The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[johnsonet]

johnsonet -- nice to see you around here again!




About the IPO -- if you aren't getting an email response (other than the automated one that talks about a response within 24 hrs) I would suggest calling them. If the GF IPO office is too busy to handle the call, then it should roll over to any WDW IPO office and you should be able to get some help.

Personally, I haven't had any problems getting through to the GF IPO, but I will say that the service there really depends on who answers the phone.

Hi mmmears You must be getting excited about your trip!!

Thank you for posting this photo.

For the past 3 months now I have been scanning DIS and allears and the rest of the web for blueprints, pictures anything I could get to help me with determining how big of a space that is.

Pictures can be very misleading too. Sometimes they make a space look huge when it is tiny... or just the opposite.

My guess is that is can't be any wider than the length of a standard tub - so if I have an adjustable shower rod that should cover it... (no pun intended).

But I thought I would ask the experts.... just in case!

You're welcome I hope everything works out.

...I wish I had something on the docket - I miss the GF so much!!!!

minniesota
Me too

 

[JoeMickey]

Is this what you're looking for?

where the magic lives dot com

for some reason it wouldn't let me put that together for a website address.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I would love for Disney to build GF Villas someday. My check book is ready

While I'd probably also be writing the check for GF Villas, I honestly think it would take away from the resort. DVC villas aren't something that I would think to connect with the flagship resort, and I don't think I'd want the resort to be any larger either.

 

[pezaddict231]

We'll be at the Grand in just a few days, can't wait!

 

[Scott MC]

Can't wait to hear about it.
We're 10 weeks out from our trip. Can't wait!

 

[Carol'sDisney]

Is this what you're looking for?

where the magic lives dot com

for some reason it wouldn't let me put that together for a website address.

That is it, thanks! And thanks to everyone who pm'd me the info as well!

 

[Susiesnowflake]

I'll be staying at the GF for the first time at the end of Sept. It will be my 2nd girls trip with a college friend, and we are both getting very excited! We've been reading, looking at pictures, absorbing all we can, and emailing back and forth. Trying to decide whether or not to make a building/lodge request. I understand that some garden view rooms actually offer water views in Sago Cay or Conch Key. Sago Key looks so alone over there, but I've seen some really pretty pics of the rooms and their views. I assume people have their preferences. If anyone wishes to share, I'd appreciate it. Not sure if we should request something near the pool or one of the lodges that might get us a marina or waterview.

I am a Poly girl through and through, and my husb and I usually stroll over to the GF or take the water launch back from the MK and then walk home to the Poly. I'm familiar with the resort property, but would love any recommendations or insider tips, things to see and do, etc. I'm glad my friend got this 40% pin offer and wanted to try the GF, because I probably wouldn't have done it on my own, since I love the Poly so much and always want to stay there. She's forced me into a new adventure, and I am really excited and looking forward to staying at the GF!

 

[Mary T in PA]

We leave in 5 days for our first GF stay!!


Mary

 

[dax248]

I have booked a surprise trip for my family and I am freaking out that the SL won't be what I want it to be. I really need some information on what the food is like, if the CM are nice and helpful, and how it compares to both RPC and the WL CL. I don't have the money to upgrade to RPC, but I would like to know that SL is almost as nice. My husband and I stayed in WL CL in April and really loved it. I am so scared that SL isn't going to live up to everyone's expectations... and well for a control freak (who wants everyone as happy as can be at the happiest place ever) it is a little unsettling.

Please please please any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have booked a surprise trip for my family and I am freaking out that the SL won't be what I want it to be. I really need some information on what the food is like, if the CM are nice and helpful, and how it compares to both RPC and the WL CL. I don't have the money to upgrade to RPC, but I would like to know that SL is almost as nice. My husband and I stayed in WL CL in April and really loved it. I am so scared that SL isn't going to live up to everyone's expectations... and well for a control freak (who wants everyone as happy as can be at the happiest place ever) it is a little unsettling.

Please please please any help would be greatly appreciated!

While my family and I have not stayed in Royal Palm or Sugar Loaf, what I can tell you is their food offerings are 100% the same.

