The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[TammiMcMan]

Yes, the GV rooms have the day bed. In fact, I believe with the renovation, they also put them in the dormer rooms as well. I know a few people have reported having them in their room. I'm not sure if every room got them, so you may want to have that as a request on your reservation.

 

[johnsonet]

johnsonet, love those tickers! What a great combination.

Thanks ~ it's our idea of Disney Heaven

johnsonet - congrats on your trip, you have my two favorite resorts planned!

I know! Thanks k&a&c'smom

Thanks! I'll make my requests and hope for some pixie dust

I'm so excited about RPC. It'll be wonderful staying it the main building. I'm sure it'll be a lot easier getting around from there with 2 kids.

Staying in the main building is awesome!! So convenient to the monorail and I LOVE hearing the pianist and the orchestra in the afternoon and evening

amy1007 "Most" rooms offer a day bed, so add it to your reservation now - as a PP suggested - or just wait until check-in

 

[mousefan1972]

Thanks for the welcome! We are super excited for our first stay at the GF. As I mentioned before, we have a theme park view room booked for our 8 night stay. When I retrieve our reservation online, it states our room type is a 1 BR villa. Odd, huh? Must be one of the quirks of the computer system.

 

[bethclayton]

Thanks, everyone with all of your help with my questions. i can't find the post to quote it, but I did email lIPO asking about TPV being a new bookable category in RPC and she tried to help. In the end, though, it's simply too much for me to pay for an upgrade this close to the trip. Had it been earlier, it would have likely been doable.

I have to vent for a second that I think it's rotten that no one at Disney (WDTC? Or whatever?) could have called us or emailed us or something, saying, "Hey, there is now a new option for the room category you're currently booked at- do you want to change?" We booked our trip a year ago and at the time there were no TPV RPC rooms- some RPC rooms just were TPV at no extra charge; it wasn't bookable. I feel like we should have had the courtesy extended to us to point out that now such a category existed and see if we wanted to pay for an upgrade. That's a big oversight on their part, imo. It means that we were basically at a disadvantage by booking early.

Anyway... onto brighter topics, since what's done is done. Can anyone answer me some questions about the spa, particularly as it relates to kids? We just spent the weekend at a 4 seasons hotel and dd's favorite part of the trip was the spa locker room! lol! She loved the juices, the robes, the slippers, the sauna, etc. I think she just loved the dim, serene atmosphere, with the great smells and calming music. I was thinking of booking one of the "my first" things for her at the GF so she could have another fun experience like that. Can anyone tell me if the locker room area is awesome and the type of place one could "linger?" I saw minniesota's awesome pics and it looks that way! Just want to make sure they don't rush you because dd would be very tuned into that and it would ruin it for her. Also... can I hang out in there with her (even though I don'tr want any spa services) since I have to be present anyway due to her age? Has anyone's dd gotten a "my first..." package, and if so, did they do a great job? Dd just turned 10, so I guess she's sort of on the upper end and I want to make sure it's not too babyish. I was thinking maybe the facial, since at her age, she will need to soon start caring for her skin (i mean, to avoid pimples!); will they give her a little tutorial on that? Because apparently my advice is not inspiring her!

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Native NYer]

Thanks, everyone with all of your help with my questions. i can't find the post to quote it, but I did email lIPO asking about TPV being a new bookable category in RPC and she tried to help. In the end, though, it's simply too much for me to pay for an upgrade this close to the trip. Had it been earlier, it would have likely been doable.

I have to vent for a second that I think it's rotten that no one at Disney (WDTC? Or whatever?) could have called us or emailed us or something, saying, "Hey, there is now a new option for the room category you're currently booked at- do you want to change?" We booked our trip a year ago and at the time there were no TPV RPC rooms- some RPC rooms just were TPV at no extra charge; it wasn't bookable. I feel like we should have had the courtesy extended to us to point out that now such a category existed and see if we wanted to pay for an upgrade. That's a big oversight on their part, imo. It means that we were basically at a disadvantage by booking early.

