The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - APRIL 2010

[k&a&c'smom]

Welcome to the new GF FAQ thread!

Please read the first page of the thread for details and tips for the resort, gathered by DIS posters over the years. As times, schedules, and activities change, we will try to update as quickly as possible so that you have accurate information.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa was opened in August of 1988 as WDW’s fifth resort hotel, and is considered their flagship resort. The GF is a deluxe resort with 900 rooms, and is situated on 40 acres along the white sand beaches of Seven Seas Lagoon, southwest of the MK. The beautiful white building features red gabled roofs, gingerbread trim and a five-story Grand Lobby, with an art nouveau stained glass ceiling and enormous white chandeliers. It is styled in a turn of the century Victorian theme; the atmosphere is elegant and refined, but not overbearing – it’s Disney, after all! Children are welcome here, and there are plenty of activities for all ages.

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a smoke-free resort; smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor locations.

Copyright Disney

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407)824-3000

Check in/Check Out
3:00 PM (ET)/11 AM (ET)

Payment Methods
Cash, Check, Debit card, Disney gift card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Room Service
• 24-hour room service
• To order, touch Dining Options on your guest room phone.

Disney’s GF Spa & Health Club

• The Spa is operated by Niki Bryan Spas, http://relaxedyet.com/gf_treatments.asp
• Disney's Grand Floridian Spa is staffed by trained professionals offering body treatments, therapies and massages developed to rejuvenate, invigorate and nourish.
• Reservation and treatment hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please call (407) 824-2332 to learn more and make an appointment.
• The Health Club is a full service gym available at no extra charge to guests of the GF. A wide range of equipment is available, including treadmills, stair steppers, upright and recumbent cycles, elliptical cross trainers, Smith machine, cable crossover and free weights. The Health Club also features a full circuit of Life Fitness and Precor strength equipment.
• Guests must be 14 years of age to use the gym, guests 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The GF health club is open 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
• Personal training available by appt.

Babysitting & Childcare Services

• Mouseketeer Club is a supervised activity club that accommodates children ages 4-12.
• Reservations required, open 4:30 p.m. - midnight.
• In-room babysitting provided for a fee by Kids Nite Out, for children ages 6 mos. to 12 years.
• To make a reservation for either Mouseketeer Club or Kids Nite Out, contact the Front Desk or concierge.

IVY TRELLIS SALON

• Located on the second floor of the main building.
• Open 9 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Offering a full range of salon and barber services, including hair cut, color and styling.
• Call (407)824-3000 or the Front Desk for an appt.

http://relaxedyet.com/gf_salon.asp

Lobby Concierge Assistance
• Available to GF Resort guests, located in the main lobby
• Open 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Services include park tickets, dining reservations, show seats, etc.

Parking
• Self-parking is available in the self-park lot.
• Valet parking available for a fee.

Laundry

• 24-hour self-service laundry rooms are located in each building (except Sugar Loaf) with a couple washers/dryers each.
• Soap/softener/dryer sheet: $1; Washer: $2; Dryer: $2
• Dry cleaning & valet laundry service available for a fee, call Housekeeping from your in-room phone for details & pick-up.

Internet Access (for a fee)

• High speed dial-up available in room, $9.95/24-hours
• Guests with Wi-Fi enabled PC or laptops may purchase a Wi-Fi access card from the Business Center.

Business Center

• Located within the Convention Center, open 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
• Provides fax, photo copy, mail and computer services for Resort guests.

Convention Center

• Offering 40,000 sq. feet of flexible meeting and function space.
• Planning a meeting? Please call Disney Meetings at (321)939-7129. For meetings of less than 100 attendees, you can also use the Meetings on Demand Planner.

