(2014-2020) Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA + VILLAS Information & Questions

[TJA]

Thanks for sharing your positives of the 2nd floor deluxes! The balcony does sound nice, especially with a view of the fireworks! Minus the room with the tree view!

Is that the room pas130 had? Seems like her room view was semi blocked by a tree!

 

[loveshak22]

Is that the room pas130 had? Seems like her room view was semi blocked by a tree!

I'm not sure. I know Pas said she thought the room was small but I don't remember her mentioning the view or posting pics of
the view. But I may have missed it!

ETA: I went back and looked and yup, looks like she was in 4201 with the tree view! Ugh!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Packing for winter trips sure is difficult! There have been some years WDW was colder than home!! Crazy!

Totally agree!! It pays to be prepared..not only can the temperatures be so variable..but they can change very quickly...

I won't be returning here, but just because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean you won't love it. All the offerings at all the CL are not what they were. This grand girl has to vote for Sugarloaf beating RPC on CL value for price paid YMMV of course. Full report on my return, but nothing was smooth here and management was apologetic but kinda acted like it happens all the time.

pas Thanks for sharing your experience...so sorry that it was not as magical as it should have been...I happen to be a fan of RPC and SL equally...and do agree..SL does give more bang for your buck...the difference in the lounge experience is more important to some people than others...actually I think that in the warmer weather SL is a better CL choice...Looking forward to your review..

as luck would have it, i received an email tonight that they had a table available for us! i hope this info is helpful for anyone trying for a table, going forward. MDE may show no availability, but if you contact them directly, they may be able to help you when something opens up. we are SO EXCITED. my ds13 is a super picky eater but surprisingly his only request for the entire trip was to eat at V&A again. who am i to say no to that?!



somehow i missed this post! reading it made me feel even more accepting of not paying an arm and a leg for SL for jan '16. i had completely forgotten about the nut situation (i am nut allergic), don't ask me how, as i was so outraged that i thought it would have been burned into my memory forever, lol. and to read that it seems they have pared back some of the offerings makes me a bit sad. that was one of the best things about the lounge, that set it apart from other CL's... i felt that their offerings were leaps and bounds above both in variety (number of different offerings) and in quality. well, i have faith in them that they will figure all this out and eventually get back on track. sounds to me like maybe there is someone new in charge or something? or perhaps a few changes in the powers that be over there?

So happy that you were able to get your V&A reservation ! Still lots of nice food offerings..not to worry...and GF CL is the only one on property to have afternoon tea all of of its accompaniments...thinking triffle ( my mouth is watering) ...scones..with clotted cream....strawberry tarts.......and champagne too...so even with them cutting back on some of the offerings...there is still plenty of extra nice things about their CL.... Only because you are a repeater..will you notice ..but I have a feeling that there will be another GF trip in your future...so that you can see for yourself...

Our first trip to WDW is coming up in less than a month, and we're trying to tie up loose ends on My Disney Experience -- including taking care of online check-in. We're staying at the Grand Floridian in an Outer Building - Theme Park View room. What suggestions do people have on what "Room Requests" to make to get the best view of Cinderella's Castle?

I've done a fair amount of research and it seems the usual advice is to request an Upper Floor, but opinions seem to be mixed between requesting Sago Key and Conch Key Buildings (and what about Boca Chica?). People seem to say Conch Key has a more direct line of sight to the Castle, but many of its rooms are blocked by trees; whereas Sago Key is a bit left of the Castle but does not have trees obstructing its view. What are people's experiences and thoughts about this? I know we can also fax in more specific room requests 4-5 days before arrival. However, online check-in only allows me to make 2 requests at the moment, so I'd welcome your sage advice!

Your trip is almost here!!! There are fans of both of those outer buildings...I personally prefer Conch..although we had friends who had a beautiful MK view from their room in Bocab Chica (which happens to be our fave non CL outer building)...like its proximity to the pool..and boat dock too...The map on page one will give you an idea of what each building is closer to and that might help you to decide...TPV rooms are so very nice..from the castle/fireworks view...to the classic and wonderful Electric Water Pageant...Enjoy!

hello, does anyone know if the suites in the main bldg. are finished being renovated? tia

Yes they have...

