The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[johnsonet]

Thanks for the response, we cannot book our flights yes as there is an 11 month window however, we are definitely going to spend the first few nights at the GF.
Thanks for the link and they seem good value for the half day.

You're welcome Have fun planning your trip

If you book a "Theme Park" view, does this GUARANTEE a view of the castle? Unobstructed? I know that in front of Boca Chica there are trees that may block the castle. If I'm booking a theme park room and want an unobstructed view should I request Sago Cay?

Thanks.

I think if an unobstructed view is the most important thing for you, then YES, I would request Sago Cay for your Theme Park View. It definitely looks as though it has the largest number of TPV rooms w/ Castle views that would also be unobstructed.

... We are heading to the GF in a few weeks, and I'll still be packing at the last minute, lol. Have a great trip!

Lucky girl!! I'm so happy for you Can't wait to hear about it! I know the GF is your favorite

 

[praline3001]

praline3001 - I'm with mmmears, it's impressive that you are all packed up and ready to go! We are heading to the GF in a few weeks, and I'll still be packing at the last minute, lol. Have a great trip!

Well I have been doing a little at a time! I bought some adorable custom outfits for my DD for this trip~ I love dressing her up for Disney! We even bought a step sister gown for our 1900 park fare dinner!!!! It is not a cheapy costume but a full ball gown complete with hoop skirt. The workmanship is out of this world!!! I am hoping to take some good photos of her around the GF before our dinner!

That is wonderful that your China is able to stay with grandma.

It is a blessing! She is 11 and was severely abused as a puppy. Her story is just so beyond sad =( I was the first human that she went to (at 4 months old) and she has been by my side ever since. She isn't one of those *in your face* dogs but she is always calmly at my heels. We almost lost her back in Oct due to her having 2 bad spinal disks... that mutt cost us 4 grand yeah I am not ready to say good bye just yet to the most perfect dog ever... not once have I EVER had to fuss at her in 11 years for anything. But due to her being so closely bonded with me ~ she goes on hunger strikes when I leave her. It makes me feel soooooo bad. I did check into the kennels at Disney and I just wasn't comfy enough leaving her there. My mom calls my dogs her *granddogs* and spoils them. Just last night China was sleeping in bed with my parents and their dog (croaker) was on the floor she stole his spot in the bed
My mom will baby her and she does eat for my mom. To be honest it has been SOOO beyond strange in the house today as she has ALWAYS been next to me for 11 years!

98 hours until we leave for RPC!!!!
I have to run to wally world to pick up a few more things ... I know most like the H2O shampoo but to be honest I can't stand it LOL I like all of the other stuff ...and the sea salt shower gel they leave in the room is OUT OF THIS WORLD but the shampoo has a lot to be desired lol
So I need to get a small bottle of shampoo for me and some extra AA batteries. I JUST bought an external flash for my new camera ~ its the 430 EXII and I really love it as I can bounce light soooo much better but it takes 4 AA's and it burns through them quickly!!!! I want to have a few backup chargeables.

I am so excited to be going back to the GF!!!! I really love that place I have been told by the family however this will be our last time staying there. My kids are getting older and want their own room. We have looked into the tree house villas and chances are we will try those next. I guess I will have to wait until we get these turkeys out of the house before I can go back to the GF ~ so I better live it up those 11 days

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am well known on the UK Trip Planning Forum and like I say we have been to Florida 15 times now.
We have been lucky to travel all over the state and have not just stayed in Orlando.
Have been to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Keys, Naples, Sarasota and more.

The majority of our recent holidays have been stays in a private villa, our son is autistic and unable to talk, we like the freedom, extra room and private pool.

Our only on-site stay was at the Boardwalk in 2006, just a few nights with the rest at a villa.

We were due to stay at the Polynesian for part of our April 2009 stay, but the UK exchange rate was very poor and the price was over $600 a night as it Easter, hence we decided to stay the whole 2 weeks in the villa instead.
On leaving Magic Kingdom we had a walk around the Poly and the Grand Floridian, and liked both, but preferred the GF - just looks wonderful.
I don't think we could stay in a hotel for more than 4 nights as it would be a bit restrictive on our son, however next July or August we are definitely staying there for the first few nights.

I took some photos and will post them later this evening (UK time).

We will definitely rent a Cabana, can you also do the same for a microwave oven in the room?

 

[TinkTatoo]

Hi Guys

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, sadly my dad passed away at the end of April I was able to spend every day with him in the 8 weeks before he died and since then we've just been pulling together as a family and starting to get over it.

