All about GF please!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Hi,
I was wondering if someone(s) could help me out with some questions I have about GF? I would really appreciate it! It would help me to decide concierge or not/when to arrive/how long to stay before our cruise/etc.

Concierge:
Did I read there is a mini-bar in the rooms? And if so, is the stuff in the mini-bar included in the concierge price or is that something you'll be charged extra for everytime you drink something from it?

Room service- is that additional charge too or incl in concierge price?

Can they really help you with PS's? I realize they can't work miracles with things like Cinderella's castle breakfast- but we've already done that and don't have to do it on this trip anyway. I'm talking more like the children's tea, pirate cruise (if those take PS's?), dinner at 1900 Park Fare... perhaps even V&A's? (do you need PS's for the kids club also?) Is it taking a HUGE risk not to get those PS's for yourself ahead of time- or can they usually help you with those if you are concierge?

GF itself:
When is the children's tea? Daily? If so, what time?
When is the pirate cruise?
The kids club- which one is it that GF has? And how much is it? (for 3 children) We'd like to take advantage of this (plus the kids would enjoy I think) for one evening for a few hours- as this will be the ONLY time our children are of the ages to use it! (our youngest will be 4, our oldest 11... before now our youngest was too young, after this our oldest will be too old- so this is our one shot at using the club! LOL)

Can you make reservations at the spa ahead of time? I've only used the spa once and I made the ressie the day before... so I'm not sure if that is the norm or if you can make reservations way ahead of time? (like before we arrive?)

What room would you suggest? We'd need one that sleeps 5, but not sure if we'd really have to be in the main building- sugar loaf might be fine. We're not "huge" on "views"- but of the marina or able to somehow see (even if craning our necks LOL) the castle would be nice- but not necessary. More importantly would be to be close (ie: not long walks) to the main building (for restaurants, stores, club, etc.) and pool and spa. I haven't a clue what room to even aim for! Smoking is not an issue- it wouldn't bother us if we ended up in a smoking optional room... in other words smoking smell is not an issue for us one way or the other. A balcony would be nice... I'm not sure if I'd like first floor though.

?? What do you think? The difference between SL concierge and main bldg is not an issue for us- since we would only be there 2 nights and we'd be eating out for dinner anyway -and we wouldn't miss the wine or whatever is not at SL that IS at the main bldg concierge. So that's not an issue at all. (which is why I'm not sure the extra cost of main bldg is worth it- but for the close proximity to everything?)

Are there ANY "alice" motif rooms that are concierge? I think my youngest would LOVE that.. but I haven't seen any mention of Alice in any of the concierge rooms?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later- but that will do for now I guess. LOL I sure appreciate any help you can give me!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Yes, there is a minibar in all rooms. However, everything still has a price to it. It is very expensive, you're much better off getting the same food/drink from Gasparilla Grille.

Room service is at an additional cost. Like the minibar, it is expensive - they tack on a 18% service charge, I think $3 delivery fee, and taxes. Tip isn't included.

Yes, they can make PS's. You can contact them prior to your arrival, or visit the concierge desk while there for assistance.

The pirate cruise & tea are in the afternoon. Child service is available until midnight (I think).

Yes, spa reservations can be made in advance. You can call the GF and they'll connect you.

As far as concierge rooms, you can book either the lodge concierge or concierge room. Sugar Loaf (lodge concierge) has either a marina or pool view, the Main Building (concierge - Royal Palm Club) has either a Marina/MK view, a courtyard pool view, or a lagoon/theme pool/Wedding Pavilion view. Only real difference is a larger selection of desserts in the MB, as well as wine & cordials in the MB. All rooms have a balcony.

All concierge rooms are decorated in the Cameo theme. It is yellow. The Alice rooms are available in the garden or lagoon category, in Conch Key and Big Pine Key.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thank you so much for your answers!
Okay so basically concierge is JUST for the help with PS's (which I've seen many say that it's no help at all!!! Better to get your own anyway-so that's not really a "guaranteed" benefit of concierge. So that really only leaves the concierge lounge as the benefit of concierge? (especially since minibar is extra, room service is extra)

Is there anywhere to find out more specific info on the tea & pirate cruise? (like days/times?)

