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

[diselderm]

Hi. We're going to the RPC from Dec. 2-7th and I've been following the rehab news. Does anyone know if prior to the last rehab they had more than one type of decor in different buildings or rooms like they currently do?

I've tried to bite my tongue, but I'm just not really liking the new decor. Of course, everyone has different tastes. I've even thought about switching resorts (which I know is probably crazy) because I just don't really like what I've seen so far in photos. It's probably better in person, but that bedspread...

Anyway, I thought that if they have always had a variety of room decors in the GF, maybe they will this time too?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi. We're going to the RPC from Dec. 2-7th and I've been following the rehab news. Does anyone know if prior to the last rehab they had more than one type of decor in different buildings or rooms like they currently do?

I've tried to bite my tongue, but I'm just not really liking the new decor. Of course, everyone has different tastes. I've even thought about switching resorts (which I know is probably crazy) because I just don't really like what I've seen so far in photos. It's probably better in person, but that bedspread...

Anyway, I thought that if they have always had a variety of room decors in the GF, maybe they will this time too?

Actually, I feel the same way and I don't think we're alone. I don't know if the decor/themes will be different from building to building, but i hope there are other choices than the one pictured in Conch.

Lives4Disney

 

[arbonnette]

I've tried to bite my tongue, but I'm just not really liking the new decor. Of course, everyone has different tastes. I've even thought about switching resorts (which I know is probably crazy) because I just don't really like what I've seen so far in photos. It's probably better in person, but that bedspread...

Anyway, I thought that if they have always had a variety of room decors in the GF, maybe they will this time too?

I thought I would chime in on the refurb debate. I was expecting the pictures of the new rooms to come back and be just fantastic. I am underwhelmed. I personally love the Alice decor, which is really original, IMHO.
But the new colors and the way the furniture is lined up against the wall, not to mention the small size of that picture in relation to the scale of the furniture. It's just sad. I am an interior designer by trade, and the scale of the room is just poor planning. I would think Disney could come up with more for it's flagship ... For example, I believe the new bedspread pictured has Tinkerbell on it. Well, that is ok, but they should have carried it farther, perhaps putting some sort of "pixie dust" border or on the ceiling that glows in the dark. (I think they have this in Disneyland.) I just think they could do unique and different while still being tasteful and not over the top. For the price they charge for the room, we want something truly special!!!

I am hoping that when SL and RPC are done, I will like them more; I can't imagine all the rooms getting that same bedspread!

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

We are due to stay in a Garden View room at The GF for 7 nights on our honeymoon, can anyone post pics of what kind of view we may get? Also is there a certain area we should request? Any better than others?
Also as for the interior of the rooms, I'm not fond of floral, does anyone have pics of the interiors, I understand there are different themes?

Thanks

 

[triplefigs]

Are they adding a day bed to the Deluxe Rooms in RPC? If so, would they accommodate 5 (would they change the room capacity)? That would be wonderful since there is plenty of extra space in the Deluxe Rooms. Do any of you who email Concierge think they would know the answer or could find out for us because...

2nd question: how far in advance should I book a room only for 1st week Dec 2008 in RPC? I am just dying to stay RPC. I think it would be better to wait and stay in RPC for Christmas vs a split stay this Sept. We're looking at going Nov 29/30 to Dec 6/7, 2008. If the Deluxe room would hold 5 after the upgrade, I will book it room only and then just add the 5th guest once CRO got the word that the room capacity had changed.

Thanks!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

I was wondering the same thing...how far to book for the beginning of December, 2008. I would love to stay at the GF, for first visit there, for the holidays!

 

[triplefigs]

I was wondering the same thing...how far to book for the beginning of December, 2008. I would love to stay at the GF, for first visit there, for the holidays!

See you there! and, I just added a ticker!

 

[garada3]

Triplefigs

Three tickers! You go girl!

I am so jealous

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Are they adding a day bed to the Deluxe Rooms in RPC? If so, would they accommodate 5 (would they change the room capacity)? That would be wonderful since there is plenty of extra space in the Deluxe Rooms. Do any of you who email Concierge think they would know the answer or could find out for us because...

2nd question: how far in advance should I book a room only for 1st week Dec 2008 in RPC? I am just dying to stay RPC. I think it would be better to wait and stay in RPC for Christmas vs a split stay this Sept. We're looking at going Nov 29/30 to Dec 6/7, 2008. If the Deluxe room would hold 5 after the upgrade, I will book it room only and then just add the 5th guest once CRO got the word that the room capacity had changed.

Thanks!

Hi Denise!
Although we won't be staying RPC, I still plan on making our Dec 2008 GF ressie this fall since I know how popular the GF is at Christmas.
Although, if all these rumored changes to the DDP are true , I doubt we will go on a package. We're probably getting AP's next year anyway (not that I have any hope of there being an AP rate at the GF in Dec ) but we may join AAA just for their discount. Who is the terrific AAA agent that everyone here on the Dis raves about? Could someone please PM me her info?
Thanks!
Kristin

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi guys. Triplefigs!! Awesome!!!! I am so glad for you. RPC is beautiful esp at Xmas. Did you book any room yet? I am debating going for Xmas again too. I loved it - Jojo missed home, but by then (2008) she'll be almost 9 and hopefully Xmas away from home won't be so tragic for her.

