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

[Lives4Disney]

I have been reading along, and I can't believe how busy DW has gotten! I even called yesterday to see if any rooms were available this month and the beginning of February for RPC, and there is nothing! Rumor has it that it is convention time in Disney and it calls for over 100,000 conventioneers! That's insane. We have been many times in January and into Feb. and it was sooooo slow in the parks, we felt we had it to ourselves! We were looking for a quick trip also, but I don't think it will happen. We have been there at the end of August, and it has been bearable, but not as great as January. There have been times in the past that I have called Disney a few days in advance and they had rooms for us. I just can't believe it has gotten sooo busy. Is there another baby boom??????

Anyway, maybe we will try Universal, they do treat their on site guests well by giving them a "magic key" to the front of the line. That sounds pretty good to me for now.

Good luck everyone with your decisions!

Yea! I can't believe it, either. I looked for the first week in Feb....thought about just a 3 or 4 nt quickie with the girls to get back into my Disney mode and nothing available pretty much anywhere. Then I thought maybe the very first part of March. No luck there either. Jan/Feb is when we used to go down and LOVE the place until my son got too old to pull out of school. Where have the low seasons gone?

We were there a couple Augusts from the 13th on to about 28th or so and I still thought that was crowded!! Too muggy for me anyway.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[hmp2z]

I have been reading along, and I can't believe how busy DW has gotten! I even called yesterday to see if any rooms were available this month and the beginning of February for RPC, and there is nothing! Rumor has it that it is convention time in Disney and it calls for over 100,000 conventioneers! That's insane.

Yes, my SIL is coming in mid-January for a huge veterinary convention at the Gaylord Palms. They do a lot with WDW for this, and have special events at the AK. My brother is joining her here after the convention, and we'll all do the parks together. I'm hoping it's not too crowded, but with the conventions, who knows?

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[triplefigs]

I'm going Jan 25-28 for a girl's weekend and staying at the BCV. I sure hope it's not too crowded. We're even going to the Pirate and Princess Party. I'll let you know how the crowds are.

 

[magical4us4]

Lives4disney,

Your planning a trip to DL? I would always wonder about going, and would like to try it. I can't believe it's costing you more to go there than your last trip to DW! Have you found out much about the accomodations and how they compare to the GF.

Two years ago I was planning a trip to Paris, and wanted to stay in DL there, my kids were sooooo against it! I can't believe I listened to them, so we went to DW. Now that they are a little older, they wished they did go to Paris. We might try it in the summer on the way to Greece.

But for now, I think I might keep trying to get a quick one into DW. It always helps the winter blahs and yukkie feeling of winter to get a quick trip for 4-5 days in Disney.

 

[princessesrule4]

I'm going Jan 25-28 for a girl's weekend and staying at the BCV. I sure hope it's not too crowded. We're even going to the Pirate and Princess Party. I'll let you know how the crowds are.

Let us know about Pirate and Princess Party! We are hoping to go on Feb.15th! I have an Atrium Club CR room on hold over the first part of President's weekend for DD, myself and my mom! I could only get 3 nights but it is at the Value season AP rate! I wanted RPC but it is only available for 2 nights and if I switch to CR it would be a Peak season rate - yikes! Hopefully I wouldn't miss GF too much but Atrium Club is almost $200 less! I hate to pass it up. I have to decide by the 13th. Have a great girl's weekend!

 

[mlill]

I'm going Jan 25-28 for a girl's weekend and staying at the BCV. I sure hope it's not too crowded. We're even going to the Pirate and Princess Party. I'll let you know how the crowds are.

Have you ever been to BCV before? You're going to love the location! Being able to walk to Epcot & MGM is awesome. I wish I could do a quick trip to WDW to go to a Pirate & Princess Party! I'm trying to convince DH that we need to go to the Pirates of the Caribbean: Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon event at the Contemporary this May!!! Here's the link to the info if anyone is interested! You don't have to stay at the Contemporary - for those of you who love the GF!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon

It's been a week since our trip and my post-WDW depression has set in! It's hard to believe only a few weeks ago I was sitting in the lobby of the Grand Floridian, looking up at the huge Christmas tree and Gingerbread house!

-Michelle

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4disney,

Your planning a trip to DL? I would always wonder about going, and would like to try it. I can't believe it's costing you more to go there than your last trip to DW! Have you found out much about the accomodations and how they compare to the GF.

Two years ago I was planning a trip to Paris, and wanted to stay in DL there, my kids were sooooo against it! I can't believe I listened to them, so we went to DW. Now that they are a little older, they wished they did go to Paris. We might try it in the summer on the way to Greece.

