The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[SWDisney]

We are staying at the GF for the first time from 10/02 to 10/10! We are very excited! Actually I am the only one that is really excited as the resort is a surprise to the rest of the family (DH, DD9, DS8)! We have stayed at the Poly before but I have always wanted to try the GF.

I have booked the SL. Should I have booked the RPC? It is more money but I just want to be sure that I am not making a mistake I will regret.

Also, is there an IPO number for GF guests? If so, would someone please provide me with it? I have not heard from the IPO and although I have done some planning myself I wouldn't mind their help if I can get it. On that note, what kind of help can I realistically expect from the IPO?

Are there any recommendations about room requests? Does anyone have any reason to believe that the SL (or the RPC) will have construction going on while we are there? It is one thing for work to be going on around the resort and quite another to have someone painting your balcony while you are there as I have read has happened to others.

I appreciate the knowledge and experiences that everyone has shared on this thread and any and all thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

 

[toodycat]

We are at the GF in Sugarloaf and having the time of our lives. I am leaving on the Disney Magic tomorrow, so I won't post a trip report for another week, but I had to tell everyone on this thread: THE GF IS AS WONDERFUL AS EVER.
Our room is a parlor room. It is spacious and charmingly decorated. All of us appreciate the extra room to spread out. Mousekeeping has been very diligent and the food in the concierge lounge has been good. Afternoon tea and evening pastries are best. We love the scones and cream and the chocolate eclairs. I'm sure RPC is wonderful, but for those of you wondering if you will like Sugarloaf, don't worry. It's terrific. We love the location which is directly across from the courtyard pool and the concierge has been quite helpful. There is a little construction at Sago and Boca Chica, but it has not been noisy or affected our visit in any way. Tonight, we ate at Narcoosee's and watched the fireworks from the boardwalk. It was just heavenly. I am already thinking of booking our next trip.

 

[mmmears]

We are at the GF in Sugarloaf and having the time of our lives. I am leaving on the Disney Magic tomorrow, so I won't post a trip report for another week, but I had to tell everyone on this thread: THE GF IS AS WONDERFUL AS EVER.
Our room is a parlor room. It is spacious and charmingly decorated. All of us appreciate the extra room to spread out. Mousekeeping has been very diligent and the food in the concierge lounge has been good. Afternoon tea and evening pastries are best. We love the scones and cream and the chocolate eclairs. I'm sure RPC is wonderful, but for those of you wondering if you will like Sugarloaf, don't worry. It's terrific. We love the location which is directly across from the courtyard pool and the concierge has been quite helpful. There is a little construction at Sago and Boca Chica, but it has not been noisy or affected our visit in any way. Tonight, we ate at Narcoosee's and watched the fireworks from the boardwalk. It was just heavenly. I am already thinking of booking our next trip.

Thank you for the live update!!! We enjoyed SL when we stayed there. I like how close it is to the MK boat launch and the pool. Have a great time on the Magic!!!

The only problem I found with the tea in the afternoons is that for a few weeks now (since I returned from RPC), I keep going to our kitchen around 3pm and looking for the warm scones and Devonshire cream... only to find that there are none... Staying CL at the GF kind of spoiled me...

 

[LJD2143]

We are at the GF in Sugarloaf and having the time of our lives. I am leaving on the Disney Magic tomorrow, so I won't post a trip report for another week, but I had to tell everyone on this thread: THE GF IS AS WONDERFUL AS EVER.
Our room is a parlor room. It is spacious and charmingly decorated. All of us appreciate the extra room to spread out. Mousekeeping has been very diligent and the food in the concierge lounge has been good. Afternoon tea and evening pastries are best. We love the scones and cream and the chocolate eclairs. I'm sure RPC is wonderful, but for those of you wondering if you will like Sugarloaf, don't worry. It's terrific. We love the location which is directly across from the courtyard pool and the concierge has been quite helpful. There is a little construction at Sago and Boca Chica, but it has not been noisy or affected our visit in any way. Tonight, we ate at Narcoosee's and watched the fireworks from the boardwalk. It was just heavenly. I am already thinking of booking our next trip.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your live update from SugarLoaf! We'll be checking-in there 3 weeks from today!
I've been diligently visiting this thread and despite all the construction going on, most of the recent reviews have been positively glowing!
Can't wait to experience it first-hand!

