The *New* Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Frequently Asked Questions (FEB2004) Part 2

[Jen66]

Litlpixie~welcome back! Glad you had a wonderful honeymoon! Cannot wait to hear more about your trip!

Kelly~14 days for you !!! I bet you are starting to climb the walls. It is 28 for me and I am getting antsy

 

[Tinkaroo]

I was hoping someone could help me with some info. We are going in Sept. We are staying a week at the PR. We were going to end at the YC, but the reviews of their CL haven't been very good so I don't really want to end our trip there. We usually like to end our stay at the AKL CL, but that is no longer an option for our family of five. Well then I figured we might as well spend a couple of days at the GF. I tried to see if there were any AAA rates for concierge and the "outer lodge" was available. I asked if this was SL and she said yes. I thought that bldg was going to be shut down in Sept for remodeling? Our dates are for the 9th & 10th.
I put a hold on the reservation, but I'm not sure what I'll do. Are there AAA discounts for RPC? I thought I read that they are out there, but very hard to come by? I liked SL on our last visit, but I'm not sure if I will just be better off staying all nine days at the Polynesian? We always like to do a split.
Thanks!

Sugar Loaf is the "outer lodge concierge." Sugar Loaf was rumored to go down in September, but the last heard was it might be pushed to 2008. It's really anyone's guess at this point. I believe in prior rehabs, the outer lodge concierge was temporarily moved to another building while Sugar Loaf was worked on, so that might be an option, too.

And yes, RPC does get occasional AAA discounts - I know I have one on a honeymoon room in Nov./Dec., but I did reserve it immediately last year when the 2007 dates were released.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Litlpixie~welcome back! Glad you had a wonderful honeymoon! Cannot wait to hear more about your trip!

Kelly~14 days for you !!! I bet you are starting to climb the walls. It is 28 for me and I am getting antsy

I know I cant wait til next week when I can start packing!!!!

 

[princessesrule4]

I was hoping someone could help me with some info. We are going in Sept. We are staying a week at the PR. We were going to end at the YC, but the reviews of their CL haven't been very good so I don't really want to end our trip there. We usually like to end our stay at the AKL CL, but that is no longer an option for our family of five. Well then I figured we might as well spend a couple of days at the GF. I tried to see if there were any AAA rates for concierge and the "outer lodge" was available. I asked if this was SL and she said yes. I thought that bldg was going to be shut down in Sept for remodeling? Our dates are for the 9th & 10th.
I put a hold on the reservation, but I'm not sure what I'll do. Are there AAA discounts for RPC? I thought I read that they are out there, but very hard to come by? I liked SL on our last visit, but I'm not sure if I will just be better off staying all nine days at the Polynesian? We always like to do a split.
Thanks!

When we were at RPC a week and a half ago, they told us that SL was supposed to be started at the end of July/beginning of August. But who knows if things will change or there are delays! We were supposed to stay at CR Atrium Club over Labor Day the year before last and the Atrium Club was supposed to be moved to another floor and up and running for our stay. Of course it wan't because of delays so we ended up cancelling and staying Poly LVC. I know it's a hard call to make with so many unknowns !

There are some DISer's here on the GF thread with upcoming trips, so hopefully someone will find out some more info!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Heather - isn't it fun to be able to make ADRs?? I made mine for Nov a couple weeks ago. You reminded me...we do need to try Narcoosees. Happy planning!

Lives4Disney

oh I love it! i'm obsessed! even thought i know i will change my mind 5 times b4 december! but thats all part of it i guess!

 

[princessesrule4]

Heatherlynn-
You look beautiful in your b&w pix! How fun to be at WDW for your 1st anniversary!

 

[Janet2k]

I cant wait to use the pool. When I was there in NOV 2006 I didnt use them at all.

Alicnwondrln, I can't believe you didn't use the pool once. I live in the GF's pools. Here's a video clip for you (since my photos are still out of commission): click here. I expect you to go down that slide at least once during your upcoming vacation.

Everyone, catching up on this thread is proving very dangerous to me. I just saw the treat photos (yum!). My stomach is now growling.

I’m also trying to figure out if/when the GF will be under renovation. From what I've read so far, the information appears to be somewhat vague. Of course, if I book a stay at the resort this summer, I don’t expect it to hamper my fun one bit (I stayed at the GF when it underwent major renovations a few years ago, and my family & our guests had a wonderful time). Still, it would be nice to know what is planned in the way of changes for my favorite resort.

