A Grand Vacation: The 2012 Grand Floridian FAQ!

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi all-- I know this is a frequently asked question these days, but am hoping someone might have an update on the fridge status. Anyone? TIA. Psyched for my first GF stay since '93!

Sorry, almost missed this, Missus Toad! I'm psyched for you, can't wait to hear what you think after so many years.

Beautiful photo. We have lagoon view booked. If we get Big Pine should we be able to see the monorail? Youngest DS will just be turning 2 and I know he will be fascinated by it.

Yes, you will be able to see the monorail if you end up in BPK, in Boca it is quite a bit further away. Still see it, but not as close. In BPK, you'll see it over by the TTC and Poly, then again as it approaches the Main Building.

We will be staying at GF in November for the first time. We have a garden view room. Which building would you say is closest to the main building? My DH has back problems and walking in the parks is going to take it's toll on him so we were looking to have a room that hopefully is close to the main building and also have a nice view etc. if possible.

As Mickeynut said, you can see the corner of the Main building in my photo - the turret that is in line with the pink flowering tree is the corner of the Main Bldg. housing the GF Cafe & Citricos.

BPK is the closest building to the back entry of the Main Bldg. and closest to the Beach Pool. The only drawback is the possibility of getting one of the infamous pool building views.

What a beautiful pic.....it reminds me of our December 2010 trip as we were in BPK on that trip. Makes me wish I was at the Grand right now .



We thought Big Pine Key was close/convenient to the main building. If you look at k&a&c'smom's pic above (taken from BPK), the building to the upper left of the pool is sugarloaf and the main building is just to the left of that .

All of my photos are making me long for the Grand. I'm trying to get the new FAQ ready and I've been looking over so many photos.~sigh~

We have a choice of a lagoon view standard room or a garden view deluxe room? I know the difference in the views, but what is the difference in the deluxe and standard rooms at the GF? Are the deluxe rooms throughout the resort or in specific buildings? Are they larger? Do they have 2 queens or King beds? Sitting area?

Thank you for the help.

The deluxe garden view rooms are in all the outer buildings, they are located in the turrets which give them a nice sitting area with sofa, TV, etc. They do not have a daybed, but you can request a rollaway free of charge. For an example of the deluxe garden view rooms, check out this link from the 2010 FAQ. Photos posted by Little Lulu, scroll down to post #25, 26 & 27. Keep in mind, these are from before the 2007 renovations (decor change) and in SL, where two of the deluxe have balconies (I think the deluxe rooms in the other outer buildings do not).

Lagoon view rooms are the same size and shape as all the standard rooms of any category.

We will be there in early November - are they still doing the campfire these days?

The campfire has been discontinued due to the DVC construction.

We just returned last night and in RPC we had a working fridge.

Thanks for the update!

missus toad, we live about 30 mins from bucks county and will be at the GF in 8 days (first stop, 5 nights BC). maybe we will be there the same time as you!

<disclaimer, my ticker is off by a day because we changed our ressie but i didn't want to change my ticker, i liked how much progress it was making, lol).>

YAY, 8 days!! LOL about the ticker, I don't blame you.

can anyone tell me what stop GF is on ME? does it change each time or is it usually the same? We are getting in at 6:30 pm and wondering about how long it is going to take us to get to the resort.

In my experience, it is always the LAST stop, no matter which resorts are on the route. We have had 3-5 stops on ME.

 

[BlueSkies]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans!

Just back from a very lovely trip to the world...

Construction on the VGF is stil going on ..and seems to be louder this trip than I recall from our last trip in the spring?? The new building with the siding and roof blends in very nicely...nicer than I thought it would...it also looks bigger than I thought..but still doesn't look obtrusive...

MommyGina I did not forget to ask about the room refurb..no one seems to know for sure... But..the general consensus from the CM's that I spoke to was that it would be starting in January... I also asked about the lack of availability in RPC in July... and no one had the answer to that...including CMs in RPC...lol...

