Sorry Michelle, but I've never heard of the GF concierge going for less than rack rate at check in. I do know that they will make every effort to upgrade your view to lagoon. Of course it all depends on availabilty, but they will try.
Some of the prettiest garden views are from the Sago Cay and Conch Key buildings. They are also the quietest. Sago Cay is pretty close to the main building where you get the monorail and bus transportation and it overlooks the marina on one side. Conch Key is probably the furthest away from everything, but we're talking that it's only a 2 or 3 minute walk. Big Pine Key and Boca Chica would overlook the center courtyard area and pool. They are closest to the pools and main building. If you don't mind giving up some of your balcony, you might want to request a dormer room. They are located on the top floors and you can tell which ones they are just by the pictures. They have the dormer window, which gives you a smaller balcony, but the ceilings in the rooms are cathederal.
Gasparilla's grille should be re-opened by the time you go and that's the GF's 24 hour counter service restaurant. Good quality food at reasonable prices. The GF Cafe is open for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner. We eat a lot of our meals here. You might want to experience the formal afternoon tea in the main building. I haven't had an opportunity to do that yet, but it looks so lovely. Narcoossees and Citrico's are only open for dinner, with Citrico's being closed on Monday & Tuesday. They are more upscale restaurants, but Narcoossee's has a beautiful view of the lake and the fireworks if you time it right.
Here is the link for the
GF Spa . You can book a treatment, or just go in and use the healthclub facilities and the lounge. The lounges are so relaxing with their sofa's, shower and changing area, hot tub, steam room and sauna. They no longer charge resort guests for the use of the healthclub.
The GF has 2 pools. The center courtyard pool is open all the time and it's larger. You'll find the hot tub here also. The theme pool is nice and usually open 10-6 or 8. They have three cabana's that are available on a first come, first served basis. There are pool bars at each location that serve drinks and light lunches. In the evening, the orchestra and piano player are in the main building beginning at 3pm. You can sit and relax on one of the sofas in the lobby or enjoy a drink in Mizners lounge which is located right behind the orchestra. The 3rd, 4th and 5th floors that you notice in the main building is where the full service concierge rooms and lounge are. Sugar Loaf houses the limited service concierge.
The GF offers turn down service as an amenity with your room. Just let them know at check-in if you'd like to take advantage of it. Also robes are available to use during your stay, just call housekeeping. They are nice in the evenings if you are going to take a dip in the pool.
The monorail stops at the 2nd floor of the main building and within minutes, you'll arrive at the Magic Kingdom. For your trip back, you can take the resort boat which is located just to the left of the resort monorail entrance at the MK. It's a beautiful way to see all of the GF and if the boat is waiting, it's actually faster than taking the monorail back.
If you are celebrating something, or want ideas for a special treat, the GF bakery or private dining can assist you with a cake or scrumptious dessert. They just need 24 hours notice.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. Enjoy the trip with your daughter. I know how special that is.
Tammi
Edited to add: You might want to take a look at this website. They have room layouts and a nice resort map
http://www.the-grahams.net/gf/rooms.shtml
