The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[snow.white]

This may have already been answered, but we were there 11/28-12/6 and there was a bounceback card in our room when we arrived. It said something like save up to 40% on a future stay. I didn't look at it that closely since we weren't planning to book another trip right now, but I think it also included the dates that it covered.

Yes, the bounceback was 40% off deluxe and 45% deluxe villas. There were specific dates but the discount goes into Dec. for the deluxe resorts. The villas weren't included past early Fall. I called and applied the discount to a future GF reservation I already had and also snagged a week at THV at 45% off.



.

Oh no! I think i saw something about this when we arrived on 12/1, holy shoot! How does this work ?Was i supposed to book while still there or was there some type of pin code on that card?

 

[pezaddict231]

I think the carpet is the same. My family took Photopass pictures on the staircase in 2007 and the carpet was relatively new then. I've seen recent pictures of the new marble floors with the staircase in the background and it looks exactly the same as in my photos.

No, they didn't replace the carpet. It's still the same. They are still working on the tiles. They started the floor in front of the GF Cafe when I arrived on Sunday. I left yesterday and they were about half way done with the floor. They only do sections at a time trying to advoid blocking foot traffic. There's no problem getting around them.

They were also doing some work here and there around the property. None of it got in our way. They work quick.

Thanks Minniesota and JoeyAnyc! I wonder if they plan to redo the stairs or if they'll keep the way it is. I kinda hope they do replace it because I think a beautiful marble staircase would look great in my wedding pics! Oh well, either way it will be great. Can't wait to stay RPC in August!

 

[JenniD44]

Congratulations! It sounds perfect. How did you sleep 5 in a tower room? Most reports are that the loveseat is not a sleeper but I remember someone reporting that they did have one? Or did you have one in a crib?

The offered us a roll away bed, but we actually had an air mattress with us. We stayed at the Hard Rock for 2 nights before the GF and we needed the mattress for that room. It worked perfectly in the tower room. I agree, the loveseat would be hard to sleep on.

You know they are so great there. The bellman is the one who offered the roll away. When we told him we had the air mattress, he said he would get us extra pillows and a blanket. He got us all that. Then he had mousekeeping bring us extra towels and some more hangers. Everything we would want. It's hard to come home after all the pampering.

 

[JenniD44]

For those of you who have used pins and bouncebacks have you ever experienced being able to snag a 1 BR with the discount? I have one room for next xmas it is RPC and we will just deal with the 5 in one room if we have to but I would like to spurge with the 1 BR. I have had some CM's say yes they have and others say they dont offer the 1 BR on the discounts.
Any insight? I will stop bugging those poor CM's


I don't know about a bounceback, but some discounts can't be done with the 1 BR. We originally had that booked for our stay and then the free dining came out. We couldn't get the free dining with the 1 BR. I was kind of nervous about spending that much money anyway, so we went to standard club level and got the free dining. It cut the cost our our trip by almost 50% and we got dining. I was sad not having the suite, but we saved a ton of money and still had an awesome time.

 

[chuckml]

We just returned on 12/12 from a week at AKL, and booked a bounceback for the GF.
It will be our first time staying there. we booked a GV room, and was looking for suggestions as to which building to request.
I'm not against upgrading to a lagoon or theme park view if its worth it, but seeing as I've never been to the resort, I really don't know. Help please!!

 

[Tam1067]

We just returned on 12/12 from a week at AKL, and booked a bounceback for the GF.
It will be our first time staying there. we booked a GV room, and was looking for suggestions as to which building to request.
I'm not against upgrading to a lagoon or theme park view if its worth it, but seeing as I've never been to the resort, I really don't know. Help please!!

We stayed GV in August and were upgraded upon arrival to lagoon view in Big Pine Key. It was a lovely view (of the Polynesian and wedding pavillion), but I don't think the view is worth the extra cost because, really, the GV's are so nice as the grounds are beautiful. We then got upgraded to theme park view in Boca Chica after a problem with leaky pipes in the wall flooded our floor. That was magical, but again, unless you are going to spend lots of time on your balcony, I personally would not say it's worth the extra cost.

You will love the resort!

 

[minniesota]

We just returned on 12/12 from a week at AKL, and booked a bounceback for the GF.
It will be our first time staying there. we booked a GV room, and was looking for suggestions as to which building to request.
I'm not against upgrading to a lagoon or theme park view if its worth it, but seeing as I've never been to the resort, I really don't know. Help please!!

Welcome to the GF thread! I have stayed at the GF more than 10 times and have stayed in just about every room category. The GV rooms are almost all wonderful! I personally like the GV rooms in Sago if you request (and get!) marina view. Sago is close to Gasparilla's, the main building and the "secret" route to the bus stop. It's a bit quieter and I guess that's what I like! Others really like facing the courtyard pool and those buildings would include Big Pine, Boca Chica and Conch. I always request upper floor but again that's me! It's a beautiful resort and I'm sure you will love it! And if by chance you arrive in your room and it's not acceptable, just ask for another room. The CMs at GF aim to please.

 

[mmmears]

Like Minniesota said, the GF is lovely and the gardens are very pretty to look at. You might want to take a look at the resort map and see what you'd like to be closest to. I like staying in Boca Chica because it's right by the center pool and still close to the main building and the Gasparillas. It really depends on what your preferences are. I have heard there aren't many bad views at the GF.

