We've never had any problems. When we leave our electronics, I ask the Bell Services guys to lock them up - we've even gone back in the luggage room, and seen them locked in a cage.
However, if I had sensitive info (work, especially) on my laptop, I probably wouldn't leave it with anyone.
HTH!![]()
We've stayed in a roll in shower room in Sugar Loaf three different stays. Loved it. Our last stay was a number of years ago now but at that time, there was a love seat instead of sleeper couch. As a result, the room sleeps only four. The bathroom is lovely. Have a great time.
Hi everyone!
I just spent a nice chunk of my afternoon reading through this whole thread
We recently made the switch from WL to GF after hearing about the pool situation. We had originally wanted Poly and decided to go with WL instead because of the construction, so I'm hoping we haven't just jinxed all of our fellow September travelers at GF! Although, I'm thinking we'll be OK since GF just went through some extensive construction projects
I've never stayed at GF before, but DH did when he was younger. His grandparents took their whole family several times and I loved listening to his grandfather tell me stories about their trips. He loved GF!
On the same day that we decided to switch resorts, we got a phone call that DH's grandfather passed away. This may be silly, but I've taken comfort in knowing that we will be staying at his favorite resort. DH will be able to reminisce about good times with his grandfather while we make new memories together.
Anywho, thanks for all of the wonderful information!
I am in the same situation as some others here as I bailed on WL because of the pool refurb and bit the bullet (thanks Disney for no help) to upgrade to GF. We have never stayed here before but we are so excited to try something new.
Quick room question in general - we have an outer building garden view room. We don't care so much about location but more about quiet at night. Are the GF pretty quiet in general? How close are the outer buildings to the main pool? A little noise is normal ( and we sleep with white noise, the best thing ever invented other than pineapple Dole Whip) but I'm just curious about how well the rooms are insulated from noise.
We need your help. I have read that in april started the rooms renovation in Sago Cay building. Does anybody knows if all rooms of this building are with the new decoration?. And the rest of the buildings?
Our trip is for 28 august and we want to be in a refurbished room, if no we prefer postpone the trip for nest year.
Speaking of leaving carry-ons with bell services, do y'all feel confident leaving electronics like iPads with them? I can see how we might need to leave carry-ons both upon arrival & on departure day. I left them at the Yacht Club & didn't really "worry" about it, maybe just felt a twinge of uneasiness. I am assuming the Grand would have a similar set up. Just wanted to get a feel for how others felt about it.
Did my FP picks!! And on line check in for SL, where we'll be our first 2 nights! Tomorrow I'll do my next check in for GV room in Outer Building. I am going to request Boca Chica again. Loved our room/view there!
I loved the new Gasparillas!! Without the arcade it is much more pleasant.
Did my FP picks!! And on line check in for SL, where we'll be our first 2 nights! Tomorrow I'll do my next check in for GV room in Outer Building. I am going to request Boca Chica again. Loved our room/view there!
Thanks. I want my mom to be as comfortable and safe as possible. silly of me to worry about bathrooms
![]()
My room should have 2 queen beds and a day bed. I hope since my 12 yo doesn't want to share beds anymore.
Thanks again.![]()
MickeynutHow are you doing..hope that you are feeling all better!
~ I know that I promised more of a food review from our trip...forgive me for dropping the ball...Cause it is always about the food... Here are a few things I wanted to add tho... Beside no chocolate covered strawberries..there are still no pecan sticky buns..but they did add a wonderful "brioche" bread to the breakfast offereings...a lite and very tasty kind of sweet bread...delicious!
~ My BB saga....booked a BB during our recent trip...I bet you all can guess where...But..we had to change our dates a bit...and... no GF CL available for the dates we needed...
![]()
Imagine!! We were offered a few alternatives..and decided to go with the Poly!!! Yes Mickeynut you read that right!!!!....I know so many Poly and now WL peeps have been jumping ship...and booking the GF...no wonder I couldn't get a room...!!! lol...
Truly construction is not an issue for us...we stayed at the GF thru all phases of the recent VGF and pool construction and never regretted it... We also visited..aka snooped all around the Poly recently...and although I did miss the lovely lush green lobby..and waterfall...I think that they did a fine job with the walls..and rearrangement of things..JMO..YMMV????
