing clothes.

Parking
We will probably have a rental car. Since self parking sounds to be quite a hike, we are planning on using valet parking. If we valat at GF and then go to dinner at the Poly would we pay twice? That's probably not the best example. However, I was thinking in terms of construction and the possibility of the monorail not being available when we had an ADR at one of the monorail resorts.

Strollers
I remember years ago seeing stroller exchange forums. Does that still exist or is the practice discouraged? We were thinking of picking up an inexpensive umbrella stroller on the way from the airport. I'd like to pass it along to someone, if possible.

Thanks so much!

 

[pixie921]

pixie921, thank you for the review. The best reviews are the honest ones, since it helps other's consider what may be important to them. That latex gloves being used in food preparation is not an issue for us, but for something else it may be important!

I'm glad to have shared my review -- I know how much everyone else's reviews, info and photos helped us prepare for our trip. They even saved us some money -- we'd booked a cabana, but as soon as I saw the photos of the blocked off beach pool, we cancelled and were glad we did!

pixie921 - Welcome, and thanks for coming out of lurkdom to give us your review. I'm glad you loved the main building overall, and had a good stay - cute about your son and the band! It isn't normally the type of music I would listen to, either, but at the GF it just fits. We can listen for hours, it's one of our favorite pastimes.

So sorry to hear about the glove mixup, but I'm glad your whole stay wasn't affected!

Thanks!! And I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[mindy20]

We are at the GF now, checked in on Saturday and I have to say I LOVE this place. This is our first time at GF. You might remember I have been back and forth in trying to choose RPC or standard room. We chose RPC at the last minute and now I know why you all love it so much, there is just something special about it. We are on the 4th floor same as the lounge and even though we have DXDP its so nice to grab a iced tea, scone, cookie & milk for the kids as we walk to the elevator. I really like how the lounge is open not in a room. We stayed at BWI and we didnt use the Lounge at all because we felt so crowded in the room it was in, plus it was a conveinent walk by it was out of our way to go there. The main bldg is the place to be at GF love being so close to everything we jumped on the monorail yesterday and I think we were at MK in about 10 minutes max after we left our room...FABULOUS !! Also I was worried about construction, our room does overlook the construction but it doesnt bother me at all. Spent alot of time at the beach pool yesterday and I can see where the view would be nice without the wall, but my kids had a blast. My 3 year old loved the water slide. We rented a cabana (it makes things much easier with 3 kids) and they were so helpful and took great care of us. I LOVE IT HERE !!!

 

[BCV23]

We will try to answer questions in k&a&c'smom's absence. No letting this thread fall to page 2! You are going to have to help me out pas and BVC23...chemo tomorrow so I may be out of the loop for a couple of days

You're in my thoughts and prayers. I hope this round isn't too bad and you're feeling very well soon.

We'll all pitch in to cover for you and k&a&c'smom. I'm off to our DD's graduation this weekend and WDW next week but I'll do my best to help when I can. No second page for the FAQ!

In the event of Jeanette and BCV23 being unable to serve in the capacity as substitute k&a&c'smom and Jungle Cruiser, I shall heretofore try my darndedest to not this this beloved thread fall to depths only seen before by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Nautilus...

Hurry back soon, JC

LOL.....love the image. BTW, we're staying at BWV for our first time next week. I started reading your FAQ for that resort. Lovely job. Thanks so much!

 

[pas130]

We will try to answer questions in k&a&c'smom's absence. No letting this thread fall to page 2! You are going to have to help me out pas and BVC23...chemo tomorrow so I may be out of the loop for a couple of days

Absolutely!!!! Prayers hugs and love my friend WE WILL NOT SETTLE FOR PG 2. I have no issue bumping WL/GF and of course the RC threads

In the event of Jeanette and BCV23 being unable to serve in the capacity as substitute k&a&c'smom and Jungle Cruiser, I shall heretofore try my darndedest to not this this beloved thread fall to depths only seen before by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Nautilus...

Hurry back soon, JC

As there is NO substitute for k&a&c'smom....collectively we can do it

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for our trip - just two more days.



pas - Oh, that tricky WDW video!

ENJOY THE DARKSIDE Have a wonderful, safe trip....warn HRH that a crazy family from NJ will be there soon!!!!

Thanks so much everyone for calming my construction fears! I am so super excited to stay at GF and to experience DW with my children. It will be such a different adventure than when my husband and I use to vacation there pre-kids.

I have a few more questions.

Laundry
And now that I have kids, I also plan to have to do laundry at the resort as not to completely overpack. I believe each building has a laundry room except SL. Is there a better time of day to plan on washing clothes.

Parking
We will probably have a rental car. Since self parking sounds to be quite a hike, we are planning on using valet parking. If we valat at GF and then go to dinner at the Poly would we pay twice? That's probably not the best example. However, I was thinking in terms of construction and the possibility of the monorail not being available when we had an ADR at one of the monorail resorts.


Thanks so much!