 

[MommyGina]

We just got back on Wednesday from SL and am counting the days until we can go back! My family loved the food service during the day. We had the same size room as we did when we stayed in Sago the last three years, but the food was really a plus. I have a teenager who is always hungry. The food and drinks wonderful for him.

Enjoy your stay at the GF because it goes by sooooo fast!

 

[SWDisney]

We are checking in for our first GF stay on 10/02. The only place we have ever eaten at the GF was a CS dinner at Gasparilla.

I am traveling with DH, DD9 and DS8.

Which restaurants are the "musts" at the GF?

Looking forward to the responses.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Does anyone know where I'd be able to find a photo of the gym facilities at GF?

 

[BCV23]

Our dinner at V&A's was incredible, just as it was the first time we ate there on our Christmas trip in 2006.

We were greeted at the door by the maitre d', and she escorted us to a table in the middle of the main dining room, under the dome, and sort of facing the harp. She seated us, and draped my wrap over the back of my chair, so that it was handy in case I got a chill. When I started to sit my handbag on the table, she said "just a moment!" and returned with the cutest little stool, and placed my clutch and DD's camera on it. I had forgotten about that little touch!

For anyone who is wondering, we asked if it would be a nuisance to take photos, and were assured that many people do, in fact our servers took a couple of us together. I think I have a few that I can post, but DD has them, so I'll try to upload them when she comes home this weekend.

Our servers were the same as our first dinner, two wonderful ladies who made our evening so elegant, yet so much fun! You determine the type of service, if you prefer it to be silent and efficient, that is what you will get. We prefer to interact with our servers, ask questions and they were very accommodating - whenever we asked about a wine, or a particular course, they talked with us in depth and were so kind and knowledgeable. I believe that your servers do not serve anyone else during the meal, DD and I looked around the room, and couldn't see any servers that served more than one table! Incredible. BCV23, do you know this for sure? You've eaten there many times, I think.

Each of the six courses was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, the wine pairings just right and we had a thoroughly delightful dinner. You have to do the coffee service at the end, if only to see the apparatus that appears at your table to brew it! There is harp music playing softly, unobtrusively throughout, your menu is personalized and presented to you as a souvenir and every lady is presented with a rose at the end of the evening. DD was also given a small date nut cake baked by the head pastry chef, as we were celebrating her birthday - it was delicious, btw. The whole experience leaves you feeling special and pampered, it is hard to describe what an experience this restaurant is!

Ah, thanks so much for your description. As you said, it is truly an experience.

Aren't the wines perfectly matched? I quite agree about ordering coffee. My DH and I very rarely have coffee after dinner but love ordering it at V&A. Watching it brew is mesmerizing.

I don't pay a lot of attention to what our servers (they used to be called Victoria and Albert ) have been doing when they're not at our table. Service is so unobtrusive, isn't it? But I don't think each pair of servers is limited to one table at a time. For certain, I remember one time when we were in the room with the fireplace, our server had another, larger table in the main dining room. Summer is slower at V&A so maybe that's why it seemed that way to you. For instance, there is only one seating during quite a bit of the summer.

Service is so great that you feel like you have undivided attention in any case.

Thanks again for your post. Now how about your dinner at Citricos?

 

[BCV23]

I was just wondering no matter the rooms in the Royal Palm Club, do you hear the music from the piano player and the jazz band or are the rooms sound proof where you don't hear them? Earlier this month while walking around the stores in Royal Palm the jazz band was playing and at times it was loud and my family was wondering does it effect their rooms?

CRFan, most of the regular rooms in RPC are down the hall(s) from the atrium. Our room was down the first hall and we couldn't hear the music in the least.

You know me so well! (don't forget about Narcoosee's, Citrico's, Cali Grille and Jiko!! ) I am probably the only person hoping that IPO CAN'T get Le Cellier so we can go to Yachtsman instead

You are not alone. YSH and LeCellier are not even in the same league.

We are staying at the GF for the first time from 10/02 to 10/10! We are very excited! Actually I am the only one that is really excited as the resort is a surprise to the rest of the family (DH, DD9, DS8)! We have stayed at the Poly before but I have always wanted to try the GF.

I have booked the SL. Should I have booked the RPC? It is more money but I just want to be sure that I am not making a mistake I will regret.

Also, is there an IPO number for GF guests? If so, would someone please provide me with it? I have not heard from the IPO and although I have done some planning myself I wouldn't mind their help if I can get it. On that note, what kind of help can I realistically expect from the IPO?