But for now, I think I might keep trying to get a quick one into DW. It always helps the winter blahs and yukkie feeling of winter to get a quick trip for 4-5 days in Disney.

I have been kind of looking at DL for the past year - thought about going for my 40th bday last summer. I am a big Walt fan and I want to see his park. What really turned me off are the GCH room rates. I was torn between DLHotel and Grand CA....turns out DLH is booked up, so that settled it.

We are meeting my parents (they live in AZ) in San Diego for the first half of our vacation and then they are going home (no DL for them ) I promised them we would go to AZ for spring break, but those flights were hideously priced and I KNOW how much a flight to AZ SHOULD cost, just couldn't get a decent rate. (the prices were as much to fly to Bermuda!! Rather go there than AZ or CA for that matter, lol) Got a nice deal to CA instead so DL here we come.

My DH just mentioned DLP last night for his 50th bday. We met some Brittish people in the RPC lounge one trip, however, and they said the CMs at DLP are the RUDEST. They laughed at the irony that Disney would even build a park in France because they said in general the people are so rude. This is just hearsay I have never been to France so I couldn't say for sure, but they seemed to have a definite opinion.

Greece - now that sounds like a great trip! I agree about a nice winter trip to WDW!! Can't believe our perfect late Jan/Feb time is so booked up.

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Michelle, that sounds pretty cute. I hope you get to go!! How'd you hear about it??

Channing

 

[magical4us4]

OMG, Lives4disney!

I didn't even think of the rudeness of the French. I have to agree with your friends, no offense to the French, they are very proud people of their heritage and language, but when we were in St. Maarten there wasn't a nice person around on the French side. It's just their personality.

I might have to really look into that trip and see if it's worth not having the magic around.

 

[Lives4Disney]

OMG, Lives4disney!

I didn't even think of the rudeness of the French. I have to agree with your friends, no offense to the French, they are very proud people of their heritage and language, but when we were in St. Maarten there wasn't a nice person around on the French side. It's just their personality.

I might have to really look into that trip and see if it's worth not having the magic around.

Ya, I was a bit surprised when DH brought up the DLP possiblity because I have just had their comments in my mind for a while now. DH is from England and wants to do a trip back there and then on to DLP. We will see. I'm not holding my breath that I will ever see DLP. I have to agree that if it's true and they are rude that would spoil the magic for me! I know somebody that LOVES Disney Tokyo. Maybe that would be an option? Take the long way around toward Greece??

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

Have you ever been to BCV before? You're going to love the location! Being able to walk to Epcot & MGM is awesome. I wish I could do a quick trip to WDW to go to a Pirate & Princess Party! I'm trying to convince DH that we need to go to the Pirates of the Caribbean: Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon event at the Contemporary this May!!! Here's the link to the info if anyone is interested! You don't have to stay at the Contemporary - for those of you who love the GF!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon

It's been a week since our trip and my post-WDW depression has set in! It's hard to believe only a few weeks ago I was sitting in the lobby of the Grand Floridian, looking up at the huge Christmas tree and Gingerbread house!

-Michelle

No, I've never stayed anywhere except the Poly, GF, CR, and FW Campground. I'm excited to try the Epcot area. My friend owns DVC at the BCV, and she was terribly gracious and invited me down to celebrate her birthday. I'm very excited. I need to call the BW Bakery to see about a birthday cake for her.

Thanks for the link for the event in May. Sounds fun!

 

[CastleLight]

My other idea was that they should allow concierge CMs the chance to book restaurant ressies the day before regular guests could - say 181 days out, instead of 180. Just a small edge, but it would make staying concierge more desirable and more worth the whopping $$$ that we fork over so blithely. This would require possibly more money in technology - I don't know how extensive the system changes would have to be to allow concierge CMs the chance to book the day before all other reservation CMs.

I was thinking the exact same thing! I am crossing my fingers that IPO will be able to get me a V&As chef's table reservation for my honeymoon - and I was even thinking that maybe I should be on the phone to wdw-dine at 6:58. It sure would help if they could do something that guests can't (like making those ressies 1 day in advance.)

 

[ducklite]

I'm checking into RPC tonight for a couple of days, let me know if you have any specific questions you want me to try to find out answers to!

Anne

 

[DisneyDoogie]

ducklite,

Have a great time at the RPC! If you get the chance, will you ask the CMs about the planned rehab? Lives4Disney didn't get a lot of info from the CMs on this when she was there, but maybe they've learned something in the last month. Thanks.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I'm checking into RPC tonight for a couple of days, let me know if you have any specific questions you want me to try to find out answers to!

Anne

Have a wonderful stay. I am still curious about any rehab, but when I asked the CMs didn't know much at all (nothing as far as details) or if/when main building.....Just that SL was first scheduled and probably Sept 2007.

