CaliforniaDreaming
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2001
- Messages
- 5,954
Click Here to View Some of My Vacation Pictures!
Just returned from the Grand Floridian! My family and I had a great time! We stayed in the Sago Cay building, with a lagoon view.
We arrived before noon on our arrival day, and were greeted by Mike at the front desk. He was a wonderful CM (and, rescued me later that day). Our room was not ready, and it never was until about 3:30. I, of course, called every half our to check on the status. Later found out that the room was ready since 2PM, but of course was not keyed in as clean. Around 3:15, I was stuck on hold at the house phone beside the front desk, and Mike was working the station beside it. I didnt want to bother him as he was checking in other guests, but he turned to me and said your room is ready. He remembered me from earlier. Great, great CM. He got a bellman for me (I think his name was Witt), and off to Sago Cay we went. Sago Cay is designated non-smoking and it seems like all the guestroom floors in the resort have a designated non-smoking floor sign on them. I found a few problems with our room I think its time for a little renovation. One problem was the drapes. They were broken (looks like someone pulled the little spokes off that connect them to the pole). I called three times to try to get those fixed. Never done. Drain in bathtub was backed up, called three times and finally talked to our housekeeper and she fixed it. We went through three remotes for the TV during our stay (theyd stop working). The room also looked a bit beat up. The wood furniture was knicked and had some chunks off of it. The one bedspread had a hole in it, the other had a red beverage stain on it. The daybed matress had a broken spring in it. The locks on the sliding glass doors werent in too good of shape. The bolt lock was loose (it would wiggle) and the J-bar lock really didnt fit into the slot (youd really have to push to get it in). We got a refrigerator, and it seemed no matter what setting it was on, it would still freeze the drinks (something I really didnt care about so I didnt say anything about it).
One problem I saw on my last stay at the Grand Floridian (January) was valet parking. Well, this time it improved. Sometimes wed have to wait a minute or two for the car to be taken from us, sometimes there were valets waiting for us (they began to recognize us). On July 4, after fireworks, the valet area was full of people waiting in line for their cars, complaining about having to pay $6 to park for 45 minutes. The line was huge! Of course, we were trying to head over to Goodings, and werent happy to wait in this line of outsiders. We were able to get some priority over the other people waiting. The car was pulled up a couple minutes later. It really was a mad house! Also, one night we pulled up and a CM came right over to take the car. Well, a Ford Explorer pulled up beside us, and the people got out. The guy went over to the valet and said Im staying in the Royal Palm, I need valet. The valet told him to hold on. The guy then said, But, Im Royal Palm, my car needs parked before theirs. I kinda just glared at the guy, and the valet took the guys Explorer. Didnt stay around to babysit the car (Cadillac Seville SLS). Also on my last trip, I noticed that at turndown theyd only give you 3 chocolates. This time wed get 4 placed on the one bed, some nights along with the little card with a saying on it. Some nights wed even get a fifth chocolate.
The housekeeping, turndown, and resort staff were pretty good. Rosemary at the Gasparilla Grill is very pleasant and friendly, always was great to be greeted by her when I stopped in for a drink or something to eat. Joaq was also very friendly, he always greeted us around the resort. Bob at the front desk was a character in himself.
I got the opportunity to try out the new pool (finally!). I really liked the new slide. The pool is pretty neat, but Im still not sure why they put a rock formation there. I think this pool is open from 10AM-8PM, but one night while trying to get pool towels (the courtyard pool was out of them around midnight) the pool just had a no lifeguard on duty sign up, so we went in the pool for a few minutes (with the ducks). There were a couple other people that went in for a couple minutes as well. The courtyard pool was as busy as always. Even at midnight 1AM.
Rented a couple Pontoon Boats from the Captains Shipyard. I hated how the water mice would zoom around me, I think they wanted to be hit. Also, when going through the channels, please stay to the right. Youre in America, we walk and drive on the right!
