The *NEW* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread (MAY 2008)

[Alicnwondrln]

Hi Everyone. We have hit the 249 page mark on the current thread and per DIS guidelines we need to start a new one ( at 250 ) so here it is. I am going to move all alot of info and place it at the beginning here and then the new FAQ thread will be all set. For those of you who love to "chat" about the GF and other things we have a chat thread. Here is the link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1736003.

Welcome to the NEW Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread ( May 2008).

Hi everyone this will be the new place for everything about the Grand Floridian. Please be patient as we move things and update all out dated information. Please feel free to post information about the resort and everything it offers. We are family here at the DIS and lets make this a special place where people can learn about the GF and all the wonderful things it has to offer.
Lets get started!!

Legendary elegance and lavish décor combine with impeccable service and spectacular views to create exceptional style that pampers Guests and responds to every whim. Live lobby entertainment by the Grand Floridian Orchestra, multi-paneled arch windows, turn-of-the-century gas lamps, regal chandeliers and a world-class spa define quintessential luxury at Disney's flagship Resort Hotel.

Check In/Check Out
3:00 PM (EST) / 11:00 AM (EST)

Address
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
407-824-3000

Payment Method(s)
Disney Gift Card, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover, JCB.

Also here is the link to the old thread if anyone wants to go there.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=513609

Looking for great trip planning tips and info about all things Disney check out the
DIS PODCASTS and DIS UNPLUGGED Boards here:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=158

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-podcast/

 

[Alicnwondrln]

The pages are for the last thread. You can find that thread here
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1629507


Services and Amenities


Dining Recreation
Menus can be found here on at the DIS at
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

- 1 Quick Service location Gasparilla's Grille
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=30

- 6 Full Service restuarants
1900 Park Fare (Character dining) post 31 and page 90
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=28

Citricos
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=186

Grand Floridian Café
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=31

Garden View Tea POST #24
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=305

Narcoossee's
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=32

Victoria & Albert's
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=32

Victoria & Albert's Chefs Table
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=184

- 2 children's dining activities
Perfectly Princess Tea Party INFO ON PAGE 34 by Janet2K Also POST #10 Lives4Disney

Wonderland Tea Party INFO ON PAGE 34 post 503 by Janet2K ALSO POST #12 by Lives4DISNEY

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dinin...taurant.ID=227

Pirate Adventure - Children wear pirate bandannas and follow clues to search Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon for buried treasure. They sail to many exotic "ports of call" (Resort Marinas) to collect treasure. Children who are potty trained (no pull-ups) and ages 4-12 may attend. Lunch is provided (Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Gummy bears, Krispy Treat and Juice box).
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Available to all guests. Cost is $28.17 plus tax.
Reservations 180 days in advance at 407-WDW-DINE.

- 2 pool bars
- 3 lounges
- In-Room Dining: 24 hours
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_gfp.htm


Feature Pool: beach pool with
zero-depth entry, water slide
waterfalls, walking bridge, natural
springs setting & cabana rentals
- Child pool
- Whirlpool spa
- Children's playground
- Arcade
- Tennis
- Marina/boat rental
- Water cruises
- Fishing
- Beach area
- Volleyball
- Jogging trail
- Health club
- Full service spa
The opulent spa takes guest service to the highest level with a broad, balanced program of beautifying and well-being services such as facials, manicures, pedicures, massage therapy, body treatments, and nutrition and fitness counselling. For scheduling information, please call (407) 824-2332*.
www.relaxedyet.com

- Electrical Water Pageant view

Transportation Other Services
- Motorcoach transportation
Epcot®
Disney-MGM Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom®
Disney Water Parks
Downtown Disney®
Disney Resort Hotels*
*Requires one transfer at a Disney Theme Park
- Water launch to:
Magic Kingdom®
Disney's Polynesian Resort
- Monorail to:
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Magic Kingdom®
Epcot®*
*Requires a Monorail change at the Transportation & Ticket Center - Disney Resort Benefits
- 6 merchandise shops (gifts, sundries)
- Self service laundry facilities INFO ON THIS IS ON PAGE 34 post #508 by Janet2K
- Valet laundry service
- Club Level Concierge (Royal Palm Club in the Main Building and Sugar Loaf ) See below
- Business Center
- Convention/meeting space
- Salon/barber services
The Ivy Trellis Barber and Beauty Shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Valet parking

Stores on the 2nd floor Thank you princess!

