The Grand Floridian called today! help needed

[Somefunmum]

As you can see from my countdown timer, the day is almost here. The months of planning and anticipation are about to be realized.
I can't stand the wait! I'm working like a madwoman at the office trying to finish year end stuff and I hardly have a chance to catch my breath.
So…….I'm kind of nervous (now don't laugh at me about this) about making some last minute requests of the concierge staff. I really should have contacted them ages ago but I'm not well acquainted with concierge service and I haven't been able to work up the nerve to call them.

Now they are calling me. My Mom took a message for me and said I should call before 8 pm to speak with them about my itinerary etc.

Tell me what you think of these requests and please let me know if this is appropriate.

1. DD will celebrate her 10th birthday on February 8th, I would love to have one of those "mini wedding cakes" delivered to our room as a surprise. I read on another thread on these boards that someone had them prepared for a dinner at 1900 Park. Do the concierge staff arrange for this sort of thing?

2. We were unable to get concierge in the main building (or concierge at all) for our first and last nights. I can't image how hard it must be to get these rooms when it is not the supposed slow season. This means 2 room changes for a 5 night stay. Our 4 year old DD needs a nap every day by about 1:00. Will we even have a room to go to?

3. I'd love to have the children arrive to a Pal Mickey and some embroidered mouse ears waiting for them. But again, we could not get a concierge room for our arrival night.

Hope you can help/share your concierge expertise with me.

Rhonda

 

[Sammie]

You can ask concierge to order the cake for you from in room dining. I would be sure and ask about the cost, as these things can be expensive. Cost might not be a factor to you, but would hate for you to be surprised.

I would keep checking right up to the last moment for a cancellation so you don't have to move rooms. You might get lucky and get in a room before 1pm, but I doubt it, if concierge is sold out. You might get one early the last day since you will be leaving concierge.

The embroidered Mouse Ears have to come from the Parks or Downtown Disney. You will just have to ask them if they can have that done before you arrive. Again I am not sure how you do payment, I guess give them a credit card or bill it to your room account.

All you can do is ask and all they can do is let you know what they can do and what they can't.

We have stayed concierge, but I have never asked for items before. I did that after I arrived. We only had them set up PS for dining in advance.

 

[my3kids]

By all means ask them to help with whatever requests you have. They can order the mouse ears and have them waiting in the room when you arrive. Just give them your credit card number for payment and they can take care of that.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Absolutely, concierge can take care of all your requests. Typically the cakes start at $40. You can also call the GF directly and ask to be transferred to 1900 Park Faire and then ask for the bakery department. They are extremely helpful and in this case, might be easier than going through a middle man.

For the life of me, I can never figure out the occupancy in concierge. We had this problem last January when there were seemingly no rooms to be found. Finally at the last minute my TA was able to book us a room in the main building. Imagine my surprise when we arrived and found the place to be nearly empty. I don't know if they hold blocks of rooms for weddings, conventions or what, but I would keep trying. There is a very small possibility that you would be homeless for an hour or two if it were necessary to change rooms. Technically, they could offer you late check out from one room at 1pm, but still not have the other room ready for you until 3pm. I would also ask the pre-planner how to handle the transfer. Typcially for concierge you don't check in at the main registration desk, it's a private check in either upstairs in the main building or over at SugarLoaf. They should be able to give you a number to call and a member of the meet and greet staff should come to escort you over.

It shouldn't matter that you won't be in concierge on your arrival night. In your case, I think it's a courtesy that they would extend their pre-planning service for your entire trip. They will need to have your credit card number on file in order to make any purchases for you. I would also just follow up and confirm that everythings been taken care of. I've noticed a few posts where this type of request has fallen through the cracks.

Tammi

 

[Somefunmum]

Thanks Tammi.
We tried again this morning to switch our reservation and again no luck. We will be in the main building so maybe there is less availability there(?). But you have inspired me to keep trying right up to the last minute.

Typically the cakes start at $40. You can also call the GF directly and ask to be transferred to 1900 Park Faire and then ask for the bakery department.

I had no idea that 1900 Park was actually where the bakery was. I'm going to try calling them directly.
Does anyone know where I can find a number for them?

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm pretty sure this is the number for the bakery, 407-824-2982. They only need 24-48 hours notice, so you should be fine with that. Concierge can certainly set it up, but in this case, it's probably best to go right to the source yourself. They have so many options and suggestions and they're great to work with.

