The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[praline3001]

Kat~ as of the other day they were removing those screens you have photos of (great descriptive photos by the way!)
they removed them in the evening and put them back up in the morning. I am wondering if too many guest complained between your trip and mine and the management decided to change tatics

I saw those same screens in the same places but they were only up during the day. At the same time I didn't walk over there (usually only saw from a distance when I was looking) so maybe some days they still left them up overnight?

We walked back from the boat dock one afternoon (the monorail was down) and I did see the boat dock side of Conch and it looked like construction on the stairwell or elevator area so the whole updating fire escapes sounds on the money. it looked to me ... and I don't know a lot about construction ... that conch had way more construction going on that SL at the time I was walking by it.

So anyone not staying CL I would FOR sure add to the booking that you wish NOT to be placed in Conch. When it comes to SL you can either
1. upgrade to the main building
2. Downgrade to another outer lodge
3. live with it

I know I would be upset if my trip would have had all of that as my room view after spending the money to be in SL. I agree that they should shut the building down for that kind of construction.

 

[praline3001]

We are going in Sept and decided to add-on nights at the GF because of great AP rates. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us so the pictures and talk of construction have me worried.
I just called the GF directly and asked about construction/refurbs going on and was told that nothing is being worked on now or in the future. I told the CM that I had just seen pictures online of balconies being painted and she said I talked to my supervisor and there is nothing going on. So I asked about tiles being laid in the main building and she said no nothing. I said we are talking about the Grand Floridian right?? and she said yes there is no refurb or construction going on now or in Sept.
I must say I trust my Dissers, but I don't know what to think of that conversation!

you should have asked her about the framed blue print plans they have on the second floor in front of the monorail station EXPLAINING the new flooring int he main building to the guest .... or why the band was moved from one end to the other of the building

Those photos are VERY accurate and VERY recent ...both Kat's and mine. It sounds like that CM needs to take a walk around her own resort

 

[simplymama]

We are going in Sept and decided to add-on nights at the GF because of great AP rates. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us so the pictures and talk of construction have me worried.
I just called the GF directly and asked about construction/refurbs going on and was told that nothing is being worked on now or in the future. I told the CM that I had just seen pictures online of balconies being painted and she said I talked to my supervisor and there is nothing going on. So I asked about tiles being laid in the main building and she said no nothing. I said we are talking about the Grand Floridian right?? and she said yes there is no refurb or construction going on now or in Sept.
I must say I trust my Dissers, but I don't know what to think of that conversation!

Well I would have said, what's your email, I'll send you the photos of the tile and constrction myself...ROTFL

They must have worked fast it they got it all finished since Brook returned, what 2 days ago?

 

[praline3001]

Well I would have said, what's your email, I'll send you the photos of the tile and constrction myself...ROTFL

They must have worked fast it they got it all finished since Brooke returned, what 2 days ago?

Yup and those photos were taken right before I left so they must have gotten the entire main building tiled in 48 hours considering it took them my entire 10 days to finish that one small section they must have hired some major extra help

I guess Kat and I just did a photoshop of all of that construction to scare off everyone

 

[billnang]

Ok, I just called... spoke to someone (not sure if I can put his name) in IPO.. Extremly helpful.
Told me he would suggest a Marina view , but checked with someone about the extent of the construction, said that all that was left was painting and he said he understood my concerns and he would call me back when someone who knew when the construction would be complete. As we were talking and he was noting a Marina view... he got a email, asked if I would hold while he read it... He came back and said It looks like the Sugar loaf building is complete and that you will have no construction on that building while you are here. Asked me if I still wanted to request a Marina side and told me to call back 8 days before my arrival and just review any requests I had again.

I know there is a few Dis members there now thi week, so hopfully they will have another update!!!

Angela

 

[Scott MC]

We are going in Sept and decided to add-on nights at the GF because of great AP rates. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us so the pictures and talk of construction have me worried.
I just called the GF directly and asked about construction/refurbs going on and was told that nothing is being worked on now or in the future. I told the CM that I had just seen pictures online of balconies being painted and she said I talked to my supervisor and there is nothing going on. So I asked about tiles being laid in the main building and she said no nothing. I said we are talking about the Grand Floridian right?? and she said yes there is no refurb or construction going on now or in Sept.
I must say I trust my Dissers, but I don't know what to think of that conversation!

I think that when you call the GF, you're not actually calling the GF. I don't think the person you're speaking to is actually there. Once, when I called, the answer was....
"<click>.............................Good Morning, Carrib--........................Disney's Grand Floridian, may I help you?"


Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure you're not calling the resort directly.

