The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[Sleeping Becca]

Hi Becca, I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed GF. I can't wait until my next trip. I had a quick questions regarding Tea Time. I've passed by the Tea Room for the past 4 years, and I have NO idea why I never participated, being that I LOVE tea and have a cup when I wake up and a cup before bed, 365 days a year.

If you have a moment, I would love to hear a little bit more about this.
Thank you.

Joey

We really fell in love with the Grand I can't wait till we go back!

My DD and I both had the Grand Tea:

-she had sparkling cider (two glasses) and I had sparkling wine each served with a large ripe strawberry
-she chose the Princess herbal tea, and on recomendation from our server I had the Eros black tea (it was the best tea I have ever had) absolutely delish
-we each got an assortment of tea sandwiches and we enjoyed them all (the best was the pear and bleu cheese). I thought it odd that there was not salmon and cream cheese on pointe nor cucumber; anytime I've had tea elsewhere these were staples. I'm not complaining, I just thought it strange.
- next came the scone and raspberry tart, served with Devonshire cream and a little jar of strawberry preserves, the scone was perfect and the cream delish (I could have licked the ramekin, somehow I think that would have been inappropriate lol).
-for dessert I chose the strawberries and cream (it was yum, but slightly over chilled) DD chose the pastries, she was allowed a selection of 2 off of the tray, she picked 2 chocolate covered strawberries and they were perfect

The cost including tax and tip, using TIW discount was around $50. I thought the cost was appropriate.

We really enjoyed this experience, and we will def do this again on our next GF stay.

pics from the tea:

 

[johnsonet]

What days is the pirate cruise that leaves from GF? What is the launch time?

Last time we were there (almost a year ago ), The Pirate Adventure was held Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:30-11:30am
You can call (407) WDW-PLAY to confirm.

 

[PaulaSB12]

What time does the monorail start? I have several breakfasts booked Kona cafe the Wave and Chief Mickeys the earliest is at 0720. Here are my adrs so far

21st September Beaches and Cream (oop for the milkshake)
22nd Grand Floridian 0715 Kona Cafe 12.00 room service after MNSHHP
23rd Grand Floridian 0800Yak and Yeti 14.00
24th Crystal Palace 08.15 Sci Fi 14.05 WCC 8.45
25th Kona Cafe 07.55 Rose and Crown 13.00 The Wave 21.15
26th The Wave 0800 (out for the day probably SeaWorld) Narcoossee's 21.40
27th The Wave 0720 The Plaza 11.40 Victoria and Alberts 17.45 (didn't get to go last year my sister wasn't keen)
28th Boma 0800 Mamma Melrose 14.00 Citrios 21.35
29th Crystal Palace 10.00 Tutto Italia 16.30 Jiko 21.50
30th Captains Grill 0830 (out all day) California Grill 21.30
1st Oct Kona Cafe 0800 (out all day ) Flying Fish 21.15
2nd 1900 Park Fare (fist time I managed to get an adr for this one) 0825 Crystal Palace 15.45 Room service after MNSSHP
3rd Chef Mickey 0740? Coral Reef 14.45? T-Rex 22.00 (booked but may change my mind when I get there)
4th Chef Mickey 0720 Le Cellier 20.50 (the only adr I managed for this in the whole 2 weeks!!!!!)
5th (day I fly back) 1900 Park Fare 0815 (who wants to guess which dining plan I am on)

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I believe it cranks up at 7am.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

What time does the monorail start? I have several breakfasts booked Kona cafe the Wave and Chief Mickeys the earliest is at 0720. Here are my adrs so far