Definitely mention to your pre-planner that you're waiting for a room to open up in the main building. Not sure how much help they can offer, but perhaps they can give you some insight on what's going on that's affecting the availability. Also, you can put in a room request with your pre-planner. All the views are really nice from the main building, but they do have some beautiful castle views. Did you have any priority seating arrangements that you wanted arranged, or recreation? They can help you with those requests also. If you want to make any changes or wait until you arrive before making your dinner plans, they have staff on site from 7am-10pm who can assist you.

Don't forget about the spa. The cost is now included for GF guests. It's a great spot to just go and relax, with or without a treatment.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that it all works out.

Tammi

 

[Somefunmum]

Don't forget about the spa. The cost is now included for GF guests. It's a great spot to just go and relax, with or without a treatment.

What!?! Your're kidding me right? What exactly is included? I can't believe that I didn't know this!
My skin looks like the dead sea right now.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

The GF bakery made a Mickey Birthday cake for my husband. I believe it was $45.00 and they added a white chocolate banner with his name on it. I believe that was $5.00 extra. We also added a balloon bouquet. Private dining set this up while we were at Hoop Dee Doo Review. They brought plates, linen napkins and heavy forks. I was extremely pleased with their attention to detail. My MIL was impressed with her son's birthday party and I didn't have to do a thing!

Lori

 

[TammiMcMan]

You get access to the healthclub, plus the mens & womens lounge for no additional charge. Inside each of the lounges they have a relaxation area with chairs, sofas, reading material, cold water and tea. They have a changing area with lockers, showers complete with hair care products, razors, combs, mouthwash, etc. They also have a same sex steam room, sauna room and whirlpool within each lounge. On top of all that, they still have the spa treatments available for a fee. You can check out their website at www.relaxedyet.com for a complete list. They have mini-facials, manicures and pedicures for girls aged 4 and up. That would be an awesome treat for your DD's birthday. Depending on what you were looking at spending, you could possibly go with Cinderellas white chocolate slipper at only $14 as a special dessert treat and schedule a 25 minute manicure for probably the same cost as the mini wedding cake. Just another thought for you. Oh and the concierge staff can set up the spa appointment for you.

Tammi

 

[Somefunmum]

They have mini-facials, manicures and pedicures for girls aged 4 and up. That would be an awesome treat for your DD's birthday.

That is a great idea! Thanks so much for your help with everything Tammi!
I think I'm almost ready to make that call

Rhonda

 

[TammiMcMan]

My pleasure Rhonda. I'm looking forward to hearing how it all works out for you.

Tammi

 

[Joan S.]

Rhonda, I would certainly explain your "problem" about switching rooms with a young child when you check in at the GF. They are a VERY accomodating Hotel and will surely help you if at all possible! Also as suggested put in a View Request,there is nothing like a Castle View,especially at night! Joan

 

[lynr]

Rhonda:

When I stayed in Concierge at the Polynesian for my sons birthday. All I did was mention it to them and they decorated the rooms and left a birthday cake free of charge. Check with them on what their policy is for birthdays.

Lyn

 

[Deb & Bill]

Did you try to get Sugarloaf? We stayed there on one trip and it was pretty nice.

 

[Somefunmum]

I would certainly explain your "problem" about switching rooms with a young child when you check in at the GF. They are a VERY accomodating Hotel and will surely help you if at all possible! Also as suggested put in a View Request,there is nothing like a Castle View,especially at night! Joan

I will definitely try this Joan. We have requested a Castle View and we have Lagoon View for our first night so there is still a chance even then. I'm so happy to hear from so many people that they are very accommodating and helpful. This is exactly what I had in mind when I chose them.

When I stayed in Concierge at the Polynesian for my sons birthday. All I did was mention it to them and they decorated the rooms and left a birthday cake free of charge. Check with them on what their policy is for birthdays.

Sounds like you had a really nice experience with the Poly Lyn. I've read reports on this board where nothing special was done though and I don't want to take the chance.

Did you try to get Sugarloaf? We stayed there on one trip and it was pretty nice.

I've heard that Sugarloaf is nice but no, we haven't tried there. It's less about the concierge service itself on that first night and more about staying in the same room. We are concerned about being "roomless" during the afternoon.
I'm so grateful to everyone on the DIS for the terrific tips and advice. Now that we're so close to the big day I'm really relying on the experts (all of you) to make this trip as magical as it can possibly be. I wouldn't even have known about the mini wedding cakes if it weren't for Janet2k. And so many of our plans have been made based on the experience of the wonderful people here. Please keep the tips coming!