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

[Lives4Disney]

So I will ask my question here instead of the main forum.

I am currently trying to come up with support for my arguement that a longer (10 + days) stay in the summer will allow for more relaxation and pool time to counter the heat, humidity and commando tendancies of this planner

GF RPC is definitely going to be a part of the trip but should it be our only resort choice? Is it possible to get tired of RPC after 13 nights, which is what I am hoping for? The trip isn't until '09 so I have plenty of time to save

I have read the threads, and recent posts on the GF thread, about switching resorts, packing for the switch etc. and just really need input from some of you who visit the GF often and for longer periods of time.

I am afraid that DH might say that's too long to be in one place and too much hassle to switch!

Thanks so much!

OK, as much as I LOVE RPC I get so sick of the same old food offerings - and we are not around for much except bfast and maybe some midday snackage and once in a while the appetizers and it always seems to be the SAME when we do catch it. I think it loses it's specialness after so long - you know...too much of a good thing . I felt that during our Christmas stay of 9 nts. It was absolutely lovely, but too long at the same time. If I could do a two week WDW trip again (had MANY many before my kids grew up ) I would do a week at the GF and then a week at an Epcot resort just to change things up a bit - BUT my youngest is 7. I think when she was younger I would have just preferred to stay near the MK, so that is a factor, too....The kids really enjoy Epcot and MGM now as much or almost more than the MK (still my fave ). It's like two vacations when you go from MK to Epcot resort area. I never unpack much except toiletries. I prefer to live out of a suitcase so that does make things easier and I pack prepared for that with separate luggage for everybody..... We have done many split stays and never had any problems or much inconvenience. The RPC/YC stay we just had was lots of fun. I would do that split again. It was fun having a new area to explore and a different pool and different scenery out the balcony.

Happy planning!! Sounds like it will be wonderful whatever you decide. Two weeks in WDW - that is a thing of my past, but it was great while it lasted. Enjoy!

Lives4Disney

 

[nicoleakr]

subscribing

 

[Claud26]

is the GF excluded from codes, PINs, etc? I heard someplace that the GF doesn't "participate" in discounts?

I find it hard to believe, but thought I should ask to make sure

I'm also one of the lucky ones that got a 40% off postcard. We are going Dec 9th to 15th and without this 40% discount we would not be able to stay at the GF.

Although we were not planing on going this year this discount was just to good to pass up, not to mention unheard off. So this will be the trip to Celebrate our 10th Aniversary, and we are taking the kids with us.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

So I will ask my question here instead of the main forum.

I am currently trying to come up with support for my arguement that a longer (10 + days) stay in the summer will allow for more relaxation and pool time to counter the heat, humidity and commando tendancies of this planner

GF RPC is definitely going to be a part of the trip but should it be our only resort choice? Is it possible to get tired of RPC after 13 nights, which is what I am hoping for? The trip isn't until '09 so I have plenty of time to save

I have read the threads, and recent posts on the GF thread, about switching resorts, packing for the switch etc. and just really need input from some of you who visit the GF often and for longer periods of time.

I am afraid that DH might say that's too long to be in one place and too much hassle to switch!

Thanks so much!

I would switch at all
I would stay the whole time at the GF

 

[BunnieGene]

I love the GF too much to ever switch...my longest stay has been 6 days...I would love a 10+day stay there...that would be heaven

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hello, I am hoping you guys can answer a few questions for me. Does anyone actually have pictures of the different theme rooms in the different buildings? I have seen Sayo Cay( which I don't like), the main building and the sugar loaf.
Big Pine Key is the resort closest to the main building right? Did it use to be a smoking building, I know the resort are now smoke free, but can you still smell it? I am hopefully planning to go this August, is there any rehabs for any of the resturants or anything else going on? Which building is your favourite? Thanks for your help.

Lalita: The buildings are all going through a decorating rehab this year. The first pictures are just leaking out (scroll back a few pages here on the thread to find the link to the Conch Key ones). Conch and Sago will probably be the only ones done (or nearly done) by your trip.
Also, 1900 PF restaurant will be closed while you are there. The character breakfast and dinner will both be at the Grand Floridian Cafe instead, but as a preplated meal, not a buffet. Citricos will be open for breakfast (and perhaps lunch , ladies, help me out on this one) to accomodate those who like the GFC breakfast.
As for the smoke smell in Big Pine, I have never stayed there but others here have and I don't recall anyone complaining about a smoky smell.
I am going in August also and have requested Sago, in hopes of getting a newly done room
Have a great trip!

 

[BCV23]

Yes, Citricos will be serving lunch as well as breakfast during the 1990 rehab. It will be a GF Cafe type menu. Dinner will be typical Citricos.

