The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[Scott MC]

Yes, there is a poolhouse at the courtyard pool. It's in front of Boca Chica to the side of Big Pine Key. Are they doing work on it? It's also a pool bar. I can't imagine they'd close a pool bar in the summer.

Haha, I know the poolhouse/bar isn't closed. It seems to be the only thing they're NOT working on this summer, my question had to do with it blocking views. The Unofficial Guide (which is usually right in my experience) said that the only GV rooms to avoid at the GF are the ones in Boca Chica and Big Pine Key that are behind the poolhouse. Since I requested an upper floor room in one of those buildings (and yes, I know it's only a request), I'm thinking that anything above the first floor should be higher up than the poolhouse...correct?

 

[minniesota]

After careful consideration, we decided to bite the bullet, so to speak , and upgrade to RPC in December!!!!

Since all of our previous GF stays have been in the outer lodges, we are REALLY looking forward to it!

Any tips for me???

Cinderumbrella - Wow, how exciting for you! You will love it. You've received lots of great info and advice so far. I just wanted to add that I am also an ADR control freak but I've turned it all over to IPO the last couple of times and they have come through with flying colors. I think it helps to develop a connection with one planner. I've felt like they go the extra mile if they "know" you.

So excited for you!!!

 

[minniesota]

Haha, I know the poolhouse/bar isn't closed. It seems to be the only thing they're NOT working on this summer, my question had to do with it blocking views. The Unofficial Guide (which is usually right in my experience) said that the only GV rooms to avoid at the GF are the ones in Boca Chica and Big Pine Key that are behind the poolhouse. Since I requested an upper floor room in one of those buildings (and yes, I know it's only a request), I'm thinking that anything above the first floor should be higher up than the poolhouse...correct?

I think you'll be fine with the upper floor request. There are some rooms on the ground floor that look directly at the back side of the pool house and I think the second floor might get to a view of the poolhouse roof from some rooms. I would just make sure to ask at check-in you if your requests have been met. And certainly don't be shy about asking for another room if you are unhappy with what you get.

Good luck! I know this has been kind of upsetting for you.

 

[cosmicrays]

Cinderumbrella - Wow, how exciting for you! You will love it. You've received lots of great info and advice so far. I just wanted to add that I am also an ADR control freak but I've turned it all over to IPO the last couple of times and they have come through with flying colors. I think it helps to develop a connection with one planner. I've felt like they go the extra mile if they "know" you.

So excited for you!!!

Yeah but no one signs the emails from the IPO I get. I would think to do that you would need to call first and speak with someone and then send the email to the IPO but put there name on it.

 

[minniesota]

Yeah but no one signs the emails from the IPO I get. I would think to do that you would need to call first and speak with someone and then send the email to the IPO but put there name on it.

Ah, true. Several years ago, the planners did sign their names and that's when I got to know the CM I usually deal with. Now with the new system, emails are sent from "the team." So you would have to call and establish contact via the phone. Once you've made a connection, you can address your emails to that CM.

I'm sure the "team approach" works well. Because I had always controlled every aspect of pervious trips, I wanted a one-on-one relationship. It allowed me to let go of the planning once I had trust in my planner!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I think my TA is more frustrated than I am! LOL!

Looks like the package dates on the tail end of 2010 aren't available yet so my TA can't book my December 2010 GF trip just yet.

It's probaby been asked but which buildings have the better 'garden' views?

 

[BCV23]

I think my TA is more frustrated than I am! LOL!

Looks like the package dates on the tail end of 2010 aren't available yet so my TA can't book my December 2010 GF trip just yet.

It's probaby been asked but which buildings have the better 'garden' views?

Hi MsStinkerbelle. I think all of the lodges have nice gardenview rooms. The only ones I would avoid is the "backside" of Sago Cay as some rooms there face the back parking lot of the Convention Center.