As far as the stores, on the 2nd floor, there is:

Commander Porter's - Men's clothing, hats, GF logo apparel

M.Mouse Mercantile - gifts, apparel, pins, stuffed Disney characters,etc. Basically a mini emporium. Trust me, if your kids are like mine, you will become very familiar with this store!
It is strategically located next to where you get on and off the monorail!

Basin White - the awesome bath shop previously mentioned
http://www.basinwhite.com/

On the 1st floor :

Summer Lace- Womens, clothing, bathing suits, shoes,beach bags,etc. Also has H2O , Guerlain, etc.

Sandy Cove - Has great GF merchandise! ( I just got a beautiful Christmas ornament with the GF painted on it!)
Also has, Mickey Crocs, food, medicine and beauty supplies if you forget Tylenol or your toothbrush!,etc.
Sandy Cove is also where you pick up your packages if you choose to have them sent from the parks to the GF. If youre staying concierge, they will deliver them to your room.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

[B]The pages are for the last thread. You can find that thread here
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1629507[/B]

842 Guest Rooms

Disabled accessible rooms available
All rooms non-smoking
Buildings offer elevators and stairs with interior corridors

There are 2 floorplans below but here is a link to a site that has TONS of them

https://home.comcast.net/~tammimcmanus/gf_rooms.htm

Tammi from here on the DIS and a regular on our GF thread has a nice homepage about the GF, her trips, and some floorplans. Its a great resource and we have gotten her permission to post the link so here it is
https://home.comcast.net/~tammimcmanus/
Thank You Tammi

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Room Amenities

In Each Room Upon Request (subject to availability)

Alarm Clock w/ CD player
Balcony/Patio
Ceiling Fan
Coffee Maker & Setup
Dial-Up Internet*
DVD Player (suites)
Evening Turndown Service
Hair Dryer
In-Room Wall Safe
Iron and Board
Minibar
Mini-Refrigerator
Robes
Table & Chairs
Tea Setup
Telephone*
Television
- ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN & more
Triple Sheet Bedding
USA Today Delivery (Mon-Fri)
Vanity Area
Voice Mail Bed Boards/Rails
Crib: Full Size
High Speed Internet (fee)
High Speed Internet Wireless (fee)
Microwave

* Local, 1-800, collect, credit card and third party calls placed from an in-room Disney Resort Guest telephone do not incur a surcharge. Charges will apply for directory assistance and domestic/international long-distance calls.



Rooom Information:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/grandflrooms.htm

Picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon or the Grand Floridian marina are available from more than half of the 900 rooms at the Grand Floridian. Garden views overlook the lush, landscaped gardens, Pool/Marina views overlook the interior courtyard pool or the marina, and Lagoon views offer a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

There are lodge rooms, concierge rooms and suites available as well as standard guest rooms. The following is a breakdown of the buildings and the type of accommodations found there:

Sago Cay, lagoon/marina view rooms, garden view dormer rooms, lodge tower rooms, hospitality suites and one- and two-bedroom suites

Sugar Loaf, concierge rooms

Conch Key, hospitality suites, one- and two-bedroom suites, pool/marina/lagoon views

Boca Chica, standard guest rooms, lagoon, pool, dormer and tower rooms

Big Pine Key, lagoon/pool/garden views

Main Building, concierge rooms and suites.

From www.allearsnet.com
What are the differences between a standard room and a dormer room?

Both types of rooms are furnished the same and contain the same features. The dormer rooms are smaller than the standard rooms, but seem larger, since dormer rooms have vaulted ceilings. Standard rooms sleep 5 people, while dormer rooms sleep only 4. Dormer rooms are also the only rooms to feature a private balcony.