 

[shoppgirl]

I have booked a surprise trip for my family and I am freaking out that the SL won't be what I want it to be. I really need some information on what the food is like, if the CM are nice and helpful, and how it compares to both RPC and the WL CL. I don't have the money to upgrade to RPC, but I would like to know that SL is almost as nice. My husband and I stayed in WL CL in April and really loved it. I am so scared that SL isn't going to live up to everyone's expectations... and well for a control freak (who wants everyone as happy as can be at the happiest place ever) it is a little unsettling.

Please please please any help would be greatly appreciated!

We stayed SL last year and really enjoyed the experience. I liked the smaller building feel, (fewer rooms, less people). But that also equates to a smaller lounge! It does get crowded in there. Our first few days were empty but by the weekend, a lot of people checked in and the lounge was always full and food gone quickly! I'm glad to know that the food offerings are completely the same, so I'm pretty happy with that. The concierge desk was great too and very helpful. They squeezed us into 1900 park Fare when we missed our original ADR. It was convenient to access the lounge as it is on the first floor and right there when you walk into the building (or out). We always grabbed a drink or some food on our way in and out. You will enjoy it. We did and are going right back this summer!

 

[simplymama]

Is your only chance of staying in there if you are staying club level? We were hoping to book a bounce back(thinking positive we'll manage a way to get an offer) but not sure if those type of discounts apply to CL. Would just love to stay in the main building though.

 

[jkstewart1800]

That is it, thanks! And thanks to everyone who pm'd me the info as well!

What a WONDERFUL website!!! I found the pictures of Gasparillas grill to be MOST helpful... I could see what kinds of drinks they had, from Beer to Soy Milk!!!!

Love the site! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[77SU]

I have booked a surprise trip for my family and I am freaking out that the SL won't be what I want it to be. I really need some information on what the food is like, if the CM are nice and helpful, and how it compares to both RPC and the WL CL. I don't have the money to upgrade to RPC, but I would like to know that SL is almost as nice. My husband and I stayed in WL CL in April and really loved it. I am so scared that SL isn't going to live up to everyone's expectations... and well for a control freak (who wants everyone as happy as can be at the happiest place ever) it is a little unsettling.

Please please please any help would be greatly appreciated!

I just posted of our experience at the SL on the Concierge thread at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32271361#post32271361

Since it was our first stay at a CL of any kind, we failed to understand the hype that I read about for the six months before we arrived. DW didn't know about being met by a CM before even entering the main building, so that was magical for her, but the magic soon wore off.

As for food, the offerings at SL and RPC are supposed to be the same. Except for the evening appetizers, all of the food offerings are the same - day in, day out. The only variation at breakfast they changed one of the pastries from sticky buns (that DW said were not fresh) to a turnover to a cinnamon bun. At least at the GF CL's they put out turkey and ham slices at breakfast, or otherwise there is no real source of protein. If you have any diabetics in your party, it's not a real good choice for breakfast.

The midday snacks and the tea time offerings were always the same. We didn't alter our schedule to use the food, but after seeing the repetitiveness, we realized we didn't miss much. One night for the evening appetizers they had beef and chicken skewers. Unfortunately the chicken was stone cold, even though it came from a chafing dish. The beef was only slightly warm.

 

[Mary T in PA]

We stayed SL last year and really enjoyed the experience. I liked the smaller building feel, (fewer rooms, less people). But that also equates to a smaller lounge! It does get crowded in there. Our first few days were empty but by the weekend, a lot of people checked in and the lounge was always full and food gone quickly! I'm glad to know that the food offerings are completely the same, so I'm pretty happy with that. The concierge desk was great too and very helpful. They squeezed us into 1900 park Fare when we missed our original ADR. It was convenient to access the lounge as it is on the first floor and right there when you walk into the building (or out). We always grabbed a drink or some food on our way in and out. You will enjoy it. We did and are going right back this summer!

Thanks so much for your post.. we are staying in SL and it's our first GF stay too. I had hoped to stay in RPC but the room type we wanted was booked up in RPC.

Mary

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Is your only chance of staying in there if you are staying club level? We were hoping to book a bounce back(thinking positive we'll manage a way to get an offer) but not sure if those type of discounts apply to CL. Would just love to stay in the main building though.

Yes, all of the rooms in the main building are club level. You may be able to get a discount on these rooms, it just depends on availability.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I just posted of our experience at the SL on the Concierge thread at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32271361#post32271361

Since it was our first stay at a CL of any kind, we failed to understand the hype that I read about for the six months before we arrived. DW didn't know about being met by a CM before even entering the main building, so that was magical for her, but the magic soon wore off.

