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

[Janet2k]

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

Jen66, you're welcome. As soon as my on-line photos are available again, I promise I'll share a link to photos of the chocolate-covered strawberries and all the other goodies that my family has been fortunate enough to enjoy. The resort really has some very fun and unique items, but the chocolate-covered strawberries are always a BIG hit with everyone (and they don't last long -- they're quickly gobbled up).

 

[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.

SLDL, you're welcome. I'm glad I was able to find photos of the pricing on my laptop. This laptop has traveled with me to WDW so it has lots & lots of photos on it -- even some of my more (infamous) photos; for example, the Private Pantry price list. What kind of clown takes photos of price lists? *Raising my hand high into the air* Yep, guilty as charged. But those obscure photos sure do come in handy, don't they?

I've never asked for a fridge during my Grand Floridian stays (but if I planned on keeping leftovers, I most certainly would). Once you're on property and you think you have a need for a fridge, then pick up the phone and request one. I'm sure you'll get good use out of it.

I think the Private Pantry (mini-bar) is a wonderful convenience. I hope the resort chooses to keep it once all the renovations are done.

 

[Janet2k]

The food was great - love the breadsticks,veggies and dips!! Also, DD loves the kettle chips!

Uh-oh! I see I have competition in the lounge for my favorite potato chips. (*making mental note not to vacation at the Grand Floridian at the same time as Princessesrule4's family*)

Someone was asking about the pool cabanas. There were 2 for rent and 2 that were first come, first serve...

I'm glad you posted that. I was curious to see if they had changed how they handled things from last summer (it sounds like they haven't). Thank you for the information.

 

[BrianD]

Let me just add that those minibar prices are EXTREMELY reasonable for a minibar. I just got back from staying at a Hyatt last weekend and a can of coke was $6.00 and a bottle of water was $5.00, so that is not much of a markup for the convenience factor.

 

[marcij]

ACK! I just realized I need to make ADRs for our after Christmas trip soon and I haven't done anything to prepare AND we're about to leave for our summer trip so I have no time to get this done. This is our first trip after Christmas -- Dec. 28 - Jan 2nd. We are usually there before Christmas (around the 15th - 20th) so I'm not sure what to try to plan. I know the parks will be ridiculously crowded, but since we go a couple of times a year I think we can manage that part. We'll just go as we usually do early in the day, then plan other activities for afternoon/night. Anyone have any great ideas for right after Christmas non-park?

Thanks!

 

[BCV23]

I agree that the minibar prices are very reasonable. Maybe we should have taken advantage of those minibars.

Marcy, have you ever gone to the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. I know it's in a park but we've been during that time frame twice and have found Epcot very manageable for dinner as long as you avoid EMH days. There is a dinner package that guarantees you seats for the Processional. The performance is just magnificent.

Both times we did Hoop De Doo for NYE. It was fun and yet we avoided the parks on that night.

 

[CastleLight]

Does anyone think its necessary to reserve the sea racers in advance - in July? I haven't vacationed at WDW in the summer since I was a little girl - so I'm not sure if the crowds are so big that I should worry about this or not. You can tell I'm getting close now that I'm starting to think of little things like this. Thanks all!

 

[heatherlynn444]

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

thanks so much! thought it was time for a change. I am so glad we are going back to WDW< I just desperately wish we were going back to the GF!

 

[mlill]

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.

Janet-
Thank you for sharing your story! Somehow 'real life' always has a way of showing up, even with the best laid plans. You still had a wonderful, magical evening for your vow renewal, even if it did not end up exactly as planned. I do hope you finish your Trip Report someday. It is one of my all-time favorites on the DIS. I'm still weighing our options for our 20th vow renewal... I'd love to go all-out like you did but I also would love to buy more DVC points if/when CRV is announced. I'd rather have a GF DVC, but I'll take a CR DVC that's only a short monorail ride away...

Thanks again for all of your input on this GF thread - you always provide the best details! I just copied your post on Walt Disney World Recreation Facts & Prices and I put it in my planning folder!