Anyway - we're off to Florida real soon so I'm just sorting out some packing - not too much as I've lost about 77lbs so plan on buying a load of new stuff when we get there It's a 5 week trip and our GF stay is not until the very end (saving the best until last ) and I'll be sure to post loads of photo's and let you know how we get on.

I just had one question, is there any particular room request to put in for Sugar Loaf in terms of view etc?

Hi,

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am well known on the UK Trip Planning Forum and like I say we have been to Florida 15 times now......

Hi Johnny this is a great thread and you'll get loads of good info here

 

[k&a&c'smom]

TinkTatoo - so very sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.

JohnnySharp2 - I have not done it, but it has been posted that you can request a microwave from housekeeping when you arrive in your room. If they have one available, of course. I don't think there is a rental fee, someone correct me if I'm wrong!

Praline - that dress sounds adorable! And I'm glad you have your mother to help with your beloved dog - I nursed my old Cavalier through mitral valve disease for over a year, and he was very attached to me as well, especially after we lost our other Cavalier. We were not able to take trips all together for the last few years of his life, too traumatic for him, so someone always stayed home with the dog!

 

[praline3001]

Praline - that dress sounds adorable! And I'm glad you have your mother to help with your beloved dog - I nursed my old Cavalier through mitral valve disease for over a year, and he was very attached to me as well, especially after we lost our other Cavalier. We were not able to take trips all together for the last few years of his life, too traumatic for him, so someone always stayed home with the dog!

Those mutts grab out hearts, don't they? We lost our *katrina mutt* in Sept. He had a brain tumor It was so hard for me as we had just lost him and China went down, I thought I was going to lose both in a month's time. I have 2 extremely old cats (15 and 17 we think ...they were rescues) a 13 year old corgi and an 11 year old lab mix.. yeah it looks like a nursing home around here some days
Then we have a 12 month old golden retriever, named Bentley. All of my pets were rescues as I work with a rescue group and am also a dog trainer. Right now, Bentley and I are working on getting certified to be a therapy dog team! We will be going into hospitals and visiting with sick children. He does really well (Goldens are so good for this kind of work) BUT he still has a lot of puppy in him and forgets his manners when he gets excited! I think he will be ready by the time he is 2. Knowing him, he would climb up on the bed with the kid and lay on top of them he weighs 90lbs so he is a BIG goofy golden... I love him to pieces!

I wish the GF allowed pets. I would bring China and Bentley with me in a heartbeat. Pepper (our corgi) would be better boarded due to her age ...she can be a bit snappy with kids.

I understand its those *bad* owners that cause me not to be able to bring my angels. They are AKC certified good citizen awarded plus several other certifications. Bentley is a *dog scout* even! It would be so cool if I could bring them with me!!!!!!

Here is my flckr page for my and my parents' pets.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/praline3001/sets/72157618156765394/

 

[Tam1067]

We're spending Christmas at the Grand!

I booked the 4/3 for August, and we arrive Aug. 8. Then, I found this amazingly good group rate through a travel agent from Dec. 23-28, and DH agreed to go!

Now I just have to find somewhere to stay the first 4 nights of the trip because we arrive Dec. 19, but the group rate with my TA doesn't start until Dec. 23. I'm hoping for a bounceback when we're there in August.

We've never been to WDW in December before, so I'm pretty excited to see all the decorations and holiday activities.

In addition to the gingerbread house, what else can we expect over Christmas? Thanks!

 

[Maxie86]

Hi Guys

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, sadly my dad passed away at the end of April I was able to spend every day with him in the 8 weeks before he died and since then we've just been pulling together as a family and starting to get over it.

Anyway - we're off to Florida real soon so I'm just sorting out some packing - not too much as I've lost about 77lbs so plan on buying a load of new stuff when we get there It's a 5 week trip and our GF stay is not until the very end (saving the best until last ) and I'll be sure to post loads of photo's and let you know how we get on.

I just had one question, is there any particular room request to put in for Sugar Loaf in terms of view etc?



Hi Johnny this is a great thread and you'll get loads of good info here

Sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to spend so much time with him before.
Congrats on the weight loss, that is a great accomplishment.
Sounds like you have a great trip planned. As far as views in SL, they are either of the courtyard pool or marina, so it just is a matter of what you like better. I think they are all good.


JohnnySharp, Yes k&a&c'smom is correct. There is no charge for a microwave, just ask for one.

 

[BCV23]

TinkTatoo, good to see you. I'm so sorry for your loss but what a blessing to be with your father so much.