Services for Guests with Disabilities

• Mobility and medical equipment use
• Accommodation of special requests, including allowances for service animals
• Telephones/TTY for the hearing impaired
• Wheelchair-accessible rooms and bathrooms
• Valet parking

Room Amenities
• Satellite TV (includes Disney programming)
• High-speed Internet access (for an additional fee)
• Coffeemaker
• Refrigerator
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• In-room wall safe
• Newspaper delivery
• Voice mail
• Turn-down service
• Pack 'n Play Playard available (full crib available upon request)
• Laundry facilities/services
• Robes
• Make-up mirror
• Phone in bath area
• Microwave available upon request
• H2O toiletries

Important Numbers:
407-824-3000 GF
407-824-2332 GF Spa
407-939-3862 Victoria and Albert's Reservations
407-824-2474 GF Private Dining
407-934-4004 Disney's PhotoPass
407-824-1775 GF Itinerary Planning Office (Club Level Guests ONLY)
407-621-1991 Tennis Court Bookings

Buildings

Sago Cay:
Garden/Marina View, Lagoon, Theme Park View

Sugar Loaf:
Club Level Rooms

Conch Key
Pool/Garden/Marina View, Lagoon, Theme Park Views

Boca Chica
Pool/Garden View, Lagoon, Theme Park Views

Big Pine Key
Pool/Garden, Lagoon, Theme Park Views

Main Building
Club Level rooms and suites

Transportation

• Resort monorail, located on the second floor of the main building, provides direct transportation to the MK, CR, TTC & Poly.
• Monorail to Epcot: take the resort monorail to the TTC, transfer to Epcot monorail.
• Boat service to the MK & Poly, dock located on Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Bus service, located just outside the main building, to AK, DHS, DTD, Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach.

Informational Links
For a look at the previous FAQ, click here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158108
Here is a link for an aerial map of the GF: http://www.bing.com/maps/default.as...&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=5219444
Great tool for determining travel times and directions from any point in WDW to another: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/transportation/transportation1.cfm

 

[k&a&c'smom]

GUEST ROOMS

Standard guestrooms average about 448 square feet and have either two queen beds or one king bed, table and chairs, armoire with flat screen TV, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. In the vanity area, H20 brand toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower cap are found and there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. A coffee maker is available in each room.

A typical guestroom sleeps 5, but the Lodge Tower and Queen Deluxe rooms sleep 4. Dormer or "attic" rooms at the Grand Floridian are in the upper floors under the gabled roofs. These rooms are slightly smaller than the Standard guestrooms but appear larger because of the vaulted ceilings. Some dormer rooms sleep 4, although there are now a few that have the daybed and sleep 5.

There are 26 one, two and three-bedroom suites available. Suites have two queen size beds, or one king size bed, and a separate parlor area with a wet bar. These rooms can sleep between 4 and 10 adults, depending on the suite type.

There are two room types within the “Main Building/Deluxe/King” category. These include the 6 turret rooms located in the towers of the main building, and the second floor honeymoon rooms. The second floor honeymoon rooms are approximately the same size as the standard rooms, have a Jacuzzi tub and a balcony, but no wet bar or walk-in closet. Turret rooms are larger than the Jacuzzi rooms, but do not have the Jacuzzi tub or private balcony. Instead, you'll find a spectacular view with windows all the way around the suite, and a garden tub.

TIP: You don't have to be on your honeymoon to enjoy a honeymoon suite, it's perfect for anniversary or second honeymoon trips too. Note that these rooms only accommodate 2 guests.

Rollaway beds are offered free of charge. Guests may request bed boards, bed rails, down pillows, heating pads, microwave oven (limited number available), extra pillows, blankets, towels, robes and International Electrical Adapters. Call Housekeeping to do so.

If there are more than 2 adults in the same room, there is an additional charge of $25 per person, per night.

A limited number of handicapped accessible rooms are available, and early booking is advised. In Sago Cay, there are 3 rooms, Sugar Loaf has 2, Big Pine Key has 2, there are some in Conch Key and there is at least one accessible room in the main building. Some accessible rooms have roll in showers, others have tubs, so guests must describe their particular needs at booking to be assigned the correct room type.

ROOM CATEGORIES
**All rooms non-smoking.