Take care,
Michelle

 

[Lives4Disney]

Does anyone think its necessary to reserve the sea racers in advance - in July? I haven't vacationed at WDW in the summer since I was a little girl - so I'm not sure if the crowds are so big that I should worry about this or not. You can tell I'm getting close now that I'm starting to think of little things like this. Thanks all!

no you don't need to reserve them. there are always plenty sitting in the little marina.

Ya, I always thought the GF minibars were priced nicely. Most items weren't higher than you'd find in the parks or gift stores. Love that minibar convenience and I really hope they will still be around in the newly done rooms. Convenience is important on vacation.

PS....about that pontoon boat pricing....I could swear we didn't pay more than $60/hr. I don't think it was >$80. Maybe they did cut us a deal. DH also thought it was about $50/60 range per hr.

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I agree convience is important on vacation. You need to be able to relax not worry about schedules and such. People always club level is a waste of $ but it makes my life easier.

 

[Jen66]

I am starting to do a rough planning of our CS meals for our upcoming trip. I don't really want to plan them per se, but I do want to know a few good ones in each area that we are in. My problem is I don't like any at MGM very well, so I was wondering how is Gasparilla Grill? I figure we can always grab a quck lunch during our afternoon resort breaks. What have you guys had there that is good? how about deserts? Does GF have the new mugs yet? I know my kids will want refillable mugs! Especially if there are any frozen drinks or Dr. Pepper!! (no Dr. Pepper?)
Thanks!!

 

[marcij]

Marcy, have you ever gone to the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. I know it's in a park but we've been during that time frame twice and have found Epcot very manageable for dinner as long as you avoid EMH days. There is a dinner package that guarantees you seats for the Processional. The performance is just magnificent.

Both times we did Hoop De Doo for NYE. It was fun and yet we avoided the parks on that night.

We did CP two years ago, and they were bored out of their minds... I guess they were too young and way too ADHD to sit and listen instead of doing rides and other things. I loved it, and it might go back on our list this year.

Hoop De Doo is a great idea. It's probably been 4 years since we did it, and I know they'd love it and have actually probably forgotten most if not all of the routine.

Anyone else with ideas for then -- I still can't believe we are going during one of the most crowded times of the year... I may have lost my mind.

 

[TxTiggergal]

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!

Janet2k - Thanks for the welcome! No, my post hasn't been answered! I too hope someone can suggest what buildings would provide the best view for the lodge tower room category. (We're not staying concierge, so I know Sugar Loaf would be out.) Any and all input would be welcome!

 

[Glorydaz]

Alicnwondrln,
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.

[/I]

hi there Janet!

you seem to be the unending source of information so I hope you don't mind if I chime in with a question or 2! my soon to be husband and I will be at the GF in December for the start of our disneymoon.
I was planning on renting those Sea Raycer boats ( they look like tons of fun!) - but what is the SunTracker Pontoon ? where does it go?

thanks in advance for your help!

Michelle

 

[TammiMcMan]

I too hope someone can suggest what buildings would provide the best view for the lodge tower room category.

All the lodge tower rooms have garden views with the exception of Sago Cay. The front of that building looks towards the marina, which may be a nicer option for you. Concy Key has beautiful garden views, while Boca Chica and Big Pine Key tend to overlook the courtyard pool. I haven't stayed in either of these buildings, so I can't comment on whether or not noise would be a factor while out on your balcony. Personally, I prefer Sago Cay and Conch Key, just because they're sort of off the beaten path and feel a little quieter to me.

 

[Tinkaroo]

We did CP two years ago, and they were bored out of their minds... I guess they were too young and way too ADHD to sit and listen instead of doing rides and other things. I loved it, and it might go back on our list this year.

Hoop De Doo is a great idea. It's probably been 4 years since we did it, and I know they'd love it and have actually probably forgotten most if not all of the routine.

Anyone else with ideas for then -- I still can't believe we are going during one of the most crowded times of the year... I may have lost my mind.