We do not usually go to WDW in the summer time...and now I remember why...it was crowded.. and super hot...but we still managed to see what we wanted to ..and have a great time...as I have said I really do follow Josh from EasyWDWs recommendations...and that worked out very well...

There was construction going on over by the Summer House building (I think that's what its called?? LOL..) It was the outdoor bar area before they opened the beach pool...

The courtyard pool was also crowded...and although the look is growing on me.. sort of...it still does not hold a candle to the grandeur of the old courtyard pool....

The beach pool seemed to be less crowded than the courtyard pool... and the waterfall was back on but as others have said..is trickling!

Our room had a refridgerator in it and it was working...

Forgot to check on the movies...and campfire?? Oops!

Bounce back info..There is the same BB in the room that there was when we were there earlier in the year...goes thru mid December...But I did call and ask if there was anything available for 2014..and there is! But..its only for a few weeks end of August to mid Septmber...and its for free dining??? I forgot the exact dates..Sorry...

And I did manage to add dates to our December trip by adding a few nites at the YC..our first split stay! Something I have been wanting to try...We shall see how it goes...

If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer what ever I can...


All and all it was a Grand vacation...after a day in a crowded hot park returning to the GF was the perfect way to end the day..or for a little afternoon respite...and I cant wait to go back....

 

[MommyGina]

BlueSkies thank you for asking about RPC. Something strange is happening because all rooms in SL for May are now booked.

When we were there in July, there was a campfire and movie near the waterfall pool. There is a new fire pit over that way.

 

[imobsessedwithdisney]

Hi I'm so excited I just changed our 9/18-9/28 BC CL stay to a split stay with GF RPC 9/18-9/22 & then BC CL 9/22-9/28. I'm excited and nervous at the same time bc we've only stayed at BC, which we absolutely love! I know nothing about the GF so I'm looking forward to reading and learning from this thread. Has anyone else here stayed at both BC & GF CLs? How do they compare to each other & which do you prefer and why? Thanks!!!

 

[Sue M]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans!

Just back from a very lovely trip to the world...

Construction on the VGF is stil going on ..and seems to be louder this trip than I recall from our last trip in the spring?? The new building with the siding and roof blends in very nicely...nicer than I thought it would...it also looks bigger than I thought..but still doesn't look obtrusive...

MommyGina I did not forget to ask about the room refurb..no one seems to know for sure... But..the general consensus from the CM's that I spoke to was that it would be starting in January... I also asked about the lack of availability in RPC in July... and no one had the answer to that...including CMs in RPC...lol...

We do not usually go to WDW in the summer time...and now I remember why...it was crowded.. and super hot...but we still managed to see what we wanted to ..and have a great time...as I have said I really do follow Josh from EasyWDWs recommendations...and that worked out very well...

There was construction going on over by the Summer House building (I think that's what its called?? LOL..) It was the outdoor bar area before they opened the beach pool...

The courtyard pool was also crowded...and although the look is growing on me.. sort of...it still does not hold a candle to the grandeur of the old courtyard pool....

The beach pool seemed to be less crowded than the courtyard pool... and the waterfall was back on but as others have said..is trickling!

Our room had a refridgerator in it and it was working...

Forgot to check on the movies...and campfire?? Oops!

Bounce back info..There is the same BB in the room that there was when we were there earlier in the year...goes thru mid December...But I did call and ask if there was anything available for 2014..and there is! But..its only for a few weeks end of August to mid Septmber...and its for free dining??? I forgot the exact dates..Sorry...

And I did manage to add dates to our December trip by adding a few nites at the YC..our first split stay! Something I have been wanting to try...We shall see how it goes...

If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer what ever I can...


All and all it was a Grand vacation...after a day in a crowded hot park returning to the GF was the perfect way to end the day..or for a little afternoon respite...and I cant wait to go back....