For the sake of not having to write a trip report, Ill include some info about the rest of my stay here.
Theme Parks
They really werent that busy until Wednesday (nice downpour in the morning! We went to Celebration and looked at some homes instead of going to the parks in the morning, MGM in the afternoon wasa busy). I was surprised. I expected the worst aka New Years Eve crowds. The longest we waited was 40 minutes, and that was for Test Track. Most lines were around 20 to 30 minutes. We also went to the Tuesday e-ride. It was busy! Had to wait 15-20 minutes for the rides. You could tell that there were some minor cutbacks resort wide, and it took away a little of the magic. It was just like something was missing. Plus, there was a lot of rain, so that can make things miserable.
One problem in the parks I noticed was in Epcot. They just arent prepared for first aid. During a downpour, I was trying to exit the park (Canada to the main gate) and was pushed by another guest. There I was, in Epcot, on the cement, in a couple inches of water, belly down (anyone push down someone at Epcot during a storm a couple days ago?). Blood all over my legs, hands scraped up. Went into Mouse Gear they have no first aid, sell no first aid products, and wouldnt call anyone over from First Aid to assist. They said that First Aid was all the way at the other side of the park so out of Epcot I went. Onto the monorail to the TTC (no first aid at the monorail station, either - ???), then the monorail (both monorails were standing room only didnt even get a chance to sit down) to the Polynesian, then to the Grand Floridian. Got to walk down the Grand Staircase with the blood on me, and go into Sandy Cove and make my $10 purchase of First Aid items. Back to the room, and got cleaned up. Thanks for the help, Disney. Luckily, I can tough things out like that, and it really didnt bother me to parade around Disney like that. It just kinda upset me that I couldnt get it taken care of earlier.
Didnt notice too many Brazilian tour groups, they must not have all arrived yet. Thursday it did seem like there were a few more groups there. I did notice a lot of rude people, though. Loved how people would send one person into the line, then right before you board the ride you have 10-15 people infront of you. And, dont tell me No hablo ingles, Ill just shoot something out in Spanish to you.
Restaurants
We had lots of good meals during our trip. Click Here to View My Post on the Restaurants Board.
Resort Hotels
During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit the Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Fort Wilderness, the BoardWalk Inn, the Beach Club & Villas, and Port Orleans French Quarter. Drove through the All-Star Music, Port Orleans Riverside, and Coronado Springs. We visited the French Quarter to see what we were missing to stay at a Deluxe. We decided it was just a glorified All-Star, but still with a not so good location. Probably would only pay $15-$20 a night extra to stay at one. Guess were spoiled with the deluxes. I really liked the Beach Club Villas, it was a good addition to the resort.
It may seem like we didnt have a good time and Im complaining a lot, but we really did have a good time. Just had to look past all the not so good stuff and enjoy ourselves. Sometimes the simple things are what we enjoyed most!
If youve made it this far, youre probably wondering where Ill be staying next trip. I do love the Grand Floridian, it is a beautiful resort and the staff was great to me. However, with some little problems and a new opinion of the Grand Floridian clientele, I probably wont be staying there next time (I miss it already, though!). Im not saying Ill never stay there again, but I just wont stay there my next trip. Weve decided either the BoardWalk Inn or the Yacht/Beach Club will be where we stay next time. Not sure if well do concierge or not, Ill have to see what kind of prices I can get. Im also not sure when well go back, it might be December 2003 or January 2004. I would really like to try the Yacht Club since it will be renovated soon, but then again the Beach Club would be more newly renovated! Hopefully Ill be able to see some pictures of new rooms at both places and make my decision.
BTW, anyone have the address for the GF General Manager?
Just returned from the Grand Floridian! My family and I had a great time! We stayed in the Sago Cay building, with a lagoon view.