Where'd the info regarding the possiblity of the added daybed to a deluxe room come from??? I'll be right with ya booking it! I remember a few yrs ago these deluxe rooms seemed to always be available and I didn't take advantage of it...now they are so hard to come by.

Cinderumbrella, I have AAA and always book things myself directly thru CRO. SOmetimes they ask for my number and other times they don't. I did once book thru a AAA agent and personally I didn't like that experience. I prefer control over things. Not sure who the great AAA agent is, and it wouldn't matter to me - I like to own my ressies.

Happy day!

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

For those of you asking, I booked my room only reservation for RPC for this Nov./Dec. in late August '06, right when AAA rates were released for the next year. I knew I wouldn't be doing a package though, since we have AP's, and don't think the DDP is a good value for us.

Based on current value season AP rates for the fall, I'm thinking my AAA discount on the room will prove to be a better value than if any AP rates come out for Nov/Dec. Since AAA is a % off, and AP's are normally just a flat amount off across all rooms at the resort, I think that % off will be a better savings.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi guys. Triplefigs!! Awesome!!!! I am so glad for you. RPC is beautiful esp at Xmas. Did you book any room yet? I am debating going for Xmas again too. I loved it - Jojo missed home, but by then (2008) she'll be almost 9 and hopefully Xmas away from home won't be so tragic for her.

Where'd the info regarding the possiblity of the added daybed to a deluxe room come from??? I'll be right with ya booking it! I remember a few yrs ago these deluxe rooms seemed to always be available and I didn't take advantage of it...now they are so hard to come by.

Cinderumbrella, I have AAA and always book things myself directly thru CRO. SOmetimes they ask for my number and other times they don't. I did once book thru a AAA agent and personally I didn't like that experience. I prefer control over things. Not sure who the great AAA agent is, and it wouldn't matter to me - I like to own my ressies.

Happy day!

Lives4Disney

I never knew you could make your own ressie when using AAA!!!!!!!!!! Hooray!! That is definitely the deciding factor for me to do it- I am WA-A-A-A-A-Y too much of a control freak to not do my own stuff
ETA: Denise- I just checked the dates we are looking at and they pretty much match yours (11/29 to 12/7)- if I see you I'll be sure to say Hi!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, I showed DH the pics of the new rooms in Conch and pics of Sago (as they were) and he said he prefers the new room. Since I was being so darn indecisive (and lets face it, since I have planned everything else on this trip with minimal input ) I figured I would let him have his way on something! So I called and requested a dormer room in Conch.... now hopefully I'll get it!
35 days left

 

[dingoballs]

OK, I showed DH the pics of the new rooms in Conch and pics of Sago (as they were) and he said he prefers the new room. Since I was being so darn indecisive (and lets face it, since I have planned everything else on this trip with minimal input ) I figured I would let him have his way on something! So I called and requested a dormer room in Conch.... now hopefully I'll get it!
35 days left

What type of room is a dormer room?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

What type of room is a dormer room?

Top floor, with valuted ceilings- I just love those rooms!!

 

[triplefigs]

Well, I contacted our AAA agent (if you need a great one, PM me). She said the AAA rates should be out in Aug (thanks, Lindsay!). I asked her to book RPC Standard room for Nov 29-Dec 7. The only reason I book with a AAA agent is because I can keep the discount and add on the DDP. She is FANTASTIC and has been great for every trip. I think we'll go with Room only for now, and then see if we get APs or want to add the DDP once they release the details for 2008. I am so excited! And Kristin, that would be great if we were there the same time.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Hi Denise - so you made the decision to go back to GF? I keep tossing about our July 2008 trip - GF, Poly, or YC/GF or Poly split. The reason I picked the Poly for our January 2008 trip is the kids had a ball at the arcade there and you never know about the weather in January so I figured if it was too cold they could spend time in the arcade at night. Of course last year it was 80 degrees in January and the year before it was 40!

GF is calling to me though and I have a feeling we'll end up with a GF/YC split next summer. The kids really like SAB but I really missed the monorail this trip.

Have a great time on your next vacation!

OT- I see you're going to HHI. We're leaving for Hilton Head the end of August for a 4 night mini-vacation. I think we're staying at the Marriott Beach and Golf resort!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi Denise - so you made the decision to go back to GF? I keep tossing about our July 2008 trip - GF, Poly, or YC/GF or Poly split. The reason I picked the Poly for our January 2008 trip is the kids had a ball at the arcade there and you never know about the weather in January so I figured if it was too cold they could spend time in the arcade at night. Of course last year it was 80 degrees in January and the year before it was 40!

GF is calling to me though and I have a feeling we'll end up with a GF/YC split next summer. The kids really like SAB but I really missed the monorail this trip.

Have a great time on your next vacation!

OT- I see you're going to HHI. We're leaving for Hilton Head the end of August for a 4 night mini-vacation. I think we're staying at the Marriott Beach and Golf resort!

We did a spontaneous GF RPC/YC split a couple weeks ago. It was perfect and that's what we would do again.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Channing - it's amazing that you, me and Denise have never run into each other yet! I think we were actually at YC the same time this year (we were there June 28-July 12). We definitely seem to have similar tastes! Let the planning begin!

 

[triplefigs]

Channing - it's amazing that you, me and Denise have never run into each other yet! I think we were actually at YC the same time this year (we were there June 28-July 12). We definitely seem to have similar tastes! Let the planning begin!

I agree, Robin. We definitely need to meet up! How was the June trip?