The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[brunette8706]

Hi MsStinkerBelle!! I wanted to thank you for the recommendation for the pool view at the Polynesian last year. We were there last September and stayed in your suggested room. It was beautiful especially the lush landscaping and of course the pool area.

Yeah, we're giving the GF a try in a few days. All the pictures look so beautiful! Nice to see you on this thread.

Has anyone here been the Mizner's lounge? I heard that they serve appetizers from Citrocos (sp) but I'm not sure. What has your experience been like?

Thanks all!

Brunette

 

[johnsonet]

...I'll also admit it was the 'fresh flowers' and seeing a rhinestoned baseball cap in Summer Lace that said 'High Maintenance' that pushed me over the edge to stay at the GF.

She didn't find the doll (they don't stock the straight-haired African-American one) but she did find the Ariel outfit she wanted. DD just brought her curly-haired AA My Disney Girl doll I got her 2 years ago and dressed her up in the Ariel outfit. People kept commenting how pretty her doll looked.

Glad she found the Ariel outfit. I'm sure she loved getting all those compliments on her pretty doll Very sweet...

 

[mmmears]

Thanks! I have to admit I'm quite excited. I was pretty reluctant to leave the Poly but after strolling the grounds and having a few meals at Gasparilla's (love that 'castle' view), and DD kept going on about the gingerbread house at the GF for Christmas, I decided to make the plunge. I'll also admit it was the 'fresh flowers' and seeing a rhinestoned baseball cap in Summer Lace that said 'High Maintenance' that pushed me over the edge to stay at the GF. I'm chomping at the bit for my TA to book our package.

Congrats on getting to try a new resort! It took us years to try a new one, and we loved it (both AKL and Poly were new to us). And the GF is SO pretty at xmas-time! We were originally going then, so I booked the GF and just kept it that way even though we'll be there next week instead. But that time at the GF is really something special. I know you and your DD will LOVE it there!

Plus, the Poly will always be there next time if you find that you miss it there!

 

[BCV23]

Hi johnsonet! I hope you do try V&A some trip soon. I think you'll love it.

MsStinkerBelle, how exciting. We love both resorts so much. And it is so easy to go between the two for shopping and restaurants that it almost feels as if we're enjoying both resorts at the same time. Can't wait to see your pictures.

jkstewart1800 good luck unpacking. I agree that I'd rather have it done before vacation though.

BlueSkies, I love October at WDW, too.

sabremc, glad you're joining the discussion. Happy planning for the GF.

 

[johnsonet]

We recently returned from a stay at Disney and I booked a bounceback for the GF Dec. 18-21. We've never stayed there, but since it is such a short trip down there, I wanted a monorail hotel. It has been ages since we stayed at the Contemporary (I don't think GF even existed then, lol). We spent a bit of time at the GF on our recent trip...we did the 1900 Park Fare dinner and breakfast, my daughter did the tea with Aurora and my brother and I did the spa. It was a lovely hotel. I think my daughter is going to like the giant gingerbread house at Christmas.

Can anyone tell me if there are any hidden must-dos for a 3 year old girl? I noticed the portrait artist in the lobby. That might be nice. Anything else? She isn't old enough for the Wonderland tea party or pirate cruise just yet. She'll be 4 in mid-January...wonder if they'd let her go since she's within a month of her 4th birthday? We'll probably be too busy for it anyway, but it sounds like such fun!

Sounds like you got a great taste of the GF on your last trip Wasn't the My Perfectly Princess Tea fun??
We took our DD to the GF (first Disney trip) at age 2.5. Her FAVORITE things were the MK evening parade and dinner with Snow White and other characters at 1900 PF. It's changed a bit since then (now it's Cinderella, the prince and the stepmother and stepsisters) but I think a little one would still love it Have fun!

I had mentioned to Brunette8706 that we arrive at the airport at 7pm and are then taking ME to GF. We hope to stop at the Club for some snacks since we won't be eating on the plane and then we plan to watch Wishes from the resort (need to ask for best viewing spot!). So, if anyone wants to try to meet up around there, that would be awesome!

Have a great time. Just wanted to warn you that the evening appetizers ("Twilight Refreshers") are served from 5-7pm. Cordials and desserts from 8-10pm. Based on your flight arrival time, you will only make it to the GF in time for the dessert offerings, so you might need to grab something at Gasparilla Grill, which is open 27/7. Have a wonderful time and I hope you get to meet up with some other DISers

Does anyone have any other Grand Floridian photo's they want to share? I will certainly post some when we get back.

Here are a few...

View of the Main Bldg. from the waterfall Pool

View from the RPC Lounge

View of the Waterfall pool from our balcony in Big Pine Key

Garden View Lounge

View of the GF from the Polynesian

Desk in the rooms

Toiletries in RPC

Orchestra in the Main Bldg. every evening (you can see the Garden View Lounge below.)

