new pool cabanas at GF

[ellenmiele]

I just read about new poolside cabanas getting a trial run at GF. Thru 4/30 they can be rented for $60 for half the day ($110 for allday, I think). There are lounge chairs, a TV, internet, and more. Sounds very ritzy! And you can get massages right there and private dining deliveries (both at extra $$, I suppose). And you have to be staying at GF.

Not that I'm planning on doing it but...the one piece of info I didn't see is how far out can these arrangements be made - same day? at check-in? 180 days? (hee hee - just kidding about the 180 days )

 

[jacksmom]

We will be there soon! And I would also like to know if I can reserve one in advance? If so, How? Do I call GF directly?? Would love some more info/imput!

 

[java]

WOW! but at $110 for the day seems a bit pricey....and do you really need a "room" by the pool. Now I would love internet access though and a nice shady spot to hide from the sun! I think I pay that for a week at the beach we go to sometimes - although we only get umbrella and 2 really nice lounge chairs. I suppose it would be really nice to be guaranteed a chair by the pool.

 

[pedro2112]

WOW! but at $110 for the day seems a bit pricey.

Not really. The resort we stay at in the Wisconsin Dells charges $150.00 for the entire day, and the GF is a step above that resort.

 

[phyllis1966]

I read about this today in the AllEarsNet newsletter - it sounds great to me! For $60, you can rent from 10-2 or from 3-7 o'clock, and aside from what's mentioned in the OP, they also include a mini-fridge stocked with "complimentary" soda and water and a fruit basket.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We do this when we stay at the HRH and its really nice. I think we pay $125 for a full day, however if you're staying club level you get it for half price. We love it so much that we booked a cabana for three of the five days we'll be at Universal!

 

[Tinks]

I read this on all ears as well. So here's my question: are the cabanas for 2? Would 4 friends be able to do one cabana or would we need 2?

I think I like this whole idea. It sounds like it is a test run through April so we'll have to watch and see if they make it permanent.

 

[Tinks]

Ah! I just went and read further on the GF FAQ thread. It seems like it will fit four people, but the cabanas have 2 lounge chairs and 2 straight-back chairs. We'll have to arm wrestle to see who gets the lounge chairs.

 

[BuzzNutt]

Do you have to be a concierge guest or can anyone staying at GF reserve one?

 

[ellenmiele]

Sounds like any GF guests - not just concierge.

 

[Alpha Omega]

Any guest staying at the GF can rent a cabana. Hoever, you haev to be staying at the GF. You cannot be staying at the Polynesian and then try to rent one for the day. Keeps them special to the resort.

 

[BuzzNutt]

This is great. My husband hates sitting pool side watching our son. Now I have somewhere to put him!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I think the cabanas are great and we were always lucky enough to get one when we stayed at the GF. When we were there, they contained 2 lounge chairs, a table and there was room to pull in an additional lounge chair. They had the hookups for laptops then also. We ordered lunch there on our pool days too. I'd say that even with the addition of the few extra pieces of furniture, the cabana will be cozy but comfortable. I wonder if the pilot test goes well, if they'll add any more? There were only 3 when we stayed, so I guess if anyone is interested in reserving one, they should probably call and get the specifics ASAP.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I called and spoke with concierge yesterday. There is only one of these new cabanas. I got lucky, I guess, as my prefered time/day was available.

I asked if they were like the other cabanas already at the pool, and was told no. I was also told there is not internet service out there. Maybe the wireless from the lobby would reach??? Hope so, because I thought maybe I could get my husband and son to spend a pool afternoon with us girls if they had their "toys" available to them. There is a 22" flat screen TV, stocked fridge & snacks.

The new cabana sounds luxurious. I can't picture it, but it sounds good.

Lives4Disney (getting excited!! - less than 2 weeks!!)

 

[TammiMcMan]

There is only one of these new cabanas. I got lucky, I guess, as my prefered time/day was available.

Can't wait to hear all about this new one and I'm happy to hear that the 3 originals are still available as first come, first serve. Maybe that will change if this new pilot program is a success though. I'm trying to picture where it would be located. Please take some pics and let us know about your experience when you return.

 

[D&R love Disney]

Great! We've rented them at HRH at it was great.

 

[Sammie]

Credit Card required to guarantee. 24 hour cancellation policy.
Reservations can be booked 90 days prior. This is a test. The Cabanas are only being booked between 3/4 - 4/30.

Guests must be staying at the Grand Floridian.
One Guest in the party must be 18.
Maximum party is 6.
Cabana rentals may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Guests will not be penalized for same day cancellations due to weather.
Morning rental: 10am - 2pm. $60
Afternoon rental: 3pm - 7pm. $60
All-day rental: 10am - 7pm. $110

Rental Cabana amenities include:

. Two padded chaise lounge chairs
. Two padded straight-backed chairs
. Plush towels
. 22 inch LCD television with cable access and optional earphones
. Sirius Satellite Radio
. DVD/CD/MP3 player
. Phone for internal resorts calls
. Wireless Internet
. Oscillating Fan
. Mini refrigerator stocked with complementary sodas and water
. Complementary fruit basket
. Private dining and poolside massages are available at an additional cost.

I so hope they keep them.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Sammie, sounds great. I was told by GF IPO there was no internet access.

Do you know for sure that there is??? It would be nice.

Thanks,

Lives4Disney

 

[Sammie]

Sammie, sounds great. I was told by GF IPO there was no internet access.

Do you know for sure that there is??? It would be nice.

Thanks,

Lives4Disney

Since it is wireless I would imagine it is picking up from the main building. I got my info from the management team so I feel it is pretty reliable.