The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[BCV23]

Yes, sorry about the Twins, minniesota.....you, too, Blue Skies. Didn't know you were a fan.

In concierge, we've received the solar gel as well as the mint foot rub. Those are my favorite two products of all.

The Body Butter is just the yellowish lotion, right? We've received that in all our garden view stays including last month. It's the only product I don't like. It moisturizes well but I don't care for the aroma.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Yes, sorry about the Twins, minniesota.....you, too, Blue Skies. Didn't know you were a fan.

In concierge, we've received the solar gel as well as the mint foot rub. Those are my favorite two products of all.

The Body Butter is just the yellowish lotion, right? We've received that in all our garden view stays including last month. It's the only product I don't like. It moisturizes well but I don't care for the aroma.

OK, so now you got my curious about the body butter So I went and checked my secret stash and we DID get body butter in GV. I guess I just thought it was regular old lotion. Now I may need to try this stuff!

So to recap, the only product missing was the foot rub (and the solar gel that BCV23 mentioned)

As for Blue being a Twins fan, that was my bad on the typing. I just meant Minniesota. My beloved Sox got knocked out of the playoffs in Round 1 in 2008 (after a game 163 playoff to determine the division winner, just like this year) so I really feel for their fans this year!! But at least they still have the Vikings, right?

And in my effort to stay on topic here, we leave 6 weeks from today!!

 

[minniesota]

OK, so now you got my curious about the body butter So I went and checked my secret stash and we DID get body butter in GV. I guess I just thought it was regular old lotion. Now I may need to try this stuff!

So to recap, the only product missing was the foot rub (and the solar gel that BCV23 mentioned)

As for Blue being a Twins fan, that was my bad on the typing. I just meant Minniesota. My beloved Sox got knocked out of the playoffs in Round 1 in 2008 (after a game 163 playoff to determine the division winner, just like this year) so I really feel for their fans this year!! But at least they still have the Vikings, right?

And in my effort to stay on topic here, we leave 6 weeks from today!!

Thanks for all the condolences on the Twins. It was the mom and pop shop vs. the BIG conglomerate. The Yankees are a hard act to beat...they should be with that payroll!

Glad you guys figured out the toiletries! I did seem to remember something about the mint foot lotion being only in club level rooms. Don't they think guests in the regular rooms get sore feet??? I do love that solar gel. We got lots of that on the cruise!

Cinderumbrella - So jealous of your Christmas trip! I love, love, love that time of year!

BlueSkies - Oooh! You gave me a grand idea. I must book DD and I for the tea in January! Thanks!

Does anyone have recommendations on what to order at the GF tea?

 

[BlueSkies]

Cinderumbrella 6 Weeks!!!! the time is going to fly now!!! And you will love the mint foot rub...sooo nice after a long day on your feet!!

BCV I always stay CL and never had the solar gel...I am jealous I want solar gel too...

 

[minniebeth]

The tea at the Gardenview Tea Room is wonderful and I don't think you can go wrong with anything you order there. It really depends on what your tastes are. I am not a coffee drinker, but I love tea. I'm not an herbal or fruity tea lover, I like the black teas. The Gardenview Blend was delicious. My DD had the Princess Breakfast tea and she loved it. The tea does tend to get stronger the longer it sits steeping in the pot, so keep that in mind.

The food is delicious. I had the Buckingham Palace plate and I thought the tea sandwiches were just as good as any high tea I've done, if not better. I can't remember exactly what it was, but there was a roasted pear and cheese sandwich that was delightful. There was an onion tart that came with the sandwiches, and I could have eaten quite a few more of them. The scones were wonderful with the clotted cream. I chose the strawberries and (real) cream to share with my DD as she has food allergies and basically was the only thing on the menu she could eat. It was the perfect amount of food. I did not eat the any pastries, but they looked nice.
They gave my DD a rose to celebrate her birthday with.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

 

[BlueSkies]

minniesota We like to order ala carte when we do the afternoon tea...there are soo many nice choices..

We enjoy the gardenview tea just like minniebeth...I think it is just right...not to strong more subtle..

Oh my goodness the strawberries and cream!!! That fresh whipped cream....incredible...last trip also had a cheese platter that had about 4 types of cheeses...gouda, cheddar , a smoky flavored cheese, and a creamy boursin type cheese ...served with crackers and fresh melon...

