The All New Grand Floridian FAQ - MAY 2009

[johnsonet]

Question... is our view a Garden View there?

Well, you sure had a nice view of the lagoon! I'd say you got an upgrade

 

[Goofdad]

Well, you sure had a nice view of the lagoon! I'd say you got an upgrade

Lagoon, pool, etc.
I just didn't know if the room is "officially" classified otherwise.

Every room in Conch Key must have fantastic views then.
The right side (my side) faces the lagoon, pool, and contemporary.
The left side faces the marina and lagoon (probably the worst views in Conch Key).
The front side faces the MK Castle.
And the Back side faces the GF Main Building and pool.

the place is just beautiful regardless of what area you're viewing.

Last time (Sago Cay, not as good a view) we booked thru a vacation club.
This time, we booked directly thru WDW and requested adjoining rooms and a crib. I figured we'd get our requests but nothing more; we were already asking for "extra" in a way.

I'm wondering if they block off some of the "lesser" rooms for the vacation clubs, BJs, Costco, etc and save the better rooms for those who book directly thru WDW? The airlines used to work like this with Expedia, etc... why wouldn't the resorts?
If anyone has any facts one way or another, I'd love to see them/know.

 

[Goofdad]

back from vacation, kids in bed, and working on our trip photos.
we all wish we were still in WDW, the pictures and photopass stuff are all we have now, it's theraputic.

Here are some more of my GF photos (mostly night shots):

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Goofdad - I can't answer your question definitively, but here are some shots of a marina view room in Conch Key. The marina view rooms are considered "garden view" for purposes of booking, so it's possible that your sideways view of Narcoossee's, CR and lagoon are considered garden view as well. Only the GF room assignors would know for sure, and their ways are mysterious. Oh, and a courtyard pool view is considered "garden view" as well, fyi.
looking left:

looking straight:

Still looking straight:

looking right:

 

[Goofdad]

Goofdad - I can't answer your question definitively, but here are some shots of a marina view room in Conch Key. The marina view rooms are considered "garden view" for purposes of booking, so it's possible that your sideways view of Narcoossee's, CR and lagoon are considered garden view as well. Only the GF room assignors would know for sure, and their ways are mysterious. Oh, and a courtyard pool view is considered "garden view" as well, fyi.

thanks for the info and pictures.
the marina views in your pictures are great... nothing wrong with that wiew at all.

*IF* they had upgraded us, I'm sure they would have mentioned it when we checked in; they would not let that type of extra-service go unrecognized.

 

[johnsonet]

They might!

I got upgraded from GV to TPV last time I stayed non-CL and the only way I knew was from checking my res. on-line the day before my trip. No one ever mentioned it!

thanks for the info and pictures.
the marina views in your pictures are great... nothing wrong with that wiew at all.

*IF* they had upgraded us, I'm sure they would have mentioned it when we checked in; they would not let that type of extra-service go unrecognized.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

They might!

I got upgraded from GV to TPV last time I stayed non-CL and the only way I knew was from checking my res. on-line the day before my trip. No one ever mentioned it!

Yes, the same thing happened to us last summer, we were upgraded from GV to LV, but not a word was mentioned at check in. I only knew because I'd checked on our reservation right before we left, and noticed the new code.

I've read of people having no clue they'd been upgraded until they entered their room to either an upgraded view, or even a bigger room! Sweet!

 

[johnsonet]

"Outer Bldg - Garden View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Garden View Rooms offer views of the Courtyard, Marina or Pool areas.


Outer Bldg - Lagoon View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Lagoon View Rooms offer views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.


Outer Bldg - Deluxe Room - Garden View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer a private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Lodge Tower Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool or the Marina.


Outer Bldg - Theme Park View
All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Magic Kingdom View Rooms offer views of Magic Kingdom theme park.


Outer Bldg - Standard Room - Club Level
Concierge service at the Outer Building Sugarloaf Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. All rooms have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, make-up mirror, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Outer Building, Concierge Rooms offer views of the Courtyard Pool or the Marina.