We arrived before noon on our arrival day, and were greeted by Mike at the front desk. He was a wonderful CM (and, rescued me later that day). Our room was not ready, and it never was until about 3:30. I, of course, called every half our to check on the status. Later found out that the room was ready since 2PM, but of course was not keyed in as clean. Around 3:15, I was stuck on hold at the house phone beside the front desk, and Mike was working the station beside it. I didnt want to bother him as he was checking in other guests, but he turned to me and said your room is ready. He remembered me from earlier. Great, great CM. He got a bellman for me (I think his name was Witt), and off to Sago Cay we went. Sago Cay is designated non-smoking and it seems like all the guestroom floors in the resort have a designated non-smoking floor sign on them. I found a few problems with our room I think its time for a little renovation. One problem was the drapes. They were broken (looks like someone pulled the little spokes off that connect them to the pole). I called three times to try to get those fixed. Never done. Drain in bathtub was backed up, called three times and finally talked to our housekeeper and she fixed it. We went through three remotes for the TV during our stay (theyd stop working). The room also looked a bit beat up. The wood furniture was knicked and had some chunks off of it. The one bedspread had a hole in it, the other had a red beverage stain on it. The daybed matress had a broken spring in it. The locks on the sliding glass doors werent in too good of shape. The bolt lock was loose (it would wiggle) and the J-bar lock really didnt fit into the slot (youd really have to push to get it in). We got a refrigerator, and it seemed no matter what setting it was on, it would still freeze the drinks (something I really didnt care about so I didnt say anything about it).
One problem I saw on my last stay at the Grand Floridian (January) was valet parking. Well, this time it improved. Sometimes wed have to wait a minute or two for the car to be taken from us, sometimes there were valets waiting for us (they began to recognize us). On July 4, after fireworks, the valet area was full of people waiting in line for their cars, complaining about having to pay $6 to park for 45 minutes. The line was huge! Of course, we were trying to head over to Goodings, and werent happy to wait in this line of outsiders. We were able to get some priority over the other people waiting. The car was pulled up a couple minutes later. It really was a mad house! Also, one night we pulled up and a CM came right over to take the car. Well, a Ford Explorer pulled up beside us, and the people got out. The guy went over to the valet and said Im staying in the Royal Palm, I need valet. The valet told him to hold on. The guy then said, But, Im Royal Palm, my car needs parked before theirs. I kinda just glared at the guy, and the valet took the guys Explorer. Didnt stay around to babysit the car (Cadillac Seville SLS). Also on my last trip, I noticed that at turndown theyd only give you 3 chocolates. This time wed get 4 placed on the one bed, some nights along with the little card with a saying on it. Some nights wed even get a fifth chocolate.
The housekeeping, turndown, and resort staff were pretty good. Rosemary at the Gasparilla Grill is very pleasant and friendly, always was great to be greeted by her when I stopped in for a drink or something to eat. Joaq was also very friendly, he always greeted us around the resort. Bob at the front desk was a character in himself.
I got the opportunity to try out the new pool (finally!). I really liked the new slide. The pool is pretty neat, but Im still not sure why they put a rock formation there. I think this pool is open from 10AM-8PM, but one night while trying to get pool towels (the courtyard pool was out of them around midnight) the pool just had a no lifeguard on duty sign up, so we went in the pool for a few minutes (with the ducks). There were a couple other people that went in for a couple minutes as well. The courtyard pool was as busy as always. Even at midnight 1AM.
Rented a couple Pontoon Boats from the Captains Shipyard. I hated how the water mice would zoom around me, I think they wanted to be hit. Also, when going through the channels, please stay to the right. Youre in America, we walk and drive on the right!
For the sake of not having to write a trip report, Ill include some info about the rest of my stay here.