As for food, the offerings at SL and RPC are supposed to be the same. Except for the evening appetizers, all of the food offerings are the same - day in, day out. The only variation at breakfast they changed one of the pastries from sticky buns (that DW said were not fresh) to a turnover to a cinnamon bun. At least at the GF CL's they put out turkey and ham slices at breakfast, or otherwise there is no real source of protein. If you have any diabetics in your party, it's not a real good choice for breakfast.

The midday snacks and the tea time offerings were always the same. We didn't alter our schedule to use the food, but after seeing the repetitiveness, we realized we didn't miss much. One night for the evening appetizers they had beef and chicken skewers. Unfortunately the chicken was stone cold, even though it came from a chafing dish. The beef was only slightly warm.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear you weren't thrilled by the offerings, and I think this is an example for everyone to be aware that club level offerings aren't necessarily a replacement for meals. Its been my experience that its great for a light breakfast before going to the parks, and a quick bite to eat coming or going from the room, but there is still a great variety of foods at the restaurants that keep the palette entertained!

 

[77SU]

I think this is an example for everyone to be aware that club level offerings aren't necessarily a replacement for meals. Its been my experience that its great for a light breakfast before going to the parks, and a quick bite to eat coming or going from the room, but there is still a great variety of foods at the restaurants that keep the palette entertained!

We also did the dining plan for the first time and thought that was certainly worth the price paid. When DW made the reservation, the CM talked her into CL rather than a castle-view room. He said we could see the fireworks from the SL verandah, but SL doesn't have a verandah, so we watched from Gasparilla's. We decided our best situation would have been the dining plan and just a regular GF room, since we only there from 1am until 7am and maybe between 2 and 4 pm.

 

[AMB1]

We stayed SL last year and really enjoyed the experience. I liked the smaller building feel, (fewer rooms, less people). But that also equates to a smaller lounge! It does get crowded in there. Our first few days were empty but by the weekend, a lot of people checked in and the lounge was always full and food gone quickly! I'm glad to know that the food offerings are completely the same, so I'm pretty happy with that. The concierge desk was great too and very helpful. They squeezed us into 1900 park Fare when we missed our original ADR. It was convenient to access the lounge as it is on the first floor and right there when you walk into the building (or out). We always grabbed a drink or some food on our way in and out. You will enjoy it. We did and are going right back this summer!

Shoppgirl -- I just wanted to tell you that I read your trip report months ago while you were posting (I was still just lurking on these boards). Your report was one of the best I have read and it played a big part in my decision to change our reservation from the Poly to the GF. I was pregnant with our now second daughter and your report really got me excited about having two daughters (I never had a sister) and what they might be like together in a few years. Anyway, we took our daughters (ages 3.5 yrs and 10 weeks at the time) to the GF this past February and had an absolutely wonderful time. When it came time for our CRT breakfast I remembered that wonderful picture of your girls running up the deserted ramp to the castle. I told my little princess to run, and we caught some priceless pictures of her happily rushing to meet Cinderella. Awesome!

Have a wonderful time on your next trip!

 

[shoppgirl]

Shoppgirl -- I just wanted to tell you that I read your trip report months ago while you were posting (I was still just lurking on these boards). Your report was one of the best I have read and it played a big part in my decision to change our reservation from the Poly to the GF. I was pregnant with our now second daughter and your report really got me excited about having two daughters (I never had a sister) and what they might be like together in a few years. Anyway, we took our daughters (ages 3.5 yrs and 10 weeks at the time) to the GF this past February and had an absolutely wonderful time. When it came time for our CRT breakfast I remembered that wonderful picture of your girls running up the deserted ramp to the castle. I told my little princess to run, and we caught some priceless pictures of her happily rushing to meet Cinderella. Awesome!

Have a wonderful time on your next trip!

That's so sweet of you to say and I am glad that you got to experience such magical moments with your little girls at the beautiful GF! I don't have a sister either, so I am just so happy for my little girls to have that wonderful sisterly bond. They loved the GF so much that they insisted we go back this year. I am thrilled to be able to take them back. Be sure to read my trip report in Sept!