And scones ...you cant forget them..crumbly and delicious (same ones are served in the concierge lounge!!)....I could have tea there everyday!!! DD too she is a tea drinker....

I am sure you and your DD will enjoy it no matter what you chose...such a nice atmosphere...so relaxing too!!

 

[dizneedoll]

Hi Everyone!

I just got off the Disney website and booked our first ever stay at the GF!!! I've always wanted to stay here since I first started coming to WDW in 1998 and I told myself that 2010 was my year for the Grand!

My DS and I will be there in December...yay Christmas! ...I have a looooonnng wait! But all the more time to obsessively plan.

I'm sure I will have lots of questions..but here's one to start with.
I would love to do the Afternoon Tea, it sounds so wonderful. But would it be something that a four year old boy would like or at least tolerate? I could let him spend some time in the Mouseketeer Club and do the tea on my own but I might feel awkard all by myself. Anyone ever take younger children especially boys? How did it work out for you?

Thank you and this is a great thread, I read all the way through and am so excited!!

 

[BCV23]

BlueSkies, now you have me wondering. The Solar Relief Gel is pretty but blue so it doesn't match the other GF toiletries. In my memory , it was placed on the nightstand. I hope I'm not confusing it with Polynesian and AKL concierge.

I'm another fan of the signature tea at Gardenview. It's a very pleasant black tea mix. I've enjoyed everything we've ordered there in fact.

dizneedoll, congratulations on booking the GF. I've seen young boys at tea. I can't say they looked as if they were having a great deal of fun though. There are children's options on the menu. Have fun planning your trip.

 

[dmank]

Dizneedoll,
We just booked our first trip to GF too - for January not December. I am super excited as I always thought it would be way too expensive to afford it, but the 4/3 deal put it in range.

I am actually thinking about upgrading to Club Level, it's an extra $500 so can't decide.

I'm looking for a trip report from someone who has stayed at GF with small children. Mine are DS6, DD4 and DS 22mo. My DH will usually stay in the room with the baby while I go out with the older two.. or let them go on the pirate cruise or do the cooking experience. And we're interested in the Ladybugs too and will def do the SeaRacers (did those at WL a couple years ago and it was the best part of the trip).

It's so hard to properly plan how much time to be at the resort b/c we love to swim but you never know about the temp in late Jan/early Feb.

If we do spend lots of time there, I will upgrade to Club.

Any trip reports you know of would be great!!

 

[BlueSkies]

Dizneedoll and dmank Congratuations on booking your first trips tho the GF!!! It is such a nice resort...and an even nicer way to enjoy a disney vacation...

Dizneedoll..I have only done tea with my DD and not with my DH or DSs..so no help from me on that...but I will say I did see both boys and girls there having tea with their moms/ and families...As for going alone...it is such a relaxing atmosphere...I dont think it would be awkward at all to be sitting and enjoying a pot of tea and some scones or any of the other delicious offerings...Enjoy!

dmank My children are older now... and still going to the GF for family vacations ...we began staying at the GF when they were very young...I would highly recomend CL as an even better way to enjoy your disney vacation...the convenience of having just the breakfast offerings alone is great...there are beverages available all day...midday snacks...oh my kids always loved the cookies and chips...and some nice evening offerings like hot appetizers and adult beverages too...the outer lodge concierge which is the Sugar Loaf buidling is right along the courtyard pool... during a pool day its so convenient for going in and out of your room and for getting some snacks and beverages too... It is somewhat more costly to stay CL but worth every cent IMO...

Have fun planning and enjoy your trips!!!

 

[ahcupcake]

Dizneedoll,
We just booked our first trip to GF too - for January not December. I am super excited as I always thought it would be way too expensive to afford it, but the 4/3 deal put it in range.

I am actually thinking about upgrading to Club Level, it's an extra $500 so can't decide.

I'm looking for a trip report from someone who has stayed at GF with small children. Mine are DS6, DD4 and DS 22mo. My DH will usually stay in the room with the baby while I go out with the older two.. or let them go on the pirate cruise or do the cooking experience. And we're interested in the Ladybugs too and will def do the SeaRacers (did those at WL a couple years ago and it was the best part of the trip).

