The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[Cinderumbrella]

I must apologize, I've been a lurker for a long time, but felt I would share my pleasant suprise I recieved this A.M. My 90 day window for ADRs is fast approaching. I called IPO this morning and found out that instead of the Sugar Loaf reservation I book 3 months ago, I am now in the Main blg, Standard view. I almost fell off my chair. I've been to the Grand Floridan about 10 times before and always said, "some day" I'll splurge and stay in the main blg, and now it's actually happening. The best part is that this is the last time I will bring my niece and 2 nephews all together and it will be a bigger suprise to them. I shared my good news with everyone at work and they just didn't get why I was so happy. Only fellow DISers would understand. August 6th can't come fast enough.

Wow!! They upgraded you already?! Enjoy the anticipation

 

[BCV23]

I must apologize, I've been a lurker for a long time, but felt I would share my pleasant suprise I recieved this A.M. My 90 day window for ADRs is fast approaching. I called IPO this morning and found out that instead of the Sugar Loaf reservation I book 3 months ago, I am now in the Main blg, Standard view. I almost fell off my chair. I've been to the Grand Floridan about 10 times before and always said, "some day" I'll splurge and stay in the main blg, and now it's actually happening. The best part is that this is the last time I will bring my niece and 2 nephews all together and it will be a bigger suprise to them. I shared my good news with everyone at work and they just didn't get why I was so happy. Only fellow DISers would understand. August 6th can't come fast enough.

Congratulations...that is awesome. And you bet that we all understand your excitement!

I'm glad you've come out of lurkdom to join us on this friendly thread.

Since you're a regular at the GF, which building is your favorite?

 

[BlueSkies]

janeapplemeadow What an incredible upgrade!! congratulations and enjoy!!!We sure do understand your excitement!!!

I never thought about shipping my basin purchases home...it is a great idea and I love the thought of getting something from the GF after I get home...sort of help with the after trip withdrawls... Besides with what the arilines charge for overweight luggage now shipping is an even better idea...

Cinderumbrella I think that lodge tower room is so nice too unfortunately we are one too many in our family!! ..it must be great to have that extra space for just hanging out...and having an extra television...my kids would love that!!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Cinderumbrella I think that lodge tower room is so nice too unfortunately we are one too many in our family!! ..it must be great to have that extra space for just hanging out...and having an extra television...my kids would love that!!!

It was great. DS used to call that "his room" since that is where all his "stuff" was- coloring books, new Disney Racers etc. Plus he could watch the Stacey show all he wanted while Mommy and Daddy could watch "important stuff"

 

[Mary T in PA]

I am having a brainless moment here.. I thought I read that there was child sized bathrobes at a resort, but was it GF?

I guess all this Basin talk has me thinking about relaxing in bathrobes


Mary

 

[janeapplemeadow]

Two years ago when I had smaller sized children with me I called down and got a small robe.

 

[BlueSkies]

Mary I read a while back that they dont have the child size robes in the rooms any longer...didnt see any on our last stay...but you might still be able to purchse them in Sandy Cove...not sure about that....

The Basin talk has me thinking of a great shopping trip!!

Cinderumbrella How great it must have been for your DS to have his own space.. bet it helped to keep the room neat too!

 

[janeapplemeadow]

Congratulations...that is awesome. And you bet that we all understand your excitement!

I'm glad you've come out of lurkdom to join us on this friendly thread.

Since you're a regular at the GF, which building is your favorite?

I've Stayed in Sugar Loaf 3 times and enjoyed that location. If I'm not doing concierge then my favorite bldg is Big Pine Keys. That bldg seemed quieter and very close to all the action.

