The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009 - Page 101 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Scott MC · 07-30-2009, 10:45 AM

Can anyone answer my question about the possibility of moving to the CR or the Poly (assuming there are rooms available) once we get to GF and if we're not happy with the surroundings?
I have a coworker who honeymooned in RPC last week who agreed that the hotel itself is lovely, the staff is wonderful, the room was immaculate, but the cranes did sorta take away from the luster of it all. Like me, she wondered why they couldn't do one building at a time.

k&a&c'smom · 07-30-2009, 11:21 AM

Scott MC - I don't think anyone can really answer whether you'll be able to switch resorts or not, as that probably changes day to day. You can certainly ask, and if the GF management can't help you, you could call CRO yourself and ask if there is availability. (I've read that others have done this.) But if you are that worried, and you know you do not want to look at construction, I would think about changing reservations now. You will have the best choice in room category and/or resort that way, I'm sure. And you wouldn't have to worry every day whether they had finished working or not.

Good luck, tough decision!

k&a&c'smom · 07-30-2009, 11:34 AM

Praline, that cake is incredible!! The detail is amazing, and your son looks stunned!

I was wondering, what did they use for the sand? It looks like either raw sugar cubes that are crushed, or maybe crushed cookies.

Scott MC · 07-30-2009, 11:36 AM

Actually, I may not have to do anything.
I just called the number for the GF and stated my worries. The woman, who was very nice, politely told me that there was no construction going on at the GF after all, but thanks to this thread, I was able to tell her exactly what was going on and what building it was going on in. (Thank you GF FAQ-ers!

) After a moment of stunned silence, I was put on hold for about 7 minutes, and when the woman returned, she said, "Ok, I have Kim from the front desk at the Grand on the line, and she'll be able to help you." Ha!
Kim was very nice, and told me that in fact, Sago, Conch and Boca Chica are having staircases repaired/replaced, but that by the time I got there, (8/19), it would be finished, and there was no scheduled maintenence at that time other than the flooring in the main building.
Here's hoping she's right! If they denied everything, I'd be suspicious, but since they admitted to the work going on right now, I'm guessing I can believe the rest of what they say!

simplymama · 07-30-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott MC

Can anyone answer my question about the possibility of moving to the CR or the Poly (assuming there are rooms available) once we get to GF and if we're not happy with the surroundings?
I have a coworker who honeymooned in RPC last week who agreed that the hotel itself is lovely, the staff is wonderful, the room was immaculate, but the cranes did sorta take away from the luster of it all. Like me, she wondered why they couldn't do one building at a time.

The one thing to consider is if you happen to be staying using a discount code, and the booking date is past for that code when you are there, they may or may not allow you to still use it, it just really depends. Also, I've been told that there are only so many rooms offered at discount code prices, so that's another consideration.

If you are that worried about it, I'd probably just switch now, to avoid the possibility all together.

For us, during the first 5 days when we were in the main building, it didn't bother us at all to walk around the grounds and see the construction. But when that became our view right out our balcony door, it did.

simplymama · 07-30-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott MC

Actually, I may not have to do anything.
I just called the number for the GF and stated my worries. The woman, who was very nice, politely told me that there was no construction going on at the GF after all, but thanks to this thread, I was able to tell her exactly what was going on and what building it was going on in. (Thank you GF FAQ-ers!

) After a moment of stunned silence, I was put on hold for about 7 minutes, and when the woman returned, she said, "Ok, I have Kim from the front desk at the Grand on the line, and she'll be able to help you." Ha!
Kim was very nice, and told me that in fact, Sago, Conch and Boca Chica are having staircases repaired/replaced, but that by the time I got there, (8/19), it would be finished, and there was no scheduled maintenence at that time other than the flooring in the main building.
Here's hoping she's right! If they denied everything, I'd be suspicious, but since they admitted to the work going on right now, I'm guessing I can believe the rest of what they say!

Well that's good news. We'll be there on the 11th, but not back until the 18th, so I won't have much time to let you know.

I'm a little worried about the main building flooring, but since Brook said it was in very small sections at a time and no noise, I'm trying not to think about it, and just focusing my worry on what rooms we'll get.

Figment1990 · 07-30-2009, 11:54 AM

We will be arriving on the 12th, so I might have to call and speak with Kim myself.... unless someone else already has. I'll let you know if I find anything out. ScottMC - did they give you any indication of when exactly they were planning to be done? I've only got 13 days to go

but I'm worried they will still be working on Boca....