Theme Parks
They really werent that busy until Wednesday (nice downpour in the morning! We went to Celebration and looked at some homes instead of going to the parks in the morning, MGM in the afternoon wasa busy). I was surprised. I expected the worst aka New Years Eve crowds. The longest we waited was 40 minutes, and that was for Test Track. Most lines were around 20 to 30 minutes. We also went to the Tuesday e-ride. It was busy! Had to wait 15-20 minutes for the rides. You could tell that there were some minor cutbacks resort wide, and it took away a little of the magic. It was just like something was missing. Plus, there was a lot of rain, so that can make things miserable.
One problem in the parks I noticed was in Epcot. They just arent prepared for first aid. During a downpour, I was trying to exit the park (Canada to the main gate) and was pushed by another guest. There I was, in Epcot, on the cement, in a couple inches of water, belly down (anyone push down someone at Epcot during a storm a couple days ago?). Blood all over my legs, hands scraped up. Went into Mouse Gear they have no first aid, sell no first aid products, and wouldnt call anyone over from First Aid to assist. They said that First Aid was all the way at the other side of the park so out of Epcot I went. Onto the monorail to the TTC (no first aid at the monorail station, either - ???), then the monorail (both monorails were standing room only didnt even get a chance to sit down) to the Polynesian, then to the Grand Floridian. Got to walk down the Grand Staircase with the blood on me, and go into Sandy Cove and make my $10 purchase of First Aid items. Back to the room, and got cleaned up. Thanks for the help, Disney. Luckily, I can tough things out like that, and it really didnt bother me to parade around Disney like that. It just kinda upset me that I couldnt get it taken care of earlier.
Didnt notice too many Brazilian tour groups, they must not have all arrived yet. Thursday it did seem like there were a few more groups there. I did notice a lot of rude people, though. Loved how people would send one person into the line, then right before you board the ride you have 10-15 people infront of you. And, dont tell me No hablo ingles, Ill just shoot something out in Spanish to you.
Restaurants
We had lots of good meals during our trip. Click Here to View My Post on the Restaurants Board.
Resort Hotels
During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit the Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Fort Wilderness, the BoardWalk Inn, the Beach Club & Villas, and Port Orleans French Quarter. Drove through the All-Star Music, Port Orleans Riverside, and Coronado Springs. We visited the French Quarter to see what we were missing to stay at a Deluxe. We decided it was just a glorified All-Star, but still with a not so good location. Probably would only pay $15-$20 a night extra to stay at one. Guess were spoiled with the deluxes. I really liked the Beach Club Villas, it was a good addition to the resort.
It may seem like we didnt have a good time and Im complaining a lot, but we really did have a good time. Just had to look past all the not so good stuff and enjoy ourselves. Sometimes the simple things are what we enjoyed most!
If youve made it this far, youre probably wondering where Ill be staying next trip. I do love the Grand Floridian, it is a beautiful resort and the staff was great to me. However, with some little problems and a new opinion of the Grand Floridian clientele, I probably wont be staying there next time (I miss it already, though!). Im not saying Ill never stay there again, but I just wont stay there my next trip. Weve decided either the BoardWalk Inn or the Yacht/Beach Club will be where we stay next time. Not sure if well do concierge or not, Ill have to see what kind of prices I can get. Im also not sure when well go back, it might be December 2003 or January 2004. I would really like to try the Yacht Club since it will be renovated soon, but then again the Beach Club would be more newly renovated! Hopefully Ill be able to see some pictures of new rooms at both places and make my decision.
BTW, anyone have the address for the GF General Manager?
What's up with the guy with the "Royal Palm Club" attitude? Pretty snobby, I'd say. 
Sorry to hear about your fall in Epcot. I needed to have some first aid there a few years ago and I remember it being quite a hike from where I was. They need a couple of locations there. I'm envisioning you walking down the beautiful GF staircase with blood dripping from your poor knees 
Thanks for the report and Welcome back!
Your experience at the GF was similar to mine last October. I don't know when we'll stay there again... probably not until they renovate. 
Remind me to carry some extra bandaids!
Glad you were able to enjoy your trip anyway 