 

[PolyAddict]

Brooke-

Regarding the Cab trip to AK and DHS, how do you fit a family of five in a regular car? I am staying at the Poly but have been reading your posts about taking a cab and know you have 3 kiddo's like us. Do they send a van and is that the same price?

thanks

 

[praline3001]

Hi Michele

They do have vans and they cost the same exact amount as the vehicles. If you call from your room before leaving (just buzz the valet desk and let them know)
There will be one waiting for you by the time you make it to the parking area. If you forget, NO big deal! They always have cabs and usually a van or two at each of the Deluxe resorts. If not just ask the valet to get one for you... 2-3 minute wait tops.

Now when leaving the park to go back to the Poly ~ it can be a toss up about the van ~ I have always been lucky and found a van but just to be safe you can call the cab company and request one (while your still in the park)
and by the time you hit the front gate, one should be there. If you can't call and your there and only see cars ~ walk up to a cabbie and ask him nicely if he can radio in a van for you
I have never had trouble finding a cab ~ they make themselves easy to spot

 

[PolyAddict]

Hi Michele

They do have vans and they cost the same exact amount as the vehicles. If you call from your room before leaving (just buzz the valet desk and let them know)
There will be one waiting for you by the time you make it to the parking area. If you forget, NO big deal! They always have cabs and usually a van or two at each of the Deluxe resorts. If not just ask the valet to get one for you... 2-3 minute wait tops.

Now when leaving the park to go back to the Poly ~ it can be a toss up about the van ~ I have always been lucky and found a van but just to be safe you can call the cab company and request one (while your still in the park)
and by the time you hit the front gate, one should be there. If you can't call and your there and only see cars ~ walk up to a cabbie and ask him nicely if he can radio in a van for you
I have never had trouble finding a cab ~ they make themselves easy to spot

Thanks Brooke-If we do do it, we will probably take the bus back-we just want to shave off time in the morning. Plus we like to slum it sometimes... J/K we really do enjoy WDW transportation. We do alot of joking around with each other while on the bus/monorail/boats. My DH is quite a character. We do not want to see our own car while we are there, it just reminds us too much of being at home.

 

[RRRmouse]

We are going to be staying at the GF in several weeks so thanks for all the info here. After reading this thread I am seriously thinking about taking cabs to AK and DHS. Our only previous experience with the Disney buses were at the AKL - and we felt so inconvenienced by them we actually moved to the Contemporary after two days just to have monorail access. It sounds like the buses from the GF might even be worse since they are shared with other resorts -- is this the case?

Anyway I also had a quick question about the health club at the GF -- does anyone know if guests that just are using the gym facilities have access to the steam/sauna/hot tubs or are they exclusively for guests booking spa services?

Thanks for any info

 

[BCV23]

It was great. DS used to call that "his room" since that is where all his "stuff" was- coloring books, new Disney Racers etc. Plus he could watch the Stacey show all he wanted while Mommy and Daddy could watch "important stuff"

How convenient for all of you. I've always wondered if the lodge tower rooms feel a bit darker near the beds since the room is so much larger. Did you feel that way? I know the tower area itself must be nice and sunny.

I've Stayed in Sugar Loaf 3 times and enjoyed that location. If I'm not doing concierge then my favorite bldg is Big Pine Keys. That bldg seemed quieter and very close to all the action.

We've not been in Big Pine Key, yet. Thanks for the answer. We've been in sugar Loaf three times too and love it.

Two years ago when I had smaller sized children with me I called down and got a small robe.

We've never had small robes in our rooms. I wonder if they used to put them in rooms where little once were registered. Ours were olser by our first GF stay.

Mary, BlueSkies is right. They do sell children's robes in Sandy Cove...or at least that was true last month. They are not the same as those in the rooms....more a fluffy style than the spa type found in the rooms.

 

[praline3001]

Thanks Brooke-If we do do it, we will probably take the bus back-we just want to shave off time in the morning. Plus we like to slum it sometimes... J/K we really do enjoy WDW transportation. We do alot of joking around with each other while on the bus/monorail/boats. My DH is quite a character. We do not want to see our own car while we are there, it just reminds us too much of being at home.

Right now I am working on the early morning GF to AK route ~ trying to figure out the most reliable and fastest for AM RD.