So Poly CL here we come....![]()
I know that I should be on the Poly thread asking questions...but..so many Poly fans around that I figure I can just ask here where I feel at home !!So.... question number one....what floor do you prefer..and why??? Thats it for now...
~ I know that I promised more of a food review from our trip...forgive me for dropping the ball...Cause it is always about the food... Here are a few things I wanted to add tho... Beside no chocolate covered strawberries..there are still no pecan sticky buns..but they did add a wonderful "brioche" bread to the breakfast offereings...a lite and very tasty kind of sweet bread...delicious!
~ My BB saga....booked a BB during our recent trip...I bet you all can guess where...But..we had to change our dates a bit...and... no GF CL available for the dates we needed...
![]()
Imagine!! We were offered a few alternatives..and decided to go with the Poly!!! Yes Mickeynut you read that right!!!!....I know so many Poly and now WL peeps have been jumping ship...and booking the GF...no wonder I couldn't get a room...!!! lol...
Truly construction is not an issue for us...we stayed at the GF thru all phases of the recent VGF and pool construction and never regretted it... We also visited..aka snooped all around the Poly recently...and although I did miss the lovely lush green lobby..and waterfall...I think that they did a fine job with the walls..and rearrangement of things..JMO..YMMV????
So Poly CL here we come....![]()
I know that I should be on the Poly thread asking questions...but..so many Poly fans around that I figure I can just ask here where I feel at home !!So.... question number one....what floor do you prefer..and why??? Thats it for now...
Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a super Sunday!!!preppy GF gal who is gonna be a Poly princess....lol...
![]()
So we are staying at the grand Floridian for the first time in August!! We used to feel like the Grand Floridian was to expensive too "snobby", and just not for us. But last June when we had dinner at Citricos and 1900 parks are and honestly, we became interested in staying there. It felt a lot more laid backt than ever before.
So we had originally booked 5 nights at CR but yesterday decided because of medical bills that we can't swing the $2300 for ONLY the hotel. So we were going to switch to POR. I mean, seriously, who can argue with 5 nights for less than $1000. But we decided to do a split stay....3 nights at POR and 2 nights at GF. The 2 days we are staying at the GF will be resort days. We are only going to the parks for 1 day (day before switching to GF). I have some questions though (sorry in advance....kind of long)
1. We reserved a garden view room. For less than $100 more we can get a lagoon view. If we are going to spending a lot of time at the resort and on the balcony, is it worth the extra for the lagoon view? I'm just afraid of getting a less than desirable view with the garden view room.
Not worth the extra IMHO. No bad views at the Grand. Request a marina view, they are considered garden view. There really aren't any bad views at the Grand, with the exception of a couple in Sago that overlook the back of the convention area.
2. What building should we request? We would like the be close to the QS restaurant because we will be taking our breakfast back to our room both days and same with any late night snacks or lunches.
Conch and Sago would be the closest, with Conch being my favorite. Sago is further away from everything else and you have to walk around the marina to get anywhere. Conch is also close to the courtyard pool and boat dock.
3. Does anyone have experience with the QS and food allergies? I have 17 food allergies, including all of the Top 8 allergens. I've also been able to get some pretty good meals at POP, All Star Sports, and CBR. I know the deluxe QS are more limited in space than the values and moderates but would they accommodate something like burger no bun, sauted veggies (I can't eat raw veggies), or just a simple chicken breast with some veggies? I'm very easy to please with my food, as long as it is safe I'm very okay with simple food. If I am limited to just the chicken tenders and fries that's fine. In reality, what I care about the most is getting allergy free waffles!
I have no personal experience with food allergies, but I am sure the Grand can accommodate your needs.
4. we have an 8pm reservation at Citrics our first night there and the next night we have an 8pm at 1900 Park Fare. I am trying for earlier times but nothing has come up yet. If th fireworks are at 10pm, do you think we would be done with either meal in time to see them? Meals usually take an additional 20 minutes or so because of my allergies but I would like to hear other peoples experiences regarding length of meals so I can get an idea of what to expect
4. Finally, What are some "must do" things at the GF. I really wanted a massage but it's not going to be possible because of my chemical/contact allergies. Just too risky. I know we're going to spend time at the pool, and want to rent a speed boat. We're going to walk to the Poly because we've never actually walked around that resort. We have reservations at both 1900 Park Fare and Citricos.