What is a lodge tower room?

The lodge tower rooms are located in the semicircular protrusions you can see on the outside of some buildings. They include all of the features of a standard room. They also have a separate sitting area, with additional furniture, TV and phone. There are views out of five windows, as well as a separate balcony.

Also from www.allearsnet.com
Which rooms are closest to...

...the beach? - Guest rooms in the Main Building and in Big Pine Key are located just along the beach of Seven Seas Lagoon.

...the monorail? - Guest rooms in the Main Building are an elevator's ride away from the monorail station. Rooms in Sago Cay , Sugar Loaf Key , and Big Pine Key are all about equally the next closest.

The buses? - The bus stop is located just outside and below the monorail station. Room proximity to the buses is about the same as for the monorail.
The restaurants? - Guest rooms in the Main Building are located only a few floors above all restaurants, with the exception of Narcoossee's. Rooms in Conch Key are actually closest to Narcoossee's. Besides those in the Main Building, rooms in Big Pine Key and Sugar Loaf Key are quite near the main restaurants. Sugar Loaf Key is particularly convenient to both Gasparilla Grill & Games and the Grand Floridian Cafe.

The marina? - Guest rooms in Sugar Loaf Key and Conch Key are located just outside of the marina. These rooms, as well as those in Sago Cay, all have rooms that overlook the marina.

The pool? - Guest rooms in Boca Chica, Big Pine Key, and Sugar Loaf Key all are closest to the courtyard pool, as well as the kiddie pool.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Kids Programs

Need someone to watch the kids for a while? Boy, have you come to the right place. From in-room child care to Discovery programs -- even special clubs just for kids. Disney's got it all. Just take a look. Bet you never had a babysitter as fun as this.

Please note: Babysitters and childcare supervisors are primarily English speakers. To inquire about additional language capabilities, please call in advance.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mouseketeer Clubhouse
Hours: 4:30 pm to 12 midnight
Information: (407) 824-2985 or (407) 939-3463
Offers supervised activities, entertainment, and refreshments for children ages four to 12. Charge is $11 USD per hour per child, with a four-hour maximum. Reservations required.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kid's Nite Out, Inc.
Kid's Nite Out caregivers can provide one-on-one in-room childcare in the comfort of a Walt Disney World® Resort room. The professional staff of Kid's Nite Out gives the child individual attention by playing a variety of fun-filled activities with him/her including reading books, coloring, or playing "I Spy" games. They can also provide a fun, well-trained sitter to just hang out with the family if they need a father's/mother's helper. Kid's Nite Out also plans and works children's parties, camps, and children's theme conventions.


Reservations:


Advance reservations are required - please call 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at all Walt Disney World® Resorts
Guests can call up to 90 Days in advance. Will try to accommodate same-day calls or unusual hours.
Cancellations require 24 hours notice to avoid the 4 hour minimum charge.

Phone Number: 407-828-0920

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Remember that the pages are on the old thread. Here is that link.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1629507


Club/Concierge level service is available at the Grand Floridian and it is fabulous. The Main Building is only concierge level rooms and suites. There is also concierge service at the Sugar Loaf Building. It is keyed access as is the main building. Both have been renovated recently and will be be placing pictures here as they come in. Tete01830 just returned from a stay at the Sugar Loaf building and she will be putting pictures up of the new lounge area and her tower room.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
PH: 407-824-1775
FX: 407-824-3461
Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com
HERE IS THE NEW UPDATED EMAIL AS OF JAN 25th 2008