I agree that there is no need to worry about a smoke odor even if you got an old smoking room. I think it was only a small part of the building anyway from what others have posted and I'm sure WDW has "desmoking" down to a science.

 

[Lewanc]

So I will ask my question here instead of the main forum.

I am currently trying to come up with support for my arguement that a longer (10 + days) stay in the summer will allow for more relaxation and pool time to counter the heat, humidity and commando tendancies of this planner

GF RPC is definitely going to be a part of the trip but should it be our only resort choice? Is it possible to get tired of RPC after 13 nights, which is what I am hoping for? The trip isn't until '09 so I have plenty of time to save

I have read the threads, and recent posts on the GF thread, about switching resorts, packing for the switch etc. and just really need input from some of you who visit the GF often and for longer periods of time.

I am afraid that DH might say that's too long to be in one place and too much hassle to switch!

Thanks so much!

Hi Garada -- I definitely agree with Lives4Disney regarding this matter. When going for a 2 week or more stay, I definitely change resorts (sometimes 3 times). At one time we booked a 2 week stay at a resort, (this was in Disney's early days - only 3 resorts available), and after about 8 days I needed a change but couldn't do so because all resorts were filled to capacity. I had to stay put and promised myself I'd never plan a long stay for one resort again. No matter how great the resort, I just need a change for that long of a period of time. I have even been known to change resorts on a 1 week stay, and don't find it to be a hassle. In my opinion, resort switching allows you the illusion of experiencing more than one vacation, due to the differences in resort offerings. If the Grand Floridian is your most favorite resort and you decide to do a resort switch, plan your longest time for the Grand Floridian at the end of your stay.

Switching resorts, is a matter of personal choice, and you will have to decide what is the best for your and your family. No matter what your choice, I'm sure you will enjoy your vacation.

 

[princessesrule4]

Hello, I am hoping you guys can answer a few questions for me. Does anyone actually have pictures of the different theme rooms in the different buildings? I have seen Sayo Cay( which I don't like), the main building and the sugar loaf.
Big Pine Key is the resort closest to the main building right? Did it use to be a smoking building, I know the resort are now smoke free, but can you still smell it? I am hopefully planning to go this August, is there any rehabs for any of the resturants or anything else going on? Which building is your favourite? Thanks for your help.

Some of our favorite lagoon view rooms are in Big Pine! Great castle views!
I'm sure they have "desmoked" the buildings! We were in a non smoking room on a non smoking floor so you really couldn't smell smoke! Mabye a little bit in the hallways. Since it is all non smoking now you should be fine! Have a great trip!

 

[princessesrule4]

Forgot to mention that Big Pine is a great location - right next to the main building! I guess we are lazy but we didn't like the walk from Boca Chica as well!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Some of our favorite lagoon view rooms are in Big Pine! Great castle views!
I'm sure they have "desmoked" the buildings! We were in a non smoking room on a non smoking floor so you really couldn't smell smoke! Mabye a little bit in the hallways. Since it is all non smoking now you should be fine! Have a great trip!

That's great that they have gone NO SMOKING.....I forgot about that. That smoking issue was keeping me from even thinking about Big Pine. I requested Sago, but thought Boca Chica would be nice, too - for GV rooms. Except the other thing keeping me from Big Pine was that pool building roof view and it looks like some of Boca could have it too. I know they'd stick me with that view and I'd be kicking myself we weren't doing RPC, haha. (or that wonderul dumpster view Heather had the luck of )

OK, crazy question here because I have only stayed RPC and SL, but I am looking at my GF map (thinking about my GV for Thanksgiving, haha) and doesn't Big Pine face the Poly and Wedding Pavillion? How are there castle views?

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

OK, crazy question here because I have only stayed RPC and SL, but I am looking at my GF map (thinking about my GV for Thanksgiving, haha) and doesn't Big Pine face the Poly and Wedding Pavillion? How are there castle views?

Channing, you have to remember that it's not called an MK view any longer, instead it's a theme park view. One of the ends of Big Pine key faces more towards Discovery Island. My guess is, from some of the rooms, you can see Space Mountain and if you look way to the left, you can probably see some of the castle. This would classify them as a "theme park" view room.

 

[garada3]

Thanks to all for the input on how long is too long in RPC and switching resorts. Your replies have given me a great deal to consider

I just want to be fully prepared when I approach DH with my suggestion for a longer stay and becoming 'bored' with one resort is a concern he might raise.

Thanks again!