I do laundry at night, and sit by the marina It actually gives me some alone time We do the self park, but others here can help with your valet question. You'll love the Grand

We are at the GF now, checked in on Saturday and I have to say I LOVE this place. This is our first time at GF. You might remember I have been back and forth in trying to choose RPC or standard room. We chose RPC at the last minute and now I know why you all love it so much, there is just something special about it. We are on the 4th floor same as the lounge and even though we have DXDP its so nice to grab a iced tea, scone, cookie & milk for the kids as we walk to the elevator. I really like how the lounge is open not in a room. We stayed at BWI and we didnt use the Lounge at all because we felt so crowded in the room it was in, plus it was a conveinent walk by it was out of our way to go there. The main bldg is the place to be at GF love being so close to everything we jumped on the monorail yesterday and I think we were at MK in about 10 minutes max after we left our room...FABULOUS !! Also I was worried about construction, our room does overlook the construction but it doesnt bother me at all. Spent alot of time at the beach pool yesterday and I can see where the view would be nice without the wall, but my kids had a blast. My 3 year old loved the water slide. We rented a cabana (it makes things much easier with 3 kids) and they were so helpful and took great care of us. I LOVE IT HERE !!!

Glad you are having a GRAND time

No second page for the FAQ!

That's right!! We got this covered

 

[baler31]

Thanks so much everyone for calming my construction fears! I am so super excited to stay at GF and to experience DW with my children. It will be such a different adventure than when my husband and I use to vacation there pre-kids.

I have a few more questions.

Laundry
And now that I have kids, I also plan to have to do laundry at the resort as not to completely overpack. I believe each building has a laundry room except SL. Is there a better time of day to plan on washing clothes.

Parking
We will probably have a rental car. Since self parking sounds to be quite a hike, we are planning on using valet parking. If we valat at GF and then go to dinner at the Poly would we pay twice? That's probably not the best example. However, I was thinking in terms of construction and the possibility of the monorail not being available when we had an ADR at one of the monorail resorts.

Strollers
I remember years ago seeing stroller exchange forums. Does that still exist or is the practice discouraged? We were thinking of picking up an inexpensive umbrella stroller on the way from the airport. I'd like to pass it along to someone, if possible.

Thanks so much!

Valet is for all the resorts, you will not need to pay at each resort for the parking but will need to tip the valets. Just make sure you tell/show them your permit from GF. Also, double check your hotel folio to make sure you were not charged again as it can happen in error. They will remove the charge promptly when brought to their attention.

 

[lz1982]

The FAQ says the resort opened in August, 1988. My family visited in July, 1988, over the July 4th weekend. We stayed at the Contemporary, but visited the Grand Floridian and had dinner at Victoria and Albert's. I just did some searching online and found out that three different opening dates are listed, ranging from June-August, 1988. Was there a "soft opening" in June? I was only five at the time (they let kids into V&A's at the time), so I don't remember if the hotel seemed brand-new to me.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Me, too! When our children were young, it sometimes ended up being last minute just because there was not an extra minute in the day but now that I have time on my hands, just can't wait!

I think maybe with me if I am not planning or doing something related to Disney I feel lost. So If I start packing early, I feel like I am getting my Disney fix. Not sure if that makes any sense but to me it does.

Amazes me I OCD plan a year out, but I am a packing Procrastinor All good, I make little sense anyway

Oh me too pas. Sometimes my DH and DS just look at me and say, HUH

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about wanting to be in the LMPC - we'll make you an honorary member. I wish I could be more like you and BCV23, and get it done early, but MY personality won't let me. I'm so afraid of leaving something crucial behind, I can't start until I can pack it all.

Thank you. I feel like I am one of the group now. Well kind of. OK even though I started getting outfits and things of this nature together already I am going to see how close to the trip I can wait to get more things together and pack.

Have a safe and fun trip.

 

[garada3]

Laundry
And now that I have kids, I also plan to have to do laundry at the resort as not to completely overpack. I believe each building has a laundry room except SL. Is there a better time of day to plan on washing clothes.

You are correct, each building has a laundry room except for SL. If my memory is accurate, each laundry room is small - perhaps only two/three washers and dryers. The machines seemed to always be full - not necessarily running but full.

I found that early morning (prior to 6:00) was a good time to try to take care of the chore. Evening and late nights always seemed to be busy.

I would use my rolling suitcase as a laundry basket and I brought laundry sheets from home rather than purchase from the machines. I brought quarters from home too but I think that there are change machines available.

The last time I used an outer building washer they were the old-school top loading style so the all-in-one detergent/softener sheets will work. The main building laundry had front loading machines so those convenient sheets would not work.

I wish the Grand had a laundry room like the Poly or the Yacht Club - lots of machines in a not so cramped space. Many machines = less time doing laundry for a family of five

 

[k&a&c'smom]

You are all so wonderful! Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

micashell - I do not know about the stroller exchange, you might check on the Budget forums. Seems I've seen people posting there about the fridge swap.

CoachBagFanatic - You are definitely part of the group. BTW - I do at least start laying swim wear, night clothes, etc. out on a spare bed about a week or so prior.