I'll be calling today to change my room requests to the following.
1, Upper Floor
2. Not in Conch (for obvious reasons)
3. Not in Sago (since it's so close to Conch and I'm trying to avoid the monorail side of sago anyways)
4. Preferably Boca Chica (the building I most want, and is furthest from this construction.)

I know that's a heavy request list, but again, for the money I'm spending, I don't want to be inconvenienced.

 

[BCV23]

I just want to make sure that I won't be disappointed. This is my mother's first trip since she had a stroke and then struggled with a very severe illness. I've booked SL - a wheelchair accessible room BUT the one they had available doesn't have a daybed which means it's four adults, one room, two per bed. I also cancelled the DDP (but will pay OOP for meals) because we don't really need tickets (have non expiry left over) so it's kind of a trade off:

I had - Polynesian, garden view, 2 queen beds and a day bed, 1 day tix and DDP for 6 nights.

I now have - Grand Floridian, Sugar Loaf (outer lodge), 2 queen beds (no day bed) and about $675 food budget for the 6 nights.

I guess I'm just having second thoughts - though I was super excited when I booked it.

We've had accessible rooms at both the GF and Polynesian quite a few times (actually many times at the Polynesian). The room we've had in Sl wasn't on the first floor but it had a roll in shower. Perhaps the room BlueSkies referred to is accessible but has a tub with grab bars.

Anyway, I think you have two great choices. The room in SL is as big as other GF rooms but I think the bathroom takes up a bit more of the space hence the loveseat rather than a daybed. Most of the accessible rooms at the Polynesian are in Rapa Nui and those rooms are quite a bit bigger than the GF rooms. However, my daughter prefers the accessible bathrooms at the GF to those in Rapa Nui. (The bathroom in the accessible bathroom in Hawaii is different and nicer we think).

Your mother might enjoy relaxing in the lounge in Sugar Loaf especially if she won't be going to the parks all day long.

Praline, I'm really enjoying your photos. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Scott MC]

Ok, I just called... spoke to someone (not sure if I can put his name) in IPO..

What's IPO? Could you pvt msg me with the number you called? I'd like to call and check on the rest of the resort for us pleebs who aren't staying in consierge.

 

[haleofafamily]

I think that when you call the GF, you're not actually calling the GF. I don't think the person you're speaking to is actually there. Once, when I called, the answer was....
"<click>.............................Good Morning, Carrib--........................Disney's Grand Floridian, may I help you?"


Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure you're not calling the resort directly.

I thought the same thing - that I couldn't call the GF directly, but when she answered 'Good Morning...GF...' then when I asked if she was at the GF and she said yes that I had really gotten thru to the GF. Sooo frustrating!

 

[billnang]

I got this number from the first page of this thread so I assume i is ok to post it...407-824-3000 The Grand Floridian

I expressed concern about the construction in SL and she put me through to the IPO which is the planners I assume for club level...

I think our best answers will be next week to see how those there this week see the construction... I assume they work fast to try to get it done and day to day pictures of construction will change...

I hope his number leads to some answers too.
Angela

 

[billnang]

because I am still questioning location.. I called and I can move to the Main building with the code I have for 800.00 more....
Is the views tha much beter..
WWYD..thoughts? Anyone have pictures?
Angela

 

[praline3001]

because I am still questioning location.. I called and I can move to the Main building with the code I have for 800.00 more....
Is the views tha much beter..
WWYD..thoughts? Anyone have pictures?
Angela

I just got back from the main building. If you request a castle view they will try and set you up with one. I liked watching wishes from our room every night... but that's just me ~
I will have a TON of photos of the rooms and the floors and lounges of the main building SOON. I have 10,000 photos I took this trip I am slowly going through them and sorting them out. I am doing a trip report but when I come to a photo of the GF or RPC I will post it here as I go. If anyone here is following my TR.... we haven't even gotten our room yet

 

[praline3001]

What's IPO? Could you pvt msg me with the number you called? I'd like to call and check on the rest of the resort for us pleebs who aren't staying in concierge.

IPO is for club level guest only. Basically its the concierge office for guest arriving and staying RPC or SL.
Its part of the club level package. They also make our ADR's and booking any events we would like to do or see. IPO= itinerary planning office

 

[toodycat]

Simplymama and Brook---Thanks for the construction pics. I think I would find that situation invasive! My DH really wants to stay at the GF. His take on the situation is that if they are painting Sugarloaf now, they will be done by August 26. Do you think that is an accurate estimate? (The garden thing wouldn't bother me that much.)Thanks.