That is where we put as our first request (along with Big Pine Key), on the recommendation of Johnsonet, who suggested it to satisfy my desire for a beautiful courtyard view.

Just out of curiosity... is this construction unique to the garden view sides of the lodges? I guess I was getting that impression from Brook's pictures. I would be thrilled to simply switch to a lagoon view now if that's all it would take!

Thank goodness for the DIS GF FAQ thread!

praline3001 · 07-30-2009, 12:23 PM

Here are some photos of RPC breakfast our first morning. Just a quick reminder, please do not use my photos without my permission.

Here is a photo of the lobby from the lounge area in RPC

Here are some photos I took of the breakfast offerings

The cheese danishes were Ryan's favorite the entire week!

And this was SAvannah's favorite the entire week!

And this was MY favorite all week LOL

After breakfast, the kids played a little checkers (well big checkers) in the lounge while Daddy went to go get our things for the park!

CR Resort Fan 4 Life · 07-30-2009, 12:26 PM

All of those foods look so good.

praline3001 · 07-30-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Just out of curiosity... is this construction unique to the garden view sides of the lodges? I guess I was getting that impression from Brook's pictures. I would be thrilled to simply switch to a lagoon view now if that's all it would take!

I never saw construction on the lagoon side while we were there and there are none in my photos. I would hate to say they are only working on the courtyard side as things can change from week to week but while I was there that is the impression I got.

PrincessPaczki · 07-30-2009, 01:43 PM

Brook, Your photos are bringing back such good memories of the Club level.

My question is how did the cake taste and where did you even start cutting it at. It looked too beautiful to even cut into it.

praline3001 · 07-30-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessPaczki

Brook, Your photos are bringing back such good memories of the Club level.

My question is how did the cake taste and where did you even start cutting it at. It looked too beautiful to even cut into it.

The cake tasted ...well... It depends what you like if you thought it was GOOD... see Ryan's fav filling in the entire world is Key lime pie ~ I personally hate the stuff!
I had it filled with key lime pie as a special extra touch. Dave also likes key lime and said it was REALLY good.... but if you don't like tart/sour sweet tasting cake then you most likely wouldn't like it. Think sweet tarts!

If you read in my Trip report, we had an AMAZING time at 1900. While we were invited to step out for a private meet and greet/Birthday party Bob (our server) arranged for the cake to be delivered to our room. That way there would be no witnesses when we butchered it ...and butcher it we did! That thing was NOT easy to cut with all of those decorations and stuff!

Figment1990 · 07-30-2009, 01:53 PM

Well I did not call the GF myself, but I did contact my wonderful travel agent. She updated my request to be located away from construction and she said that they are:

"putting fire escapes on buildings 7 and 5 and painting building 6."

I don't know which buildings are which, but if they correspond to room numbers, I believe #6 is Sugar Loaf, #7 is Conch and #5 is Sago, which would match up pretty close to what we have heard here.

We've decided to roll the dice and keep our ressie at the Grand. I just can't pass up the opportunity! I will be sure to post status of any construction when we return (we depart on 8/16).

Brook - your pics are so fun! I started reading your trip report and got sidetracked with all this construction talk. I'm going to go catch up now!

dpndka · 07-30-2009, 02:53 PM

I called WDTC last night to change my dates and the original PIN I had could not be used on new dates so the CM quoted me GV room with new promotion. Then the CM said wait SL is available for just $30 more. So I said why not. Am I going to be disappointed?

I guess for $30 more its better than GV but I still have the option to use 40% PIN for GV if I juggle with my dates. Therefore, now I am doubting my decision to go with SL. Any thoughts?

johnsonet · 07-30-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by praline3001

Very nice

Quote:

Originally Posted by praline3001

Thanks! The head chef came out and introduced himself and spent time with us. He told me it was the most fun he had decorating a cake in a LONG time! He thought having a pirate booty type theme ..as if the cake were treasure island and that was all hidden pirate treasure would be the best way to go for an age appropriate cake for a 12 year old boy... its so hard to come up with things for boys but especially that age group at Disney. I think they got this one right if the look on my son's face is any indication

You really got the royal treatment from the GF Bakery

That's awesome to hear. The cake is absolutely fabulous

Quote:

Originally Posted by praline3001

I never saw construction on the lagoon side while we were there and there are none in my photos. I would hate to say they are only working on the courtyard side as things can change from week to week but while I was there that is the impression I got.

These are pics taken from the lagoon (on my way to the Poly, where we were staying) of the lagoon side of Boca Chica. This was mid-MARCH.