The FAQ says the resort opened in August, 1988. My family visited in July, 1988, over the July 4th weekend. We stayed at the Contemporary, but visited the Grand Floridian and had dinner at Victoria and Albert's. I just did some searching online and found out that three different opening dates are listed, ranging from June-August, 1988. Was there a "soft opening" in June? I was only five at the time (they let kids into V&A's at the time), so I don't remember if the hotel seemed brand-new to me.

Welcome! Glad you've joined us!

What an interesting question, and how awesome you remember a visit to the GF when you were such a little thing. I do not know the answer, if my illustrious predecessor, CaliforniaDreaming is out there he probably knows. Many, many DISers have contributed over the years and if I recall, I copied the introduction and description of the Grand from his FAQ thread - well, actually from the mod CanadianGuy's thread, but I think it originated with Cali-D.

Hopefully, someone will be able to answer this - WDWKOOK is especially good at this kind of research. Fun trivia quest! If you find a definitive answer, be sure to post.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I wish the Grand had a laundry room like the Poly or the Yacht Club - lots of machines in a not so cramped space. Many machines = less time doing laundry for a family of five

Amen to that! Although it is nice to have machines in each building so you do not have to go outside, it is cramped and can be tough to find an open machine. As you say, only 2 machines per building - the last time we were in the main bldg. I think there was 1 washer/1 dryer!

There are change machines, but we have had to go to the front desk for change more than once. They seem to have trouble keeping all the change machines going, even at the resorts where there are larger laundry rooms.

 

[BCV23]

I actually don't remember change machines. Maybe they are new?

Safe travels, k&a&c'smom!

 

[pas130]

Have a fantabulous trip with your DD k&a&c'smom!!!

I think maybe with me if I am not planning or doing something related to Disney I feel lost. So If I start packing early, I feel like I am getting my Disney fix. Not sure if that makes any sense but to me it does.



Oh me too pas. Sometimes my DH and DS just look at me and say, HUH

It DOES make sense...that's why I like online check in My DH has given up on me 3trips ago the kiddos too

I actually don't remember change machines. Maybe they are new?

Safe travels, k&a&c'smom!

I don't remember change machines...we were in sugarloaf so Iwent next door, got change from Gasparilla's easy peasy. Sat out by the marina watching the castle change colors...in was 10pm (just put the kids to bed)

 

[mindy20]

Looks like they are doing some work in the beach area today

 

[lz1982]

Welcome! Glad you've joined us!

What an interesting question, and how awesome you remember a visit to the GF when you were such a little thing. I do not know the answer, if my illustrious predecessor, CaliforniaDreaming is out there he probably knows. Many, many DISers have contributed over the years and if I recall, I copied the introduction and description of the Grand from his FAQ thread - well, actually from the mod CanadianGuy's thread, but I think it originated with Cali-D.

Hopefully, someone will be able to answer this - WDWKOOK is especially good at this kind of research. Fun trivia quest! If you find a definitive answer, be sure to post.

Thanks! It's in our family photo albums, so that's how I know the dates for sure (plus, I know we were there for 4th of July). Also, as you can imagine, the GF makes a big impression on a little kid!

 

[BCV23]

The FAQ says the resort opened in August, 1988. My family visited in July, 1988, over the July 4th weekend. We stayed at the Contemporary, but visited the Grand Floridian and had dinner at Victoria and Albert's. I just did some searching online and found out that three different opening dates are listed, ranging from June-August, 1988. Was there a "soft opening" in June? I was only five at the time (they let kids into V&A's at the time), so I don't remember if the hotel seemed brand-new to me.

What a cool memory. If you find out anything more definitive about the opening months, please let us know.

I think maybe with me if I am not planning or doing something related to Disney I feel lost. So If I start packing early, I feel like I am getting my Disney fix. Not sure if that makes any sense but to me it does.

I don't remember change machines...we were in sugarloaf so Iwent next door, got change from Gasparilla's easy peasy. Sat out by the marina watching the castle change colors...in was 10pm (just put the kids to bed)

Oh, good. I'm glad my memory hasn't completely failed me.

mindy20, I love seeing that photo (and the work ). Thanks for sharing. I hope you're having a Grand time.

k&a&c'smom, hope your travels were easy. Enjoy your vacation.

Jungle Cruiser, thinking of you. Feel better soon.

 

[pas130]

Oh, good. I'm glad my memory hasn't completely failed me.

Or we both have lost it JK, there was a soap dispenser machine

Jungle Cruiser, thinking of you. Feel better soon.

Yes she is definitely in my thoughts and prayers as well

 

[BCV23]

Or we both have lost it JK, there was a soap dispenser machine

Yep, remember that, too.

How long until the beach is open again.? Any guesses GF fans?

 

[pas130]

Yep, remember that, too.

How long until the beach is open again.? Any guesses GF fans?

Well my DD (AKA the youngest ever RCer) decided she doesn't want GF until the construction is done.....hence BC in Sept (until that changes to Poly ) I guess it will stay closed until next year


And a little note So far so good for jungle cruiser Let's keep the prayers and going