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

[Lives4Disney]

You guys that are leaving SOON have a wonderful time!! Take tons of pics to show and share. ANybody going to post from the Grand??? I hope you all have a blast!

Never, I think you can wear whatever you want. Nobody will know what the real temps are. For Xmas last year at the Grand, we wore red cashmere sweaters and my girls wore their velvet dresses & tights - it was a sticky humid 80 degrees outside!!!! Whatever...... It's your party.

DVC Mary, I am about 30 min drive NW of Woodfield. Wow, I always thought the WDW pools were cold!! I know I am getting old now. They heat them to 82 degrees. Well, they USED to before they started cheaping out on little things. Nowadays I don't know if they ARE actually heated. We have gone in July and the pool water has been ok for me at that time. There are two pools at teh GF so if one is down the other will be available.

Fishy&2Guppies....the boats were running during the Xmas party until about an hour before the end. I think they run like that generally....stop about an hour prior to closing time. Not sure why though???

Hey Praline - girls only trips are more fun anyway!!! But, I do hope your guys get better and can tag along.

Happy packing!

Lives4Disney

 

[arbonnette]

2 1/2 days and I will be walking into that lobby
The nice people from GF sent me the cutest card welcoming me for my upcoming trip. I guess its the little things like this that makes staying deluxe so special

(okay so if the values send cards I don't wanna know about it ... let me at least think I am special )

Sorry to hear abouut your DH and DS. I hope they recover mostly by Friday!
And feel special ... We didn't get a card welcoming us!

I have not packed or done anything yet. We have so much going on with DD's school for Mardi Gras and I have not even had a minute to sit down lately. I am also planning her birthday party for when we return. But when I walk into the GF next Monday, I will forget about everything for a week ... hopefully, the crowds won't be horrible. What is this talk about 12000 cheerleaders?!

 

[arbonnette]

You guys that are leaving SOON have a wonderful time!! Take tons of pics to show and share. ANybody going to post from the Grand??? I hope you all have a blast!

Channing, I hope to post from the GF if I can get the wireless to work on my new laptop ... I am crossing my fingers!

Have a great day, everybody!
- Andrea

 

[praline3001]

I am not taking a laptop with me. DH says its vacation so no computers

I was kidding about leaving them behind... They will go one way or another
Savannah and I are planning a girls trip this summer and I am excited about it. We have never done a mother/daughter trip before (she is only 6)

 

[werfamily]

Alicnwondrln Thanks for the advice on ordering a custom cake. Linda called me back this morning and I was able to order exactly what I wanted. I was even able to get an 8" cake, even though I've been reading on the cake thread that customized cakes had to be at least 10". We're also using Lives4Disney's advice and having it delivered to the room.

I really appreciate the knowledge of all you Disney veterans!

 

[Tink rules]

Better be careful...you're likely to end up as one of us...

Come to think of it... You already are!!! Take lots of pics and let us know how you did!!!

 

[werfamily]

Better be careful...you're likely to end up as one of us...

I know...I can feel myself being pulled in...

I think I'm more excited than my kids!

 

[Tink rules]

Resistance is futile!!!

 

[tinklvr64]

Count me in as another Northern IL person. We live near Woodfield Mall, so we can go over the Doorway to Dreams store when we need a quick fix.

My boys will be swimming in 70 too b/c Disney heats their pools almost at a perfect bathwater temp. I'm watching the weather for our trip carefully. I'll have to plan their pool trips carefully to make sure we're at the warmest part of the day.

Does anyone know if the GF pool has started refurb or when it will be done?

DVC Mary~Hi to another Illini
We live about 15 min from Oakbrook Mall, so when I need a outside shopping fix we go there otherwise we go to Woodfield...remember the huge Disney store they used to have? I also miss Marshall Fields that was MY store! Just not the same with Macy's although Nordstrom will do
Have fun...its got to be warmer there than here, especially tonight!

 

[Lives4Disney]

DVC Mary~Hi to another Illini
We live about 15 min from Oakbrook Mall, so when I need a outside shopping fix we go there otherwise we go to Woodfield...remember the huge Disney store they used to have? I also miss Marshall Fields that was MY store! Just not the same with Macy's although Nordstrom will do
Have fun...its got to be warmer there than here, especially tonight!