About the child's club- I had asked how much it was for 3 children... not what time it closed. But I appreciate that info also!

When you said all rooms have a balcony- do you mean all rooms except on first floor Sugar loaf out of the concierge rooms? Or do you mean ALL rooms in GF that are not on the first floor?

Okay gotcha on the Alice rooms... so I guess we'll only try to get that if we decide against concierge... that decision is still "out there" for me... can't make up my mind. Good thing I have a little time to make up my mind.

Any idea how early you can book rooms at GF through Disney? I mean so I'd know when Feb 2005 was available so I could book as soon as possible then?

 

[KathyTX]

Many of your questions regarding lodging and childcare costs and amenities could be answered by visiting the LODGING topic at allearsnet.com.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks- I've already read there. Did I miss where they gave specific times of the activities? I didn't see it. Also a lot of websites I have read end up having things on there that are outdated- that I KNOW are no longer the case/price/etc. So I wasn't sure to trust the websites on what the pricing is. Some of them show updated like 2002 and such. So that is why I asked here- I'd rather know from someone that knows that is how it is NOW, not in 2002.

Also, does that website have a function that just tells me what room would be the best for us? or do we just have to look through it all and figure it out? I've looked through maps, many threads talking about this room and that, amenities of various "levels" of rooms- I'm becoming more confused than I was before... at a loss on what to do. It gets confusing... but I'll read it again.

(ps. I looked under "accomodations"- not lodging. Is there another section lodging that I've missed? Or is that the area you meant? I might be looking in the wrong area of allearsnet?)

 

[KathyTX]

Whoops- I believe LODGING and ACCOMMODATIONS would be the same thing. Sorry about the confusion on the terminology.

Because it's such a personal decision, I don't think any site or any person can tell you what room's "right for you." But you can find photos and room descriptions, rates, and descriptions of amenities included with rooms on that site and by reading trip reports. Only you can decide whether spending $600 a night for GF concierge or $79 for All Stars is right for you and your circumstances, once you're armed with the proper information.

There is a "Child Care FAQ" at that site, I believe it's under PLANNING. It will address issues such as child care locations, hours, rates and activities.

Of course, any rates you find will certainly be subject to change between now and your 2005 trip. You might want to look at any rates and prices you see as guidelines, and confirm them as your date draws closer.

In the section called "Beyond the Parks," you'll find an item titled "Grand Floridian Adventures for Kids." This section describes the activities including both the Wonderland Tea Party and the Pirate Cruise.

Again, with your dates being so far away, keep in mind that the costs and the schedules may change between now and then.

Another good source for the information you need to plan your trip are the many wonderful WDW guidebooks. My favorite is the Passporter (Walt Disney World Resort). It's chock-full of photos, maps, charts, and lots of planning tips. You can find it at big book stores like Borders and Barnes and Noble, or online at Amazon.com. There's also a Disney Cruise edition of the Passporter.

With a little research, I'm sure you'll be able to plan a magical trip.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thank you so much for the "directions". Apparently I wasn't looking in the right areas and that's why I hadn't found the information about the tea and pirate cruise/etc. I found it -AND MORE INFO! I really appreciate that! I'd read a lot on that website- but apparently not enough!

I had also heard of the passporter on threads- but didn't have a clue where those could be found- so I appreciate that info also!

I'm still a little lost on the rooms thing- but hopefully I'll get it figured out in time (any idea on how soon rooms become available to book? That way I could make sure I figure this all out and book ASAP when they do start booking for that date? Would give me an idea of how much time I have to make a decision also LOL). I get all confused though when the websites with info don't show pictures of all the rooms (just one or some) and the room differences are described in a way that leaves me going huh?
Like I keep seeing reference to the rooms all sleeping 5- but then hear mention that some just have a sofa and not a daybed-where does that 5th person sleep? Do SOME have daybeds? And if so- how can I find out which ones do?

Or info like this:

Some GF rooms have an in-room jacuzzi as part of its features. Otherwise, there is a jacuzzi located at the courtyard pool.

Well yeah okay.. some have them- that doesn't tell me a whole lot though. LOL How do I find out WHICH ones have them?

