The *NEW* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread (Nov 2007)

[Tinkaroo]

How old are your children? Ours are 3 and 4, so car seats would be needed - I think that rules out a cab for us.

We had a car on our last trip...and saw those long lines. We won't be staying at AK until close, so hopefully the line won't be too bad. But we will be staying for Fantasmic at DHS - so I am preparing for the worst.

Back to my original question though, does anyone know how many stops there are from GF to DHS and AK? Is the bus from TTC direct - has anyone done this?

Thanks!

I think it can depend on the season, time of day, etc. The only time I've ever used the buses was when we were staying in '05. I don't remember taking a bus to the AK, but do remember a bus to DHS went straight there from the GF, but on the way back, I think we dropped off at the WL. I've also seen GF buses share with the Poly and CR. One time coming back from DTD late at night, we had to sit through going to FW, WL, and then finally the GF - that bus ride took well over an hour.

For those reasons alone, we always have our own rental car. Unlike those that hate driving on their vacation, I absolutely DESPISE any bus transportation!

3 questions
1. Please describe the garden view rooms (possible views)
2. Can you see the MK fireworks/castle from the beach
3. Is there a walkway to the MK like the one from CR to Mk
Thanks for your help

1. The possible views are of the grounds/gardens, pools, or marina (for Sago and Conch Key only).
2. The best place to see the fireworks and castle is from the GF marina, in front of Gasparilla's Grill, the resort launch dock, and Narcoossee's. I think the angle of the GF beach (looking more towards the Poly) makes seeing the Castle difficult.
3. No.

 

[BCV23]

How old are your children? Ours are 3 and 4, so car seats would be needed - I think that rules out a cab for us.

We had a car on our last trip...and saw those long lines. We won't be staying at AK until close, so hopefully the line won't be too bad. But we will be staying for Fantasmic at DHS - so I am preparing for the worst.

Back to my original question though, does anyone know how many stops there are from GF to DHS and AK? Is the bus from TTC direct - has anyone done this?

Thanks!

I doubt the law requires car seats for kids in taxis. Check on the transportation board....someone will know for sure. But we always get a rental car anyway.

The GF is the the last stop before DHS. It's also the last resort to be dropped off on the return trip.

The buses are direct to and from the TTC. It is a great option at the Polynesian but I wouldn't do it from the GF at least for the buses to the parks. It's about a 20 minute walk to the buses (they're at the far end of the TTC) and the buses there run every 20 minutes. Returning from the parks, I have sometimes taken whichever comes first....Polynesian or TTC. For the GF, you could then choose to hop the resort monorail or make the walk. But we do have a car so the my bus rides have been limited....just times when we split up.

Editing to add I didn't see your answer to this Tinkaroo. Not quite sure how I missed it!?

 

[NEWireless]

When I went to the Poly as a kid in the late '70s we would swim in the lagoon from the beach out to a floating dock. We would also water ski.

Now, I hear people saying the lagoon is gross - stay out.

Anyone have any recent experience to share?

Thanks.

-Bryan

 

[praline3001]

When I went to the Poly as a kid in the late '70s we would swim in the lagoon from the beach out to a floating dock. We would also water ski.

Now, I hear people saying the lagoon is gross - stay out.

Anyone have any recent experience to share?

Thanks.

-Bryan

I too as a child swam in the lagoon. Its not so much the grossness that won't allow you to swim in it. There is a deadly bacteria in the water. Let me see if I can find a link to explain it better....
http://www.ecofloridamag.com/askeditor_waterborne_illness.htm

Disney doesn't want to risk the lawsuit or guest safety so swimming in the lagoon is a big no no.

 

[NEWireless]

Wow! I never heard of Naegleria fowleri before. Really scary.

Thanks for the link.

Looking forward to lots of fun IN THE POOL!

-Bryan

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks for the pictures Mr. Mike!!!!

Re: AK bus route, you will stop at Blizzard Beach after leaving the GF before going to AK when Blizzard Beach is open. You will also go to Blizzard beach immediately after leaving AK, then WL, then the GF. DHS was a much more direct route (Only shared with WL and they were picked up first)

To the poster wanting to know about Garden View rooms, the view is just that- a garden. (Or a pool or the marina) There are no parking lot views at the GF.

 

[praline3001]

Wow! I never heard of Naegleria fowleri before. Really scary.

Thanks for the link.

Looking forward to lots of fun IN THE POOL!

-Bryan

From what I understand, its fairly rare to catch the bacteria but not worth the risk to go skinny dipping in the lagoon

 

[BCV23]

Re: AK bus route, you will stop at Blizzard Beach after leaving the GF before going to AK when Blizzard Beach is open. You will also go to Blizzard beach immediately after leaving AK, then WL, then the GF. DHS was a much more direct route (Only shared with WL and they were picked up first)

I always forget that Blizzard Beach stop. Sorry. I'll go back and correct my previous post.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I always forget that Blizzard Beach stop. Sorry. I'll go back and correct my previous post.