Anyway... onto brighter topics, since what's done is done. Can anyone answer me some questions about the spa, particularly as it relates to kids? We just spent the weekend at a 4 seasons hotel and dd's favorite part of the trip was the spa locker room! lol! She loved the juices, the robes, the slippers, the sauna, etc. I think she just loved the dim, serene atmosphere, with the great smells and calming music. I was thinking of booking one of the "my first" things for her at the GF so she could have another fun experience like that. Can anyone tell me if the locker room area is awesome and the type of place one could "linger?" I saw minniesota's awesome pics and it looks that way! Just want to make sure they don't rush you because dd would be very tuned into that and it would ruin it for her. Also... can I hang out in there with her (even though I don'tr want any spa services) since I have to be present anyway due to her age? Has anyone's dd gotten a "my first..." package, and if so, did they do a great job? Dd just turned 10, so I guess she's sort of on the upper end and I want to make sure it's not too babyish. I was thinking maybe the facial, since at her age, she will need to soon start caring for her skin (i mean, to avoid pimples!); will they give her a little tutorial on that? Because apparently my advice is not inspiring her!

Thanks again for your help!

So sorry about the TPV RPC room category problem. Maybe you'l get a little pixie dust and get upgraded to a TPV room I hope you have a great vacation

 

[minniesota]

bethclayton- I know how you feel. We, too, had booked before the new TPV category was established and I was planning to put in a castle view request with IPO. I read here on the Dis about the change in categories and called CRO to make the change. I'm not sure what you meant about it "being do-able earlier" - the price to upgrade is the same no matter how close you are to your trip.. Anyway, I would still let IPO know you would love a TPV if one is available and maybe you'll get some pixie dust!

You can hang around the spa lounge as long as you want. It is a nice quiet spot with dimmed lights and "spa" music! No juices, just water steeped with fruit. There are also teas available and fresh fruit. Hope you enjoy! No experience with the "first" mani/pedi but my daughter did the facial and loved it.

 

[ajh88]

I am helping my parents plan a trip for everyone - 11 of us total. We're booking 3 rooms. I booked 2 TPV rooms and 1 garden view room (for my sister and BIL - they are still a little iffy about if they are going or not). Anyway, I do have a couple of questions:

1) Assuming they go, will it be possible for their GV room to be relatively near our TPV rooms? I know every building has a backside, so I assumed maybe across the hall or something?

2) When I went in to make a payment on my reservation, it shows me booked in a "1 bedroom villa" - I assume that this is the regular TPV room? I was just a little thrown because I was looking for the category it stated when we booked.

3) Do connecting rooms exist at GF? I didn't specifically request one - I just linked our reservations and asked to be in close proximity.

I think that is all for now. I had never really *wanted* to stay at GF before, but ever since my parents said that's the resort they want, I've gotten really excited and I hope our trip happens as planned!

 

[bethclayton]

bethclayton- I know how you feel. We, too, had booked before the new TPV category was established and I was planning to put in a castle view request with IPO. I read here on the Dis about the change in categories and called CRO to make the change. I'm not sure what you meant about it "being do-able earlier" - the price to upgrade is the same no matter how close you are to your trip.. Anyway, I would still let IPO know you would love a TPV if one is available and maybe you'll get some pixie dust!

You can hang around the spa lounge as long as you want. It is a nice quiet spot with dimmed lights and "spa" music! No juices, just water steeped with fruit. There are also teas available and fresh fruit. Hope you enjoy! No experience with the "first" mani/pedi but my daughter did the facial and loved it.

thanks, minniesota!

as far as why it would have been doable to upgrade earlier, the short version is that at this point, that money has been allocated elsewhere this close to out trip. we thought we had everything set in stone, ya know?

 

[minniesota]

I am helping my parents plan a trip for everyone - 11 of us total. We're booking 3 rooms. I booked 2 TPV rooms and 1 garden view room (for my sister and BIL - they are still a little iffy about if they are going or not). Anyway, I do have a couple of questions:

1) Assuming they go, will it be possible for their GV room to be relatively near our TPV rooms? I know every building has a backside, so I assumed maybe across the hall or something?

2) When I went in to make a payment on my reservation, it shows me booked in a "1 bedroom villa" - I assume that this is the regular TPV room? I was just a little thrown because I was looking for the category it stated when we booked.

