GF/RPC Fans...

[MJS]

I just finished my holiday reading of Diana: Closely Guarded Secret by Ken Wharfe, Princess Diana's protection officer in the late 1980's-early 90's. In chapter 18 of the book, he describes in detail the royal's (Diana, William and Harry) trip to the GF and WDW. They stayed on the 5th floor of the RPC. It is interesting in terms of how they handle VIPs, including the hotel, security, transportation, etc.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I believe that they stayed in 4001, the former Roosevelt Suite (the current Grand Suite).

Any interesting facts in the book?

 

[MJS]

It is an interesting read. I thought that the Disney part was interesting in terms of security and how they handle VIPs, according to the author. In the theme parks, they used the tunnels and restricted paths to get the royals from attraction-to-attraction, so they did not have to wait in line like us common folk! The author stated that Diana was concerned about the public's perception of special treatment, but the way they slip VIPs into line is not noticeable.

Also, when they checked into the GF, Mickey and Minnie were there on the 5th floor to greet them at the RPC. I guess they got to avoid some of those grumpy CMs!

 

[Bugster]

Thanks for posting. Although it would be great to be a VIP for a day, and get all of that special treatment, I would think not being able to walk around the theme parks and the GF to enjoy the little things would be hard. That said, I would love to stay in the top suite at the GF!

 

[Do Re Mi]

Thank you for your interesting post. I'm going to have to read that book!
On one trip to the WORLD we saw Michael Jordan and his family being escourted around and I felt bad for his kids. They really couldn't enjoy DW as a kid!

 

[Misti]

Interesting! I'd like to read that myself.

 

[Janet2k]

MJS, I remember seeing a photo of Diana that was taken while she stood on her GF balcony in a bathrobe. My guess was that the paparazzi who took the photo was located in a Water Sprite boat (known today as a Water Mouse boat). My Mom is a big royalty buff. I'll have to ask her if she has the book that you quoted.