Any news on when they'll stay constructing the Gingerbread House? We leave in 9 days, so hoping to see it sometime during our 7 days at GF. Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Last year the GB house was up and open for business by about the 19th....Oh boy does it make the lobby smell sooooo good!

I posted this on the club level thread, but when I posted it I was thinking it was in the Grand Floridian thread . So when I realized it wasn't, I thought I would put it here as well just in case it helped someone or made someone feel better about the second floor RPC Deluxe King Rooms. I did edit it a touch

I know none of the recent GF conversation has been directed at me, but I'm going to butt in here and give my $0.02 about RPC deluxe king rooms , just so maybe some people won't be so scared to book them after hearing all of these bad stories about the second floor rooms. It's one row of rooms by itself (plus the laundry), 4201-either 4208 or 4209, just above Gasparillas. We stayed in 4207 in Sept 2014, and we requested one of the second floor rooms! That seems so odd after reading recently of how everyone dreads having to get one of them if they are in a Deluxe King room, but I want to reassure people that there are some people out there (us) who actually want them (well, except for 4201 because of that darned tree they should get rid of or at least trim!). We decided that having the picture perfect theme park view and balcony was more important to us than the bigger room and floor location. I love outdoor space, and was worried that I would really miss the balcony, and my DH was set on having a fireworks view. So after a lot of debate we requested and got the second floor rooms. They ARE slightly inconvenient, you have to take an elevator up 1 floor to get to the lounge. But for us the elevator was almost never used so it came right away, and though we agreed it wasn't ideal we also agreed we thought it was worth it for the view. I do wish there was a set of stairs so you could avoid the elevator, but it is what is it... Also, just to be clear, coming from the main lobby you had to take an elevator to the third or fourth floor, then walk down to the back elevator and go down 1 (or 2) floors to the second. But for some reason this didn't bother us much, probably because we always just stopped in the lounge to get a snack or grab a drink or diet coke for the room. It is super convenient to Gasparillas and to the pool/grounds, the elevator also goes down and comes out just beside Gasparillas. So you can get to the pool in your suit without going through the lobby, or go that way to get to the boat dock or pool or anywhere else on grounds. So the moral of this story is we stayed in one of the second floor rooms by choice and were happy there, so if you've never stayed in either you might not mind the second floor rooms as much as you think! You have a wonderful view, a spectacular balcony and the extra elevator wasn't that bad

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the deluxe king rooms nina...while they are not my favorite king rooms...I agree they are lovely and there are many pluses about them! The beautiful TP views (except for that one darn room with the tree! ) lol....and as Trish pointed out the convenience to Gaspies..and the bus stop too....

Trish Thanks for the info on that adorable sweatshirt...I think I might need one..DD too!! ..Liking the ears too....decisions..decisions...

~Pandora fans....There are some new charms that are now available....there are some limited addition M&M paves..and two holiday charms too ..all very nice...just thought I'd mention them..in case any of my fellow fans need things to add to their holiday wish list!

* Also another heads up for those with trips coming up...there have been some changes to park hours for November and December.... Easy WDW is a great place to keep up to date on the changes..soooo..I have been fine tuning things ...a bit...well maybe a lot......lol

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend.... ADR & FPP changing GF gal....

 

[pas130]

My Grand Review

Preface: I will always be a Grand Groupie based on the fact that my Dear junglecruiser (miss her still) just made it such a magical place for me. We would talk and text about the GF and it is a great memory of a great friend. This was my second GF stay, my first was Sugarloaf in 2011.

Arrival:
Greeted by a lovely CM who brought us up to the 3rd floor upon arrival. There was some weird glitch with online check-in which charged the card on file from August's BC stay. Just weird, and I had a Disney Gift Card to pay off the balance so this was an unexpected expense. All good I have more $$ for December. Lesson learned, no OCI if there is a balance due. I saw on her iPad our room, but I thought it might be a glitch I ignored it (in hindsight it was my room and I should've spoke up). No worries...off to Epcot we went

FOOD&WINE IS AWESOME!!

The room: Average, it wasn't what I expected from a King Deluxe but the bed was comfy, and it was clean. I miss the old décor, but my DH does not LOL. The whirlpool was a pain for me to take a shower, because I am short The location of the room was not great, and I actually had to go to the concierge to figure out HOW to get to my room. They should tell people that on check-in. Thanks to the fine folks here, I did know there was a back elevator.