 

[krbq]

Channing, you have to remember that it's not called an MK view any longer, instead it's a theme park view. One of the ends of Big Pine key faces more towards Discovery Island. My guess is, from some of the rooms, you can see Space Mountain and if you look way to the left, you can probably see some of the castle. This would classify them as a "theme park" view room.

My recollection is that when the "MK view" was first established, it was described as the rooms that directly faced the Magic Kingdom and the castle, justifying the higher rate. Rooms that faced toward the Contemporary or any other direction were considered lagoon view, even if the castle could be seen from those rooms. If they've changed that description and we're paying for "theme park view" this coming October (we had asked for MK view when we made the res) and find we're looking at Space Mountain and no castle, I'm going to be pretty upset.

 

[princessesrule4]

That's great that they have gone NO SMOKING.....I forgot about that. That smoking issue was keeping me from even thinking about Big Pine. I requested Sago, but thought Boca Chica would be nice, too - for GV rooms. Except the other thing keeping me from Big Pine was that pool building roof view and it looks like some of Boca could have it too. I know they'd stick me with that view and I'd be kicking myself we weren't doing RPC, haha. (or that wonderul dumpster view Heather had the luck of )

OK, crazy question here because I have only stayed RPC and SL, but I am looking at my GF map (thinking about my GV for Thanksgiving, haha) and doesn't Big Pine face the Poly and Wedding Pavillion? How are there castle views?

Lives4Disney

Channing,

I pulled out my GF map to see how it was layed out! Our rooms were on the shorter end of Big Pine that faces the MK. The length of Big Pine faces the Wedding Pavilion but the width - the shorter end - has the same views as Boca Chica. Both times we had wonderful castle views!

Hope this makes sense!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We had a castle view in Big Pine. It was as princessrule4 described, one of the rooms that have a balcony on the short end, third floor I think.

 

[TammiMcMan]

My recollection is that when the "MK view" was first established, it was described as the rooms that directly faced the Magic Kingdom and the castle, justifying the higher rate.

I honestly don't remember what the description was for the "MK view", whether it was considered any part of the Magic Kingdom or the castle specifically. I do know that if you look it up now, the room view has been changed to "Theme Park view". This is what's listed as part of that description on the Disney reservations website ~ Magic Kingdom View Rooms offer views of the spectacular Magic Kingdom theme park. There is no mention of a castle view. My suggestion is to be sure that you have noted a request for the castle on your reservation. It still won't guarantee anything, but at least someone will see it.

 

[Lives4Disney]

THanks, guys for clarifying. I forgot there wre rooms at the end of the building....would those be the special "Hammerhead" rooms - extra large with two balconies? This is going to be a new adventure for us and I am looking forward to something still GF but different. I have GV booked, but I am wondering about that "Theme Park View", but most likely stick to GV and save the money. Rather look at gardens/pool/marina than SM, anyway. I requested Sago and the Hammerhead room - but not sure if they are even available with GVs.....just thought I'd take the chance request, lol.

Just checked the WDW website and weirdly enough....THIS far out only GV is available anyway....just itching to mess with my ressie, lol.

My recollection is that when the "MK view" was first established, it was described as the rooms that directly faced the Magic Kingdom and the castle, justifying the higher rate. Rooms that faced toward the Contemporary or any other direction were considered lagoon view, even if the castle could be seen from those rooms. If they've changed that description and we're paying for "theme park view" this coming October (we had asked for MK view when we made the res) and find we're looking at Space Mountain and no castle, I'm going to be pretty upset.

The category just all of a sudden changed. One day it was MK View, and the next it was THeme Park View. I would definintely bring your original paperwork with your MK View printed and hopefully they will take into consideration THAT is what you booked. Don't just settle for the room they give you if you're not satisfied.

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

I think the category changed for all 3 of the monorail resorts. I know at the CR it is listed as "Theme Park View" now, even though you KNOW you have a Castle View! The Poly classification changed as well, and all of those rooms have Castle views too.

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Lives4Disney,
The hammerhead rooms are not considered GV rooms - either theme park view or lagoon view. There are hammerhead rooms in Boca Chica that look directly onto Narcoossee's, but since one of the balconies looks onto the Seven Seas Lagoon, they are not GV rooms. About half of Boca Chica GVs have a great view of the pool, but the other half are looking on to the back of the pool bar. Big Pine is the same. We like the rooms in Big Pine that end in -02, -04, -06, 08, or 10. These rooms have a near clear view of the pool and they are at the end of Big Pine closest to the beach and the main building. The other half of Big Pine GVs have the back-of-the-pool-bar view. Most of the other rooms in Big Pine are lagoon view - across to the Poly and the Wedding Chapel. The other rooms look across to the Contemporary and if you look left you can see the castle and Space Mountain.