Great info, Figment1990 Sounds like Boca Chica and Big Pine Key are the way to go! I hope everything will work out perfectly for your trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpndka

I called WDTC last night to change my dates and the original PIN I had could not be used on new dates so the CM quoted me GV room with new promotion. Then the CM said wait SL is available for just $30 more. So I said why not. Am I going to be disappointed?

I guess for $30 more its better than GV but I still have the option to use 40% PIN for GV if I juggle with my dates. Therefore, now I am doubting my decision to go with SL. Any thoughts?

I would take Sugar Loaf for $30 more over GV

You'll have the GV PLUS snacks/coffee/etc. and the itinerary planning.

07-30-2009, 10:45 AM	#1501
Scott MC DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Back, Back, Over the Falls! Posts: 987	Can anyone answer my question about the possibility of moving to the CR or the Poly (assuming there are rooms available) once we get to GF and if we're not happy with the surroundings? I have a coworker who honeymooned in RPC last week who agreed that the hotel itself is lovely, the staff is wonderful, the room was immaculate, but the cranes did sorta take away from the luster of it all. Like me, she wondered why they couldn't do one building at a time. __________________ 1982, 1986, 2007, 2008-Off Property 1996-Port Orleans, Riverside 1998- Wilderness Lodge 2002-Dolphin 2009-Grand Floridian, Coronado Springs 2010-Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower 2011-Swan, Boardwalk 2012-Beach Club, Boardwalk 2013-Port Orleans, Riverside, Yacht Club

07-30-2009, 11:21 AM	#1502
k&a&c'smom DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2002 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,435	Scott MC - I don't think anyone can really answer whether you'll be able to switch resorts or not, as that probably changes day to day. You can certainly ask, and if the GF management can't help you, you could call CRO yourself and ask if there is availability. (I've read that others have done this.) But if you are that worried, and you know you do not want to look at construction, I would think about changing reservations now. You will have the best choice in room category and/or resort that way, I'm sure. And you wouldn't have to worry every day whether they had finished working or not. Good luck, tough decision! __________________ 1996 Dixie Landings 1998 Boardwalk Inn * 1999 Polynesian * 2000 Polynesian * '01 HRH * '02 GF * '03 AKL & BC * '04 Poly/AKL & Poly/BWI & POR * '05 AKL/Dolphin & POFQ * '06 Poly/GF & Christmas at the GF * '07 GF & HRH/BWI/WL/YC/GF & GF * '09 Poly/AKL & WL & GF * '10 AKL/GF & RPR/BC/GF '11 GF & BC '12 HRH/PBH & YC/GF * '13 GF/PBH Thnx WDWKOOK! Forever in our hearts, JungleCruiser

07-30-2009, 11:34 AM	#1503
k&a&c'smom DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2002 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,435	Praline, that cake is incredible!! The detail is amazing, and your son looks stunned! I was wondering, what did they use for the sand? It looks like either raw sugar cubes that are crushed, or maybe crushed cookies. __________________ 1996 Dixie Landings 1998 Boardwalk Inn * 1999 Polynesian * 2000 Polynesian * '01 HRH * '02 GF * '03 AKL & BC * '04 Poly/AKL & Poly/BWI & POR * '05 AKL/Dolphin & POFQ * '06 Poly/GF & Christmas at the GF * '07 GF & HRH/BWI/WL/YC/GF & GF * '09 Poly/AKL & WL & GF * '10 AKL/GF & RPR/BC/GF '11 GF & BC '12 HRH/PBH & YC/GF * '13 GF/PBH Thnx WDWKOOK! Forever in our hearts, JungleCruiser

07-30-2009, 11:36 AM	#1504
Scott MC DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Back, Back, Over the Falls! Posts: 987	Actually, I may not have to do anything. I just called the number for the GF and stated my worries. The woman, who was very nice, politely told me that there was no construction going on at the GF after all, but thanks to this thread, I was able to tell her exactly what was going on and what building it was going on in. (Thank you GF FAQ-ers! ) After a moment of stunned silence, I was put on hold for about 7 minutes, and when the woman returned, she said, "Ok, I have Kim from the front desk at the Grand on the line, and she'll be able to help you." Ha! Kim was very nice, and told me that in fact, Sago, Conch and Boca Chica are having staircases repaired/replaced, but that by the time I got there, (8/19), it would be finished, and there was no scheduled maintenence at that time other than the flooring in the main building. Here's hoping she's right! If they denied everything, I'd be suspicious, but since they admitted to the work going on right now, I'm guessing I can believe the rest of what they say! __________________ 1982, 1986, 2007, 2008-Off Property 1996-Port Orleans, Riverside 1998- Wilderness Lodge 2002-Dolphin 2009-Grand Floridian, Coronado Springs 2010-Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower 2011-Swan, Boardwalk 2012-Beach Club, Boardwalk 2013-Port Orleans, Riverside, Yacht Club