Have a wonderful trip. As Maxie said, the view is either courtyard or marina. We've only had marina view rooms in SL and loved them. Others love courtyard. There are also lodge tower rooms in SL that can be requested. Those rooms have two queens and a small seating area including a couch. They have courtyard views and one doesn't have a balcony. Have a wonderful, long trip. Can't wait to hear about it. And congrats on your weight loss!

k&a&c'smom and Brook, it is so hard to leave our dogs behind, isn't it? That is the only downside of a WDW trip IMO.

 

[BCV23]

We're spending Christmas at the Grand!

I booked the 4/3 for August, and we arrive Aug. 8. Then, I found this amazingly good group rate through a travel agent from Dec. 23-28, and DH agreed to go!

Now I just have to find somewhere to stay the first 4 nights of the trip because we arrive Dec. 19, but the group rate with my TA doesn't start until Dec. 23. I'm hoping for a bounceback when we're there in August.

We've never been to WDW in December before, so I'm pretty excited to see all the decorations and holiday activities.

In addition to the gingerbread house, what else can we expect over Christmas? Thanks!

Congratulations and good luck with a bounceback. The GF is at its absolute most magical at Christmas, I think. The lobby and all the restaurants have lovely decorations. Roasted chestnuts are available outside the front door. Local choir groups sing in the lobby. It's very special.

 

[Scott MC]

Thanks everyone for your input on room requests. I think I'm going to throw fate to the wind, and only request an upper floor. That should also help me to avoid the dreaded poolhouse view from Pine Key and Boca Chica right?

 

[irisbud]

I have always had great luck with our rooms without making any requests.

The only time I ever made a request was when I asked for a MK view when we stayed RPC. I didn't get it....

....We were upgraded to the Roy Disney Suite instead, LOL!

 

[TinkTatoo]

TinkTatoo - so very sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.

Thanks

Sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to spend so much time with him before....

That was a real bonus and we had plenty of time to say goodbye.

Congrats on the weight loss, that is a great accomplishment. Sounds like you have a great trip planned. As far as views in SL, they are either of the courtyard pool or marina, so it just is a matter of what you like better. I think they are all good.

I think I'll just leave it to chance and be happy with what ever room I get

TinkTatoo, good to see you. I'm so sorry for your loss but what a blessing to be with your father so much.

Have a wonderful trip. As Maxie said, the view is either courtyard or marina. We've only had marina view rooms in SL and loved them. Others love courtyard. There are also lodge tower rooms in SL that can be requested. Those rooms have two queens and a small seating area including a couch. They have courtyard views and one doesn't have a balcony. Have a wonderful, long trip. Can't wait to hear about it. And congrats on your weight loss!...

Thanks

 

[Scott MC]

I have always had great luck with our rooms without making any requests.

The only time I ever made a request was when I asked for a MK view when we stayed RPC. I didn't get it....

....We were upgraded to the Roy Disney Suite instead, LOL!

Wow! Super!
It is imperitive for our group that we not be on the ground floor. I have one person traveling with me who will not get a wink of sleep on the first floor of a hotel, so I do need to have that on there, but after much debate, that's the only request I'm going to make. That still leaves lots of magical rooms to put us in!

 

[Maxie86]

We're spending Christmas at the Grand!

I booked the 4/3 for August, and we arrive Aug. 8. Then, I found this amazingly good group rate through a travel agent from Dec. 23-28, and DH agreed to go!

Now I just have to find somewhere to stay the first 4 nights of the trip because we arrive Dec. 19, but the group rate with my TA doesn't start until Dec. 23. I'm hoping for a bounceback when we're there in August.

We've never been to WDW in December before, so I'm pretty excited to see all the decorations and holiday activities.

In addition to the gingerbread house, what else can we expect over Christmas? Thanks!

Congrats, the Grand is is wonderful all of the time, but especially at Christmas. Hope you get your bounceback. Did you check the Disney website, there are a lot of deals out now.

I have always had great luck with our rooms without making any requests.

The only time I ever made a request was when I asked for a MK view when we stayed RPC. I didn't get it....

....We were upgraded to the Roy Disney Suite instead, LOL!

Wow that is awesome, what a great upgrade. Congrats.

Wow! Super!
It is imperitive for our group that we not be on the ground floor. I have one person traveling with me who will not get a wink of sleep on the first floor of a hotel, so I do need to have that on there, but after much debate, that's the only request I'm going to make. That still leaves lots of magical rooms to put us in!

I think that is a good idea. There are very few not so good views at the Grand and this way you have a better chance of getting your request.

 

[johnsonet]

Hi Guys

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, sadly my dad passed away at the end of April I was able to spend every day with him in the 8 weeks before he died and since then we've just been pulling together as a family and starting to get over it.