21st September Beaches and Cream (oop for the milkshake)
22nd Grand Floridian 0715 Kona Cafe 12.00 room service after MNSHHP
23rd Grand Floridian 0800Yak and Yeti 14.00
24th Crystal Palace 08.15 Sci Fi 14.05 WCC 8.45
25th Kona Cafe 07.55 Rose and Crown 13.00 The Wave 21.15
26th The Wave 0800 (out for the day probably SeaWorld) Narcoossee's 21.40
27th The Wave 0720 The Plaza 11.40 Victoria and Alberts 17.45 (didn't get to go last year my sister wasn't keen)
28th Boma 0800 Mamma Melrose 14.00 Citrios 21.35
29th Crystal Palace 10.00 Tutto Italia 16.30 Jiko 21.50
30th Captains Grill 0830 (out all day) California Grill 21.30
1st Oct Kona Cafe 0800 (out all day ) Flying Fish 21.15
2nd 1900 Park Fare (fist time I managed to get an adr for this one) 0825 Crystal Palace 15.45 Room service after MNSSHP
3rd Chef Mickey 0740? Coral Reef 14.45? T-Rex 22.00 (booked but may change my mind when I get there)
4th Chef Mickey 0720 Le Cellier 20.50 (the only adr I managed for this in the whole 2 weeks!!!!!)
5th (day I fly back) 1900 Park Fare 0815 (who wants to guess which dining plan I am on)

The Resort Monorail stars at 7:00 AM and don't forget when going to the Polynesian there is a walkway, which will be a lot faster then taking the Monorail when going there.

 

[PaulaSB12]

The Resort Monorail stars at 7:00 AM and don't fprget when going to the Polynesian there is a walkway, which will be a lot faster then taking the Monorail when going there.

I hope without the risk of being turned into an early morning alligator snack!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I hope without the risk of being turned into an early morning alligator snack!

You don't need to worry about, lol.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Yes the boat is not operating that early so walking is def. the shortest way, it seems to take forever to get to the Poly from the GF on the monorail.

That Tonga Toast is worth the effort!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Yes the boat is not operating that early so walking is def. the shortest way, it seems to take forever to get to the Poly from the GF on the monorail.

That's because after it leaves the Grand Floridian it stops at the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, and the TTC before it arrives at the Polynesian.

 

[teentoddlermom]

We're going to be enjoying our second trip to the GF 7-22 to 7-28!
In 2003 we stayed in SugarLoaf with the 4/7 deal and loved it. We especially loved the marina view. This year we are getting a good deal with the Military Salute tickets, I think our rooms are only costing around $235. I requested Sago Key and and hoping for that lovely Marina view again! My daughter was only 3 in 2003 and remembers GF so clearly. She has been asking to go back every year since then, but we've been trying other resorts. I have to say that GF and WL have been my favorites. We are going to take in 1900 park for dinner, I've read that the character interaction is great! What else have I missed at GF since 2003? I'm looking forward to the new room decor.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

We're going to be enjoying our second trip to the GF 7-22 to 7-28!
In 2003 we stayed in SugarLoaf with the 4/7 deal and loved it. We especially loved the marina view. This year we are getting a good deal with the Military Salute tickets, I think our rooms are only costing around $235. I requested Sago Key and and hoping for that lovely Marina view again! My daughter was only 3 in 2003 and remembers GF so clearly. She has been asking to go back every year since then, but we've been trying other resorts. I have to say that GF and WL have been my favorites. We are going to take in 1900 park for dinner, I've read that the character interaction is great! What else have I missed at GF since 2003? I'm looking forward to the new room decor.

We were in Sago this past week, we didn't have a marina view but had a lovely view of the lake and monorail.

I liked the location, a short walk to the main building, monorail and busses, but DH wants to try something closer to the beach pool next trip.

 

[gooshygirl]

Hi! New here and have a question about the GF, I would love to stay there! Our last trip was in 2006 and we stayed at the Polynesian. We loved it;but want to try something different next time. We are thinking next March. Can you experts here tell me a little bit about why you love the GF; and what are the best locations? Thanks!

 

[JoeyAnyc]

We really fell in love with the Grand I can't wait till we go back!

My DD and I both had the Grand Tea:

-she had sparkling cider (two glasses) and I had sparkling wine each served with a large ripe strawberry
-she chose the Princess herbal tea, and on recomendation from our server I had the Eros black tea (it was the best tea I have ever had) absolutely delish
-we each got an assortment of tea sandwiches and we enjoyed them all (the best was the pear and bleu cheese). I thought it odd that there was not salmon and cream cheese on pointe nor cucumber; anytime I've had tea elsewhere these were staples. I'm not complaining, I just thought it strange.
- next came the scone and raspberry tart, served with Devonshire cream and a little jar of strawberry preserves, the scone was perfect and the cream delish (I could have licked the ramekin, somehow I think that would have been inappropriate lol).
-for dessert I chose the strawberries and cream (it was yum, but slightly over chilled) DD chose the pastries, she was allowed a selection of 2 off of the tray, she picked 2 chocolate covered strawberries and they were perfect

The cost including tax and tip, using TIW discount was around $50. I thought the cost was appropriate.