Stuff like that.. it's boggling my brain. Thought someone might make a suggestion based on needing sleeping for 5 and close to main building/restaurants/etc and I'd just go with it- so I could stop getting a headache trying to figure out which room has what/etc. LOL

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Alright, here we go. All rooms have a balcony, even the first floor (it's a balcony, not a patio). We've stayed on the first floor before, and prefered having the railing to an open patio - you feel a little more secure.

Yup, the really only "guaranteed" plus to concierge is some food, but the extent of it really isn't guaranteed. And, the staff can book what's available, but they do probably have a slight amount of pull.

You can book your room at anytime, however, they probably won't be able to tell you the room rate until June 2004. They'll take a deposit with the 2004 regular season room rate, and this will hold the room.

There are some rooms that sleep 2, 4, or 5. If you book a room for 5, they'll make sure you have 2 Queens and a Daybed.

As far as room options go, you can book a garden view, lagoon view, lodge concierge room, or main building concierge room. All four of these room categories can get you a room that sleeps 5.

The in-room jacuzzi is part of some of the Concierge Honeymoon rooms. There are 9 with a jacuzzi, 6 without. The jacuzzi rooms are located on the second floor of the Main Building.

If you want to be close to the Main Building, Big Pine Key is probably your best bet (as would be Sugar Loaf Concierge). We've stayed in Conch Key & Sago Cay, which are the furthest from the Main Building, and they really aren't far at all. Big Pine Key is a great building, plus the rooms are in the Alice theme, so that should be a plus. Be aware, though, most of the lagoon view rooms don't have a MK view, they look out towards the Polynesian and Wedding Pavilion. We have had both the MK View and the Polynesian/Wedding Pavilion view in Big Pine Key, and I can say that we did enjoy both. Basicly, if view doesn't matter, garden view is fine. You'd be looking at the pool (it is a nice view).

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks for all the info!
Maybe I was reading about the Poly or something- when I read about first floor having a patio and children running out around and stuff? I've never seen a balcony on the first floor though.. can't even visualize it. LOL

But yes, that would feel more secure with my kiddos.

About the booking thing- are you saying you can book June 2004 and they'll take a deposit on 2004 regular season (even though the feb dates I'd be going is at the moment considered value season) but I won't know the real amount until later on or something? I'm not sure if that's what you meant...

There are some rooms that sleep 2, 4, or 5. If you book a room for 5, they'll make sure you have 2 Queens and a Daybed.

That's good to know that they'll make sure we have room for 5-but is there a way to find out which rooms have daybeds (as opposed to the loveseat/couch) in order to request a room? I think that's where I'm getting confused. Lots of info on this room and that room- but no clear way for me to decide on what to book and what room to request since I don't know which rooms accomodate 5 people.

View is not an issue for us- to a point. I wouldn't want to pay GF prices and look out to see something very unappealing to the eye like the back of some building or something. but I don't have to have a view of the MK or marina either. View of the pool would be nice- if it meant we were CLOSE to it. LOL
I appreciate all your info- because now I think I have it down to either
A) Big Pine Key w/alice theme if we don't go concierge
B) Sugar Loaf if we do go with concierge

Are both of those with ALL rooms accomodating 5 people? Or only certain ones?

 

[KathyTX]

Here's a link to The Grand Floridian Frequently Asked Questions thread.

You'll find more detailed information about this resort there than you can imagine, and it's a great place to ask questions, too.

(You can also navigate to that thread by clicking the first stuck thread on the Resorts Board- the one titled WDW Resorts FAQ and Information Threads.)

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks again- but believe it or not I read that thread in it's entirety the other day- all 36 pages! I'll read it again soon though- it was very informative but it may have just been too MUCH info to absorb at once and therefore a lot forgotten/misunderstood/etc. (plus most of the links in that thread are no longer working links)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

What that means is you make the one night deposit of the full rack rate and then "if and when" discount codes become available they will adjust your rate and apply the extra money you paid to your additional nights.

If you book a room for 5 people you will definitely have two queens and a daybed. We had a loveseat in our lodge tower room, but it was a max capacity of 4 people because it's very small and couldn't be slept on by anyone over age 2. So don't worry.