• Outer Building/Garden View - Views of Courtyard, Marina or Themed Pool Areas
• Outer Building/Lagoon View – Views of Seven Seas Lagoon
• Outer Building/Theme Park View – Views of MK Theme Park
• Outer Building/Deluxe Room/Garden View – Lodge Tower Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool or Marina
• Outer Building/Standard Room/Club Level - Offers views of the Courtyard Pool or the Marina.
• Main Building/Standard Room/Club Level - Offers views of the Courtyard Pool or Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Main Building/Theme Park View/Club Level – Offers views of the Magic Kingdom theme park.
• Main Building/Deluxe Room/Club Level - Views of Magic Kingdom theme park or the grounds of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

CLUB LEVEL

Concierge service at the Outer Building Sugar Loaf Club and the Main Building Royal Palm Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. The CL rooms have DVD players.

The real difference between the two is the location, otherwise you receive the same services and food offerings. Outer building Club Level is in the Sugar Loaf building, while the Royal Palm Club is in the Main Building. In RPC, you are near the hustle and bustle of the lobby, and in the evenings you can hear the piano player and/or the orchestra while relaxing in the lounge. You have the option of booking, and paying extra for, rooms that have a view of the MK theme park. In Sugar Loaf, you are in a more casual, clubby atmosphere, and all rooms will have a view of either the courtyard pool or marina.

The third, fourth and fifth floors of the main building are home to the 83 Club Level rooms (including suites). Access to these floors is by private elevator only. Staff is available on the third floor to answer questions, plan outings, to make dining arrangements, ticket purchases, make transportation arrangements and to fill requests for special dining or accommodation needs. The RPC lounge is located on the fourth floor, with food offerings and various seating areas.

All of the rooms in the Sugar Loaf building are Club Level, and access to the whole building is keyed. The SL lounge is located on the main floor, in the center of the building, and the cast member desks are located within the lounge.

LOUNGE OFFERINGS

Coffee:
6:30am - 9:30pm

Grand Beginnings:
7:00am - 10:30am
pastries, bagels, croissants, cold meats & cheeses, fruit, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt & beverages

Refreshments:
11:30am - 2:00pm
chips, dips, crudites, cookies & beverages

Afternoon Tea:
2:30pm - 4:00pm
scones, cookies, tartlets, fruit breads, trifle & beverages

Twilight Refreshers:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
hot item samples, children's corner, crudites, cheese tray, beverages, wine & beer

Cordials & Desserts:
8:00pm - 10:00pm
assorted desserts and cordials

All Day:
7:00am - 10:00pm
whole fresh fruit & beverages

Concierge Level Tours & Excursions

Discovery Wildlife Excursion
**Offered to ALL WDW Club Level Concierge Guests

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an animal expert, this 1-hour vehicle adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the Reserve.

The hour-long excursion costs $45 USD for each Guest - with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Offered twice a day (Tuesday through Saturday) at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Advance reservations and Theme Park Admission is required. All Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate. Reservations can be made through the Itinerary Planning Office at your home resort. (Not included in Magic Your Way Packages)

Pre-Arrival Information

As soon as you make a Club Level reservation you should email IPO and introduce yourself. Include your name and confirmation number in your subject line. If you would like assistance with your dining reservations, send a list of your choices approximately 2 weeks before the booking window. IPO will contact you with an itinerary as soon as your reservations have been made.

One of the benefits of Club Level is itinerary planning. Personal Itinerary Planning assistance includes:

- Recreational Activities
- Entertainment
- Childcare
- Dining
- Special Arrangements
- Special Events
- Spa Services
- Golf
- Cabana Rental

Club Concierge Itinerary Planning Office
(For Confirmed Club Level Reservations Only)

PH: 407-824-1775
FX: 407-824-3461
Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

 

[k&a&c'smom]

DINING

QUICK SERVICE: 1 Location

Gasparilla Grill and Games

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Location: Grand Floridian / 1st floor, overlooking the marina
Reservations: Not Accepted
Hours: Breakfast - 6:00 am -11:00 am; All Day Dining 11:00am - 11:30pm; Late Night Dining 11:30pm - 6:00am
Links to menu, updated August 2010
http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab199/kacsmom2010/GF/gasparillas2.jpg
http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab199/kacsmom2010/GF/gasparillasmenu.jpg