Hi MsStinkerBelle!! I wanted to thank you for the recommendation for the pool view at the Polynesian last year. We were there last September and stayed in your suggested room. It was beautiful especially the lush landscaping and of course the pool area.

Yeah, we're giving the GF a try in a few days. All the pictures look so beautiful! Nice to see you on this thread.

Has anyone here been the Mizner's lounge? I heard that they serve appetizers from Citrocos (sp) but I'm not sure. What has your experience been like?

Thanks all!

Brunette

You stumped me with that one! I've only been in Mizner's a couple of times - and only for drinks. But I did a search on the Dis and I read about the yummy food available. Will you please let us know if you go for appetizers? I'd love to know some details.

Hi johnsonet! I hope you do try V&A some trip soon. I think you'll love it.

MsStinkerBelle, how exciting. We love both resorts so much. And it is so easy to go between the two for shopping and restaurants that it almost feels as if we're enjoying both resorts at the same time. Can't wait to see your pictures.

...

Hey BCV23 I can't wait to go - maybe for my next birthday?? How many times have you been to V&A??

BTW, I totally agree about the GF and Polynesian

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Johnsonet!

Thank you so much for the gorgeous photos of the Grand Floridian!

I will certainly let you know how Mizner's is! I can't wait to go!! LOL!

Brunette

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/archives/4019
After a long delay, the floor in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will finally be replaced with the new marble flooring we have been anxiously awaiting. Directly from the Disney Parks Twitter:

Amazing Italian marble is being installed in the Grand Floridian lobby. Work begins this week. Disney characters will be incorporated into the new marble floor. Characters will include Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Cinderella and more.

Those who have been following WDW News Today for a while will recall that our first report on the marble floor being installed goes back to May 2008. Temporary carpet has now been in place for the last 14 months.

 

[OrlandoMike]

The first phase started today on the marble installation. The band has been moved to the monorail station platform side, and that section (where the band usually is) is under rehab. Mizners is still open for business, although you do have to pass some construction walls to get into the lounge.

 

[BigOnDis]

Whhhoooooo Hoooooo!

So we have the following people staying at the Grand Floridian between July 30 and August 8th:

DBaker375
jkstewart1800
mmmears
debbiemomto4
Brooke

Anyone else going to be there that time? Will anyone wear a DIS Shirt, or anything recognizable ? I would love to meet people from the DIS forum!

Thanks everyone!

Brunette

We will be there from 7/26 - 8/2, staying RPC as well. Look for the Big guy with the wife that is too good for him, and the teenagers (DD17 and DS13) and that will be me.

 

[johnsonet]

Hi Johnsonet!

Thank you so much for the gorgeous photos of the Grand Floridian!

I will certainly let you know how Mizner's is! I can't wait to go!! LOL!

Brunette

You're welcome Looking forward to hearing about your trip.

Thanks CR Resort Fan 4 Life and OrlandoMike for the info

BigOnDis - have a wonderful trip to the Grand with your family

 

[brunette8706]

We will be there from 7/26 - 8/2, staying RPC as well. Look for the Big guy with the wife that is too good for him, and the teenagers (DD17 and DS13) and that will be me.

*******

Hi! I've PM'd you. Let me know what you think.

Talk soon.

Have a Magical Day!

Brunette

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

More GF photos from my iPhone from our June 'visit'.

Approaching the GF on the boat launch from the Magic Kingdom

The breathtaking lobby

Those always 'fresh' flowers!

The view of the MK from Gasparillas--*yes* you can see the castle!

Gift shop in Summer Lace with perfume and that 'High Maintenance' cap in the upper right. ;-)

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Hi MsStinkerBelle!! I wanted to thank you for the recommendation for the pool view at the Polynesian last year. We were there last September and stayed in your suggested room. It was beautiful especially the lush landscaping and of course the pool area.

You're very welcome! So glad that you enjoyed it. The landscaping truly makes you feel like you're 'somewhere else' and you don't have to 'hike' to get to the pool.

Glad she found the Ariel outfit. I'm sure she loved getting all those compliments on her pretty doll Very sweet...

She absolutely adored it. Funny thing is, people kept asking her the 'name' of her doll because they thought it was an American Girl one.

Congrats on getting to try a new resort! It took us years to try a new one, and we loved it (both AKL and Poly were new to us). And the GF is SO pretty at xmas-time! We were originally going then, so I booked the GF and just kept it that way even though we'll be there next week instead. But that time at the GF is really something special. I know you and your DD will LOVE it there!

Okay, now I don't feel so bad for taking almost 3 years to try a different resort. Well, I take that back--we tried the AKL and loved it for Christmas, but the GF had something really special to it. It is drop-dead gorgeous then! After dropping in there on Christmas Day for the past 3 years, I figured why not just stay there?

Plus, the Poly will always be there next time if you find that you miss it there!

That's very true! We'll see what happens.

MsStinkerBelle, how exciting. We love both resorts so much. And it is so easy to go between the two for shopping and restaurants that it almost feels as if we're enjoying both resorts at the same time. Can't wait to see your pictures.