 

[Janet2k]

...do you know if they have to be ordered 48 hours in advance - will they take orders before we check in?

Babyboo, my guess is that item is pretty much a stock item and can be ordered with only a moment's notice. However, it never hurts to call in advance (just to be on the safe side).

 

[Janet2k]

Like many here on this thread, my family has enjoyed lots of WDW's recreational activities. I'll go ahead and post Disney's price list since a few of you were interested in boating prices for your upcoming Grand Floridian vacations. Please note that these prices are from February (the most recent information that I was able to find on Disney's official website). The prices may or may not have changed since then.

- - - - - - -
Walt Disney World Recreation Facts on Prices
(Revised: February 2007. Rates subject to change.)

ACTIVITIES

Bass fishing excursion
2-hour (up to 5 guests) -- *$200-$235
4-hour (up to 5 guests) -- *$405
Additional hour -- *$100

Junior Excursion (ages 6-12) -- *$28

Horseback riding -- *$42 (min. age 9 yrs)

Carriage rides -- *$35 per 1/2 hour

Wagon rides -- $8 age 10+; $5 age 3-9

Parasailing
Single -- $95
Tandem -- $160

Surfing -- *$140 for 2 1/2 hours

Scuba diving (DiveQuest) -- $140 for 3 hours

Dolphins in Depth -- $150 for 3 hours

Tennis
court time (Grand Floridian) -- *$8.52 per hour
court time (other resorts) -- first come basis
private lesson -- $75 per hour
play the professional -- $75 per hour
group clinic -- $15/person

Wakeboarding -- $155 per hour

Water skiing -- $155 per hour
----------------------------------------------------

EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Bicycles -- *$8 per hour; $22 per day
Canoes/Kayaks -- *$6.50 per 1/2 hour
Sea Raycer by Sea Ray -- *$25 per 1/2 hour
Pedal boat -- *$6.50 per 1/2 hour
12' Sailboat -- *$20 per hour
SunTracker pontoon -- *$42 per 1/2 hour
Surrey bikes -- *$18-$22 per 1/2 hour
----------------------------------------------------

WATER PARKS

Blizzard Beach -- $39
Child (ages 3-9) -- $33

Typhoon Lagoon -- $39
Child (ages 3-9) -- $33
----------------------------------------------------

DISNEYQUEST

General (ages 10-up) -- $36
Child (ages 3-9) -- $30
----------------------------------------------------

RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Riding Experience -- *$105.44
Rookie Experience -- *$424.90
King's Experience -- *$797.69
Experience of a Lifetime -- *$1,330.19
----------------------------------------------------

MINIATURE GOLF

Fantasia Gardens -- *$11.45
Child (ages 3-9) -- *$9.06

Winter Summerland -- *$11.45
Child (ages 3-9) -- *$9.06
----------------------------------------------------

*Tax included

----------------------------------------------------

 

[Janet2k]

that does look fun
whats that cost? and how long do you get to keep the boat?
Can you food on it?

Alicnwondrln, here's your answer from the price list that I just posted (again, the prices may or may not have gone up, but at least you have a ballpark figure):

SunTracker pontoon -- *$42 per 1/2 hour

You can rent the boat for as long as the marina is open (which is hours & hours).

When my family rented the Sea Raycer boats, all drivers had to produce a valid driver's license. There were no exceptions to that rule so please make sure you take your driver's license with you to the marina on the day that you are renting the pontoon boat.

As to food, simply contact the Grand Floridian's Private Dining folks. Let them know the date & time of your boat rental and they'll tell you when you need to order your food.

Have a wonderful cruise -- and make sure to take plenty of photos to share with us here in the GF FAQ thread.

- - - - - - -
Edited To Add:

From the Sammy Duvall website:

Requirements:
Drivers must be over 16yrs of age and must bring either a state issued drivers license or permit and a photo I.D. with them at the time of check in. No exceptions will be granted.
A credit card is required to be held as a damage deposit.
Minors under the age of 18 must have an adult present to sign waivers prior to departing on your trip.

 

[Janet2k]

...what special treat should I order for my family? A slipper or something else?

Jen66, my family has enjoyed many wonderful treats while staying at the Grand Floridian. You honestly can't go wrong with any of them. However, I think the biggest hit is usually the chocolate-covered strawberries. Talk about yummy.

