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

[princessesrule4]

Well, we got there late last Saturday afternoon and actually spent our first night in POR Riverside. Our package started on Sunday, so we spent Friday after Thanksgiving packing the car. We live in North Carolina and I have a nephew who lives in Jacksonville, FL. He flew in for Thanksgiving and we gave him a ride home. We hit the road around 2:00 am Saturday morning. Got to POR late Saturday and had dinner at 1900 Park Fare that night. My dw says we will just check in at the GF first next time. Dinner was great and we actually had breakfast there on the day we departed. We really loved the GF. It was so nice. The orchestra was playing Christmas music all week, the decorations were beautiful, it was all great. One night they had a group of about 10 girls singing in the lobby with a pianist, that was beautiful as well.

The best part of the trip was on Sunday. After checking in and having some snacks, we went to the Magic Kindom. We had just walked down Main Street and we were asked to be in the Family Parade. We were the first family in line, behind the characters. Our job was to waive flags (8 times to the front, 8 times to the left, 8 times to the front, 8 times to the right ) and waive to the crowd. So if anyone was there last Sunday, we were the family with the Lime Green Disney Shirts in the Parade!!!!

We had a great week!!!! We have tons of photos to go through, ours and photo pass. I will post some later.

Glad you had a great trip at RPC! We keep saying we are going to try the Atrium Club but RPC is just too wonderful and we have booked it again for June! We did stay Poly LVC and while we enjoyed it , I couldn't wait to get back to RPC! Luckiliy we were coming back to WDW a few months later and staying RPC for Christmas - I kept staring across at the GF everytime we took the boat from Poly to MK. Sounds like an addiction doesn't it! Isn't it wonderful at Christmas? We love sitting in the lounge and enjoying the orchestra and the beautiful decorations while having some chocolate covered strawberries or a glass of wine depending on what time it is! I bet you have some great pictures!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Sounds like a fun trip! Thanks for sharing.

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

TRACI - I just tried to reply to your PM but your inbox is full and it won't go thru!!!

Channing

 

[thia327]

I've been lurking here for quite a while - Reading this topic convinced me to stay at the GF/RPC. We leave next Monday -

I can't wait to go - I think it may have been all the pictures that Janet2K took of the food offering that was the decieding factor

 

[terryfromhawaii]

I've stayed at the GF RPC once before but only for 2 days. How does the RPC compare to the SL? Do they have identical offerings, including alcohol in the evenings? We just came back from a sort of magical stay at the Contemporary Atrium Club. We had rooms with awesome views and the CM's were fantastic. It was housekeeping that was terrible. We had to request cleaning at night because they didn't really do their jobs during the day. We loved the views of the MK and Wishes but find ourself leaning back towards the GF. The rates have gone up though and we're bring along my sil and her dh so we need to be a little bit thrifty. Anyway, any info will help! Pics, especially. TIA!

Terry

 

[Tinkaroo]

I've stayed at the GF RPC once before but only for 2 days. How does the RPC compare to the SL? Do they have identical offerings, including alcohol in the evenings? We just came back from a sort of magical stay at the Contemporary Atrium Club. We had rooms with awesome views and the CM's were fantastic. It was housekeeping that was terrible. We had to request cleaning at night because they didn't really do their jobs during the day. We loved the views of the MK and Wishes but find ourself leaning back towards the GF. The rates have gone up though and we're bring along my sil and her dh so we need to be a little bit thrifty. Anyway, any info will help! Pics, especially. TIA!

Terry

You can check out this site (http://www.thehawkinsfamily.org/sugar_loaf.htm) for a great recap of SL. I haven't stayed at either, but will be staying RPC next December. I believe both should have pretty near identical food/beverage offerings, as SL began serving alcohol, too, late last year.

I'm sure others will come along with their further expert opinions. This group is very helpful in planning GF stays!

 

[terryfromhawaii]

Thanks, tinkaroo. That is just the web page I have been searching for! I saw it before and didn't save it and spent all last night trying to search this thread for it!

Terry

 

[BCV23]

Terry, those great pictures of SL probably answered all your questions but if you have any others, ask away.

We've stayed in both although like you our RPC visit was short. Housekeeping was excellent at both for us as it was during our Conch Key stays.

Happy planning!

 

[Steph H]

Thanks for the compliments!

I've been MIA lately, but not for lack of THINKING about Disney, and especially the SL. (I have a new baby this year who keeps me WAY too busy.)

