GF check in procedures?

[Brizite76]

I just booked a 2 night Garden View stay at GF (all we can afford ) and I was wondering about the check in procedures for this beautiful resort. We are renting a car, so do I just pull up to valet and tell them we are checking in? Is is possible to self park there or is it all valet? We don't plan on moving the car until we check out. Also, are there any room recommendations for this category? Our dates are Dec. 20-22 of this year, so I realize I may not get my requests since I am sure it'll be pretty full.

Thanks,
Alison

 

[disnut8]

When you get to the Grand Floridian security gate, tell the guard you are checking in. He/she will tell you you can pull up for valet parking or unloading or go over to the self park. At this point, do NOT go immediately to the self park area! You'll be lugging all your bags quite a ways. Drive up to the lobby area. There will be bell people there to help unload your car of your luggage. You can then valet park if you want or go over to the self park. If you aren't going to move your car the entire time, I'd use the self park even though it's a bit of a walk. It's not on the other side of the moon but it would be a ways if you had to do it every day.

Then check in, send for your bags that are with bell services, and you are done. If your room isn't ready yet, bell services will store your luggage for you until you are in your room.

BTW - since you are driving, remember that you will have to go through the Magic Kingdom parking lot gates. No big deal, just move all the way over to the right as you can, tell the attendant there that you are checking into the Grand Floridian and you will not have to pay the $11.

It also is a good idea to have your confirmation letter and your photo ID out in case either guard asks to see it or them. I just mention that because my husband always has his wallet in his back pocket and it's quite funny to see him try and get out his driver's license!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

If it were me I would Valet!! Especially when you are just checking in and everything. It's a great feeling. We always do it when we go.Much less hassle! And You are staying at the GF!! Live it up!!!!!

 

[minniesota]

As for GV room requests, that's a little tricky right now. Your choices are Pig Pine, Boca Chica, Conch and Sago. Sago is the only lodge building that has not been rehabbed but it sure seems like it will be done by your dates. If you choose that building, I'd request marina view, high floor. Boca Chica and Conch both have lovely garden views - I'd just request upper floor. I personally would stay away from Big Pine - too many opportunities to look at the back and roofs buildings.

 

[Brizite76]

Thanks for all the input! Boca Chica and Conch are the two I am definitely going to request (upper floor too )

Also thanks for the info about check in. We are coming from the POFQ to the GF, so will my FQ pass get me through the MK gate, even though that is the day we check out of FQ?

Alison

 

[TammiMcMan]

Also thanks for the info about check in. We are coming from the POFQ to the GF, so will my FQ pass get me through the MK gate, even though that is the day we check out of FQ?

Just stay over to the far right when entering through the MK gates. We usually just tell them we are checking in and have never had to show anything. If your parking pass for POFQ is still displayed on the front of your car, they'll probably do nothing more than wave you right on through.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Also thanks for the info about check in. We are coming from the POFQ to the GF, so will my FQ pass get me through the MK gate, even though that is the day we check out of FQ?

Alison

Since you are coming from POFQ you can avoid Main Gate.
When you exit POFQ turn right, go to the traffic light(end of road)and turn left(Vista Blvd) this will take you past FW and will tie into the "main" road just inside the MK parking plaza, turn right and follow signs to GF.

 

[Brizite76]

Since you are coming from POFQ you can avoid Main Gate.
When you exit POFQ turn right, go to the traffic light(end of road)and turn left(Vista Blvd) this will take you past FW and will tie into the "main" road just inside the MK parking plaza, turn right and follow signs to GF.

Thanks! That's good to know I can avoid the Main Gate