Don't worry about it That route is burned in my brain because it seems like going to AK always took the longest!!!

 

[goofygal531]

How old are your children? Ours are 3 and 4, so car seats would be needed - I think that rules out a cab for us.

Carseats are not required when using any form of public transporation, which includes taxis, limos and buses.

We take taxis all the time here in NYC, I just hold my DS1 on my lap and put the seat belt over both of us. DS4 sits right next to me and I put my arm around him. I also tell the driver to drive SLOW, due to the children.

On taxis in WDW, we used them a few times when the bus line is crazy. My DH agrees with Praline - time is money in Disney! We got the card of one of our cab drivers and call him when we need a ride. He's usually on WDW property and comes within minutes. Sometimes, it's not easy to find a cab, so having a number to call helps. If there is a cab waiting, then we jump right in

That route is burned in my brain because it seems like going to AK always took the longest!!!

That's why so many people joke that AK is located in Georgia! The drive really feels like it sometimes!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

That's why so many people joke that AK is located in Georgia! The drive really feels like it sometimes!

For me, it wasn't so much getting there, but coming back... I HATED being the third stop

 

[praline3001]

Carseats are not required when using any form of public transporation, which includes taxis, limos and buses.

We take taxis all the time here in NYC, I just hold my DS1 on my lap and put the seat belt over both of us. DS4 sits right next to me and I put my arm around him. I also tell the driver to drive SLOW, due to the children.

On taxis in WDW, we used them a few times when the bus line is crazy. My DH agrees with Praline - time is money in Disney!

Your DH is a smart man. Not only are you looking at the time waiting for the bus, the extra stops but also the stress level of the family. Kids .... all kids even the best... have their limits to stressful situations. Standing in line waiting for a bus for an hour is a huge stresser on kids. Most kids need a break after a stressful event or they are not in the best of moods... more prone to whining and arguing...making mom and dad not so thrilled. Compare that to a short 20 minute cab ride with no waits and problems and by far the most bang for your buck is the cab when you take into consideration all you spent for in your vacation package. If there are only adults in the party, then the bus may be cheaper.... but with kids that is PRIME melt down times!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

well look what the cat dragged in

 

[praline3001]

well look what the cat dragged in

<gasp> your not speaking about me are you?!?!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

umm yeah I am
I have missed you friend but I will chat with you on the GF chat thread

 

[Marc A.]

About when do the X-mas deco's come up???

 

[IUHoosiers]

Carseats are not required when using any form of public transporation, which includes taxis, limos and buses.

We take taxis all the time here in NYC, I just hold my DS1 on my lap and put the seat belt over both of us. DS4 sits right next to me and I put my arm around him. I also tell the driver to drive SLOW, due to the children.

On taxis in WDW, we used them a few times when the bus line is crazy. My DH agrees with Praline - time is money in Disney! We got the card of one of our cab drivers and call him when we need a ride. He's usually on WDW property and comes within minutes. Sometimes, it's not easy to find a cab, so having a number to call helps. If there is a cab waiting, then we jump right in



That's why so many people joke that AK is located in Georgia! The drive really feels like it sometimes!

Thanks to everyone who provided insight on the bus routes from GF to DHS and AK....we would MUCH prefer to take a cab, I just didn't think we could without car seats. Forget the tired kids, I am the worst!! Anxious to get there and anxious to leave! We had our car in February, but will be without in September. Since we are on the monorail, I was hoping to avoid the cost of renting a car. A cab would be great. I remember seeing a long line of them when we left AK last time.

 

[jockey]

We have stayed at the GF many times but this time want to stay at the main building, what extra do we get for our $$$$, please share your experiences

 

[padisneylover]

We have stayed at the GF many times but this time want to stay at the main building, what extra do we get for our $$$$, please share your experiences

Having only stayed in the main building and returning there again this year it is for the following reasons.
1. Being in the same building with all the restrauants.
2. Just a floor up or down to the monorail.
3. The bountiful food and drinks in the club level as well as excellent service from all of the staff.
4. The ability to come out of our room and sit in a quite area and listen to the paino or band when they are playing.

These are the reasons I am willing to pay the extra bucks, is it worth it we think so

 

[jockey]

Having only stayed in the main building and returning there again this year it is for the following reasons.
1. Being in the same building with all the restrauants.
2. Just a floor up or down to the monorail.
3. The bountiful food and drinks in the club level as well as excellent service from all of the staff.
4. The ability to come out of our room and sit in a quite area and listen to the paino or band when they are playing.

These are the reasons I am willing to pay the extra bucks, is it worth it we think so

Thanks, the idea of just coming out of the room to listen to the band really appeals to me


What time do they serve food and drinks to in the evening?