Hey, Tinklvr - we used to live in Lombard when DS was born! Small world. Now we are too far north and I never go to Oakbrook Mall anymore. Barely make it to Woodfield these days.

Lives4Disney

 

[tinklvr64]

Hey, Tinklvr - we used to live in Lombard when DS was born! Small world. Now we are too far north and I never go to Oakbrook Mall anymore. Barely make it to Woodfield these days.

Lives4Disney

Isn't it a small world and what makes Disney sooo great...do you ever see peeps from your town when you are at Disney? Once when we were there walking through AK a student from my school and her family saw me and starting screaming my name! I wasn't even paying attention b'cause who ever thinks some is calling you at Disney? They caught up to us and we still talk about it to this day! We always run into someone we know!

Stay warm, Tinklvr

 

[Lives4Disney]

Isn't it a small world and what makes Disney sooo great...do you ever see peeps from your town when you are at Disney? Once when we were there walking through AK a student from my school and her family saw me and starting screaming my name! I wasn't even paying attention b'cause who ever thinks some is calling you at Disney? They caught up to us and we still talk about it to this day! We always run into someone we know!

Stay warm, Tinklvr

We are having that blizzard.... The snow is blowing sideways.

Ya, we actually have seen people we know several times! I forgot about that, but we have - and it's pretty neat when it happens.

Happy snowstorm! Maybe we will get a snow day tomorrow???

I just talked to my GF CM friend tonight and I could hear the band in the background. I miss that place - plus she told me it was 73 degrees!!!! Can't wait til March.

PS...Michelle, I love your cute little GF retro avatar. So neat!

Lives4Disney

 

[NeverSayNever]

Hi!

Ok, I have started the dreaded packing... I needed a break and a fix to give me incentive to continue. Urghhh... I realy laothe it and I am discovering what i thought fit my kids mayby close (they are growing like total weeds) which means I am going to have try some stuff on them and that will jsut delay the whole thing.

I know I have asked this a million times.. but I need more help on the weather thing... I know in the evenings we will probably need pants and a hoodie or long sleeve shirt etc...(although we are really only around the hotel at night) but what about int he mornings when you head off to the parks??? At about what time is it usually warm enough to be in the shorts and t-shirts... Maybe I am over thinking this.. but when I look at the forecast it has a huge spread low 50 high 80... This isgong to be even stupidier (is that a word?) but how is the humidity... Is it like hot and sticky or??? (Ok can you tell I have not been to FL much) When we werer there in Sept it was over 90 and the humidity was just about as bad... I know it won't be like that but?

Sorry for the rambles... I always get a little wacky about traveling and I really don't like flying...

Oh... I did not get a chance to order anythign through Linda... Has anyone ever done it once they are down there?? Is it too late then?

I should be able to post while I am there... although I won't have laptop, I did get an Itouch for XMAS so that will work... where ever there is WIFI. Is the WIFI only in the main building or does it extend to the other buildings? Anyone know?

Alright, I gotta get back to some part of the packing.. maybe toiletries... the kids pj's that should be easy right???

Best,

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi!

Ok, I have started the dreaded packing... I needed a break and a fix to give me incentive to continue. Urghhh... I realy laothe it and I am discovering what i thought fit my kids mayby close (they are growing like total weeds) which means I am going to have try some stuff on them and that will jsut delay the whole thing.

I know I have asked this a million times.. but I need more help on the weather thing... I know in the evenings we will probably need pants and a hoodie or long sleeve shirt etc...(although we are really only around the hotel at night) but what about int he mornings when you head off to the parks??? At about what time is it usually warm enough to be in the shorts and t-shirts... Maybe I am over thinking this.. but when I look at the forecast it has a huge spread low 50 high 80... This isgong to be even stupidier (is that a word?) but how is the humidity... Is it like hot and sticky or??? (Ok can you tell I have not been to FL much) When we werer there in Sept it was over 90 and the humidity was just about as bad... I know it won't be like that but?

Sorry for the rambles... I always get a little wacky about traveling and I really don't like flying...

Oh... I did not get a chance to order anythign through Linda... Has anyone ever done it once they are down there?? Is it too late then?