No BB for Late January, early Feb 2014?

 

[mickeynut1]

All of my photos are making me long for the Grand. I'm trying to get the new FAQ ready and I've been looking over so many photos.~sigh~

The GF will do that to you . Thanks for keeping up this thread.....you do a great job .

Good afternoon fellow GF fans!

Just back from a very lovely trip to the world...

Welcome back.....glad you had a good trip .

Hi I'm so excited I just changed our 9/18-9/28 BC CL stay to a split stay with GF RPC 9/18-9/22 & then BC CL 9/22-9/28. I'm excited and nervous at the same time bc we've only stayed at BC, which we absolutely love! I know nothing about the GF so I'm looking forward to reading and learning from this thread. Has anyone else here stayed at both BC & GF CLs? How do they compare to each other & which do you prefer and why? Thanks!!!

I can't help with BC CL, but I love GF RPC. However, we have stayed at the BC and while we did like the resort, I prefer the GF (and RPC is hard to beat, IMO ). With that said, I think you will really enjoy RPC.

 

[Sue M]

Sue M - we do dining much like your family.

Hope your trip is going well so far!

Mommy Gina - we looked into and decided against DVC years ago. Just doesn't mesh with the way we vacation, unfortunately.

You'll still hear "Welcome Home"! All the DVC resorts say it to all guests at the gate, in my experience.

Yes, thanks! Our hotel is half a block from the beach. And the weather had been great. Blue skies! No rain! We go visit my mom in her assisted living then do a little shopping ( of which I'm now cutting myself off, till Disney of course!) then head back to spend the afternoon at the beach.
Can't believe we leave Saturday for wdw! What do vacays fly by? I want them to go slooow

 

[trishadono]

Hi all! Here's a couple of pics of VGF construction 8/14/13!

 

[trishadono]

 

[trishadono]

 

[bethclayton]

trishadono, thank you for the wonderful pics!

we arrive this saturday. our last visit was april 2012 and the construction was a nightmare. i had assumed it would be over by now. i will admit, your pics, with the blue walls, stress me out! we will be staying in the main building. can you tell me how much construction is visible from the beach pool/ main building/ courtyard pool?

 

[davale4]

Hi I'm so excited I just changed our 9/18-9/28 BC CL stay to a split stay with GF RPC 9/18-9/22 & then BC CL 9/22-9/28. I'm excited and nervous at the same time bc we've only stayed at BC, which we absolutely love! I know nothing about the GF so I'm looking forward to reading and learning from this thread. Has anyone else here stayed at both BC & GF CLs? How do they compare to each other & which do you prefer and why? Thanks!!!

We have stayed in both and we prefer GF RPC. We love that it is an open space and soooo much bigger that BC CL. I find the food offering much better as well. For breakfast they offer ham, turkey, swiss cheese, cheddar and provolone besides everything else. Also the night offerings seemed better.

At the BC CL they close the doors in between offerings and you can't go sit and relax. At RPC you can go at any time and enjoy the music and the atmosphere. This is important to us because we spend a good amount of time at the resort. The kids enjoy RPC more than the parks. The staff at the lounge is WONDERFUL!!!

We have stayed on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor and we prefer the 5th floor. It is so quiet and there is hardly any traffic. It is really nice if you have little ones. I could go on and on. This is just my experience and I know that everyone is different. That is why Disney is so great, it has something for everyone. Hope enjoy your stay!!!

 

[trishadono]

trishadono, thank you for the wonderful pics!

we arrive this saturday. our last visit was april 2012 and the construction was a nightmare. i had assumed it would be over by now. i will admit, your pics, with the blue walls, stress me out! we will be staying in the main building. can you tell me how much construction is visible from the beach pool/ main building/ courtyard pool?

I have been fortunate to watch the construction process. By far right now is very minimal compared to other trips. I was down here in April and May this year and march, may and November last year.