Gardenview rooms in Boca Chica and Big Pine Key face the courtyard and that pool. Conch Key has rooms that have that view as well as some that face the marina. Sago Cay has rooms facing the marina or those on the backside I'd personally avoid. Some families like that side as it faces the monorail. Happy planning!

I love marina view so I request that.

Hi, minniesota. Nice to see you back on the FAQ as well as others that have been MIA.....you must have a trip coming up.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks Minniesota and Cosmic Rays!! I will send IPO and email next week introducing ourselves and take it from there! I still can't believe this is happening...it really is a dream come true!

MsStinkerBelle- we like the marina views in Conch Key the best. It is close to the boat dock, near Gasparillas and a short walk to the bus stop. It is a walk to the beach pool, but a lovely one... courtyard pool/hot tub are steps away, however...Enjoy your December stay! This will be our second year in a row staying at the GF in December, and it is divine!

ScottMC- I realize I haven't posted on this thread in awhile, but you have to realize that the GF tends to be top notch in their service of their guests. If the CM's on the phone are trying to pacify you about the construction, then LET THEM!!! I realize that the pictures posted earlier make it seem like the entire resort is torn up, but that is rarely the case at any WDW resort during a rehab. Plus, there have been others who have posted that they are there right now and really isn't as bad as the pictures would make it seem. I would hate for you to make yourself sick over this when you haven't seen it in person. I think making a request to be away from the construction should be your only priority at this point, since that seems to be what is bothering you the most. If you arrive in your assigned room and do not care for it, then feel free to ask to be moved to another room (or resort, if one can accomodate you). But in the meantime, try not to worry about it...

 

[minniesota]

:
Hi, minniesota. Nice to see you back on the FAQ as well as others that have been MIA.....you must have a trip coming up.

I think I might! DH has a conference in Orlando in January and he mentioned in passing last weekend that an RPC stay would sure be nice. Normally I don't do conferences with him but he thinks I might come if we can stay at the GF.

He's one good man! I'll keep you posted.

Anyone been in January???

 

[goofygal531]

ScottMC- I realize I haven't posted on this thread in awhile, but you have to realize that the GF tends to be top notch in their service of their guests. If the CM's on the phone are trying to pacify you about the construction, then LET THEM!!! I realize that the pictures posted earlier make it seem like the entire resort is torn up, but that is rarely the case at any WDW resort during a rehab. Plus, there have been others who have posted that they are there right now and really isn't as bad as the pictures would make it seem. I would hate for you to make yourself sick over this when you haven't seen it in person. I think making a request to be away from the construction should be your only priority at this point, since that seems to be what is bothering you the most. If you arrive in your assigned room and do not care for it, then feel free to ask to be moved to another room (or resort, if one can accomodate you). But in the meantime, try not to worry about it...

Well said! Their staff is the main reason why we stay there! I must share a little story from last June on our first trip to the Grand.

We arrived via DME around 11am. We checked in and were told our room was not ready yet. They informed us we were upgraded from GV to lagoon view. We went to explore the resort and grab some lunch. Well my then 4 year old runs thru the kiddie sprinkler and soaks himself! It was about 2:30 pm and we were sitting in the kidde lobby area watching cartoons. A gentleman in a suit with a headset came over to us and asked if he could be of some assistance. We informed he we were waiting for our room to be ready. He said he could help with that. Before we knew it, he had three staff members from the front desk searching for a room for us. He was concerned that my son was wet and cold from the a/c in the lobby. I thought that was so kind of him to notice us among the huge lobby. He got us a room in Big Pine Key, top floor lagoon view. He said if we didn't like it to call the front desk back. We were hesitant if we liked the dormer room, being smaller than the typical guest room. By the time we had a chance to discuss if we should switch rooms or not, my then 4 year old was naked under the bedcovers We decided to stay. Moments later we received a call from the front desk asking us about the room. We said we liked it. They said to call them in the morning if we didn't like it and they'll change us then, no problem. Moments later without calling, our luggage arrived. I cannot stress to you how wonderful every member of the staff was to us. This experience sold my DH on the GF! That evening, we discovered the view was worth the smaller room size. We had a wonderful view of the water parade and Epcot fireworks.