I noticed a bunch of hits to my SL page this morning and wondered what the sudden interest was. I'm so glad that my pictures helped! I know they're more than a year old, and who knows how much has changed since then, but DH and I just ADORED the Sugar Loaf and are hoping to go back next year at this time. I hear the Christmas decorations at the Grand are fantastic!

Hope you have a wonderful stay!! I can't recommend it enough--it was fantastic!

 

[BCV23]

I bet you're busy, Steph! Congratulations on your new baby and happy planning for 07!

 

[5kwallace]

Just returned from our stay at the GF. It was very lovely. I had requested & received Conch Key - Marina View. It was great view for Garden View. You could see the marina and the monorail. You could also see part of the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. The hotel also sent a plate of truffles for my birthday. Mousekeeping was great. We received turndown service every night. The service we received on all levels was outstanding. The Gingerbread House was incredible. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone on this thread for all the suggestions.

 

[BCV23]

Just returned from our stay at the GF. It was very lovely. I had requested & received Conch Key - Marina View. It was great view for Garden View. You could see the marina and the monorail. You could also see part of the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. The hotel also sent a plate of truffles for my birthday. Mousekeeping was great. We received turndown service every night. The service we received on all levels was outstanding. The Gingerbread House was incredible. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone on this thread for all the suggestions.

Glad you had such an awesome stay at the GF.

How were the crowds in the parks? When our children were very small, the week after Thanksgiving was our favorite time to go because of the Christmas decorations going up and the fact that there was hardly anyone there. Sounds like that may not be true anymore in the weeks before Christmas.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Just returned from our stay at the GF. It was very lovely. I had requested & received Conch Key - Marina View. It was great view for Garden View. You could see the marina and the monorail. You could also see part of the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. The hotel also sent a plate of truffles for my birthday. Mousekeeping was great. We received turndown service every night. The service we received on all levels was outstanding. The Gingerbread House was incredible. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone on this thread for all the suggestions.

Thanks for the review! Glad you had a great stay.


Lives4Disney

 

[5kwallace]

Glad you had such an awesome stay at the GF.

How were the crowds in the parks? When our children were very small, the week after Thanksgiving was our favorite time to go because of the Christmas decorations going up and the fact that there was hardly anyone there. Sounds like that may not be true anymore in the weeks before Christmas.

This was a 3rd year to go the week after thanksgiving. Every year it is getting more crowded. The week was still quite manageable. 12/1 and 12/2 were a lot more crowded. I know they were taping the Christmas Parade. Maybe the Pop Warner crowds came earlier? I love going this time of the year but I think the secret is out. We still had a really great time.

 

[mlill]

I've been trying to get reservations to the Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridain for a few weeks now, but have been unsuccessful. I know, I know! I should have done it months ago! But, it was a last minute decision as I was looking over our vacation plans, and I really wanted to take my girls for a special treat. Anyway, it suddenly hit me why don't I just set up a tea with GF Private Dining? So, I called today and they were able to do it for me on the exact day and time that I wanted! We're going to be getting everything we would have gotten in the tea room, only we'll have our private tea served to us on the 3rd floor balcony! WooHoo! I know Janet2k has pictures of this area, but I don't have the link anymore. Does anyone else have pictures of the 3rd floor balcony where they set up for private dining? Thanks!

Happy Holidays!
-Michelle

 

[Lives4Disney]

I've been trying to get reservations to the Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridain for a few weeks now, but have been unsuccessful. I know, I know! I should have done it months ago! But, it was a last minute decision as I was looking over our vacation plans, and I really wanted to take my girls for a special treat. Anyway, it suddenly hit me why don't I just set up a tea with GF Private Dining? So, I called today and they were able to do it for me on the exact day and time that I wanted! We're going to be getting everything we would have gotten in the tea room, only we'll have our private tea served to us on the 3rd floor balcony! WooHoo! I know Janet2k has pictures of this area, but I don't have the link anymore. Does anyone else have pictures of the 3rd floor balcony where they set up for private dining? Thanks!

Happy Holidays!
-Michelle

Michelle, what a great idea! Good for you! I don't have any pics and besides that I am a total helpless dork about posting pics. The 3rd floor balcony has a very pretty courtyard/garden pool view. You may see brides/grooms getting their pics taken by the fountain in the garden. Cinderella Fan is getting married Dec 21 at the GF. Maybe you'll see her?? I hope you have a sweet time with your girls. I am going to remember that idea.