Sometimes the AK doesn't open the parking lot up until 8:40. This would mean driving or taking a cab MIGHT not be the best plan. As our main touring point this trip will be to be in the front at RD and leave early afternoon due to heat and crowds I am trying to come up with the best plan. I am not sure if you can get to the parks faster taking the bus with the Character breakfast peeps or by taking the cab

After opening the parking lot the cab is 100% faster and again the AK parking lot opening late is rumor at this point and I haven't been able to nail down the exacts ~ so if you hear or know anything please let me know

 

[praline3001]

We are going to be staying at the GF in several weeks so thanks for all the info here. After reading this thread I am seriously thinking about taking cabs to AK and DHS. Our only previous experience with the Disney buses were at the AKL - and we felt so inconvenienced by them we actually moved to the Contemporary after two days just to have monorail access. It sounds like the buses from the GF might even be worse since they are shared with other resorts -- is this the case?

Anyway I also had a quick question about the health club at the GF -- does anyone know if guests that just are using the gym facilities have access to the steam/sauna/hot tubs or are they exclusively for guests booking spa services?

Thanks for any info

I can't answer that for you ~ I just am not sure BUT I can point you in the right direction

The number of the GF spa and health club is 407-824-2332
I suggest giving them a call and asking. Let us know what you find out as I am also interested

Here is the link to the spa and health club:
http://www.relaxedyet.com/gf_treatments.asp

 

[BCV23]

Right now I am working on the early morning GF to AK route ~ trying to figure out the most reliable and fastest for AM RD.

Sometimes the AK doesn't open the parking lot up until 8:40. This would mean driving or taking a cab MIGHT not be the best plan. As our main touring point this trip will be to be in the front at RD and leave early afternoon due to heat and crowds I am trying to come up with the best plan. I am not sure if you can get to the parks faster taking the bus with the Character breakfast peeps or by taking the cab

After opening the parking lot the cab is 100% faster and again the AK parking lot opening late is rumor at this point and I haven't been able to nail down the exacts ~ so if you hear or know anything please let me know

I have seen so many posts over the years with people frustrated about not being able to get to the character breakfast at DAK because the lot opens late. The buses were the only way to get there on time.

I haven't read anything like that for a while though so maybe it has changed. Have you tried asking on the transportation forum?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

How convenient for all of you. I've always wondered if the lodge tower rooms feel a bit darker near the beds since the room is so much larger. Did you feel that way? I know the tower area itself must be nice and sunny.

Actually, DH's one and only complaint was about the drapes in the turret. They had glorious room darkening drapes on all the windows, but a sheer lace over the door leading to the patio. That let in ALOT of light in the AM (which isn't the greatest when you went to bed long after midnight)

But otherwise, the room felt nice and bright, irregadless which part you were in.

 

[praline3001]

I have seen so many posts over the years with people frustrated about not being able to get to the character breakfast at DAK because the lot opens late. The buses were the only way to get there on time.

I haven't read anything like that for a while though so maybe it has changed. Have you tried asking on the transportation forum?

Yup I did. I know taking the cab is faster once the lot opens but I can't nail down a time they open that lot!

Its also hard to tell what is old news and what is new news, KWIM?

The character meal bus must leave super early but not sure what time? If you want a reliable safe way to make it to the front of RD I am going to guess that would be the route to take.
I am also not sure who I could call and verify any answer i get on here... you know you should always take what you read on the message board with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila

 

[RRRmouse]

Are there any issues with DHS parking lot opening late? i.e. if we wanted to go by cab and get there for rope drop is that a possibility?

 

[praline3001]

Are there any issues with DHS parking lot opening late? i.e. if we wanted to go by cab and get there for rope drop is that a possibility?

There are no problems with DHS and making RD with a cab.

I could even be wrong about the AK parking lot thing. I read a few other reports of them not opening it late anymore
I am just not sure how accurate or new the info is.