Marci,

What about renting any of the boats for an afternoon? Tandem parasailing? A fishing excursion? Going over to Ft. Wilderness for their activities, campfire, movie, and s'mores? There are also the sleigh rides at the WL - maybe before or after dinner at Whispering Canyon. There might also be some sort of carriage/wagon ride at Fort Wilderness that goes around all the camping loops - I hear that people decorate pretty extensively for the holidays over there. There are also the miniature golf courses to consider. You could do a fireworks cruise, or maybe the Family Magic Tour at the MK, if offered during that time of year.

There's always resort hopping, too. Maybe going over to the WL and having hot chocolate in front of their fireplace. Heading to AKL for some of their kid activities and animal watching. (What about their new Bush Camp for kids 6-14?) Enjoying some of the nightly entertainment on the Boardwalk.

Or, just enjoying some time around the resort. Are you guys staying RPC, or in a regular room? Either way, you could bring some small board games from home, and enjoy in the lobby/common areas - even better if you can do so in the RPC lounge while listening to the orchestra!

Those are just a few things that come to mind. I think if you go in with reasonable expectations that you aren't going to want to spend all day in the parks, I bet you can still have an enjoyable time. (Elin over on the DDA board might also have some good ideas for you!)

 

[Tinkaroo]

hi there Janet!

you seem to be the unending source of information so I hope you don't mind if I chime in with a question or 2! my soon to be husband and I will be at the GF in December for the start of our disneymoon.
I was planning on renting those Sea Raycer boats ( they look like tons of fun!) - but what is the SunTracker Pontoon ? where does it go?

thanks in advance for your help!

Michelle

Pontoon boats typically carry anywhere between 8-12 passengers, and are boats meant for a more leisurely pace (they're usually not very speedy). Lives4Disney actually posted a picture of her family on one a couple of pages back (thus spurring the discussion of pricing for all the boats).

You can also read this article from AllEarsNet: http://allearsnet.com/btp/pontoon1.htm

If you were to rent any boat from the GF marina, you would be able to enjoy it on the Seven Seas Lagoon, as well as Bay Lake, as they are connected via a waterway near the Contemporary Resort.

DH and I rented the Sea Raycers from the Poly last March, and had a ball. We got some great pictures of the MK and all the surrounding resorts from the water, too.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I am starting to do a rough planning of our CS meals for our upcoming trip. I don't really want to plan them per se, but I do want to know a few good ones in each area that we are in. My problem is I don't like any at MGM very well, so I was wondering how is Gasparilla Grill? I figure we can always grab a quck lunch during our afternoon resort breaks. What have you guys had there that is good? how about deserts? Does GF have the new mugs yet? I know my kids will want refillable mugs! Especially if there are any frozen drinks or Dr. Pepper!! (no Dr. Pepper?)
Thanks!!

Jen, I ate at Gasparilla Grill back in August '05. It was perfectly acceptable food court-type food, although it would not be anything I would go out of my way to eat (but then again, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat CS at MGM, either). I had the chicken caesar salad, and it was fresh and satisfying. Sorry, I didn't try anything for dessert.

I don't know about the mugs. I don't believe there are any frozen drinks, such as frozen Coke, at Gaspie's. I'm also somewhat certain that they didn't carry Dr. Pepper in the fountain, but don't quote me on that. (I vacillate between Coke and DP, and typically just drink Coke when at the World.) I think I may have been able to purchase a DP here and there in bottles, but not from the fountains, but maybe someone else will chime in with their experience.

 

[heatherlynn444]

I am starting to do a rough planning of our CS meals for our upcoming trip. I don't really want to plan them per se, but I do want to know a few good ones in each area that we are in. My problem is I don't like any at MGM very well, so I was wondering how is Gasparilla Grill? I figure we can always grab a quck lunch during our afternoon resort breaks. What have you guys had there that is good? how about deserts? Does GF have the new mugs yet? I know my kids will want refillable mugs! Especially if there are any frozen drinks or Dr. Pepper!! (no Dr. Pepper?)
Thanks!!

we love gasparillas, and ate there many times when we didnt feel like going anywhere haha. the pizaa is pretty good and I really liked their hot dogs with cheese and french fries. yum yum. they also have a lot of pasteries, ice cream bars, yogurt, etc. etc. we love to sit out by the marina and look at the castle i also heard all the mugs are the same now