Thanks, everyone, for the welcome back! I know you've done a great job, never a doubt.
When I get time, I'm going to go back and read what I missed.
sfmarine - Sorry about your aunt, how disappointing for her and you.
As others posted, Boca Chica is very near the courtyard pool (and pool bar, yay!) and the boat dock, Narcoossee's, etc. Conch Key is a good choice, too.
WDWKOOK - I know, I know - when I was preparing to leave, I looked at the number of pages and felt I probably had enough time to travel and recover before needing to start the new thread.
After looking at the resort, I think I would stay at the GF on our next visit to Orlando - if there was a good discount. Even though the construction has encroached on the peace of the courtyard, and it feels more closed in than I expected, the lobby was still relaxing and the resort is beautiful.
Jungle Cruiser - how are you, my friend?
The construction was very much as I expected, you have all given such a good description of the work.
NML11383 - Welcome!
Ask anything you like, we are here to help.
Best wishes for your upcoming marriage, and congrats on booking the GF for your honeymoon. Such a romantic resort.
I believe you made a great choice, even with the construction.
The GF beach is narrowed to a small strip of sand, no hammocks left as they seem to have been removed for the fencing. I believe there is still a swing, but I'll have to look at my photos. You can sit at the Summerhouse landing and look out at the beach area and lagoon. Not a hammock, but still relaxing. Or hang out at the courtyard pool, or around the marina, or in the lobby. I know you've stated you aren't indoor people, but I think you will be more so once you've spent a bit of time in the GF lobby.
You can certainly walk over to the Poly and sit on their beach - everyone is allowed to do so.
The monorail was running the afternoon and evening we visited. When we asked a CM at the GF station about delays, he said they aren't scheduled now; whenever the construction crane gets close to the line, the monorail is halted and a CM walks out to physically watch until the coast is clear, radioing the info to the monorail conductors. Keep in mind - any monorail slow downs or stoppages will affect ALL monorail resorts, not just the GF, so switching to the Poly won't help in that regard.
I can't say whether the GF is worth it
to you, but it sounds like you will be saving some cash vs. the Poly, so that's something! We are Poly lovers from way back, but once we started staying at the GF it was hard to go anywhere else.
ETA: I took quite a few photos of the beach area on our recent visit, when I get them uploaded I'll be glad to post them.
I hope you will post a comparison/review when you return!
I hear ya!
We are back from our trip, we had a wonderful time and loved our stay at HRH and PBH.
back and it sounds like DH and the DDs (Dear/Disney Dogs) had a great time
When are you going again?!
the a quick TR..then a 2012 GF thread....oh boy, no pressure 
This will move us back...
Hi pas130 How are you? Your trip is only a couple of days away. I am excited for you guys.