Elevator....all I can say is GRRRRRR. There was consistently elevator issues. First the main ones were down, then being painted (one of them). One morning the back elevator was down and the only way to get anywhere was the back fire stairs. So the secure locked Main building, not so much.

Monorail: My DH made the observation the monorail was the slowest mode of transportation. The only exception was getting to MK, the problem is that its packed. We were stuck one evening getting back from the TTC because a monorail ahead of us broke down at the Poly. Buses were great there, we even had an Epcot bus one evening which we were so happy to see.

Boats are awesome, love the boat. But it felt like the longest walk to get back to the main building after a long night at MK.

Pools, cold and crowded. It was hot hot hot, and I was surprised that DH and I had issues finding two lounge chairs together at the courtyard pool. Then it was too cold to swim....so we went to the lounge

Grounds are gorgeous as always. We didn't eat there, and the lobby was packed so being up in the RPC lounge was great. It is expansive and quiet. The offerings and CMs are average, but I did notice the CMs at RPC were very warm and caring to repeat guests. We kinda felt left out. There's a lot I could say but I'm keeping this as positive as I can. The quality of the hot apps at night were the worst I've ever seen in any CL. The cold apps and breakfast offerings FABULOUS! Scones were stale one day, banana bread too. Next day delish! Kinda hit or miss. Same with cupcakes.

Overall, we had a great trip, one of the best. I am glad we stayed at GF, it's out of my system. I did expect more magic, and those who know me know I am not high maintenance at all. But it is what it is. I wish I would've switched us to BWI Garden Cottage when I had the chance. Next trip BWI. And I'll give the monorail a second chance at the Poly. Oh and Osborne lights WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to all who helped my planning! I think I may at some point unknowingly been converted to an Epcot resort gal

 

[mmmears]

pas130 - thanks for your review of RPC at the GF. I like to hear it all, the good and the bad, so I appreciate the details you shared. I am sorry it was not what you had hoped for. We are planning a few days there, and even though we had a good experience last time at the price they are charging I keep having second thoughts.

 

[pas130]

pas130 - thanks for your review of RPC at the GF. I like to hear it all, the good and the bad, so I appreciate the details you shared. I am sorry it was not what you had hoped for. We are planning a few days there, and even though we had a good experience last time at the price they are charging I keep having second thoughts.

I can't imagine if we were paying full price. My TA said I should've spoken up, but I am not a squeaky wheel type. However, if I had my children and we were staying longer I would've asked to be moved to another resort. It definitely is a beautiful lounge, and for me it wasn't all about the food. I liked the Poly lounge so much better, so I am hoping for the best. Not perfection, but some magic My DH thinks the kids and I will love BWI

 

[TJA]

My Grand Review

Preface: I will always be a Grand Groupie based on the fact that my Dear junglecruiser (miss her still) just made it such a magical place for me. We would talk and text about the GF and it is a great memory of a great friend. This was my second GF stay, my first was Sugarloaf in 2011.

Arrival:
Greeted by a lovely CM who brought us up to the 3rd floor upon arrival. There was some weird glitch with online check-in which charged the card on file from August's BC stay. Just weird, and I had a Disney Gift Card to pay off the balance so this was an unexpected expense. All good I have more $$ for December. Lesson learned, no OCI if there is a balance due. I saw on her iPad our room, but I thought it might be a glitch I ignored it (in hindsight it was my room and I should've spoke up). No worries...off to Epcot we went

FOOD&WINE IS AWESOME!!

The room: Average, it wasn't what I expected from a King Deluxe but the bed was comfy, and it was clean. I miss the old décor, but my DH does not LOL. The whirlpool was a pain for me to take a shower, because I am short The location of the room was not great, and I actually had to go to the concierge to figure out HOW to get to my room. They should tell people that on check-in. Thanks to the fine folks here, I did know there was a back elevator.

Elevator....all I can say is GRRRRRR. There was consistently elevator issues. First the main ones were down, then being painted (one of them). One morning the back elevator was down and the only way to get anywhere was the back fire stairs. So the secure locked Main building, not so much.

Monorail: My DH made the observation the monorail was the slowest mode of transportation. The only exception was getting to MK, the problem is that its packed. We were stuck one evening getting back from the TTC because a monorail ahead of us broke down at the Poly. Buses were great there, we even had an Epcot bus one evening which we were so happy to see.