3) Do connecting rooms exist at GF? I didn't specifically request one - I just linked our reservations and asked to be in close proximity.

I think that is all for now. I had never really *wanted* to stay at GF before, but ever since my parents said that's the resort they want, I've gotten really excited and I hope our trip happens as planned!

Welcome to the GF thread!

Since you asked to have your reservations linked, they should try to get your rooms in close proximity. And yes, that could mean across the hall from each other. The GF has connecting rooms and they can be requested.

The 1 BR villa notation is apparently a glitch in the system that other people have reported here - there are no 1 br villas at the GF.

Have fun planning your "grand" trip!

 

[ajh88]

Welcome to the GF thread!

Since you asked to have your reservations linked, they should try to get your rooms in close proximity. And yes, that could mean across the hall from each other. The GF has connecting rooms and they can be requested.

The 1 BR villa notation is apparently a glitch in the system that other people have reported here - there are no 1 br villas at the GF.

Have fun planning your "grand" trip!

Thank you!

I know where to come when I think of more questions!

 

[cosmicrays]

We booked a RPC standard view and requested an MK view last year. Now they have changed that you have to pay for the TPV view. We checked in and still got the TPV view! I love my disney vacation planner! I would speak with IPO and see if they will help you Beth. I hear it has been an issue for them.

 

[cosmicrays]

The one bedroom is sometimes a deluxe room or a suite. What is the room code on your reservation?

 

[bethclayton]

We booked a RPC standard view and requested an MK view last year. Now they have changed that you have to pay for the TPV view. We checked in and still got the TPV view! I love my disney vacation planner! I would speak with IPO and see if they will help you Beth. I hear it has been an issue for them.

thanks for the reply! unfortunately, marijane from IPO was very specific that she spoke to the room assignor and if we want TPV we will have to pay for the upgrade, IF it is even available. for two rooms, it's a lot of dough to scrape together this close to the trip.

 

[TammiMcMan]

2) When I went in to make a payment on my reservation, it shows me booked in a "1 bedroom villa" - I assume that this is the regular TPV room? I was just a little thrown because I was looking for the category it stated when we booked.

That code has been a problem since they added the TPV category a few years ago. Why am I not surprised that they haven't fixed it yet?

 

[Dreamer24]

I just got back from a 7 night stay at the GF. Thanks for all the answers to my questions before I went.

The stay was lovely as always. We checked in 11:30 and our room was ready at 2:45. Bell services arrived with our luggage quickly. The room was beautiful but after being spoiled at RPC, the theme park view in Big Pine Key was slightly disappointing. I was expecting to see the castle through the window right from the room. THis was MY INCORRECT ASSUMPTION that this was how all theme park views work. We could only see the contemporary. You had to go out onto the balcony and reach out a little over the railing and look to the left to really see the castle. Once we got used to doing this, we loved watching wishes there.

There is just something special about coming back to the GF each night. You get off the monorail and get this excited feeling knowing you are staying there.

Everything was clean and beautiful all of the time. The staff was very friendly. We thought Gasperillas Grill was great! The health club met our needs and WOW the locker rooms/showers were amazing in there!

We were given a bottle of champagne, a rose and a card from mickey and minnie for our anniversary.

Our only minor complaints. We came home early each night to watch wishes so we kept missing turn down. I called on the 3rd or 4th night requesting turn down each night for the remainder of our week before 7:30 and we were told this was not a problem. It happened that night but we never got it again. The other was internet and tv. Our tv was fuzzy for the first day until we got it fixed. We tried to use the internet twice but apparently there was a problem with the router in the room and we were told they couldn't do anything. There was no offer to change our room.

Overall, I love it there and am a little sad that we will be trying a new hotel, BWI, on our next trip.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Dreamer24 - sorry to hear your TPV wasn't all you'd hoped, but it sounds like you didn't let it ruin your trip! I agree, there is something magical about getting off the boat or monorail at the end of the evening, and walking back to your room through those lovely grounds.