I love the afternoon tea in the Garden Tea Room. I don't get to do it often because my DH won't go in there.Sit in the lobby in the afternoon and listen to the orchestra and piano player. The speed boats are small and not very speedy, they just look fast because they are so small, I would suggest renting a pontoon boat. They don't go fast either but they are very comfortable.
This trip is very different from past trips. Usually we go to parks everyday and we are exhausted by the end but this time, we just want to relax at the hotels and swim, play mini golf, boat rentals, etc. only 1 day at MK. And the reasons this trip is different:
My mom is currently undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer (luckily only stage 1 so surgery and radiation only, but the cancer found was very aggressive....so ladies, GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!)
At the same time, my grandma was diagnosed 2 weeks after my mom with a recurrence of her breast cancer from 30+ years ago. But by the time they found it, it had spread to her ribs and lungs.
And I've been dealing with my own medical issues that have just slowly been getting worse regardless of what we do. And I need a break from juggling 15 doctors and these 2-3 week Hospitalizations I've been dealing with.
And my dad....well he just needs a break. He is responsible for taking care of both me and my mom. He's also working, 1 income household, so he has all of that stress on top of the medical situations.
But we will be celebrating 5 things while there:
My moms birthday (June)
My dad's birthday (June)
My birthday (June)
My parents anniversary (3 days after we get home)
End of radiation treatments for my mom!!
I want to order something special for my parents for their anniversary to be waiting in the room when we check in. Is that possible? I was thinking maybe the chocolate covered strawberries with the chocolate Mickey. I saw the price on the first page of this thread but can I arrange for it to be in the room when we get there? And can the personalize just to at least say "Happy Anniversary"? Any other suggestions for something special for my parents? I am limited to about $125 total and I am open to any and all suggestions!
What a nice idea, not sure but I don't' think they will deliver it to the room before check in any more...doesn't hurt to ask though. It can be personalized to say Happy Anniversary. Make sure to note on the ADR that you are celebrating an anniversary and birthdays.
So if you made it this far thank you! We are so excited to be staying at the GF even if it is only 2 nights. I don't expect this trip to be "perfect". Nothing is perfect....I just want to do whatever I can to make it special and relaxing for myself, and more importantly, my parents.
BlueSkies;51706157 ~ I know that I promised more of a food review from our trip...forgive me for dropping the ball...:p Cause it is always about the food... Here are a few things I wanted to add tho... Beside no chocolate covered strawberries..there are still no pecan sticky buns..but they did add a wonderful "brioche" bread to the breakfast offereings...a lite and very tasty kind of sweet bread...delicious! ~ My BB saga....booked a BB during our recent trip...I bet you all can guess where...;) But..we had to change our dates a bit...and... no GF CL available for the dates we needed...:crazy2: :faint: Imagine!! We were offered a few alternatives..and decided to go with the Poly!!! Yes [B said:Mickeynut[/B] you read that right!!!!....I know so many Poly and now WL peeps have been jumping ship...and booking the GF...no wonder I couldn't get a room...!!! lol...
Truly construction is not an issue for us...we stayed at the GF thru all phases of the recent VGF and pool construction and never regretted it... We also visited..aka snooped all around the Poly recently...and although I did miss the lovely lush green lobby..and waterfall...I think that they did a fine job with the walls..and rearrangement of things..JMO..YMMV????
So Poly CL here we come....![]()
I know that I should be on the Poly thread asking questions...but..so many Poly fans around that I figure I can just ask here where I feel at home !!So.... question number one....what floor do you prefer..and why??? Thats it for now...
Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a super Sunday!!!preppy GF gal who is gonna be a Poly princess....lol...
![]()
So we are staying at the grand Floridian for the first time in August!! We used to feel like the Grand Floridian was to expensive too "snobby", and just not for us. But last June when we had dinner at Citricos and 1900 parks are and honestly, we became interested in staying there. It felt a lot more laid backt than ever before.
1. We reserved a garden view room. For less than $100 more we can get a lagoon view. If we are going to spending a lot of time at the resort and on the balcony, is it worth the extra for the lagoon view? I'm just afraid of getting a less than desirable view with the garden view room.
2. What building should we request? We would like the be close to the QS restaurant because we will be taking our breakfast back to our room both days and same with any late night snacks or lunches.