FULL SERVICE: 6 Locations

1900 Park Fare
(Character dining)

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Character
Location: Grand Floridian / Main Lobby
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: Breakfast: 8:00am-11:10am.;Dinner 4:30pm-8:30pm

The 1900 Park Fare Restaurant is located in the Grand Floridian Resort. This is a large dining area with whimsical touches that enhance the character meal experience. "Big Bertha", a turn of the century organ, takes center stage. Built in France, this beautifully crafted instrument plays while you're dining.

There are two Character Meals offered. Both are served buffet style:
The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast is hosted by Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and friends.

The Cinderella's Gala Feast Dinner is hosted by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drusilla.

Price includes non-specialty drinks such as soda, coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, punch and milk.

Dress is Resort Casual. Wine list featuring Kendall Jackson Merlot and Chardonnay, Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon and Caymus Conundrum

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=28


Citricos

Food/Dining Type: Mediteranean-inspired
Meals: Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / Second Floor
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Considered one of WDW's premier restaurants, Citricos serves a seasonal menu inspired by the cuisines of Provence, Tuscany and the Spanish Riviera. With an award-winning international wine list, they serve wines by the bottle or glass for guests age 21 and older.

The main dining room is decorated in a warm Mediterranean decor of yellow and orange with hints of blue, featuring wrought-iron railings and mosaic tile floors. Citricos was designed by the firm of Martin Dorf, who also designed the Flying Fish Cafe and California Grill, and you can see those influences in the stylish yet inviting space.

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=186

Chef's Domain
For an exclusive gourmet dining event, reserve the Chef's Domain at Citricos. Diners may order from the traditional menu or choose to have the chef create a menu for them in a private dining room that seats up to 12 Guests. Minimum purchase of $650 required, non-inclusive of tax and gratuity. There is one seating daily at 6:00 p.m.; reserve early.


Grand Floridian Café

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / Main Lobby
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 11:30am; Lunch 11:30am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Elegant yet unpretentious, the Grand Floridian Cafe is a delightful restaurant. The Victorian motif features lovely florals and muted tones. A wall of windows overlooks the courtyard of the Grand Floridian Resort.

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=31

Garden View Tea Room

Food/Dining Type: Lounge
Meals: afternoon tea
Location: Grand Floridian / First floor of main lobby
Reservations: Suggested
Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea is offered in the Garden View Lounge from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a number of aromatic herbal and exotic teas to appeal to all tastes. This lovely, light filled lounge overlooks the manicured gardens and pool area of the Grand Floridian Resort. It is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon alone or for a Mother/Daughter outing. You can indulge in a centuries old English tradition in one of the most beautiful resorts on Disney property.

Most of the offerings are three courses, so be sure to bring your appetite. If you are looking for a unique experience outside of the theme parks, Afternoon Tea is a great choice. Priority Seating is highly recommended for this popular event. Specialty coffees and champagne are also available. Tables in Wonderland 20% discount available for the Afternoon Tea ONLY.
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=305


Narcoossee's

Food/Dining Type: Seafood
Meals: Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon
Reservations: Required
Hours: Dinner: 5:30pm - 10:00pm

This Victorian-style seafood restaurant sits on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon in an airy, octagonal building. Due to its location, Narcoossee's offers spectacular views of Wishes fireworks in the MK; ask for a window seat at check in.

Narcoossee's serves a nice selection of coastal favorites including lobster, salmon and scallops, while appealing to a wide range of tastes with filet mignon, chicken and pasta dishes.

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=32

Victoria & Albert's

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Dinner
Location: Grand Floridian / Second Floor
Reservations: Required
Hours: Two seatings:5:45pm-6:30pm and 9:00pm-9:45pm

A 10-year recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Four Star winner, Victoria & Albert's serves fine cuisine paired with wines from an award-winning cellar. The six course, prix fixe menu is exquisitely prepared each day with market fresh ingredients from around the world.