Available at *ALL* Disney Deluxe Resorts for Concierge Guests :
Nightly Turndown Service
High Speed Internet Access (access fees apply)
Bathroom Amenities (shampoo, conditioner, hand/body lotion, bath & facial soap)
Complimentary Fax Assistance
Complimentary Health Club Access
2 Adult-Size Spa Bathrobes (in-room use, additional robes can be requested)
Club Level Check-In from 7am - 10pm
Club Level Assistance from 7am - 10pm (tickets, dining, recreation, special events)
Advanced Itinerary Planning
Refreshments throughout the day in Concierge Lounges
Secured Key Access to Club Level Floors
USA Today Newspaper
Coffee Maker with Coffee & Tea Assortment
Iron and Board
Safe
Hair Dryer
Refrigerator - not stocked (available upon request at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
Library of Disney Movies at Concierge Desk
VCR and/or DVD Players in suites (upon request at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
CD/Clock Radios in Suites

Services at *SELECT* Disney Deluxe Resorts for Concierge Guests
Private Pantry (usage fees apply) Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Wireless High Speed Internet in Concierge Lounge Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Business Center Access Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon or the Grand Floridian marina are available from more than half of the 900 rooms at the Grand Floridian. Garden views overlook the lush, landscaped gardens, Pool/Marina views overlook the interior courtyard pool or the marina, and Lagoon views offer a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

THE MAIN BUILDING CONCIERGE THE ROYAL PALM CLUB and the SUGAR LOAF KEY
The Concierge Lounge is located on the fourth floor. Here, guests may enjoy a continental breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The continental breakfast includes danish, bagels, cereal, fresh friuts, coffee, tea and juice. "Daily Delights" from 11:30am to 2:30pm (the menu varies daily, but usually includes a meat dish, fruits and a vegetarian dish, including cookies, coffee, sodas and juices). Afternoon tea from 3pm to 4:30pm (includes scones, fruit breads, cookies, jam tarts, and of course, tea). Twilight Refreshments from 5pm to 7pm (includes wine and cheese, with appetizer type dishes served.

Both lounges serve alcohol now and cordials. They also serve Champagne.

Resort Airline Check-in

The current hours for RAC are 5am to 1pm.

Here's a great thread about RAC:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here are some pics from the Sugar Loaf Concierge Lounge.
Newly remodeled.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here are some pics of the RPC or Royal Palm Club in the main buidling at the GF. The main building only hold Concierge and suites.
Pics courtesy Lives4disney. Thanks Chan

 

[Alicnwondrln]

There are some fun kids activites at the Grand Floridian. Here are some pictures of the Princess Tea Party. I think my older daughter (8 at the time) and I enjoyed it much more than my 4.5 yr old. DD4 got kind of bored sitting for so long. SHE's the one I thought would love this party! The music, songs & stories were very entertaining. I didn't take pictures of the food, which was good but didn't amount to much. We were served little tea sandwiches and red grapes, nice tea, and then a very pretty cake for dessert. The girls had about the same but with apple juice "tea". They started out the party by calling the girls' names and then crowning them with a pretty garland and escorting them in one by one to the tables. Rose Petal told stories and sang accompanied by Baron Von Branch. After the lunch Aurora came to visit. I unexpectedly enjoyed it. Somewhere in there the girls were given their Disney Aurora dolls. Then, at the end they were given little certificates to pick up their other gift items at the Mercantile store upstairs in the GF lobby.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Unfortunately Disney is ending the advnetures in cooking. I dont know why and its to bad, its wicked cute.

NEW PRICING FOR ALICE
Wonderland Tea Party - A tea party (lasting one hour) for children, hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland. Children will make and eat cupcakes, enjoy a story, eat lunch, and have tea with the characters, and make flower bouquets. Lunch includes turkey and cheese or berry sandwich, chicken nuggets, fruit, dessert, and apple tea (apple juice). (Menu subject to change.) Children who are potty trained and ages 4-10 may attend.

Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Available to all guests, Cost is $40.00 ($42.60 incliding tax).
Reservations 180 days in advance at 407-WDW-DINE.


My girls have also done the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party which they enjoyed several times. It's very secretive, so I don't think I have many pictures to share.....it's a kids only thing and adults drop off and pick up. Here are some pics when I dropped the girls off. This party takes place in 1900 Park Faire. The kids are served lunch and cupcakes, which they decorate, and play fun games. During this party Mary Poppins and Alice ran the party. Other times it was Alice and the Mad Hatter. THey loved this, but actually their favorite kids activity was the Adventures in Cooking!

