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

[HockeyMomR]

I just thought of several other interesting items about our stay in one of the new rooms in Conch Key. Our room had a small frig in it instead of an honor bar. I found that this was much better. The hair dryer was not one of those wall mounted things, it was just a regular hair dryer left on a shelf under the safe in the closet. There was a tray containing a coffee maker and Twinnings tea on the vanity. These items seemed different from our last stay but my memory could be wrong. I think the shower heads were new. With three settings from a wide circle of spray to a smaller circle of massage that felt great after a long day.

Also to add to the discussion about the new decor, I really liked having the chair and the ottoman. It was so nice to be able to put your feet up after a long day in the parks. The new longer sofa was also much more comfortable than the older daybeds. I thought that I would mind not having the table but the rollout table actually worked better because it could be wheeled out of sight when not in use. The huge piece of furniture with the TV, frig, and drawers had plenty of storage. The top of it was at a better height to hold all of the stuff that collects during a theme park stay. And you have the top of the desk also.

As far as the upholstery, the hidden Mickey's in the blue chair have been mentioned but I don't know if anyone has yet mentioned the fabric in the drapes and on the pelmet. Clerverly disguised in the pattern were Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald Duck and I think Goofy. It is subtle but they are there. If I can figure out how to post a photo, I will later.

Asta - We missed the Disney character in the drapes. Oh, well, something to look for on our next trip!

Sorry to hear about the smoker, good for the GF for taking care of this promptly.

Glad to hear you had a nice vacation!

 

[BrianD]

Asta, thank you for all the details on the new GF rooms! I'm glad to hear that it looks better in person than in the pictures.

One of the gripes I had from the few pictures that I saw was the table being replaced by the desk. I'm glad to hear that you liked how it worked in the room, but I just wish there were two chairs for sitting at a table/desk. How does Private Dining work now? Do they just pull out the desk and set it up there, one person sits at the desk, while the other sits in the chair? Just curious about what you think about it in that regard.

Also, I'm disappointed to hear the confirmation about the removal of the minibar. I know that Channing & I are in the minority about this, but I just love having the convenience of overpriced refreshments & spirits right there in your room.

And one other question. Did it seemed crammed at all the way the desk, dresser, and day bed butted up to each other along that wall? Just curious about your opinion there as well.

Thanks again for the update! I can't wait to get back to the GF - whenever that is.

 

[Lives4Disney]

BrianD asked a lot of great questions. I am curious, too.

Brian, that minibar thing is such a downer for us, huh?? The funny thing is I RARELY ever used the stuff from the minibar, but it was like my security just knowing it was there, lol, if I wanted something. DD7 usually had the Goldfish or some M&Ms, but that's about it....oh, and the PEZ! I thought you were planning a GF trip!? It sounds like maybe not.

Thanks for all the great info, Asta. It will be interesting to see the rooms in person vs the great pics Hockeymom posted. I like the idea that the daybed is larger/roomier than the previous.

Lives4Disney

 

[princessesrule4]

Glad you had a great trip,asta! Thanks for the details on the new rooms - can't wait to see them!

 

[Maxie86]

Just wondering from all you GF experts... what transport do you take to and from Epcot and Animal Kingdom? Thanks for all the great tips and advice!

We take the monorail to Epcot and MK, but for the past five years we rent a car and drive to the the other parks and DTD. The buses are just too crowded for me. I don't mind waiting for one, but I can't stand on a moving bus any more. I have an inner ear condition and lose my balance easily. If you don't mind standing on the bus, they are a good option since they run frequently and drop you off near the gates.

Add me to the list of people that will miss the mini bars. I can't believe we are in the minority. It is just too convenient to have drinks and snacks in the room.

 

[milkshake]

Maxie86!! Wow.... Thank you so much for giving me an answer to my question! I was wondering if you had to belong to some elite GF club for anyone to notice you ~~~
Thank you again for the reply

 

[BrianD]

... I thought you were planning a GF trip!? It sounds like maybe not. ...

Well, we do, but now it's just a WHOLE YEAR LATER. I mentioned it in passing a few weeks ago, but due to budgetary reasons, we are staying at the WL this December rather than the GF (barring a really successful Fall, financially speaking ). So, it's on to December '08 at the GF.

We have never stayed at the WL, and it's no GF, but it does look very nice at Christmas, and we're still close to the MK, so that helps.

 

[Maxie86]

Maxie86!! Wow.... Thank you so much for giving me an answer to my question! I was wondering if you had to belong to some elite GF club for anyone to notice you ~~~
Thank you again for the reply

You're welcome. Enjoy your stay at the GF.

 

[krbq]

We take the monorail to Epcot and MK, but for the past five years we rent a car and drive to the the other parks and DTD. The buses are just too crowded for me. I don't mind waiting for one, but I can't stand on a moving bus any more. I have an inner ear condition and lose my balance easily. If you don't mind standing on the bus, they are a good option since they run frequently and drop you off near the gates.