Enjoy!!

Lives4Disney

 

[lynr]

Heather, I didn't even know there were any bad views at the GF! I thought the worst GV room would be looking at the roof of the pool building. I would not be happy looking at a dumpster at WDW.

I changed calendars today and saw I have a quote from CRO for a WDW spring break trip - 10 nts RPC and the quote is $9200+. That is awful. Good thing I found somewhere else to vacation this March. I think for as wonderful as the Grand is the rates are getting me down. THAT may be part of my unDisney feeling right now. I am almost having a bit of buyers' remorse, I think. Had a nice stay, but still..... And now that Disney Doogie posted those rates!! My own little family of 5 started going yearly and more to WDW in 1990. I remember staying Tower Club at the CR for about $200/nt. Those were the days!

Lives4Disney

Channing:

I too have that unDisney feeling. We have decided to go to Vegas for our next vacation in March.

When I completed the GF and Polynesian surveys I mentioned how unhappy I was with the prices of the rooms. Hopefully if enough people make comments something will be done.

Lyn

 

[mlill]

Hi everyone! I just transferred the 1st (of many!) miniDV tapes from our Christmas vacation to my computer, and I think I'm going to try and add some video clips to my Trip Report. This video was taken by my daughter Brenna - so it might be a bit wobbly! I went ahead and just uploaded the video to YouTube, instead of my own server. It should work for most people...

GF Gingerbread House Demonstration 12-14-06

Have a great day!
-Michelle

 

[hmp2z]

I am crossing my fingers that IPO will be able to get me a V&As chef's table reservation for my honeymoon - and I was even thinking that maybe I should be on the phone to wdw-dine at 6:58.

Hi! Just to let you know (you're probably already aware, but maybe not), you can eat the Chef's Table menu in the main dining room. We did this on our most recent trip, for DH's birthday, and it was nice to get the special treatment & tons of food while still being in the main dining room with the more romantic atmosphere. I'd never eaten in the main dining room before, but had a great time there. So if you can't get the Chef's Table, or if you'd rather not sit in the kitchen for dinner, you could always do the CT menu in the main room.

I have a review of this right now, in the Dining Review board:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310285

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[hmp2z]

We met some Brittish people in the RPC lounge one trip, however, and they said the CMs at DLP are the RUDEST. They laughed at the irony that Disney would even build a park in France because they said in general the people are so rude. This is just hearsay I have never been to France so I couldn't say for sure, but they seemed to have a definite opinion.

We've done DLP and loved it. It's a beautiful park, and fun to see the variations in rides. Space Mountain there is MUCH better than the WDW version. I also prefer the Haunted Mansion at DLP, because it has more of an "abandoned bride" story/theme to the ride. And there was a great little Storybook land boat ride that I loved, but I like miniature rides like that. Peter Pan is a big favorite of mine, because I love the tiny version of London.

About the CM's, we didn't have any trouble with them being discourteous, BUT we do both speak French. We didn't notice this at DLP itself, but during our trip to Paris, tourists who didn't speak or even attempt to speak the language didn't get the same treatment.

We giggled at our restaurant on New Year's Eve, because there was an American couple whose chain the maitre d' kept yanking. They spoke not one word of French, and didn't even have one of those little guidebooks to make the attempt. They kept coming up and demanding a table in English, and he kept telling them to come back in 20 minutes. We watched them do this again and again and again during our dinner. It was funny, because I don't know why the Americans kept coming back - I would probably just go somewhere else if I got that treatment.

The restaurant wasn't anywhere near crowded, and we knew the maitre d' was doing it on purpose, because he'd attempted to pull the same thing with us. My DH pointed out, in French, that there were lots of empty tables, and the maitre d' instantly oozed charm and seated us immediately.

So my advice would be to learn at least a few French phrases. If they see you struggling, they switch to English but appreciate that you made the effort. Even though it's Disney and they're trying to appeal to people of all nations, most of the CM's there seemed to be French, and they have the image of the "Ugly American" tourists who go to other countries & expect everyone to speak their language.

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Lives4Disney]

Michelle, I tried to view it and my screen comes up black, but with that little bar that looks like it's going to DO something and then just doesn't!!

Maybe it's just me?? Hope you get more feedback! I would love to see it. Was it Ellen? Vonnie introduced us and she was so sweet to us and made the prettiest cake for Jojo's bday. She is very talented and so FAST with that frosting!!

Lynn, I bet you'll have a ball in Vegas. It's the adult Disney World! I haven't received anything regarding a survey yet. Hope your March vacation is wonderful.

Channing