Should you not be happy with your room location, just tell them.

 

[BCV23]

I think I might! DH has a conference in Orlando in January and he mentioned in passing last weekend that an RPC stay would sure be nice. Normally I don't do conferences with him but he thinks I might come if we can stay at the GF.

He's one good man! I'll keep you posted.

Anyone been in January???

I'd go along to a conference if it meant staying at the GF, too....RPC no less.

I must share a little story from last June on our first trip to the Grand.

We arrived via DME around 11am. We checked in and were told our room was not ready yet. They informed us we were upgraded from GV to lagoon view. We went to explore the resort and grab some lunch. Well my then 4 year old runs thru the kiddie sprinkler and soaks himself! It was about 2:30 pm and we were sitting in the kidde lobby area watching cartoons. A gentleman in a suit with a headset came over to us and asked if he could be of some assistance. We informed he we were waiting for our room to be ready. He said he could help with that. Before we knew it, he had three staff members from the front desk searching for a room for us. He was concerned that my son was wet and cold from the a/c in the lobby. I thought that was so kind of him to notice us among the huge lobby. He got us a room in Big Pine Key, top floor lagoon view. He said if we didn't like it to call the front desk back. We were hesitant if we liked the dormer room, being smaller than the typical guest room. By the time we had a chance to discuss if we should switch rooms or not, my then 4 year old was naked under the bedcovers We decided to stay. Moments later we received a call from the front desk asking us about the room. We said we liked it. They said to call them in the morning if we didn't like it and they'll change us then, no problem. Moments later without calling, our luggage arrived. I cannot stress to you how wonderful every member of the staff was to us. This experience sold my DH on the GF! That evening, we discovered the view was worth the smaller room size. We had a wonderful view of the water parade and Epcot fireworks.

That's a great story, goofygal531. Don't you love WDW hospitality?

Cinderumbrella, how's your planning coming? I'm excited for you.

Aren't a bunch of people there right now? I hope we get some fresh reports soon.

 

[LJD2143]

... but I am the anal type who gets up on the 90th day at 6am (my time) to make the ADR call... I really want Narcoosee's for my bday dinner, but I am worried that with the + 10 rule, that the Tgiving peeps will beat me to it... do you think IPO would have an edge that us regular folks don't have??

Too funny - you sound just like me!!
I am really, really, really the anal-type who wants ALL the control!
And I really, really, really wanted Narcoossees for my 40th Birthday Dinner this September.
It took all my courage to hand it all over to IPO, but I did it! They came through with flying colors! My birthday dinner is within 15 minutes of what I had requested.

 

[billnang]

I emailed IPO last night to let them know of changes I made to the dining they had set for me...I also added that we were going from SL to RPC that we upgraded last week due to the construction going on.. and how this was a surprise for my children...

This AM, I got an email from them with all the updates made and a note at the bottom, that really just made my day...
It was simple, but made me smile!!!

"We look forward to your visit and will do whatever we can to make your
stay MAGICAL in every way"

I can't wait!!!

Angela

 

[BCV23]

I emailed IPO last night to let them know of changes I made to the dining they had set for me...I also added that we were going from SL to RPC that we upgraded last week due to the construction going on.. and how this was a surprise for my children...

This AM, I got an email from them with all the updates made and a note at the bottom, that really just made my day...
It was simple, but made me smile!!!

"We look forward to your visit and will do whatever we can to make your
stay MAGICAL in every way"

I can't wait!!!

Angela

How sweet.

minniesota, I forgot to answer your question about January. We've been quite often within the first two weeks of January in the last ten years. Once the holiday crowds leave, the parks are wonderfully uncrowded.