Are there any recommendations about room requests? Does anyone have any reason to believe that the SL (or the RPC) will have construction going on while we are there? It is one thing for work to be going on around the resort and quite another to have someone painting your balcony while you are there as I have read has happened to others.

I appreciate the knowledge and experiences that everyone has shared on this thread and any and all thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

Congratulations. We think Sugar Loaf is wonderful. RPC is lovely but not worth the difference in price in my book.

View are either of the courtyard or marina. We've always had marina view and love it but others feel the same about courtyard view.

We are at the GF in Sugarloaf and having the time of our lives. I am leaving on the Disney Magic tomorrow, so I won't post a trip report for another week, but I had to tell everyone on this thread: THE GF IS AS WONDERFUL AS EVER.
Our room is a parlor room. It is spacious and charmingly decorated. All of us appreciate the extra room to spread out. Mousekeeping has been very diligent and the food in the concierge lounge has been good. Afternoon tea and evening pastries are best. We love the scones and cream and the chocolate eclairs. I'm sure RPC is wonderful, but for those of you wondering if you will like Sugarloaf, don't worry. It's terrific. We love the location which is directly across from the courtyard pool and the concierge has been quite helpful. There is a little construction at Sago and Boca Chica, but it has not been noisy or affected our visit in any way. Tonight, we ate at Narcoosee's and watched the fireworks from the boardwalk. It was just heavenly. I am already thinking of booking our next trip.

I'm glad you're having such a great trip. I love the term "parlor room." So fitting for the GF. Are you in a suite or in one of the rooms that are commonly called lodge tower rooms on the DIS? At any rate, have a great time. BTW, how was dinner at Narcoossee's?

We are checking in for our first GF stay on 10/02. The only place we have ever eaten at the GF was a CS dinner at Gasparilla.

I am traveling with DH, DD9 and DS8.

Which restaurants are the "musts" at the GF?

Looking forward to the responses.

GF Cafe is great for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is also served there although we more often go to Narcoossee's or Citricos. Both are fantastic. Victoria and Albert's is an exquisite dinner experience for adults but your children are too young. 1900 Park Fare is a character buffet at breakfast and dinner. The restaurants of the GF are a huge asset of the resort. Enjoy!

Does anyone know where I'd be able to find a photo of the gym facilities at GF?

johnsonet posted some photos on the last GF thread but I don't think there are any on this one.

 

[babycakes01]

Hi new here! Reading this has been alot of fun! I have 2 questions for the experts; planning a trip with just the kids for 4 days at the end of Jan. my question is-would you pick Sugar Loaf w no DDP over a Garden view with the dining plan?
We have been to Disney many times and have stayed @ Sugar loaf for a quick trip in '05- just 3 nites. But, it was such a quick trip I was wondering what would be abetter choice. And if I chose Garden view what would be the best location to request?
Thanks in advance!

 

[mmmears]

Hi new here! Reading this has been alot of fun! I have 2 questions for the experts; planning a trip with just the kids for 4 days at the end of Jan. my question is-would you pick Sugar Loaf w no DDP over a Garden view with the dining plan?
We have been to Disney many times and have stayed @ Sugar loaf for a quick trip in '05- just 3 nites. But, it was such a quick trip I was wondering what would be abetter choice. And if I chose Garden view what would be the best location to request?
Thanks in advance!

I'm not a big fan of the DDP -- I'd choose a club level stay over than anytime. We really liked having the drinks and snacks available all the time, and not having to waste time waiting in line for a CS snack or meal.

I can see the other side, though, too, if you really like the dining aspect of the trip. Personally I like how quick breakfast goes when we have it in the lounge.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CRFan, most of the regular rooms in RPC are down the hall(s) from the atrium. Our room was down the first hall and we couldn't hear the music in the least.

Thanks for that information.

 

[Scott MC]

From our room, 4323, we could faintly hear the piano and the orchestra, and we loved it. It was loud enough to notice it, but not loud enough to distract from conversation in the room, or even napping. It was absolutely lovely.
Now the Electrical Water Pageant on the other hand......

 

[vod2117]

We have stayed at RPC and SLC. We were wondering how to get a hold of a RPC 2 Queen deluxe room. It is impossible to get a hold of one of those, and it is really easy to get a hold of a Deluxe King. We would really love room 4419, which is a Deluxe Queen close to the lounge.