 

[Janet2k]

I noticed that the GF has a mini-bar. Can someone tell me what's in it & how it works? And how are the prices of the items?

Ok, back to the mini-bar in the rooms. Are they in every room? What is in them, and if anyone knows what the prices are that would be appreciated as well.

SLDL and Mom2taylorandemily, it’s a shame that my on-line photo albums are presently out of commission because I do have photographs of the Grand Floridian’s in-room Private Pantry (what they call a mini-bar). Since I don’t have photos to share, I took a look through the ones that are stored on my laptop and I saw the following items:

Goldfish (crackers), Combos (cheese-filled pretzels), Ritz Bits (peanut butter & crackers), Trolli Classic Bears (gummi candy), M&M’s (plain & peanut), Reese’s Pieces (candy), Skittles (candy), Snickers (candybar), Kellogg’s Raisin Bran (cereal), Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (cereal), Kellogg’s Fruit Loops (cereal), PEZ (candy & dispenser), etc.

The Private Pantry also included soda pop (Coca-Cola products), bottled water, milk in cartons, and juice in cartons. As to alcoholic beverages, there was wine, beer, champagne, and various liquors & spirits.

I’ll state some of the prices below. Please note that these prices were from last summer (2006):

- - - - - - -

SNACKS:
Cereal: $1.55 each
Cheese Tray: $7.25 each
Combo Nachos: $2.60 each
Crackers: $3.60 each
Cashews: $9.75 each
Goldfish: $1.55 each
Lays Potato Chips: $3.60 each
M&M’s: $2.60 each
PEZ Candy Dispensers: $3.30 each
Reese’s, Gummies, Skittles: $1.80 each
Ritz Bits: $2.30 each
Snickers: $2.30 each

BEVERAGES:
Milk: $2.05 each
Assorted Juices: $2.05 each
Assorted Soft Drinks: $2.30 each
Ginger Ale, Club Soda, Tonic Water: $2.05 each
Bottled Water: $3.60 each

GRAND FLORIDIAN GUEST ITEMS:
Reffillable Souvenir Mugs: $11.99 each
Price includes FREE refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea in
Gasparilla's Grill & Games for the length of your stay at time of purchase.
(Does not include Slush, Cappuccino, or Espresso)

PREMIMUM LIQUORS:
Jack Daniels: $5.40 each
Courvoisier: $5.90 each
Grand Marnier, Baileys: $5.65 each
Tanqueray: $5.40 each
Bacardi: $5.40 each
Johnny Walker Red, Canadian Club: $5.40 each
Absolut: $5.40 each
Crown Royal, Chivas Regal: $5.65 each

BEER & WINE:
Domestic Beer: $4.90 each
Imported Beer: $5.40 each
White Zinfandel & Chardonnay: $4.90 each
Red Wine (available upon request): $4.65 each
Champagne: $9.75 each

Your Private Pantry will be restocked daily.
Charges are posted to your room account daily.
Prices listed include appropriate taxes and gratuity.
- - - - - - -

 

[Janet2k]

I thought I would type below what was stated in the Private Pantry booklet that was found in my resort room last year:

- - - - - - -
Welcome to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For your convenience, we have provided this Private Pantry of Gourmet Foods and Premium Beverages.

Items consumed will be replenished daily. Applicable sales tax and gratuity are included in the prices listed and will be charged to your Resort account.

This Private Pantry contains alcoholic beverages. The Florida Beverage Law prohibits the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by any person under 21. Please lock the Pantry when leaving the room. Please present the Pantry key to the Front Desk upon check-out.

If you would like an itemized bill or if we may be of any service to you, please Touch 7-XXXX so that a member of our Private Pantry staff may assist you.

Thank you and enjoy your stay.
- - - - - - -

 

[Janet2k]

Also, has anyone used Private Dining on a Wishes cruise? What did you order?

Minniesota, I was a guest on a Grand 1 fireworks cruise last summer. Since our party had enjoyed dinner together at the Wilderness Lodge prior to our cruise, only munchie items were served aboard. I wish my on-line photos were accessible so that you could see the lovely cake that the Grand Floridian Bakery had prepared especially for us (it was a customized cake that was arranged in advance by one of my Lizority sisters). It really was as delicious as it was lovely. Also served aboard our cruise were mini-key lime pies, carafes of margaritas (*hiccup!*), bottled water, and soda pop. The Grand Floridian did a lovely job with everything, and ten of us enjoyed a very fun cruise.