Victoria & Albert's is Disney's ultimate dining venue, and one of the finest restaurants in the Southeast. Personalized menus, elegant decor, fine china and sparkling crystal, gentle harp music and a long stem rose for the ladies combine for a dining experience unlike any other.

This upscale dining experience is now offered solely to guests age 10 and up. (Note that the price/menu remains the same regardless of age.)

Valet parking available free of charge.

There is a dress code. Gentlemen are asked to wear a dinner jacket with dress pants and shoes. (Ties are optional.) Ladies are requested to wear a cocktail dress, dressy pantsuit, skirt/blouse or nice dress. The following are not allowed: jeans, shorts, capris, flip-flops, sandals or sneakers.

This restaurant has its own reservations line, at (407)939-3862. Cancellation policy applies, details explained at time of booking.

$125.00 per person (Tax, alcohol and gratuity additional)
Price of wine pairing - additional $60.00 per person

V&A's new website: http://www.victoria-alberts.com/index.html

Tables in Wonderland - 20% discount, Holidays excluded
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=33

Chef's Table at V & A

Food/Dining Type: American
Meals: Dinner
Location: GF / 2nd Floor - Inside the Kitchen of Victoria & Alberts
Reservations: Required
Hours: 1 Seating only at 6:00pm

At Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table, guests are seated at a special table in the kitchen, and can interact with the chef and staff as they prepare the meals.

Nine to ten-course meal featuring American regional cuisine with classical influences.

Prices are per person and do not include tax, gratuity or alcohol unless indicated.

$200.00 per person (tax, gratuity & alcohol additional)
$95.00 per person wine pairing
Link to Menu
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=184

**All New Experience at V&A's**
Queen Victoria's Room

This dining room is behind closed doors, off the main dining room, and with just 4 tables you are guaranteed an incredible dining experience. This room will utilize the French gueridon service, a rolling cart that goes from table to table, adding sauces or providing cheese selections.

Dress code remains the same as for V&A's.

$200 per person (tax, gratuity and alcohol additional)
$95 per wine pairing
**The Queen Victoria Room can be reserved for a private gathering. Cost is a mandatory $295 per person; minimum expenditure of $2100, plus tax and gratuity.


All Dining Prices plus tax where applicable.

PRIVATE DINING
Charges include 18% gratuity, $3.00 delivery fee and 6.5% tax

24-hour room service is available, the menu is in each room. Link to menu: http://allears.net/menu/menu_gfp.htm

Menu of current amenities, thanks to Angel16 for obtaining this list:

Tuxedo or Pearl strawberries - $6 each (these can be done mixed on a plate)
Tuxedo strawberries, plate of 5 (standard) - $30
Pearl Strawberries, plate of 5 (standard) – $30
Truffle Screen Print Amenity - $30
Gourmet Cookie Amenity - $35
Fruit Box - $40
Chocolate Mickey & Tuxedo Strawberries - $55
Chocolate Minnie & Pearl Strawberries - $55
Deluxe Snack Box - $80
Fruit & Cheese Basket with water (medium) - $85
GF Chocolate Box (small) - $90
GF Chocolate Cigar Box - $90
Chocolate Lovers Amenity - $95 (Don't remember what all this included)
Deluxe Chocolate Mickey - $115
Deluxe Chocolate Minnie - $115
Gourmet Hat Box - $130
Chocolate Champagne Toast - $135 (This is two chocolate flutes filled with Truffles & chocolate champagne bottle)
GF Chocolate Box (large) - $135
Signature Chocolate Box - $135
Fairy Tale Amenity - $145 (Don't remember what this was. Sorry)
White Chocolate Figurine -$35 (Tinkerbell, Mickey, Minnie and some others. They do not do anything in Winnie The Pooh or Toy Story)

 

[k&a&c'smom]

RECREATION

Pools

There are two pools at the GF. The original, larger of the two is the Courtyard pool, which is located in the middle of the GF grounds, and is open 24 hours, weather permitting. There are no lifeguards on duty at this pool. There is a hot tub located at the Courtyard Pool, a ping pong table, a kiddie pool and a pool bar.