 

[AlisonS]

I stayed in a Deluxe King with Magical Kingdom View in the main building - I have to say, I felt special from the moment I got off the ME bus. A woman met me and escorted me to my room for check-in there, and showed me where all the amenities were. I was greeted by flowers and balloons delivered by the Disney Florist as well as a snack package of some kind that was sent by friends. I had the room with the whirlpool tub, which I REALLY appreciated for soaking after all that walking at the parks!

Basin White has great soaps and bath bombs/powders to try. I got a bunch - some I sent to friends and the others I used myself.

The spa was not crowded at all during the timeframe I was there (Jan 22-29), and I was able to make immediate reservations. It is great to get a pedicure prior to walking around Epcot - it really revitalized my feet!!

I think Joe Walker is the best concierge there. He took me on a tour of the Roy Disney suite and the Walt Disney suite while I was there - those are MIGHTY FABULOUS rooms!

My room had a great view of the castle - you pulled back the curtains and the castle was centered - I could lie in bed and watch the castle all night if I left the curtains open. My room number was 4201.

I rebooked for December - I can't wait to see the Christmas decorations at this hotel! I really do not ever want to stay in any of the other hotels after this. I can't tell you how beautiful it was. Try to stay in the main building if you can at this hotel. The staff knows what rooms are in the main building, so you can work with them to make sure if that is what you want.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

That is discouraging. At the Polynesian, theme park view means an unobstructed view (no trees) of the castle. I have trouble imagining such a view from any of the outer buildings except conch key and sago cay. Am I wrong? I sure am going to ask for a room change or refund if I dont have a direct view of the castle.

I just got back from a 7 night stay at the GF. Thanks for all the answers to my questions before I went.

The stay was lovely as always. We checked in 11:30 and our room was ready at 2:45. Bell services arrived with our luggage quickly. The room was beautiful but after being spoiled at RPC, the theme park view in Big Pine Key was slightly disappointing. I was expecting to see the castle through the window right from the room. THis was MY INCORRECT ASSUMPTION that this was how all theme park views work. We could only see the contemporary. You had to go out onto the balcony and reach out a little over the railing and look to the left to really see the castle. Once we got used to doing this, we loved watching wishes there.

There is just something special about coming back to the GF each night. You get off the monorail and get this excited feeling knowing you are staying there.

Everything was clean and beautiful all of the time. The staff was very friendly. We thought Gasperillas Grill was great! The health club met our needs and WOW the locker rooms/showers were amazing in there!

We were given a bottle of champagne, a rose and a card from mickey and minnie for our anniversary.

Our only minor complaints. We came home early each night to watch wishes so we kept missing turn down. I called on the 3rd or 4th night requesting turn down each night for the remainder of our week before 7:30 and we were told this was not a problem. It happened that night but we never got it again. The other was internet and tv. Our tv was fuzzy for the first day until we got it fixed. We tried to use the internet twice but apparently there was a problem with the router in the room and we were told they couldn't do anything. There was no offer to change our room.

Overall, I love it there and am a little sad that we will be trying a new hotel, BWI, on our next trip.

 

[mousefan1972]

That is discouraging. At the Polynesian, theme park view means an uninstructed view (no trees) of the castle. I have trouble imaginig such a view from any of the outer buildings except conch key and sago cay. Am I wrong? I sure am going to ask for a room change or refund if I dnt have a direct view of the castle.

I agree with you. We have a theme park view room booked for April, and seeing the Contemporary from our balcony does not qualify as "theme park" in my opinion. If our view is not satisfactory, I will very nicely and calmly request a different room with an appropriate view. If I am paying extra for a certain view, I expect to have it.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I am requesting Conch Key or Sago Cay..... remembering my view from the Tahiti Bldg at Poly and looking at the GF map, those seem to have the most direct view of the castle (from the end of the buildings).

But I understand that TPV rooms could also be in Boca Chica and Big Pine Key. I don't see how rooms in either of these two buildings could have a good view of the castle without leaning one way or the other. If that's the case, I could save $600 and just have a garden view and walk to the beach to look at the castle.

I agree with you. We have a theme park view room booked for April, and seeing the Contemporary from our balcony does not qualify as "theme park" in my opinion. If our view is not satisfactory, I will very nicely and calmly request a different room with an appropriate view. If I am paying extra for a certain view, I expect to have it.