GF Sugar Loaf Concierge with kids?

[Angel M]

We had a great time at Disney last week and are planning our return for December. Our sons (9,10 and 13) want to stay at the Grand Floridian to complete their monorail loop, we've stayed at the Contemporary and we stayed at the Poly last week.

I called to book the GF with FL resident rates and they only had the lodge conceirge available for the time we need. Tell me all about it! My husband and I stayed at the GF back in 1994 without the kids and we really enjoyed it. Also, this will be our family's first experience with conceirge services.

I'd love to hear your opinions.

Thanks

 

[Reflection]

My daughter (age 8 at the time) and I stayed in Sugar Loaf (where lodge concierge is located) in Aug. 2001.

We enjoyed our stay; some of the concierge staff were more helpful than others. The food offerings (continental breakfast in the mornings, cold and hot beverages thru out the day, appetizers late afternoon/early evening) are as described in other posts. There was a varied selection of items at breakfast--cold cereals, fresh fruit, pastries, croissants, muffins, bagels, as well as bread for toast, juices, coffee and tea, and water (sparkling and still) in large--not indvidual--bottles. Even the pickiest eater would find something to their liking from these selections. The appetizers, however, are definitely gourmet (e.g., crostini with pesto, fancy finger sandwiches...) and well prepared. During our stay, the appetizer service did not contain 'kid-friendly' fare such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or pigs-in-a-blanket; although there was fresh fruit, cheese cubes (a variety of cheeses, including cheddar), crackers.

We enjoyed our stay (I recommend requesting a lodge tower room; room has an alcove area containing a sofa bed, televison--quite a cozy area).

At the main pool, there are activities (crafts) for children in the afternoon, and my daughter and I both enjoyed the new pool with the slide.

Now that the Grand Floridian Cafe is closed for dinner, my one complaint about the Grand Floridian is the lack of less expensive and formal choices for dinner. Yes, there is the food court, but I don't like food courts, and this feeling was reinforced after eating really dreadful food at the resort's food court--sorry, can't think of the name at the moment.

We would definitely stay here again if I could get a terrific code rate like we had last year.

I hope this information is helpful.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I stayed in Sugar Loaf with DD (14), DS (10), DD (4). We had a standard room on the 3rd floor with a marina view. Couldn't see the castle at all, but we were able to see the fireworks. My kids really enjoyed the breakfast selections in the concierge lounge, but as Reflection posted, there really wasn't anything else "kid themed" throughout the day. The staff was wonderful, especially to my DS. He wasn't a lemonade or ice tea drinker, so whenever they saw him coming, they would get him a soda. My kids loved the bathrobes and getting chocolates each night with the turn down service. Also, a member of the concierge staff leaves a message on your phone each evening with the next day's park hours and any special events. I think your son's will enjoy Gasparilla's for quick food. They have a whole arcade set up inside and for counter service, we found the food to be very good each time we ate there. Pre-planning should contact you 45-60 days before your arrival to help with any priority seats or tickets that you may need. I know alot of people like to plan their own, but if you go through concierge, you will be notated as a VIP. I think that helps in getting a good table or cutting down on any wait times.

There are a few differences between the main building concierge and the lodge. One is that the food offerings end a few hours earlier and there is no alcohol served in the lodge. You can get wine and cordials during the evening in the main building. You really can't get an MK view from the Sugar Loaf building, but you can see the fireworks. Also, the lounge area is smaller in the lodge.

I agree Reflection that it was disappointing having the Cafe close at 3pm. We showed up at 3:15 for a late lunch and were turned away by the hostess. She informed us that our only options to eat at that time of day were Gasparilla's, room service or go to another hotel. I did voice my dismay to the general manager and was told that they were "considering" extending the hours again. Here's hoping.

I'm sure your DS's will enjoy the special treatment, as will you and DH.

Tammi

 

[Angel M]

Thank you both for the information, I do have one more question though.

Tammi said "you can get wine and cordials during the evening in the main building". So if you stay in Sugar Loaf you have access to the main bldg. concierge lounge?

Thanks,
Angel

 

[Reflection]

I believe concierge guests in the main building can have access to both concierge services, but lodge concierge guests do not have access to main building concierge amenities.

I believe Tammi was pointing out that one difference between the two concierge services is that the main building concierge serves wine and cordials. These are not available at the lodge concierge.

 

[Angel M]

Thanks Reflection,

When I reread Tammi's post it does make sense. I guess I'm taking too much cold medicine. We're more mixed drinks type people anyway and don't need cordials in the evening, ya know what I mean?

Sugar Loaf sounds great for us, I'm sure we'd take advantage of the morning offerings and some in the afternoons more so than we would at night.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'd just like to clear up the concierge level access. Guests in Sugar Loaf get access to Sugar Loaf Concierge only, while guests in the Main Building get access to Royal Palm Club Concierge only. Suite guests (in any building) get access to both the Sugar Loaf Concierge and the Royal Palm Concierge.

 

[Reflection]

Originally posted by Angel M
We're more mixed drinks type people anyway and don't need cordials in the evening, ya know what I mean? .

Or, if you're like me, you'll bring your own bottle of wine, and use the ice bucket to keep it cold.

Thanks, California Dreaming, for the clarification about concierge service access.

Have terrific stay in December, Angel M!

 

[bonzie1]

We stayed in GF main building concierge for our honeymoon and LOVED it. I guess it was just a special feeling that once you got off the monorail, you were already home! The food selection was great. You got a special pass key to enter the elevator for your floor.

We stayed at Sugar Loaf for our 5th anniversary. We saved for 5 years to go. I was disappointed. Instead of canned/bottled soda, we were given soda in a cup... and to pay close to 600 dollars for the room, well, I just did not feel it was justified, and wouldn't do it again. Now some people were upgraded to Sugarloaf, and of course I wouldn't refuse that

If I had the choice, I would choose the Main Building.
Whatever your choice... enjoy the magic!