Marathon weekend really affects the roads in the mornings but not so much the parks.

We haven't been over MLK weekend since the 90s I think. Way back then, the parks were rather busy.

The weather is all over the place. We bring a mixture of clothes and plan on layers. Hats and gloves are a good thing to pack. It can be 40 in the am and warm up to 70 by lunch. Just really varies.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

minniesota - We went in early January for the first time this year, and it was very nice. The crowds were low, and we were lucky - the weather was beautiful and we didn't need hats, gloves or even jackets! But we have been in December where the temps dipped down and gloves and hats were necessary, so I would agree with BCV23, pack for all situations.

 

[billnang]

Does anyone know what happend to praline3001 and her TR... It was awesome reading about her fun, and now it is gone???

Angela

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Cinderumbrella, how's your planning coming? I'm excited for you.

Slow and steady... that surprise trip in June really sucked a lot out of me!

But now that November park hours are out I am getting back into it... and then of course there is the new RPC development I just had my TA add on an extra night since the Sunday airfare was so horrible and Monday's was much better... after 10 nights in RPC I may never want to come home!!

Oh, and I forgot, since I am all about surprises I haven't told DH or DS about the upgrade... I will let them be surprised when we get off the DME bus and someone greets us at the curb

Too funny - you sound just like me!!
I am really, really, really the anal-type who wants ALL the control!
And I really, really, really wanted Narcoossees for my 40th Birthday Dinner this September.
It took all my courage to hand it all over to IPO, but I did it! They came through with flying colors! My birthday dinner is within 15 minutes of what I had requested.

Thanks for that!! My 35th bday is our 2nd night there and I really want Narcoosee's... I might get up at 5am to do my "urgent ones" on line and leave the rest to them (my control freak compromise, if you will!)

I emailed IPO last night to let them know of changes I made to the dining they had set for me...I also added that we were going from SL to RPC that we upgraded last week due to the construction going on.. and how this was a surprise for my children...

This AM, I got an email from them with all the updates made and a note at the bottom, that really just made my day...
It was simple, but made me smile!!!

"We look forward to your visit and will do whatever we can to make your
stay MAGICAL in every way"

I can't wait!!!

Angela

That is so sweet!!!! I need to send them an email and say hello...

 

[koleta@mickey]

I miss praline's trip report too, what happened?

 

[billnang]

My DH and kids don't know about the RPC either.. DH and I discussed it.. but I told him, I didn't want to pay the price!!! This is his total dream... His has recently been diagnosed with lung disease..and I hope this trip is everything he hopes it will be!!! The kids have no clue...

So a question for all of you... How does the staff know what bus you are on ..to meet you after you get off the DME?

Also, my kids are 2,5,11,12 and I want to do something for them as a gift from Mickey, any ideas? I was thinking the slipper dessert for my 2 dd's, but what for my boys? and DH?

Anyone have anything they did, they would like to share?

Angela

 

[BlueSkies]

suzcruz Now I know that I can ask for slippers during my next SL stay...but in a medium size!!

goofygal I love your story...so typical of the staff at the GF....we have experienced similar customer service too...DD was sick during one of out trips a few years back and we had to stay in the room for 3 days!!! On the second day that we were in the room the housekeeper came back later in the day with a Mickey plush toy balloons and a card! It was sooo thoughtful of her.... it really made a difference to us....

minniesota I always follow up my email with a call...I like that human connection too...How nice that your DH is going to a conference in Orlando and wants to stay at the Gf RPC!...I would have booked that room before my DH finished his sentence!!

MS Stinkerbelle My favorite GV is Boca Chica..I love that it overlooks the courtyard pool and the main building which is so pretty to look at and especially at night...but recently Johnsonet posted some pics from Big Pine and I thought that view looked really nice too...

Cinderumbrella Get that email over to IPO...they will take good care of you! Your DH and DS are going to be sooo surprised!!