3. Does anyone have experience with the QS and food allergies? I have 17 food allergies, including all of the Top 8 allergens. I've also been able to get some pretty good meals at POP, All Star Sports, and CBR. I know the deluxe QS are more limited in space than the values and moderates but would they accommodate something like burger no bun, sauted veggies (I can't eat raw veggies), or just a simple chicken breast with some veggies? I'm very easy to please with my food, as long as it is safe I'm very okay with simple food. If I am limited to just the chicken tenders and fries that's fine. In reality, what I care about the most is getting allergy free waffles!
4. we have an 8pm reservation at Citrics our first night there and the next night we have an 8pm at 1900 Park Fare. I am trying for earlier times but nothing has come up yet. If th fireworks are at 10pm, do you think we would be done with either meal in time to see them? Meals usually take an additional 20 minutes or so because of my allergies but I would like to hear other peoples experiences regarding length of meals so I can get an idea of what to expect
4. Finally, What are some "must do" things at the GF. I really wanted a massage but it's not going to be possible because of my chemical/contact allergies. Just too risky. I know we're going to spend time at the pool, and want to rent a speed boat. We're going to walk to the Poly because we've never actually walked around that resort. We have reservations at both 1900 Park Fare and Citricos.
This trip is very different from past trips. Usually we go to parks everyday and we are exhausted by the end but this time, we just want to relax at the hotels and swim, play mini golf, boat rentals, etc. only 1 day at MK. And the reasons this trip is different:
My mom is currently undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer (luckily only stage 1 so surgery and radiation only, but the cancer found was very aggressive....so ladies, GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!)
At the same time, my grandma was diagnosed 2 weeks after my mom with a recurrence of her breast cancer from 30+ years ago. But by the time they found it, it had spread to her ribs and lungs.
And I've been dealing with my own medical issues that have just slowly been getting worse regardless of what we do. And I need a break from juggling 15 doctors and these 2-3 week Hospitalizations I've been dealing with.
And my dad....well he just needs a break. He is responsible for taking care of both me and my mom. He's also working, 1 income household, so he has all of that stress on top of the medical situations.
But we will be celebrating 5 things while there:
My moms birthday (June)
My dad's birthday (June)
My birthday (June)
My parents anniversary (3 days after we get home)
End of radiation treatments for my mom!!
I want to order something special for my parents for their anniversary to be waiting in the room when we check in. Is that possible? I was thinking maybe the chocolate covered strawberries with the chocolate Mickey. I saw the price on the first page of this thread but can I arrange for it to be in the room when we get there? And can the personalize just to at least say "Happy Anniversary"? Any other suggestions for something special for my parents? I am limited to about $125 total and I am open to any and all suggestions!
So if you made it this far thank you! We are so excited to be staying at the GF even if it is only 2 nights. I don't expect this trip to be "perfect". Nothing is perfect....I just want to do whatever I can to make it special and relaxing for myself, and more importantly, my parents.
Yay for booking a BB.The Poly!!
JK, you know I love the Poly.
I wouldn't hesitate to stay there during construction either, like you we have stayed at the GF many times during their construction. I even had rooms facing the construction and it didn't bother me...I don't spend much time in my room looking out of the window. It will be so sad to see the lobby without the waterfall. I will definitely miss that, but I'm sure they will do a nice job with the new lobby.
Hi mickeynut.![]()
Hi!
Just upgraded from WL to the GF for early December (first time staying. Very excited!), and wondered if anyone knew roughly when they start putting the big gingerbread house together in the lobby? Hopefully it's during our stay No. 30th - Dec 10th.
I loved the new Gasparillas!! Without the arcade it is much more pleasant. The pool bar menu looks really good. Crab cake sandwich, yum! I was going to try pool bar last year but never got around to it.
Did my FP picks!! And on line check in for SL, where we'll be our first 2 nights! Tomorrow I'll do my next check in for GV room in Outer Building. I am going to request Boca Chica again. Loved our room/view there!
With 40+ stays from POP Century to GF we have never had problems with electronics. However they do have lockers by the pool and at the parks if you want more control of your stuff. (Most pools have a locker area for day use with locks.)
..I would also request to be in a non connecting room...this would also help cut down on any extra outside noise..
k&a&c'smom Happy to see you back and posting regularly again!!
~ My BB saga....booked a BB during our recent trip...I bet you all can guess where...But..we had to change our dates a bit...and... no GF CL available for the dates we needed...