We really enjoyed this experience, and we will def do this again on our next GF stay.

Wow, thank you for a great report. I'm kicking myself for missing it.
One last question, if I may. Would you say Tea is mostly mom & daughter?
Would it be appropriate for me and my DH, or a bit out of place?

XO

 

[Scott MC]

Yes, your description of this tea has me salivating as well...

 

[johnsonet]

We're going to be enjoying our second trip to the GF 7-22 to 7-28!
In 2003 we stayed in SugarLoaf with the 4/7 deal and loved it. We especially loved the marina view. This year we are getting a good deal with the Military Salute tickets, I think our rooms are only costing around $235. I requested Sago Key and and hoping for that lovely Marina view again! My daughter was only 3 in 2003 and remembers GF so clearly. She has been asking to go back every year since then, but we've been trying other resorts. I have to say that GF and WL have been my favorites. We are going to take in 1900 park for dinner, I've read that the character interaction is great! What else have I missed at GF since 2003? I'm looking forward to the new room decor.

Sounds as though you've gotten a well-deserved great rate Hope you have a FABULOUS trip!
I've stayed in every building at the GF and you cannot go wrong.
Have a wonderful time

Don't think you've missed too much since 2003...
The new rooms look very nice but I must admit I miss the character of the old decor. Either way, Housekeeping, Bell Services, Recreation, etc. are still wonderful. Restaurants are better than ever - and you will probably love Basin - that bath products shop.
1900 should be lots of fun with Cinderella and her stepsisters...
Have you considered My Perfectly Princess Tea Party for your DD? She is the perfect age I took my DD when she was 8 (if I remember correctly...) It's a special tea party for little princesses held right there in the Garden View Lounge, Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10:30am-noon

The poolside cabanas at the Waterfall Pool are probably new since your last visit. DISer heatherlyn444 posted some pics of them recently on this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32183582#post32183582

Also, the Photo Sessions at the resorts are something you might consider:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1703832&highlight=photo+session+GF

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[BC1836]

An important room update is the installation of small refrigerators in place of the locked pay bar/snacks cabinet. A definite improvement! Also new flat-screen TVs.

The new floor tile project has yet to be completed, though.

All the best.

 

[carrie6466]

The Resort Monorail stars at 7:00 AM and don't forget when going to the Polynesian there is a walkway, which will be a lot faster then taking the Monorail when going there.

Quick question: how long of a walk is this, timewise? We have an 8 am Ohana reservation, so about what time would we need to leave GF (with a slow-moseying along 6 yo)?


I'm so excited

 

[pezaddict231]

Wow, thank you for a great report. I'm kicking myself for missing it.
One last question, if I may. Would you say Tea is mostly mom & daughter?
Would it be appropriate for me and my DH, or a bit out of place?

XO

DF and I went and while he was one of two guys in there, another was a father with his daughter (which I thought was soo cute!), he still enjoyed it and said he would go back. He was very excited to see that they also served beer there and he had that with his tea. The server laughed and said that is a combination she's never seen before Bud Light and Oolong tea.

But he did say it was something we would only do at Disney, when I suggested a tea room near our house.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Quick question: how long of a walk is this, timewise? We have an 8 am Ohana reservation, so about what time would we need to leave GF (with a slow-moseying along 6 yo)?


I'm so excited

I found the walk takes about 10 minutes and I would say to leave around 7:20 AM.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Wow, thank you for a great report. I'm kicking myself for missing it.
One last question, if I may. Would you say Tea is mostly mom & daughter?
Would it be appropriate for me and my DH, or a bit out of place?

XO
__________________

We saw several couples there enjoying tea.

Now of course its not a place where you see a bunch of guys kickin back some Darjeeling, but your DH should not feel weird about being there.

I added some pics to my review.