It sure is, isn't it? We did so much going between the Poly and GF last Christmas we got the same feeling you did. I like the laid-back cultural Christmas atmosphere of the Poly but also enjoyed the Victorian Christmas theme at the GF. DD really just wants to be able to walk to the GF lobby to get peppermint bark from the gingerbread house when the mood strikes her.

I just posted some photos--hope you like!

 

[brunette8706]

You're welcome Looking forward to hearing about your trip.
Thanks CR Resort Fan 4 Life and OrlandoMike for the info

BigOnDis - have a wonderful trip to the Grand with your family

*********

Hi Johnsonet!

I will certainly be sure to tell you all about it. We can't wait to go! Thanks for all your tips.

Brunette

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks CR Resort Fan 4 Life and OrlandoMike for the info

You're welcome.

 

[brunette8706]

Has anyone here stayed at the Grand Floridian Concierge level? If so, is it worth the extra money. If we stay there it would cost us an additional $512.00 for 7nights, 2 Adults. Is it worth it? Will it replace some of the breakfasts, lunches and dinners?

Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

 

[BlueSkies]

Brunette We have stayed CL many times but more for the level of service provided than the food...while it is very convenient to have beverages and snacks available most of the time I think that the only meal that you would be able to really replace would be breakfast...there are assorted breads, bagels, a toasting station, butter, cream cheese, cereals, fruit and breafast pastries like cinamon buns..

But during the day there is mainly snack foods crackers, cheeses, dips... a variety of cookies ( that are soo good!)..oh and in the late afternoon scones too...evening offerings are more appetizer foods...they vary each night..I guess you could make a meal out of them...and then later in the evening cordials, desserts...

That is a tough decision though...the GF is just so nice Im sure you will have a good trip no matter what you choose!

 

[mmmears]

Has anyone here stayed at the Grand Floridian Concierge level? If so, is it worth the extra money. If we stay there it would cost us an additional $512.00 for 7nights, 2 Adults. Is it worth it? Will it replace some of the breakfasts, lunches and dinners?

Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Like BlueSkies, we can make a meal out of the breakfast offerings, but you can only do that if you don't want eggs, potatoes, and meats at breakfast. They have cereals, yogurt, fruit that we enjoy.

We're usually really hungry at lunch time and tend to have a big sit down meal around then. As for dinners, at every CL we've stayed at it's been really hit or miss, just depending on the day. A few nights at the Poly they had great appetizers and we ended up stuffed and cancelled our dinner reservations.

So it's hard to say if it's "worth it". For me, CL is worth it for the pre-planning IPO help with ADRs and for the snacks in the lounge. Since it's too late for you to use the IPO services, it may just come down to the food & drinks and having the convenience of the lounge.

The more time you spend at the resort (as opposed to being in the parks), the more you can take advantage of the lounge. We've done both and had great trips no matter whether we stayed CL or not.

 

[gonzo76]

Thanks for the quick replies and recommendations everyone, it really is appreciated!

Whhhoooooo Hoooooo!

So we have the following people staying at the Grand Floridian between July 30 and August 8th:

DBaker375
jkstewart1800
mmmears
debbiemomto4
Brooke

Anyone else going to be there that time? Will anyone wear a DIS Shirt, or anything recognizable ? I would love to meet people from the DIS forum!

Thanks everyone!

Brunette


******

If any of you are interested in meeting for a drink/eats whatever at Disney please PM me. I have already talked to DBaker375 and jkstewart1800. Maybe we can all exchange emails if interested. Anyway feel free to PM if this is something you would like to do. I have met Merriweather from DIS at EPCOT. The only reason I knew it was her, is because she was wearing a green DIS shirt. We had a friendly 10 minute conversation.

We will be there July 28 - Aug 6.

 

[johnsonet]

Has anyone here stayed at the Grand Floridian Concierge level? If so, is it worth the extra money. If we stay there it would cost us an additional $512.00 for 7nights, 2 Adults. Is it worth it? Will it replace some of the breakfasts, lunches and dinners?

Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

brunette8706 - $500 for 7 nights sounds worth it to me Staying club level will give you more room (b/c you can relax in the lounge), and in this fairly relaxed setting, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, continental breakfast if you want it, snacks in the afternoon, appetizers in the evening and a glass of wine or a bottle of beer... plus CMs who can help with dining reservations, booking a cabana by the pool, boat rental, etc. I think you'd enjoy it

... As for dinners, at every CL we've stayed at it's been really hit or miss, just depending on the day. A few nights at the Poly they had great appetizers and we ended up stuffed and cancelled our dinner reservations.

Same here. I've made a light supper of the evening offerings before at AKL, Poly, BWI and GF.

...The more time you spend at the resort (as opposed to being in the parks), the more you can take advantage of the lounge. We've done both and had great trips no matter whether we stayed CL or not.

I totally agree