Boats are awesome, love the boat. But it felt like the longest walk to get back to the main building after a long night at MK.

Pools, cold and crowded. It was hot hot hot, and I was surprised that DH and I had issues finding two lounge chairs together at the courtyard pool. Then it was too cold to swim....so we went to the lounge

Grounds are gorgeous as always. We didn't eat there, and the lobby was packed so being up in the RPC lounge was great. It is expansive and quiet. The offerings and CMs are average, but I did notice the CMs at RPC were very warm and caring to repeat guests. We kinda felt left out. There's a lot I could say but I'm keeping this as positive as I can. The quality of the hot apps at night were the worst I've ever seen in any CL. The cold apps and breakfast offerings FABULOUS! Scones were stale one day, banana bread too. Next day delish! Kinda hit or miss. Same with cupcakes.

Overall, we had a great trip, one of the best. I am glad we stayed at GF, it's out of my system. I did expect more magic, and those who know me know I am not high maintenance at all. But it is what it is. I wish I would've switched us to BWI Garden Cottage when I had the chance. Next trip BWI. And I'll give the monorail a second chance at the Poly. Oh and Osborne lights WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to all who helped my planning! I think I may at some point unknowingly been converted to an Epcot resort gal

Thanks for the review! I was so happy to read about the great aspects of your trip, but also saddened to read about the not-so-great, especially concerning RPC which is supposed to be the elite of the CL's. Did you happen to take any pictures of the hot apps at night? I hope you will give feedback to WDW regarding your RPC experience. For the price that is charged, I think it's fair to expect better .

 

[Disneytam]

I can't imagine if we were paying full price. My TA said I should've spoken up, but I am not a squeaky wheel type. However, if I had my children and we were staying longer I would've asked to be moved to another resort. It definitely is a beautiful lounge, and for me it wasn't all about the food. I liked the Poly lounge so much better, so I am hoping for the best. Not perfection, but some magic My DH thinks the kids and I will love BWI

Our last stay at the GF RPC was in Nov. 2002. We had stayed several times before in the main building and loved it but this trip was bad from start to finish. When we checked in we were told that they were trying something new and the 5-7 night offerings were going to be wine and cheese only! The whole week we were there that's all they had out for the apps. and it was not mentioned to us before hand either. On day three my son and I got stuck between floors on the elevator and he was scared to death of elevators for the rest of the week. One cast member in particular seemed really put out to wait on us and even snapped at me once when I asked if she could get me a soda. After a couple of days we felt really uncomfortable and avoided the lounge (we were there for 10 days!) except for breakfast. We walked through the GF on our last visit and my husband wants to try it again so we will be there for three nights in Feb. before we head over to the BWI CL.

 

[pas130]

Thanks for the review! I was so happy to read about the great aspects of your trip, but also saddened to read about the not-so-great, especially concerning RPC which is supposed to be the elite of the CL's. Did you happen to take any pictures of the hot apps at night? I hope you will give feedback to WDW regarding your RPC experience. For the price that is charged, I think it's fair to expect better .

I didn't get a pics of the evening apps. The large table was all crudites, a soup each night. One night strawberry soup and another was a potato. The same size warmer used for the scones had a divider with two different apps. I got sick from the crab Rangoon but I chalk that up to a hot day and too much Food and wine. There were mini corn dogs one night and the next were pigs in a blanket. The beer and wine selection was great, but my husband said the beer tasted funny. His theory is they chilled it then it got warm and then they put it out again. I need to sit and write a nice email. We ran into Denny who I remembered from Sugarloaf, he is so sweet and made me smile. THAT is the magical GF I wanted

Our last stay at the GF RPC was in Nov. 2002. We had stayed several times before in the main building and loved it but this trip was bad from start to finish. When we checked in we were told that they were trying something new and the 5-7 night offerings were going to be wine and cheese only! The whole week we were there that's all they had out for the apps. and it was not mentioned to us before hand either. On day three my son and I got stuck between floors on the elevator and he was scared to death of elevators for the rest of the week. One cast member in particular seemed really put out to wait on us and even snapped at me once when I asked if she could get me a soda. After a couple of days we felt really uncomfortable and avoided the lounge (we were there for 10 days!) except for breakfast. We walked through the GF on our last visit and my husband wants to try it again so we will be there for three nights in Feb. before we head over to the BWI CL.