I have stayed in Conch Key, Sago Cay, and the main building. I enjoyed all the different themes and locations.

 

[BCV23]

You can cetainly book this far ahead. For New Year's Eve 1999, I think I booked 6 years ahead. The price was adjusted as we neared the date.

I know from California Dreaming's FAQ that lodge tower rooms have the couch but no daybed. I believe I've also read that the dormer rooms don't have a daybed but I'm not certain. We've also had an accessible room in Sugar Loaf that would only sleep 4. That room also has a couch but no daybed.

But I don't think you need to worry about specific room numbers anyway. As Cali told you, with 5 on your reservation, you'll get a room that can sleep 5...which is the majority of rooms at the GF.

It is such a beautiful resort. Have fun planning!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

To make a long story short, the only rooms that you won't be able to be assigned are the dormer rooms (top floor, vaulted ceilings) because they are the only rooms that lack a daybed (with the exception of the king rooms).

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

What that means is you make the one night deposit of the full rack rate and then "if and when" discount codes become available they will adjust your rate and apply the extra money you paid to your additional nights.

Ahhh, I get it now. Thanks for explaining that!
They adjust that themselves? or you need to call if you find out about discounts to get them to adjust it?

Originally posted by BCV23
You can cetainly book this far ahead. For New Year's Eve 1999, I think I booked 6 years ahead. The price was adjusted as we neared the date.

WHAT???? I can book this far ahead? I didn't know that.. when I originally was asking for GF room/cruise quote from DU I was told they couldn't book rooms at the resorts this far ahead- that they weren't open to book this early. The online on disney website it won't go past Dec 2004- so if I CALL I can book this far in advance? Well then I really need to hurry and decide! Can I call now and book/pay deposit on concierge room and change my mind on that later? I mean I'd have a better chance of being able to not go concierge changing it later- than booking a non-concierge and trying to change it to concierge later- right?

But I don't think you need to worry about specific room numbers anyway. As Cali told you, with 5 on your reservation, you'll get a room that can sleep 5...which is the majority of rooms at the GF.

It is such a beautiful resort. Have fun planning!

Okay- so I don't need to worry about specific room numbers just yet... just book room for 5 and the only decision I need to make now is concierge or not- right?

I know it's soooo beautiful! Never stayed there- but have "visited" it a few times (to eat there, get my hair cut, go to the spa) and that's why I just gotta stay there this time! Plus it just fits perfectly for our needs for our very short stay (2 nights- maybe three.... we'll see...) before our cruise.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Woohoo! I just noticed I got under the 400 day mark till our cruise. LOL Still a really long time to go.....

I do have one more question, if you don't mind answering. I really appreciate all your help! But the resort reservation is apparently something I should probably take care of now- for peace of mind... rather than later (as long as the price isn't stuck what it is now- and can go down later because it's value season or because of any code discounts- right??)

Anyway- I read all that I have bookmarked to read about the resorts- read about GF on allearsnet again- and still have a question. It shows the rates are different for concierge lodge (sugar loaf) and concierge main bldg- but then another one that is $10 more than conc. main bldg that says concierge deluxe- what's that? I couldn't find any info on what that is or what difference that is with conc. main bldg. Anyone know?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Concierge Deluxe Rooms are oversized rooms, however, they only sleep 4 with 2 queen beds. There are only 6 of them, one is handicap accessible.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay so they are bigger, but sleep less people- and only one of those is handicap accessible? That makes sense (not! LOL)- so I guess that won't be needed. We'd love more room- but not if it means it only sleeps 4 people!

Thanks again!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by BibbidyBobbidyBoo
Okay so they are bigger, but sleep less people- and only one of those is handicap accessible? That makes sense (not! LOL)- so I guess that won't be needed. We'd love more room- but not if it means it only sleeps 4 people!

Thanks again!

You'd think a larger room would sleep more, wouldn't you? The lodge tower rooms are the same way, they only sleep 4.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

That is weird... LOL
(I did notice that about the lodge tower rooms- I thought the way they described the windows and balcony was neat- but not neat enough to leave one kid out of the vacation. LOL)