07-30-2009, 11:54 AM	#1507
Figment1990 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,170	We will be arriving on the 12th, so I might have to call and speak with Kim myself.... unless someone else already has. I'll let you know if I find anything out. ScottMC - did they give you any indication of when exactly they were planning to be done? I've only got 13 days to go but I'm worried they will still be working on Boca.... That is where we put as our first request (along with Big Pine Key), on the recommendation of Johnsonet, who suggested it to satisfy my desire for a beautiful courtyard view. Just out of curiosity... is this construction unique to the garden view sides of the lodges? I guess I was getting that impression from Brook's pictures. I would be thrilled to simply switch to a lagoon view now if that's all it would take! Thank goodness for the DIS GF FAQ thread! __________________ me DH DS(5) First trip: Mar 90, Polynesian Most recent trips: Apr '13 WL/Poly! Nov '12, Wine & Dine 1/2Marathon - BWI! Aug '12 DL In-between: Grand Floridian, AKV-Kidani, Poly, WL, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Coronado Springs

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07-30-2009, 12:23 PM	#1508
praline3001 DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: 673.52 miles from the Castle Posts: 4,254	Here are some photos of RPC breakfast our first morning. Just a quick reminder, please do not use my photos without my permission. Here is a photo of the lobby from the lounge area in RPC Here are some photos I took of the breakfast offerings The cheese danishes were Ryan's favorite the entire week! And this was SAvannah's favorite the entire week! And this was MY favorite all week LOL After breakfast, the kids played a little checkers (well big checkers) in the lounge while Daddy went to go get our things for the park! __________________ ~BROOK~ Just back from another wonderful trip!

07-30-2009, 12:26 PM	#1509
CR Resort Fan 4 Life DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 39,674	All of those foods look so good.

07-30-2009, 01:43 PM	#1511
PrincessPaczki Mom of 2 Prince's Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,663	Brook, Your photos are bringing back such good memories of the Club level. My question is how did the cake taste and where did you even start cutting it at. It looked too beautiful to even cut into it. __________________ 1980 - BUENA VISTA TOWNHOMES 1982 - DISNEY TREEHOUSE 1989 - DISNEY TREEHOUSE 1992 - CBR 1993 - 2003 - OBX / BUSCH GARDENS VA. 2004 - BEACH CLUB / ROYAL PACIFIC 2005 - WILDERNESS LODGE 2006 - POR.RIVERSIDE 2007 - POR.RIVERSIDE 2008 - GRAND FLORIDIAN RPC 2010 - POR.RIVERSIDE 2011 - POLYNESIAN

07-30-2009, 01:53 PM	#1513
Figment1990 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,170	Well I did not call the GF myself, but I did contact my wonderful travel agent. She updated my request to be located away from construction and she said that they are: "putting fire escapes on buildings 7 and 5 and painting building 6." I don't know which buildings are which, but if they correspond to room numbers, I believe #6 is Sugar Loaf, #7 is Conch and #5 is Sago, which would match up pretty close to what we have heard here. We've decided to roll the dice and keep our ressie at the Grand. I just can't pass up the opportunity! I will be sure to post status of any construction when we return (we depart on 8/16). Brook - your pics are so fun! I started reading your trip report and got sidetracked with all this construction talk. I'm going to go catch up now! __________________ me DH DS(5) First trip: Mar 90, Polynesian Most recent trips: Apr '13 WL/Poly! Nov '12, Wine & Dine 1/2Marathon - BWI! Aug '12 DL In-between: Grand Floridian, AKV-Kidani, Poly, WL, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Coronado Springs

07-30-2009, 02:53 PM	#1514
dpndka Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 167	There has been a lot of negative buzz about SL... I called WDTC last night to change my dates and the original PIN I had could not be used on new dates so the CM quoted me GV room with new promotion. Then the CM said wait SL is available for just $30 more. So I said why not. Am I going to be disappointed? I guess for $30 more its better than GV but I still have the option to use 40% PIN for GV if I juggle with my dates. Therefore, now I am doubting my decision to go with SL. Any thoughts?

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