It's so hard to properly plan how much time to be at the resort b/c we love to swim but you never know about the temp in late Jan/early Feb.

If we do spend lots of time there, I will upgrade to Club.

Any trip reports you know of would be great!!

Dizneedoll and dmank Congratuations on booking your first trips tho the GF!!! It is such a nice resort...and an even nicer way to enjoy a disney vacation...

Dizneedoll..I have only done tea with my DD and not with my DH or DSs..so no help from me on that...but I will say I did see both boys and girls there having tea with their moms/ and families...As for going alone...it is such a relaxing atmosphere...I dont think it would be awkward at all to be sitting and enjoying a pot of tea and some scones or any of the other delicious offerings...Enjoy!

dmank My children are older now... and still going to the GF for family vacations ...we began staying at the GF when they were very young...I would highly recomend CL as an even better way to enjoy your disney vacation...the convenience of having just the breakfast offerings alone is great...there are beverages available all day...midday snacks...oh my kids always loved the cookies and chips...and some nice evening offerings like hot appetizers and adult beverages too...the outer lodge concierge which is the Sugar Loaf buidling is right along the courtyard pool... during a pool day its so convenient for going in and out of your room and for getting some snacks and beverages too... It is somewhat more costly to stay CL but worth every cent IMO...

Have fun planning and enjoy your trips!!!

dmank----CONGRATS.....I'm heading back to the GF on the Oct 25th,I hope you love it just as much as I do....I completely agree with what Blue (C) said....But just to let you know they discontinued the cooking experience at the GF.There is a " Perfectly Princess Tea Party" your DD might enjoy.

Cinderumbrella-----Wow 6 weeks...you're going right T-giving aren't you? Are you enjoying your new D&B​

 

[BlueSkies]

Hi ahcupcake!!!!! I know you only have eight days to go!!!! Dont forget to leave a little room in your suitcase for me!!! Cant wait to hear about how you enjoyed your trip!!

Blue

 

[minniesota]

Dizneedoll,
We just booked our first trip to GF too - for January not December. I am super excited as I always thought it would be way too expensive to afford it, but the 4/3 deal put it in range.

I am actually thinking about upgrading to Club Level, it's an extra $500 so can't decide.

I'm looking for a trip report from someone who has stayed at GF with small children. Mine are DS6, DD4 and DS 22mo. My DH will usually stay in the room with the baby while I go out with the older two.. or let them go on the pirate cruise or do the cooking experience. And we're interested in the Ladybugs too and will def do the SeaRacers (did those at WL a couple years ago and it was the best part of the trip).

It's so hard to properly plan how much time to be at the resort b/c we love to swim but you never know about the temp in late Jan/early Feb.

If we do spend lots of time there, I will upgrade to Club.

Any trip reports you know of would be great!!

Congrats on your first GF stay! Not aware of any specific trip reports. I know triplefigs has talked about her experiences at the GF with her 3 young ones. Maybe search her posts?

I have stayed at the GF with our two kids and my sister and her daughter many times. As far as the the decision about going club, here are the things we enjoy.

We always use the lounge for breakfast - it saves time and money. I'm guessing a family of 5 would spend about $40 a day for breakfast from a counter service. The choices in the lounge include several types of cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, bagels, toast, pastries, meat and cheese, juices, milk, coffees and teas. It's so great to slip down to the lounge and get everyone fed before heading to the parks.

Our kids were always snacking when they were younger and the lounge is nice for that if you are spending time at the resort. I loved that there is always a bowl of fruit out - apples, oranges, bananas. And the midday spread usually includes veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, etc. (Thinking nutrition here!) And yes, my kids love the cookies!

We enjoy our wine and beer in the lounge before dinner. I would usually have 2 glasses of wine and DH, 2 beers - that's about $32 each night. And there is usually at least one night each trip where the hors d'ourves are all we really want for dinner. There is plenty for the kids to snack on and depending on how much they eat, the chicken fingers or turkey roll-ups plus a couple of things off the adult buffet could be all they need a night or two. I know in RPC, they have kid-size tables and cartoons playing to keep them entertained.