Awe, sorry to hear that. We got a similar response when I asked for water to bring to the park, meanwhile she delivered a tray of 5-6 waters to another guest. I hope you have a Grand trip in Feb. you and your family deserve it!!!

 

[Disneytam]

I didn't get a pics of the evening apps. The large table was all crudites, a soup each night. One night strawberry soup and another was a potato. The same size warmer used for the scones had a divider with two different apps. I got sick from the crab Rangoon but I chalk that up to a hot day and too much Food and wine. There were mini corn dogs one night and the next were pigs in a blanket. The beer and wine selection was great, but my husband said the beer tasted funny. His theory is they chilled it then it got warm and then they put it out again. I need to sit and write a nice email. We ran into Denny who I remembered from Sugarloaf, he is so sweet and made me smile. THAT is the magical GF I wanted

Awe, sorry to hear that. We got a similar response when I asked for water to bring to the park, meanwhile she delivered a tray of 5-6 waters to another guest. I hope you have a Grand trip in Feb. you and your family deserve it!!!

Thank you so much! I know you will have a great trip when you stay at the BWI CL. We love it there but just wanted to stay a couple of days at a monorail resort so we are being brave and trying the GF one more time. I think our personality's are similar in that we are not pushy people, if I don't feel like I'm welcome I tend to stay away. For the price we are all paying for the GF you should at least feel VERY welcomed! We had originally planed on staying at the Poly for 3 nights but couldn't get any AP discounts and I hate ground floor rooms so with the crazy rack rate and a good chance that we might have a ground floor room it just didn't seem worth it. My niece is renting points to stay at the GF DVC on her honeymoon next year because of the wonderful trip she remembers as a child when our whole family stayed there. Hoping to make some more wonderful memories at the GF.

 

[pas130]

Thank you so much! I know you will have a great trip when you stay at the BWI CL. We love it there but just wanted to stay a couple of days at a monorail resort so we are being brave and trying the GF one more time. I think our personality's are similar in that we are not pushy people, if I don't feel like I'm welcome I tend to stay away. For the price we are all paying for the GF you should at least feel VERY welcomed! We had originally planed on staying at the Poly for 3 nights but couldn't get any AP discounts and I hate ground floor rooms so with the crazy rack rate and a good chance that we might have a ground floor room it just didn't seem worth it. My niece is renting points to stay at the GF DVC on her honeymoon next year because of the wonderful trip she remembers as a child when our whole family stayed there. Hoping to make some more wonderful memories at the GF.

Our summer trip so far is the Poly CL. If we did return to GF, I'd do Sugarloaf most definitely. I love my castle, but the monorail doesn't top the Epcot location. And looking at the castle and lagoon from the RPC lounge is awesome!

 

[Nonsuch]

...I thought I would put it here as well just in case it helped someone or made someone feel better about the second floor RPC Deluxe King Rooms...

...I do wish there was a set of stairs so you could avoid the elevator, but it is what is it... Also, just to be clear, coming from the main lobby you had to take an elevator to the third or fourth floor, then walk down to the back elevator and go down 1 (or 2) floors to the second. But for some reason this didn't bother us much, probably because we always just stopped in the lounge to get a snack or grab a drink or diet coke for the room. It is super convenient to Gasparillas and to the pool/grounds, the elevator also goes down and comes out just beside Gasparillas...

Just wondering: The back elevator only goes down to the first floor, but cannot be take up from there?

...The room: Average, it wasn't what I expected from a King Deluxe but the bed was comfy, and it was clean. I miss the old décor, but my DH does not LOL. The whirlpool was a pain for me to take a shower, because I am short The location of the room was not great, and I actually had to go to the concierge to figure out HOW to get to my room. They should tell people that on check-in. Thanks to the fine folks here, I did know there was a back elevator.

Elevator....all I can say is GRRRRRR. There was consistently elevator issues. First the main ones were down, then being painted (one of them). One morning the back elevator was down and the only way to get anywhere was the back fire stairs. So the secure locked Main building, not so much...

Our trip is in January, booked for a RPC Deluxe King.
I must admit, I'll be rather disappointed with a second floor room. I'm not telling DW about the turret rooms, so she will be unaware of what we are missing.