On the beach, there is the themed pool with zero entry, rock waterfall and waterslide. The Beach Pool is located on the south end of the main building, near the Summerhouse and facing the Polynesian Resort and Wedding Chapel. There are lifeguards on duty here with posted hours. Pool bar, kids splash zone and hair wrap station are located near this pool.

You're welcome to head to the private sandy beach where you'll find canopied lounge chairs, but please note that swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon is prohibited. Here you’ll find the path to the tennis courts, Spa, Wedding Chapel, campfire & movie, and Polynesian Resort.

Cabana Rental:

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
. Ceiling Fan
. Mini refrigerator stocked with complementary sodas and water
. Complementary fruit basket
. Private dining and poolside massages are available at an
additional cost.

A half day is $110.00+ tax, and is from 10am - 2pm OR 3pm - 7pm
A full day is $185+ tax for 10am - 7pm

Credit card needed to reserve; 24-hour cancellation policy; weather-related cancellation less than 24 hours, no fee, but any other reason and your CC will be charged.

Call 407 WDW-PLAY to reserve.


Watercraft Rental

Other water related recreational activities include rentals at the marina of Sea Raycers, sail boats, pontoon boats, pedal boats or water skiing.

Grand 1 Sea Ray Yacht - A new level of luxury awaits you for cruises around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Available for rental, it is routinely used for anniversary parties, birthdays, fireworks cruises and special events.

The yacht has a top speed of 36 miles per hour. It features a small kitchen and dining area as well as three, fully furnished staterooms. A microwave oven, four televisions, a heating / air conditioning unit and a state-of-the-art Bose stereo system round off the amenities.

The cost to rent this fantastic vessel starts at $520 per hour, and it can accommodate as many as 13 guests. Call 407-824-2682 for reservations.

Sea Racers (2 Guests Maximum)
$32 per 30 minutes
$40 per 45 minutes
$45 per 60 minutes

21' Sun Tracker Pontoon Boats (10 guests maximum):
$45 per 30 minutes

17' Boston Whaler (6 guests maximum)
$45 per 30 minutes

Sailboats (13' Catamaran)
$25 per 60 minutes

Specialty cruises - Basic (8 guests maximum)
starting at $275, includes driver

Specialty cruises - Premium (10 guests maximum)
starting at $325, includes driver

Guided Bass Fishing Cruise (5 guests maximum)
$270 per 2-hour trip (7:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.)
$235 per 2-hour trip (afternoon)
$455 per 4-hour trip (7:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.)


All prices plus tax

Here's the link to a very informative thread regarding the Sea Raycers and their rules: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31014629&postcount=36

Fireworks Sailings

Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom Park can be viewed from the lagoon on a boat cruise on the Grand 1. On this elegant cruise, you can have private dining served by a butler for up to 12 people. For more information, call 407-824-2439.

Pontoon boats can also be reserved for fireworks cruises, check the info under "Specialty Cruises" above.

Campfire & Movie

NOTE: The movie portion of this activity was discontinued in October 2010. No word on if or when the movies will return, but the camp fire is still available.
On select evenings, the Grand Floridian hosts guests around a Mickey-shaped campfire on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests will roast marshmallows and sing their favorite campfire tunes and maybe a few Disney favorites as well. Be prepared to see the "stars" both on the big screen and up in the sky, as your family enjoys a family friendly Disney film on the beach! S'mores and marshmallow roasting kits are available for purchase. For more information call 1-407-824-4321.