Now most people will tell you the lounge food is not a replacement for meals - and I agree - but it can certainly take care of your breakfasts and an evening meal or two if you've had a big lunch.

A big bonus for us is IPO who take all the stress out of planning. And we love the CMs in the lounge as well as those on staff at the concierge desk.

I'm sure you will enjoy the GF with your family regardless of what level you stay. Of course, I'm extremely biased because I love the place!

 

[BCV23]

dmank, sorry to tell you but the ladybug release is a thing of the past at the GF. It's been gone for several years. The guidebooks should really do a bit of updating.

Happy planning and congratulations on booking the GF with the 4/3.

 

[tartemis]

Hi, all. We will be staying at the GF 2/2/10 to 2/9/10 and I just realized that the Super Bowl will be occuring during our trip.

Does the GF have anything special going on for the Super Bowl? At the very least, we should be able to get the game on our tv in our room, correct?

Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi, all. We will be staying at the GF 2/2/10 to 2/9/10 and I just realized that the Super Bowl will be occuring during our trip.

Does the GF have anything special going on for the Super Bowl? At the very least, we should be able to get the game on our tv in our room, correct?

Thanks!

I am not sure if they do anything however you will get the game in your room since it will either be on FOX, NBC or CBS, which are standard channels that are included.

 

[dizneedoll]

dmank: Congrats on booking the GF! I would def go for the CL upgrade if you can. I booked a GV room for now but if there is a discount released for my dates later next year then I'm hoping to upgrade to CL too. Haven't read any GF TR's but do a search on the TR board, there's probably loads of them.

BCV23 and Blueskies: Thanks for the input on the tea. I still don't know what I will do but it's a nice option to think about as I plan the trip.

Hi, all. We will be staying at the GF 2/2/10 to 2/9/10 and I just realized that the Super Bowl will be occuring during our trip.

Does the GF have anything special going on for the Super Bowl? At the very least, we should be able to get the game on our tv in our room, correct?

Thanks!

I was at the WL one year during Super Bowl so I can't speak for what they might do at the GF but at the WL the only thing was the TV in the lounge had it on and the room was packed with people watching and having a good time so I would bet one of lounge's at the GF will have it on too. Don't know about anything beyond that.

 

[BlueSkies]

dizneedoll While CL is a nice option any room at the GF is so nice...it is such a beautiful resort...We love the GV rooms in Boca Chica...the view is of the courtyard pool and looking over towards the main building...it looks especially beautiful a lit up at night!! If I remember correctly I think it was shop girl who did a TR of her stay at the GF last summer...???

BTW enjoy your upcoming trip to DL!!!

 

[leane]

Shop Girl did do a TR I think her 2008 was an upgrade... She has FAB TR's

Minnesota, I am hoping the FL weather gives you something to look forward to. While we are in WI and going in early March I am still worried I will be too cold I pull out the snuggies come October, September this year.


Here I am planning my 1st trip and I am already hoping for a return. Do they offer bounce back offers to everyone. A mom on my dd's at school says they put it under your door before your last night.
I want to go in either October or to see Christmas decorations. Doubt I could afford GF again, but if we go at Christmas how could anyother resort do after being at only the best.

I am in the process of making Tshirts for the family. I found some really cute GF ones. And found the thread here of people that will help you with the artwork (create it for you) and then you can print it out and make the shirt. I can do the easy ones, but they do some fab work! And even invites for dinners, scrap booking, autograph books, journal pages... so neat! (I am driving DH nuts)

 

[dizneedoll]

dizneedoll While CL is a nice option any room at the GF is so nice...it is such a beautiful resort...We love the GV rooms in Boca Chica...the view is of the courtyard pool and looking over towards the main building...it looks especially beautiful a lit up at night!! If I remember correctly I think it was shop girl who did a TR of her stay at the GF last summer...???

BTW enjoy your upcoming trip to DL!!!

If I get a chance to do CL I will but I will be very happy with GV too! I've been over to the GF for breakfast once and to shop a couple of times but I've never stayed or seen the resort at night, I'm so looking forward to both.

Thanks regarding the DL trip. We live about two hours away but I don't like driving so we don't do day visits. About once every 3 months or so we head up for three nights to enjoy the resort like tourists.