 

[praline3001]

Simplymama and Brook---Thanks for the construction pics. I think I would find that situation invasive! My DH really wants to stay at the GF. His take on the situation is that if they are painting Sugarloaf now, they will be done by August 26. Do you think that is an accurate estimate? (The garden thing wouldn't bother me that much.)Thanks.

As I didn't sit down and have a conversation about the construction in the other lodges ... I would really hate to answer that ~ I am a doofus when it comes to time estimates for projects all I can report ...without any rumor or guesswork is what I saw and took photos of.

 

[Figment1990]

Has anyone who talked to a CM found out if they are planning on doing any of this exterior refurb/construction to any of the other outer lodges??? We all may be relieved that SL will be done soon, but what if they then start on others! Maybe I should just upgrade to RPC now to avoid the uncertainty. I REALLY don't want workers outside my window and we plan to be at the resort a lot on this trip.

Also, has anyone ever changed their room type at check in because they did not like the view or building? Is it possible to do that? Say we get there and we are put in a Conch courtyard view (or construction view, as it currently is) and the only other availability is in one of the other buildings for a lagoon view or something else. Can I change my ressie at that time and just pay the difference? I would even be willing to upgrade to a concierge level to avoid construction!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

We've had accessible rooms at both the GF and Polynesian quite a few times (actually many times at the Polynesian). The room we've had in Sl wasn't on the first floor but it had a roll in shower. Perhaps the room BlueSkies referred to is accessible but has a tub with grab bars.

Anyway, I think you have two great choices. The room in SL is as big as other GF rooms but I think the bathroom takes up a bit more of the space hence the loveseat rather than a daybed. Most of the accessible rooms at the Polynesian are in Rapa Nui and those rooms are quite a bit bigger than the GF rooms. However, my daughter prefers the accessible bathrooms at the GF to those in Rapa Nui. (The bathroom in the accessible bathroom in Hawaii is different and nicer we think).

Your mother might enjoy relaxing in the lounge in Sugar Loaf especially if she won't be going to the parks all day long.

Thanks. I guess I was concerned about the size of the room because of the "no daybed". I returned earlier in the month from the BC (not an accessible room) and the first room I was assigned had no daybed and it was tiny (the size of a room at a moderate) and it contained two double beds instead of two queens. I was a litte concerned that it would be a smaller sized room.

My mom has just learned to walk again but still spends much of her time in her wheelchair. When she gets tired, it is very difficult for her to stand and impossible for her to walk. There is still 3 months until the trip and I expect she'll make more progress but I want to be ready for the "worst case scenario" (her spending 95% of the time in the wheelchair). I also expect that WDW will be overwhelming for her and I have to admit I thought the lounge at SL would be nice for her to use to get away from the hussle and bussle.

You've made me feel much more secure in my choice. Thank you.

On another note - I've seen that some of the Club level lounges have an espresso machine - does SL? Or do they just serve Nescafe?

 

[simplymama]

Simplymama and Brook---Thanks for the construction pics. I think I would find that situation invasive! My DH really wants to stay at the GF. His take on the situation is that if they are painting Sugarloaf now, they will be done by August 26. Do you think that is an accurate estimate? (The garden thing wouldn't bother me that much.)Thanks.

Well we were there the week of June 27th through July 4th so it's been going on for a while already. I would hope they'd have it done by then, and I think somebody a few posts back said they called and it was done or close to it. I'd contact the IPO and get the facts for myself if I was you.

We are heading back in 12 days, for another 6 nights. We'll be in the main building, but I'd certainly be happy to let you know what I see happening around SL when I return.

 

[Figment1990]

KILLER pics, Praline3001 How awesome that you're able to share those blueprints here on the DIS

What's the deal with Sugar Loaf?? Are they just doing exterior work? I feel for those checking in soon - I'd be SO disappointed if I were led out to THAT (*eta, toodycat's post just answered that for me!)

Work has been going on at the GF forever, it seems. When DD and I were there last August, there was activity like that over at Big Pine Key. When we were staying at the Poly this March, and passed by the GF in the boat from MK, there were lifts and things outside of Boca Chica.

Did the resort seem as busy as usual?

Whoops. Looks like my question about the other lodges may have been answered already if the work that Johnsonet saw was the same that is going on now.

 

[simplymama]

because I am still questioning location.. I called and I can move to the Main building with the code I have for 800.00 more....
Is the views tha much beter..
WWYD..thoughts? Anyone have pictures?
Angela

Views vary in the main building and you can make a request, but sadly there are no guarantees. We had great lagoon views this past time. Loved our rooms, and requested them for this next stay. Fingers and toes crossed...lol