SHOPPING

First Floor
Summer Lace
Sandy Cove Gifts & Sundries

Second Floor
Basin White
Commander Porter's
M. Mouse Mercantile

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Guest rooms

Room from entry hall, evening:

Beds:

Chair and ottoman:

Daybed:

TV, armoire and desk:

Drawers open:

Desk from entry hall:

Nightstand, with iPod dock and phone:

Looking at entry hall from daybed/balcony door:

Entry hall from room:

Closet, with safe:

Closet, with iron and board:

Vanity area, opposite closet:

Commode and tub area:

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Interior - Lobby, with orchestra on 2nd floor; Garden View Tea Room on 1st:

Monorail arriving at GF station, entrance to GF with guard shack in background:

Boat launch to Poly & MK:

View from Big Pine Key - Sea Raycer, waterfall pool and Spa/tennis courts:

View from main building - waterfall pool, red-roofed pool building with changing rooms/bathrooms:

Another view from main building - beach, Summerhouse, lagoon and Poly in the distance:

View of courtyard from seating area in RPC:

From main building - view of marina and back of Sugar Loaf and Conch Key:

From main building - view of Sago Cay:

Patio, Everglades Suite in Conch Key:

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PHOTOS

Grand Suite (thanks to Pralines & Cheese for these photos!):

Wet bar:

TV Hutch in bedroom:

King bed in main bedroom:

Bathroom off main bedroom:

Shower:

Jacuzzi room entry:

Jacuzzi:

Guest bedroom:

Guest vanity:

Views (marina):

Views (courtyard, lagoon, Contemporary, Polynesian):

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Christmas at the GF!

 

[candy1]

Do any of the rooms in the Sugarloaf have balconies?

 

[gilsan]

A new GF thread, very nice!

I only have 4 more weeks until I am there.

 

[BCV23]

What a beautiful new home you've created for GF Fans, k&a&c'smom!
Thanks!!!!

candy1, almost every room in Sugar Loaf has a balcony although those on the first floor are just a few inches off the ground. Those have kind of a gazebo feel to them. The only room that doesn't as far as I know is one lodge tower room. The extra space in that room probably makes up for the lack of balcony.

 

[vod2117]

I love GF. My favorite hotel. There is some kind of magnetic effect that GF has on me that wants me to come back every year!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Lovely GF pictures. Thanks for the new thread. Only 11 months, one week and.... well, I have to check my ticker.

 

[heatherlynn444]

woo hoo a new thread!

to whoever asked on the old thread yes you can of course take food back to your room and eat on the balcony.

 

[TammiMcMan]

DREAMS161 - I wouldn't worry too much about the room request, unless you are very interested in being close to the elevator or on a certain floor. All the MK view rooms are situated in a wing on the 3rd and 4th floor. They're probably the furthest walk from the main elevators, but it's really not bad at all.

bethclayton - If you were in a standard CL room, then it is basically the same as any other standard. People choose the Poly for the same reason others choose the GF, because they are in love with the theme and they enjoy being able to walk to the TTC. You will get a balcony or patio in all the GF standard rooms.

Lindsaygirl271.What standard garden view building and floor would you suggest for a great view and convenience to the main building?The closest lodge to the main building is Big Pine Key. A close second is Boca Chica. Sago Cay is closest to the marina and Gasparillas and finally Conch Key is the furthest. All of the garden views are pretty nice and do actually face the garden. A few can overlook another building though. If you're interested in trying to see the castle, you could ask for Boca Chica, high floor, overlooking Narcoossees. Sago Cay's marina side rooms are all in the garden view category.

2.Does anyone have a picture of the above listed room? There are lots of pictures scattered about the GF FAQ threads, but you can also see some here, http://allears.net/acc/g_gf.htm . Some of these pictures are prior to the renovation.

3.Overall, how would you rate the transportation to AK, EPCOT AND Hollywood Studios?Have not experienced any problems, other than typical delays.

4.Is there a bar or lounge with entertainment in the evenings?Mizners Lounge is in the main building. Starting in the late afternoon, there is a piano player in the lobby, then a little bit later, the GF Orchestra arrives and plays through the evening.

5.Do guests staying at GF have a tendency to dress fancier than at other resorts? You'll see a varied mixture. Especially since the GF is very popular with brides. It's not uncommon to see wedding guests dressed up in suits and gowns alongside regular guests in shorts and t-shirts.