Is it common for guests to not receive a requested turret room?

 

[mmmears]

Awe, sorry to hear that. We got a similar response when I asked for water to bring to the park, meanwhile she delivered a tray of 5-6 waters to another guest. I hope you have a Grand trip in Feb. you and your family deserve it!!!

That would make me really mad. Why can't you get the same water as the other guests? I tend not to complain, but I think this would push me over the edge...

 

[pas130]

Just wondering: The back elevator only goes down to the first floor, but cannot be take up from there?

Our trip is in January, booked for a RPC Deluxe King.
I must admit, I'll be rather disappointed with a second floor room. I'm not telling DW about the turret rooms, so she will be unaware of what we are missing.

Is it common for guests to not receive a requested turret room?

You can take the elevator from the 1st to the 5th floor. It is the elevator they use for pool access since you get there from the back of the building rather than going through the main lobby. I am not sure of the breakdown (others here will). I just found out that all of the 2nd floor rooms are Deluxe King 4201-4209. The turret rooms are 6 in total, I think. So chances can go either way, My request was turret room floor 3,4, or 5. Basically not 2nd floor.

 

[Dispro1]

Ugh - don't love hearing this!! I've been checking the weather pretty regularly and I am shocked it's still mid-80s. It's not showing much of a change over the next couple of weeks, although looking that far out isn't necessarily accurate. I picked November for cool weather - like high 70's during the day and high 50's at night with no humidity. I'm already bummed that crowds seem like they will be high and I will be summer bummed if I sweat in November - LOL! But it sounds like I'd better start expecting some warm days.

@pas130 - sorry you are stuck on the monorail!! Hopefully not long?? Can't wait to hear your trip report about what wasn't so "smooth"!

At least it will be nice for the pool I actually love for it to be in the low to mid 80s...not too hot for the parks but still great for the pool

A new Dinner/Dance character show.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ollywood-studios-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Nice to see you back on here, Baler! I've been wondering about that Tokyo trip! I'll have to check out the international thread you were talking about As for the carving station in RPC, we were very disappointed to find they discontinued it too, and since our trips to GF were in February and October, we never even got to try it! My DH talked to the chef one night, and he said they discontinued the carving station because they had to have a chef to man the station which became too expensive so they let the extra chefs go...but I don't know why they would need to have a chef at the carving station?? It's not like they have a sommelier to pour the wine-LOL! Unless it's a health department rule or something (since it's a hotel and not a restaurant), it doesn't make sense. I will say that the beef kabobs were the best appetizer I've ever had there, and the sliced pork (maybe similar to the carving station) was delicious and new to me too)! I did miss the salmon cream cheese they used to put out often for breakfast...and, of course, the sticky buns like Blue mentioned.

I won't be returning here, but just because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean you won't love it. All the offerings at all the CL are not what they were. This grand girl has to vote for Sugarloaf beating RPC on CL value for price paid YMMV of course. Full report on my return, but nothing was smooth here and management was apologetic but kinda acted like it happens all the time.

Pas, I am REALLY disappointed in your RPC experience For what you are paying, it should be magical, stellar, outstanding, magnificent.... and since you have had plenty of magical trips for less money, I can only imagine your frustration! I do wish you had spoken up about your room, but I understand why you didn't since your trip was short. I'm the annoying person who asks a waiter to bring me something else if I don't like what I ordered, so I don't have a problem asking to be moved to another room for sure! I will say that I "feel the love" from the CL CMs which is part of my love of RPC, I'm sure. We love BC CL too because of people like Neil and Sean that make us feel special, so I understand why you like BC I will be eager to hear your thoughts about BWI! I don't know any of the CL CMs there, so I don't know what to expect over there. The CMs can really affect a person's experience at a particular resort!

Just wondering: The back elevator only goes down to the first floor, but cannot be take up from there?

Our trip is in January, booked for a RPC Deluxe King.
I must admit, I'll be rather disappointed with a second floor room. I'm not telling DW about the turret rooms, so she will be unaware of what we are missing.

Is it common for guests to not receive a requested turret room?