Anyway - we're off to Florida real soon so I'm just sorting out some packing - not too much as I've lost about 77lbs so plan on buying a load of new stuff when we get there It's a 5 week trip and our GF stay is not until the very end (saving the best until last ) and I'll be sure to post loads of photo's and let you know how we get on.

I just had one question, is there any particular room request to put in for Sugar Loaf in terms of view etc?



Hi Johnny this is a great thread and you'll get loads of good info here

TinkTatoo So glad to see you back on the GF Thread. I hope you're doing ok. I think you gave your dad a wonderful gift by caring for him yourself Hope you and your family have an awesome vacation. I cannot wait to hear all about it!

We're spending Christmas at the Grand!

I booked the 4/3 for August, and we arrive Aug. 8. Then, I found this amazingly good group rate through a travel agent from Dec. 23-28, and DH agreed to go!

Now I just have to find somewhere to stay the first 4 nights of the trip because we arrive Dec. 19, but the group rate with my TA doesn't start until Dec. 23. I'm hoping for a bounceback when we're there in August.

We've never been to WDW in December before, so I'm pretty excited to see all the decorations and holiday activities.

In addition to the gingerbread house, what else can we expect over Christmas? Thanks!

Very exciting! Have a great time. We've only been once during Christmastime to the GF - it was beautiful - but BUSY. The litle shop in the gingerbread house sells stollen, gingerbread "shingles" like the ones used on the house, chocolates and white chocolate Disney characters like Mickey and Donald. Very cute. You won't believe how beautiful the decorations are!

There are also LOTS of poinsettias around the GF

k&a&c'smom and Brook, it is so hard to leave our dogs behind, isn't it? That is the only downside of a WDW trip IMO.

I totally agree BCV23!!

 

[brunette8706]

Hi All!

We going to the Grand Floridian July 29 for 7 nights. We got the buy 4 nights get 3 FREE deal. I think we paid $1957 for 7 nights plus the 1 day ticket each (2pp) Planet Hollywood $15.00 food voucher, and $15.00 merchandise certificate, plus the miniture golfing and 15 percent off sea ray boats and of course tax. I hope this is a good deal. It is a gardenview room.

With that said can anyone here recommend a really nice garden view? Is the pool or marina considered gardenview? I would apprecate any suggestions. We can't wait to go! We were at the Poly in September which was nice and the Contemporary in January which was okay (a little sterile if you ask me) but the price was right.

Thanks in advance.

Have a magical day!

Brunette

 

[johnsonet]

Hi All!

We going to the Grand Floridian July 29 for 7 nights. We got the buy 4 nights get 3 FREE deal. I think we paid $1957 for 7 nights plus the 1 day ticket each (2pp) Planet Hollywood $15.00 food voucher, and $15.00 merchandise certificate, plus the miniture golfing and 15 percent off sea ray boats and of course tax. I hope this is a good deal. It is a gardenview room.

With that said can anyone here recommend a really nice garden view? Is the pool or marina considered gardenview? I would apprecate any suggestions. We can't wait to go! We were at the Poly in September which was nice and the Contemporary in January which was okay (a little sterile if you ask me) but the price was right.

Thanks in advance.

That sounds like a nice deal, Brunette, as a GF Garden View room at rack rate is $399 plus tax per night during Value Season (when you'll be going) and your package is about $279 per night
Yes, pool and marina views fall under the Garden View category.
If it were me, I'd request Boca Chica or Big Pine Key. I like the location of both and both offer views of the courtyard pool and Main Building, which is so pretty at night all lit up Big Pine Key is a particularly convenient location - very close to both pools, as well as the Main Building. However, you really can't go wrong at the GF

 

[brunette8706]

That sounds like a nice deal, Brunette, as a GF Garden View room at rack rate is $399 plus tax per night during Value Season (when you'll be going) and your package is about $279 per night
Yes, pool and marina views fall under the Garden View category.
If it were me, I'd request Boca Chica or Big Pine Key. I like the location of both and both offer views of the courtyard pool and Main Building, which is so pretty at night all lit up Big Pine Key is a particularly convenient location - very close to both pools, as well as the Main Building. However, you really can't go wrong at the GF

**
Hi Johnsonet!!

Thank you so much for the quick reply! I will certainly keep that in mind. Do you happen to have any photo's of your last vacation at the wonderful GF? It really does sound beautiful.

Take care.
Brunette

 

[Carol'sDisney]

OK, time for another possibly stupid question. What views do the lodge tower rooms have? Do they vary?