The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[snowwhitenyc]

Speaking of the beach pool, we had a pleasant surprise when Vincent D'Onofrio (Law and Order, Men In Black, Mystic Pizza) and his family showed up there yesterday; I think they must have just checked in. Fun to see a fellow NYer.

Jealous!! I love VDO -- watching Criminal Intent right now. That's one of the things I love about the GF, it does seem to attract some pretty cool celebs. Bruce Springsteen, Tina Fey...everyone wants to be at the Grand!

 

[UK Princess]

Hi Everyone,

Looking for a little advice as now seriously starting the packing! I know it's a little early but due to wedding planning also and hosting guests I have to pack the cases and then store out of the way!!!

Anyway I was wondering what toiletries (shampoo, soap etc) are in the rooms and what I would need to bring.

I'm particularly interested to know if there is toothpaste / mouthwash (and if so what type)

Is there separate shampoo and conditioner?? Do you still bring your own or use what's there? I'm expecting my hair to look terrible in the heat/humidity anyway!

Thanks everyone

 

[janeapplemeadow]

I was there last week. When we arrived they had displayed in the bathroom small (3 oz) shampoo, conditioner, foot rub lotion, body butter and shower body wash. The also had large green bars of soap and small bars of glycerine soap and a small bar of hand soap by the sink. They also had a small box of q-tips and cottons balls as well as a shower cap. There was no toothpaste or mouthwash (they can be bought in gift shop). The hair dryer, iron and iron board and robes where in the closet. If I can answer any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Figment1990]

UK Princess - We just got back yesterday and I just wanted to mention that I was really not pleased with the hairdryer I had in my room. Odd, because it was the same brand as what I have had home, but I found myself wishing that I had brought my own. But, being in Disney in August, I didn't have high hopes for the appearance of my hair anyways....

I do always bring my own shampoo, etc. Although after hearing everyone rave about the Grand, I did have to try out the toiletries they provide. I didn't see much of a difference (again, the heat/humidity, etc) but they sure smelled fabulous! I brought them home, so I will see how they do in my less humid climate. If nothing else, maybe I can use the scent to pretend that I'm still there...

 

[Tink rules]

I always bring my own hair dryer... hotel ones just get overused and die on me...

The toiletries that the Grand uses now are H2O Plus ones...

here is the website...

http://www.h2oplus.com/retail2002/productdetails.aspx?productid=100-00423-000


The type that they use at the resorts is the one linked above... if you find it too strong, (some do...) ask them over at the Poly for some of the resort ones they use there... - they use the Aquatics kind and I like it better - lighter smell - and I have thick hair and it's not too frizzy when I use it.

(They also sell the shampoos in the gift shop & the Lemon Lust shower gel is to die for!!!)

 

[Scott MC]

I just wanted to point out that.........

 

[BCV23]

I just wanted to point out that.........

Have a grand vacation!


johnsonet, k&a&c's mom, and DonaldDoleWhip, thanks for sharing your pictures.

I'm glad that so many of you have had wonderful trips in the last few weeks. Please share details if you have time.

 

[janeapplemeadow]

I just wanted to point out that.........

Scott,
I hope you have a great vacation. I was there last week (RPC Main bldg) and had a great time. Words of advice, It was the hottest that I have ever encountered in Aug. Wear loose light colored clothing. Get to the park at rope drop, go back to the GF early afternoon and enjoy the resort and pool then head back to a park when the sun is going down. That was the only way to tolerate the heat for us. We went to EMH in every park and that helped also. We slowed our pace way down, but managed to get a lot of things done. Don't forget to use the fast passes. But most of all, take time to enjoy The GF and the grounds. The best was to cool off was to sit in the lobby in the afternoon and just listen to the piano or jazz band with a cool drink. HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

 

[cosmicrays]

I just wanted to point out that.........

I hope you have a great vacation!

 

[MommyGina]

I am all packed for our trip tomorrow. I can't wait to get there. I will report back on August 27 as to what is happening at the GF. Yes, I have all light color clothes. It looks like it will be cloudy, but who cares! I will be at Disney!!!!