Imagine!! We were offered a few alternatives..and decided to go with the Poly!!! Yes Mickeynut you read that right!!!!....I know so many Poly and now WL peeps have been jumping ship...and booking the GF...no wonder I couldn't get a room...!!! lol...
....
So Poly CL here we come....![]()
I know that I should be on the Poly thread asking questions...but..so many Poly fans around that I figure I can just ask here where I feel at home !!So.... question number one....what floor do you prefer..and why??? Thats it for now...
Hope that all of my fellow GF fans are having a super Sunday!!!preppy GF gal who is gonna be a Poly princess....lol...
![]()
So we are staying at the grand Floridian for the first time in August!! We used to feel like the Grand Floridian was to expensive too "snobby", and just not for us. But last June when we had dinner at Citricos and 1900 parks are and honestly, we became interested in staying there. It felt a lot more laid backt than ever before.
....
So if you made it this far thank you! We are so excited to be staying at the GF even if it is only 2 nights. I don't expect this trip to be "perfect". Nothing is perfect....I just want to do whatever I can to make it special and relaxing for myself, and more importantly, my parents.
Glad the brioche bread it good, but it is not a good substitution for pecan sticky buns.I was told they were taken away because of nut allergies, so it doesn't look like they will be back any time soon. That's probably not the real reason but it sounds good.
![]()
.... It will be so sad to see the lobby without the waterfall. I will definitely miss that, but I'm sure they will do a nice job with the new lobby.
Hi!
Just upgraded from WL to the GF for early December (first time staying. Very excited!), and wondered if anyone knew roughly when they start putting the big gingerbread house together in the lobby? Hopefully it's during our stay No. 30th - Dec 10th.
Hey, mickeynut!!I missed your post while I was composing my looong one.
We all had pretty much the same answers, great minds and all.![]()
Thanks for the replies, that's exactly what I wanted to hearWould be amazing if the lobby smelt like gingerbread.
Can I just say again how nice you all are? I just stopped over the one of the WL threads and I can't believe some of the nasty behavior!
My husband and I spent yesterday watching videos on GF on youtube and reading menus...we are excited but I am still torn because of the extra $500...and we can't afford it all until there is an RO.
MaggiesMomNJ.... for us, it's TOTALLY worth the extra $500. We have been debating whether or not to stay at the YC/BC or go back to the GF. Our last experience wasn't great at the GF, so I was hesitant. But our first experience was pure magic. I have been going back and forth and back and forth because the YC/BC is about $ 500 less than the GF. Then it dawned on my like a coconut falling on my head. It's the GF. We only go to Disney every 3 years...so not alot. Our last trip we were all kind of ragged because of the construction and we let it affect our trip. Should I hold that against the GF? NO!!I want to bring back the magic!
And let me tell you, there is NOTHING better than waking up at the GF and walking through the spectacular lobby and going up to the monorail. And then getting on the monorail to the MK or the ticket center to head to Epcot. Nothing. It's pure Disney magic.
I thought, well, we could save the $ 500 and stay over in an Epcot resort and walk to Epcot.... or just do what my heart tells me. So fast forward to after killing my DH with the back and forth, I said to him, "I made a decision, we're going back to the GF". His reply? "Thank God, because you know I can't be without my monorail!"And I'm forbidden from changing my mind, by the way!
So that being said.... I don't know how far out you are from your trip, but maybe you can start squirreling money away now to make up the extra. That's what I've been doing. We have our budget envelopes, so anything that's "left over" before the next pay period, I've been squirreling away in my secret spy Disney envelope!! In 2 months I've managed to sock away $ 420! I plan on keeping up that momentum and just surprising my DH at the end of next year that 1/2 the trip is already set aside.
I hope you choose the GF in the end... it's SUCH a treat, it really is. And if you can eat at Narcoossee's once...totally worth it. It's always on our 'must do' list. We love it! Good luck deciding and have fun!!![]()
Ooh poly CL will be fun. It's all about the food anyways.![]()
Hi!
Just upgraded from WL to the GF for early December (first time staying. Very excited!), and wondered if anyone knew roughly when they start putting the big gingerbread house together in the lobby? Hopefully it's during our stay No. 30th - Dec 10th.
Can I just say again how nice you all are? I just stopped over the one of the WL threads and I can't believe some of the nasty behavior!
My husband and I spent yesterday watching videos on GF on youtube and reading menus...we are excited but I am still torn because of the extra $500...and we can't afford it all until there is an RO.