PS. The countdown is ON!!

Channing

 

[Misti]

I've been trying to get reservations to the Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridain for a few weeks now, but have been unsuccessful. I know, I know! I should have done it months ago! But, it was a last minute decision as I was looking over our vacation plans, and I really wanted to take my girls for a special treat. Anyway, it suddenly hit me why don't I just set up a tea with GF Private Dining? So, I called today and they were able to do it for me on the exact day and time that I wanted! We're going to be getting everything we would have gotten in the tea room, only we'll have our private tea served to us on the 3rd floor balcony! WooHoo! I know Janet2k has pictures of this area, but I don't have the link anymore. Does anyone else have pictures of the 3rd floor balcony where they set up for private dining? Thanks!

Happy Holidays!
-Michelle

Hi Michelle! I have Janet's link :

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/janettwokay/album/576460762326630390

Happy Planning!

 

[mlill]

Channing - Yes, it's hard to believe our Christmas vacation is almost here! Everyone over here is ready to leave TODAY! It was 12 degrees this morning! UGH! I hope we bump into each other in WDW!

Misti - That's exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for posting the link! I just showed my girls and they are very excited! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them here when I get home.

-Michelle

 

[macrosswife]

I've been trying to get reservations to the Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridain for a few weeks now, but have been unsuccessful. I know, I know! I should have done it months ago! But, it was a last minute decision as I was looking over our vacation plans, and I really wanted to take my girls for a special treat. Anyway, it suddenly hit me why don't I just set up a tea with GF Private Dining? So, I called today and they were able to do it for me on the exact day and time that I wanted! We're going to be getting everything we would have gotten in the tea room, only we'll have our private tea served to us on the 3rd floor balcony! WooHoo! I know Janet2k has pictures of this area, but I don't have the link anymore. Does anyone else have pictures of the 3rd floor balcony where they set up for private dining? Thanks!

Happy Holidays!
-Michelle

Oh my goodness!! That is the greatest idea EVER!!! You are one cool Mommy!!
The more I look at Janet's pictures, the more I contemplate a dessert reception for the friends we're travelling with next month....

Have a fabulous time and bring back LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!


~Kimber

 

[tenbelow]

All I can say is WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!

We’re back from our first stay at the GF and I’m almost left speechless as to what I could possibly “say” or “describe” that would do justice to the Flagship Disney Resort.

First, I’d like to thank all the posters for their tips and ideas – being able to have my mind made up to use valet parking prior to arrival made for one less thing to have on my mind. The service and attention we received was outstanding and all cast members were courteous, professional and friendly.

Upon arrival we were notified that our room was not ready, but the CM had good news that my request for a King Bedded room was granted and as soon as it was ready they would call me on my cell phone. The call never came, but I checked with another CM after we had lunch and took a stroll around the resort and our room was ready – no big deal on the missed call.

The room we were given was in the Sago Cay building; it was a dormer room on the fourth floor #5431. I had read about the dormer rooms and was excited to have received one as there was no one above us and the vaulted ceiling really added to the Victorian theme and spacious feel. A CM came with our bags within 20 minutes and told us how to obtain a mini frig from housekeeping. A quick call to housekeeping and within 5 minutes a frig was in our room.

There is so much to do and magical experiences had on a daily basis that one of the Disney Veteran Experts could and probably should write a book on the GF. This hotel/resort is a destination in itself – when my wife and I found ourselves stuck in the busier times at the MK, 12/1 and 12/2, we just looked at one another and said lets go back to the “resort”!

From the fresh flower arrangements in the main building, to the decadent landscaping with thousands upon thousands of geraniums, pansies, and poinsettias, including a live plant in the hotel room showed how much thought, time and energy goes into taking care of the resort.

It was the most relaxing and memorable vacation I’ve had in as long as I can remember. We did not want to leave and the only saving grace is that in order to go back one has to leave – so after Christmas I’ll begin planning our next trip back to the GF as were hooked. I had considered staying at the poly or CR, but after visiting them there is no comparison as to which resort we'll be staying at on our next trip (no offense to those who love the poly or CR - we just found the poly to be "too dark" and the CR is too sterile for lack of a better word).

Even though we did not have children with us, mousekeeping still left us towel animals on two occasions – a chick and a bunny – the kind of stuff that just adds to that warm fuzzy feeling.

I hope everyone with upcoming trips has a wonderful magical time like we did.

Happy Holidays,
Mike aka tenbelow