I really don't think it is a problem now. All the pools and restaurants open. Beach access again too. Later I will post a pic I have I took from main building towards the construction.

However I have an engagement with dd and friend to hit HS and ride her (friend) first RR!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes, thanks! Our hotel is half a block from the beach. And the weather had been great. Blue skies! No rain! We go visit my mom in her assisted living then do a little shopping ( of which I'm now cutting myself off, till Disney of course!) then head back to spend the afternoon at the beach.
Can't believe we leave Saturday for wdw! What do vacays fly by? I want them to go slooow

Sounds like you're having a great trip so far. You will be in Disney before you know it .

Hi all! Here's a couple of pics of VGF construction 8/14/13!

The pics are great.....thanks for sharing .

we arrive this saturday.

I hope you have a great trip .

 

[imobsessedwithdisney]

We have stayed in both and we prefer GF RPC. We love that it is an open space and soooo much bigger that BC CL. I find the food offering much better as well. For breakfast they offer ham, turkey, swiss cheese, cheddar and provolone besides everything else. Also the night offerings seemed better.

At the BC CL they close the doors in between offerings and you can't go sit and relax. At RPC you can go at any time and enjoy the music and the atmosphere. This is important to us because we spend a good amount of time at the resort. The kids enjoy RPC more than the parks. The staff at the lounge is WONDERFUL!!!

We have stayed on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor and we prefer the 5th floor. It is so quiet and there is hardly any traffic. It is really nice if you have little ones. I could go on and on. This is just my experience and I know that everyone is different. That is why Disney is so great, it has something for everyone. Hope enjoy your stay!!!

Thanks so much for the info! I'm sure that my dd5 & 2 are going to love it!! We had a tough couple months in the beginning of the year health wise and I really want to see them have the best time! I'm hoping that this wont be an issue at at during our stay but DD2 has arthritis. Thank god it's under control right now. But just curious if you get a room not on the 4th floor can it be a long walk from your room to the lounge? Sorry just 2 more questions: can you see Wishes from the Lounge & what is considered a standard room view?

 

[garada3]

Hi all! Here's a couple of pics of VGF construction 8/14/13!

Thank you for the pictures!

At first glance there was something about the DVC building that made me uncomfortable. It is the windows in the dormers! They look like empty eyes to me.

Perhaps there is a protective film over them until construction is over and the appearance will improve, but I think it is the lack of the balcony in this space that is bothering me.

Silly I know but I thought you all might understand my reaction.

 

[BlueSkies]

can anyone tell me what stop GF is on ME? does it change each time or is it usually the same? We are getting in at 6:30 pm and wondering about how long it is going to take us to get to the resort.

For some reason the GF is usually the last stop on the ME Monorail resort drop off..at least thats been our experience on the last several trips... I think total time to resort is about an hour or so...

BlueSkies thank you for asking about RPC. Something strange is happening because all rooms in SL for May are now booked.

When we were there in July, there was a campfire and movie near the waterfall pool. There is a new fire pit over that way.

You're welcome! I meant to get over to the beach area to check on that..but just never did...

No BB for Late January, early Feb 2014?

SueM I do think ( at least I hope so!!) there will be a BB for late Jan/early Feb..and other dates too in 2014 too..as there has been in the past..I just asked hoping that maybe they were already available...just not yet in the printed literature...but so far only FD..which does not interest our family personally...I much prefer a RO discount...

Thank you for the pictures!

At first glance there was something about the DVC building that made me uncomfortable. It is the windows in the dormers! They look like empty eyes to me.

Perhaps there is a protective film over them until construction is over and the appearance will improve, but I think it is the lack of the balcony in this space that is bothering me.

Silly I know but I thought you all might understand my reaction.

I does kind of look that way! LOL..Lets hope there is some kind of construction covering on them for now..

Trishadono Great pics!

davale4 Seems that we might have been at the GF at the same time...wonder if we crossed paths in the lounge???

k&a&c's mom How is that new thread coming along..??? LOL..I kow what you mean about looking thru the pictures...Makes me wish I was back at the GF too...