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you for the new FAQ, k&a&c'smom!! It looks wonderful

 

[johnsonet]

LindsayGirl27:

"What standard garden view building and floor would you suggest for a great view and convenience to the main building?"

From my experience, I might ask for 4th floor, Boca Chica. Beautiful view of courtyard pool and main building, which is especially gorgeous at night!

2.Does anyone have a picture of the above listed room?

Not the best but:

"Overall, how would you rate the transportation to AK, EPCOT AND Hollywood Studios?"
Very good. Monorail to Epcot and bus rides to AK (about 18 min.) and DHS (10 min. or so) ....

"Do guests staying at GF have a tendency to dress fancier than at other resorts?"

You may see a bit of that but my guess is, not much - mostly just people in weddings or on their way to Victoria & Albert's! You do see flashy types who stand out but if you look at DISers photos from around the resort I think you'll see average people in average garb

"We are on the Deluxe Dining Plan this is what we have booked so far any suggestions would be great:

Day One: le Cellier (lunch)
California Grill (Dinner)

Day Two: Boma (breakfast)
California Grill (Dinner)

Day Three: GF Cafe(breakfast)
Jiko (dinner)

Day Four: Cinderellas Royal Breakfast
Citricos(Dinner)

Day Five: GF Cafe(Breakfast)
Liberty Tree Tavern (Dinner)"

Your meals sound great. Dinner at CG two nights in a row should be decadent! Jiko is my favorite - enjoy!


P&B's mom
re. Afternoon Tea

"Can anyone give me any information about the Afternoon Tea? Time? Cost? How long it lasts?

We are staying CL in Sugar Loaf and I know they serve tea in the afternoon there. Is it that much more special in the main building?

Thanks for anyone's help."


We LOVE the tea and the offerings in CL certainly make for a nice tea time but they do not compare, IMO, with the experience of being served in the Garden View Lounge. I'd go for afternoon tea there if you can fit it into your schedule

k&a&c'smom has included great info on tea at the beginning of this thread!

BethClayton:

"We are booked for gv at the poly for dec. i just realized that a gv room at the GF will only run us less than $200 additional with our discount. so... now i am considering that option!

we stayed standard rpc at our last visit.... do i understand correctly that all standard rooms are the same? meaning our room size and layout in a gv room would be similar to what we had in rpc?

also... is there anything i'm missing, why one would pick a poly gv room over a GF gv room? i realize this is the GF thread so people will be biased but i'm afraid that if i ask this separately on this board that i might attract too many people who have either never stayed at the GF or hate the GF. for those of you who have stayed at both, am i missing something if we decide not to stay at the poly?

i like that GF is small and nothing is far from the main building. i also like how huge the courtyard pool is (well... the kids do, lol). and of course, we just loved the overall beauty. the main thing to me is that at least at GF i would be guaranteed a balcony... no? we use our balcony a lot, even in cold weather. the poly looks lovely, but i don't like that at the poly we would have almost a 33% chance of not having a balcony. the balcony guarantee (if that is accurate) is enough to make me pay the small price difference.
help!"

I've chosen Poly GV over the GF GV about 7 times! But that's just me. Sounds like you are a GF Girl
The Poly has a loyal following. Because of that, I decided after years at the GF to give it a try. Now I love both! They are very different though. I love the LUSH landscaping, tiki torches, incredible views and location of the Poly. I love the decor and the architecture of the longhouses.

Good luck deciding! I know it's tough

 

[BCV23]

Great photos, johnsonet. Love those in the beginning of the FAQ as well.

P&B's Mom, here's a menu for the tea:
http://allears.net/menu/menu_gft.htm

I agree with johnsonet. Tea in the lounges is great...love those scones. Completely different experience from Gardenview though.

Lindsaygirl27, love that dining lineup. Just wanted to make sure you are staying 6 days/5 nights since you are using 15 credits.

 

[Little Lulu]

the new FAQ looks great, kacsmom!

Last night I found some SL lodge tower pics.
Would you like me to post some of those or send them to you?