Main Bldg - Deluxe King Room - Club Level
Concierge service at the Royal Palm Club includes personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, turndown service and a lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and late night cordials and desserts. All rooms have one king-size bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans, vanity area with 2 sinks, and bath. Most rooms offer day bed and private balcony. All rooms are non-smoking. Amenities include DVD player, in-room safe, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), voice mail, phone in bath area, make-up mirror, robes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator and coffeemaker. A crib is available upon request. Main Building, Concierge Honeymoon Rooms offer views of Magic Kingdom theme park or the grounds of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa."

They spell out for you that GV rooms are in outer lodges. Probably to spell it out for the phone operators as well

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Do I understand correctly that they are now calling "lodge tower rooms" the "outer building - deluxe room - garden view"?

 

[Goofdad]

Waiting For the Monorail at the Grand Floridian:

 

[Goofdad]

and now riding along the Monorail, looking back at the GF:

 

[johnsonet]

Do I understand correctly that they are now calling "lodge tower rooms" the "outer building - deluxe room - garden view"?

It looks like it. Isn't that interesting? And they say "Main Building" and not just "Royal Palm Club" where it applies, which I think is smart since so many people get confused about that.

 

[Goofdad]

60 seconds later, you arrive at the MK and walk up Main Street:

Then Back to the GF Pools and Beach for some mid-day rest:

 

[mousefan1972]

Beautiful pictures, Goofdad! Thanks for posting. I was already excited for our April trip, now I'm just beside myself with excitement.

 

[johnsonet]

Such pretty pics, Goofdad

Although, I hate to see lifeguards in windbreakers and pants

 

[Dr.Cinderella]

Does anyone know the answer to the question I posted a few pages back about the conventions? Thanks!

 

[johnsonet]

Oops - sorry no one has come through with an answer

Does anyone know if there is a list of all the conventions being held at GF for the year or on a yearly basis? Im wondering because I am getting married at the GF. I noticed on some of the other convention hotel threads, such as Conorado Springs they had a list of all the conventions. Thanks!

I can't help with a list of conventions. Maybe someone else will. But if not, perhaps this is a question for your wedding planner? Are you working w/ someone at DFW?
Congratulations on your wedding. What a beautiful place to get married

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Sorry, Dr.Cinderella, I don't know anything about the conventions. I hope someone that does will come along before long. ETA - I found a link to the convention center, and there's a "contact us" link, perhaps you could email them for a list?
http://disneymeetings.disney.go.com/dwm/resorts/resortFacilities?name=GrandFloridianFacilitiesPage

That is interesting, johnsonet - and helpful.

Still loving those photos, Goofdad! Especially the one of the castle, just beautiful. It must have been very overcast that day, all the people are in black and white!

 

[BCV23]

Do I understand correctly that they are now calling "lodge tower rooms" the "outer building - deluxe room - garden view"?

It looks like it. Isn't that interesting? And they say "Main Building" and not just "Royal Palm Club" where it applies, which I think is smart since so many people get confused about that.

It sounds like that to me, too. I do think it may help clear up confusion over lodge tower, outer lodge club level, etc..

Great info, johnsonet. Thanks for sharing!

Goofdad, great photos. So lovely.

I do think you had a gardenview room. Lovely view.

Mousefan1972, I think you asked about the dock for the launches at the MK, right? Well, they moved again. Last week and even Sunday they were using the new dock at the usual location. However, it was very windy on Tuesday and Wed of this week and apparently they had some problems with the new dock. We took the launch on Thursday and it was boarding to the left of the large dock for FW and WL boats.....in between that dock and the one for the TTC ferry. Who knows what it will be like by April. Just look for the overhead signs by the docks.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Welcome back, BCV23! I hope you had a wonderful trip.

Thanks for the info about the boat dock, and great advice about watching for the overhead signs. I remember one trip, my DD and I walked over to wait for the launch in the usual place. We sat there for quite a while, we were in no hurry and it was a beautiful day, so we chatted and people watched. After about a half-hour or so, a cast member came over to tell us and the few others who had gathered that they were now loading over at the main boat dock! It was one of those times that the lagoon was too low for the launch to get to the regular dock, but we hadn't noticed that they had removed the Resorts list on the sign.