Floors 3-5 are connected by an open stairway, so it is a breeze to get to the lounge from these floors. If you are on the second floor, you have to take the back elevator up to the fourth floor to go to the lounge. Also, if you want to get to the main lobby (even to get to the monorail which is on the second floor), you have to take the back elevator up and then take the main elevator back down...unless you wanted to take the back elevator down to the first floor and enter the main building through the back door I have always been fortunate to get the turret room when I requested it, but the turret rooms have become more popular over the years. I do wonder if I've only been lucky because we always request that room in early February which is a "slower" season?? Make sure to add your celebration to your reservation (anniversary, birthday, etc) and try to check in as early as possible...although I'm just assuming this helps because it has worked for me before. I did enjoy reading ninafeliz's opinion of the second floor rooms. I would imagine that those rooms are very quiet since it's unlikely that there would be a lot of noisy children in that area, and I do think you would have a great, private viewing area for Wishes (unless you had the tree view room). Since it is above Gasparilla, you should be able to hear the music that is piped in quite well. But since what we love is the main atrium area, I would be unhappy on the second floor too. Plus, all other deluxe rooms are much larger than a standard room except for the second floor deludes

 

[pas130]

That would make me really mad. Why can't you get the same water as the other guests? I tend not to complain, but I think this would push me over the edge...

I did get the water, but she rolled her eyes and didn't even let me finish asking for it before she turned and walked away. I believe I said "Excuse me, can I have two bott...." I felt like I was putting her out.

 

[pas130]

Pas, I am REALLY disappointed in your RPC experience For what you are paying, it should be magical, stellar, outstanding, magnificent.... and since you have had plenty of magical trips for less money, I can only imagine your frustration! I do wish you had spoken up about your room, but I understand why you didn't since your trip was short. I'm the annoying person who asks a waiter to bring me something else if I don't like what I ordered, so I don't have a problem asking to be moved to another room for sure! I will say that I "feel the love" from the CL CMs which is part of my love of RPC, I'm sure. We love BC CL too because of people like Neil and Sean that make us feel special, so I understand why you like BC I will be eager to hear your thoughts about BWI! I don't know any of the CL CMs there, so I don't know what to expect over there. The CMs can really affect a person's experience at a particular resort!

Thanks friend, I hate saying anything negative, especially since all my Grand friends here have such grand experiences The one CM who poured my wine each night was lovely. I told her that she was the only star in the clouds for me. She was really sweet. I also was really hoping my DH would be Wowed by the CMs at RPC but not so much. It's the little things like a good morning, or how was your day that are so special. I haven't lost hope, I think BWI will be nice

 

[mmmears]

I did get the water, but she rolled her eyes and didn't even let me finish asking for it before she turned and walked away. I believe I said "Excuse me, can I have two bott...." I felt like I was putting her out.

Well, I'm glad you got it, but it should not have been handled that way. Not everyone is "loyal" to WDW or to the same CL when they travel. We like to mix it up and have had great CL stays at 5 resorts (6 if you count SL as different from RPC) and as a customer I would like to be treated politely whether or not I am a "regular." I guess this will make it easier for you to choose where to stay in the future. But, still, I am so sorry that you didn't have the magical experience you deserved.

 

[pas130]

Well, I'm glad you got it, but it should not have been handled that way. Not everyone is "loyal" to WDW or to the same CL when they travel. We like to mix it up and have had great CL stays at 5 resorts (6 if you count SL as different from RPC) and as a customer I would like to be treated politely whether or not I am a "regular." I guess this will make it easier for you to choose where to stay in the future. But, still, I am so sorry that you didn't have the magical experience you deserved.

Thank you This was my only less than magical CL stay anywhere. Our best stay yet was actually Portofino at Universal Orlando this past summer. I forgot to mention positives, we saw Richard the greeter and I finally met the Teddy Bear lady

 

[Nonsuch]

...I have always been fortunate to get the turret room when I requested it, but the turret rooms have become more popular over the years. I do wonder if I've only been lucky because we always request that room in early February which is a "slower" season?? Make sure to add your celebration to your reservation (anniversary, birthday, etc) and try to check in as early as possible...although I'm just assuming this helps because it has worked for me before...

Thanks for the tips. I often advise guests to check in early at the Grand Californian (which is close to 100% occupancy, year round), but will likely be arriving at the Grand Floridian later in the day (due to DW's plans). The distance to the 2nd floor rooms does not seem too bad, my walks to the Grand Californian concierge lounge are usually quite long.