 

[vod2117]

Hi new here! Reading this has been alot of fun! I have 2 questions for the experts; planning a trip with just the kids for 4 days at the end of Jan. my question is-would you pick Sugar Loaf w no DDP over a Garden view with the dining plan?
We have been to Disney many times and have stayed @ Sugar loaf for a quick trip in '05- just 3 nites. But, it was such a quick trip I was wondering what would be abetter choice. And if I chose Garden view what would be the best location to request?
Thanks in advance!

DDP is not what people make it out to be. It is not one of the greatest services, since practically, all people who don't stay club level, will use it. I prefer club level all the way. I have stayed club level all my trips to Disney World and prefer it since, apparently I have been spoiled . The lines are pretty long for to get your Quick Service Meal and if you are a more than average eater that likes bigger portions, you won't necessarily like DDP. If you don't get a PIN for DDP, then CL is much more worth it.

 

[mmmears]

We have stayed at RPC and SLC. We were wondering how to get a hold of a RPC 2 Queen deluxe room. It is impossible to get a hold of one of those, and it is really easy to get a hold of a Deluxe King. We would really love room 4419, which is a Deluxe Queen close to the lounge.

There are only a few of those rooms to begin with. If it's not available when booking, then I don't see how you could get it.

The kings would be easier to get since they only sleep 2.

When I was looking for a Deluxe Queen room this summer, they were available, but not under the code I wanted.

Are you looking with a discount or under the regular rate? Sometimes that will make the difference...

 

[mrskckitty]

I just booked my first ever stay at Grand Floridian and my first ever club level. I have booked a Deluxe King room RPC for 3 nights this December to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday. I am beyond excited We are staying at Saratoga Springs for 3 nights before we check into GF. Does anyone know if IPO will be able to do ADR's for me for the whole week, or will they only do ADR's for the days we are at GF? Also, will we have a problem with Magical Express with being dropped off at SSR, but leaving from GF? Any help would be appreciated. I've learned so much from this thread and can't wait to continue reading it before we leave in December.

 

[Lilmattie13]

Hi so I have a question that may sound a little dumb. Let me give some history first lol

Last year my dh and I stayed at GF. Our trip was just the two of us for our anniversary. It was our first trip without the kids. We had a GV room booked but to our surprise we were greeted when we got off the bus and given a magical upgrade. We ended up in one of the tower rooms on the fourth floor of the main building. OMG! It was amazing. We had never stayed club level before so it was unbelievable to us.

So with that said, we have been spoiled now and have now booked a family vacation at GF next year the week after Thanksgiving. I am sure GF will be unbelievable at Christmastime and I really couldnt rationalize staying anywhere else at that time of the year. We have booked RPC because I really want the rest of the family to enjoy the main building. It will be myself, dh, ds 7, dd 5 and my mother.

We are paying dearly The trip is double what our trip this year was. Anyhow, my question lies in the room. Where we have three adults and two children, what rooms in the main building accomodate that? Are there options or is there one kind of room for our family settup? I figured I would ask the pros here.

My husband and I are doing Poly this year for our anniversary trip. Can I tell you I keep thinking I made a mistake not going back to GF lol However we did want to try Poly and do spend a lot of time visiting for their restaurants etc. Besides my grandparents stayed there twice when WDW first opened so it will be kind of sentimental for me. They are both gone now.

So if anyone has info on the rooms that would be great. Also if anyone is familiar with any kind of discounts that may help lower the price along the way, that would be great. My TA said discounts are not easily found at this level. I am hoping for free dining extended next year as we do have the dining plan on our ress now.

TIA for all your help. You guys are great.

 

[mmmears]

I just booked my first ever stay at Grand Floridian and my first ever club level. I have booked a Deluxe King room RPC for 3 nights this December to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday. I am beyond excited We are staying at Saratoga Springs for 3 nights before we check into GF. Does anyone know if IPO will be able to do ADR's for me for the whole week, or will they only do ADR's for the days we are at GF? Also, will we have a problem with Magical Express with being dropped off at SSR, but leaving from GF? Any help would be appreciated. I've learned so much from this thread and can't wait to continue reading it before we leave in December.

Technically, the IPO office would only make reservations for you the nights that you are staying club level. But many people have reported that the IPO CM they spoke to was nice enough to make them for their entire trip. I don't believe they have to, but sometimes they will.

Tell ME that you need to be dropped off at one resort and picked up at another. It took them a few times to get it right for us, though. (We ended up not using them).

 

[mrskckitty]

Thanks for the helpful info, MMMEARS!