MickeyNut How is the December planning going??? Any resort changes before or after the cruise... Just wondering!!!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Great pics! Cant wait for our visit..2 1/2 weeks!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Blue Skies - welcome back, glad you had a magical vacation. Thanks for the updates! I imagine you ARE wishing you were back at the Grand, always the way after a wonderful trip.

LOL about the new FAQ (smashing computer - so apt!)! It is almost ready, I was going through my most recent photos this morning, trying to get everything lined out. I'm going to try to start the new thread today or tomorrow.

Please, everyone, do not post in the new thread until I remove the "under construction" title, as I need to be able to grab those first page posts for all the photos and text.

trishadono - thanks for the photos! Beautiful. Hope you enjoyed HS and RR.

Do you mind if I copy one of your photos to the Villas section of the new FAQ?

....
When we were there in July, there was a campfire and movie near the waterfall pool. There is a new fire pit over that way.

Thanks for the update, I'll add this to the first page of the new thread.

Hi I'm so excited I just changed our 9/18-9/28 BC CL stay to a split stay with GF RPC 9/18-9/22 & then BC CL 9/22-9/28. I'm excited and nervous at the same time bc we've only stayed at BC, which we absolutely love! I know nothing about the GF so I'm looking forward to reading and learning from this thread. Has anyone else here stayed at both BC & GF CLs? How do they compare to each other & which do you prefer and why? Thanks!!!

Very excited for you! We love doing a BC/GF split (or YC!), love both resorts.

I doubt you are going to get many posts giving the BC CL top billing, here on the GF FAQ! We are pretty biased, after all. I have not stayed in BC CL, but have in YC. We enjoyed it very much, the CMs were lovely and we had a great time. We've stayed CL at AKL, BWI, WL, YC and the Grand, and though we enjoy most of them, the Grand remains at the top of our list for service and amenities. And RPC is the very best - as others have posted, the lounge area can't be beat, CMs are great and the food service is fabulous.

Yes, thanks! Our hotel is half a block from the beach. And the weather had been great. Blue skies! No rain! We go visit my mom in her assisted living then do a little shopping ( of which I'm now cutting myself off, till Disney of course!) then head back to spend the afternoon at the beach.
Can't believe we leave Saturday for wdw! What do vacays fly by? I want them to go slooow

Glad you are having such a good time. You are so right, the days leading up to vacation sloooow down, then the days during vacation speed up! Not fair!

Thanks so much for the info! I'm sure that my dd5 & 2 are going to love it!! We had a tough couple months in the beginning of the year health wise and I really want to see them have the best time! I'm hoping that this wont be an issue at at during our stay but DD2 has arthritis. Thank god it's under control right now. But just curious if you get a room not on the 4th floor can it be a long walk from your room to the lounge? Sorry just 2 more questions: can you see Wishes from the Lounge & what is considered a standard room view?

Sorry about your struggles with health issues, it's just the worst when kids are sick. I think your girls will fall in love with the resort.

Don't worry, even the furthest room in RPC is pretty close to the lounge.

Standard room views will be either the courtyard pool or the beach pool and DVC building.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thank you for the pictures!

At first glance there was something about the DVC building that made me uncomfortable. It is the windows in the dormers! They look like empty eyes to me.

Perhaps there is a protective film over them until construction is over and the appearance will improve, but I think it is the lack of the balcony in this space that is bothering me.

Silly I know but I thought you all might understand my reaction.

I hadn't even noticed until you pointed it out, I wonder what is in those "windows"? Screens, maybe - for air circulation?

Great pics! Cant wait for our visit..2 1/2 weeks!!!

Two and a half weeks, woohoo!!

The GF will do that to you . Thanks for keeping up this thread.....you do a great job .

Aww, thanks. I get a lot of help from all of you.