 

[chuckml]

Thanks everybody! We are really looking forward to staying here. It looks like such a great resort.

Thank you Disney for Bounce Back rates!!

 

[snow.white]

This may have already been answered, but we were there 11/28-12/6 and there was a bounceback card in our room when we arrived. It said something like save up to 40% on a future stay. I didn't look at it that closely since we weren't planning to book another trip right now, but I think it also included the dates that it covered.

Yes, the bounceback was 40% off deluxe and 45% deluxe villas. There were specific dates but the discount goes into Dec. for the deluxe resorts. The villas weren't included past early Fall. I called and applied the discount to a future GF reservation I already had and also snagged a week at THV at 45% off.

Oh no! I think i saw something about this when we arrived on 12/1, holy shoot! How does this work ?Was i supposed to book while still there or was there some type of pin code on that card?

Can anybody answer my question? I'm not sure how the bounceback offers work, if somebody could please enlighten me i would appreciate it much. TIA!!!

 

[Dreamer24]

I just switched my GF reservation from a garden view to a theme park view. When I log onto the site and look up my reservation, it lists the room type as "One bedroom Villa". Can anyone explain this. Is this a theme park view room?

 

[leane]

I just switched my GF reservation from a garden view to a theme park view. When I log onto the site and look up my reservation, it lists the room type as "One bedroom Villa". Can anyone explain this. Is this a theme park view room?

That happened to me too one time, got all excited they are going to tell you they are doing system upgrades. it will change in a month or so.

Quote:
Originally Posted by snow.white
Oh no! I think i saw something about this when we arrived on 12/1, holy shoot! How does this work ?Was i supposed to book while still there or was there some type of pin code on that card?

Can anybody answer my question? I'm not sure how the bounceback offers work, if somebody could please enlighten me i would appreciate it much. TIA!!!

Yes you had to book it while you were there. You cant do it now.

 

[BCV23]

Can anybody answer my question? I'm not sure how the bounceback offers work, if somebody could please enlighten me i would appreciate it much. TIA!!!

Yes to both of your questions. The bounceback offers (not sure if they are really called that these days??) when offered must be booked while you're staying at a WDW resort. There is a code on the sheet but I don't remember if I was asked for it any of the times I've booked this way. From your room, you dial an extension listed on the card.

I just switched my GF reservation from a garden view to a theme park view. When I log onto the site and look up my reservation, it lists the room type as "One bedroom Villa". Can anyone explain this. Is this a theme park view room?

Others have reported this happening on their reservations. It is a mistake in the system apparently. There are no villas at the GF so you can rest assured that you will have your theme park view...at least according to what others have reported. I do always have a copy of my reservation with me just to be safe.

 

[BCV23]

Hi Leane! You beat me to it while I was slowly typing...sorry!

 

[snow.white]

Yes you had to book it while you were there. You cant do it now.

Yes to both of your questions. The bounceback offers (not sure if they are really called that these days??) when offered must be booked while you're staying at a WDW resort. There is a code on the sheet but I don't remember if I was asked for it any of the times I've booked this way. From your room, you dial an extension listed on the card.

Thank you both very much, now i know for the future!

 

[mmmears]

Yes to both of your questions. The bounceback offers (not sure if they are really called that these days??) when offered must be booked while you're staying at a WDW resort. There is a code on the sheet but I don't remember if I was asked for it any of the times I've booked this way. From your room, you dial an extension listed on the card.



Others have reported this happening on their reservations. It is a mistake in the system apparently. There are no villas at the GF so you can rest assured that you will have your theme park view...at least according to what others have reported. I do always have a copy of my reservation with me just to be safe.

This is most likely the case. There are people staying at the Poly who have online reservations for Pirate Rooms (only offered at CBR). Something seems to have gone wrong on the WDW side of things, but it shouldn't affect your room. Printing out or calling again and checking is always a good idea, though, just to be on the safe side.

Of course, if the GF wanted to give me a 1-bdrm suite for the price of a room, I guess I could be persuaded to take it.

 

[glovergirls]

I just booked the GF for November 2010 and we are super excited. We have never stayed there before. I am confused on the balcony issue. We are a family of 5 booked in a standard room garden view. Do they have balconies or not. Also we are going on November 14th do you think the Christmas decorations will be up. TIA

 

[mmmears]

All the rooms have balconies. Even the ones on the first floor have enclosed balconies. If you are on the top floor, you get a taller, sloped ceiling and a smaller, solid-walled balcony. Some people prefer the dormer rooms, and some people don't.

 

[leane]

Hi Leane! You beat me to it while I was slowly typing...sorry!

it is ok hi there

I am kind of glad I wasn't the only one it happened to.... not that I want her to feel disappointed... but at least the odd things dont only happen to me.

 

[2manypets]

I was finally able to upgrade our ressie to a TPV room.

The questions I have now is that I requested Conch Key as our building, from the map it looks like the perfect location. After looking at the pictures though, I noticed trees in front of it. Do any of the trees have an effect on the view? Also the proximity to the boat dock. Is it a bother to hear the boat horns blowing? How loud are they, how late do they sound, and should I call back and request Sago?