 

[Figment1990]

Scott & MommyGina - have a FABULOUS Grand vacation!

It was hot, but I'd rather be hot at the Grand than here in hazy, humid Pittsburgh any day and twice on Sundays! Suffering from severe Disney withdrawal now only made worse now that i've experienced the Grand Floridian....

Enjoy! And be sure to let us know how your trip goes.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi all!! Catching up on all the new GF news...

I grabbed these from another site, but they show the new floor and it is beautiful. Hope it is ok to post them here

Close-up of marble outside Mizner's Lounge where orchestra usually sits

2nd floor walkway between Commander Porter's & elevator

Close-up of marble pattern along 2nd floor walkway

2nd floor walkway between Commander Porter's & elevator

Close-up of marble pattern corner along 2nd floor walkway

2nd floor walkway between Commander Porter's & elevator

Work is now taking place on both floors. On the 2nd floor it's between the cage elevator and M. Mouse Mercantile; on the 1st floor it's to the right of the staircase.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The floors are GORGEOUS!! Awesome detail too! I can not wait to see them in person!!! Thanks for posting Shell!!

I just wanted to point out that.........

I am so glad you decided not to stress about your decision anymore Have a grand time!

I am all packed for our trip tomorrow. I can't wait to get there. I will report back on August 27 as to what is happening at the GF. Yes, I have all light color clothes. It looks like it will be cloudy, but who cares! I will be at Disney!!!!

Another great attitude!!! But take it from someone who was just there in June when it was melt-into-a-puddle HOT... clouds are good!!!! Have a grand time!!!!

I can't remember who posted about the hairdryer but I ALWAYS bring mine with too. I have a ceramic and ionic blah, blah, blah and I need any help I can get with that humidity down there! As for toiletries, I know they are H20 but I believe what they provide depends on what level you are staying (ie concierge vs. nonconcierge). We have always stayed non concierge and have never gotten anything except shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and soap (no foot cream, shower caps, toothpaste etc). That being said, even though we will be RPC this time, I will still pack my own stuff. DH likes to use the hotel stuff, but I am a creature of habit

Figement- thanks for all the live updates! Welcome home! I hear ya on the withdrawal! I find the best cure is to start planning the next one!

ETA: I just saw my ticker... looks like we hit double digits today!!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Scott MC]

Thanks for all the good wishes everyone. This will *likely* be my last post on the DIS until next Monday night or Tuesday, as no one in our party is planning on bringing a laptop with us.
I'm leaving my precious kitties in about an hour to head up to DBF's apartment. We have dinner plans tonight, and then we leave out of Manchester NH tomorrow morning a bit after 8 A.M. (pray for a good, safe flight-I HATE flying). We should be checking into the Grand around noontime. I'm so excited! I made the t-shirt that I referenced a few pages back, and it looks great.
Thanks for all the help and tips, and I'll be sure to post a mini trip report when we return.....

HAVE A GRAND WEEK!

 

[billnang]

Have a GREAT trip to all going tomorrow... I hope you all have a safe flight.. today we here are all doing the " in a week we will be in MK!!!" kind of talk..

I need to start packing
Angela

 

[gapeachy]

Would someone who has stayed at the GF, Sugar Loaf club level in the past few months tell me about it? I'm trying to decide whether to stay there or at the Poly club level for our December trip.

 

[WUVmyDISNEY]

Have a great trip everyone who is going now!!! Here's to safe flights, great weather and magic!

 

[MommyGina]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes! I'll post when I get back!

 

[jlx2]

Does anyone know when all of the construction is due to be complete? Thank you!

 

[vod2117]

We will be staying at GF RPC from August 23-28, 2009. We have called GF numerous times and they told us that is false, that they are moving guests over to SL. Would I have already gotten a call if they were transferring us over?

 

[billnang]

I was one who got a call and I check in on the 25th.. from what I read here they are starting the work on the 26th..unless you are able to stay the 3 nights at RPC and then they move you.. I am not sure... I will be sick if they are not asking everyone to move. When I called the GF nobody there knew about it.. the room arranger person did and the lady I have to talk with did...
Whoo I hope this is not the case.

Have you called IPO?
Angela