There are also taxis at all the resorts and usually at the theme parks, water parks, and DTD (if not, a phone call will have them there in a minute). They're great if you're in a hurry for a dinner reservation and only cost a few bucks.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Maxie86!! Wow.... Thank you so much for giving me an answer to my question! I was wondering if you had to belong to some elite GF club for anyone to notice you ~~~
Thank you again for the reply

Sorry, nope -- no "elite GF club" here ....just didn't actually notice the question. I started to read your post and it seemed directed at asta, so I stopped reading. We are all really nice on this thread.

You already have your answer, but in all our GF stays we've never had an issue with the WDW transportation to the parks. We have had our share from the YC and other Epcot resorts, but not GF. We usually fly and limo, but if we do drive or have a rental car, we park it and leave it anyway. It's nice to just leave the real world behind and not have to deal with the traffic or parking at all.

BrianD, the WL is really pretty during the holidays, so I think it's second only to the GF. I bet you'll love it. Hope it's a great stay and there's always hope for a great financial fall, too! We could use one, too, haha.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[milkshake]

Thank you..and sorry for jumping the gun :-0
Just an opinion if you don't mind me asking... I see you use a limo instead of ME. Since we are on a limited time frame and are taking an international flight out early when we leave (flight is at 8:30am) Do you think we will have to be up and ready to go at 4am to use ME? Any specific Limo company suggestions out there? Anyone else who use ME, what is the approximate travel times to and from MCO and GF? Thank a million

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thank you..and sorry for jumping the gun :-0
Just an opinion if you don't mind me asking... I see you use a limo instead of ME. Since we are on a limited time frame and are taking an international flight out early when we leave (flight is at 8:30am) Do you think we will have to be up and ready to go at 4am to use ME? Any specific Limo company suggestions out there? Anyone else who use ME, what is the approximate travel times to and from MCO and GF? Thank a million

The only time I've ever used ME was when staying at the GF back in '05, and back then, they were picking up at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight time. Not sure if they factor in more time if you're flying internationally.

Personally, I avoid ME like the plague - we always rent a car. There was nothing inherently wrong with our ME experience, but we prefer being on more of our own schedule. We have getting in/out of MCO down to a science, and don't like mass transportation to delay us at all. I remember sitting at the gate FOREVER for our trip home, since we were dropped off so early. If memory serves, it took somewhere between 60 and 90 minutes to get to the GF from MCO, as GF was the last stop (also hit the WL and Poly).

I've heard good things about Happy Limo, as well as Quick Silver. I've never used one, though, but I'm sure others will come along who can give good recommendations.

 

[milkshake]

Thank you for the tips.. I may decide to splurge with a limo or towncar for the transfers. Since we are there for such a short stay, time is very important. Guess I need to start reading reviews and getting some quotes on line. Thanks again

 

[Alicnwondrln]

hi everyone

great new info about the GF! THanks for all the great new updates and reviews. That white enclosure at the sugar loaf was out up my last day Juky 11th. I was told it was a gazebo type thing they were adding. Also a better way for the staff to come and go instead of just the trees.

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

We were originally booked at the Polynesian in August, but I've been getting increasingly nervous over crowded pool reports, and that the hotel seemed to be at full capacity because of the AKL construction. So I checked online and saw that the AP rate for GF was still available and emailed my travel agent and she was able to get us a garden view room!

I'm so excited. GF has been my dream resort for ages. We almost stayed there last year at Christmas but then decided to bring my parents along and opted for less expensive rooms at Yacht Club.

And now I've been able to justify a Grand Floridian stay.


Yay!

 

[Jen66]

Hi all! We are back from our fabulous WDW week! We had such a great time, and the GF was wonderful. We stayed in the very end of Sago with a wonderful view of the MK. I did not even request a new room, because I was nervous about drawer space and lack of table. It really wouldn't have mattered either way; but my kids take so much stuff that it needs to be in drawers or hung up.

It was such a fun vacation, but I am exhausted! Today I have to start the laundry. There is truly an obnoxious amount.

 

[karebear1]

Jen66- WE want to hear all about it, so when you're all settld in, please come back and tell us what you thought of the rooms... and let's see those pics if you have them!!

 

[hmp2z]

Any specific Limo company suggestions out there? Anyone else who use ME, what is the approximate travel times to and from MCO and GF? Thank a million

We tried ME once and didn't care for it at all. I get kind of car sick on a bus, for some reason, and neither of us liked that we had to go to several resorts before getting to our own. We always use Tiffany Towncar (they also have limos). They have a coupon on their website, if you're interested: http://www.tiffanytowncars.com/

We've always been impressed with how prompt & courteous the drivers from this company are, and I think their rates are a bit lower than Mears.

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

Has anyone had any experiences with the Mousketeer Club? Did the kids enjoy themselves?

Thanks!

 

[clownfish1452]

I would love to have the time to read this whole thread, but I do not have the time does anyone have any thing to tell me about GF that I really should know.

Thank You
Sarah