minniesota
<font color=purple>Land is a good thing, too<br><f
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2002
- Messages
- 1,690
Just returned from a 4-night stay at the GF and it was fabulous. I'd read the recent negative review before we left - and even though every stay we've had there has been wonderful - I was a bit concerned that maybe the hotel was in a downward cycle. But from check-in to check-out, it was, as Mary Poppins likes to say, "perfect in every way!"
We checked in about 7 p.m. Friday - there were 4 cast members waiting behind the desk and no one in line so we chose Elvira. She was friendly and efficient. I had called the hotel that morning before leaving home and told the front desk that I had not included a request for a higher floor on my original ressie. It was just me and DS11 this trip and I wasn't comfortable with a ground floor room - just didn't think I'd sleep as well. The CM I talked to asked if there was anything else I wanted and I said no (of course after I hung up I thought "Concierge would be nice!" LOL) Anyway, back to check-in. Elvira said they had me on the top floor in Sago Cay (my request). I mentioned to her that DS was hoping we were in concierge again since that's where we stayed in October. Elvira said she would have given us a complimentary upgrade if they weren't sold out. Whether this was true or not, I thought it was nice that she acknowledged my subtle inquiry. She gave us our keys and info packet and we were off.
Just walking though the lobby at the GF is wonderful - the orchestra playing, tinkling of glasses from Mizner's, the portrait artist in the corner...then out the doors to that peaceful courtyard with its twinkling lights and inviting pool. Turn the corner towards Sago and there's the marina and the castle, changing colors across the water. Ahhh... We were on the 5th floor in a small alcove of 6 rooms just off the elevator - it was a dormer room!!! Our first time in this type of rooom and for the two of us it was perfect. WE looked out at the monorail which was great fun for DS. Mousekeeping had already been in for turndown service and the room was so inviting! Perfect shape, clean as a whistle! We unpacked and headed down to Gasparillas for a quick bite. It was pretty crowded since it was too cool to eat outdoors - and very noisy. I tried to persuade DS to take our trays to the room but he wanted ice cream after his meal so we ate there (our one and only time).
WE ordered room service breakfast using the order card you hang on the outside of your door and it came promptly at 7:45 a.m. I called Housekeeping before we headed to the parks and asked to have our room cleaned by 1:30 - it was. In fact, I requested a time every morning and our room was always done even though the rooms around us were not. I was very pleasant with my requests and was greeted with "absolutely no problem and have a grand day!" each and every time. I also requested specific turndown service times on 2 of our evenings and had the same wonderful service.
We used the Concierge desk in the lobby for 2 dinner reservations and they were very helpful and friendly. In fact, one CM got us a primetime ressie at Spoodles on Valentine's night (we made the request at about 2 p.m. that day!). He went on and on about Spoodles as he had worked there as a pastry chef for a few years. He was just delightful and so willing to help.
In fact every CM we encountered at GF was just great this trip. I don't mean to gush but we really did have an exceptional time. I'll add more on the Theme Parks board and Dining board as I unpack. Just wanted to spread our GF joy! I'd be glad to answer any questions.
We checked in about 7 p.m. Friday - there were 4 cast members waiting behind the desk and no one in line so we chose Elvira. She was friendly and efficient. I had called the hotel that morning before leaving home and told the front desk that I had not included a request for a higher floor on my original ressie. It was just me and DS11 this trip and I wasn't comfortable with a ground floor room - just didn't think I'd sleep as well. The CM I talked to asked if there was anything else I wanted and I said no (of course after I hung up I thought "Concierge would be nice!" LOL) Anyway, back to check-in. Elvira said they had me on the top floor in Sago Cay (my request). I mentioned to her that DS was hoping we were in concierge again since that's where we stayed in October. Elvira said she would have given us a complimentary upgrade if they weren't sold out. Whether this was true or not, I thought it was nice that she acknowledged my subtle inquiry. She gave us our keys and info packet and we were off.
Just walking though the lobby at the GF is wonderful - the orchestra playing, tinkling of glasses from Mizner's, the portrait artist in the corner...then out the doors to that peaceful courtyard with its twinkling lights and inviting pool. Turn the corner towards Sago and there's the marina and the castle, changing colors across the water. Ahhh... We were on the 5th floor in a small alcove of 6 rooms just off the elevator - it was a dormer room!!! Our first time in this type of rooom and for the two of us it was perfect. WE looked out at the monorail which was great fun for DS. Mousekeeping had already been in for turndown service and the room was so inviting! Perfect shape, clean as a whistle! We unpacked and headed down to Gasparillas for a quick bite. It was pretty crowded since it was too cool to eat outdoors - and very noisy. I tried to persuade DS to take our trays to the room but he wanted ice cream after his meal so we ate there (our one and only time).
WE ordered room service breakfast using the order card you hang on the outside of your door and it came promptly at 7:45 a.m. I called Housekeeping before we headed to the parks and asked to have our room cleaned by 1:30 - it was. In fact, I requested a time every morning and our room was always done even though the rooms around us were not. I was very pleasant with my requests and was greeted with "absolutely no problem and have a grand day!" each and every time. I also requested specific turndown service times on 2 of our evenings and had the same wonderful service.
We used the Concierge desk in the lobby for 2 dinner reservations and they were very helpful and friendly. In fact, one CM got us a primetime ressie at Spoodles on Valentine's night (we made the request at about 2 p.m. that day!). He went on and on about Spoodles as he had worked there as a pastry chef for a few years. He was just delightful and so willing to help.
In fact every CM we encountered at GF was just great this trip. I don't mean to gush but we really did have an exceptional time. I'll add more on the Theme Parks board and Dining board as I unpack. Just wanted to spread our GF joy! I'd be glad to answer any questions.
) We also stayed in a dormer room and loved it. 
It's so nice to read of a PERFECT stay at any wdw resort...especially the GRAND! 
Thank you for taking the time to post so eloquently, listing details and other info. I'm sure the Spoodles dining experience was memorable with your DS on Valentine's Day! I too...LOVE RS, and appreciate prompt delivery (within the time requested). Every aspect of your stay was as it should be: MAGICAL. 
I love my peace and quiet and it sounds like Sago Cay would be perfect. The decor of the rooms sounds very nice. I can't wait to try out Sago Cay next time. 
We booked gardenview, want a good view if possible, it's DD's birthday. When we had Big Pine before it was a lagoon view dormer comp upgrade. Any chances of an upgrade the first of April?