Alice tea party.........

Adventures in Cooking........

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Pictures of the Beaches, Pools and Cabanas.

I have to say the cabanas are a great way to spend a day or a half day. I had one in July 2007 and we did it for a half day and it was alot of fun and easy with the kids.

Here's some info directly from the GF concierge.........

Rental Cabana amenities include:
. Two padded chaise lounge chairs
. Two padded straight-backed chairs
. Plush towels
. 22 inch LCD television with cable access and optional earphones
. Sirius Satellite Radio
. DVD/CD/MP3 player
. Phone for internal resorts calls
. Oscillating Fan
. Mini refrigerator stocked with complementary sodas and water
. Complementary fruit basket
. Private dining and poolside massages are available at an
additional cost.

A half day is $60.00 and is from 10am - 2pm OR 3pm - 7pm
A full day is $110 for 10am - 7pm


Here are some theme pool pictures including the cabanas you can rent. Call 407 WDW -PLAY to reserve.

There are 2 pools at the GF the quiet pool which is in front of the Sugar Loaf Building and the Main Pool which is by the main building. Both pools offer food and drinks. When I was there in July 2007 there was a ping pong table at the quiet pool along with a hot tub.

The main pool give amazing views of the lagoon, you can see the monorail, there is food, a store, the cabanas and a spot where the kids can jump around and water shoots out of the ground. We were lucky enough to get a cabana in July 2007 and it was very nice. Here are some pics of the pools and the cabanas.


View of the quit pool from the Sugar Loaf Building.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

 

[Alicnwondrln]

The Main Pool

Some more cabana pics from Lives4Disney:

 

[Alicnwondrln]

FROM LIVES4DISNEY

Pictures from cakes and treats from the GF Private Dining. The number is below.

OK, here are some goodies ordered from private dining......the number is 407-824-2474. Sometimes they can offer suggestions, other times you really have to know what you want to order. Depends on the CM it seems.

Tinkerbelle birthday cake. Huge 10 inch triple layer and was filled with fresh strawberries and custard. DELICIOUS. They delivered it to our roomwhile we were out in the parks and set it up very nicely on our table. Great surprise to come back to.

I found these pics on one of the cake threads. This cake screams Alice in Wonderland to me.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

To order special cakes you can call the cake hotline this is good for all over Disney.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219

This is new cake thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=25734133#post25734133

Even the new seems to out dated with some phone numbers and other info. If you have questions just ask here. If you are needing a special cake at the GF you will call private dining and they will transfer you to Linda. If you have issues PM and I will give you an email address.

Here is the number to the cakehotline 1-407-827-2253.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

The Holiday Gingerbread house in the lobby.

 

[johnsonet]

I have many pics to share but here are some from our room on the 5th floor of the Main Building last August. It was room 4030, on the 5th floor. It was a "Turret room" which is a Deluxe King room in the Royal Palm Club. The room did not have a balcony, FYI.

 

[johnsonet]

deleted

 

[lovemy2boys]

Thank you for posting these. We are visiting Disney in June and have never stayed on site before. We'll be at the Grand Floridian in the Grand Suite. I would love pictures, if anyone has (I've only seen the two pix that are posted on wdwinfo I think?).

I also wanted to ask, what are the odds that we'll be able to check in early? Our flight arrives at noon.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hi Welcome to the GF thread!
You should be able to check in as soon as you arrive. If the suite is ready they will take you up and give you a tour. If not they will take and store your luggage and then give your room keys. They will also give you a number to call and check on your room. Sometimes they will take your cell # and call you when its ready. Your room keys will have your park tickets and dining plan if you purchased that on them so you can go off and start having fun!

 

[oliviansmom17]

We'll have our first stay at The GF in December and were soo looking forward to it. We've booked a theme park view room- could someone narrow down the possible buildings we might be in?
TIA!