I should be able to post while I am there... although I won't have laptop, I did get an Itouch for XMAS so that will work... where ever there is WIFI. Is the WIFI only in the main building or does it extend to the other buildings? Anyone know?

Alright, I gotta get back to some part of the packing.. maybe toiletries... the kids pj's that should be easy right???

Best,

Never, you are overthinking the packing - temp thing. The low will happen way in the middle of the night. How about just doing capris? Just bring capris, tees, sweatshirts and a few jackets - that's where i go wrong...bringing too many different jackets, haha.... The humidity shouldn't be a problem this time of year. I talked to Vonnie and she said it's 73. Perfect. Probably in the low to mid 60s when you leave the room in the morning and warms up about 10/11 am and then back to the low to mid 60s again in the eves. I love my polar fleece jacket - it does a lot of good duty. It keeps me warm from 45 - 65 degrees. DO you all have that kind of jacket?

Make sure you bring jeans and warm clothes just in case. Check Accuweather right now though for updated info! I hate packing too. I am a mega procrastinator.

You will be fine. Flying is super safe...the safest way to travel. Bring a good book and enjoy your "quiet" in one place (butt in seat haha) time. Listen to some good music and enjoy it. I am not so big on flying either, but I look at it like it's some ME time, lol. Nobody can ask too much of me 'cause I aint movin'. I don't get up for anything! I sit, I read, I listen to my Ipod (when it works)

Oh, to answer your other questions....the rooms don't have wireless. DH brings his wireless router. ALso, you can order from PD while you're there. I am not sure how much advanced time they need....maybe 48 hrs for a cake and less for anything else.


Good luck!!!

Channing

 

[praline3001]

Isn't it a small world and what makes Disney sooo great...do you ever see peeps from your town when you are at Disney?

We will this visit it seems EVERYONE I know will be at Disney for Mardi Gras! Even my UPS guy told me today his family would be there

DS10's best friend from school (I just found out today) will also be staying at the GF and DS13's best friend is staying at Port of Orleans resort!

We are having that blizzard.... The snow is blowing sideways.

I was in shorts today

 

[Lives4Disney]

I was in shorts today

Rub it in why don't ya!?!?!?!

Even my Newfie that is born and bred for arctic weather was waiting at the sliders after 30 seconds out there!!! The wind is howling.

Have a GREAT TRIP!!!!!! You lucky duck!!! I could use some of that Florida sunshine and heat right now.

Lives4Disney

 

[NeverSayNever]

Lives4... Yes, you are right over thinking this. I was planning on comfy shirts and capris for me and then jsut a sweatshirt or similiar. I get more nutsy over the kids, but I forget how resilient they are... (and not usually as cold as me!) jsut hate for them to get sickier wehn we are getting over this most recent bout.

SOrry about the blizzard... talked to my sister earlier and she said it was supposed to get rather ugly, even her Dr's office called her today to canx her 4ish appt!

Praline... That's amazing! I hope that doesn't mean everything is going to be super packed!

Ok, so do I need to bring suntan lotion? We are not planning on swimming.

Back to the packing...

Thanks!!!

 

[praline3001]

I would pack the face stick sunscreen. Pics don't look so swell (or at least you don't look so swell) if you get a tad bit too much sun on the cheeks.

 

[Tink rules]

PS...Michelle, I love your cute little GF retro avatar. So neat!

Lives4Disney

Thanks! I'm keeping my eye out for Ebay... occasionally one of those prints comes up....

Channing... I think you need some hot chocolate and peppermint schnaaps... Hope tomorrow is a better day...

& for everyone else... Clinique makes a fantastic sun spray - I've used it in both SPF 15 & 30 and I NEVER burn with it...it's great for your face also...just spray it into your palm and then spread it on your face. (and don't forget those ears for those of us who throw our hair up in a ponytail....)

 

[grannyminnie]

I don't drop in every day but I love reading this thread!! You guys are such a friendly group!!
BTW, I've upped my next trip to the third weekend of April and will be at the WL. Can't wait already, even tho we just returned from there earlier this month. Since my trips are shorter than most of yours, I need it more often!!!
Yeah, right.......
All you Illini, stay warm!!!! I'd like to see a little more snow down here in Georgia!