 

[Janet2k]

Hi all! As you all can see, I'm new to the DIS and so glad to have found this thread! Anyway, we have a lodge tower room booked for our upcoming trip to the GF in July. I searched the thread and read alot of posts about these rooms (and saw some great photos too). Our last trip to the GF was in 2000, lagoon view room in Big Pine. We loved the location of Big Pine and I was thinking about requesting it again. But in looking at the resort map, I'm thinking that the lodge tower rooms in Big Pine could potentially overlook the back of the pool building. Is that true? If so, it would seem other buildings might have a nicer view and maybe Big Pine should be avoided for this type room?? I did request a balcony, and we're just hoping to have something pretty to look at, preferably not a building! Any thoughts on what building I should request? Thanks!!

TxTiggergal, first off, welcome to the Dis!

I'm not sure if your post has been answered so I am repeating it here. Sadly, I don't have an answer for you myself. I have stayed in several different types of rooms at the Grand Floridian (standard, dormer, deluxe, honeymoon, suite); however, I have not stayed in a lodge tower room nor have I stayed in Big Pine Key. Yikes! Hopefully, someone who has will see this post and chime in with their experiences (my fingers are crossed).

Again, welcome to the Dis!

 

[mirlow]

When we were at RPC a week and a half ago, they told us that SL was supposed to be started at the end of July/beginning of August. But who knows if things will change or there are delays! We were supposed to stay at CR Atrium Club over Labor Day the year before last and the Atrium Club was supposed to be moved to another floor and up and running for our stay. Of course it wan't because of delays so we ended up cancelling and staying Poly LVC. I know it's a hard call to make with so many unknowns !

I'm not to keen on staying in a temporary concierge. We skipped it the year they were doing it at the Polynesian.
I need to finalize my plans because I'm doing the free dining at the Polynesian and the offer ends Sunday. I need to know if I'm going to add dates to that stay.
I'm not having much luck with concierge. I also wanted to try the CR Atrium Club, but decided to try out that resort once all the work was done. Maybe it's a sign that I should just stick with the Polynesian CL.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Janet2k]

I can't remember who was asking about Mickey Crocs,( it might not have been this thread so forgive me if I'm wrong!) but they carry them in Sandy Cove. They have Mickey Crocs for sale EVERYWHERE in the parks!

Princessesrules4, thank you for the information. I'm glad to hear that.

Do you happen to remember if Sandy Cove had the Pirates' version of Crocs for sale in either the kids' (click here) or the adults' sizes (click here)? Or did they only sell the regular Disney Crocs (click here for kids' or click here for adults')?

My daughter needs a new pair of Crocs and if we head to the Grand Floridian this summer, I might wait until then to purchase them.

 

[Jen66]

Thanks Janet! I was starting to lean that way and you pushed me over the edge!! Definitely will get the strawberries!!

 

[SLDL]

Janet2K, Thanks so much for the GREAT mini-bar info!! While the prices (even last years) do seem a little high, I can't help but think how nice it will be to not have to trek to the grocery store or get milk, etc. from a gift shop or elsewhere. Do you still find it necessary to request a fridge? I think we still may get one but only for leftovers from meals, etc. Not sure.

 

[Janet2k]

I just talked DH into RPC next Christmas! We're planning going back for another 2 weeks in 2008. I convinced him today, that while the kids are at BWV, he & I need to stay at GF RPC on one of the weekends so we can celebrate our 20th Anniversary. It'll be a trip within a trip! LOL! My oldest will be 18, so I'm not worried about them being in the villa without us for a couple of days.

Mlill, be careful what you wish for. I speak from experience here.

That was exactly my plan while celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary with a Fairy Tale Weddings vow renewal in WDW two & a half years ago. But then my nephew got sick during our reception and my sister took him back to the BWV early. In no good conscious could I send my son & daughter to crash in their room while my poor little nephew was sick. And so our kids came back to the Grand Floridian with us very late that night. My husband was kinda mad that he got stiffed out of two wedding nights (when we married 20 years prior, and when we renewed our vows that day). He actually wound up sleeping on the floor in front of the bathroom sinks. And I will share photos of him lying there in all his glory on the most ~magical~ night of our lives. That is, if I ever get around to finishing my trip report. (*hanging my head in shame*)

So, be careful what you wish for. 20th wedding anniversaries and the Grand Floridian Resort are tricky things.